Stretch Cruiser Riding Top Tips: A Complete Guide To Cruiser Gear Systems!

You want to enjoy the summer sunshine on your Stretch Cruiser , but you get caught on a hill or a headwind? Don't worry, you're not alone! Many people think that stretch cruisers should be ridden casually, but the truth is that using a well-designed gear system - it's like the “smart brain” of a stretch cruiser - can make all the difference.

Today, we'll talk about how to unlock the mysteries of your stretch cruiser's gears, say goodbye to sore knees, easily handle small challenges, and realize true “Effortless Cruising” so that every trip becomes enjoyable!

 

I. Why do stretch cruiser riders need to know about gears?

Imagine you are enjoying the breeze on the beach road, and suddenly you come across a section of rolling road. Wouldn't it be a bit awkward if the bike could only use a fixed force to keep you going?

Stretch cruisers are all about comfort and relaxation, but proper gearing can greatly enhance your riding experience.

-Enhance comfort: Finding the right gear ratio will make your pedaling more natural and easier, and you can say goodbye to the knee discomfort caused by “hard pushing”.

-Easy to cope with changes: Whether it's a small hill, a headwind, or carrying friends and gear, the right gears will keep you at ease.

-Extend the life of your bike: Avoid riding under extreme loads, which can better protect the chain, flywheel, and other key components.

Simply put, gearing isn't a burden on a stretch cruiser; it's the key to enhancing the cruising experience. Use it well and double the fun!

 

II. Dispelling Myths: Common Mistakes that Ruin the Fun of Riding

Before we delve into the different gearing systems, let's take a look at these common misconceptions. Have you been caught?

- Myth 1: Stretch cruisers don't need to shift gears, or shifting gears is “technical” and not for me.

Truth: Even single-speed bikes need to "accommodate" it. For multi-speed bikes, shifting is the key to enjoying different road conditions. Modern stretch cruisers are designed to be very user-friendly and not difficult to maneuver with a flick of the wrist.

- Myth 2: Cruising is all about going “stupid fast” and pedaling as hard as you can.

Truth: The core of crusing is "comfort" and "enjoyment". Excessive force is not only tiring, but it can also damage the vehicle. Finding the right rhythm and gear ratio for you and cruising easily is the way to go.

- Myth 3: You don't need to worry about anything when shifting gears, just move whenever you want.

Truth: The timing of shifting is very important! Especially on multi-speed bikes, avoid forced shifting while pedaling hard or climbing hills, which can easily damage the gearing system.

Avoid these potholes, and your riding experience will immediately go up a notch!

 

III. Practical guide: single speed vs three speed vs seven speed, how to use it right?

Single-speed: Keyword: “route fit”

The single-speed stretch cruiser is like a focused partner with a relatively fixed drivetrain and few options. The key to riding it, therefore, is to carefully plan your ride before you set out. That way, you can avoid those long uphill or strong headwind sections that strain you and make your ride smoother.

Scenarios:

Flat surfaces (city streets, coastal highways, parks, and greenways). These are the places where the fixed gear ratio of a single-speed bike is at its best, providing a direct and pure riding experience.

Points for use:

Choosing the right route is most important! Try to avoid long uphill or strong headwind sections. Ride at a constant speed and avoid sudden power or hard braking. Pay attention to the rhythm of the start, but also pay attention to the rhythm of the force, avoid riding under extreme load, so as to prevent excessive wear and tear or even chain breakage.

Special Tips:

Many single-speed stretch cruisers are equipped with a rear brake (Coaster Brake). Pay attention to the technique of using the rear brake, avoiding stepping on the rear brake violently, which may cause the vehicle to lose control or the chain to be subjected to too much force. Gentle braking is the key.

Tracer family

Now that you've learned about the features and riding essentials of a single-speed stretch cruiser, let's take a look at the Tracer Scorpion Pro DTS. As we mentioned earlier, single-speed bikes need to be “accommodating”, and the Scorpion Pro DTS is the perfect example of this. 

Its classic 26'' extended chopper design provides a comfortable "rear layback" that's perfect for pure riding pleasure on flat city, beach or park trails. It features a high-strength, chunky steel frame and upper and lower dual-spring forks to absorb impact, wide FAT whitewall tires with alloy wheels and chrome spokes, and a classic Coaster rear brake, so be sure to tap the brakes lightly while riding and avoid slamming on them.

 

3-Speed: Keyword: ”Balanced and flexible"

The core advantage of the 3-speed is "flexibility". It can easily cope with changes in road conditions - low gears save energy on hills and high gears accelerate quickly on flat roads. The key is to shift gears accurately, so you can ride comfortably and efficiently on the road.

- Scenarios:

Daily commuting, leisure riding, able to cope with small urban hills, light headwinds, and other changes, a perfect combination of comfort and flexibility.

- Principle of use: “Gradient fit”

• 1st gear: for easy starts, climbing gentle hills, carrying loads, or headwinds. Provides the lightest gear ratio for effortless starting.

• 2nd gear: Transitional gear for flat road cruising or slight inclines, balancing some climbing ability and cruising efficiency.

• 3rd gear: Used when cruising on a flat road or going down a gentle hill, provides a slightly higher gear ratio for more efficient pedaling.

