Cruiser bikes are one of the most iconic styles of bicycles out there, with their retro styling and comfortable upright seating position. But do cruiser bikes make good exercise bikes? That’s what we’ll be finding out in today’s blog post!
What is a Cruiser Bike?
A cruiser bike is a type of bicycle that looks similar to a normal bicycle but has several features which are meant to make it easier and more comfortable for riders. The design of the frame is flat and wide with the front wheel mounted low on the frame with large handlebars which allow for greater control and maneuverability at low speeds. Cruiser bikes typically have an upright riding position with small wheels, cushioned saddle, and no front suspension, unlike most adult bicycles.
Some people love cruisers because they can be ridden in comfort as well as style. Others prefer cruisers because they feel stronger and more capable while riding them. Cruiser bikes are also ideal for use around town or for shorter trips because of their low weight. Many cruiser bikes weigh roughly 30 pounds or less. A cruiser bike is made to ride on the road, not the freeway.
When deciding what type of bike to exercise with, it’s important to compare different options to find what suits your needs best. If you’re considering a cruiser bike, be sure to weigh the pros and cons against a mountain bike to ensure that you’re making the right choice. Check out this comparison between beach cruisers and mountain bikes to help you decide.
Are Cruiser Bikes Good for Exercise?
The answer is “Yes”. Whether you are looking for an exercise bicycle to burn calories, get in shape, or try something new, cruiser bikes are a good choice. However, you decide it’s important to understand how they work for you and what features are important to you before committing your hard-earned dollars, time, and effort into buying one.
Many people ride cruiser bikes as a hobby and for fun, but riding a bike is an excellent way to get exercise, stay fit and lose weight. Unlike most other exercise machines, a cruiser is considered low impact. It has no long-term effects on your joints, bones, or muscles.
This type of exercise will help you burn calories without putting too much strain on your body. You can ride a cruiser indoors on a trainer, work it into the end of another workout routine or use it as part of a fun outdoor activity with your family and friends. Your body begins to lose muscle mass and bone density as you get older. The less muscle tissue you have, the easier it is to gain weight. By riding a cruiser bike regularly, you can build up your muscles and strengthen your bones. Riding a cruiser bike is an excellent way to maintain a healthy heart as well as improve your circulation and lung function. In fact, biking is the second-best aerobic exercise after running according to some experts.
Benefits from Using Cruiser Bike to Exercise
When it comes to exercise, a cruiser bike can offer a fun and relaxed way to get fit. Plus, with its comfortable seat and upright position, it puts less strain on your back and neck. Take a look at our beach cruiser sizing chart to find the right size for you and start enjoying the many benefits of cycling.
Easy to Use
You can use cruiser bikes indoors, out of the weather, or in the garden. You don’t need special equipment like weights or exercise videos to work it into your exercise routine.
Gives Flexibility for the Rider to Choose the Workout Intensity
How hard you push the bicycle is up to you. You may be able to ride it at low speeds on the sidewalk, putting the bike through its paces, or you may choose to try different resistance levels on a stationary bike.
To get the best results from your cruiser bike workout, it’s important to understand the different forms of cycling. For example, if you want to burn belly fat faster, you might want to try high-intensity interval training. Check out this article on cycling benefits for more information on how to choose the right form of cycling for your fitness goals.
Gives the Ability to Find Outdoor Exercise if Weather Permits
Cruisers may be brought outside for pleasant rides whether you live in an urban location or a rural one with no sidewalks.
Does Not Cause Stress Or Discomfort on Joints of the Body
Cruiser bikes do not put pressure on your knees or joints, which makes them a great choice for low-impact exercise.
The Ability to Move Muscles in Various Ways
Unlike an exercise bike which forces you to cycle at a steady pace with no variations, cruisers can be ridden as you please and at whatever speed you want.
When it comes to comparing biking and walking as a workout, both are effective exercises that burn calories and improve cardiovascular health. However, biking allows you to cover more distance in a shorter amount of time, making it a more efficient workout for those with limited time. Check out this article on biking vs walking workout to determine which option is best for your fitness goals.
Easy to Move Forward And Backward
Cruiser bikes are easy to jump up and roll over objects with their unique flat-bar design. You can ride them quickly or slowly depending on your needs and wants.
Quiet
Cruisers are much quieter than other bicycles because they have fewer parts to make noise, so they don’t require constant attention from you while riding them.
If you’re looking for a bike that won’t disturb your neighbors, a Quietkat bike from Quietkat Bikes Brand could be the perfect choice. These electric bikes are designed with noise reduction technology, so you can enjoy a peaceful ride without disturbing others. Plus, they’re built to handle all types of terrain, so you can explore the outdoors with ease.
