Cycling is a great way to relax and get away from the stresses of everyday life. I enjoy biking along the beach boardwalk, through a park, or just around the countryside and getting away from it all. You can go biking alone or it’s a great activity to do with friends. Even the kids can join in! The exercise benefits are proven and it can even be an option for commuting.
You don’t need the fanciest bike to enjoy yourself. Personally, I think the best bike is one that is comfortable, versatile, and durable. Since I am a more recreational bike rider, I like the cruiser bike. The best beach cruisers bikes are practical, comfortable and stylish. When you ride a traditional road bike, you are hunched over the handlebars, but with the best cruiser bike, you are able to lean back in a normal sitting position.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
What is a beach cruiser bike?
A beach cruiser bike, also known as a cruiser bike or cruiser, is a bicycle that usually has large tires, an upright seating position, streamlined construction and expressive styling. Traditionally a cruiser bike has a single-speed drivetrain, but today many do come with multiple speed gear options. They may not be the fastest bikes around, but they are good bikes for casual cyclists because they are stable and easy to ride. The cruisers are designed primarily for paved roads and moderate speeds/distances.
Note: In this article, I will use the terms (cruiser, cruiser bike, beach cruiser bike, beach cruiser) interchangeably.
Choosing the best cruiser bike
Once you have decided that the beach cruiser is the bike you want to buy, you still have a lot of different bikes, options, and features to choose from. In general, you will need to think about how you plan on using your bike. For example, the best commuter bike needs to be comfortable but might not need to handle rough trails.
Even though cruiser bikes are a popular option for casual bike riders, you still need to understand all the features to choose the best cruiser bike. This can be intimidating if you have not purchased a bike before. Towards the end of this guide, I will explain what you need to look for when you are ready to buy a bike.
Also, many beach cruisers for sale online do require some assembly. In most cases, it is pretty simple, but if you prefer you can pay extra to have it shipped fully assembled.
The Best Cruiser Bikes
Comparison Table Coming Soon
Best Women’s Cruiser Bikes
Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bike
The Around The Block women’s bike is probably the most comfortable bike you will find. It’s upright riding design and sweeping cruiser handlebars keep your back and shoulders relaxed. The dual spring seat and large waffle tread tire help soften any bumps on your ride. This bike is perfect for casual rides up to 20 miles – whether to the beach, down the bike path, or around the neighborhood.
You can get the Around The Block in four gear options (1, 3, 7, or 21 speed). The 7 and 21 speed include front and rear hand brakes, while the 1 and 3 speed have rear coaster brakes.
There is a rear rack where you can add a basket or other accessories. The Around The Block has a 17-inch steel frame, 26-inch wheels, and is sized for riders from 5 feet to 6 feet, 4 inches tall. It comes 85% assembled.
Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The Urban Lady Beach Cruiser bike is perfect for beginners and casual riders who enjoy biking by the beach, around town, or anywhere else there is a paved path. The bike has a classic curvy design with a 15-inch steel frame, aluminum wheels, and white-wall 2-inch balloon tires for a cushioned ride. The oversized seat has dual springs and wide handlebars with rubber grips for added comfort.
The Urban Lady comes as a single-speed, a three-speed, or a seven-speed with a top-of-the-line Shimano internal gear shifting system. The one- and three-speed cruiser models have coaster brakes, while the seven-speed offers front and rear handbrakes.
This bike comes in two wheel sizes and a wide array of colors. The 24-inch wheel is designed for riders 4 feet to 5 feet, 2 inches tall and 26-inch wheel is best for riders 5 feet to 6 feet tall. The bike weighs 38 pounds and is shipped 80 percent assembled. If you would rather not worry about assembling the bike, you can also buy it fully assembled for a fee.
Best Men’s Cruiser Bikes
Firmstrong Bruiser Man Beach Cruiser Bike
Several people have called this bike the perfect beach cruiser for the guy’s guy. I think it’s because it is simple and durable. The Bruiser men’s cruiser bike is ideal for recreational rides and commuting. It comes in single, three or seven-speed models, so depending on how fast and far you want to go, you can choose the one that works for your biking needs.
The Bruiser features a modern look with an elongated frame that fits most men 5′-4″ to 6′-4″ tall with a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds. The curved 19-inch steel cruiser frame design features a thick design, while the 26-inch aluminum wheels with 2.125-inch wide tires roll smooth and minimize any bumps you might ride over.
The oversized seat has dual springs to help make the ride more comfortable. Both the seat and the handlebars are wide and fully adjustable. Whenever you need to stop you simply pedal backward, easing on the coaster brake. The 7-speed model has front and rear handbrakes.
The bike is shipped 80 percent assembled. If you rather not worry about assembling the bike, you can also buy it fully assembled for a fee.
Sixthreezero Men’s In The Barrel 26-Inch Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The In the Barrel bike is stylish, durable and built for comfort. The forward pedaling position, cushy saddle, and leather grips give you the smoothest you could ask for. It features an 18-inch extended steel frame and 1-, 3-, or 7-speed gear options.
Although the bike is designed for riders 5-foot, 4-inches to 6-foot, 4-inches tall, you can adjust the seat and handlebars to customize the fit if you are vertically challenged. You can choose from black or orange.
The bike weighs 44.6 pounds and does require some assembly. If you rather not worry about assembling the bike, you can also buy it fully assembled for a fee.
Best Beach Cruisers for Kids
Huffy Good Vibrations Girls’ Cruiser Bike
The Good Vibrations Cruiser is a simple, one-speed bike that is fun to ride. Young girls will love the pastel colors and fun designs on this bike. It has an easy to adjust padded seat, a durable steel frame, a sturdy kickstand, and coaster brakes. The bike is designed for 7-10 year-old child, with 20-inch wheels and a height of 48-56 inches. It weighs 32 pounds.
