Bicycle Guys - Question

asphaltgambler · 09-22-2015, 08:31 AM

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!

gtc · gtc's Garage

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.

asphaltgambler · 09-22-2015, 08:47 AM

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

look 171 · 09-22-2015, 09:02 AM

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.

gtc · gtc's Garage

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.

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

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

vash · vash's Garage

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.

MBAtarga · 09-22-2015, 11:56 AM

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

https://www.villycustoms.com/

asphaltgambler · 09-22-2015, 12:23 PM

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?

vash · vash's Garage

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.

scottmandue · 09-22-2015, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

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 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.

scottmandue · 09-22-2015, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vash

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.

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

asphaltgambler · 09-22-2015, 01:07 PM

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

asphaltgambler · 09-22-2015, 02:11 PM

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

greglepore · 09-22-2015, 02:42 PM

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

Scott Douglas · Scott Douglas's Garage

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.

Racerbvd · Racerbvd's Garage

fastfredracing · 09-23-2015, 04:51 AM

Well, crap, had I known you were there, I would have had you over for a beer. Where did you stay ?

asphaltgambler · 09-23-2015, 07:19 AM

Hey - our locale was Kitty Hawk @4.5 mile post on beach road #3808. No one or structure in front of us to block the beautiful view. You were there?

VincentVega · 09-23-2015, 07:27 AM

Where do you plan to ride? I think beach bikes are cool at the beach since everything is flat and laid back. Add in a few hills, traffic or a crowded road/path and they loose some appeal. As mentioned, dont get hung up on wheel size until you get to a bike shop and get fit.

Good luck, riding a bike is a win in so many ways.