Talk:Cruiser bicycle
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Expansion requested:
- Frame, wheel, other technical characteristics
- Stylistic characteristics
- Photo
- More history
--Christopherlin 06:13, 2 December 2005 (UTC)
[edit] Accuracy questioned
If I remember rightly, the Stingray and Krate bicycles were what used to be called "wheelie bikes" in the late 1960s/early 70s. These bikes typically had high "monkey bar" handlebars, long "banana seats" that rode over the back wheel, equipped with a U-shaped "sissy bar", and their rear wheel was much larger than the front wheel. Kids used them in stunt riding, trying to "pop a wheelie" by riding on the back wheel alone, with the steering front wheel in the air. The rearward weight distribution made this easier.
By my understanding, a "cruiser bicycle" is a utility bicycle. They do have higher handlebars, but not monkey bars, and are built to be ridden upright. The wheels are of equal size. They typically have either a single gear and coaster brakes, or a few gears that are geared internally in the hub rather than an external derailer system, and large seats instead of the anal probe you get on a racing bike, but not a banana seat.
Am I totally misremembering this? Smerdis of Tlön 19:58, 9 May 2006 (UTC)
- I agree, the description of the "cruiser" bicycle sounds alot like a utility bicycle.--Chicbicyclist 20:15, 15 May 2006 (UTC)
Whilst I have no doubt that what you say is correct, the contemporary use of the term 'Cruiser' is pretty much as described in the wikipedia definition. In the last 5 years, cruisers have become increasingly popular - with brands such as Felt, Raleigh & Diamondback treating them as a separate category of bike: and they all refer to them as 'cruisers'. There are even brands that specialise in this kind of bike such as Nirve or Electra who use 'cruiser' in the same way. If your definition of a cruiser is something like a Kronan then I would define this as a 'sit up & beg' or 'utility'. 83.250.207.0 20:25, 22 May 2006 (UTC)seanc
this artical sounds like its describing choppers and whatnot, criusers as i know it are basically big bmxs with 24inch wheels one gear and no suspension which are used for dirt jumping and racing or just commuting, the only other 'criuser' i know are beach criusers i know are beach cruisers which i think have 26inch wheels and are designed with style over function. this artical needs a rewrite.--Snowy Mcintosh 23:02, 19 June 2006 (UTC)
The description of the cruiser bike sounded correct - just the actual examples were WAY off base. Beach cruisers (other name) have larger than average wheels, usually single geared, large padded seats, etc. Geraci, Thomas J 6/25/06
The term "Cruiser" is used to describe a 24" wheel BMX bicycle. More so, it is used to describe a specific class of bicycle or division of racing. "Cruiser Class". This might help clear some of the confusion here.
It seems like the term is somewhat ambiguous, or maybe different regionally. Someone should point that out in the article - the fact that "Cruiser" can refer to different things.
I have added an updated and referenced article. The term "cruiser" is widely used by riders and manufacturers in the USA to describe balloon tired bikes with "cantilever" frames. They are usually curvy and comftorable to ride, but are definitely not designed for speed. As noted above, Schwinn Stingrays are not considered cruisers, but are "muscle bikes," a class which eventually gave birth to the BMX bike. I hope this helps clear up the confusion. I am working on getting photos which will meet Wikipedia's copyright-free requirements, so these will be added soon. Kingandrew 11/02/06
