The soothing sound of waves, the sand stretching as far as the eye can see, the beach has always had a magical attraction for people worldwide. And what better way to enjoy this natural beauty than on a beach bike?

What is a beach bike?

The beach bike, also called beach bike or beach racer. Beach bikes are not fat bikes because a tire that is too wide has a disadvantage at the high speeds that are reached. A beach bike is almost always a specially designed bike that can be recognized by the extra wide tires that have little profile, a large outer ring and a fixed front fork. These wide tires offer a number of advantages that make them perfect for bike rides on the beach, but a wide rim is also important for a larger contact surface with the sand. This results in more stability and grip, making it easier to ride over the constantly changing beach. High tide, low tide, a soft part that feels like quicksand... The beach is never the same day!

The geometry of a frame is important; a longer wheelbase and a fork with a slightly 'lazier' angle is ideal for more stability. You also see different handlebars on the beach; a straight handlebar for more stability and a racing handlebar for the long straight stretches. The choice of material is huge.. Put together the ideal Storm beach bike that is specially built for you? We are happy to help you with that!

Storm's top model at the moment is the Moana . This is delivered completely 'beach-ready' with, among other things, special (and extra) grease in the places where it is really needed. So that even after a winter with beach training and beach races the bike can still be taken apart!

As with every bike supplied by Beukers Bike Centre, we also ensure that you sit perfectly on your beach bike by means of a good bike measurement.

Tire pressure

Another feature of a beach bike is the low tire pressure. This is crucial to prevent the tires from sinking deep into the sand and making the ride difficult. It also makes beach bikes comfortable to ride, even on rougher terrain. In beach races, tire pressures of between 0.6 and 0.8 bar are even used! The rim width also has a lot of influence on this. You can read more about that here

Beach racing

There are also various competitions on the beach every winter period. Beukers Bike Centre has been building specially adapted bicycles since the very first beach race and has been one of the most popular beach bike builders since the founding of Storm Bikes in 2003.

Beukers Bike Centre is the right place for beach bikes. Not only Storms are built by hand. Among others, the winning bikes of Sebastian Langeveld (3x Egmond-Pier-Egmond ) and many other brands were built or converted here.

Sebastian Langeveld with Storm fork, Storm Wharenga handlebars and Storm 4-Shore wheelset

Beach racing is described by MTBBeachrace.nl as follows: ''Mountain bike beach racing: a unique discipline within cycling that is only held in the winter. An ideal bridge for cyclists or mountain bikers to also get competitive stimuli in the winter season, but also a perfect way to enjoy the beautiful Dutch beaches. At the front, they ride for the honor, at the back they participate for the atmosphere. This way, as a recreational athlete, you can participate in the same competitions as various professionals and former professionals.''


Jos van Dorp during one of the first beach races in 2002. In Beuker's skating suit for better aerodynamics

In short...

In short, beach bikes offer a unique way to enjoy the beautiful coastal landscapes that the Netherlands, but also Belgium and France have to offer. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, competition or just some exercise in the open air; A ride on the beach with a real beach bike is an unforgettable experience!

Want more information about beach bikes? Want to see which beach bike suits you best or just look at nice material? Then the coffee is ready for you at Beukers Bike Centre in Petten. 1755NN, Ir. van den Banstraat 14

''A Bike Behind The Dike''

NH100

A beach bike is also ideal for the Noord-Holland 100 route , better known as NH100. NH100 is a route through the North Holland Dune Reserve. Also described by creators Niki Terpstra and Laurens ten Dam as ' The most beautiful Offroad training round of North Holland' The fastest bike on this round?

A beach bike!

Through the forests of Schoorl, Bergen, Egmond and Castricum you are only allowed to cycle on the unpaved paths before 10:30. So leaving on time is a must. Once you are out of the PWN area you have all the time to enjoy the beach area from Wijk aan Zee, after which you continue on the MTB trail of Schoorl

To be allowed to drive in this area a D uin card is required. A day card costs €2,-

Two additional tips:

• Check in advance what time it is low tide. At high tide the part on the beach becomes very difficult! #PrimaStrandje

• It is possible that paths are closed while the route has not yet been adjusted. So always make sure you pay attention; riding on paths where it is forbidden to cycle is not good for nature and not good for your wallet. A fine can quickly go up to a hundred euros

Every year on December 24th a large group gathers to ride together, but you can enjoy this route all year round!

A few extra beach race photos:

Egmond-Pier-Egmond 2003 with Marcel Beukers in the middle, with the Quickstep shirt on the left.