Bicycle Mechanics - What's the thinnest, fastest wheel I can fit on my beach cruiser

Just picked up a 26" "crank-forward" style cruiser at WalMart for $79 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/26-Ocean-Pacific-Men-s-Beach-Cruiser/14321282?findingMethod=rr).

http://www.babygiftsoutlet.com/images/large/26inch-ocean-pacific-mens-beach-cruiser-bike_BG08561.jpg

I'm looking to use it as the basis of a bike building project (I like to tinker) to add a 3 speed rear wheel and shifter and some more urban friendly tires.

The stock tires seem to bite a bit too much and since my neighborhood is a bit hilly, I'd like to know if I can fit these tires (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C1U6LA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=deal0ac-20) on the rims?

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/31WC%2BswIsrL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

Those tires should work, although "fast" and "crank-forward beach cruiser" are pretty much mutually combative concepts unless you're skydiving with it ;) But you probably realized that already :D

If you want a fast 1.5" tire, however, Pasela TourGuard folding with Continental Supersonic ultralight tubes qualifies as "fast." Those cheapies at Amazon... not so much.

Those tires should work, although "fast" and "crank-forward beach cruiser" are pretty much mutually combative concepts unless you're skydiving with it ;) But you probably realized that already :D

Good one. I probably should have reworded that. I'm looking for an easier ride around the neighborhood on this bike. The wide stock tires seem to hang onto the pavement a bit too much for my tastes. I'm thinking a thinner tire will smooth things out a bit and make the pedals a bit lighter ;-)


If you want a fast 1.5" tire, however, Pasela TourGuard folding with Continental Supersonic ultralight tubes qualifies as "fast." Those cheapies at Amazon... not so much.

Those tires are probably more than I spent on the bike, LOL. Just looking for some cheapies that will work.

They'll work. You'll probably need new tubes as well.

http://www.jensonusa.com/store/product/TI295A08-Ritchey+Tom+Slick+26+Tire.aspx

If you have a specialized dealer nearby, the Nimbus tires are really nice. They start at $20 each, but the ultra-flat-resistant armadillo version may pay for itself at $45 in the number of tubes you don't end up replacing.

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/SBCEqProduct.jsp?spid=57827

The best modern cruiser tyre is Schwalbe Big Apple. It is quite fat but very slick uses the latest hi tech construction so is very efficient. It has been my daily commuting tyre for a couple of years.

I was hoping someone would steer the OP towards a coaster brake 700c wheelset. That would be a sight to behold.

I briefly thought about bringing up lacing the hub to some road rims, but figured the OP was looking for something off the shelf, hehehe.

What's the width of those rims? Some cruiser rims are probably too wide for 1.5" tires. If those rims are really wide there are plenty of good 1.75" and 2" choices out there.

maybe a coaster brake 3 speed , so you got 2 more gear ratios, too..
JRA cruising, and a headwind and a tailwind gear..

I don't see any kind of brake levers on that. You need a front brake, or at least a rear V brake. What do you do if your coaster brake fails?

you should have upgrade to this one.

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/02/89/14/26/0002891426500_500X500.jpg

The upright position and the engine have the most influence on speed.

That's going to be one schizophrenic cycle! Beach cruiser and speed are at opposite ends of the spectrum!

Don in Austin

Scwalbe has you covered already, they make a tire called a 'speed cruiser' (http://www.amazon.com/Schwalbe-Speed-Cruiser-26x1-50-Beaded/dp/B000UJ42JG)

I don't see any kind of brake levers on that. You need a front brake, or at least a rear V brake. What do you do if your coaster brake fails?

Not likely this bike will be going fast enough for that to be an issue.

The best modern cruiser tyre is Schwalbe Big Apple. It is quite fat but very slick uses the latest hi tech construction so is very efficient. It has been my daily commuting tyre for a couple of years.
Those could cost more than the bike cost.

Those could cost more than the bike cost.


You get what you pay for.

There are plenty of options for reasonably priced road tires. SOmeone mentioned Specialized Nimbus tires, and I have certainly had good luck with those.

Kenda makes a few good road/hybrid tires.. The 'Kwest' is cheap and decent.

THe OP needs to measure the width of the rims on the bike and buy a tire slightly wider than that, at least.