Cruiser
Cruiser bicycles, especially when equiped with a U-frame, are considered by many people to be safer to ride in Boston city traffic compared with other bikes. Riding speed tends to be slow and ease of dismount/mount on a U-frame makes walking the bike through intersections effortless. Cambridge Bicycle and Boston Bicycle stock cruiser bicycles from Breezer, KHS, Manhattan, and others. We carry step-through U-frame cruisers from Biria, Breezer, and KHS.
Cruiser bikes are great for relaxed rides, short trips, commutes, and errands. They often have a heavy frame, "balloon" tires, fenders, a single speed, coaster brake, chainguard, and a large padded seat ("saddle") mounted on a suspension seatpost. Variations may feature a step-through U-frame for effortless mounting and dismounting, multi-speed derailleur shifting, hand brakes, front fork suspension, and "giant spring" front shock absorber.
Cruiser bikes were very popular everywhere people rode bicycles from the 1930's through the 1950's, and as "beach cruisers" in the 1960's and 1970's. The popular 1985 movie "Pee-wee's Big Adventure (The Story of a Rebel and his Bike)" helped bring about a resurgence in interest in cruiser bicycles. For a while afterwards, cruiser bikes were called “Pee Wee Herman bikes”, before being rechristened "cruiser bikes" sometime in the 1990's.
Cruiser bikes are very popular again. Baby Boomers have rediscovered the cruiser bike's comfort, style, and affordability. And younger cyclists and students enjoy the retro look, reliable mechanical performance, and comfortable ride.
High-end cruiser bikes may feature an improved saddle, oversize rear carrier rack with spring clip to hold gear, groceries, etc., built-in front and rear lights powered by an internal hub generator, reflective sidewall tires for improved night visibility, built-in lock for short-stop security, kickstand, and bell for friendly communication. Some come with a hub transmission for smooth gear-shifting while coasting, pedaling, at a stop, or under full torque up a hill. |
Manhattan Bullet cruiser bike
Manhattan Aero Deluxe-6 Mens cruiser bike
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