Beach cruiser bicycles are probably the most comfortable bicycles out there. Characterized by its oversized saddle, mustache-type handlebar, and 26″ balloon tires which means you are going to benefit from an upright riding position and ultimate comfort.
For surfers – a cruiser bike is often used as a tool to transport their surfboard to the beach. Add a pair of surfboard bike racks, and simply pedal to the beach. It comes really handy when you live in close distance from a surf break, or you simply like to ride a bicycle as a warm-up or avoid hiding your car keys.
Which bicycle type is more comfortable than the cruiser?
An electric beach cruiser bike.
Beach cruiser bike features
- Wide and slick balloon-type tires on 26-inch wheels.
- Wavey handlebar (Moustache type).
- Double-spring XL saddle.
- Funky frame style.
- Upward and laid-back riding position
How To Choose?
Should you even get a cruiser bike as a surfer?
Single-speed / 3-speed / 7-speed or an Electric Cruiser?
Although the following beach cruisers look and perform well in their overall designed environment, there are still some aspects to prefer. The main difference would be the quality of components and the number of different gears each model has. There are also electric beach cruisers to look up to.
- Single-speed or 1-speed beach cruiser is the most common choice as a ‘classical’ beach cruiser. It is easy to spot one by looking at the rear wheel and noticing a single sprocket while the 3/5/7-speed cruisers have a derailleur.
- 3 / 7 speed – Great choice for anyone who lives in a hilly area, or for someone who’s likely going to use the bike for everyday commutes.
- Electric beach cruisers – Pedal-assisted beach cruisers have become very popular among those who are looking for the most convenient way to commute.
Why prefer a single-speed beach cruiser bicycle?
A single-speed beach cruiser is one of the most basic, therefore bulletproof bicycles to get. These bikes come with a coaster brake which means there’re fewer things to maintain – all you’ve got to do is inflate the tires every now and then, and lubricate the chain once it starts squeaking.
Why prefer a geared (3 / 5 / 7) beach cruiser bicycle?
Gears come in handy when you want to use the bike for everyday commutes – shopping, going to work, etc. The wider variety of gears helps to ride up some hills with less effort, but you’ll have to tune the derailleur every now and then.
Why get an Electric Beach Cruiser?
Ebikes in general have boomed during the past few years for obvious reasons – they are easy to ride and basically changed the whole concept of cycling. As most beach cruiser bikes have a pedal-assisted motor – all you’ve got to do is move the pedals with little effort so that the motor would start to assist.
Steel or Alloy Frame?
Since you are buying the bicycle for very light riding conditions like the cruiser is designed for – you don’t need to worry too much about the difference. Both Steel and Aluminum frames are very durable, though aluminum weighs a little less than a steel frame. Steel frames are known to be slightly cheaper and with better vibration dampening qualities.
What are the differences between Men’s and Women’s beach cruiser bikes?
Step-through beach cruiser bikes can be used both by men and women due to the easier access. Most step-through beach cruisers come in a more lighter desgins like pink, yellow, cyan, etc. Step-over (XR – crossover) frames come in darker and matte finishes.
Best Beach Cruisers Bikes of 2022
Best Beach Cruiser Brands in this review: Electra, Priority Bicycles, sixthreezero, Firmstrong, Retrospec, Titan
1. Electra – Cruiser 1
MSRP: $400
Number one in this list is the most basic beach cruiser bicycle to get. Electra is a good bike brand owned by Trek – and here’s their cheapest unisex bike for surfers. Add a pair of surfboard racks, get a helmet and a bicycle lock and you’ve got a proper tool for the next 10-20 years. Just pump some air in the tires and lubricate the chain from time to time and that’s all you’ve got to do.
- Steel frame
- Coaster brake
- 26×2.125″ tires
- Double-spring comfort saddle
- Weight 36lbs
- Fits riders 5’4″ – 6’2″
2. Priority – Coast
Belt-drive = silent, clean, maintenance-free
MSRP: $599
The Coast by Priority is convenient and comfortable – both at the same level. You’ll benefit from the maintenance-free belt drivetrain, V-brakes, and mudguards. It looks stylish, performs well as a commuter, and doesn’t cost a fortune as well. At this price point, there’s nothing to add or remove about this bike.
- Aluminum frame.
- 26″ wheels.
- Kickstand.
- Puncture-resistant tires.
- Gates carbon belt drive.
- 3-speed internal gearing.
- Step-through fits riders 5’0″ – 5’11”, step-over 5’5″ – 6’5″.
