Updated October 19, 2022
Going for a ride on a beach cruiser takes bicycling back to an earlier era before everything was a competition and riding was a comfortable and fun way to get from A to B without risking an aneurysm.
Today’s beach cruisers have retained a lot of the styling, comfort, and attitude of the 50s and 60s, and progressed to new levels of quality, versatility, affordability, and ease of use.
To aid in your selection process, some of the best beach cruisers of 2021 are described below with a simple comparison table, descriptions, key features, photos, and videos, followed by a buying guide.
If you have any questions or concerns, please use the comments section at the bottom. I’d love to know your thoughts.
For a discussion of some other items you could use at the beach and other types of bicycles, please check these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Chairs Beach Wagons & Carts Beach Canopies Beach Tents Surfboards Skimboards Bodyboards Bodyboarding Fins Stand Up Paddleboards Rash Guards for Men Rash Guards for Women Surfing Wetsuits Swim Parkas
Best Beach Cruiser Bikes Reviews
- Firmstrong Urban Lady 26″ Women’s Beach Cruiser
- Sixthreezero Men’s In a Barrel 26″ Beach Cruiser
- Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Beach Cruiser
- Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser
- Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Beach Cruiser
- Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser
- Huffy Nel Nusso Women’s Beach Cruiser
- Firmstrong Men’s CA-520 Alloy Beach Cruiser
Best Beach Cruiser Bikes Comparison Table
| Photo | Beach Cruisers | Wheel Size | Gear Set | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Firmstrong Urban Lady 26" Women's Beach Cruiser | 26" | Single-speed | $ |
  | Sixthreezero Men's In a Barrel 26" Beach Cruiser | 26" | 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed | $$ |
  | Sixthreezero Around the Block Women's Beach Cruiser | 26" | 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed | $ |
  | Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser | 26" | 1, 3, or 7-speed | $ |
  | Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's Hybrid Beach Cruiser | 26" | 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed | $$ |
  | Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser | 26" | 7-speed | $$$ |
  | Huffy Nel Nusso Women's Beach Cruiser | 26" | Single-speed | $ |
 | Firmstrong Men's CA-520 Alloy Beach Cruiser | 26" | 3, or 7-speed | $$ |
| Photo | Beach Cruiser | Wheel Size | Gear Set | Price |
Firmstrong Urban Lady 26″ Women’s Beach Cruiser
Available in 16 colors in a range from conservative colors to lively pastels, it has wide handlebars, whitewall tires, and a double-spring saddle for a comfortable ride.
With single-speed gearing, it is best for flat urban terrain or beach cruising and comes with a basic rear coaster brake and kickstand.
The durable construction is suitable for tall women with a maximum weight of 300 pounds which covers practically anyone.
A 24-inch model is available as are fenders that can be located with a little research.
The pricing is quite reasonable.
- Weight: 35 pounds
- Frame: 15-inch steel frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: single-speed
- Brake Options: rear coaster brake
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’ to 6’ tall
- Padded double-spring saddle, kickstand, rubber block pedals, Kenda whitewall tires
- Comes 80% assembled
- Colors: 16 available
- Available in a 24-inch model
- Price: $
Sixthreezero Men’s In a Barrel 26″ Beach Cruiser
Suitable for a range of sizes up to 300 pounds and 6’4” tall, riders will enjoy relaxed to up-tempo cruising in the city or along the beach.
In addition to a single-speed version, 3, 7, and 21-speed models are available for those that want to take on hills and a variety of landscapes.
It’s durable with a dual-spring saddle, rubber block pedals, kickstand, wide 2.125″ wheels with black wall tires, and matte black coloration for a rugged masculine look.
The pricing is moderate for a beach cruiser.
- Weight: 36.7 to 40.8 pounds (from the single to 21-speed models)
- Frame: 18-inch steel frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed (Shimano hub and Nexus shifter for multi-speed models)
- Brake Options: rear coaster brake or front and rear rim brakes for multi-speed models
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’ to 6’4” tall
- Dual-spring saddle, kickstand, rubber block pedals, Kenda black wall tires
- Comes 85% assembled
- Colors: matte black
- Price: $$
Sixthreezero Around the Block Women’s Beach Cruiser
The 17-inch steel cruiser frame supports riders from 5 to 6 feet tall on a comfortable dual-spring saddle and 2.125-inch bubble-tread tires.
It comes in a range of 8 lively colors to go with black features for an eye-catching look and includes a rear luggage rack.
