There’s nothing quite as exhilarating as zipping along the boardwalk, feeling the wind whip through your hair, after a long day of swimming, fishing, playing beach games, or surfing on the waves. 

To experience this feeling for yourself, you’ve got to invest in a beach cruiser bike. 

Riding a bike on the beach can be a lot of fun, but you can’t use any old bicycle for the job. A beach cruiser bike will help you maintain a steady, upright position as you ride, something that is practically impossible with road bikes and most mountain bikes. It can be cycled for long distances without a lot of stress to your back and legs.

Beach cruiser bikes are designed for comfort – rather than performance. There are fewer cables to mess with and these bikes have brakes that are easier to operate. These bikes are usually equipped with 26” wheels with super fat tires, making them more comfortable to ride with minimal effort.

Riding a beach cruiser bike is also great exercise!

How do you know what to look for when you’re shopping for a new bike? It’s simple. Consider this guide to the best beach cruiser bikes – and make a list of all the features that matter most to you. We’ll tell you everything you need to know. 

Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bike

Firmstrong produces high-quality bikes for the beach, and this one for men is no exception. It is available in five different colors and styles, including matte black, orange, and red. It’s available with both multi- and single-speed options. 

It has the classic beach cruiser design you love, with a durable steel frame and 26” aluminum wheels. It has white wall balloon tires for an ultra-cushioned ride along with coaster brakes that are safe and easy to use.

The seat is also comfortable, equipped with dual springs and oversized padding. The handlebars have foam grips and are extra-wide for added maneuverability. 

If you’re a man that is between 5’4” and 6’2”, this beach cruiser bike is the perfect one for you.

Pros

  • Comes in single and multi speed options
  • Fourteen different colors to choose from
  • Large saddle and extra large balloon tires

Cons

  • Requires some tools for rest of installation

Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bike

 

Love the Firmstrong brand – but not a man? If so, you should consider this single speed bike for ladies.

It has the classic beach cruiser curved design similar to the men’s option we already reviewed. Not only that, but it’s equipped with a 15-inch steel frame that is remarkably durable – and aluminum wheels,. The tires are white-wall balloons for a more cushioned, comfortable ride, while the brakes are easy to use and designed in a coaster style.

You do need to be under 6’ tall in order to ride this bike, but you shouldn’t have any problem maneuvering it. It has a large plush seat with dual springs for comfort, along with extra-wide handlebars and rubber grips. 

Pros

  • Multiple options for frame size and speeds 
  • White wall tires are cushioned for comfortable ride
  • 15 colors to choose from

Cons

  • Meant for shorter women

CGKUITER Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bike for Adults

 Amazon 

 

This beach cruiser bike for adults is versatile and comfortable, equipped with a helpful unisex design. 

It’s made out of high-carbon steel and has a super-low step-through frame that makes getting on and off a total breeze. Its comfortable seat and extra-wide handlebars are ideal for long, leisurely commutes to and from work (or of course, to and from the beach!). 

With thick padding and a spring suspension, the wide saddle seat offers all the best in riding comfort. The handlebars are extended so you can keep your back straight and upright and your shoulders facing forward. You won’t have to put any unnecessary strain on your body as you ride. 

This beach cruiser bike is equipped with both rear band brakes and v-brakes for the ultimate level of safety. It has alloy rims and durable tires that make riding on city and suburban streets just as comfortable as riding on the beach.

Suitable for individuals who are between 5 and 6 feet tall, this bike is perfect for just about everyone.

Pros

  • Easy to pedal, even on hilly terrain
  • Has both rear and front disc brakes to keep you safe
  • Extra wide handlebars make it comfortable to steer 

Cons

  • Seat is not the most cushioned

Sixthreezero Men's In The Barrel Single Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle

 

This beach cruiser bike by Sixthreezero is another one of the best. It is a one-speed bike that’s perfect for comfortable riding around any  neighborhood or beach community. It has a low profile extended steel frame that has a unique forward pedaling design. 

This is not only great for taller riders, but also for anybody seeking a smoother riding experience. It’s lightweight so you can easily stash it inside your beach tent when you want to get it out of the elements-  no lugging required. 

It also has balloon tires and an extra-wide comfort saddle. The dual springs help to absorb bumps while the pedal-backward coaster brakes allow for easier, more convenient stopping.

This bike has unique crank mechanics that allow you to move easily across all surfaces, regardless of whether you’re biking on paved terrain, hard-packed dirt, or a boardwalk. It’s suitable for taller riders, too, designed to seat people between 5’4” to 6’4” in height.

Pros

  • Extended steel frame has a great forward pedaling design for tall riders
  • Comes almost entirely assembled
  • Lightweight and easy to maneuver

Cons

  • Not the most comfortable for longer rides

Kulana Lakona Youth/Adult Beach Cruiser Bike

$247.28 Amazon 

 

This beach cruiser bike for kids and adults by Kulana Lakona comes with 26” wheels and is available in two colors – silver and gray/pink. It has a single speed drivetrain that is not only easy to use, but also easy to maintain. It fits shorter individuals who are less than 5’ tall, making it ideal for kids.

The bike has extra-large fenders to protect you from dust and splashes – plus, they add a unique vintage style to the bike. It also has an extra-large spring saddle that allows for an upright riding posture. You’ll love cruising around the neighborhood on this bike!

And when you’re ready to stop, the bike has rear coaster pedal brakes that will allow for instant stopping power. It’s safe, effective, and easy to drive.

