At one time, customers looking for quality beach cruisers did not have to look far. Thirty years ago and more, most bicycles and beach cruiser bikes were made domestically and quality was high. A child getting a new Schwinn beach cruiser could reasonably expect to enjoy that Schwinn beach cruiser bicycle for years to come, and could even pass on that bike to a sibling.
Today, the beach cruiser bike market has changed. Most bicycles are made in Taiwan or China and are often made by factories that do not specialize in any one consumer item. This has resulted in beach cruiser bikes that are much cheaper than they once were, but it also does mean that customers now have to check for quality more closely. Some beach cruisers continue to be well made while others will last you through only one or two seasons – if that.
The first thing you should look for when shopping for a beach cruiser are details. Take a look at the parts of the bicycle. Does everything fit together well and work smoothly? If you head into a store and see a model that is already broken, you know that the quality is not high. Take a good look at the bicycle welds as well. Be wary of bicycles with welds that have puddled rather than being smooth. That can be a sign of sloppy workmanship. Finally, ask around. Ask other beach cruiser fans how long they have had their beach cruisers and ask questions about the brand and model. You will likely keep hearing about the same few high-quality beach cruisers again and again.
When looking for a good quality beach cruiser bike you will also have to make the decision between aluminum and steel. Many beach cruisers are made of steel, and the fewer aluminum cruisers tend to be more expensive. However, aluminum beach cruiser bikes tend to be more rust-resistant and lighter. If you live somewhere where there is a lot of rain or if you hope to ride your beach cruiser bicycle near bodies of water, it may be worthwhile to check out aluminum beach cruisers. You will also want to speak to your bike shop about keeping your beach cruiser free of rust. A qualified sales agent can help you understand how to take care of your quality beach cruiser so that it will last as long as possible. You can also call us at Chubby's One-Stop Cruiser Shop. We can help you understand how to select a quality bike and how to care of it so that it lasts longer.
