Nothing beats the rejuvenating power of the outdoors. I have been through a bit in my life, and if there is one thing that has always brought me back, it has to be the outdoors plus the ability to let your mind wander through nothingness and everything in between, the moment I step out of the house.
Being one with nature has a healing power that I cannot quite explain, and I’m quite lucky to live minutes from the beach, which means more sights and sound, and calm. However, I’ve got to admit that none of that would make sense if I didn’t have one of the best beach cruiser bikes.
The thing about cruiser bikes is that they make it possible for you to have that escape you need without forcing you to work hard at it. I believe that this is one of the reasons why I fell in love with the first cruiser bike that was handed down to me by our lovely neighbor.
With the level of fun you get to experience on the beach cruiser bike, the cool little spots you find on your rides, and the adrenaline pumping action from riding on varied terrains, I’d recommend that you get a cruiser bike; especially if you are struggling to find something to help you relax and get out of your head.
It won’t feel like much at the beginning, but the life-long benefits of biking on a beach cruiser bike are life-changing.
The best part is that I’ll help you find your best beach cruiser bike. There are several options on the market today, and it’s easy to get confused or buy the wrong bike if you are not sure about what you are looking for.
To save you the trouble, here are 8 of the best beach cruiser bikes with gears. They are safe, functional, some are quite stylish, but most importantly, you get to have fun riding.
Beach Cruiser Bikes
A beach cruiser bike is a single-speed (or multi-speed) bicycle with balloon tires, a wide-sweeping handlebar, and a comfortable saddle. Riding this bike is a wonderful experience because you aren’t expected to keep up the pace; neither are you constricted by Lycra; while wearing flipflops or even a bathing suit.
But they are not limited for use on the beach, and you could leisurely ride this bike down boulevards and boardwalks, etc. In short, they are the most versatile fun bikes on the market, and the only thing you need to do is to invest in a beach cruiser bike with gears.
Note that a beach cruiser bike with a single gear is a good option for smooth and slow rides down the street, but you need more than one gear for rides on coastal roads and other challenging terrains.
Best Beach Cruiser Bikes with Gears
Comparison Table
Bike Name |
Best for |
Wheel size |
Gear set |
Special Features |
Most versatile retro bike |
26†|
7-speed gearset |
Lightweight aluminum rims and wide wheels with dual springs under the padded saddle |
|
Best men’s cruiser bike |
26†|
7-speed |
85% assembled with twist-grip shifters on the handlebar |
|
Best commuter bike for women |
2.35†wide |
8-speed |
Intuitive Rapidfire shifting |
|
Best beginners’ bike |
650b x 2.3†|
7-speed |
Beefy tires for stable rolling on sand and pavements |
|
Best big and tall cruiser bike |
26†|
3 and 7-speed |
Super-smooth shift operation and beefy tubes for smooth rolling on rough terrains |
|
Most affordable |
26†|
Single-speed |
Stylish wheel protection from dual-density pedals, padded spring saddle, and grips |
|
Best for women |
26†|
3-speed |
17.5†swooping step-through frame design hence it’s low weight |
|
Coastal living |
26†|
3-speed/ single-speed |
Puncture-resistant Kenda tires, and sealed waterproof bearings |
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 Schwinn Sanctuary – Best Retro/ Most Versatile Cruiser Bike
Crafted with 7 gears rather than 1 or 3, this Schwinn Sanctuary bike is one of my favorite cruiser bikes as it allows for easy riding on just about any terrain. It comes in the classic beach bike styling with the vintage-style fenders and a classic color scheme, with an option for men and women.
This cruiser bike is sturdy and build for comfortable rides, thanks to the steel frame and the steel fork. Now, steel is obviously not the most lightweight materials for bikes, but this bike is not as heavy as you’d expect since its weight is offset by the lightweight 26†alloy rims.
The wheels are wide, and they ride easily on and off the road, and even over large bumps, with the two springs fitted under its padded saddle absorbing any shock.
