10 Best Cruiser Bikes – Reviews & Analysis

 

Top Bikes for Cruising – Guide & Comparison

 

Are you trying to find the best cruiser bikes but can’t really decide on which one to choose as your next ride? With the market so overcrowded with tons of models, and countless cruiser bikes reviews to read, it’s understandable if you might feel confused right now. That’s why we’ve done the hard work and compiled a list of top products and a buying guide so you can get the right bike without wasting your time. After carefully looking through plenty of models, our first recommendation is the sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bike. Despite its name, it is suited for more than just a ride around the block. It comes with a steel frame, a single speed that’s great for flat surfaces, as well as strong 26” wheels and a comfortable saddle. In case this model is out of stock or you’re looking for mens cruiser bikes, you might want to take a look at the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Step-Through Hybrid.

 

 

Comparison table

 

 

 

10 Best Cruiser Bikes (Updated Reviews) in 2021

 

 

Whether you’re looking for affordable cruiser bikes or something more expensive with more features, you’re in the right place. We’ve selected the top-rated models and wrote a cruiser bikes review for each so you can make an informed choice and get the one that’s best suited for your riding style and budget.

 

 

1. sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser Bike

 

This bike is perfectly suited for women (and not only) who want to enjoy relaxing rides across the city. It comes with a 17-inch frame that’s built of steel so you can trust it to carry you over bumps and potholes for years to come.

Thanks to the upright riding style, you will get to enjoy daily commuting to your job and back or going shopping, especially since it comes with a rear rack where you can also attach bike panniers. The dual-spring saddle complements the upright configuration so you ride in a natural position and avoid shoulder or back sores which would be typical of a mountain/road bike.

The 26-inch wheels are perfect for fast maneuvering around corners and have decent spin efficiency. The 2.125-inch rims are made of aluminum for enhanced durability while the tires come with a large waffle tread pattern for improved cushioning. The bike is single-speed, and braking is done by pedaling backward or holding the pedals steady.

 

Pros

This bike comes with a stylish geometry and blacked-out components which will surely make any rider proud and turn heads on the street.

The 26-inch wheels offer the right mix of speed and maneuverability which should ensure easy riding even on narrow city streets.

The 17-inch frame is a size right in the middle so it should fit women/girls of various heights.

While the single-speed design might be tough to handle at first, it offers way better pedaling efficiency, let alone the fact that it makes the bike much lighter.

The turned handlebars and dual-spring saddle should offer plenty of comfort even for longer rides.

 

Cons

As braking requires backward pedaling, which can be tough at first, some people may not feel very safe in the beginning.

Because there’s just one speed, pedaling uphill might prove to be quite difficult, at least until the rider gets into shape.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($269.99)

 

 

 

2. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Step-Through Hybrid

 

If you’re looking for a cruiser bike but aren’t necessarily into single-speed, then you can’t go wrong with the EVRYjourney from sixthreezero. You can get the classic 1-speed, but you could also go for the 3-speed, 7-speed, or 21-speed, and there’s also a 7-speed electric model if you fancy some additional help, especially when climbing steep hills.

The bike has a sturdy frame that’s made of aluminum. It has a simple yet elegant design, and there are several color variants to choose from, with black probably being the most attractive and popular. The upright riding style should help you keep back and shoulder sores to a minimum, while the saddle should offer comfortable rides for hours on end.

Thanks to the rear rack, you should be able to fit a grocery bag there, and you can also mount some rear panniers and go on a touring trip for a couple of days. The bike comes with V-brakes for extra stopping power and 26” wheels.

 

Pros

The design is both solid and elegant so you can trust the bike to last you for many years while also helping you look good while riding.

You get several variants to choose from, starting with the classic single-speed and ending with an electric 7-speed bike. For extra versatility, you can go for the 21-speed model.

Thanks to the V-brakes, you don’t have to rely on the old backward pedaling brakes of classic cruisers and ride relaxed, knowing you can stop the bike at any time.

This hybrid bike is great for city commuting and light touring so you aren’t confined to a specific area when riding.

The 26” wheels give you enhanced handling and decent efficiency when pedaling.

 

Cons

The bike isn’t exactly cheap, especially considering the components used.

