fenders for city riding

Beach Cruiser Tires : Ultimate Guide to Help you Decide!

In the market for beach cruiser tires? There are a few things you will want to know...

If you're asking questions like the ones below read on:

Here are some of the Dutch beach cruiser bikes we offer for sale online:

Our Diamond Beach Cruisers

 

 

 

 

 

What size are beach cruiser tires?

Which cruiser bicycle tires are right for me?

Do I need a 20,24, or 26 size tires?

What's the difference between 26 x 2.125, 26 x 2.35, and 26 x 3 widths?

What are some of the brands of beach cruiser tires out there?

What colors do beach bicycle tires come in?

Are balloon tires the same as beach cruiser tires?

Where can I find beach cruiser tires for sale?

Tires are one of the, if not the, most important bike parts for truly comfortable cruiser bikes. Like most bicycles, beach cruisers have various tire options available to them. Some of the most common options include balloon tires or fat tires, mountain-bike style tires, and in some cases, even narrower tires.

Cruiser bicycle tires range from cheap to expensive, come in 20,24, and 26 inch sizes, and 26 x 2.125, 26 x 2.35, and 26 x 3 widths. In fact, 26 is the standard adult tire size for a 26 women's cruiser bike. 24 is for smaller bicycles and 20 is for kids.

Some of the most notable brands include CSTSchwalbe, and Slick. Beach cruiser colored tires are also found in red, tan, white wall, yellow, and brown colors.

The type of tire you choose for your beach cruiser will heavily depend on how you want to ride it. Our Puppy and Dreamer series cruiser bikes come with balloon tires which are most common on beach cruisers. They provide a comfy ride with plenty of traction.

Link to product pages

Which Beach Cruiser Tires? Ask These Questions First

cruiser bike tires vintage

Photo via Bestenthusiast.com.

When purchasing beach cruiser tires, first ask yourself the following questions:

  • Do you plan to ride it on casual bike trails?
  • Will you be riding it on sand and dirt?
  • Do you want a bouncy or firm ride?

If you plan to do the majority of your riding on smooth bike lanes, you will probably want to look at a normal narrower tire.

In contrast, if you are going to hit up some dirt trails or rougher paths, balloon tires are your friend.

Lastly, narrower tires will provide you with a firm ride, while fat tires will be a lot bouncier.

Beach cruiser tires come in various sizes, including 16", 20", 24", and 26".

Typically, the 16" fits on children's beach cruisers, while the 26" is more commonly found on adult bikes.

Our Dutch bikes, for example, all come with 26" balloon tires.

Beach Cruiser Tires Explained

black beach cruiser tires

The major difference between the different beach cruiser tires is their size and the way they perform.

Most tires you look at for your beach cruiser will be able to handle the majority of casual riding. Still, it is important to understand where each tire excels.

Tire Width

Balloon tires usually come in a 26"x2.125" format.

What does this mean? In basic terms, the tire is 26 inches in diameter and 2.125 inches in width.

In contrast, mountain bike tires are usually 1.5 inches to 2 inches wide, while road bike tires are a skinny 0.9" wide.

There are several other variations that maintain the same diameter, but are either narrower or wider.

When sizing beach cruiser tires, always measure in decimals as there are many tire types that have slightly different measurements. Because of this, you will want to make sure they are capable of fitting on your bike's rims.

Another general rule of thumb to remember is that skinny equals fast, and wide equals slow. The trick is to find a balance between the two that is capable of handling the type of riding you want to do. The balloon tires on our cruiser bike measure in a 2 x 2.125 and provide the best of both worlds.

Tread Type

cruiser bike tires wide

Photo via Pushys.com.

Tread type is another thing that will directly impact the way your beach cruiser tires perform.

Smooth tires are a lot speedier and easier to pedal with because of how they make less contact with the road. The smooth nature of these tires allows them to make minimal contact, making it easier for you to pedal and get going.

You should choose smooth tires if you plan to ride on paved paths that are in good condition.

On the other hand, tires with a thick tread will be harder to pedal on, but will be able to handle rougher surfaces. A thicker tread results in a loss of speed, but a gain in traction and control.

You should choose a tire with tread if you plan to ride your beach cruiser at the beach, on dirty paths, or rough pavement.

Beach Cruiser Tires Psi

Every tire requires a different level of psi.

For example, a lower psi will provide more cushion and bounce, while a higher psi will offer a rigid ride.

You will want to keep your tire psi around 35-65 psi if your beach cruiser tires are balloon tires. In contrast, road bike tires typically ride at 100 psi or higher.

It is recommended that you refill your beach cruiser tires every 2 weeks at a minimum.

Your tires always come with a psi range. The most important thing you can do is find a psi that is comfortable to you and keep your tires as close to it as possible.

Remember, 4-5 psi on tires that require 35-65 psi is a substantial difference and every little change will alter how your tires feel and perform.

Fat / Wide Beach Cruiser Tires

beach cruiser tires fat

This is the perfect tire for you if you want a bouncy ride that is capable of riding on most surfaces.

In addition, fat tires tend to have tire tread on them as they are designed to ride on multiple surfaces.

Pros

  • Great in sand, snow, and soft conditions
  • Very bouncy ride that is easy on your back
  • Puncture resistant
  • Low pressure

Cons

  • Heavier to pedal around because of how fat they are
  • Terrible in wet conditions
  • Do not have great top speed
  • Harder to steer

Skinny / Narrow Beach Cruiser Tires

beach cruiser tires narrow

Photo via unclejef / Photobucket.

