How To Choose a Bicycle for Bike Paths by the Beach

Nothing is more relaxing than enjoying a bike ride with a full view of the ocean. Luckily, there are many beachside bike paths that make those rides possible, plus many more that your bike rental would know the address of. Nowadays you’ll find few scenic bike routes that force you to pedal through the sand. Though if you don’t mind a little sand in your shoes, pedaling on the beach can be a fun experience. Still, you need to have the right bike if you want to enjoy your ride in comfort. Some opt to ride the Gazelle electric bicycle so they can experience the fresh air and great views without having to put too much work in, whereas others like the gentle peddling that’s required of a pushbike. However, picking a bike for those beachside paths can feel a bit overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start. Here’s what you need to do to choose a bike that’s perfectly suited for the beach.

Decide Between Standard and Electric

Before you can start shopping for the perfect bicycle for men or women, you need to decide between a standard model or an electric version. Standard bikes move under pedal power alone. You’re in charge of how fast you go, but you’ll also have to power through wind gusts on your own. Electric bikes, including hybrid bikes from places like Aventon, have built-in motors that you can use to pick up speed or deal with high winds without pushing your body to the brink of exhaustion. Keep in mind that electric bikes are more expensive. If you’re working on a tight budget, a standard cruiser bicycle may be a better fit.

Pay Attention To Tire Width

Though beachside bike paths aren’t usually right on the beach, you can count on sand and debris to reach the pavement. This means you’ll want to choose a womens bicycle with tires that can roll over the debris easily. When you start your search, look for bikes with wider tires. The wider the tire is, the more stable the ride will be.

Look for Upright Seating Positions

When you’re riding on bike paths by the beach, you want to be able to look around and take in the scenery. This won’t be possible if you’re hunched over in an aggressive riding position like you’d find on most mountain or road bikes. Instead, look for bikes that offer an upright riding position. This will let you look around easily and puts less strain on your hands, wrists and lower back. Even better, you’ll be able to ride longer without experiencing the same amount of fatigue you’d get from a more hunched position.

Choose the Right Speed

Most bike paths are relatively flat, making it easy to get up to speed and stay there without too much effort. These bike paths are ideal for single-speed bikes. These bikes have one gear and often come with a simple coaster brake that makes maintenance a breeze.

However, if you plan on using your bike off the path or to run errands, buying a bike with gears will be a better choice. These gears allow you to adjust the way your bike feels when you pedal. If you’re carrying groceries, shifting into a lower gear will make it easier to maintain momentum. If you’re trying to get up to speed quickly, shifting into a higher gear will make it harder to pedal, but allows you to increase your speed faster.

Choosing the best bike for beachside paths is truly a matter of personal preference. Think about the way you ride and how you want to use your bike before you start shopping. Then, choose the bike that fits your needs best.