Even for the multiple-speed variants, the gear ratios might not be the greatest, especially for climbing steep inclines.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($519.99)

 

 

 

3. Micargi 26″ Retro Beach Cruiser Bike Single Speed

 

This bike that is made by Micargi looks like a chopper and it definitely rides like one. You get everything you need to enjoy riding through the city, looking cool and feeling great. The frame is made of hi-ten steel and is built like a tank, and so is the triple crown alloy fork that’s bound to make the bumpiest rides enjoyable.

While the rims are only 26 inches in diameter, they come with 4.0” tires which make them ideal not only for lazy cruising around the city but just as the name suggests, for riding on the beach like a true king. The spring saddle should absorb many shocks from bumps and holes so you stay comfortable even during longer rides.

This single-speed model has a coaster or foot brake that might take some time until you master it, but it will most definitely make for fun rides.

 

Pros

It comes with a cool retro design that’s bound to turn heads wherever you go. It looks like a chopper and rides like a chopper, so all you need is a half helmet and sunglasses and you’re good to go.

The 4.0” tires on the wheels allow you to cruise on the beach without getting your wheels stuck, which can make for really cool rides.

The bike comes with a triple-crown alloy fork that can make a difference, especially on bumpy terrain.

The saddle comes with springs to absorb many shocks from rugged terrain so your bottom doesn’t have to.

 

Cons

This bike weighs 56 pounds so it’s quite heavy, especially for a single-speed model.

This bike has no hand brakes, just a foot brake, and coupled with the heavy construction, it might make for some unpleasant situations when riding at high speed.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($699)

 

 

 

4. Schwinn Mikko Women’s Cruiser Bike Line

 

The Mikko cruiser bike from Schwinn is a perfect choice for girls and women looking to get out and ride through the city. It has a 17” steel frame that has a step-through design which makes it easy to mount and dismount even when wearing a long skirt. The handlebar is comfortable and you get two V-brakes to ensure that you can stop the bike safely whenever you need to.

This model comes with a 1, 3 or 7-speed drivetrain so you can choose the one that’s perfectly suited for your area and riding style. The 7-speed variant comes with a Shimano drivetrain. The bike is equipped with 26” wheels that combine easy maneuverability with decent pedaling efficiency while the tires are perfect for on-road use.

The rear and front fenders are there to ensure you don’t get wet or full of mud when riding in inclement weather. The spring saddle can absorb shocks from bumps so you feel comfortable for hours on end.

 

Pros

This model has a stylish design and you also get plenty of colors to choose from so that it fits your outfit and taste.

The bike comes with a 1, 3 or 7-speed drivetrain so you can select the one that’s most suited for the area where you intend to ride it.

As opposed to other cruiser bikes, this one comes with two hand brakes so you can rely on good stopping power and avoid any potential accidents.

The classic handlebar combined with the upright stem and the spring saddle helps you maintain an upright posture so you don’t get shoulder or back sores after a while.

 

Cons

In case you’re searching for cheap cruiser bikes, this is not one of them. It’s not expensive either, but the price might be too high considering the components used.

The handlebars might be a bit too bent backward so reaching the brake levers properly might be difficult for some people.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

5. KENT- 26″ Next Comfort Women’s Bike

 

Are you looking at cruiser bikes for women but can’t decide which one to get? Perhaps this model might be the one you’ve been looking for. This is an affordable bike that has a sleek design and you can choose from some eye-catching colors such as Rose Gold or Lavender to suit your style and sports outfit.

The bike has a step-through frame, just like many womens cruiser bikes, so mounting and dismounting should be a piece of cake. Thanks to the 7-speed drivetrain and twist-shifters, you can shift gears so you can climb hills but also pedal fast downhill. The Shimano rear derailleur should make shifting even smoother.

The saddle has enough material to be able to absorb some shocks so you can enjoy comfort even when the road isn’t as smooth. The 26” wheels have treaded tires which should do a good job on the road as well as on some moderate off-road trails.

 

Pros

The bike is equipped with Shimano pull hand brakes which is definitely an improvement over coaster or foot brakes that are hard to handle.

The frame is stylish and attractive and you can also choose from several colors to match your taste.

The step-through frame is perfect for girls and women and makes for easy mounting and unmounting even when wearing a long skirt.

The 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and rear derailleur should help you negotiate flat roads as well as moderate inclines without too much effort.

The front and rear fenders are there to protect you from rain and mud so you don’t get home wet and dirty.

 

Cons

While the drivetrain is decent considering the low price, you shouldn’t expect the smoothest gear shifting.