Pros

  • Available in two colors
  • Great for kids or short adults
  • Comes pre-assembled

Cons

  • Not great for taller individuals

Sixthreezero Around The Block Men's 7-Speed Beach Cruiser Bicycle

 

This beach cruiser bike by sixthreezero is designed specifically for taller men and comes almost entirely assembled. It is a seven-speed bike that offers a sleek look and exceptional performance.

With a seven-speed Shimano external hub, it accommodates a wide range of riding styles. It has front and rear hand brakes for quick, smooth stops and 26” wheels with waffle-tread tires for a super cushioned ride. 

You’ll be able to remain in a comfortable heads-up position at all times with this bike – no more straining or reaching as you try to reach the pedals. It comes with a rear rack so you can include panniers or baskets if you choose to add them as well.

Pros

  • Has a cushioned saddle and foam grips for a comfortable ride
  • Multiple gear options
  • Three color combinations to choose from 

Cons

 

  • May be cost-prohibitive

Schwinn Perla Women's Beach Cruiser Bike

 

Last but certainly not least is this beach cruiser bike by Schwinn. As you likely already know, Schwinn is one of the top names to know when it comes to bikes of all kinds – and this beach cruiser bike is no exception.

It’s a steel step-through style with swayback handlebars and stylish fenders. It has a cushy quilted seat and is available in multiple colors, including pink, yellow, blue, and coral. 

The seat allows for an upright riding position,while the fenders help keep dirt and sand off your clothes. It has alloy linear pull brakes that enable a quick, safe stop, along with 26” wheels and an 18” frame. Suitable for shorter riders, this bike has a step over height of 19”. 

Pros

  • Steel frame ensures comfort and attractive appearance
  • Has alloy v brakes for quick stops
  • Comes with a quality spring seat that is super padded for a comfortable ride

Cons

  • Needs to be professionally assembled

How to Find the Right Beach Cruiser Bike: A Quick Buying Guide

Frame

Before you consider anything else, you’ll want to consider the frame of your bike. Riding a bike is a ton of fun – but not so much if you wind up with a sore back, tired arms, or aching heels when you hop off for the day.

You can prevent a lot of this soreness by investing in a beach cruiser bike that includes a frame that is designed specifically for your body type, height,  and needs. The frame refers to the measurement between the top of the seat tube, where your saddle will be mounted, and the lower part of the bottom bracket, where the pedals and crank are attached. 

A quick overview of frames? You’ll find them ranging from extra small to extra large. Extra small bikes, or those with frame sizes of 13 to 14 inches, are perfect for riders who are 5’4” or less. Small bikes are those for riders who are 5’4” to 5’7” and measure up to 16”. 

If you’re on the taller side, you’ll need a medium-sized bike, at least. Frames measuring 16-18” are best for riders up to 5’10” in height, while bikes that are 18-20” are great for riders up to 6’1”. If you’re super tall – more than 6’1”- you will want a bike with a frame that’s 20” or more.

Single vs. Multi Speed

Most beach cruisers are designed to be single speed bikes. However, there are some that are three- or seven-speed bikes. 

Knowing which one to choose will ultimately come down to the kinds of terrains and surfaces you plan to ride through. A traditional single-speed is great for leisure riding around on a flat surface, while a multi-speed cruiser is best for hilly beachside areas. 

Keep in mind that multi speed cruisers, though easier to stop as they’re equipped with handbrakes, are often more complicated in their construction. You may have more frequent mechanical issues to deal with as a result.

Frame Material

It’s not merely the frame size that’s important – it’s the frame material, oto. Aluminum, alloy, and steel tend to be the most common materials used for a bike frame. Aluminium is the lightest but is also more expensive and stiffer. Steel flexes a bit, offering a more comfortable ride, but your bike will be heavier to lug around.

Braking

Consider the braking on your beach cruiser bike. The traditional system of braking is coaster braking, which stops your bike from pedaling backward. It offers a clean-looking handlebar and is easy to maintain. However it makes it more challenging to stop in some situations.

A front and back braking bike has brakes at both the front and back wheels. If you want to stop in a hurry, the bike will be able to do it immediately for you. It’s the safest kind of bike, particularly if you plan on riding on busy roads or in hilly areas. 

Tires

You’ll want to consider the tires on your beach cruiser bike. Most beach cruisers are designed with wide tires that make the bike more comfortable to ride. They make it more difficult for you to accelerate, but likely speed is not your priority when you’re shopping for one of these bikes. The wider tires absorb bumps with ease, making them cozier to ride. 

Comfort

If your bike isn’t comfortable, you aren’t going to ride it as often – plain and simple. If you can, test your beach cruiser bike out before you buy and make sure that it fits you well from saddle to pedal. You don’t want a sore butt after only a few hours of riding!

The seat is equally important. A wide seat will keep you comfortable when riding upright. Some even are equipped with springs to help absorb bumps and level out the feel of the road, too. 

Which of These Beach Cruiser Bikes is Best for Me? 

When you’re shopping for a new beach cruiser bike, it can be tough to find the one that perfectly fits the bill. Truth be told, there are plenty of options out there for everyone – it’s up to you to decide which one will work well for your needs and budget.

That being said, we like the Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser Bike the best. This beach cruiser bike is one of the best if you’re looking for versatility and convenience. With so many options to choose from (both multi-speed and single-speed along with fourteen different colors you can select!) this bike is durable – and highly customizable as well.

As long as you consider this list of the best beach cruiser bikes – and how to find the one that’s right for you! – you should have no trouble finding the cruiser of your dreams.