This bike is also a favorite because it allows for high-speed and slow, cruise speeds, thanks to the 7 gear. The only thing you need to be aware of is the Shimano Derailleur, which, just like the SRAM grip shift, is not reliable, and the quality is wanting.
Shifting is also not precise, and it would be a great idea to learn how to work around the adjustment of the derailleur to keep the bike in perfect working condition.
However, even with these limitations, this bike’s rim brake fitted on each wheel will ensure reliable stopping. Do not mind the cluttered look of the rim brakes because they provide more power to the bike. The fenders will keep the drive chain and the paintwork dry in case you ride on puddles or if it starts raining.
This bike also comes fitted with a rack above the rear wheel to allow for the attachment of objects, and you can use it to carry your beach gear or groceries home. So, if you are looking for a fun, comfortable, and versatile cruiser bike, I’d recommend this Schwinn Sanctuary bike in a heartbeat.
Pros
- Designed for leisure rides
- The full front and rear fenders will keep the dirt and mud away from your clothes
- Rack attachment will hold your groceries and gear
- Lightweight aluminum rims
- 7-speed gear set
- Comfortable and durable saddle
- Padded comfortable seat
- Twist shifters designed to enhance the performance of the bike
- It comes with a kickstand
- Sturdy build
Cons
- The shifters are imprecise
- The drivetrain components (derailleur, chain, freewheel) are rather cheap
- Only suitable for light use
View price on Amazon
sixthreezero Around The Block Men’s Beach Cruiser Bicycle – Best Men’s Cruiser Bike
If there is a cruiser bike that I fall in love with repeatedly, it has to be this sixthreezero Around The Block for men. A 7-speed cruiser sporting that nice classic style and an exceptional level of performance, this cruiser bike is ideal for exercising, commuting, and my family’s new best pastime – leisure cycling.
It comes with a 7-speed Shimano external hub that allows for the widest range of riding comfort, as well as safety, thanks to the rear and the front handbrakes, which ensure super-smooth stops. You can switch between the 7 gears easily using the twist-grip shifters located on the handlebar.
Its 26†wheel features a large, waffle-tread tire design that ensures cushioned and smoother rides. Its seat and the handlebar have the perfect geometry, giving you the perfectly comfortable, heads-up, and upright position. Comfort is further enhanced by the dual-spring cushioned seat, along with the high-density foam handgrips.
It comes 85% assembled, and it is an ideal bike for riders with a height of between 5ft and 6’4â€. This 7-speed bike, like the 3-speed one, can easily tackle hills. However, if you need a cruiser bike for long-distance riding, high-demanding streets, trails, and challenging uphill riding, the 21-speed cruiser bike would be a better option for you.
Pros
- Comfortable riding and stand-over position
- Easy assembly and comes 85% assembled
- Deluxe cushioning of the seat and the grips
- It is firm and durable
- Affordable
- It comes with rim brakes for more stopping power when riding at high speeds
- The chain guard will keep dirt off your clothes and legs
- It looks good and rides perfectly
- Lightweight aluminum frame
Cons
- The rear rack not included. You have to buy it separately
- No fenders included
- Few issues with the bearings
- Some people find it too short.
View price on Amazon
Benno Ballooner Ladies’ 8i – Best Ladies’ Commuter Cruiser Bike
If you are working on a long-term fitness and fun investment, this cruiser bike might be the best one you make today. As one of the best cruiser bikes for ladies, this bike works as more than a cruiser bike, and it makes a great commuter bike too.
With its 8-speed Shimano Alfine internal hub, which ensures the bike’s low maintenance, and the generous gears, as well as the intuitive and Rapidfire shifting, plus Shimano’s hydraulic disc brakes, this bike will deliver the smoothest rides. These Features also ensure precise stopping.
The steel fork will keep away road critters and jitters, while the 2.35†balloon tires ensure smooth and fast-rolling.
The other nice features of this cruiser bike include the matching rims and fenders, the retro aluminum pedals and crankset, and the super-comfortable ergo grips.