The pull brakes are quite an old type, and some V-brakes might have been a better choice on the bike.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

6. sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Hybrid

 

The EVRYjourney women’s cruiser bike is one that will surely catch the attention of many people. The frame is carefully built to be practical but also stylish, while the classic step-through construction allows for all sorts of clothes to be worn when riding as well as for easy mounting/dismounting.

You can go for the 26-inch or the 24 inch cruiser bike, depending on your riding style and needs. There are also several drivetrain variants to go for, from 1-speed to 3-speed to 7-speed to 21-speed. The latter two are perfect for cities with plenty of hills and steep inclines. The multiple-speed bikes have Shimano rear derailleurs so shifting should be relatively smooth.

The saddle and hand grips are comfortable enough so you should have no sores even after hours of riding. You also get V-brakes for reliable braking as well as a rear rack so you can carry groceries or even attach your favorite pannier for light touring.

 

Pros

The bike looks good and the retro design is surely going to turn some heads on the streets. The frame is step-through and should make it easy for you to use it regardless of the clothes you’re wearing.

There are several colors to choose from so you can get the one that you fancy the most.

You can choose from single-speed, 3-speed, 7-speed or 21-speed so you can be sure that you pick one that’s most suited for the type of riding in your area.

The hand brakes will help you stop the bike reliably without having to worry about foot brakes which are somewhat the norm on cruiser bikes.

 

Cons

The bike is definitely not one of the cheap ones. Even if the price isn’t high either, some components could have been a bit better.

Given that it’s a bike made in China, you might have some problems reaching the company’s customer service in case you have problems with it.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($519.99)

 

 

 

7. Huffy 26″ Men’s Cranbrook Cruiser Bike

 

If you’re looking for a cruiser bike that’s got that retro style and that doesn’t cost a lot of money, you can’t go wrong with the Men’s Cranbrook from Huffy. This model has a simple yet elegant frame that’s intended to be comfortable to ride even for long hours. The saddle comes with thick padding and springs for extra cushioning.

The frame geometry moves the center of gravity to the rear and lowers it so you can maintain an upright position and eliminate those backaches and shoulder sores after a day of riding. The raised handlebar is also there to ensure that your body sits in a natural position so you enjoy every bit of the ride.

The coaster brake offers simple braking and will surely offer plenty of fun to some riders. Thanks to the wheel fenders, you won’t get soaking wet or full of mud even when riding in less than perfect weather.

 

Pros

This bike is one of the most affordable so you can start riding right away with a minimum investment.

The frame is simple and stylish and the lower back position of the seat means that you can stay upright effortlessly while riding and save your back and shoulders from a load of trouble.

The 26-inch wheels give you good control over the bike while still being decent in terms of pedaling efficiency.

The saddle has thick padding as well as springs so your behind is certainly going to be spared from sores especially if you’re planning to ride on bumpy terrain.

 

Cons

While the coaster brake is definitely fun to use, it’s certainly not easy to master and some people might have a hard time getting the hang of it.

The fenders are quite thin and they may arrive bent because of poor packaging and careless transportation.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

8. Mongoose Dolomite Fat Tire Mens Mountain Bike

 

The Dolomite from Mongoose is a model that can be used as a beach cruiser bike but it’s also great for forest trails or other bumpy surfaces. Even though it comes from a brand that needs no introduction, this bike sells for a more than decent price.

The frame is made of steel so you can expect it to last for years without any trouble. The geometry is simple and effective just as it should on a cruiser bike. The handlebars have a small rise and the grips should offer enough traction. You also get disc brakes which is surely a pleasant surprise given the low price and the type of bike.

The fork is rigid so you shouldn’t expect a lot of shock absorption but then again it has 4-inch tires which should do most of that job. The bike has a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain and rear derailleur so you should do fine on moderate off-road trails without too steep inclines.

 

Pros

Coming from a reputable brand, this bike is surely one of the cheap ones considering the components it comes equipped with.

You get mechanical disc brakes which should offer enough stopping power for most situations, especially given that you won’t exactly reach high speeds on such a bike.

The frame is made of steel so it’s strong and slightly flexible, able to give you smooth rides. The rigid fork is also made of steel and should last for a lifetime.

The wide 4-inch tires should handle most of the shock absorption while the knobby pattern gives plenty of traction on sandy beaches or forest trails.

