My Beach Cruiser
#2
The body positioning on a cruiser is meant for just that, cruising. Not saying it can't be done, but you more than likely will not be that comfortable. Cruisers are built to tool around near the beach, go get an ice cream cone with your spouse or kids, stuff like that. What is your definition of a longer trail ride?
#3
Senior Member


Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,129
Likes: 56
From: Munising, Michigan, USA
Bikes: Priority 600, Priority Continuum, Devinci Dexter
The bike itself will hold up. No worries there. The best thing might be for you to take it on some increasingly longer rides than you are currently doing. See how they go.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1,066
Likes: 1
From: still above ground
Bikes: 2016 Specialized crosstrail comp disc
The limitation is not the bike, it's the rider
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
#5
Full Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 297
Likes: 5
From: Rogers, AR
Bikes: '87 Giant Iguana, Nishiki designed Kamra Aero II, Schwinn Loop folder, 1985 Fuji Pallisade Mixte
I do 20+ mile rides on my cruiser, on paved trails or roads. My wife does the same ride on her Jamis Citizen, which is probably somewhere between a cruiser and a touring bike, leaning a lot towards the cruiser side. We're both in our late 50s, so we're not trying to make the best times or impress anybody--- we just love riding. (Best thing I ever did was get her a bike for Mother's Day!) Still, we usually average 12-16 mph on these rides, on fairly heavy bikes, with her pacing. I have noticed that I average 5-8 mph higher speed on a lighter weight, though aged, road bike that is maybe12 lbs lighter . Still, my cruiser is like a pickup truck--- I take it everywhere and use it for everything, because it's tough and comfortable, even if it's not the fastest ride I own. ALL bikes are fun--- what kind of fun do you want to have?
#6
The limitation is not the bike, it's the rider
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
Is it necessary? Nope. I could ride a beach cruiser on a century completely naked. Would I want to? No.
#8
Senior Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 6,667
Likes: 2,411
From: Colorado Springs, CO
Bikes: 2015 Charge Plug, 2007 Dahon Boardwalk, 1997 Specialized Rockhopper, 1984 Nishiki International, 2006 Felt F65, 1989 Dahon Getaway V
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,207
Likes: 45
From: Northern VT
Bikes: recumbent & upright
My beach cruiser is a 7 speed Electra townie with fat tires - have gone on 30-40 km rides with; however not sure the saddle is optimal for longer tides.
Ps. The Townie's gearing for longer rides, while more effective than a single speed cruiser, could be improved. Stock gearing is the "mega range" cassette with a huge jump from 24 to 34 teeth- a cassette with teeth counts more evenly spaced over the range of cassette would be better.. In the 7 sod set up, a 40 t cassette and the 13-34 cassette would be more effective.
Ps. The Townie's gearing for longer rides, while more effective than a single speed cruiser, could be improved. Stock gearing is the "mega range" cassette with a huge jump from 24 to 34 teeth- a cassette with teeth counts more evenly spaced over the range of cassette would be better.. In the 7 sod set up, a 40 t cassette and the 13-34 cassette would be more effective.
Last edited by martianone; 09-05-15 at 04:01 AM. Reason: Ps
#11
Old Fart
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 3,348
Likes: 3
From: Bumpkinsville
Bikes: '97 Klein Quantum '16 Gravity Knockout
The limitation is not the bike, it's the rider
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
We Americans are so tuned into the hype that bombards us with myths regarding the 'correct' gear, clothes, components, etc etc etc.
Yes there is no doubt that having the perfect bike for every contingency is ideal. but we forget that millions of people around the world ride bicycles as there sole means of transportation. They do just fine using the same bike day in and day out putting many miles in on crappy roads and all kinds of whether.
We are so spoiled..........................................just sayin'
It also depends a lot on what you are used to. Start out slowly, gradually taking longer and longer rides (as opposed to just hopping on the bike and going out for a long ride immediately)- give your body time to acclimate and adapt, and you'll likely be fine and quite comfortable. Might not be the fastest guy out there...but sometimes it's fun to not be so fast, and to just enjoy the ride and scenery.