Pros
- Perfect cruiser bike for females
- Elegant frame shape with nicely matching fenders and beautiful brushed-finish aluminum crankset
- Wider tires for comfortable rides
- Big saddle with ergo grips for added comfort
- Versatile
- Internally geared, 8-speed bike
- Well-balanced and stable
Cons
- It is expensive
View price on Amazon
Specialized Roll Low-Entry Cruiser Bike – Best for Beginners
For a cruiser bike that’s designed for comfort and smooth-riding, this Roll Low-Entry cruiser bike by Specialized might be the best option for you. The bike has the lowest step-through frames on the market, and it’s an ideal option if you are looking for a bike that allows you to swing your legs over the top tube or of you need to be able to touch your feet on the ground at the last minute.
This roll low entry bike is quite beefy with 650b x 2.3†tires, which will roll quite smoothly on the road, and even on pavements and the sketchy sandy roads. The bike is not, however, suitable for steep climbs or winding roads. The bike has an upright geometry that will take the strain off your back and neck, meaning that you all get to take in all the sights around you.
This bike’s efficiency is further enhanced by the Shimano Altus 7-speed drivetrain. Note, however, that this bike is not designed for high-speed riding.
The other features include mounts for the addition of a rear rack, a head tube that is tall enough for the deepest BMX-style handlebar, all thee to boost the use of the bike in different conditions.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight aluminum frame
- Easy to use drivetrain that gets through the steep hills with ease
- Plush grips, saddle, and the most stable pedals
- It allows for the smoothest, upright riding positions
- Comfortable riding experience
- Great ground control
Cons
- The low-entry design doesn’t work for everyone
View price Here
Firmstrong Bruiser – Best Big (Tall) Cruiser Bike)
In your search for the best beach cruiser bikes, quality, efficiency, durability, and control are important considerations that you need to bear in mind. The FirmStrong Bruiser is one such bike, and it offers just about everything you need in a cruiser bike.
It sports a durable steel frame that is only two inches longer than the standard cruiser bike length, but you only need to learn how to slow down your pace with time. The wide balloon ties are sturdy, and they roll over rough terrains easily. It sports a single-speed design, but if you are up to more fun, you will like the 3-speed and the 7-speed variants.
The 26†cruiser bike allows for relaxed and easy riding, and the 19-inch extended steel frame means more space between your body and the handlebars. The comfort and versatility of the bike is further enhanced by the oversized seat, which has dual springs and handlebars with soft and sturdy leather grips.
The 3-speed Shimano internal gear system has the smoothest shifting operation, making the bike ideal for using long rides and uphill rides. The design of the curved 19-inch frame, the painted aluminum wheels, and the beefy top tubes ensure smooth rolling on rough terrains. The bike has a capacity of 350lbs, and the backpedaling ensures smooth stops.
Pros
- Smooth riding
- Comfortable seat and handlebar grips
- Works well for long rides and commutes
- Tires absorb bumps well
- Solid build
- 350lbs weight capacity
- Stylishly designed
Cons
- The frame’s size is not adjustable
View price on Amazon
Huffy NelLusso – Most Affordable and Stylish Cruiser Bike
A super-affordable and stunning beach cruiser bike, this Huffy NelLusso might be an ideal option for you if you are looking for a beautiful and a high-qualify beach cruiser bike. Its beach-appearance/ colors make this bike the perfect option if you are looking for a bike to complement your style, one that brightens the sunniest of your summer days. The appearance of the bike is further enhanced by the bike’s curves, which complement the rest of the bike.
The bike is also durable thanks to the steel frame, and the stylish white balloon tires ensure the best smoothing experience. You might also like this bike because of its single-speed design, which helps you keep the cruising speed under control. It lacks gear shifters, though, and that means less clutter around the handlebar. The braking system works great, and you will be able to stop the bike with ease.
There’s also the chain guard, which will stop your clothes from getting tangled around the chain or the oil from rubbing off.