 

Cons

While the bike does come with components you wouldn’t expect in this price range, others are plasticky so you might have a few of them break here and there after intense use.

The 7-speed drivetrain and wide tires aren’t the greatest combination and you might struggle on steep inclines.

Buy from Amazon.com for ($419.99)

 

 

 

9. Huffy 26″ Nel Lusso Cruiser Bike

 

The Nel Lusso is one of the classic mens cruiser bikes that you can recognize in an instant. The frame looks solidly built and so does the fork so you can expect many years of pleasurable riding. The wheels are 26 inches in diameter and they come with tires that should offer decent performance on the road and some grip on dust trails.

The raised handlebars and saddle allow you to sit upright and ensure you get to extend your legs and keep your body position natural so you don’t get sores and aches after a day of riding. The saddle has some thick padding and the two springs should absorb some shocks if you end up on bumpy roads.

The bike has a single-speed drivetrain to keep weight low and the coaster brake ensures some fun braking, but it does need some time to get used to operating it. The bike comes with a front basket and a rear rack for easy shopping.

 

Pros

The bike has a simple yet effective design that should make for some fun adventures, whether it’s wandering your city’s streets or touring outside of it you’re after.

The saddle is quite thick and the springs provide some cushion so you don’t get sores after a couple of hours of riding.

The frame looks quite solid so you can expect to use it for quite some time without any problems.

The 26” wheels offer decent performance. The tires have treated patterns for adequate grip and you also get front and rear fenders to protect you in case of rainy weather.

 

Cons

The coaster brake is difficult to get the hang of and might increase the risks of accidents, especially for riders who aren’t accustomed to this type of brake. At least a front V-brake would have surely been appreciated.

The tires don’t look that sturdy and might not be great for bumpy roads or beaches.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

10. Schwinn Classic Cruiser Bike

 

Just as the name says, this is a classic bike that’s meant for cruising all day long, or at least until you get sores. Speaking of sores, you shouldn’t get too many as the design of the bike allows you to ride in a comfortable position so your back, shoulders or hands shouldn’t hurt even after hours of riding.

The steel frame has a step-through design so it’s more suited to women, but given the simple design and at least the blue color variant, it can be safely used by men without embarrassment. The rigid fork is also made of steel so it should last long and absorb some bumps.

The 26-inch wheels are great for easy handling and should be a good choice for cities with narrow and winding roads. The wheels are equipped with tires that are only suited for paved roads, and any off-road incursion might not offer the most pleasant experience.

 

Pros

This bike is simple yet good-looking. The step-through frame is perfect for women who like to wear long skirts when riding, but not only. There’s also a variant with a high top tube for anyone who’s interested.

The saddle offers decent cushioning so you shouldn’t have sores even after hours of riding.

The single-speed drivetrain simplifies things and maintains the overall weight of the bike low so you can carry it anywhere, even if steep hills might pose some problems.

The vintage chain guard will protect the chain from dust and debris while also preventing your long pants or skirt from getting snagged.

 

Cons

The tires are thin and there are no knobs so you shouldn’t expect to be able to ride on off-road trails. Paved roads are recommended for this bike.

There are no hand brakes on the bike so you will have to learn to use the coaster brakes and do so effectively.

Click to see the price on Amazon!

 

 

 

Our Comprehensive Buying Guide

 

If you’re trying to get the best cruiser bike but are somewhat confused by all the various models out there with all sorts of components, you’re in the right place. We’ve composed a short guide to help you understand the factors that matter most so that you can then read our cruiser bike reviews and decide for yourself which one is the best for your needs.

Frames

Most cruiser bikes come with steel frames, although some might also have aluminum frames. Steel is really tough and a frame that’s not abused or left to rust should last for a lifetime. Steel is quite heavy, but the construction of cruiser bikes usually keeps the weight down.

In terms of geometry, there’s the step-through frame which can be usually found on a ladies cruiser bike, or the normal triangle frame. Of course, there are also retro frames that have a high top tube without being pure triangles, with many having arched tubes for reinforcement.

 

Wheels

Most cruiser bikes come with 26-inch wheels, but you can easily find a 24 cruiser bike that has all the specs you’re interested in. Depending on how and where you intend to ride the bike, 24-inch wheels might be better, since they make the bike smaller and easier to carry and store, and they’re also great for narrow spaces.

