Most recreational bike riders ride bikes that were made for road racing. They do this because they want to maximize their performance. The narrow tires, drop handlebars and light weight allow them to go farther and faster on a given level of effort.

But racing bikes are impractical for a trip to the store or indulging in cafe society in downtown Benicia. You could purchase a new or used cruiser bike, but I like the idea of recycling an old road or mountain bike. You may already have one of these, a model left over when you upgraded to the bike you're riding currently.

If not, I have an idea where you can get one: your neighbor's garage. They would be glad to get rid of the bike they don't ride or the one their daughter left behind when she went away to college.

If it's a mountain bike, the changes needed to turn it into your cruiser are minimal. You already have flat bars, so all you need are smooth tires. My favorite is the “Town & Country” model by Continental. It's not a slick, but has a reverse tread, so it rolls smoothly but also can handle dirt and gravel roads should the need arise. It comes in several widths, but only for 26-inch (mountain bike size) wheels.

If you're making your cruiser out of a road bike there is more to do. Older steel-framed bikes work best for repurposing because the tubes are thinner, resulting in more tire clearance than aluminum or carbon fiber frames. You should be able to get 28 or even 32 mm tires to work. Also, the older bikes had shifters mounted on the down tube, so you can just leave the gears alone. Put flat bars on it and maybe a more comfy saddle and you're good to go. Patch editor JB Davis rides one of these, and you can often see it on the sidewalk of the coffee houses he frequents when holding office hours.

For the ultimate rehab bike, put 650B wheels on it. These are an intermediate size between road and mountain wheels and will increase the tire clearance. Tires widths are available up to 40mm for a cushy ride. The Sheldon Brown web site has an informative discussion about the finer points of 650B conversion.

Whether your cruiser is a recycled mountain or road bike, you may want to add a rack or basket to carry the odd grocery store purchase. Your laptop would be safer in the messenger bag.

I see a lot of people riding cruisers up and down First Street, and I see bikes parked in front of Java Point, First Street Cafe, Char's, and even The Rellik Tavern. It's easy to ride downtown since it's flat, the streets are wide and the traffic moves slowly. Cruising downtown on your bike allows you to experience small-town life in a most enjoyable way.