Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Beach Cruisers
Reload this Page >

Durable cruiser choices

Notices
Beach Cruisers Do you love balloon tires and fenders? Do you love riding the simplicity of a single gear and coaster brakes or a single gear cluster? Do you love the classic curves in the tubing of a cruiser that takes you back to the 1950's and 1960's, stylistically? Here's your home! Welcome to the Beach Cruisers and Cruisers forum!

Durable cruiser choices

Old 02-21-23, 05:57 PM
  #1  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
Durable cruiser choices

New to the forum but have been searching a while. Hoping some of you can give me some clarity on different models of cruisers and help me make a decision.
I live near the beach and my main bike is a fitness bike. I’m looking for a cruiser that I can store in my covered car port alongside my kids bikes for quick neighborhood jaunts on flat ground. Keeping bikes in the open salt air is rough on them so looking for the most durable and reliable low maintenance bike I can find.
A family member has an old 10+ y/o Electra Townie 3 with internal hub but a quote from my lbs said that I would be at least $200 into fixing it as it’s stuck in one gear and needs new cables, saddle and wheel truing.
So, I am considering aluminum frame used models in good shape.
These include recent used Jamis Earth Cruiser, the Jamis Boss Cruiser, and an Electra Lux Cruiser 1.
I can’t find the difference in the two Jamis Cruisers online. The Electra Lux 1 is about an hour away but looks like a 2022 model in perfect condition for $250.
I would appreciate any opinions on these and other cruisers I should consider or do I just have the old Townie repaired and roll?
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-21-23, 10:52 PM
  #2  
Vintage Schwinn
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2019
Posts: 635
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 342 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 388 Times in 254 Posts
The world's best cruisers for riding at the beach like what you want, would be SCHWINN bicycles that were made in Chicago Illinois during the 1960's and 1970's.

There are no others that come close to equalling the sixties and seventies era SCHWINNS. The fifties and forties era Schwinns are almost as good.
Virtually any American manufactured basic cruiser style bicycle, manufactured between the years 1935 and 1975, regardless of what manufacturer, would also be a very durable, reliable bicycle, even much more so than any Electra Townie, Jamis Earth Cruiser, or any modern cruiser!!!!
Simplicity has definite advantages when it comes to a simple Beach bike!!!
The ONE PIECE CRANK is the ultimate in practical simplicity on a beach cruiser bike where WEiGHT DOES NOT MATTER and the terrain is billiard table flat.
Comfort and stability are exactly what you want.
I will argue that the ancient American made "BALLOON TIRE" bicycles from the mid 1930's until the early 1960's would make the BEST BEACH CRUISER BICYCLES ON THE PLANET with very little work.
Why are the Schwinn bicycles of the sixties and seventies better than the "BALLOON TIRE" era bicycles from Schwinn and other American manufacturers?
The Reasons are very minor but they do come into play for a bicycle that will be left outside at one's beach house:
---Schwinn chrome plating was the finest in the world, and that zenith for that would be the period after 1955 through the seventies.
---Schwinn paintwork was the best quality in the industry. The enamel paint quality from about 1962 Schwinns onward is significantly more durable than anything from the fifties, forties, or thirties.
---Schwinn handlebar shapes were more refined and better from 1967 onward.
---Schwinn frame designs and their dimensions were better refined post 1959 for most and 1966 and later, for step through womens' frames. The 1966 and later SCHWINN frames (until the Chicago end, so 1966-1982), regardless of frame style, are the strongest most durable bicycle frames that any manufacturer has ever built! Those SCHWINN frames are also among the best riding, most comfortable, and most stable riding bicycle frames in the world, then or now. It is exactly what you would want in a beach cruiser.
---Schwinn pedals and seats and handlebar grips were the best after about 1965. The DELUXE MATTRESS SEAT (all black) fitted to late sixties tourist 10 speeds and fitted to all 1970-1979 Suburbans is one of the most durable comfortable seats ever made. Yes, that Deluxe Mattress seat weighs about 4 to 5 pounds but it is nicely shaped and it is comfortable and durable. Those old two tone colored S seats are horribly rock hard and not very confortable although most just like the neato two tone look with the S. Most factory seats prior to the mid sixties, were horrible like that, certainly anything from anyone before 1960..
The black rubberized covered mesinger T-85 spring saddle that is factory issue on the 1971 and later Collegiates is fantastic, as it is supremely comfortable, the most comfortable spring saddle in my opinion, and it is virtually indestructible, unless one lets it rust (the seats' springs).
The SCHWINN COMFORT GRIPS (black) that are factory issue on 1971 and later SUBURBAN models is in my opinion the most comfortable traditional handlebar grip ever produced.