26-inch wheels are the norm for cruiser bikes since they offer the right mix of maneuverability and pedaling efficiency. However, since 26” is quite an old standard, we should expect 27.5-inch cruisers becoming popular quite soon.

 

Drivetrains

If you’re wondering how many speeds the best beach cruiser bikes have, well, that depends. A classic cruiser bike has just one speed, so it’s called a single-speed. These are great for having fun and, since there are no extra sprockets and chainrings, there’s no need for derailleurs, shifters, etc, so the bikes are simple, easy to use, and lighter than their multiple-speed counterparts.

However, some cities aren’t exactly great for riding a single-speed, especially where you’re facing loads of steep inclines that would be next to impossible to climb without some extra speeds. The most common multiple-speed configurations are 3-speed and 7-speed which only have one chainring, and the 21-speed drivetrain that has 3 chainrings and 7 sprockets.

 

Brakes

Most cruiser bikes come with coaster or foot brakes, that you operate by pedaling backward which in turn blocks the rear wheel. These are somewhat more difficult to learn how to use and they require some skill, especially when riding at higher speeds. They are also riskier to use, which is why many manufacturers have added at least one hand brake for the front wheel.

There are also bikes that have only hand brakes, and these can be the really old pull brakes, the old V-brakes, or the still-old-but-not-that-old mechanical disc brakes (since these are retro bikes, don’t expect any Shimano XT hydraulic brakes anytime soon).

Accessories

No matter if you’re after the best womens cruiser bikes or one that’s better suited for men, you might want to make sure that the model you choose comes with some necessary accessories.

A rear rack is a common accessory found on cruiser bikes. With it, you can easily place a grocery bag and secure it with straps and safely ride home without having to carry it on your back. You can also mount rear panniers, which is great if you like touring outside the city for a few days.

A front basket is also something nice to have for those grocery trips, and for riding in inclement weather, you might want the bike to have fenders on the wheels so you don’t get wet and full of mud after 10 minutes of riding in the rain.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What exactly is a cruiser bike?

A cruiser bike, also known as a beach bike, is a bike that normally comes with a frame that allows for an upright riding position, a single-speed drivetrain, a steel construction, and, most often than not, a retro design. While in the past, these were extremely popular in the US and not only, after the 1950s, their use declined.

Fortunately, interest in these vintage bikes started to soar in the late 1990s, and right now they’re quite trendy. While perhaps still not as popular in the US, many people in Europe and elsewhere can be seen riding these. They’re usually more popular among women than men, and many of them come with a step-through frame.

Some advantages, among others, are their simple construction, ease of riding, as well as their low price. Many sell for a couple of hundred dollars or less, which can’t be said about road bikes or most mountain bikes on the market.

Q: Should I choose a single-speed or multiple-speed cruiser bike?

Even though the typical or classic cruiser bike is single-speed, that didn’t prevent manufacturers from coming up with endless variations of multiple speeds. If you’re only interested in casual riding and you’re living in a city that’s mostly on flat terrain, then a single-speed might be just what you need.

However, hilly areas (think San Francisco) would normally require that you have a multiple-speed bike unless you have thighs of steel and can climb any steep incline effortlessly. There are quite a few options when it comes to multiple-speed drivetrains, the most common ones being 3-speed, 7-speed, and 21-speed.

Except for the 21-speed drivetrain, all the others use only one chainring and multiple sprockets, so again, if you live in a hilly area, you might want to ensure that you have the right gear ratios to be able to get from one place to another without having to push your bike on foot.

 

Q: What type of brakes should my cruiser bike have?

Cruiser bikes or beach cruiser bikes, as they’re also known as, typically come with coaster or foot brakes. These work by pedaling backward, or keeping the pedals level and stopping the rear wheel. These can be immensely fun to use, but they require some practice and skill.

It’s quite difficult to brake using a coaster brake if you’re running downhill fast, for example, and unless you’re used to controlling it effectively, there’s also an increased risk of crashing. The good news is that some bikes also come with at least one hand brake that usually is mounted on the front wheel.

There are also quite a few models that come with two hand brakes, whether they’re pull brakes, V-brakes, with some exceptions being disc brakes, which are usually mechanical. If you’re not sure you can handle foot brakes or want extra safety, then you should go for hand brakes. For loads of fun, coaster brakes are the best choice, if you can use them safely.