Beach cruiser bikes were big many decades ago but lost favor over the years to sportier and trendier models. They tend to be heavier and have big, cushy tires, making them less ideal for situations like mountain biking, racing, and BMX riding. However, as bicycle commuting and leisure riding has had a resurgence in popularity recently in terms of road bikes and mountain bikes, so too has the beach cruiser bike. They are specifically valued for their comfort and simplicity. Since comfort is the name of the game, many cruisers are built from steel frames since this material tends to absorb shock better than aluminum, allowing for a softer ride. We believe these are the best performing and most comfortable women's beach cruiser bikes that you can find right now.

26” Huffy NelLusso Women’s Cruiser Bike

Huffy has been making quality low-cost bikes for decades, so it should not be surprising to see them first on this list. This particular women's beach cruiser bike is very stylish as well as functional. It is built with a steel frame that is made to be durable and sturdy. The cruiser handlebars have a double comfort two-tone grip that makes handling a breeze. It can be assembled within an hour to get you up and going at no time at all. The seat and large tires absorb shock easily to provide a very comfortable ride. This also comes with a basket and expandable rack for carrying your bags and shopping around without having to precariously place them on the handlebars. If you are looking for an affordable and attractive bike to ride around town in then look no further.

Critical Cycles Chatham Women's Beach Cruiser

As an up-and-comer in the biking world, Critical Cycles has been turning out some interesting and quality products recently. For those in the market for a cruiser style bike, the Chatham is a very nice product that works for most budgets. The wide and cushioned saddle, wide tires, and cushy foam grips ensure a very comfortable ride, and the steel frame is hand-built to ensure quality in each bike that they produce. The handlebars are positioned high so that the rider can take a natural upright position and not put undue stress on their back. The Chatham comes in several colors and three different speed options: 7-speed for hilly and varied terrain, 3-speed for the average urban commuter, and 1-speed for those who prefer a more basic ride but without the full fixed-gear mechanics.

Schwinn Women's Sanctuary 7-Speed Cruiser Bicycle

With over 100 years in the bicycle business, there is no doubt that Schwinn knows how to produce a quality bike that its riders love. This 7-speed cruiser can be used anywhere and its steel frame and fork can withstand whatever rigors you may put it through. The wheels use alloy rims to reduce the overall weight of the bike but are strong enough to hold up through anything. This model includes full fenders, which make a major difference when riding wet roads, as many daily commuters and riders will encounter on a regular basis. It also has a cargo rack in the rear for carrying whatever items you may need to cart along. The Shimano 7-speed rear derailleur with SRAM twist shifters will ensure smooth gear shifting and prolong the life of your mechanics. As for comfort, the saddle is padded and fitted with springs for shock absorption so you can ride for miles without any problems from your backside. As they have done for over a century, with this bike Schwinn has created a cruiser that is perfect for rambling around the neighborhood, local bike path, or even just going for a casual ride.

Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bicycle

If you are looking for options from a single quality brand, look no further than the Urban Lady Beach Cruiser bike by Firmstrong. This bike comes in a plethora of colors and can be purchased as a 1-speed, 3-speed, or 7-speed machine, as well as 26” and 24” models to better match the intended rider’s size. There are even several packages that include matching fenders and a bell for the 1-speed and 3-speed options. The classic curved frame design and white-wall balloon tires make for a classic look. The oversized seat with built-in dual springs and wide handlebars with rubber grips ensure the rider has all the comfort they need. The coaster brakes are easy to use and eliminate the wiring that come with the handbrakes, which some may find undesirable. The 3-speed and 7-speed models shift effortlessly and are just as easy to maintain as the 1-speed bike. Though Firmstrong has only been around for just over a decade, they have quickly become a well respected and highly recommended brand.

Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's 7-Speed Step-Through Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle, Navy

Though cruisers tend to be used for casual riding, the EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser by sixthreezero is built to handle just about any situation you want to take it into, aside from off-roading of course. It is ideal for urban commuting and will be turning heads wherever you go. The step-through frame makes mounting and dismounting easy for the rider while maintaining an attractive profile. The handlebars are high, allowing for a natural upright seating, and the pedals are forward from the seat. This lets the rider comfortably stand flat footed when stopped while still able to get a proper extension when pedaling. The dual spring saddle and wide Kenda tires create a cushioned and stable ride. As far as overall comfort goes, sixthreezero’s EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser bike cannot be beaten. It also comes in 1-speed, 3-speed, 7-speed, and even 21-speed configurations so you can easily match your model to your needs.