.....Hey, certainly you can update and customize any ancient American made, Ashtabula 1 piece crank, traditional cruiser bicycle with say Schwinn 7881 handlebars, and Schwinn comfort grips, and those German made Schwinn Approved bow pedals that were fitted to every 1970-1977 Schwinn Suburban and similar bow pedals except without reflectors were fitted to several mid sixties on Schwinns.

Heck, you can swap out whatever 1/2 thread pedals on any ancient American made cruiser bike.
Same thing for the handlebars.......They are all going to be 25.4 handlebar clamp area, and 7/8" (22.2mm) outer tube diameter of the chromed steel handlebars.
All the old American manufactured bicycles featured 22.2mm stem diameter sizing, however SCHWINN changed in 1966 to 21.1mm stem diameter sizing SINCE THEY(schwinn) INTRODUCED THE STRONGEST, THICKER WALLED TUBE PORTION PART OF FORK WHERE IT RESIDES IN HEADTUBE, thus necessitating the change to the 21.1mm stem diameter. -----YOU CANNOT DIRECTLY INTERCHANGE 1965 Schwinn stem of 22.2mm WITH THE 1966 & later Schwinn stem of 21.1mm.--------- YOU MUST MATCH THE SIZING REQUIRED FOR WHATEVER YEAR MODEL FORK------- You have to remember that with old Schwinns of 1966 and later, or 1965 and earlier. The other American manufacturers stayed with the old longtime industry standard 22.2mm stem diameter after Schwinn went to 21.1mm in 1966. I am not certain however if and when perhaps some or perhaps one other US mfr did maybe go to 21.1mm, IF THEY EVER DID after the bike boom, post '75, or post '79 etc.. I do not know that. I do know that Panasonic (Japanese mfr) did use the post 1966 Schwinn standard 21.1mm stem sizing on many bikes in the mid to late seventies during the time when they were manufacturing certain bicycle models for Schwinn.

Basically though, heck, you can customize and gear the single speed beach cruiser however the hell that you like, for almost very little cost.
There are several major firms in the Greater Los Angeles California, Long Beach California area , Downy California......both are industrial working class , some might say less picturesque areas within 30 miles of the heart of LA, .....these major firms sell everything on the web related to building/customizing a simple beach cruiser.

Now, if you go after those 1938 through 1956 cruiser bicycles with the ridiculous do nothing springer forks, the "tanks" that are decorative that look like an antique motorcycle's gas tank, with fancy three color paint schemes and balloon wide whitewall tires, and every accessory imaginable, then you are going to need to speed at least ten Benjamin Franklins to get you one in an average condition. You see, there is a truly "nut-job" segment of such afficianados that covet and collect these most decked out, fancy, factory sold, accessorized, high line models (see the C.A.B.E. as there is a large subset of such "nut-jobs" within the cabe community). In reality, they are mechanically identical to ordinary basic models (THE BIKES WERE ALL SIMPLE, JUST DECKED OUT WITH EVERY DOO-DAD IMAGINABLE SO THEY (the bike mfrs) COULD SELL THEM FOR A LOT MORE TO PARENTS THAT WANTED LITTLE JIMMY TO HAVE THE PRESTIGE OF HAVING THE FANCIEST, MOST PREMIUM CADILLAC LIKE MODEL IN THE ENTIRE NEIGHBORHOOD. YEAH, THE PERCEPTION THAT JIMMY's PARENTS(jimmy's dad) WANTED TO PORTRAY TO OTHER PARENTS AND KIDS IS THAT, HE IS THE BEST DAD, AND A GREAT GUY WHO IS DOING REALLY WELL. Certainly, there was perhaps peer pressure from Little Jimmy and his neighborhood gang of pals and school friends to get the "cool" bike that was the really in bike that everyone at that age and era was just dying to get.


