The main features to look for in a beach cruiser are comfort, durability, and resistance to rust. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time at the beach, you want your bike to be able to withstand all the salt in the air.
With the amount of beach cruiser bikes out these days, it can be hard to choose between them. “Which is the best quality, doesn’t weigh a ton and still looks stylish?” are some of the questions you may have. To help you out in choosing your new cruiser, we have narrowed down the five best beach bikes for five different categories.
Top 5 Beach Beach Cruiser Bikes
A relaxing ride along the beach might be just what you are looking for to end off a busy day. Maybe you’re not one for the adrenaline rush of mountain biking or the speed that comes with road bikes. You just want to cruise along the promenade with minimal effort, while you watch the waves crash and the sunset. But there’s one thing missing right? Your bike.
Now, we’re not saying that there is absolutely no effort involved with casual rides along the beach, we’re just saying it can be easier and more enjoyable on the right bike. And one of the hardest parts of getting to the point of actually riding along the promenade is finding the right bike for you. That’s where we come in.
We scoured the internet to read hundreds of features, good and bad reviews, and generally get an in-depth understanding of each and every bike that we found, just so the wind can flow through your hair as soon as possible. So, to make that process faster, check out our 5 top beach cruiser bikes below.
1. Best Overall - Priority CLassic Plus
Specifications:
- Frame – Aluminum
- Gearing – Shimano Nexus 3
- Wheel size – 700×35
- Weight – 25 lbs
Key Features:
- Standard coaster brake and dual-pivot hand brake.
- Rust and grease-free Gates Carbon Drive Belt (CDN).
- Priority Ultra Comfort Saddle.
- Priority puncture-resistant tires.
Priority Classic Plus Review
When picking our “Best Overall” Beach Cruiser, we looked at everything from high-quality specifications and affordability to style and additional features. The main goal was to display a durable bicycle that could withstand the ocean air whilst riding comfortably smooth.
The cost was also on the list of priorities for this pick as we wanted to be sure that it didn’t put you way over budget. Our chosen bike for “Best Overall” is, therefore, the Priority Classic Plus.
Durability and Premium Comfort
The Priority Classic Plus is both durable and low-maintenance with a variety of features that ensure that you don’t have to “baby” your new bike. The carbon drive belt is one of the key features which adds to both of these aspects, as it is less likely to rust than your regular chain, causing your chain to last longer and allowing you to forget about the hassles of grease.
There is no belt guard, which some may find can cause difficulties in bad weather, but in most cases, this shouldn’t be an issue. The puncture-resistant tires ensure that you won’t be stopping anytime soon to fix a flat, and if you ever do need to pump your tires up, an air pump is included.
In terms of riding and comfort, the Classic Plus has a Priority Ultra comfort saddle, meaning the seat is perfect for long casual rides. The upright riding style also makes it a good fit for riding along the promenade.
An ultralight aluminum frame and three-speed versatility allow for easy, smooth-riding in different situations, meaning you can also use this bike as a commuter bike should you wish to improve your ecofootprint.
The bike also has both a coaster brake and hand brake for smooth stops as well as more powerful braking, should you need it. Individuals taller than 6ft may find that even the biggest size of this bike is a little too small for them, but this essentially comes down to personal preference.
Classic Style with Added Features
The classic style of gloss white with beige accents also comes with a matt black option as well as gloss blue and the bike comes in sizes small, medium, and large.
There is also a low-entry variation for those who like a more casual mount and dismount, or who simply just prefer the look. Although the low-entry version only comes in sizes small and medium and doesn’t offer the gloss blue.
Additional items included are a kickstand, water bottle cage, and the previously mentioned air pump. The bicycle is also equipped for both front and rear racks should you want to add them for storage space while riding.
Overall, the Priority classic Plus is our number one pick. With its durability, versatility, design, and additional features it’s a good fit for a wide variety of reasons.
Although some may find it a bit small, this is open to the individual to decide, and some may compromise for the other benefits of the bike. Coming in at $499, it doesn’t stray too far ahead in terms of price from other beach cruisers and is overall a good buy.
Pros
- Ultralight (25lbs)
- Three-speed twist shifter, for easy gear shifting.
- Drive Belt makes riding almost noise-free.
- It has both a coaster brake and a hand brake.
- Tires are puncture resistant.
Cons
- No belt guard.
- Individuals over 6ft tall might find it a bit small.
2. Best Budget - Firmstrong Urban
Specifications:
- Frame – Steel
- Gearing – Single-speed (comes in up to 21-speed)
- Wheel size – 26”
- Weight – 38 lbs
Key Features:
- Kickstand included
- Space for a baby/toddler seat
- Can order fully assembled
- 300lb weight capacity
Firmstrong Urban Review
When it comes to a beach cruiser that’s best for budget, the Firmstrong Urban (Man or Woman version) takes the cake. With a price of $219.99, you can see why. Although this bike is a lot more affordable than some of the others, it is still generally good quality, which is why it is our chosen beach cruiser for this category.