Since they are built for comfort over performance, cruisers tend to be cheaper than track or mountain bikes. If you are looking for something to commute in or even just troll around town, one of these cruisers would be perfect for you. Their classic styling really stands out and the simple mechanics means there is little ongoing maintenance, so they are great for just about anyone who is interested in riding.

Once you start cycling and get comfortable, speed can become addictive. Even seasoned riders who have been biking for years can be constantly searching for ways to improve their overall average speeds and the top speeds they achieve. There are plenty of ways to shave off some time by modifying your road bike. There are modifications and parts that can be bought to add power or to make it lighter, as well as free (or low cost) everyday techniques that anyone can use. These modifications can be broken down into a few categories based on the metric that they target.

Weight

• Remove all unnecessary accessories such as fenders, baskets, water bottles, cargo racks, etc. Though it might not seem like much weight at first, even removing a pound or two can make a difference in the long run.

• Losing bodyweight can have a similar effect on reducing the weight of your bike. The lighter you are the less mass you need to shift and the faster you can sprint. Invest in lighter pedals and similar parts for reduced air resistance.

• If you have the money for a serious upgrade, consider replacing your frame with a lighter one. Steel frames can be upgraded to aluminum alloy and aluminum can be upgraded to a super lightweight carbon fiber frameset. These are not necessarily cheap but if speed is something you really want then it is worth considering.

Aerodynamics

The next most obvious way to increase your top speed is by improving the aerodynamics of your ride. This can be done in several ways.

• Riding lower is always better. You will notice that professional riders lean far forward with their heads down, arms out front, and elbows tucked in tight to reduce the size of their front and overall cut down on drag. Though you might not want to assume a full racing stance you can start by lowering your handlebars to naturally bring down your seating height.

• If you do want to go for the full on racing position, a set of clip-on handlebars can get you there in a flash. These include padding to rest your elbows and forearms while giving a forward grip to grab on to for stability and leverage.

• Wheels that have been designed for improved aerodynamics can be installed in place of the stock wheels that your bike came with. Aerodynamic wheels tend to be lightweight, have fewer spokes, and narrow rims. By reducing the number of spokes and decreasing the size of the rims there is less drag on the wheels.

Efficiency

The third major way to improve your bike’s top speed is to increase its efficiency. This means both the efficiency with which the machine runs and also your own body’s mechanical efficiency.

• It is extremely important to always keep your bike clean. The frame and wheels should be wiped down in order to reduce drag, but the drivetrain also needs to be cleaned on a regular basis if you expect to max out the bike’s full speed potential. Cleaning the drivetrain can be done well and thoroughly with a good quality degreaser and a chain cleaning device. Though at first it may seem silly to buy a tool specifically to just clean bike chains, a chain cleaner can really get into every groove, nook, and cranny to ensure all the gunk and road debris that may have got trapped is removed. You may be surprised at how much of a difference doing this regularly can make.

• After cleaning the drivetrain, be sure to properly lubricate everything. More lube is not necessarily better. You want full coverage but not an excess as this will just slow things down and attract unwanted dirt, ultimately slowing you down. Do not settle for generic lubricants either. Muc-off makes some of the best bike chain lube out there. Their basic wet ceramic lube is great for most applications, but if you really want to see a difference and do not mind paying for it, splurge on their limited edition Hydro Dynamic chain lube.

• An easy and free adjustment anyone can do is to make sure their seat is the right height. This might seem like a no-brainer but if your seat is at the wrong height then you may not be utilizing the full power of your legs when pedaling. You should be making a full extension at the farthest pedal position but still have a firm connection between your foot and the pedal. If it feels like you are reaching or on the brink of it, then your seat needs to come down. If your knee is too bent then you should move it up.

• Keep tires inflated to the correct pressure to reduce roll resistance. Having them be either too hard or too soft is detrimental. The ideal pressure can depend on a lot of factors, including your personal weight and riding style, so it can take some trial and error to figure out what works best for you. Start with the manufacturer suggested pressure and make adjustments based on your performance.

Something else you can consider doing is changing up your gear ratio. This ratio is the mathematical relationship between the pedal crank and your rear cog. The higher this ratio is, the higher your top speed can be but it is also harder to accelerate. The opposite is also true. To increase your ratio you can either get a larger crank or a smaller rear cog (only recommended for fixie or single gear bikes). For example, if your bike came with a 44 tooth crank, you can switch it out for a 48 tooth one and increase your potential top speed by several percentage points. If you are starting to experiment with increasing speed this way, do not make too big of a change to start with since you may not be comfortable with the accompanying changes in your ability to accelerate.

There are many things one can do to increase a bike’s speed. Whether you are a racer or just need to get to work faster, see what some of these tips can do for you.

