Cruiser bikes are everywhere in the summer, but you also see them around college campuses. These bikes are iconic due to their design, brand, and style. There are also a variety of different beach cruiser bikes, including a single-speed for casual riders or go up to a seven-speed that provides more intensity and distance.
The perfect bike offers comfort and speed, but it’s also about your personality. To find the best bike, some options and features will make you enjoy cruising around on a beach bike.
So how do you pick the best beach cruiser bike?
Most of the time, choosing the best bike depends on your budget and personality. Do you want a bike that can go faster? Do you prefer bikes with storage? Is there an iconic look that you want?
In this guide, we look at the best beach cruiser bikes with the best frames, quality wheels, style, and comfort.
Best Beach Cruiser Bikes Reviews
Now that you’re ready to buy a bike to cruise around the neighborhood, you have to decide how much you want to spend on the bicycle that is going to have the features that make you proud to own it. Beach cruiser bikes are not known for their speed, but you can purchase a model with more gears and the ability to go faster.
In the same vein, you can find beach cruiser bikes that have different styles of braking. These may make it more comfortable for you to stop depending on your strength level and how you like to ride in traffic.
1. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
The bicycle brand sixthreezero is well known for its stylish beach cruisers. The EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser is a versatile cruiser with a 17.5-inch swooping step-through frame made from aluminum. It’s meant to be easy to control for leisure rides and short commutes.
Riding on the EVRYjourney is a comfortable, foot-forward style that keeps you pedaling comfortably. You don’t ever feel like you are going too fast, which is great for a cruiser because you can quickly stop the bike when you need to.
One of the most prominent features of this bike is the 7-speed Shimano gears and rear handbrakes. If you have long commutes, you can use these options to make the commute much easier on your legs. The curvy frame and spring saddle are stylish, and it also comes with a rack to carry and store whatever you like.
Pros
- Super quality, high-performance materials
- Simple gears and a comfortable upright riding
- Wide handlebars
- Secure and rubber-coated comfort pedals
- Easy to carry and maneuver
Cons
- Bit expensive compared to other bikes.
- More padding could increase comfort for the seat.
Verdict
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney cruiser is a great bike that offers comfort and easy maneuverability. You can take this bike to the beach or travel to work on a single gear, or you can choose up 7-speeds if you have a longer commute. The wide handlebars and design of the bike make it a smooth ride for any bicyclist.
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2. Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle
Firmstrong offers a perfectly designed and high-performance cruiser bike with its Urban Lady Beach Cruiser. This is a bike made for long rides down trails and beaches. You can easily take on a bike ride in a single gear or decide to choose one of the 7 gears for a longer ride.
The classic design and attractiveness of this bike are two of the reasons that users rate it highly over other competitors. With a solid frame and modern style, you get an easy and smooth ride with wide handlebars and a comfortable seat. Firmstrong has a very comfortable, wide seat that has a double coil spring.
For the brakes, you can choose between different gears and styles. Firmstrong has a single speed, 3-speed, and 7-speed style for this cruiser. If you are looking for a robust headset, you’ll be pleased that you get that with this model.
Pros
- Easy to assemble with lightweight parts
- Simple and painless assembly
- Lots of accessories
- Affordable for most bikers on a budget
Cons
- No options for baby seats or other riders
- The fender feels a little weak.
Verdict
This is an excellent bike for women and young adults that serves multiple purposes. Whether you want a cruiser for comfortable riding or going around town, then you can take this bike on paved and unpaved surfaces. It’s a great bike for going down the beach if you want a hearty bike that will take you down the shore.
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3. sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bike
Sixthreezero has another cruiser that is a little bit more affordable if you are on a budget, and it’s also quite a bit easier to maneuver. The sixthreezero Around the Block women’s’ cruiser bike is a stylish and sophisticated choice. The style and design choices really stand out. You get a tremendous upright riding bike that has a strong, durable frame made from steel.
The wheels for this 26-inch are bike enough and smooth to allow you to speed through paved and unpaved roads. We also liked that this bike has strong steel fenders that are full-sized and durable, making this bike reliable and resistant to wear and tear.