The Good Vibrations bike comes with step by step instructions to assemble it. The only tool you need is an adjustable wrench. You can also buy the bike fully assembled for an additional fee.
Firmstrong Urban Boy Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The Firmstrong Urban Boy cruiser bicycle is a great way to introduce your child to biking. It’s perfect for kids just starting out riding because it is simple: it has only one and one brake and you can fit it with training wheels if you need to. The Urban Boy is designed just like Firmstrong’s Mens bikes and has a durable 13-inch steel frame.
This bike is designed for most boys 3 feet, 2 inches to 4 feet, 4 inches tall. Both the seat and the handlebars are easily adjustable for height and tilt for a customized fit. The bike weighs 30 pounds and ships 80% assembled. If you don’t want to deal with putting the bike together, you can buy it fully assembled for an extra fee.
Best Tandem Beach Cruiser
Kent Dual Drive Tandem Comfort Bike
If you would like to do some tandem bike rides, the Kent Dual Drive Tandem Beach Cruiser Bike is a great affordable, high-quality option. The DualDrive Bicycle is packed with features will make your ride easier and more comfortable including a 21-speed Shimano drive train, Revo twist shifters, alloy wheels/brakes, steel frame, spring gel seats, and dual water bottle holders.
I like that the standover height for both seats is minimal to make mounting and dismounting easier. The front frame is 18 inches with a 29-inch standover height, and the rear has a 17-inch frame with a 20-inch standover height.
Some say that a two-person bike is twice as much fun and this one has a total weight capacity of 400 lbs! Keep in mind, like all tandem bikes, the Kent Dual Drive is not light, weighing in at 53 pounds, and does require up extra storage space. Additionally, some assembly will be required.
Best Hybrid Bikes
A hybrid cruiser bike is designed to allow you to ride in a relaxed upright position or a more aggressive, crouched position perfect for moving fast. If you plan on doing some off-road biking in addition to city biking, then a cruiser hybrid bike is a great option. I think Sixthreezero makes the best hybrid bikes for women and men.
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s 26-Inch Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
The EVRYjourney is one of the best womens hybrid bikes. It’s a classic hybrid cruiser bike built for comfort and ready for adventure. You will love the ergonomic step-thru design that allows riders of varying heights to stand over the seat and low lightweight aluminum 17.5-inch frame. It makes mounting and dismounting easy. This bike includes a rear rack that can be used for baskets or other accessories, plus matching full fenders to keep you protected from rain and debris. It also includes a dual spring seat and leather-stitched grips for optimized comfort. The 26-inch wheels with 2-inch semi-slick tires provide a cushioned, stable ride.
You can choose from 3 different colors and 4 different speed options. The EVRYjourney is ideal for trips up to 30 miles and speeds up to 30 MPH. It fits riders 5 feet to 6 feet, 4 inches tall.
The bike comes 80% assembled and weighs 38 pounds when fully assembled. If you rather not worry about assembling the bike, you can also buy it fully assembled for a fee.
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s 26-Inch Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
As you might expect, the EVRYjourney Men’s hybrid cruiser bike is similar to the Women’s EVRYjourney. The main differences you will find is the men’s hybrid bicycles have a slightly larger frame (19 inches) and are heavier at 39.7 pounds.
The bike is only available in matte black. The seat and grips are available in black, brown, and white though. All in all, it is a great cruiser bike with lots of versatility.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cruiser Bike
You need to understand a few key features to be able to choose the best cruising bike for you.
Gears
Cruiser bikes offer a wide range of gears from 1 to 21. A higher number of gears gives you more flexibility but will also cost you more. Unless you are a strong cyclist, the more gears a bike has the more efficient it will be at maintaining a comfortable riding speed. Especially if you are planning to do some rides in hilly areas, the extra gears will come in handy. The other thing you should keep in mind is that the more gears the bike has the heavier it will be.
Choose a single-speed model for cruising around the neighborhood and easy-going rides on flat terrain. If you’ve got hills to climb or want to cover more miles, you will want a 3-speed and 7-speed model. A 21-speed model helps you tackle demanding street, trail, long distance, and uphill riding.
Many of the bike models with either one or three gears have rear coaster brakes instead of hand brakes. This means you pull the left handbrake lever and pedal backwards to stop.
Bike Frame and Wheel Size
When determining the right cruiser bike size, you need to consider both the frame and wheel size. Children’s bikes are generally measured by wheel size, rather than by frame size. Remember children do grow very quickly and you need to take this into consideration when buying a kids bike, however, if you buy a bike that is simply too big for your child, you will compromise your child’s safety, and ultimately discourage your child from cycling. Most adult bikes have a 26″ wheel diameter.
Match the correct bicycle frame to your height. A 15-inch frame will fit adults ranging in height from 4 feet to 5-foot-4. Frames in the range of 15 to 21 inches will fit adults from 5 feet to 6-foot. Adults over 6 feet tall may require an extended frame.
Cruiser Bike Frame Material
The material used for your bike frame will impact the price, weight, and durability of your bike. Bike Frames are typically made from these materials:
- Titanium – More expensive but lighter than other bike frame materials.
- Steel – Popular because it is durable and affordable.
- Chromoly – The material is both durable and lightweight.
- Carbon fiber – Can be a blend of metals or a mix of carbon metal and plastic but will be strong and light.
- Aluminum – Light, strong, and does not rust. The downside is that it does not absorb the road as well as steel.
Ok so there you have it, my guide to the best bikes for cruising. It’s an important purchase! I am confident you will choose the right cruiser bike for you.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Cruiser Bike Ride is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.