Hey though, if you aren't one of those crazy nut-jobs within the cabe that wants original 1943 US ROYAL tires on their factory fully decked out 1943 ____ bicycle, no matter if the tires are so cracked that they aren't safe to ride......etc
...................Hey most of the ancient cruisers were purchased by normal folks that knew the value of a dollar spent. Yes, didn't Opie Taylor's good friend, Johnny Paul, have the fanciest, neatest, most swell bicycle that a boy like Opie could ever want at that point in time.................... ...however Sheriff Andy Taylor was a local goverment employee, and being on a civil servant's salary, Sheriff Taylor knew the value of a dollar and the importance of not spending more than what you can afford to.


....... A Beach Cruiser does not require any technology or anything special in or on said bicycle!
In addition to doing a great job, I doubt that you'd find anything considered more "COOL" by most beach residents and beach visiting vacationers than a vintage-ancient American made one piece crank equipped cruiser in good condition!!!
As Captain Kangaroo often said on his morning tv show, "SCHWINN bikes are best." **
( ** certainly the good Captain was compensated for saying that, but he was indeed correct... )
The Schwinn family's operation in Chicago Illinois, USA did in fact build the best beach cruiser bicycles that the world has ever known.
You will not find any bicycle, past or present, at any price, that does a better job as a beach cruiser, than an ancient Chicago built SCHWINN!!!
Vintage Schwinn is offline  
Old 02-21-23, 11:42 PM
  #3  
Velo Mule
Senior Member
 
Velo Mule's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 2,097

Bikes: Trek 800 x 2, Schwinn Heavy Duti, Schwinn Traveler, Schwinn Le Tour Luxe, Schwinn Continental, Cannondale M400 and Lambert, Schwinn Super Sport

Mentioned: 14 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 801 Post(s)
Liked 1,000 Times in 654 Posts
I'm with Vintage Schwinn on the choice for a cruiser, however, finding a Chicago made Schwinn that doesn't need something for a reasonable cost will be challenging. They are simple enough to work on however, I don't get the impression that you are not looking for a project. If you are up for it Vintage Schwinn cruisers are blue chips. We can help you through a project.

All the bikes that you mention, @Muddydog are good bikes. The Townie that is in your family is a good bike, but keep in mind that is a "Foot Forward" bike. You may like this style, you may not. If you do maybe, it is worth fixing up what you have rather than getting something else that may also need a few things.

I'm also concerned since you are near the beach. Here on Fire Island, Long Island there are lots of cruisers. They are all rusty because of the salt air. No matter what you get, it may be damaged from the environment. You may want to consider a La Jolla from WalMart or other big box store. I know that it is blasphemy around here, getting a department store bike. And it is not as good as the ones that you mention above, but it will rust and you won't worry about it. Just ride it. When it gets too bad, get another one. The frame is aluminum, but the rims, handlebar and other parts are steel and will rust in time. Whether it is a Jamis, Electra, Schwinn or Kent you are likely to be dealing with rust.

La Jolla at Walmart
Velo Mule is offline  
Old 02-22-23, 12:19 AM
  #4  
SkinGriz
Live not by lies.
 
Join Date: Nov 2020
Posts: 1,306

Bikes: BigBox bikes.

Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 784 Times in 582 Posts
I agree with Vintage Schwinn on the old Wald bends of handlebars.
Some newer cruisers are ridiculously exaggerated, and I never got the crank forward thing.

The bars that were on my wife’s suburban are wonderful. I tilt them back a bit so it’s more like the ends are pointing at the rear axle.
SkinGriz is offline  
Old 02-22-23, 08:02 AM
  #5  
GeezyRider 
Senior Member
 
GeezyRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Delaware Sea Shore
Posts: 521

Bikes: There is always room for one more.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 366 Times in 215 Posts
You can also get a lower cost ($300) aluminum cruiser with aluminum wheels. Service the hubs and bottom bracket once a year and salt air shouldn't be a big problem. Chain will rust and if you don't like maintaining them a single speed chain is less than $10 at Walmart. Just replace the chain when servicing the bearings. Something like this (BikesDirect has similar offerings):

https://retrospec.com/collections/be...h-cruiser-bike
__________________
Don

Last edited by GeezyRider; 02-22-23 at 08:07 AM.
GeezyRider is offline  
Old 02-22-23, 08:15 AM
  #6  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
[QUOTE=Vintage Schwinn;22808123]The world's best cruisers for riding at the beach like what you want, would be SCHWINN bicycles that were made in Chicago Illinois during the 1960's and 1970's.

Thanks for that detailed and entertaining post. I previously was not considering vintage cruisers assuming steel=RUST but will now be watching my local thrift for such a bike and will refer back here to your advice.