The lightweight design and wide handlebars are perfect for female riders. With the single-speed, you can take this bike on flat, smooth terrain easily. You’ll keep your shoulders, arms, and bikes in a great position that doesn’t strain your body for those rides.
Pros
- High-quality steel frame and design
- Iconic modern style
- Wide handlebars and upright design
- Lightweight, easy to maneuver
Cons
- The seat is a little uncomfortable.
- No other speeds for longer rides or rides on rough terrain
Verdict
Around the block cruiser is one of the iconic bikes from sixthreezero brands. As a single-speed, this bike is made for easy cruising. You can use backpedaling to stop softly. With large waffle tread tires, you get to cruise and ride with easy-rolling wherever you go.
4. Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The 26-inch men’s beach cruiser is a single-speed bike that offers a relaxed ride. It’s perfect for those who want to cruise on paved walkways or along the beach. The design is a classic 17-inch durable steel frame that curves in all the right places. It comes with large 26-inch wheels. The white-wall tires offer a cushioned ride, while you can easily back-pedal to stop the bike.
The seat is oversized and has dual springs, making it a comfortable ride for those longer commutes. Foam grips on the handlebars also make it easy to maneuver and steer. Firmstrong offers the Urban Man Beach Cruiser in a number of different colors and styles, such as a 26-inch, 21-speed bike.
Pros
- Single-speed and multi-speed options
- Stylish, durable design
- Semi-assembled to start
- Easy-to-use coaster bike
Cons
- Doesn’t fit all body types
- Can be a little expensive for a simple single-speed cruiser
5. Margaritaville Coast Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike
The design of this bike is quite beautiful and sleek. It’s a lightweight aluminum frame with Shimano 7-speed gears. The upright position and high rise handlebars make it a comfortable ride even for longer cruises. The seat is produced from soft leather and has a nice cushion, making it more comfortable to cruise down paved and unpaved terrain.
Some of the brakes features make it incredibly valuable. For example, it comes with complete fenders, cupholder, wire mesh basket, and pull brakes. The aluminum frame is durable but also lightweight enough to allow you to carry the bike as well. The front and rear pull brakes offer the most control when you’re on the road as well.
Pros
- Durable frame with lightweight construction
- Perfect upright design for the female rider and high-rise handlebars
- Fun and stylish details with an iconic design
- Storage and specialty features
Cons
- The higher price tag for additional features
Verdict
The Margaritaville Coast is Clear is a 7-speed beach cruiser that gives you full control over your ride. The colors and decorative features of this bike make it a favorite for those who want a keepsake cruiser that is easy to ride, even as a young adult. While the bike is a bit expensive, you pay for the curve design and additional accessories, such as storage features.
6. Schwinn Perla Cruiser Women’s Bicycle, 26” Wheel
Schwinn is one of the most reliable brands for bicyclists. The Schwinn cruiser is an iconic look that comes with different colors and styles, but it’s also the fender and sweptback design that makes it incredibly stylish for those who enjoy cruiser bikes. This is a 7-speed twist-shifter that can make riding on rough, hilly terrain easy and fun.
The bike comes with really sturdy construction and lots of additional features. For the price, it’s a high-quality bike that meets almost all of the options that we look for in a cruiser. For one, you get alloy linear-pull brakes that stop quickly. The quilted seat is quite comfortable and cushioned.
Pros
- Comfortable, iconic design
- High-quality materials made for performance
- Sweptback handlebars
- Large quilted seat
Cons
- Not recommended for specific body types, including those over 200 lbs or 5’9” tall.
Verdict
The Schwinn Perla is one of the best cruiser bikes that we have reviewed so far. With so many features, high-performance materials, and a 7-speed Shimano design, you can take this cruiser bike on most terrain and have an enjoyable ride.
7. Critical Cycles Chatham Men’s 26″ Beach Cruiser
Most cruiser bikes follow a pastel design, especially if you like that relaxed beach look. However, the Critical Cycles Chatham 26-inch cruiser is made for men. The design is quite different in terms of color palette and tires, but it’s still a high-performance design. The frame is made from steel and provides better shock absorption overall.
