Discover the expert in you.
Discover the expert in you.
The old-fashioned enclosed gearing hub is regaining its popularity among commuting cyclists. These hubs reduce the chance of the rider getting covered in grease and allow for the selection of gearing appropriate for a daily commute. Shimano makes a series of hubs marketed under the names Nexus 7 and Nexus 8. The differences between the Nexus 7-speed and the Nexus 8-speed may be minor, but for commuters, they add up to important considerations for comfort and efficiency.
The Kawasaki Vulcan line of cruiser motorcycles was first placed on the market in the early 1980s, in 1984. One example of the many different bikes from the Kawasaki Vulcan series is the 2002 mid-sized Kawasaki Vulcan VN750, which is notable for both its low-slung riding position and V-twin internal combustion engine.
The Honda Shadow is a line of cruiser motorcycles introduced in the United States in 1983. Honda Shadow bikes are all equipped with V-Twin engines. As of 2010, the Honda Shadow is still in production with an updated version called the 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom. Many versions of the bike have been put on the market, including the 2007 Honda Shadow 750.
The 2003 Honda Magna is a motorcycle that was updated from the previous year's model to appeal to those seeking a powerful cruiser bike. For 2003, Honda lifted the engine and slotted it in a cruiser chassis. A chromed four into four exhaust was also added to the engine. The seat remained low at 28 inches with a detachable passenger seat. Internal engine changes were made that resulted in a stronger pull and a broad band of power.
The Honda VT400 is the name of a road cruiser motorcycle manufactured by the Honda Motor Co. The Honda VT400 is a long and low bike that was created as the smaller answer to the popular Honda VT750 model. The bike has easily identifiable specifications, and those on the 2000 model are good examples.
You don't have to live at the beach to enjoy the laid-back ride of a cruiser bike. Beach cruisers are the ultimate rage on the boardwalk, on the pavement or on quiet mountain roads. Imagine turning heads as you roll through town on your shiny new ride. The beach cruiser is flashy, yet comfortable and easy on your wallet. Your friends will stare and your enemies will be envious. No matter where you're going: to the bar, to the beach or to work, the cruiser bike gets the job done ... in style.
The Yamaha Stratoliner motorcycle was produced as a cruiser bike for long touring comfort. It was introduced in 2008 as the flagship for Yamaha's Star cruiser series. Yamaha created the cruiser line to capture the growing U.S. cruiser market, which started to emerge in 1998. Yamaha saw the need for the Stratoliner and cruisers in general when they realized how much money consumers spent after they bought cruisers: A typical customer spent as much as $2,500 in accessories. Yamaha hoped that with the Stratoliner, customers would spend even more on accessories. So far, it appears Yamaha's wish has come true.
The Yamaha 700 Maxim was introduced in 1982 and manufactured until 1985. The style of this particular bike was that of a custom cruiser. Yamaha produced two models of this specific bike. There was the Yamaha XJ 700S Maxim and the XJ 700 X Maxim. Both possessed significant power for cruisers, having the ability to reach high speeds at fast rates of acceleration.
Beach cruisers offer a perfect bike for those who want to relax and carry along some stuff while pedaling along. Strap your towel or a shopping bag to the rack on the back. Go for a smooth cruise. With frame sizes varying slightly among manufacturers, follow these steps to assure the perfect beach cruiser fit.
A metric century is 60 miles. Training for a metric century is nothing more than time in the saddle, a matter of building your fitness base. If you can sit on your bike for eight hours, you can finish a metric century. Cruiser bikes don't move as fast as aggressive road bikes, but thousands of people complete metric centuries on cruiser bikes every year. Cyclists who complete a metric century have one thing in common; they are comfortable on their bikes. In five weeks, you can build your base, get comfortable on your bike and complete your first metric century.
Originating in the 1930s, cruiser bicycles (also known as beach cruisers for their utility and subsequent recreational use) are distinct from other types of bicycles in their tires, seating, handlebars, overall weight, drivetrains, construction, styling and function. Cruisers became popular in the early and mid-1950s and had a resurgence in the mid-1990s because they are affordable, and their style appeals to adults for nostalgic reasons and younger people for "retro" hip factor.
One-speed and 7-speed cruiser bicycles are fairly common, but there are several unique design elements inherent to each design. Cruiser bicycles are the type often seen at beaches, with wide tires, 26-inch wheels, wide saddles and swept back handlebars. Cruiser bicycles are commonly called beach cruisers and are typically offered in men’s and women’s frame options.
Cruisers, according to the late bicycle expert Sheldon Brown's website, used to be called "balloon tire" bikes because of their wide, 26-inch by 2.125-inch tires. According to Brown, such bicycles were popular at flat resort areas and took on the moniker "beach cruiser." Cruiser bikes are meant for comfort, utility and style, not performance. When comparing cruisers, there are fewer features for you to consider than when you are looking at road or mountain bikes.
Building your own cruiser bike is a rewarding experience and an excellent way of getting to get to know the mechanics of your bike. These bikes are well known and were popularized in the 1950s. They are characterized by wide handlebars, fat white-walled tires and simple mechanics. Often single speed and with coaster brakes, the simplicity of these bikes means all you need is a few simple tools and you can be cruising on your cruiser in no time.
A cruiser is one of the least aerodynamic bikes you can buy. They are heavy and have features such as wide tires and wide handlebars that create substantial drag against the wind. Creating true aerodynamacy on a cruiser might be a lost cause, but there are ways to make your cruiser bike faster and more efficient. You will still get passed on the bike path--unless you are Lance Armstrong--but your ride could be speedier.
Due to its large open carrying bay, the pickup truck is the ideal vehicle for transporting awkwardly shaped and sized cargo, such as bicycles, from place to place. For those who have too many bicycles, or bicycles of the wrong type, to fit on a bicycle-carrier, the pickup truck is a great solution, but they must be transported properly, or your bikes may not reach their destination intact. Get your cruiser bikes to the group ride safely by learning how to pack them in the back of your pickup truck.
You purchased a beach cruiser for pleasure-seeking cruises near the beach or to do quick errands. To easily find your cruiser when parked next to many others, or to help your cruiser make a statement about you, consider customizing it. You don't have to go as far as stripping the paint to make it your own. By making a quick trip to a bike shop, you can add accessories, change out the seat and even put on a set of custom wheels without spending lots of money.
Beach cruiser bikes are for the leisure rider who rides more for recreation than competition. Most cruiser bikes have retro or vintage looks, reminiscent of the time when cruiser bikes made their first appearance and became popular several decades ago.
Cruiser bikes are known for their wide tires and simple mechanics. They are often one speed with a coaster brake and they were the most popular form of bike in the 1950s. Today, these fun, nostalgic bikes are making a comeback.
