The 9 Best Beach Cruiser Bikes of 2024

A growing number of US teens and young adults were purchasing imported European sport racing or sport touring bicycles, many fitted with multiple derailleur-shifted gears. Schwinn decided to meet the challenge by developing two lines of sport or road ‘racer’ bicycles. One was already in the catalog — the limited production Paramount series. As always, the Paramount spared no expense; the bicycles were given high-quality lightweight lugged steel frames using double-butted tubes of Reynolds 531 and fitted with quality European components including Campagnolo derailleurs, hubs, and gears.

schwinn beach cruiser

By the late 1950s, U.S. manufacturers such as Schwinn ramped up production of the English racer.[12] Schwinn was no stranger to this style. Between the 28 inch wheeled track bikes that they built between the turn of the 20th century and the 1920s and the lightweight offerings they introduced in the 30s such as the Continental, Varsity and Superior, schwinn dealers they knew their way around. These prewar bikes could be had with imported half inch pitch drivetrains with freewheels and hand brakes. In postwar production, Schwinn began producing lightweights again in the mid 40s with models such as the New World. These bikes could be had with Sturmey Archer 3 speeds from England and had chromoly tubing.

W. Schwinn, grandson Frank Valentine Schwinn took over management of the company. Finally, manufacturers have also introduced the “comfort bike” category, to combine the soft ride and upright posture of cruisers with a more conventionally styled bike. Comfort bikes have such features as fenders, suspension seatposts and forks, and large padded saddles with giant springs. All of these features are copied from cruisers, but redesigned to look more like regular road or hybrid bikes.

You also get a bottle-cage mount and internally routed cables. Choose from six refreshing colors (with matching fenders, rims, and a chainguard), including beach-inspired sea glass and matte coral. The Brighton also has a wide gear range for climbing hills, faster acceleration, and comfortable riding. If you need some two-wheeled therapy, a beach cruiser might be just the vehicle.

The bike is a single-speed and has an easy-to-use coaster brake (which means that riders pedal backward to stop). This bike is a match for the everyday rider who doesn’t want to bust their budget with an over-priced, over-accessorized bike. It’s recommended for riders who are 60 inches or taller and are at least 13 years old. This seven-speed hybrid cruiser delivers excellent versatility. Though attractive, this bike doesn’t place style over function.

Just grab your shades and a helmet and you’ll be riding in style. We’ve got a wide selection of bike sizes and styles, including electric, to fit a wide variety of riders. Starting in 2005, Schwinn also marketed Motorscooters under the Schwinn Motorsports brand.[69] Production ceased in 2011 (approx). This is how much you’ll earn from all offers that are currently active. To earn the full [0]  in CT Money®, you must activate all offers and meet any eligibility criteria first before checking out.

By 1960, annual sales had reached just 4.4 million.[10] Nevertheless, Schwinn’s share of the market was increasing, and would reach in excess of 1 million bicycles per year by the end of the decade. Not one to compromise on comfort, Huffy also delivers its Perfect Fit frame, allowing upright riding and full leg extensions typical of cruisers. The lightweight aluminum frame is a perfect match for salty beach-side conditions. A dual-spring padded seat; and soft, cork handlebar grips complete the comfort features.

Questor/Schwinn later purchased GT Bicycles in 1998 for $8 a share in cash, roughly $80 million. The new company produced a series of well-regarded mountain bikes bearing the Schwinn name, called the Homegrown series.[62] In 2001, Schwinn/GT declared bankruptcy. In the 1950s, Schwinn began to aggressively cultivate bicycle retailers, persuading them to sell Schwinns as their predominant, if not exclusive brand. During this period, bicycle sales enjoyed relatively slow growth, with the bulk of sales going to youth models. In 1900, during the height of the first bicycle boom, annual United States sales by all bicycle manufacturers had briefly topped one million.

Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to determine which brand and style of beach cruiser bike is best suited for their needs and preferences. At the close of the 1920s, the stock market crash decimated the American motorcycle industry, taking Excelsior-Henderson with it. Arnold, Schwinn, & Co. (as it remained until 1967) was on the verge of bankruptcy. With no buyers, Excelsior-Henderson motorcycles were discontinued in 1931.[5] Ignaz’s son, Frank W.

We’re all about the customer and letting people choose what they wanna do. Where we differ from Schwinn, is you just schwinn ebike look at our color selection. We use a much different pallet, pastels, colors like that, and our speed options.