Beach Cruiser Handlebars Guide – Which is the Best One For You? – Peace Bicycles (2024)

Our Diamond Beach Cruisers

Some of the styles include high, long, loose, twisted, and straight handlebars and they're also found in black and chrome. A quality bike will always include them inaluminum to keep the overall bike weight down, but steel options are found on the market as well.

If you just purchased and want to make a more custom beach bikeor are in the process of buying one, there are several beachcomber handlebars for sale you should consider while taking into account what kind of riding style you prefer.

fyi: Our Puppy Cruiser and Dreamer Dutch Bikemodels feature aluminum handlebars which promote an upright seating positionthat is easier on your back vs. a city bike position. You'll find out more below.

Beach Cruiser Handlebars Basics

Handlebars are more than just a tool to steer your bike. Not only do they influence yourcontrol, but they also affect your posture, stamina, and your overall riding ability.

Think of it like this. Your handlebars accomplish all of the following:

• They directly impact how you steer your bike and the overall leverage you have
• Handlebars help you establish favorable posture on your bike
• They help you store important accessories like your light, bell, and brakes
• In the case of a fall, they will help protect your bike by absorbing the majority of the impact

In the world of cruisers, there are two main types of positions that you will ride in. These positions are the classic Dutch bike position and the city bike position.

The Classic Dutch Bike Position

You've probably heard of Dutch bicycles. They are an extremely popular type of cruiser that originated in the Netherlands.

The Dutch bike position is an upright position that has the rider sitting at a 90 degree angle to the ground. This is made possible because the handlebars on a Dutch bike are angled inward towards the rider, enabling them to sit straight.

The advantages of this bike position include:

• A favorable spine position
• Less stress on your arms and hands

The disadvantages of this bike position include:

• Low power transfer to the pedals
• The majority of your body weight will rest on your buttocks
• Biking upright is difficult on longer rides

The Dutch bike position is great if you plan on going on shorter, more casual rides. Most commonly, this type of position is associated with the typical beach cruiser handlebars that have become so common on modern cruisers.

The City Bike Position

The city bike position is similar to the Dutch bike position, but differs in the way the rider is postured.

Unlike the Dutch position, which has the rider sitting at a 90 degree angle, the city bike position forces the rider to sit at a 60 to 70 degree angle.

In addition, the handlebars tend to be higher up in this position.

The advantages of this bike position include:

• The rider's posture gives them a good view of traffic
• The slight angle difference allows for decent power transfer in pedaling

The disadvantages of this bike position include:

• Your overall posture will lead to sore shoulders on longer rides
• The higher saddle will encourage slouching, which is bad for your back

The Types of Beach Cruiser Handlebars

It shouldn't come as a surprise to you that there are several types of beach cruiser handlebars available to you. Like mountain bikes, road bikes, and hybrid bicycles, cruisers bikes have a wide variety of handlebar options.

Still, certain beach cruiser handlebars are more popular than others. In our opinion, the best women's cruiser bikes have the standard cruiser handlebars. Other models include the riser handlebar, the flat bar, or the ape handlebar.

The different types of handlebars all behave differently and will greatly impact the way you ride your bicycle.

The Cruiser Handlebar

If you purchased a stock beach cruiser, it more than likely came with a set of cruiser handlebars like the ones from Felt above, also known as upright handlebars.

This is the most common type of handlebar found on cruiser bikes.

They really are a great option if you are looking for that classic cruiser feel. A set of quality beach cruiser handlebars provide a comfortable ride, look really cool, and are designed to properly hold a basket.

However, they tend to put a lot of pressure on your buttocks, meaning that you will need a comfortable seat. Also,hills can be rather difficult because upright handlebars struggle when it comes to power transfer.

If you are looking for that classic cruiser feel. We highly recommend a set of beach cruiser handlebars.

As an added side note, all of our beach cruiser bicycles come with a set of upright handlebars that are made of high quality steel alloy. What does this mean for you? A more comfortable, easy to pick up, lightweight cruiser bike and cleaner ride that also happens to look pretty cool.

We carry them in two styles including our 7 speed cruiser bikes and our 3 speed cruiser bikes!

The Riser Handlebar

The riser handlebar, like the Answer AlumiliteRiserBar, tends to be more popular on mountain bikes, but some riders install them on their beach cruisers.

This handlebar provides a lot of control, is gentle on the wrists, and performs well on trails.

However, rider handlebars can be a little more expensive them some of the other ones. They also tend to be heavier, a little wider, and struggle with climbing.

If you are interested in grabbing a pair of rider handlebars, make sure that they will be compatible with your frame.

The Flat Handlebar

The flat handlebar isn't much to look at, but it is definitely a well-rounded handlebar option. ThewoodOOcycles Straight Handlebars aboveare quite a unique set.

This versatile handlebar excels at climbing, can handle tight spaces, tends to be lighter, is cheaper, and reduces back strain.

However, it struggles for free riding and tends to lack in the speed department.

This handlebar may be the best choice for you if you are looking for a handlebar that is flatter than the traditional cruiser handlebar.

Installing Beach Cruiser Handlebars

One of the best things about beach cruiser handlebars is how easy they are to install.

Have you ever heard your road bike friend complaining about adjusting his handlebars and adding spacers to his stem? Cruisers don't suffer from that problem.

A pair of sturdy beach cruiser handlebars are easy to install. We're not joking either.

1. Take your solid handlebar piece and grease the main stem bolt. This will help it slide into the steering column.
2. Insert the stem bolt into the steering column.
3. Make sure that it is properly aligned with your head tube and fork. If you do not align it properly, you will have a difficult time steering your bicycle.
4. Once aligned, simply tighten the main stem bolt until it is firmly held in place.
5. Next, adjust the angle of your handlebars with an allen key.
6. Once you achieve the desired angle, lock it in place.
7. The last step is to stare at your finished cruiser and think of all the cool places you will ride it.

Also check out this video:

Personal Preference Is Key

No matter what handlebar you choose, always place a premium on comfort. Also, be sure to check out our beach cruiser tires guide as tires as super key for comfort!

A casual ride deserves to be comfortable and a high quality pair of beach cruiser handlebars will help you accomplish that. The handlebars are an intricate part of a real comfortable cruiser bike!

Peace Bicycles has worked hard to create a better beach cruiser. We are proud to unveil our new line of premium Dutch cruiser bikes. If you have any questions about beach cruiser handlebars, Dutch bicycles, or cruiser bikes for sale in general, feel free to leave a comment below or to get in touch with us.