Today’s bicycle frames are made from many different materials, such as carbon, titanium, steel, or aluminum. Today’s Beach Cruisers generally come with a steel or aluminum frame. Which material is better is the question that is best answered by understanding what you need. You also need to understand your surroundings and your expectations from a beach cruise.
Pros and cons of steel
Steel frames tend to be more flexible. This flexibility can help dampen road vibration and create a more comfortable ride. Steel is a durable material. Steel is also a strong material that tends to break less than aluminum. If the frame breaks, it can often be repaired by welding. However, steel can rust if the paint chips. Today’s steel frames tend to be a steel alloy rather than pure steel. This helps lighten the weight of fame a bit. Steel frame beach cruisers tend to be less expensive than aluminum frames.
Pros and cons of aluminum
Aluminum is a lighter material, but it actually transfers more vibrations from the road to the rider than steel. Aluminum is a rust resistant metal. This makes this type of frame a good choice for environments with more humid or salty air. However, they tend to be stiffer and less durable than steel frames. Care must be taken not to bend the frame as this will weaken the overall frame. These frames are not as easy to repair as steel frames. They are more expensive and not so easy to repair. The stiffer frame can make the ride a bit more difficult. However, with a good seat, the journey can be much more comfortable.
Final thoughts on the cruise
The type of beach cruise frame you select should be based on your needs. Getting a steel or aluminum frame really comes down to what you want to get off the bike. Steel is usually cheaper and more durable if the paint is not chipped. Steel bikes tend to be heavier than aluminum frames. Aluminum frames do not rust. Both bike frames can be customized with accessories to further personalize them to the rider’s taste and personality. In general, steel is also cheaper than aluminum. Many bike shops or online stores offer steel and aluminum frame beach cruisers.
