Beach Cruiser Vs Hybrid Bicycle: When, Where & How To Use Each Bike Style
If you’re in the market for a new bike, you have many options. Hybrid bikes are getting a lot of press for their versatility. Beach cruiser bikes aren’t just for the beach. Think about how you want to ride and where before shopping for beach cruiser bikes for sale. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of beach cruiser and hybrid bikes to help you make the best choice.
Why Choose a Beach Cruiser Bikes?
Beach cruiser bikes have been around since the 1930s, but the term “California Beach Cruiser” was trademarked in the mid-1970s. Cruiser bikes are designed for comfort and durability. Although they are associated with the beach lifestyle, these bikes are great for riding in the city, because they have an upright design that allows the rider to see traffic. Beach cruiser bikes have a sense of nostalgia, but they are actually very sturdy and designed with thick and chunky tires. The one thing to note is that you’re not going to have speed with a beach cruiser bike. They are not aerodynamic like mountain bikes. You will get a workout while enjoying the scenery. Beach cruisers can handle a basket to carry a small amount of groceries or a small canine buddy who wants to enjoy your ride, too.
What Makes Hybrid Bikes So Popular?
A hybrid bike is a cross between a road bike and a mountain bike. Hybrid bikes for women and men are great for all types of riding, from the city to the country, to the beach and the mountains. Hybrid bikes are designed to be comfortable with a thick padded seat and upright handlebars. Compared to beach cruisers, hybrids have a more streamlined design, which makes them faster and lighter. The downside is that hybrids can’t be taken off-road. They are best for street riding. You may be able to tackle the occasional garden path on a hybrid, but you won’t want to ride on uneven paths too much. The tires aren’t as sturdy as those on beach cruisers. Hybrid bikes can be accessorized with cargo racks to handle a heavier load than a mountain or road bike.
Fit Your Bicycle to the Way You Ride
Beach cruisers are designed for the casual rider, much like people on vacation at the beach. Maybe you want to be able to go to the local store and pick up a few things without getting your car out of the garage. You can cover much more distance on a bike than foot. A beach cruiser is designed for cruising. Hybrid bikes are designed for more heavy-duty riding, such as commuting. Some hybrids come with front-end suspension, which gives you a smoother ride on rougher streets.
Both bicycles are good all-around bikes for riders of all levels. Take a look at the terrain where you’ll be riding. If you’re going up and down a lot of hills, you may want a hybrid bike with gears. Learn more about how to shift gears on a hybrid bike to get the most advantage when you’re tackling difficult terrain.
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