Buying guide for Best men's beach cruiser bikes
If you want a unique bike that stands out from the average road or mountain bike, a classic beach cruiser is the way to go. With a curvy frame, wide balloon tires, and an arsenal of accessories, a beach cruiser is fun on two wheels.
To find the right men’s beach cruiser, you first need to look at size. Available with small, medium, and large frames, the appropriate bike size will maximize your comfort as you pedal down the boardwalk. Beyond size, there are several different styles to consider, such as the classic cruiser and the chopper. Keep an eye out for smaller accessories such as fenders, lights, bells, racks, and baskets that might enhance your ride, too.
Our guide to men's beach cruiser bikes will help you find the perfect bike for you. In addition to helpful features, considerations, tips, and FAQ on beach cruisers, we have included some of our favorite picks.
Men’s beach cruiser bike considerations
Size
The best beach cruiser is one that fits you without requiring much adjustment. While the seat and handlebars are adjustable on virtually any bike, you need to start with the right frame size for the best results. Men's beach cruiser frames tend to be larger than women's and kids’ sizes and come in small, medium, and large sizes.
You can estimate what size you need based on your height or leg length. The frame should be large enough so you can stand up comfortably when the bike is stopped. Your knees should have a comfortable bend while using the bike, but this can be adjusted with the seat if the post is long enough. Finally, your arms should rest comfortably on the handlebars without being hyper-extended or squished.
Keep in mind that the size of the wheels and tires affects the size of the bike setup. Larger wheels and tires make the frame sit higher. A standard wheel diameter of 26 to 28 inches is good enough for the average man, but you might need to check out other sizes if the bike doesn't fit correctly.
Shape
The beach cruiser bike has a distinct shape that makes it stand out from other types of bikes. The vintage style owes its design to the frame of the bike and its elegant curves. Despite the common shape, however, there are several beach cruiser styles to consider.
The classic beach cruiser is the most common and uses thick steel tubing that can cause the frame to weigh as much as 50 pounds. The frame tends to have a curved top tube, 26- to 29-inch tires, a top chain guard, and a wide, low seat for comfort. Swept-back handlebars are also common.
Stretch beach cruisers have a similar frame to classic beach cruisers but with a longer wheelbase and swept design. The longer length places the rider farther back and offers a comfortable riding experience while cruising.
Some frame styles borrow design cues from the motorcycle. In fact, the chopper-style beach cruiser has a long front fork and smaller front wheel reminiscent of vintage motorcycles. Several cruisers have "ape hanger" handlebars that place the hands in line with the rider's head as well.
Accessories
A significant difference between beach cruisers and other bikes is the plethora of accessories available for beach cruisers. While almost all bicycles can fit things like fenders, racks, bells, and lights onto the frame, the style of the beach cruiser isn't complete without some extra visual bling.
Baskets and racks are some of the most common accessories you will find on new beach cruisers. In addition to style, these accessories add functionality, as you can carry small items or travel bags on the ride.
Smaller additions like lights and bells are great for visibility and safety when riding near other people or cars. Bells quickly snap or screw onto the handlebars and are loud enough to get the attention of most pedestrians. Lights mount in a similar way and can be used day or night to see and be seen. Double-leg kickstands help keep your bike upright when your bike is loaded with beach gear.
To keep track of where you're going and how long it takes you to get there, you can add a cycling odometer.
Men’s beach cruiser bike features
Gears
Many beach cruisers include a number of gears or speeds to change the difficulty of the ride. Gears can help you get up a large hill or through tough sand and mud. The more speeds you have, the more you can adjust the bike to fit the terrain. At the same time, more gears also add a bit of complexity to the bike setup and its upkeep.
Classic beach cruisers are true “fixies,” having just one speed and no way to adjust to different terrain and riding conditions. While this may present a challenge when it comes to hills or sand, the fixie does offer one important benefit: simplicity. Without gears, less that can go wrong with the bike as a whole.
A beach cruiser with gears will likely be a basic three- or seven-speed bike with gears in the rear. This setup is good enough for most riding conditions and is relatively easy to maintain compared to a true 27- to 30-speed bike.
Tires
A bike's tires affect the quality of your ride, especially on certain types of terrain. It’s true that beach cruisers are often ridden in the sand, but they make great all-around bikes, too. As such, you might prefer to have tires that serve you just as well on asphalt and concrete as they do on the beach.
Most city and sand tires have smooth treads or small knobs for a little more traction. Since these tires rarely go offroading, they don't need the massive treads of mountain bikes or fat tires to get along. Instead, the tread pattern is designed to reduce rolling resistance, so it's easier to pedal without spending a lot of unnecessary effort.
Most beach cruiser tires are geared for the urban environment or specifically for sand with a wider tire. Usually these are enough, but both types can lose traction on wet surfaces or loose terrain (like gravel) if you decide to go offroad. You might select different tires if you want to expand the bike's riding capabilities.
Men’s beach cruiser bike prices
Compared to other types of road and mountain bikes, finding an affordable beach cruiser is much easier. The cost will increase with higher-quality frames and unique accessories, but a basic frame won't break the bank.
Inexpensive
Starting around $150, several fixies and three-speed beach cruisers are available. Frame sizes tend to be smaller here. If you’re trying out this type of bike for the first time, this price range could be perfect for you.
Mid-range
Between $150 and $300, you’ll find many standard frames that can give you the true beach-cruising experience. You won’t have to buy as many third-party items to gear up a bike in this price range; built-in fenders and racks, in addition to more standard accessories like bells and lights, are often included.
Expensive
Above $300, you will find more options in terms of frame styles and colors. Personalization is easier at this level.
"The balloon tires you see on many beach cruisers are designed to float on top of the sand instead of riding through it."
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
- Some beach cruisers emphasize style over function. These are best for casual urban and beach riding, as the gearing and braking abilities on these bikes may be limited.
- If you want to bring small items along on your ride, consider a pannier bag. This small sack attaches to the side of the bike rack.
- Consider carrying an extra tire or inner tube in case of a flat.
- Need extra visibility? Buy a bike flag so motorists can see you.
Did you know?
Most beach cruisers don't have any kind of suspension to smooth out the bumps, but some seats do have springs for extra cushioning.
STAFF
BestReviews
FAQ
Q. How much do beach cruisers weigh?
A. Most beach cruisers weigh around 50 pounds. This is heavier than most bikes, but the weight is still manageable for casual riding.
Q. What accessories should I get for my beach cruiser?
A. A good bell and light are essential for safety. If you don't have a helmet, that’s another good investment. In fact, some states require them. If you want to do day trips, add a rack, basket, or bags to carry your items.
Q. Can I take a beach cruiser bike off-road?
A. Technically, riding on the beach is considered to be “off-road.” Beach cruisers aren't designed for trail riding, but you could take yours on loose gravel if you have knobby tires.