If you like a bike that allows you to carry some extra, necessary items, then this bike would be an ideal option for you with bike’s front design that features a basket and the cup holder that’s mounted on the handlebar.
The other impressive features of this bike include the classic fenders, which ensure stylish wheel protection and comfort features like the padded spring saddle, as well as the dual-density pedals and grips.
Pros
- Sturdy cruiser bike
- Stunning color and design features
- It comes with a cup holder fitted on the handlebar
- Ideal for plus-size women
- Comfortable grips on the handlebar and the pedals
- The saddle is well-padded
Cons
- It’s hard to put it back together
View price on Amazon
sixthreezeroEVRYjourney Women’s Step-Through Hybrid Alloy Beach Cruiser Bicycle – Best Cruiser Bike for Women
Regarded as a sweet bike, this simple-step cruiser bike comes with just about everything you may need from a cruiser bike from the beautiful range and combination of colors to its elegant finish.
The beach cruiser bike is a favorite for adventurous women, and the smooth-riding experience allows you to the smoothest rides. It’s quite comfortable too, and with its 3-speed speed and the highly functional shifting, this bike offers everything you might be looking for.
Some of the specific features of this bike include its 17.5†swooping step-through frame made of aluminum, a feature that makes for the lightweight design of the bicycle, as well as the smooth cruises, commutes, and leisurely rides.
Riding this bike is comfortable, too, thanks to the comfortable saddle with dual springs, the design of the frame, and the padded handlebar grips. The white-walled wheels are 26â€x1.95â€, semi-slick, and well-cushioned for enhanced stability when rolling.
It boasts an upright riding style too, keeping your shoulders and back comfortable and well supported, and its foot-forward design ensures the maintenance of a proper leg extension. The 3-speed Shimano internal hub has a Nexus shifter that is easy to use and allows for riding over long distances, including moderate hills. The rear coaster brake and the front handbrake offer the high level of precision control you need.
It also comes with a matching rear rack and fenders for use with either panniers or baskets.
Pros
- High maneuverability thanks to the lightweight and durable aluminum frame
- Cushioned, wide tires for stable rides and smooth rolling
- The front handbrakes ensure smooth stoppages
- 3-speed gearing that handles moderate terrains
- Comfortable and safe riding positions
- Forward pedaling geometry for a safe stand-over position
- Fenders protect from the rain and debris
- Comfortable for people with longer legs
- Lightweight design
- Wide cruiser handlebars are more comfortable
- Nice step-through design
- Comes with a rear rack
- It’s a fun bike
Cons
- Shorter persons will not touch the ground while seated
- Assembly might take long
- The quality of some parts is wanting
View price on Amazon
Priority Coast – Best Beach Cruiser Bike for Coastal Living
For the perfect beach cruiser bike for coastal living, this Priority Coast might be a good fit for you. For starters, this 3-speed gear bike is designed for coastal living, with its high-quality, rust-proof components, like the aluminum frame, aluminum fork, stainless steel spokes, and the Gates Carbon Drive belt, which is maintenance-free.
It also sports sealed bearings that will keep the water out and puncture-resistant Kenda tires, which will not be fazed or broken by clamshells or glass. Riding the bike on boardwalks and city roads is also just as smooth, with the double kickstand keeping the bike in an upright position when packed.
On the handlebar of this cruiser-style bike is a 3-speed shifter at the right and the front handbrake that ensure precise control of the bike.
Pros
- No-maintenance belt drive
- Durable and rust-free frame and components
- The frame is lightweight and sturdy
- 3-speed twist shifter for control
Cons
- It’s only suitable for riders between 5’5†and 6’5â€
View price Here
Conclusion
You have many options for beach cruiser bikes with gears, but the best one is affordable, sturdy, ideal for beach cruising, the right size, stylish, and functional. The beach cruiser bikes reviewed above among the best, and they make great investment options for smooth and relaxed rides on or off the beach, alone or with family.