Classic Bikes Cruiser

Buying advice for: Other: Cruiser

• Frame material

  Steel frames are traditional frames and very popular with cruiser bikes. They are robust, durable and offer a smooth ride as steel is good at absorbing vibrations. Cruiser bikes with steel frames often have a classic look and are usually affordable. Aluminium frames are lighter than steel frames and still offer good durability. Aluminium is also less susceptible to rust, making aluminium frames a good choice for riders in humid or salty environments. Aluminium frames can help reduce the overall weight of the bike and improve acceleration. Chromoly can also be found on cruiser bikes. Chromoly is an alloy of chromium and molybdenum and offers an excellent combination of strength, durability and ride comfort. Chromoly is lighter than pure steel but still offers high strength, resulting in a robust yet relatively lightweight frame. Chromoly frames are often found on high-end cruiser bikes.

• Chassis

  Cruiser bikes are usually designed for a relaxed and comfortable ride, and therefore they often have simple suspension components compared to bikes with full suspension designed for more demanding terrain or sporty performance.Cruiser bikes usually have a rigid fork without suspension. As they are designed for use on flat roads or paths, a suspension fork is generally not required. A rigid fork ensures direct power transmission and precise steering, which is ideal for leisurely rides on paved roads or cycle paths. The saddle and grips of a cruiser bike are often well padded to provide comfort on long journeys. A comfortable saddle and ergonomically designed grips help to reduce the strain on your back, hands and buttocks and make the riding experience more enjoyable.

• Wheels

  Cruiser bikes are typically equipped with 26-inch wheels, although there are also models with other sizes. Cruiser bikes usually have robust and durable rims that can withstand the stresses and strains of riding on different surfaces. The rims are often made of aluminium or an aluminium alloy and can have a wide design to accommodate wider tyres. Spokes on a cruiser bike can be made from stainless steel or other materials and are usually designed to withstand all kinds of stresses.

• Tyres

  Cruiser bikes are often fitted with wide tyres that provide a smooth and comfortable ride. Wide tyres absorb shocks and bumps better than narrower tyres and therefore offer a comfortable ride, especially on uneven roads or paved paths. Many cruiser tyres have a so-called balloon tread, which gives them a rounded and robust appearance. This tread improves shock absorption and provides additional traction, especially on loose surfaces such as sand or gravel. Cruiser tyres are often ridden with a low air pressure to further improve traction and ride comfort. Low air pressure allows the tyres to adapt better to the surface and absorb bumps, resulting in a smoother ride.

• Brakes

  There are different types of brakes used in cruiser bikes. The coaster brake is a common type of brake on cruiser bikes, especially on models with a hub gear. The rider applies the brake by pedalling backwards, which activates the brake shoes and slows or stops the bike. Coaster brakes are easy to use and do not require handbrake levers, making them a popular choice for cruiser bikes. V-brakes are another commonly used type of brake on cruiser bikes. These brakes use brake arms that are mounted to the rims and use brake pads to slow or stop the wheels. Disc brakes are also increasingly used on cruiser bikes, especially on high-end models or e-bikes.