Riding a bike is a beloved American pastime. Though cycling has evolved into quite a serious sport, casual cruising is still a perfectly good option, particularly in the summer to grab an ice cream cone or head to the beach.
Of course, if you’re just in it for pleasure, you may not want to spend thousands of dollars on a top-notch road bike with skinny wheels and tons of gears. Likewise, you probably don’t need to drop a few grand on an indestructible mountain bike. Cruiser bikes are what you’ll be looking for. They have that old-school feel with a focus on leisure and aesthetics over intense athletic performance. That’s not to say you can’t find a high-quality option, because these cruiser bikes will give you a smooth, reliable ride and you’ll just happen to look very cool while doing it. They can be customizable, electric, fold up or hold a basket for all of your belongings. It’s a perfectly acceptable and enjoyable means of suburban transportation or just an excuse to get some fresh air on a warm day.
Just because the thought of whizzing past the serious cyclists or lifetime commuters in the bike lane feels intimidating doesn’t mean you can’t be a proud bicycle owner. These are the best cruiser bikes if you’re in it for that fun and aimless biking experience.
1. Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike
BEST OVERALL
Schwinn is a trusted name in the bicycle world, and this classic red steel frame comfort cruiser is as reliable as any of its offerings. You can choose whether you want a step-over or step-through frame, but regardless the full fenders will keep any dirt and debris away from your clothing. The rear cargo rack can hold a basket for everything you need to bring along on your journey. It’s a high-performance, highly rated option on the cruiser bike market.
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2. sixthreezero Around the Block Cruiser Bike
BEST FOR LESS
If you’re looking for a quality option at a slightly lower price point, this durable sixthreezero cruiser is a great choice. It comes in four different colors, all available in 1-speed or 7-speed. The bike features wide handlebars with foam grips and a dual-spring saddle, all to facilitate an upright riding style that’ll keep you super comfortable. It also has a rear rack and tons of five-star reviews, so you really can’t go wrong with this smooth cruiser.
3. Huffy Panama Jack Beach Cruiser Bike
BEST FOR A BOOZE CRUISE
Do you ever feel like taking a leisurely spin around the block with an ice-cold beer, enjoying a nice breeze while the sun sets? If so, this is the cruiser bike for you. It comes in three cool colors, all offering a comfortable riding position with full leg extension. The best features, however, are the roomy wicker basket plus a rear rack, beverage holder, and built-in bottle opener. You can store extra drinks in the basket, pop one open and drop it into the convenient cupholder when you need to use both hands. It literally has everything you need for the perfect booze cruise. But if you do tend to sip while riding, please be sure to wear a bike helmet.
4. Blix Sol Electric Cruiser Bike
BEST ELECTRIC
The Blix Sol has everything you need in a cruiser bike — fat tires, a cushy seat, wide handlebars. Plus, it happens to have a 500 watt motor with a strong throttle for those days when you just can’t be bothered to put too much effort into pedaling. It also features puncture-resistant tires, modular racks, a super-low step-through frame and battery capacity that can take you up to 45 miles per charge.
5. Schwinn Meridian Adult Tricycle
BEST TRICYCLE CRUISER
Tricycles aren’t just for those who haven’t mastered the balance of a two-wheeled bike. They provide more stability if you have a lot of cargo to haul, and they give you more control sitting lower to the ground. If you plan to take your cruiser bike to the beach or grocery store and know there will be lots to transport, a tricycle cruiser could be the way to go. This one comes in seven colors, all with a large back basket, and is perfectly constructed for a smooth, balanced ride.
6. Priority Coast Beach Cruiser
BEST FOR THE BEACH
This beach cruiser bike was designed with salty air in mind. It’s been tested in coastal climates around the globe to take on salt, sand and water with ease. The Priority Coast has an ultralight rustproof frame and fork, so you’ll never be dealing with rusty chains, greasy hands or heavy, slow rides. You can also select your frame style, number of speeds and color to guarantee that it’ll be the absolute perfect beach cruiser for you.
7. BARCELONA Citizen Bike Folding Cruiser
BEST FOLDABLE
One of the most annoying things about bike ownership can be finding a way to safely and conveniently store and lock it up. You don’t want to risk parts being stolen or having to keep your cruiser in the living room of your apartment and pretend that it’s a piece of decor. Luckily, this Citizen cruiser bike is highly functional and folds up for super easy storage and compact transportation. You can even opt to get it with a carrying back to sling over your shoulder when the pedaling part of your trip is done.
8. Vivelo Chopper Falcon
BEST FOR BIG AND TALL
The Chopper Falcon is a classic beach cruiser bike with 3 or 7-speed options, and it was designed to comfortably accommodate riders up to 6 feet 4 inches or 265 pounds. The specially designed frame features an enlarged fork, wider tires and reinforced rims. It’s one of the sturdiest options out there, particularly for those that are larger in stature.
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