The major difference between narrow tires and fat tires is the width. Without going into too much detail, here are a few pros and cons for this tire.

Pros

  • Lighter / faster
  • Easier to pedal
  • Best for smooth, paved paths
  • Tread options available to improve control

Cons

  • More prone to puncture
  • Rougher ride at high pressures
  • Bald tires do not handle snow, sand, or dirt as well

Common Tire Problems to Consider

Wouldn't it be great if you could ride your bicycle and never experience any problems? That would truly be a perfect world.

Sadly, we don't live in this kind of world and you will eventually experience problems with your beach cruiser.

Flat Tires

beach cruiser bike flat tire

Let's face it. Flat tires happen from time to time.

However, if you find that you are continuously suffering flat tires, it may be time to replace your tires.

Like any part on your bicycle, you tire will wear out over time and you will need to replace your tires.

So how do you know if your tires are wearing out? As mentioned above, frequent flat tires in a short span of time are a good indicator.

Another thing to look for is how worn out and smooth your tires are. If your tire normally has tread, but now feels smooth, it may be time to change them.

Likewise, if you notice several scratches or nicks in the rubber, that is an early sign that your tire's lifespan is nearing its end.

Keep in mind, should your beach cruiser tires suffer a flat tire, this doesn't mean that you have to change the entire tire.

If your tires are new, you need only change the tubes on the specific flat tire.

You can also purchase patch kits to mend minor damage. However, these patch kits aren't perfect and will not fix every hole.

Changing Your Tubes

Changing a tube is easy and inexpensive. All you will need is a new tube, 2 tire levers, and a pump.

  1. Simply remove the tire from the frame of your bicycle.
  2. Pop the tire off the rim using your tire levers.
  3. Pull out the old tube and check your tire for any major damage. If everything checks out and you manage to locate the source of the flat, proceed to step 4.
  4. Take your new tube and inflate it so that it holds its shape and fills the inside of your tire. Also, make sure to lock the tube in place by screwing the lock ring over the valve tip.
  5. Once the tube is installed, put the tire back on your room and slowly push and stretch it back into place until it fits nicely.
  6. Inflate your tube to your desired psi.
  7. Lastly, put your wheel back on your frame. This step will vary depending on the type of frame and fork you have.

Ask for Help

If you are feeling overwhelmed with the idea of choosing a pair of beach cruiser tires, don't stress.

Peace Bicycles has worked hard to design a better beach cruiser with our Puppy series. If you have any questions about beach cruiser tires, cruiser bicycles, or if you want to learn more about bicycles in general, feel free to check out some of our other in-depth guides and to leave a comment below.

Beach cruisers are one of the best bicycles if you are looking for a casual ride, and with so many tire options available, you can customize your ride to suit your riding style.

Eric Carriere

6 comments

  1. Bill King

    I have a Raleigh trike 24 inch front tire and 20 inch rear tires. want to replace standard rear tires with balloon or
    fat tires for smoother ride. Can this be done ??? do they make fat or balloon to fit standard 20 inch rims ?
    bowrail85@gmail.com

  2. James Bangert

    I have a Huffy 26 inch Beach Cruiser and have had problems with flat tires since I bought it less than a year
    ago. I do not ride it hard, but even a Sand-Burr will puncture the tire and tube. Even replacing the tubes with
    the self-sealing ‘Slime’ tubes hasn’t resolved the issue. I can ride the bike 2 miles to the store, check the tire
    when I leave the store and it’s fine. I ride a couple of blocks and the tire is noticeably going flat. I ride either
    on the road, or bike paths, though both are rough in spots.

    1. Jason

      The valve core is more than likely loose. The valve core assembly is threaded into the valve stem. Purchase a
      Schrader valve tool. They are usually a 4-in-1 tool. One end has a post with a notch/slot on the bottom the
      post.

      In only six EASY steps:

      1.) Remove valve stem cap and set aside…don’t lose it! NOTE: make sure the valve stem is perpendicular to the
      rim (90 degress to the face of the rim)
      2.) Insert notched end of tool into the valve stem. It will go down to the top of the valve core.
      3.) Now turn and/or wiggle the tool until the notch on the tool falls into the raised notch that is on top of the
      valve core.
      4.) Tighten the valve core by turning the tool to the right (clock-wise). Don’t over-tighten the valve core (make
      sure its really really snug).
      5.) Remove tool, and fill tire with air to desired/recommended pressure.
      6.) Replace valve stem cap.

      Note: if this doesn’t work, replace valve core(s). If you still have a leak, check tube. If tube is good, check one
      or more of the spokes have poked the tube (from the inside of the hub/rim. GOOD LUCK!

  3. Hank

    I have been looking at balloon tires. My
    cruiser came with 2.125 width. I replaced it
    with the same width tire. Manufacturer
    pressure on the tire shows they are to be 40psi.
    I see other manufacturers list a range to be in.
    Am I okay to run the same tire within the
    same range or am I better off switching tires
    and using the manufacturer who list the range
    of pressures? I’d like to run the at lower
    pressures.

    1. Peace Bicycles

      Balloons can be ridden below the psi #. There is usually a range that is allowed printed in the tire:)

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