If you haven’t been on a bike in awhile, or even if you’re an avid cyclist, you might have considered looking into a “cruiser”. Rather than dropping a bundle on a high-end mountain bike or road bike, you can get comfort, style and fitness in a lower-priced package. And now, Meaford has it’s own dealer of Elektra brand cruisers, comfort bicycles and hybrids at Ride On Bikes. Not ready to buy yet? Try one out. You can rent one of these popular bikes and set off on your own, or join one of the guided tours the new store is offering.

The original cruisers were the most popular bikes in North America from the 1930s through the 1950s, then after a 30 year slump, they started making a comeback among baby boomers and retirees about 15 years ago. Elektra, launched in 1993, is one of the main companies credited with the resurgence of the cruiser.

In the early 2000s, Paul Bishop worked in the shop at Toronto’s Bikes and Boards, a spin-off of Sporting Life. “I was building Elektra Townies, among other bikes,” he says. “I liked them, and I saw they were selling 10 to 15 a week, so I knew they were a good thing.”

Cycling had always been a huge part of Paul’s life. He was a mechanic for various retailers, and he worked in Sporting Life’s shop from their opening. He also raced criteriums for Duke Cycle, started their racing team in the 1980s, and toured through Europe on bikes. “I’m a huge cyclist,” he says.

A few years back, Paul met Janet Perks, Meaford born and bred, and four years ago, the Toronto native found himself moving in with Janet to her family farm. “All of a sudden, I’m living on a 100-acre farm and driving a tractor,” he says. All he needed to do was incorporate bikes into the mix.

He started offering bike repairs at the farm on the 7th line, but he kept thinking about opening a shop. When he saw the opportunity for a space on Trowbridge Street, just east of Sykes, he and Janet jumped at it. Ride on Bikes held its grand opening two weeks ago.

Paul says his market is anyone who wants to ride and is still able to. “These bikes are perfect for people who maybe haven’t been on a bike for awhile or who aren’t comfortable on ordinary bikes, who maybe get sore backs or shoulders from riding,” he says. “These things are amazing. You can ride them forever.” Elektra’s “Flat Foot Technology” (or “crank-forward” design) means you can rest your feet on the ground while sitting in the saddle, but still get full leg extension and power when you pedal.

“I have three-speed and seven-speed cruisers and 21-speed road hybrid bikes, which are great for the Georgian Trail, and can easily take you on a 30 K ride,” says Paul. “The internal three speeds are awesome. They’re a blast to ride, and they use coaster brakes, which are great.”

Ride on Bikes rents the comfort bikes for $25 for a half day and $40 for a full day, and that includes a helmet, lock and bike trail map. And if you’ve ever wanted to try a “bicycle built for two”, you can rent the tandem for $15 an hour.

Janet Perks and Paul Bishop, of Meaford’s Ride on Bikes, try out the tandem.

Paul plans on guiding some tours in the fall, but staff mechanic (and avid rider), Christian Lewin, is ready any time, says Paul. Christian is also working on a series of self-guided rides, with detailed maps and directions, called “Christian’s Picks”.

Visit the website to learn more.