How To Clean Your Beach Cruiser

Beach cruisers are delightfully low maintenance machines.  You can trust them to coast smoothly along the beach, no matter how long it has been since you last rode yours.  And thankfully they are beach bicycles that run on a simple, reliable design.

In Southern California, however, being low maintenance does not make you a star.  Southern California’s best beach bicycles make as much of a fashion statement as everyone and everything else in L.A.  In beachy shades of coral and teal, beach cruisers steal the spotlight from reality TV-worthy sports cars.  Since Southern California is all about being seen, here is how to keep your beach cruiser clean:

How to Give Your Beach Cruiser a Bath

The sand and salty air can leave your bike looking grimy, so you should wash it when you notice it looking less shiny.  Just wiping off the body of the bike with a wet washcloth is enough to restore its luster.  The mechanical parts of the bike, however, require a bit more work.  Cleaning the bike’s drivetrain requires degreaser and a soft-bristled brush.  Likewise, it takes work to clean the chain and front chain rings.  If you do not have a chain cleaning device, manually scrub the chain with degreaser and a towel or dishrag.

How to Clean the Tires

You can wash the tires of your beach cruiser with soap and water, just like car tires.  When you wash your bike tires, check them carefully for cracks and leaks.  Getting a flat tire on a bike is at least as dangerous as getting a flat tire on a car.  Take your beach cruiser to a bike repair shop if you notice anything abnormal about your tires.

It is easy to keep your bike clean using ordinary household items.  Just a few minutes, and your bike will be back on the beach, looking good.