Beach Cruisers Making a Come Back and Not only in the Costal Areas – all across the Nation
Schwinn first introduced people to the beach cruisers during the Great Depression when bike sales were at their lowest. It was no longer a carefree era when women put on their best beach dresses and men wore white pants and matching coats and they cycled around the beach or along the boardwalk on a sunny Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Adults no longer purchased bicycles because they thought it was a frivolous waste of money, mostly since people had no money to spend on food let alone something as extravagant as beach cruisers bicycles.
Beach cruiser bicycles have seen an increase in sales and popularity during the 30s and 40s when some models of the beach cruisers weighed nearly 50 pounds, combining upright seating posture with balloon tires, a straightforward steel construction, single-speed mechanics all with expensive style.
Unfortunately for the beach cruisers, the 50s and 60s brought bicycles imported from Great Britain, which were more popular because these bikes were lighter – weighing only 30 to 40 pounds and they had greater hill climbing capabilities, were more nimble for sports, plus the British bikes featured three speeds, taller wheels and a more narrow tire – just what a family in the suburbs needed.
During the same time period was the first appearance of the muscle bicycle or low-rider that featured banana seats and shift levers that were oversized. These bikes eventually transformed into what are now known as the BMX bikes and then they were turned into mountain bikes which both styles experienced a surge in popularity in the 90s and continue to see spurts of heavy sales here and there depending on the countries love affair with cycling.
Although people never forgot beach cruisers, their ‘retro-style’ look and comfortable ride make them a major attraction to baby boomers nationwide. Even though beach cruiser bicycles were once typically beach bikes for sale in coastal areas, they are being sold inland as well and not only to ‘boomers’ but to the environmentally conscious crowd and those who want to stay in shape.