Momentum Magazine
Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Your Guide to Buying the Perfect Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Laid back cruiser bikes for long, lazy rides.

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Summer brings a sense of relaxation and a slower pace, and there’s no better way to embrace this laid-back vibe than with a beach cruiser bicycle. If you’re looking for a comfortable and stylish ride that complements the easygoing summer lifestyle, a cruiser bike is the perfect choice.

What is a Beach Cruiser?

A cruiser bike is designed with comfort and leisure in mind. Characterized by its upright seating position and slightly stretched-out frame, it offers a relaxed riding experience that’s perfect for casual rides along the beach or around town. Here are some key features that define a cruiser bike:

  • Comfort-Oriented Design: The upright posture ensures maximum comfort, allowing riders to sit back and enjoy the scenery without strain.
  • Coaster Brake: Typically equipped with a coaster brake, making it easy to control your speed with a simple backpedal.
  • Single Speed: Most cruiser bikes have a single-speed setup, simplifying maintenance and providing a smooth ride on flat terrains.
  • Curvy Frame: The signature curvy frame not only looks stylish but also contributes to the bike’s overall stability and durability.
  • Wide Handlebars: These allow for easy maneuvering and a relaxed grip.
  • Plush Seat: A large, cushioned seat adds to the comfort, making long rides enjoyable.
  • Balloon Tires: The big, balloon-style tires provide a smooth ride, absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces effortlessly.
  • Durable Steel Frame: Many cruisers feature a sturdy steel frame that offers longevity and a smooth ride while requiring minimal upkeep.

Modern Enhancements

With the resurgence of cruiser bikes, modern brands are adding unique touches to enhance the classic design. These updates include:

  • Bold and Nostalgic Colorways: Eye-catching colors and retro-inspired designs make each ride a stylish statement.
  • Hand Brakes: For those who prefer more control, many models now come with hand brakes in addition to or instead of coaster brakes.
  • Pedal-Assist Electric Motors: E-cruisers offer an effortless riding experience, perfect for longer distances or hilly areas.
  • Internal Hubs.

Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider looking to add a bit of leisure to your rides, a cruiser bike offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and simplicity. With these modern enhancements, today’s cruisers are more versatile and fun than ever, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy the slower pace of summer.

Adult Beach Cruisers

Priority Coast

Woman riding a Priority Coast cruiser bike

Discover the Priority Coast, the first belt drive beach cruiser built to withstand coastal environments. Featuring the rust-free Gates Carbon Drive, this cruiser offers a lightweight aluminum frame, sealed bearings, puncture-resistant tires, and color-matched fenders. Available in 1, 3, and 7-speed options, including the Enviolo CVT model, each Coast ensures a smooth, reliable ride. Ideal for leisurely beach outings or daily commutes, it combines classic styling with modern technology for minimal maintenance and maximum enjoyment. There is also an electric version of the Priority Coast. The Priority E-Coast comes with a single-speed rear hub motor.

State Bicycle Beatles Klunker

beatles

Discover the State Bicycle Co. x The Beatles Klunker collab Yellow Submarine Edition, a cruiser bike that embodies nostalgia and whimsy with vibrant graphics inspired by The Beatles’ iconic song and album. This unique edition of State’s classic Klunker cruiser features eye-catching Yellow Submarine artwork, ensuring you stand out on every ride. Enjoy a no-fuss riding experience with its single-speed simplicity and durable components like sturdy wheels, frame, and handlebars reminiscent of a BMX bike. The 27.5″ wheels paired with 2.3″ WTB knobby tires (or CST Patrol 2.4″ tires in certain models) ensure smooth rolling and excellent traction across various terrains, making it perfect for both urban streets and adventurous paths.

Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Over

Electra Beach Cruiser Bicycle

The Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Over bike, which happens to be on sale for the very reasonable price of $349.93 at REI, offers a straightforward and reliable option for casual cyclists seeking a comfortable ride. Its frame geometry is designed to place the pedals forward of the seatpost, ensuring a low center of gravity and an upright, balanced riding position. With a single-speed drivetrain and a rear coaster brake that activates by pedaling backward, the bike is easy to operate and maintain. The 26-inch wheels provide stability, while platform pedals accommodate various types of footwear. Ideal for leisurely rides on beachside paths or boardwalks.