- Core Tips:

To ensure the smoothness and durability of the three-speed system, please shift under light load and avoid hard operation to protect the transmission parts. Avoid shifting while pedaling hard or while climbing a hill, as forcing the gears will not be smooth and may damage parts. It is recommended that you operate gently and allow the shifts to occur naturally.

Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Internal 3-Speed Bicycles

Tracer family

Now that you’ve learned about the features and riding essentials of a three-speed stretch cruiser, let’s take a look at the Tracer Master 3i.  As we mentioned earlier, three-speed bikes need to be “accommodating”, and the Master 3i is the perfect example of this.

That's as retro and unique on the outside as it is powerful on the inside. Its ergonomic design allows you to ride comfortably, while the dual shocks and thick tires provide stability and comfort. The stable three-speed system with reliable disc brakes handles speed switches with ease. The special steel frame, deluxe seat, and thick tires all ensure durability and comfort.

 

7-speed: Keyword: “Flexibility”

The 7-speed is a versatile vehicle that adapts to a wide range of changes and allows you to find your “comfort zone” in all kinds of conditions. Ideal for: scenarios that require a higher degree of adaptability, such as in the city, on undulating country roads, or even on longer leisure trips with a bit of luggage.

-Scenarios: Scenarios that require greater adaptability, such as cities with changing road conditions, undulating country lanes, or even longer leisure trips with some luggage.

- Principle of use: “Gradient adaptation”

• 1-3 gears: For easy starts, climbing gentle gradients, carrying loads, or in headwinds. The gear ratio is low and provides high torque.

• 4-5 gears: cruising on flat roads, this is the most commonly used comfort zone". The gear ratio is moderate, and pedaling feels natural and smooth.

• 6-7 gears: Riding downwind, downhill, or when you need to accelerate a little. Higher gear ratios improve pedaling efficiency.

- Core Tips:

1. Smooth Shifting: Emphasize that it is best to pedal lightly when shifting gears to take advantage of the smoothness of the Shimano shifting system and to avoid chain skipping. o Avoid forceful shifting when under stress.

2. Avoid forcible shifting when there is a lot of force: If you are pedaling hard, climbing a hill, or the chain is under extreme tension, forcible shifting will easily damage the derailleur or the chain.

Tracer family:

Having understood the advantages, features and usage scenarios of the seven-speed bike, let's now take a specific look at this Raider Pro DS7 from the house of Tracer and see how it blends these advantages perfectly.

It has vintage Chopper styling and is even equipped with the Shimano TY300 7-speed transmission system that lets you tackle city streets and mild hills with ease. Wide FAT whitewall tires for stable grip, dual spring forks and suspension saddle, plus reliable disc brakes and rust-resistant chrome components. Allowing you to ride calmly and efficiently no matter what the road.

 

IV. Advanced Tips: Making Cruising More Comfortable and Safer

Having mastered the basics, let's go a little further and take the cruising experience to the next level!

-Riding pace on a single-speed bike: Even on a single-speed bike, it's important to find and maintain a comfortable "golden cadence"(i.e., to find a peading frequency that feels effortless and maintains an even pace). Maintaining an even pedaling rhythm and avoiding fast and slow pedaling not only improves efficiency but also reduces fatigue. When you encounter a little resistance, try adjusting your body position to take advantage of gravity to help you move forward.

-Three-speed bike "micro-manipulation": With a 3-speed bike, you can try finer maneuvers than just basic hill adaptation. For example, when you need to accelerate slightly on a flat road, you can try shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear to feel the speed increase. Make good use of these 3 gears to find the most comfortable balance in different road conditions, so that riding will be more relaxed and safer.

-Comfortable fine-tuning of a 7-speed bike: The advantage of a 7-speed bike is its flexibility. When encountering small bumps, in addition to relaxing your body, adjusting the gears appropriately can also help. For example, for minor bumps, you can try fine-tuning to a slightly higher or lower gear to find a golden combination of smoother pedaling and less body swaying". The seven-speed's plentiful options make it easier to find that comfort point. Remember, shifting isn't a big deal, just flick it.

 

V. Maintenance: Keeping Your Gear System Lasting

Gear systems need care to serve you well:

-Regular chain cleaning: After riding for a while, the chain will be covered with dust and oil, which will affect the smoothness of shifting and the life of the gears. Clean the chain regularly with a chain cleaner and a brush.

-Check chain tension: A loose or too-tight chain will affect shifting and the riding experience. Refer to the owner's manual or consult your local dealer for adjustments.

-Keep the shifiting sysytem clean: front and rear derailleurs and flywheel should also be kept clean to avoid debris jamming and affecting shifting.

-Check the brakes: especially for single-speed bikes with Coaster brakes, make sure that the brake pads are worn within the normal range and are responsive.

Further reading: Essential Bike Maintenance Tips for Every Rider

 

VI. Conclusion: Easy to master, enjoy every journey

Tracer offers a wide selection of stretch cruisers tailored to riders with diverse needs, ranging from focused single-speed models to nimble three- and seven-speed options. Once you master the basic shifting techniques and combine them with the characteristics of your bike, whether it's the focus of a single-speed, the balance of a three-speed, or the agility of a seven-speed, you'll realize how easy and comfortable it can be to drive a Tracer stretched cruiser.