cruiser bikes

Having just gotten back from a 200 mile bike trip I was struck with the idea of writing an article on the new Cruiser Bicycle that is becoming so popular. Now, even though I took my bike trip on a 21 speed hybrid road bike, how about those Cruiser Retro Bikes that go back in time before multiple gears,light frames,& dérailleurs for shifting ?

Why has sales of these Cruiser Bikes almost doubled since 2004 (according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association)? Could it be the lower price which usually averages around $275 as opposed to the average mountain bike that runs from $600 to $900, or could it be the simplicity with no gears or shocks or hand brakes to worry about. How about the simple, non-imposing style that these bikes exude. While the basic style is simple, they can also be made as cool as you may want with baskets,lights,bells,horns or even streamers if you desire. It appears that many,or most, of the people buying these bikes did not ride regularly before. So there is, perhaps, a previously under served market that many have ignored in the past.

Most cruisers have one speed and coaster brakes. There is no need to adjust gears or brake pads. No maintenance required aside from air in the tires and keeping the chain lubed. They are certainly comfortable with wide tires and a comfortably wide seat with springs included. They come in any number of cool colors and paint schemes.

The Cruiser era began in 1933 with the Schwinn Aerocycle. It was about the first bike to be equipped with high-fashion fenders,a decorated fuel tank, and big tires for a soft,comfortable ride. At that time, it is generally agreed, bikes were marketed primarily to kids who could ride with friends,deliver newspapers,or whatever.

Then,in the late sixties & early seventies, cruiser bikes began to fade from the landscape as the millions of adults who grew up riding cruisers began buying 10-speed bicycles and the Sting Ray style bikes. I don’t remember if I ever had a Sting Ray model, but I do remember my first 10-speed.

From there, we began to see BMX bikes and eventually the development and popularity of mountain bikes. It seemed by the late eighties or early nineties, Cruiser Bikes were rarely seen. In fact, you may have been called a geek at that time or it would have brought back memories of “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure”.

Now,however, we baby boomers yearn for a simpler life and perhaps simpler ways of getting exercise. We like the “no special equipment needed”, just jump on and go, idea real well. So, maybe it’s about time you considered doing some road miles on a bicycle. If you are not going off road much and don’t care so much about speed, check out the many different Cruiser Bikes out there today.

By Kerry Pettigrew