Finding the right size cruiser bike can be difficult because the variation in frame style and frame geometry are vast. Cruising riding is for the enjoyment and the comfort. There is no real "ideal" riding position because cruiser riders are not striving for maximum efficiency but rather maximum comfort. Comfort is determined by the bike rider, and what's comfortable to one person may not be to someone else.
Cruisers are not sized the same way as Road and Mountain Bikes. These bikes are sized mainly on frame size. Road and Mountain Bikes have many different frame sizes for each model, whereas cruisers will only have one frame size per model. Cruisers don't have one model in many different sizes, instead companies create a new model in a different size. This is why finding the perfect size and perfect color can sometimes be a difficult but it is also good because the selection of colors and styles of beach cruisers is vast.
Cruisers are sized by their wheel size, there are several wheel sizes for cruisers, which are: 16", 20", 24" and 26" beach cruisers. A 16" will fit children ages 2 - 5 while a 26" is for a grown adult. The big differentiating factor between cruiser models is the differing frame designs with different geometry of their frame. See the below images for some examples.
All of the above bikes are different models but they all have 26" wheels. However, if you notice the frame sizes and other measurements are much different. The frame size frame measurement, from the top of the down tube to the bottom bracket, is different on all of the above bikes. In simpler terms the tube below the seat is the down tube and the bottom bracket is at the bottom of that. On the above bike we see that measurement is 17.5" however that doesn't give us a clear indication of this bike because on the above model the pedals are shifted forward and the down tube is angled back.
Cruisers come in all sorts of different configurations and designs which is why wheel size is only one element to choosing a cruiser. See the chart below for a general sizing chart.
Once you know what wheel size you are looking for the next question is what type of riding position do you want. (Of course color and design are also important factors.) Again, since riders of cruiser bicycles are not trying to win races, riding position isn't all about efficiency but more about comfort and comfort is in the eye of the beholder. There are cruisers with longer frames, shorter frames, higher frames, more laid back frames. For those riders that value the look of the bike as most important then wheel size is enough of a size/comfort deciding attribute. But if your truly want something relaxed, or upright, or laid back, then the choice is yours. See below for a few different beach bikes and the different riding positions each would provide, all with a 26" wheel.
Stretched frame, relaxed riding with legs kick forward
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Stretched frame, straight up and down back
Standard frame, upright right, great riding posture
Long frame, forward pedaling, relaxed ride with great posture
For additional information on sizing of cruiser bikes, please watch the below videos. If you have any questions about what bike is right for you please contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
BeachBikes.com
I Ride a sixthreezero
Cruisers are not sized the same way as Road and Mountain Bikes. These bikes are sized mainly on frame size. Road and Mountain Bikes have many different frame sizes for each model, whereas cruisers will only have one frame size per model. Cruisers don't have one model in many different sizes, instead companies create a new model in a different size. This is why finding the perfect size and perfect color can sometimes be a difficult but it is also good because the selection of colors and styles of beach cruisers is vast.
Cruisers are sized by their wheel size, there are several wheel sizes for cruisers, which are: 16", 20", 24" and 26" beach cruisers. A 16" will fit children ages 2 - 5 while a 26" is for a grown adult. The big differentiating factor between cruiser models is the differing frame designs with different geometry of their frame. See the below images for some examples.
All of the above bikes are different models but they all have 26" wheels. However, if you notice the frame sizes and other measurements are much different. The frame size frame measurement, from the top of the down tube to the bottom bracket, is different on all of the above bikes. In simpler terms the tube below the seat is the down tube and the bottom bracket is at the bottom of that. On the above bike we see that measurement is 17.5" however that doesn't give us a clear indication of this bike because on the above model the pedals are shifted forward and the down tube is angled back.
Cruisers come in all sorts of different configurations and designs which is why wheel size is only one element to choosing a cruiser. See the chart below for a general sizing chart.
Once you know what wheel size you are looking for the next question is what type of riding position do you want. (Of course color and design are also important factors.) Again, since riders of cruiser bicycles are not trying to win races, riding position isn't all about efficiency but more about comfort and comfort is in the eye of the beholder. There are cruisers with longer frames, shorter frames, higher frames, more laid back frames. For those riders that value the look of the bike as most important then wheel size is enough of a size/comfort deciding attribute. But if your truly want something relaxed, or upright, or laid back, then the choice is yours. See below for a few different beach bikes and the different riding positions each would provide, all with a 26" wheel.
Stretched frame, relaxed riding with legs kick forward
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Upright classic riding position, straight up and down back
Stretched frame, straight up and down back
Standard frame, upright right, great riding posture
Long frame, forward pedaling, relaxed ride with great posture
For additional information on sizing of cruiser bikes, please watch the below videos. If you have any questions about what bike is right for you please contact me and I can answer any questions you may have.
Move Free, Have Fun
Dustin Gyger
Chief Beach Biker
BeachBikes.com
I Ride a sixthreezero
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