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Things to Remember When Buying Beach Bicycles

During the Great Depression, when not many people could afford to buy regular bicycles, Schwinn designed a more affordable, sturdy bike for the youth market. The bike looked a lot like a motorcycle but rode like a dream even without a motor! The heavy cantilevered frame, the wide tires and the low handles of beach bicycles looked impressive. More importantly, these bikes could withstand a lot of abuse without a demur. No wonder people started lapping these up.

Today, beach bicycles are very popular. They look stylish and offer a most comfortable ride. With their straight seating, these bikes are great for people with back problems. A cruiser is excellent for short rides on the road, a shopping trip to the nearby store or a quick ride to a friend’s house. However, when you are ready to buy beach bicycles, there are many choices before you. Here are a few tips to help you buy beach bicycles.

Certain considerations must be kept in mind while buying beach bicycles:

• Will you be riding the bike on the beach or a flat road?
  For flat road riding, single speed bikes are recommended. Single speed bikes are comparatively inexpensive too. However, if you ride the bike on rough terrain or inclines, then multispeed bikes are best suited. With adjustable gears, it is possible to increase and decrease speeds to suit the rider’s requirements.

• Are you the kind of person who shies away from high maintenance bikes?
  Multispeed bikes require more maintenance, particularly if these are used on sandy beaches. Sand tends to get into the gear changer and this has to be cleaned regularly. Also, riding a single gear bike is far easier. That said, multi-speed bikes are great for speed fluctuation and allow more freedom on rough terrain. These bikes are available in 3to7 speeds.

• What frame material do you want to opt for?
  Steel and aluminum are the choices when it comes to frames. Aluminum is rust proof and lightweight. Therefore, it is best suited for places exposed to moisture. Steel frames are heavier and sturdier. They are comparatively cheap but need to be stored carefully. Steel frames also offer more variety in terms of colors and designs.

• Are you on a very tight budget?
  Before buying beach bicycles, it is necessary to check out the quality of the bike. The biggest indicator of quality is the welding on the bike. If the welding is not smooth, then it is better to opt for another manufacturer. It must be remembered that in this day and age, where fake imitations are flooding the market, there is little control over quality.

It is necessary to buy a bike of the right size. Wheel diameter and frame size are the two indicators. Wheel sizes are generally 20, 24 or 26 inches. 16 inch wheel size is also available. Check out the frame size. It could vary from 8″ to 21″. It is necessary to be sure of the size of the bike before you buy one. If the seating is uncomfortable, you might want to switch over to a bigger bike. Some beach bikes come equipped with wider seats.

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