10 Essential Tips to Consider Before Purchasing a Beach Cruiser Bike

Check TiresInflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure, which is marked on the tire sidewall.And that’s it! With one of the lowest step-through frames in the business, the Roll 2.0 Low-Entry is ideal for anyone who’s ever been apprehensive about swinging a leg over a top tube or being able to touch their feet to the ground at the last second. Beefy 650b x 2.3-inch tires roll smoothly on the road but come to your rescue when the pavement gets sketchy or a gravel detour piques your curiosity.

It might be helpful to think of a beach cruiser bike as something of a canvas on which there is a good painting already, but one that could always use a few finishing touches. Consider what you want to do most with your beach cruiser bike and then look for models that either feature those accessories or offer a nice discount rate to add them on. As you start shopping around for your next beach cruiser bike, or any bike really, you will find that all models include what type of material their frame and forks are made out of.

If there is a serial number, it will always appear on the actual frame of the bike, rather than on a removable part like the seat, handlebars, or wheels. From streamlined Aerocycles and classic Phantoms to Varsity eight-speeds and Sting Ray Krates, vintage Schwinn bicycles are popular with collectors. In addition to the fond memories these beautiful bicycles inspire, enthusiasts praise their quality workmanship and enduring value.

schwinn beach cruiser

If you find an old bicycle at a flea market, yard sale, or thrift store, it’s important to be able to identify what you have. Knowing how to tell if a Schwinn bike is vintage and how to tell whether your old bicycle is made by Schwinn can help you determine whether you have found a valuable transportation treasure. Install SeatpostUse the wrench to loosen the seatpost binder bolt.

The special edition bikes will combine the signature bright colors Life is Good is known for with Schwinn’s iconic and much-loved cruiser bikes. The bikes will feature Schwinn cruiser relaxed position geometry aluminum frames and steel oversized forks for modern style. They will also include Shimano three-speed drive train with twist shifters and a coaster brake with a classic cruiser spring saddle for comfort. The women’s model will also come with a hand-woven wicker basket. The bikes are 99% assembled and include a quick assembly guide with all the tools needed to finish it up and get out and ride. The style of brakes on traditional beach cruisers also harkens back to that initial design purpose of being a simple, easy neighborhood bike.

Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. Although the selection of merchandise is constantly changing, schwinn dealers Craigslist can be a great place to score a deal on a vintage Schwinn. This isn’t the place to go if you need a bike immediately, but if you’re patient and watch the listings carefully, you may just find the vintage bike of your dreams.

A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ’s Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks. There are, unfortunately, bicycle manufacturers out there who do take shortcuts in things like component quality. Other brands might include features or components that are highly specialized and thus hard (expensive) to replace or repair should you have issues in the future.

This means there is a chainring in the front where you pedal, and that chainring connects via chain with one freewheel sprocket that turns the back wheel. Single-speed bikes are simple but effective and, generally, are all one needs in flat or mostly-flat terrains. Old Roads specializes in vintage bicycles from several different brands, including Schwinn. You can browse their selection online, and they also offer a great deal of helpful information about assessing a bike’s condition. Before they are sold, all the bikes are tuned up by professional bicycle mechanics.

Performance-minded riders will appreciate the Ace of Spades for its carbon fork and seatpost, and higher gear ratio. While a $6,000 custom commuter bike might make you starry-eyed, plenty of sub-$1,000 possibilities may fit your needs. And while a $500 city bike is easier on the wallet, it might not offer the best features for longer commutes or those with mixed terrain. “We are thrilled to team up with Schwinn, the creator of America’s most iconic bicycles,” says John Jacobs, co-founder and chief creative optimist (CCO) of Life is Good. Cruiser frame and fork feature durable steel construction and a vintage-inspired look that’s always chic. Just grab your shades and a helmet and you’ll be riding in style.

Whether you’re considering a vintage Schwinn for personal use or want to invest in a piece of American popular history, you’ll have a lot of options. We’ve got a wide selection of bike sizes and styles, including electric, to fit a wide variety of riders. Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner’s World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews.