If so, then you will probably need to add a basket at some point or a rack from which you can hang panniers. Do you plan on riding your new cruiser bike a lot at night or in the early morning hours? If so, then you’re going to want to make sure you have some type of front and rear lights equipped before you take it out on the streets. Are you envisioning yourself cruising around neighborhood block parties or across large campgrounds in the summer? If so, then a solid handlebar drink holder and a nice horn or bell will prove quite helpful. If you’re interested in purchasing an antique or vintage bicycle made by this iconic company, you’ll have plenty of options.
It boasts the company’s proprietary Future Shock, a coil shock positioned above the head tube that provides 20mm of suspension to eat bumps and bobbling gravel, reducing rider fatigue. We deem this an upgrade due to its better-than-most components, but if the Sirrus X 4.0 is too steep for you, check out one of the brand’s other 20+ Sirrus models. If, however, you plan on taking your beach cruiser to hillier locations, or if you want to go faster than just one speed, then consider buying a beach cruiser with more gearing options. Even a cruiser with just three sprockets, or three gearing options, in the rear can offer a cyclist a nice array of options to tackle different road and path gradients and conditions. Of course, these physical differences are all general differences and there will be outliers.
Most people will probably use it as a townie, and it’s great at that, too. Its step-through frame lets you rest at stoplights with your feet on the ground. In honor of its 125th year, Schwinn joined forces with Detroit Bikes’ expert frame craftsmen to produce a limited run of a cruiser inspired by the iconic 1965 Schwinn Collegiate Deluxe. Bicycling has been a leading voice in the bike industry for decades, delivering insightful, trustworthy reviews and in-depth knowledge to cycling enthusiasts of all levels. We have a long history of guiding readers through the ever-evolving cycling landscape, and our writers and editors are not only experts but also passionate riders.
For the casual bicyclist, there may not be a big discernable difference between different frame materials and so, may not play the largest role in your new bike purchasing decision. That said, there are differences and it can be helpful to understand why you might choose one type of frame material over another. Disc brakes are considered the schwinn beach cruiser safest style of brakes, with hydraulic disc brakes being the absolute best in bike braking technology. Both of these brakes are beefy options that will overall weigh your bike down and may take away too much from the maneuverability benefits of beach cruisers for you. They are also more expensive and will require more routine maintenance.
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.
You might even score a good used cruiser at an exceptionally reduced price at your local bike shop. The Vado 4.0 is one of the best commuter bikes on the market. Exceptionally well-designed, the Vado 4.0 has an SRAM NX, 11-speed drivetrain, powerful SRAM Level brakes, and an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension fork for a smooth feel. Power settings are adjustable via an easy-to-manage phone app, plus all of the needed accessories for commuting—rack, schwinn dealers fenders, and lights—come standard. While the Vado is pricier than some other bikes in the class, it has a refined feel, a strong global dealer network in case of motor issues, and is a thrilling e-bike to ride. That said, electric bikes like Around the Block from sixthreezero have some pretty massive advantages that may very well swing those sitting on the fence between traditional v. electric over to the motor side.
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, 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.