If you want to take on a few hills and slopes or longer distances, 3, 7, and 21-speed models are available in addition to the single-speed version.
For smaller riders, 24-inch models are also offered.
Pricing is moderate and goes up based on the gear package.
- Weight: 35-37 pounds (from the single to 21-speed models)
- Frame: 17-inch steel frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed (Shimano shifter for multi-speed models)
- Brake Options: rear coaster brake or front and rear rim brakes for multi-speed models
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’ to 6’ tall
- Dual-spring saddle, rubber block pedals, Kenda whitewall tires with bubble tread, rear luggage rack
- Comes 85% assembled
- Available in 24-inch versions
- Colors: 8 available
- Price: $
Firmstrong Urban Man Beach Cruiser
For riders that want more than a casual ride around town or along the beach, 3 and 7-speed models have the functionality of a hybrid able to take on more challenging hills.
Coming in matte black, black, red, or orange with matching fenders available separately, pricing is quite reasonable.
- Weight: 38 pounds
- Frame: 19-inch steel frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 1, 3, or 7-speed (Shimano shifter for multi-speed models)
- Brake Options: rear coaster brake or front and rear rim brakes for multi-speed models
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’4” to 6’2” tall
- Adjustable height oversized dual-spring saddle, rubber block pedals, whitewall balloon tires, 28.5” wide handlebars with rubber grips, and adjustable tilt
- Color-matched fenders are available separately
- Comes 80% assembled
- Colors: black, matte black, orange, or red
- Price: $
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Beach Cruiser
It comes in a range of 12 attractive colors with white or black contrasting features, matching fenders, a wide comfortable seat that women appreciate, and a convenient rear luggage rack.
Great for flat terrain and urban cruising, it has slightly thinner 1.95-inch semi-slick tires which are a little faster and better for hills especially when you opt for a multi-speed model (3, 7, or 21-speed).
The performance, looks, and functionality make the EVRYjourney Hybrid a popular bike.
Pricing is moderate considering the quality and features.
- Weight: 35.7 to 40 pounds (from the single to 21-speed models)
- Frame: 17.5-inch aluminum alloy frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 1, 3, 7, or 21-speed (Shimano shifter for multi-speed models)
- Brake Options: rear coaster brake and a front rim brake for single-speed models, or front and rear rim brakes for multi-speed models
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’ to 6’2” tall
- Padded double-spring synthetic leather saddle, kickstand, rubber block pedals, 1.95-inch semi-slick cruiser tires, matching fenders, and a rear luggage rack
- Colors: 12 available
- Price: $$
Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Comfort Cruiser
It has a heavy-duty 18-inch steel frame, 26-inch lightweight alloy wheels, a comfortable padded saddle, and full fenders to keep the mud and rain off your clothes.
Performing well around town and on the flats, it has a 7-speed Shimano derailleur and twist shifter for easy gear changes to set you up for a little hill climbing or longer distances.
The retro styling has a classic step-over men’s frame, rear luggage rack, red color, and whitewall tires right out of the 50s.
You’ll look cool but the pricing is at the high end for a beach cruiser.
- Weight: 38.8 pounds (shipping weight)
- Frame: 18-inch steel frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 7-speed (Shimano derailleur with SRAM twist shifter)
- Brake Options: front and rear rim brakes
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’4” to 6’2” tall
- Padded double-spring cruiser saddle, kickstand, rubber block pedals, front and rear fenders, whitewall tires, rear luggage rack
- Available in a women’s step-through model
- Colors: red
- Price: $$$
Huffy Nel Nusso Women’s Beach Cruiser
The step-over design with gloss blue color, crème-colored tires, comfortable padded, embroidered seat, and multiple storage options including a front basket, rear luggage rack, cup holder, and smartphone slot, give it a distinctly feminine flavor.
This single-speed model has a sturdy steel frame and butterscotch steel rims that make it suitable for a range of girls and women up to 200 pounds.
The pricing is quite reasonable and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty to top it off.
- Weight: 46.55 pounds
- Frame: steel frame
- Wheels: 24-inch butterscotch steel rims
- Gear Options: single-speed
- Brake Options: coaster brakes
- Maximum Rider Weight: 200 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’ to “adult”
- Padded double-spring seat with embroidery, kickstand, rubber block pedals, front and rear fenders, crème-colored tires, front basket, cup holder, a smartphone slot, rear luggage rack
- Colors: mint
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Price: $
Firmstrong Men’s CA-520 Alloy Beach Cruiser
A larger framed guy has more room for arm extension and a comfortable ride on 2.125-inch balloon tires and an adjustable level dual-spring saddle.