Can Go Anywhere Without Difficulty Or Problems
Cruiser bikes are known for their large, sturdy wheels that can easily handle gravel, dirt, or grass without a problem. This makes them great for fun rides, sightseeing rides, or even grocery shopping.
Easy to Learn on and Requires Little Physical Effort
Cruisers are simple bicycles with no gears and no complexity involved in riding them. They require little physical effort to operate or ride, making them great for beginners or those new to bicycles in general.
If you are looking for easy exercises that require little physical effort, walking in place is a great option. Check out 7 Exercises and Reasons to Start Walking In Place to learn more about how to get started and the benefits of this low-impact exercise.
Soft Seat
Cruisers are often equipped with cushioned seats, which make them more comfortable to ride.
InExpensive
Most cruiser bikes cost less than $250, which makes them simple to buy. High-quality bikes are also available for under $300.
Cruiser bikes are an affordable option for exercise with benefits like low-impact cardio and stress relief. They are perfect for leisurely rides through the city or beach and can also be used for commuting. Consider looking at different cruiser bikes brands to find the best fit for your exercise routine.
What Should I Look for When Buying a Cruiser Bike?
Choose the Right Size
To get the most comfortable experience, sit on your bike and be able to place both feet firmly on the pedals. Cruiser bikes come in bike sizes that range from extra small to extra large, or XS to XL. Make sure you get a bike that is the right size for you.
Ensure your workout clothes fit properly by measuring your body for clothing sizes. Check out Hood MWR’s guide for tips on how to accurately measure yourself. A proper fit can make a huge impact on your exercise routine, giving you the confidence to move freely and comfortably.
Choose Your Budget Wisely
When choosing bikes, make sure you find one within your budget range; this way it will not become too big of an expense later on. You should also take into account other costs like accessories like locks or baskets for carrying goods or heavy bags of groceries.
Choose the Right Location for Your Cruiser Bike
Make sure you choose the right type of bike for your city, town, neighborhood, or another area. Cruiser bikes are often best-suited for cities, while mountain bikes are made to handle more rugged terrain. If you are unsure which style of bicycle is right for your riding area or purpose, consider talking to an expert at a local bike shop. They will be able to help you choose the best bicycle for your requirements as well as provide maintenance recommendations.
Type of Brakes for Your Needs
Different types of brakes are available on cruiser bikes. Rim brakes are the most common type on cruiser bikes that have center-pull or side-pull brakes, which both work well in wet or dry weather conditions. Disc brakes are made to help you stop when it gets slippery out and require less hand effort than other types of braking mechanisms. V-brakes offer more stopping power than rim brakes and take much less effort to operate, which makes them very popular among riders. Drum brakes are less common but offer the most stopping power.
When it comes to choosing the right type of brakes for your bike, it’s important to consider your needs and riding style. Disc brakes provide excellent stopping power and are great for off-road and mountain biking, while rim brakes are more affordable and are suitable for casual rides and commuting. Check out this article on when to replace bike brake pads to ensure your brakes are in top condition.
Choose a Cruiser Bike That is Durable
You’ll want to make sure your durable cruiser bike is well-made so it doesn’t break down or rust over time. If the bike you are considering has low quality when it comes to construction, you will have problems when riding it in rough terrain. Make sure to check for sturdy wheels, high-quality brakes, and other components which will help you ride your bike for years.
Choose a Bike with Speed Options or One That will Allow You to Change or Add Gears
Cruiser bikes are simple bicycles with no gears and no complexity involved in riding them. They require little physical effort to operate or ride, making them great for beginners or those new to bicycles in general. If the rider is accustomed to riding speeds that are slightly higher than some cruisers can offer, then another option would be if one can change the original equipment on the bike by installing an aftermarket kit like the Turbo Package on a Dynacraft Cruiser.
Best Cruiser Bikes For Excercise
Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1400 Dual-Suspension Cruiser
This bike has a belt drive system and can be adjusted to fit the rider. It comes with a padded, high-density saddle and handlebar grips for comfort. The Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1400 Dual-Suspension Cruiser has a cool computer on its console that measures speed, distance and calories burned. It is powered by an internal 7-speed Shimano rear derailleur and indexed shifters. If you’re looking for a bike that’s easy to ride, then this is one of your best options.
Kent Men’s Newport 700C Wheel Comfort Cruiser Bike
This bike comes with comfortable seating for an easy ride. It is equipped with a one-piece crank, alloy wheels, and hand brakes for safety. The Kent Men’s Newport 700C Wheel Comfort Cruiser Bike is designed to help you relax while riding without any strain or stress on your body whether it is uphill or downhill, which makes it good for commuting back and forth to work depending on your location.
