| -> | | | | the "coolness" of leaning forward to pedal is havoc on |
| Beach Cruisers were first introduced in the 1930 | | | | the back. I also found that because of the lower end |
| -1940's. Beach Cruisers are Bicycles which were/are | | | | component parts that braking sounded more like |
| characterized by a over sized seat, extended | | | | scratching on a chalkboard or tin cans coming to rest |
| handlebars, fenders and typically a basket which | | | | than anything I wanted. Sure I looked really cool but |
| attached to the front wheel. Rear Fenders were built | | | | that didn't help my back or knees. (In fairness to Micargi |
| with supporting steel rods and sufficient strength to | | | | the Mustang GTS Beach Cruiser with its long chain |
| support a picnic basket or a small child. | | | | allowed quite a bit of concrete to be eaten up when |
| However, in the last decade Beach Cruisers have | | | | pedaling - you just had to limit the amount of time on |
| been re-introduced with such utilitarian upgrades as | | | | the bike which, for me, defeated the whole purpose). |
| Springer Forks and such extravagances as 144 | | | | My next bike was a Firmstrong Urban Beach Cruiser. It |
| Spokes, Duck Tail Fenders, and hanging baskets. | | | | was actually bought for my mother in law who is 68 |
| (These baskets detach as if it was luggage similar to | | | | years old. I bought her a Pink Urban Beach Cruiser |
| the BMW motorcycles detachable saddlebags). | | | | without fenders. She loved it. I rode it myself and found |
| These upgrades and the modernization of Beach | | | | that there really was a difference between the lower |
| Cruiser accessories have resulted in a resurgence of | | | | end bikes and what I would consider a middle range |
| the Beach Cruiser both at the beach and for riding in | | | | bike. It rode smoothly, kept its balance and was built so |
| the neighborhood. However, today's beach cruisers | | | | component parts could be added or replaced with little |
| are made of much lighter materials and the days of | | | | expense. |
| "catching a ride" by sitting on the back beach cruisers | | | | Finally, I purchased a PT Cruiser Beach Cruiser. |
| fender are gone. | | | | Although, I bought the single speed (I was using it on |
| Beach Cruisers can be seen with horns, bells, bike | | | | flat terrain) the multi speeds are built equally well. What |
| pipes (an electronic pipe that emits simulated | | | | was most amazing was the bike component parts |
| motorcycle engine sounds), skull head inner tube caps | | | | were so superior that they required little maintenance |
| and many other accessories the complete list which | | | | and this was the only bike that provided an easy ride. |
| can be viewed by CLICKING HERE. | | | | Cheaper bikes have difficulty coasting because of the |
| Riding my Beach Cruiser has become every bit as | | | | friction with the parts and the misaligned wheels. The |
| much a ritual as brushing my teeth or getting dressed. | | | | PT Cruiser Beach Cruisers coasted for what seemed |
| My current Beach Cruiser is my 5th or 6th Beach | | | | like miles. Exertion on the pedals was minimal and the |
| Cruiser in the last 15 years. I started with a cheap | | | | bike came with a bell standard issue. The color |
| version wanting to save money. I quickly learned that | | | | selection was limited but I have learned that what is |
| not all Beach Cruisers are made alike. Cheaper Beach | | | | really important is purchasing a beach cruiser that rides |
| Cruisers are typically made of cheaper parts. Expect | | | | smoothly and not a beach cruiser that "looks cool". My |
| ball bearings to go bad, pedals to break off and the | | | | garage is full of stuff I thought would look cool. My |
| wheels to be misaligned. These things combined result | | | | beach cruiser isn't one of them. I'm to busy riding it |
| in an exhausting ride. I learned that cheaper made | | | | each day. |
| beach cruisers do not pedal as easy. They are | | | | There are other bikes that I can recommend, for |
| exhausting to ride and in just 1-2 miles my knees would | | | | example, the 106 is a moderate level bike with few |
| hurt and my back would become sore. I decided to | | | | complaints and the Firmstrong Bruiser Beach Cruiser is |
| upgrade. | | | | an excellent bike for the big and tall guy but for me I |
| I next tried a Micargi Chrome Mustang. Although, a | | | | like my PT Cruiser Beach Cruiser. |
| slight upgrade from my Wal-Mart Brand I found that | | | | |