The riding position remains upright but with the pedals shifted forward riders are able to get good leg extension while closer to the ground.
This makes for smooth easy pedaling on the flats but with the choice of a 3 or 7-speed Shimano internal gear system, hill climbing, commuting, and exercising are all enhanced.
Riders as tall as 6’4” should find this cruiser comfortable and a good performer.
Pricing is in the moderate range.
- Weight: 43 pounds
- Frame: 17-inch extended-length aluminum frame
- Wheels: 26-inch aluminum alloy
- Gear Options: 3, or 7-speed Shimano internal gear system with handlebar shifter
- Brake Options: the 3-speed model has a coaster brake, 7-speed model has front and rear rim brakes
- Maximum Rider Weight: 300 pounds
- Recommended Rider Height: 5’6” to 6’4” tall
- Adjustable height oversized dual-spring saddle, steel kickstand, Kenda 2.125-inch balloon whitewall tires, 25.5-inch wide chrome plated handlebars with synthetic leather grips
- Comes 80% assembled
- Colors: matte black
- Price: $$
Beach Cruiser Bike Buying Guide
Beach cruisers offer a version of cycling that is casual and leisurely, great for short commutes, and easy to pedal on flat terrain. Built for comfort and not for high performance, weight is not of primary importance making high-priced lightweight materials unnecessary keeping the price down.
Frame Material
The materials most commonly used are steel and aluminum. Both can be sturdy with aluminum lighter, stiffer, and more expensive than steel.
Tires
Speed is not the primary factor in beach cruiser design while comfort is a priority. For this reason, tires are usually wider and made of softer compounds than those used for road racing bikes to absorb bumps giving you a cushioned ride.
Gears
The classic beach cruiser design uses a basic easy to maintain, hard-to-break, single-speed design. For short trips on flat terrain, that is probably all you need to keep yourself happy. If, however, you will include hill climbing a one-speed design may leave you with some pretty hard pedaling. Downhill, as well, you may find that your pedaling isn’t up to the speed you are traveling. Many models also come in 3-speed and 7-speed versions to add the versatility to effectively attack such conditions. 21-speed versions are available, as well, on some models.
Brakes
Two types of brakes are used on beach cruisers, coaster, and rim brakes, otherwise called hand brakes. Coaster brakes are on the back wheel and are activated by pedaling backward to engage them. Single-speed models usually have one. In some cases, they also have a rim brake on the front wheel or on both wheels, as well. Multi-speed models usually employ a set of two rim brakes, as coaster brakes are often incompatible with the gear mechanism.
Seat
One of the most attractive aspects of beach cruisers is the level of comfort. To achieve this, bikes are designed for riders to have a more upright position than on competition bikes. Adding to the comfort the top cruisers usually have a wide padded seat often utilizing dual springs to absorb bumps. I don’t need to say too much about how a narrow hard seat can cause levels of discomfort most of us, male or female, would find difficult to endure on bumpy terrain.
Fenders
Fenders keep water and loose terrain from getting sprayed on you. If you plan on riding in the rain, water, or on loose surfaces they are worth considering. If not already part of the package at the time of purchase, suitable fenders are usually available for each model.
Budget
Compared to the best mountain bikes and road bikes, the best beach cruisers are pretty low-priced. The primary materials used, aluminum and steel, are not expensive while still being high quality, keeping the overall price low. Models with multiple-speed gear systems will run a little higher. High-performance bicycles may use carbon fiber, titanium, and other advanced materials that can add greatly to the cost of production.
Looks & Style
There is no doubt about it, a retro-way beach cruiser displays a cool expression of style for a good many people that other bikes just can’t replicate.
For a discussion of some other items you could use at the beach and other types of bicycles, please check these reviews:
Women’s Mountain Bikes BMX Bikes Mountain Bikes Under $1,000 Budget Mountain Bikes Fat Bikes Single Speed Bikes Beach Chairs Beach Wagons & Carts Beach Canopies Beach Tents Surfboards Skimboards Bodyboards Bodyboarding Fins Stand Up Paddleboards Rash Guards for Men Rash Guards for Women Surfing Wetsuits Swim Parkas
Feedback and Comments
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