Best Beach Cruiser Parts to Enhance Your Bike for 2018
Like with mountain bikes, cruisers usually come in a complete package, but there are always ways they can be upgraded. Whether you have a Firmstrong urban Lady bike, a Firmstrong Urban Man, a Kaluna Beach Cruiser, or a custom beach cruiser, even if you like all the stock parts, eventually things may wear out and need replacing. Accessories and improvement parts like coaster brakes, higher quality balloon tires, lighter aluminum frames, alloy rims, comfy saddles can improve your ride. Consider these ways to enhance or restore your bike for the 2018 season before you hit the streets.
Saddles
Since cruisers are meant for leisure and comfort, it is important to have a saddle that performs well in these areas. Cruiser bikes usually place their riders in an upright seated position, so generally wider saddles are most appropriate to properly accommodate and distribute weight. These are some of the best options out there.
Schwinn Quilted Wide Cruiser Saddle – As a product of the legacy that is Schwinn, it should come as no surprise that they know how to make a comfortable seat. This saddle has a wide set seat to accommodate any size backside comfortably. It has enough padded material and added cushion from the quilted cover to be comfortable but also enough support that the compression from the rider’s body does not render the padding useless.
Sunlite Cloud-9 Bicycle Suspension Cruiser Saddle – Cloud-9 specializes in bicycle saddles that are made specifically for added comfort to any standard build. Since seats are their business you can be sure you are getting a saddle that has been thoughtfully designed and tested specifically for a comfortable ride, instead of a stock seat that may be an afterthought. This particular product is filled with dual-density gel foam padding that is forgiving and cushy, and it also sports a chrome coil spring suspension to absorb shock and further reduce the roughness of a ride. It distributes the rider’s weight perfectly without digging in anywhere undesirable, making it great for long leisurely rides.
Bikeroo Oversized Comfort Bike Seat – This oversized ergonomic seat is made for some serious comfort for men and women of all sizes. It is particularly good for heavier individuals who may be struggling with the stock seat that came with their cruiser, even though most cruiser bikes are designed for comfort in the first place. The thick padding and dual spring suspension of this saddle come highly rated by users who have tested it and been very satisfied. Many even report being able to ride up to four times longer with this seat than the one that they upgraded from. It has a universal fit, meaning it can be mounted on most bikes regardless of brand and can be installed in a matter of minutes so you can get back on the road quickly.
Handle Bar Grips
You likely bought your bike with the handlebar style that is most comfortable for you, but stock grips are not always the best and can wear out quickly. Switching them up to a quality set is an inexpensive way to enhance your experience and ensure you are riding in style and comfort.
Velo Vinyl Leather Grips – If you ride a single speed cruiser, then these are a perfect upgrade. The brown leather and contrasting stitch create an interesting vintage accent that would work really well with a matching saddle. These fit standard 7/8” handlebars and have plenty of cushion for guaranteed comfort.
Sunlite Cruiser Foam Grip 4 piece set – This set is perfect for drop, bullhorn, and pursuit style handlebars. It includes short grips for the flat position and long tubular pieces for the bulk of the bar. The soft foam is both durable and very comfortable, and they install easily with the help of some soapy water.
Schwinn Tri-Layer Gel Comfort Grip – These ergonomically designed grips made by Schwinn include an extra gel layer to ensure the rider is greeted with a soft touch and comfort that can last long rides. The Kraton compound that they are composed of is highly durable so the set will last a long time. The palm pad area is specifically designed to dampen vibration and the all-over texturing provides a great level of traction. These should easily install on all standard 22.4 mm handlebars.
Fenders
Plenty of cruisers come with fenders already installed, but if yours did not then you should seriously consider installing a set. Fenders are a must-have in any environment that is not a desert in order to prevent splash back from wet roads and trails. If the manufacturer of your bike sells fenders separately, then it may be best to purchase a set from them, but there are also several generic brands that fit most standard cruisers.
Sunlite Cruiser Fenders, 26 x 2.125" – These black fenders install over most standard beach cruisers and the neutral coloring goes with just about any color scheme you may already have. It comes with all mounting brackets, braces, and hardware so the retrofit is easy for anyone no matter what their mechanical ability might be. As far as functional and stylish upgrades go, this is a great option for a minimal cost.
Cargo
Most cruisers do not come standard with ways to carry around your personal items. When you are riding around town you will definitely want somewhere convenient and cool to keep your things.
Colorbasket Mesh Bottom Lift-Off Bike Basket – This basket attaches quickly to the front of all standard cruisers and is big enough to hold a myriad of items. The bottom third is surrounded by fine mesh to keep smaller items from falling out. It comes in several colors to match or accent your bike’s color scheme.
JJBikes Universal 26" Steel Beach Cruiser Bicycle Rear Rack – A good cargo rack is extremely versatile for such a basic piece of hardware. This rack by J Bikes fits just about any 26” cruiser and installs in minutes. The heavy-gauge steel can handle whatever load you strap on and will keep it secure while you are riding around town.
Bike upgrades do not need to be complicated or expensive. It is amazing how little time and money it can take to enhance your ride in ways you may not have even considered.
