Identification
A cruiser is a bicycle that puts style over substance. They have balloon tires, a frame and seat that requires the rider to sit up straight, and usually only one gear.
Development
The cruiser-type bike was developed by Schwinn in the 1930s, with the aim of creating a sturdy bike that could take a lot of abuse and resembled the motorcycles of the time. It was aimed at the youth market.
Decline
Cruiser-type bikes started to lose market share to other designs, such as racing bikes, dirt bikes and roadster bikes, starting in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Irony
Despite inventing the cruiser, Schwinn did not introduce a bike model that was named "Cruiser" until 1980.
Revival
The comfortable features of the cruiser-type bicycle, combined with its stylish retro looks, resulted in a comeback of the design in the late 1990s.
Manufacturers
Schwinn is now back in the business of making one of its signature products. It have been joined by a number of companies who make nothing but cruisers, such as the Electra Bicycle Company and Phat Cycles.
Article Written By Edwin Thomas
Edwin Thomas has been writing since 1997. His work has appeared in various online publications, including The Black Table, Proboxing-Fans and others. A travel blogger, editor and writer, Thomas has traveled from Argentina to Vietnam in pursuit of stories. He holds a Master of Arts in international affairs from American University.
