By Paul Willerton

The cruiser is one of the most beloved forms of bicycle. Visit any laid back community, resort or beach town, and you’ll see more cruisers than anything else on two wheels.

The bikes welcome less experienced riders with their smooth, forgiving shapes and fat tires. Most of the bikes are probably ridden less than a handful of city blocks at a time.

Heavy bikes with low saddles and limited gear ratios don’t make very good companions for long distances or getting places fast.

I once rented a cruiser in a foreign country to ride 30 miles each way to a trade show. Having the time, I thought “I can do this.” I returned the bike that night exhausted, chafed and aching.

Adding electric assist to a cruiser changes everything, though. Now, [Read more…]