What is a Lowrider Bike?

Bikes come in all styles and sizes, but few other bicycles are as quirky, flashy and as full of character as a lowrider bike. Based on cars and motorcycles of the same style, a lowrider bike is similar in appearance to many chopper-style motorcycles; the lowrider bike often features high handlebars, a long wheelbase, wider tires, and a more laid back riding position. The lowrider bike is not designed for performance cycling or racing; rather, its purpose is commuting with flash or simply cruising through the neighborhood on a fun and creative bicycle.

Important features of the lowrider bike are similar to those of lowrider cars and chopper motorcycles. Apehanger handlebars – long handlebars that position the hands at eye-level or higher – and banana seats are typical modifications done to lowrider bikes. Sissy bars, wider white-wall tires, and high numbers of straight-laced spokes in the wheels are other features notable on a lowrider bike. A low riding position is, of course, desirable and cause for most of the modifications.

Perhaps one of the most notable and quirky features of the lowrider bike is the springer fork. Modeled after motorcycle springer forks, the lowrider bike fork works in much the same way and adds a unique look to the front end of the bike. The springer fork is typically positioned with a higher rake – or angle in relation to the ground – making a relaxed riding position easier but sacrificing a significant amount of steering control. Much like most of the components of the lowrider bike, the springer fork is often chrome-colored or gold. Combined with chrome fenders on the front and back of the bicycle, the springer fork adds flare and comfort to the lowrider bike ride quality.

Popular today mostly in urban areas, the lowrider bike started appearing at early as the 1960’s with the popularity of the Schwinn Stingray. For children not old enough to customize their own car or motorcycle, the Stingray allowed kids to add flare to their own ride, and the lowrider bike was born. Hobbyists took up the charge when the practice began to fade; but in later decades, customizing the popular and increasingly rare Schwinn Stingrays and other bicycles into a lowrider bike has become a boutique hobby among children and adults alike.