The Best Cruiser Bicycle For The Money

Whether you're pedaling to work or cruising along the beach boardwalk, cruiser bicycles give you the speed of a road bike with the comfort and amenities of a plush bike. However, the bikes can easily cost close to $1,000. When you're investing that much money, make sure the bike has demonstrated durability and quality.

Specialized Globe Live 3

Specialized's aluminum cruiser bicycle includes features like hydraulic disc brakes, slick fenders and a carbon-belt system that earned praise from "Bicycling" magazine. The magazine noted the bike's wood-bottom front rack, color-matched aesthetics and a buttocks-friendly, well-padded seat, all leading to both a comfortable ride as well as an eye-turning, city-friendly appearance. The editors of Bike Radar gave it 3.5 out of four stars, praising its "quality . . . chassis" and nimble, quick handling.

Raleigh Alley Way

The editors of "Bicycling" magazine gave Raleigh's cruiser cycle an editors' choice award, saying it "defines city style." For riders who want a cruiser that offers as much in the looks department as utility, they'll enjoy aspects like its green-gray steel fenders and simple geometric shape. Additional features like leather grips add to its head-turning aesthetics.

Swobo Crosby

"Wired" magazine called Swobo's cruiser cycle "light, tough, easy to carry and versatile," whether you plan to hit your favorite mountain bike paths or simply cruise through your city's hipster neighborhoods. Features include an easily modifiable hub that lets you quickly convert from free-gear to single-speed modes, a carbon-fiber fork that keeps things light without sacrificing strength and extra-grippy brake pads.

Electra Ticino

Electra's Ticino comes recommended by "Bicyling" magazine. Its retro styling is based on Italian and Swiss cruiser bicycles from the 1940s. But just because it's retro doesn't mean it's slow or unwieldy, with aluminum components and cranksets that give it the performance of a modern cruiser.

Schwinn Frontier FS

Bike Radar notes that Schwinn is a "household name" for its high-quality cruiser bicycles, and this one, which earned four stars out of five, is no different. Features include a high-speed steering system, an extra-wide saddle that helps minimize road discomfort, a shock-absorbing fork and a geometric shape that shifts your weight forward for better pedaling performance.