Cushioned Riding, Cable-Free
The Firmstrong Urban is a durable bike that is available in single-speed to 21-speed variations (the price does change with these variations) and has a maximum weight capacity of 300lbs.
The coaster brake on the single-speed means that there are no cables, giving the Firmstrong Urban a clean look and removes the hassles that can come with breaks such as squeaking and brake pads rubbing on the wheels. White-wall balloon tires and a comfortable saddle make the ride on this bike cushioned and smooth.
One of the downfalls of this bike is that it is self-assembly, which some may find difficult, and could cause you to run into issues. You are able to get a professional to assemble it for you, but this can add anywhere around $80 to the price. If you are good with assembly and at following instructions, you probably won’t find the self-assembly difficult. You may even enjoy it.
Quality vs. Budget
The bike sits in the mid-range in terms of weight, coming in at 38lbs and the seating position is upright, with lots of space for your knees, so you won’t have to worry about awkward body positioning or constantly hitting your knees on the handlebars.
The Firmstrong Urban comes with a kickstand included and, if you have a toddler you want to ride with, there is space for you to add a toddler seat.
Being a bike that meets a lower budget, it can occasionally come with some minor issues. But these are more often than not, easy to sort out. In a few instances, the wheels did not sit true, so you may have to seek a professional to assist in fixing this.
If you feel that you can do it yourself, however, this shouldn’t be an issue for you. As we mentioned, this only happens every now and then, so you might still feel that the price is worth the risk.
For a beach cruiser that meets the budget, the Firmstrong Urban should be at the top on your list of considerations. Although there are some minor risks, they are few and far between compared to other budget bikes and you will more than likely have a great time with it. The retro classic style gives it a great look and all-in-all it’s a comfortable, smooth-riding bike.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable seat
- Coaster brake, no cables
- White-wall balloon tires cushion the ride
Cons
- Self-assembly
- Wheels on some bikes are not always true
3. Best for Kids - Firmstrong Urban
Specifications:
- Frame – Steel
- Gearing – Single-speed
- Wheel size – 20”
- Weight – 23 lbs
Key Features:
- Front and rear fenders included
- Training wheels can be fitted
- Kickstand Included
- Arrives 80% assembled
Firmstrong Urban Kids Review
Much like the Firmstrong Urban for adults, the Firmstrong Urban (boy or girl version) is a great bike. Durability and comfort are two things that you should be looking for, especially if the child is learning to ride a bike, and that is just what the Firmstrong Urban offers. And at $199.99, it is fairly affordable.
Designed for Children
The oversized seat with dual springs adds extra comfort while the white-wall balloon tires make the ride smooth as well as give it a stylish look. And on the note of looks, the bike comes in a variety of colors, so you can find just the right one for your child, and has the same retro classic style of the adult version.
The bike comes equipped with a chain guard, so your child can be a little bit rough with it and the chain will remain protected. A kickstand is also included, making it easy for the child to stop and stand the bike up rather than dropping it on its side. There are front and rear fenders to stop sand flying everywhere, and these also give the bike a great look.
Weight and Extras
Weighing only 23lbs, the Firmstrong Urban is very light if you are an adult, so moving it is easy. Younger children, around six years old, might find the bike a little heavy in the beginning and might have to get used to the weight. The bike is self-assembly but it arrives 80% assembled, so the final bit of putting it together shouldn’t be difficult.
If your child is learning to ride a bicycle and needs training wheels, you can have training wheels fitted to the bike. The durability of the bike will ensure that it lasts long after they leave the training wheels behind.
To reiterate, the Firmstrong Urban (Boy/Girl) is a great bike for children. Although some children might find it a little heavy, they will more than likely get used to it and will be riding comfortably in no time. Its durability ensures that it will last until they outgrow it and makes it a great bike for children to learn on.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable seat
- Chain guard protects chain
- White-wall balloon tires
Cons
- Some children may find it heavy
- Self assembly
4. Best For Women - Sixthreezero Evryjourney
Specifications:
- Frame – Aluminum
- Gearing – Single-speed
- Wheel size – 26”
- Weight – 35.7 lbs
Key Features:
- Rear rack included
- Front V-brake and rear coaster brake
- Maximum weight is 300lbs
- Step-through design for easy mount and dismount
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Step-through Review
When choosing the best beach cruiser for women, we aimed to find a bike that not only had high-quality features but boasted a classic beach cruiser style as well. The chosen beach cruiser for this category is, therefore, the sixthreezero EVRYjourney with a step-through design. The overall cost of this cruiser, without any added extras, is $379.99.
Durability Matched with Vintage Style
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney’s step-through aluminum frame gives it a stylish look and adds durability, as well as allows for easy mount and dismount. The upright seating position keeps your back and shoulders comfortable while the foot-forward positioning of the pedals allows for proper leg-extension, making this bike easy and comfortable to ride.