Part of the reason bikers choose Critical Cycles is because of the handmade high tensile strength frame that makes it easy to control and cruise. While this bike doesn’t have multi-speed options, the single-speed gears and foot operated coaster brake make it an easy cruise experience for paved roads.
Pros
- Beautiful, sleek black frame
- Hand-made high tensile strength frame
- Single-speed gears for easy coasting
- Upright handlebar design for comfortable riding
Cons
- No wires or hand brakes
- The seat doesn’t have too much cushion
8. Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bike
The Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser offers an incredible lightweight design for cruising down any street or beach way. It’s comfortable to ride, and it’s got a very sleek and masculine look. The aluminum frame is high-quality and ensures you’ll have a long ride. The 7-speed gearing makes it easier to bike up hills and take the bike through rough terrain.
One of the great things about this bike is that it’s easy to control whether you are on a single-speed coast mode or you want to use the front and rear hand brake for more control. The seat is a quick-release design, so you can change the position for more comfort.
If you’re worried about safety, the Kent Oakwood men’s bike has an enclosed chain area. However, you should make sure that you meet the height requirements for this bike.
Pros
- High-quality construction and durable aluminum frame
- Front and a rear handbrake
- Quick-release post clamp
- More control with front and rear brakes
Cons
- Not made for smaller or shorter body types, generally is better for 5’8” or taller.
9. Firmstrong Bruiser Man Beach Cruiser Bicycle
Firmstrong Bruiser Man Beach Cruiser comes in a variety of different styles and colors for men. The white cruiser is a 3-speed design that has 26-inch wheels. The black tires and rims stand out with the white frame, making it very iconic on the beach.
While you won’t be able to take on a lot of hilly terrains, you can use the different speeds for faster pedaling and cruising around town, making it a great commuter bike for the street. It’s a good coaster bike with a plush saddle seat.
Pros
- Beefy frame made for men
- Coaster brakes and a plush saddle for easy cruising
- Uses Shimano Nexus Internal 3-speed hub
- Multiple styles and colors
Cons
- High cost
- Assembly required
10. Huffy 26″ Nel Lusso Women’s Cruiser Bike
One of the bikes that always stands out on the road is the Huffy 26-inch Nel Lusso cruiser bike. It was designed with a front basket so you can store and carry anything you want. It’s also a comfortable design with sweptback handlebars and a high seat that make it easy to go on longer commutes.
We really like the front basket and braking system on this bike. While the style is very iconic, you’ll love that this uses the traditional coaster brake style. It’s comfortable and easy to ride, classic and well-made. The double-density grip and rubber pedals also keep you safe as you go on your commute.
Pros
- Iconic design
- Comes with front basket storage
- Includes beverage holder
- Dual-density gripping system
Cons
- Not a good bike for hilly terrain
Best Beach Cruiser Bikes: Key Features to Consider
If you love the cruiser style, then you generally look for the curve design, sweptback handlebars, and single-speed options, but there are so many new features that newer brands have developed to compete in this industry. Cruiser bikes make riding extremely fun around the beach and town. They also have a different riding position than other bikes.
Here are a few things to look for in a cruiser bike before you purchase:
Traditional Coaster Bike
Cruiser bikes are for those who want a casual ride that’s effortless. The typical coaster bike has a single-speed construction with a back-pedal brake stop. A high rise seat with sweptback handlebars is a good design for those who want comfort and great posture when they cruise as well.
Single-Speed vs. Multi-Speed
Single-speed coaster bikes are more comfortable to operate. You don’t have to worry about any other speeds. However, if you live in a hilly area with a lot of uphill, you will want the multi-speed options that allow you to go into different gears. However, you should determine what your purpose is for the cruiser bike beforehand.
High-Performance Features
Some of the features that you’ll like the most include the curved aluminum bike frame. Some frames are also made from steel. The strength and durability of the cruiser bicycle will make it last longer and withstand long commutes.
Budget
Most cruiser bikes are under $300, but that is still a lot to pay for a bike unless you plan to use it every day. There are many brands on the market with cheaper bikes, but you also want a bike with storage, safety features, a durable frame, and fast pedaling. Before purchasing a cheap bike, you should always look at the warranty, frame materials, and design first.
