I would second looking for a used bike. I've had carbon fiber, titanium and aluminum bikes and an aluminum bike with a carbon fork would probably be the way to go (good compromise between weight and cost). The aluminum bikes have a slightly rougher ride, but that can be reduced with the carbon fiber fork. Titanium and carbon fiber ride better, but are much more expensive. Also, carbon fiber does not survive wrecks very well.

For components, I would look for Shimano Ultegra (older is usually okay). 105 I think is their line just below that and Durace is their top of the line (which weighs only slightly less and I found is a bit less durable and much more expensive).

You can definitely find a good deal out on eBay or Craigslist. Good luck.

 

Hi everyone, I’m looking for a good beach cruiser. I hike, swim and do the gym thing but I thought getting a beach cruiser and hitting the beach would be awesome. Getting exercise and a tan all at the same time is not a bad way to spend the afternoon and I love being outdoors and the beach!! So it’s a win, win IMO.. Anyway, I would love any suggestions on a good beach cruiser for a woman. I would like to keep the cost under $300.00 if possible.

Thank you all in advance!!

 

Perhaps...as a long time bike rider of many different disciplines, one unfortunate aspect is that it's not very good exercise, anything that you do has to be regular and of sufficient intensity. Thinking of it as a way be active on the other hand can work out decent. There are many good brands and bikes out there, nearly anything from one of the "major" brands (Trek, Specialized, Giant, Kona, Novaro(REI), etc, will be of equal quality and capability. Beware anything sold in Walmart or similar department stores, as the quality is just total crap, they will go out of adjustment quickly, bearings will seize, soft metal parts will bend/break, etc. Go to a few bike stores and see if they have any beach cruiser models, that will ultimately be the limiting factor, as it's not likely that all of them will even carry a beach cruiser model, but it's also likely that at least some of them will. You want to ride it and see how it will work first, regardless of any recommendations towards a particular model. Sizing is super-important, you want to be sized correctly, again, stuff that points towards trying them at the shop. They also make bikes now that can be ridden on (relatively firm) sand, with much bigger tires than beach cruisers, although they are much more expensive too.

 

25 years ago, Raleigh made good bikes for the money. Not sure now.

 

Thanks guys!! I was told about a bike shop in Newport Beach where you can pick the seat, tires, frame etc and then they build it for you.. I'll have to stop in that bike shop and ask questions... Thank you for taking the time to help!!

Thanks,
FG.