It’s light aluminum frame also assists with easy riding by keeping the weight of the bike down and the overall weight is in the light to mid-range at 35.7lbs. The whitewall semi-slick tires cushion the ride and give the bike a smooth feeling, while the dual-spring saddle adds comfort.
The sixthreezero EVRYjourney comes with a front V-brake as well as a rear coaster brake, making stopping easy and smooth, as well as allowing for more powerful stops when they are needed.
Additional features of the sixthreezero EVRYjourney include a well-made bike stand, a rear rack for additional storage, front and rear fenders to prevent any dirt from getting on the rider, and a chain guard. These features also add to the look of the bike giving it the classical/vintage appeal.
You can order this beach cruiser fully assembled but this comes at an extra cost. If you don’t choose this option, the bike comes 80% assembled. Although some may find the assembly difficult, others may find it simple and enjoyable.
The seat can be a bit difficult to keep in place at times, but this can more often than not be fixed by adding some elbow grease and tightening it more.
To sum it up, the sixthreezero EVRYjourney is durable, stylish and comfortable to ride. Setup can be difficult but nothing that makes it a dealbreaker. The features are what make this bike; everything about it is classic, simple, and easy to use, and those are the main reasons it takes the spot for our “Best For Women” category.
Pros
- Easy to ride
- Light aluminum frame
- Chainguard
- Rear rack included
Cons
- Some may find self-assembly difficult
- It can sometimes be difficult to keep the seat in place
5. Best For Men - Giant Simple Three
Specifications:
- Frame – ALUXX-Grade Aluminum
- Gearing – Shimano Twist Three-speed
- Wheel size – 26”
- Wheel Material – Alloy
Key Features:
- Built-in kickstand, rear rack, and fenders
- Easy gearing options
- Upright rider positioning for casual riding
Giant Simple Three Review
The three main features we looked for when choosing our “Best For Men” beach cruiser were durability, comfort, and size. Size is a big factor as not to avoid choosing a cruiser that could be too small for an adult man. Our chosen option is, therefore, the Giant Simple Three.
Size Matters
With size being a big factor when choosing the bike for this category, the Giant Simple Three really meets these needs. It accommodates individuals who may need a bigger size whilst staying comfortable during their rides.
Offering a twist three-speed gives the option of going faster than your average beach cruiser while making gear shifting easy and comfortable and the coaster brakes make stopping the bike a smooth process. The aluminum frame adds to the lightweight of the bike while ensuring that it is durable and high quality.
In terms of riding comfort, it has an oversized cushioned saddle, however, some might disagree on the comfort level of the seat compared to other bikes when taken on long rides. It also has large-volume balloon tires, which give the bike a smooth feeling when ridden, while the upright seating position prevents any backaches or other discomforts that can come with regular bikes.
What You Get vs. What You Pay
The Giant Simple Three comes with front and rear fenders included as well as a kickstand and a rear rack for storage. It also has a chain guard that prevents dirt from compromising the chaining functionality.
This cruiser is a little more expensive than other beach cruisers, but the overall quality makes up for it. It’ll cost you $590 brand new, but there is a 2019 version which isn’t as modern or the “Simple” which is single-speed if you are looking for something a little bit slower.
All in all, the Giant Simple Three is a great bike that is suitable for most men, thus making it our top choice. Although some may find the seat a bit uncomfortable, this is something easily compromisable for the durability, quality and other comfort aspects which make this bike what it is – a classy, smooth-riding beach cruiser.
Pros
- Chainguard and front and rear fenders
- Large-volume balloon tires
- Rear rack included
- Light and durable
Cons
- The seat can be a bit uncomfortable
- A bit expensive compared to other top picks
Beach Cruiser Bikes: Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Beach Cruiser Should I Get?
Generally, frames between 15 and 21 inches are perfect for adults who are between 5ft and 6ft tall. For women, wheel sizes are usually 24 or 26 inches, and men usually need 26-inch wheels. Children usually need a frame of 10 to 12 inches with 16 to 20-inch wheels.
How Fast Do Beach Cruisers Go?
Beach cruisers are designed to go slow and average between 3 and 15 miles per hour. In some cases though, you can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour and this can vary with the strength of the person riding the bike and the number of gears that the bike has.
How Much Does a Beach Cruiser Bike Weigh?
Beach cruisers are usually a bit heavier than your average road bike and often weigh between 30 and 40 pounds. In some cases, you can find lighter ones.
Are Beach Cruiser Bikes Good for Exercise?
Beach cruiser bikes are a great way to exercise. You get almost a full-body workout from riding, resulting in many health benefits. Some of these benefits include better flexibility, increased muscle strength, and a less likely chance that you will feel fatigued. You can ride every day to get the best out of your beach cruiser, even if it’s just for a short while.
What Kind of Bike Is a Beach Cruiser?
A beach cruiser bike (also called a cruiser bike) is a bicycle with features such as balloon tires, expressive or classic design, and upright seating posture. These bikes usually come in single-speed but there are variations that can come with up to 21-speed.