Tips
There are a few things that make a cruiser bike better than another. There are some crucial factors in the design that you can look for that will tell you whether the bike will be stable and comfortable. Most cruiser bike brands sell a model in different wheel sizes and gears, so you can still get the brand you want typically. However, the cost may go up for multi-speed cruiser bikes.
The Right Bike Size
This is pretty important for cruiser bikes as most bikes are made for women or men based on size and maneuverability. If you don’t meet the height and weight requirements of the bike, you’ll have a hard time using the bike on a daily basis. You may not be able to use a bike that is made for a bigger frame either. You can typically look at the specifications to see what height and weight requirements match each bike.
Look for High-Quality Materials in Bike Frames
Steel and aluminum are the most common for bike frames. Aluminum is more lightweight and a good idea fi your bike needs to be assembled, or you don’t want to carry a heavy bike wherever you go. However, the strength and durability of a steel frame are also pretty important. Aluminum frames are also a little bit more expensive than steel.
Types of Terrain
Do you live in an area with a lot of uphill riding? Then you definitely want to get a multi-speed bike that is going to make it easier to get up those hills. Cruisers were originally made to have a single-speed coaster brake, so you have to look for the 3-speed and 7-speed or higher to get better gears for hilly terrain.
Style
Cruiser bikes are eye-catching because of their colors and design. Most riders choose a bike because the colors and frames speak to them in some way. While some beach bikes are made with pastel colors, there are also sleek masculine frames for men. These include black steel frames that have higher curved frames and wider wheel sizes.
Comfortable Design
The standard cruiser bike has a higher side and wide handlebars. They are made for upright riding and relaxation, but not all brands have the best shocks and cushioned seats. The quick-release clamp seats are the best for positioning, but you also want a quilted, cushioned seat that won’t dig into your backside while you are riding on a longer commute.
Cruiser Bikes vs. Mountain Bikes vs. Road Bikes
Cruiser or coaster bikes are built much differently than any other bike on the road. They don’t have any complicated gears, in general, as they are made for cruising down the beach only. Their frames are also more curved and built more for lightweight construction. Without multiple gears, it can be difficult to get a cruiser bike up a hill. However, that’s not why most people purchase a cruiser bike.
With road bikes, you are probably looking for a faster commute bike that can easily take turns and maneuver through street paths. These bikes are made for flat terrain and don’t generally have any other gear or braking mechanism. In that way, they are very simple to ride and don’t require a lot of maintenance, besides replacing the wheels.
For a mountain bike, you get the most gears and tread on your wheels. These are incredibly fast bikes that are also a bit heavy because they are made for rough terrain. While you can use a mountain bike for inner-city travel and commutes, it’s not going to be the fastest bike or the easiest to maneuver.
While a cruiser bike isn’t either of these, it’s still one of the most comfortable bikes to ride, and you can take it around town as it is lightweight. However, they are similar to hybrid bikes, which are a combination of road and mountain bikes. They are designed for comfortable, casual riding, and they have a different riding position, which is more upright.
Cruisers also have different balloon tires and upright handlebars. Since these bikes are all single-speed or 3-speed, they are most often compared to hybrid bikes. Some have an old-fashioned coaster brake that allows you to pedal backward to stop. These are great bikes for errands and short distance commutes.
Final Verdict
Cruiser bikes are the best for casual and relaxing rides down the beach or when you are riding around town. Whether you are a beginner or a professional cyclist, there’s something to the ease of operating a cruiser bike. With the different brands available, you can find any type of cruiser bike, from color to style, that will appeal to your sensibilities.
From all the bikes on this list, we have to say that the Schwinn Perla really steals our heart for a women’s cruiser bike. With the right frame and sturdy design, it’s the best value for the price, and it’s easy to assemble. It is one of the best beach cruiser bikes on the market currently.
For a men’s cruiser, we like the Critical Cycles cruiser for its sleek black frame and high tensile strength. You can really take this bike along any path. As you shop for the perfect bike, use the buyer’s guide to determine what features you want and how much you’re willing to spend for state-of-the-art design.