In the mean time I’ll probably try to grab one of these modern offerings for Springtime rides with the kids.

I do live in one of those raised saltwater canal beach houses on the Carolina coast where everything that possibly can rust, does. Even our “garages” must have vents to allow for occasional storm flooding. I’ve learned to pay close attention to the materials used in any project. When the big hardware store clerks tell me I’ll be fine with coated galvanized hardware for decks/docks I just laugh.

That said, I’ve been surprised at how well my fathers Electra Townie has held up. If not for it and all of our other bikes getting caught in our most recent flooding, I probably wouldn’t been searching for new bikes. The 3-speed hub and chain suffered greatly from that. However, I’m not sure how I feel about that dramatic lean of the flat foot profile it offers. It might be something I’d get used to but it’s a vast difference from even my wife’s cushie Specialized comfort bike.
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-22-23, 08:36 AM
  #7  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
Originally Posted by GeezyRider
You can also get a lower cost ($300) aluminum cruiser with aluminum wheels. Service the hubs and bottom bracket once a year and salt air shouldn't be a big problem. Chain will rust and if you don't like maintaining them a single speed chain is less than $10 at Walmart. Just replace the chain when servicing the bearings. Something like this (BikesDirect has similar offerings):
That sounds like a reasonable plan for what I'm looking for. I'm probably overthinking this (as usual) but it appears that some of these bikes use an aluminum frame but still have steel forks, cranks, etc that keep turning me off but maybe I should worry about that. Additionally, some of those premium brands list things like "sealed bearings" that I assumed would be important in this environment but maybe just marketing BS?

I generally would rather spend the same $ on higher quality used than to buy lower quality more disposable new items. I hate buying disposable products and get the most satisfaction when I realize I've gotten years of use out of the higher quality item. But that seems to be harder and harder to find. Maybe some of these direct to consumer online shops are offering the best value for the $?
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-23-23, 08:26 AM
  #8  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
Belt Drives?

I just ran across the gates belt drive bikes from Priority Bikes. I’ve been eyeballing the cruisers but honestly much more tempted by the new Priority Sauce mashup Mtn/cruiser. Maybe it’s the nostalgia but thinking it might be more versatile when the kids get bored of riding city streets.
Do y’all have an opinion on this? Wrong forum?
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-24-23, 05:01 PM
  #9  
GeezyRider 
Senior Member
 
GeezyRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Delaware Sea Shore
Posts: 521

Bikes: There is always room for one more.

Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 179 Post(s)
Liked 366 Times in 215 Posts
Originally Posted by Muddydog
I just ran across the gates belt drive bikes from Priority Bikes. I’ve been eyeballing the cruisers but honestly much more tempted by the new Priority Sauce mashup Mtn/cruiser. Maybe it’s the nostalgia but thinking it might be more versatile when the kids get bored of riding city streets.
Do y’all have an opinion on this? Wrong forum?
Cool bike.
__________________
Don
GeezyRider is offline  
Old 02-25-23, 06:40 PM
  #10  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
Marketplace find today

Well after going down the rabbit hole of cruisers and clunkers, a near new condition Electra Lux 1 in grey/green popped up on FB marketplace and I grabbed it today.
Not a big fan on the wide cupped saddle and will be looking for replacements if anyone has recommendations. But, for the money and quality this bike seemed with a shot.
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-25-23, 06:41 PM
  #11  
Muddydog
Newbie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Feb 2023
Posts: 18
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Liked 24 Times in 4 Posts
I made some pics of our maiden voyage so with a few more posts, I will share them here.



Last edited by Muddydog; 02-26-23 at 04:26 PM.
Muddydog is offline  
Old 02-25-23, 06:45 PM
  #12  
'02 nrs
Senior Member
 
'02 nrs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: se MIch.
Posts: 2,917

Bikes: 1938 claud butler,1983 Basso,teledyne titan,teocali super,nrs,1993 stumpjumper fsr,Paramountain,Paramount Buell(sold),4 banger,Zaskar LE,Colnago Master Ibex MTB,1987ish,.etc....

Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 787 Post(s)
Liked 2,910 Times in 1,472 Posts
dyno-glide

org. 1999-2k but the models made after are worth a ride.

3 speed nexus is a very well made model-may just need a cable adjustment.
'02 nrs is offline  
Likes For '02 nrs:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.