Beach cruiser bicycles, also called cruisers or cruiser bikes, are retro-styled bikes designed for comfort. Wide tires, an upright seating posture and simple gearing make cruisers an ideal choice for casual riders and light city commutes. While the styling of the beach cruiser is vintage, the technology that goes into the modern cruiser is not.
Quality
Look for a quality cruiser at your local bike shop. Less expensive cruiser bicycles may be poorly assembled, have lower quality parts and spend more time at the shop than costlier models. Plan to spend at least $300 on your new bike, but top-of-the-line beach cruisers can run as much as $1,500. Invest more if you plan to ride daily. Take a test ride before you buy, and consider asking the shop to swap out pedals or the seat if you don't love the stock option.
Fit
For a comfortable ride, your beach cruiser needs to fit your frame. The bike contacts your body at the feet, seat and hands. It's essential that all three components work with your body. While bicycle frames come in stock sizes, your bike shop can help you to adjust your saddle, handlebars and crank to fit you perfectly. If you have health concerns, like arthritis, a dipped center bar can make it easier and more comfortable to mount your bike.
Men's and Unisex Cruisers
Men and women looking for a basic cruiser will find these bikes a comfortable and durable choice. If you're looking for a barebones beach cruiser on a budget, try the Kona AfricaBike 2.0 or the Kona WorldBike, recommended by Bicycling.com in 2008 and 2010. If you want something bolder and brighter, Bicycling.com likes the Schwinn Classic AL Three for less than $500, with three-speed gearing and a smooth ride. If you can splurge, Nirve cruisers offer streamlined and colorful deluxe cruisers and some have automatic shifting.
Women's Cruisers
If you're looking for a feminine and pretty bike, cruisers come in bright colors, complete with floral trim and space for a classic bike basket. The Bicycling.com Editor's Choice of 2008, the Electra Gigi, offers bright colors, a '50s-style bell, and even a rack on the back, along with a smooth ride for less than $600. The Marin Heart's Desire three-speed bike keeps classic cruiser styling with a less fussy charcoal gray color and simpler detailing.
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