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Dress Smart when riding your Beach Cruiser
The clothes you wear while riding your Beach Cruiser must provide protection, comfort and safety. There are clothes which are specifically designed for Beach Cruiser riders. They are both stylish and practical including shorts, with padding on the seat and front, water proof shirts and wind jackets. If you are going to be pedaling your beach cruiser on streets it is recommended that you wear shoes with soles which are both pliable and thick. Even helmets can be dressed up with decals and a little paint. (My personal favorite is using beads and designs which can be bought at Wal-Mart).
When selecting your beach cruiser clothes pick out not only stylish clothing but remember that safety is the number one goal when riding your beach cruiser.
Dress Like a Fruit
In cold or wet weather dress like a fruit by wearing two or three layers of clothes that can be removed or added according to changes in weather temperatures. Just remember that when it is hot banana strip down and so should you. Wearing a single heavy clothing can be cumbersome and impractical as it would soak up more water in case of rain.
Types of Bicycle Clothes B
Pants which absorb rainwater such as Levi material are a bad choice when riding in the rain. Beach Cruiser riding pants should have a snug fit but not chafe the waist, thighs or legs.
Rain repellant materials are plentiful and if you want to style them up add beads with a Bedazzler. My personal favorite is to add flowers and landscape designs.
Shirts and jerseys made of lycra will both reduce wind resistance and are effective in sweat evaporation from the skin. This material will adapt to the skin and if purchased with high colors will safeguard against both sun burn and cold winds. In addition, under garments such as cotton t-shirts should be worn in very cold weather and can be worn above or under the lycra material.
There are special bicycle shoes which can be purchased at most running stores but I have found that a old style thick soled shoe is equally as good. Either canvas or leather has served me well as an upper shoe sole when riding my beach cruiser. In either case I prefer shoes with Velcro straps so that I can tighten them tightly to me feet. However, I know some beach cruiser riders that prefer loose fit shoes and have adapted their Beach Cruiser with Mountain Bike type pedals to hold there feet in place. Not my cup of tea but it shoes the diversity of Beach Cruiser Bicyclist. Addiitonal clothing should include;
Socks that are close-fitting and come with a sewn sole.
Gloves that are padded and have a non-slip grip so as to cushion hands from nerve damage.
Helmets that fit close and cannot be shifted once the straps are tied are an important part of riding your Beach Cruiser. Some helmets have a web that is molded into the foam so as to add an element of protection in the event of impact. (My personal favorite is the Bell Helmet).
Plastic glasses that protect eyes against wind and sun glare, insects and blowing sand. (For me these are essentials).
Finally, remember that Beach Cruiser riding is meant to be fun. Dress for safety but also dress for fun. Add color, beads, logo’s and decals to your clothing and bike. Dress safely, have fun and I’ll see you at the Beach.
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