What Is The Best Way To Properly Test A Bike Cruiser?

Choosing a Bike

May 26, 2017

There’s nothing quite like hopping onto the saddle of a brand new bike cruiser. Getting a feel for the size and comfort level is going to be important when shopping for a new bike. No matter how much time you spend researching, it can be hard to tell if the bike is the best fit for you until you’ve had a chance to test it out.

Why Should I Test Ride a Bike?

You wouldn’t buy a new car without first taking it for a spin. Purchasing a bicycle is no different. You need to know how it feels in the saddle, if the height is sized properly and how it feels when it rides. In addition to testing out the bike at a local shop, ask around to see if any fellow riders have the bike you are considering purchasing to see how they like it and ask for their cruiser bike reviews. During your bike cruiser hunt, take some time to go to a shop and give the bike a try. You might find that it isn’t what you expected, or it can help you make your decision to move forward with the purchase.

How do I get Ready for the Test Ride?

Safety first is always the best place to start. It can be hard to tell how long a bike has been sitting in a shop. Make sure the bike is ready for the road by checking the tires for deflation and making sure the bike is sized properly for you by checking the height and tilt of the cruiser bike seat, as well as the height of the handlebars. Next, you should take a look at the frame. Check your clearance by standing over the bike and making sure the frame isn’t too large or too small. Checking the brakes is also something you will want to do by giving them a few pumps and making sure they aren’t worn down. Don’t forget to understand how the gears change before you take it to the street. You will also want to wear a helmet, preferably your own so you are comfortable in it. Last but not least, decide where you are going to ride. Start by circling the parking lot to get a feel for it, then take it for about a 20 minute spin around the block. Try to find a loop that includes various terrain so you can see how the bike rides on each.

How do I Know if the Bike Fits?

Once you are on the test ride, keep these few thoughts in mind to make sure the bike cruiser is the right fit. As you ride the bike on various terrain, how does it handle hills and corners? Think about what type of terrain you will ride the bike on most often and make sure it is comfortable. Make sure you are comfortable on the bike. Check your seating position and posture and make adjustments as needed. What is the carrying capacity? Think about whether the bike will be able to handle your carry load and determine if you want to add any accessories.

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