Bicycle Guys - Question
 

Hey all - just returned from a vacation at OBX and believe it or not the most fun the wife and I had was cycling around on rented 'cruiser' bikes. So much so that now I'm looking to purchase a quality cruiser / beach style bikes for us soon.

Her: has to be 24" wheels, single speed / coaster brake, drop frame (she's 5')

Me: 26", could be 3-speed - really love the late 50's style with simulated 'gas' tank

Recommendations on manufacturers please - thanks!

IMO, it basically doesn't matter as long as they don't come from a department store.
Edit: Electra would be a good brand to look at first. Lots of other brands make cruisers, though.

OK, my thoughts as well but what manufacturer(s) builds / sells what I'm looking for?

Beach Cruisers & Beach Bikes: A Stylish & Comfortable Ride

Look through here. Their sales can be pretty good deals. 3-400 bucks should get you a pretty good solid one. Have fun.

Men's 3-Speed - Felt Bicycles
Indy 3i | Electra Bikes

I don't know about the 24" wheels... you'd probably need to look for a girls (youth) bike.

Do yourself a favor and look at the TREK Shift 1 series of bikes. Try it, you'll like it.

24" wheels? why?

i find frame size dictates fit..not wheel size. maybe i am missing something.

if i were looking for cool cruisers for the wife and i..i would get a pair of single speed Surly's. the ones with clown-like fat tires. like this..but single speed.http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1442946562.jpg

This company made it on Shark Tank - not cheap...

https://www.villycustoms.com/

My wife is 5' & short waisted. 24" is the only size she feels comfortable. Also are there different quality levels of Schwinn bikes? Like between big box stores vs bike specialty shop?

i feel that frame size is the governing factor for riding fit and feel.

a good quality company has frames in different sizes..small med large.

good luck on finding a great ride(s)..sounds like a great time.

I have a Schwinn mountain bike that serves me well for my weekend rides on the bike path... it is 5-10 years old and came with a "made in China" sticker... however it also came with all Shimano running gear so I am not sure it makes much difference.

Me likey... price tag? Not so much. ;)

Maybe we need to visit the local bike shop to determine proper frame size for instead of 24" wheels only spec..............

OK - maybe retract last statement. It seems cruiser bikes even high priced units have 1 frame / size offering

The Electra bikes are Chinese cruisers marketed thru Trek. Nice bikes. The shift series of hybrids from trek are likewise a good basic hybrid.

Find a TREK dealer that has the Shift 1. It comes in different sizes and I'm almost positive she'll feel comfortable on it.


I'm not a TREK rep, just a happy customer.