Firmstrong Prestige Bruiser, 3-Speed

Firmstrong beach cruiser bike
Meet the Firmstrong Prestige Bruiser, $349 on sale, your perfect beach cruiser with style and comfort. This bike features a 19” extended steel frame and 26” painted aluminum wheels, making it ideal for taller riders or those who love more arm extension. With a Shimano 3-speed internal gear system, shifting is a breeze and maintenance is minimal. The thick top tube gives it a beefy look, complemented by all-black components. Enjoy easy pedaling with the single-speed setup and pedal-backwards coaster brake, while the dual spring oversized seat and 2.125” wide all-black tires ensure a comfy, smooth ride. Adjustable handlebars and seat height make it fit just right. Perfect for cruising at 3-25 mph for up to 35 miles, this bike is designed in Hermosa Beach, CA, and comes 80% assembled for easy, fun setup. Color-matched fenders available separately for $49.99.

Jamis Earth Cruiser 

A Jamis Earth Cruiser beach cruiser bicycle

Jamis Earth Cruiser

Cruise in style with the Jamis Earth Cruiser 3! Featuring a classic cantilever design and lightweight 6061 aluminum tubing, this bike is perfect for easy rides. The hi-tensile unicrown fork, Alex Zuma 36H black anodized alloy rims, and stainless steel spokes ensure durability and rust resistance. With Shimano RevoShift 3-speed shifting and a high-quality Shimano coaster brake, this bike offers smooth and reliable performance. The Jamis custom Cruise-control comfort handlebar and Earth Cruiser Comfort saddle with memory foam padding provide maximum comfort. Available in Clay, Teal Fo’ Real, and Gloss Black, this bike is ready for your next adventure. Purchase online and pick up at your local bike shop!

Nirve Lahaina 1-speed 

Nirve Lahaina 1-speed beach cruiser bicycle

Nirve Lahaina 1-speed

The Nirve Lahaina 1-Speed Cruiser, $349, embodies coastal charm and effortless style. Its lightweight Nirve Galaxy Ladies Cruiser frame and aluminum wheels glide smoothly on Nirve classic cruiser tires, ensuring a relaxed ride. Complete with full-length fenders and a comfortable Nirve flower embossed double spring saddle, this bike blends functionality with a distinctive design. Perfect for leisurely rides along the boardwalk or through beachside paths, the Lahaina offers a laid-back biking experience with a touch of retro flair.

Schwinn Debutante

A Schwinn beach cruiser bike

Relive the charm of vintage biking with the Schwinn Destiny and Baywood Beach Cruiser Bike, $269. This classic cruiser from one of the iconic brands that invented the category, this Schwinn features a durable steel frame with a step-through design for easy mounting and dismounting. It offers a comfortable ride with a padded cruiser saddle and springs, a single-speed drivetrain for smooth cruising, alloy steel rims for lightweight durability, and a cute wicker basket up front. This bike has 24-inch wheels and is suitable for shorter riders looking for a beach cruiser this summer.

Solé Coastal Cruiser

Discover Solé Bicycles’ Coastal Cruiser, crafted for comfort and simplicity. Featuring a sturdy high-tensile steel frame and 26-inch balloon tires, it’s perfect for leisurely rides on pavement and flat terrain. Designed with coaster brakes, an extra-wide cruiser handlebar, and a plush saddle, it ensures a relaxed, upright riding position.

Kids Beach Cruisers

Electra Cat’s Meow 20″
$349.99
electrabike.com
Super fun, multi-color metallic leopard spots with matching chainguard and fenders. Singlespeed with a coaster brake.

Jamis Starlite 20″
jamisbikes.com
Sprung saddle and cruiser handlebars on 20″ wheels. Singlespeed with coaster brake.

Schwinn Hazel
$150 USD
schwinnbikes.com
20″ tires. Chainguard, fenders, and rear rack. Singlespeed with coaster brake.

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