Schwinn Men’s Metro Cruiser Plus Bike
This bike has a well-built frame. It has a high-quality aluminum alloy frame that can be modified to accommodate riders of various heights. The Schwinn Metro Cruiser Plus Bike is equipped with knobby off-road tires for added durability and safety. It is powered by a 24-speed Shimano rear derailleur and a 26-speed front derailleur. This bike is equipped with an efficient gear shifting system that helps you get power to the pedal fast whenever you need it, whether it is uphill or downhill.
Kent Men’s Cruiser-Ski
This bike is a comfortable cruiser bike with a skier-type handlebar. It is equipped with comfortable seating and features a vented pimped steel frame. The Kent Men’s Cruiser-Ski comes with a durable steel frame that can assure you of the durability of its frame that will help it withstand years of daily use without significant wear and tear. This bike is powered by an 8-speed Shimano rear derailleur and a 24-speed front derailleur.
Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1600 Bike
This bike has a quick-release front wheel for easier wheel changes, a Shimano 2-speed drivetrain, alloy wheels, and high-performance tires. This cruiser bike is good for riders who want to have a smooth ride. The Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1600 Bike has a frame made of lightweight, stable aluminum that can be adjusted to fit riders of different heights.
Schwinnmen’s Phocus 1400 Dual-Suspension Cruiser Bike
This bike has a quick-release front wheel for easier wheel changes, steel frame, ladies’ saddle with padded covers, and adjustable handlebars. This cruiser bike is equipped with alloy rims for durability, an 18-speed Shimano rear derailleur, and a 28-speed Shimano front derailleur.
Schwinn Men’s Newington Cruiser Bike
The lightweight steel frame of this bike is designed to be both strong and durable. It is equipped with comfortable seating and V-brakes for safety. The Schwinn Men’s Newington Cruiser Bike is equipped with an 18-speed Shimano rear derailleur and a 28-speed Shimano front derailleur. This bike offers an affordable price to the rider.
FAQ
1/ Are cruiser bikes good for long rides?
Cruiser bicycles are excellent for short rides; however, you should struggle with long rides if you choose to ride a cruiser bike. The reason is that they are not built for speed. You will have to pedal much more if you want to move fast because their design limits your speed. Despite this, it is possible to build up some speed on a cruiser bike by pedaling hard and choosing the right gear so that your feet are not hitting the pedals when you’re trying to go full speed. On average, you will be riding at about 12-15 MPH on a cruiser bicycle if you’re pedaling hard enough.
2/ Will I be able to ride my cruiser bike at full speed?
While you can pedal fast on a cruiser, it is still difficult to match the speed of a bicycle with gears. You will be pedaling more than on a normal bicycle, making your legs tired sooner. This is why riders who want to go fast on their bikes should choose one with gears, like the Schwinn Men’s Phocus 1400 Dual-Suspension Cruiser Bike. It has an 8-speed rear derailleur that gives you options for passing other riders or climbing hills that are too steep for you to go up on your own.
If you’re looking to ride your cruiser bike at full speed and make the most out of your workout, it’s important to consider the weight of the bike. Check out the average weight of a bike and opt for a lighter model to make pedaling easier and more efficient. Keep in mind that the size of the bike also plays a role in determining speed, so be sure to choose a frame that fits your body well.
3/ Are cruiser bikes good for going up hills?
If you’re riding on a cruiser bike on a very steep hill, you will find it difficult to go up. You’ll have to pedal really hard and may not be able to complete a full revolution of the pedal before beginning your fall down the opposite side of the hill. If you’re trying to decide whether or not a cruiser is good for hills, the answer is that they are decent for climbing smaller hills, but anything that is too steep can be discouraging. It might be more worth it to get a bike with gears that will give you the ability to choose how fast you want to climb.
4/ Are cruiser bikes good for racing?
It is possible to race on your cruiser bicycle, but you will need to make sure that it has gears. It can be fun to time yourself against other riders while racing down the road, but because cruisers are not made for speed, you should work with other riders in races to make sure that everyone can maintain their speeds without running out of steam. If you do decide to race your cruiser bike, make sure that you practice a lot before going out.
5/ Are cruiser bikes safe?
Because cruiser bicycles have no gears and there is usually nothing covering the pedals, many people believe that they are not safe. While it’s true that you shouldn’t ride your cruiser bike on any rough terrain, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about if you decide to go out for a leisurely ride around the neighborhood. As long as you don’t take anything too fast or do anything dangerous, you should be fine.