Availability – PriorityBicycles.com
3. Electra – Townie 7D Step-Through
Score: 4.6/5 out of 105+ ratings
MSRP: $630
This is one of the best-value women’s beach cruiser bikes with both front and rear breaks. Although rim brakes are not as great as disc brakes, a beach cruiser is designed to take the slow road anyway. There’s only a pair of fenders missing to make it a great around-town bicycle.
- 7-speed Shimano Tourney
- Shimano Revo shifters
- 6061 aluminum frame
- 26×2.0″ tires
4. Firmstrong – CA-520
The bike comes 80% assembled when shipped. The CA-520 is probably on the flagships bikes from Firmstrong beach cruisers as it has many essential features, a rigid frame that could carry the rider weighing up to 350 pounds.
The bikes come with a pretty good paint job and essential extras to use as your everyday commuter as well.
- Men’s beach cruiser bicycle
- Available in 3- or 7-speed
- 19’inch frame suitable for 5′ to 6’4” tall riders
- Alloy frame
- Front and rear breaks
- Oversized spring-saddle
- Ballon tires
- 26” wheels
5. Firmstrong – Bruiser
- Men’s beach cruiser bicycle
- Available in 1,3,5-speed
- Colors: White, Black, Matte Black, Matte Army Green, etc
- 19-inch frame
- Great for riders between 5′ to 6’4″
- 1- and 3-speed bicycles have a coaster brake
- 5- and the 7-speed bicycle has a front and rear brake
- Double-springed saddle
Another awesome beach cruiser by Firmstrong. This bike is an express cruiser with many features – A derailleur to suit the landscape with decent brakes as well. Not to forget the impressive style and good build!
6. Electra Townie Go! 7D Electric Bike
MSPR: $1,500
At 48lbs, this bike is a good choice among commuters who are looking for comfort in their bike rides. The quality of components is quite basic, but its got all the essentials for a recreational cyclist. The 7-speed derailleur and rear-hub drivetrain offer a pedal-assisted torque of 40Nm to a max speed of 20mp/h, and the range is quite considerable as well.
The bike itself is built on a lightweight 6061-T6 aluminum frame, a battery capacity of 309Wh, and motor power 250W.
- Charge Time – 5.5 hours
- Max Speed – 20 miles per hour
- Pedal Assist Range – 20-50 miles
7. Firmstrong – Chief
Looks bossy, feels, and rides comfy. Another great bike just like the previous one. The single and 3-speed bikes have only the coaster brake, while the 7-speed model has a front brake as well when you are thinking of taking more D-tours than an average cyclist.
- Men’s beach cruiser bicycle
- Available in 1-, 3-, 7-Speeds
- Colors: Black, White, Matte Black, Matte Grey, Orange
- 26-inch frame
- Awesome design
- Double-Spring saddle
- Balloony tires
8. Firmstrong – Urban Man
Awesome looking curvy beach cruiser. Heaps of color-schemes to choose from.
- Men’s beach cruiser bicycle
- 26″ Wheels
- 17″ frame
- Available in various color schemes
- Balloony tires
- Double-Springed saddle
- Wavey handlebar
- Single-speed
9. Firmstrong – Urban Lady
An elegant yet very comfortable cruiser that’s also ideal for everyday commutes in the city. It’s got all the features to be one of the most comfortable bicycles you are ever going to ride. Suitable for cyclists between 5′ to 6′ tall. Very affordable and good quality build.
- Women’s beach cruiser bicycle
- Available in many different color-schemes
- 1-, 3-, 7-speeds
- Double-springed saddle for comfort
- Balloon tires for comfort
- Step-through frame design
10. Retrospec – Chatham
Reasonable, affordable, many different colors to choose from. Extraordinarily durable and of outstanding value. It’s got all you need when looking to buy a new beach cruiser bicycle.
- Women’s beach cruiser
- Over ten different color-schemes to choose from
- Wide Tires
- Wavey handlebar
- Double-Springed saddle
- Comfortable
- Single-speed
11. Titan – Docksider
This bike comes 85% assembled when ordered online. It’s simple and stylish like a real beach cruiser should be. This model has got all the essentials and even the fenders as an extra that is handy on rainy days!
- Women’s beach cruiser bicycle
- Available in many different color-schemes
- 17″ Steel frame
- 26″ Rust free alloy wheels
- Double Coil-Spring saddle
- Single-Speed
- Rear-Coaster brake
- With fenders
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I created Nulltuul to share my experience, research and analysis with other surf enthusiasts out there. If I'm not surfing on my travels - I like to photograph waves, surfers, and the surf lifestyle in general.
Cruiser bikes are great. I have a great time riding this bike. A better sitting position and a comfortable ride is all I need. I usually use a cruiser bike when I go to college or commute. I don’t take my bike to the beach often to be honest. These bikes are just my type. Thank you for the great review.