Cruiser Bike Buying Guide

Most of us are familiar with mountain and BMX bikes. They are quite distinct in nature and can be easily spotted. While we spend a lot of time looking for a comfortable mountain bikes, we often forget that there is one category of bikes that is specifically designed for comfort, cursing and commuting purposes. These are called cruiser bikes. Cruiser bikes fall under the collective umbrella term known as Hybrid bikes and these are bikes that are designed for a specific purpose.

Before you make the decision of opting for such bike you should note that these are not the kind of bikes that you would want to take off-road or perform tricks and stunts with. Their heavy frame would not allow you to perform such actions in any case. However, what you will be able to do is journey for a long time without breaking a sweat. After all, what good is a bike if it becomes a nuisance to ride? So basically if comfort is your utmost priority, then cruiser bikes are the ones to go for.

So what qualities should you be looking for in such a bike? For starters make sure before you purchase that you are able to ride in an upright posture. Make it certain that when you sit, you feel minimal pressure around your back. If you feel like you need to bend your back to an uncomfortable position in order to hold the handles, then consider going for a different frame size. Maintaining an upright posture is one of the biggest discerning factor of a cruiser bike. If you get this wrong, then you have wasted your money.

Furthermore, always take a note of where the handle bars are facing. Make certain that they are always facing towards you. That way you will be able to grab them without having to bend too forward. Slouching forward or backward can result in back aches, which would again beat the purpose of a cruiser bike. A good comfortable position can make the difference between you riding for minutes to hours without breaking sweat. Of course, aspects such as finger grooves, rubber or leather grips should be assessed depending on how much you sweat.

Balloon tires are another feature that is special to cruiser bikes. These tires are more durable, smoother on roads and provide a greater height. They are also easier to pump and rarely do they go flat. You should know that the tires for these bikes are designed to be ridden on pavements and roads. Their performance in off-road conditions would be quite unsatisfactory.

The style of these bikes for men and women differ. For men the top bar is straight and for women the top bar is either missing or curved. Therefore, if you are wearing a skirt then you should be able to ride comfortable without the top bar getting in your way.

Cruiser bikes are available in several sizes, colors and customization options. You can generally find them in single, 3 speed and 7 speed. Single speed bikes are generally preferred for those who have flat neighborhoods. 3 speed and 7 speed are generally liked by those who prefer smoother rides on hilly neighborhoods and also have a need for speed. Unfortunately, 3 and 7 speed bikes are more expensive and also more prone to breaking down due to more mechanical parts.

For girls and women, added accessories such as front basket and rear carrier can further add to the style and 'cuteness' factor of the bike. Many brands provide several accessories for customization and personalization of their bikes.

All in all, cruiser bikes are a great blend of affordability, functionality and comfort. They combine the modern looks with retro style and for these reasons they are preferred for daily commuting purposes.