If you are thinking about getting into fixed gear biking then you are likely in the market for either some parts or a whole new bike. For those who are not mechanically inclined or do not have a multi-gear bike that is suited to retrofitting, there are plenty of cheap fixie bikes for sale out there. Bike shops often have several models and cheap fixie frames but there are even more to be found online, and prices online tend to be better than in brick and mortar stores. Whether you are not sure of your level of commitment or simply have a lower budget, we have compiled a list of several cheaper fixie bikes that you may be interested in.

Vilano Fixed Gear Bike Fixie Single Speed Road Bike

One of the most inexpensive but well-made fixies that you can find is this road bike by Vilano, which is an excellent option for beginners. Vilano is not the most well-known brand but among the fixie community, it is up and coming. The welded steel structure is light and fast and it comes mostly assembled, so it can be completed and ridden in little time. This bike comes with both front and back brakes so you can figure out which is more comfortable for you to use. One of the aesthetic aspects that makes this such a great beginner bike is that there is minimal visible branding so you can decorate and upgrade it however you want. Mechanically speaking, it is also very easy to upgrade when the rider’s skill level has increased and the time comes.

Zycle Fix Fixed-Gear Bike with Riser Handle Bar

Zycle Fix is another up and coming brand in fixed gear bikes. They make a variety of products, but this fixed gear bike with riser handlebar is one of their better entry-level options. Zycle Fix puts a lot of quality and care into their design and manufacturing, arguably more than many of their competitors, in order to create a great experience for their riders. The wide deep dish wheels allow for a fantastically smooth ride by absorbing all manner of impact, whether you are riding in the city or doing tricks. This bike comes with either Riser or Pursuit handlebars depending on what you are most comfortable with. As with many other brands, there are a large number of color combinations to choose from, but Zycle Fix includes some unique stock color combos that you likely will not find elsewhere without having to customize.

Critical Cycles Classic Fixed-Gear Single-Speed Track Bike with Pursuit Bullhorn Bars

This bike by Critical Cycles is suited for both track and urban riding. The pursuit style handlebars allow the rider to take a variety of positions in order to cycle however is most comfortable or appropriate for the situation. This bike is assembled with name brand components and a flip-flop hub to let you quickly trade off between riding fixed-gear or freewheel. It only comes with a rear brake and limited colors, but the price and quality make it one of the best low-cost options out there.

Pure Fix Original Fixed Gear Single Speed Fixie Bike

Pure Fix makes simple machines that combine a great deal of efficiency with comfort, both ideal for the beginner and intermediate rider or even an advanced rider who wants a simple and reliable workhorse in their stable. The steel frame is fully welded in order to provide a solid base. The flip-flop hub comes as standard so the configuration can be switched between fixed and freewheel whenever desired. At 22–24 pounds this bike is lightweight enough to be easily maneuverable and allow you to get up to speed quickly. This bike comes with front breaks only, so keep your breaking style in mind when considering it. The brand name components ensure that every piece of this machine has been thoughtfully considered and assembled to create a bike that is durable and runs well. There are more color options than you can shake a stick at, including ones that even glow in the dark. PureFix has plenty of videos available to guide you through assembly and troubleshooting if needed and their customer service is highly rated.

6KU Aluminum Fixed Gear Single-Speed Fixie Urban Track Bike

One of the biggest names in fixed gear bikes right now is 6KU. They make it their mission to create reasonably priced and widely accessible fixies, which are highly praised by their fans. Since fixed gear biking has origins in track bikes, but track setups are not necessarily appropriate for urban use, 6KU modified the track setup to make this city use Urban Track Bike. Its aluminum frame is lightweight with design choices that are obviously influenced by the track scene. One of the most notable alterations is the raised handlebar which allows the rider to sit up and reduce stress on their back. This model comes with both front and rear breaks but both can be easily removed if it is desired to lose one or the other. There are several frame color choices to fit whatever your style may be. 6KU’s lifetime warranty also means that if anything is defective you will have no trouble working with them to get it replaced or fixed and in working order in no time.

For those who are interested in getting started with fixed wheel biking, or who just want a new cheap bike, there are plenty of good options out there. Most of these models are easy to assemble and maintain, with a variety of aesthetic stylings also available. When the time comes you can always replace or upgrade parts to build your own custom machine. There are also plenty of accessories that can immediately upgrade your experience, such as pedal straps, saddles, lights, and more. Though riding itself is fun, a big part of the enjoyment of fixies is decorating and customizing them to show off your personal style and taste, so have fun with it.

Casual biking has been growing tremendously recently, and one of the best side effects of this growth is that there are a lot of choices available when picking out your new ride. In many ways, biking is as much about style as transportation, so many find it to be important that they have a bike that represents them and is a joy to ride and display. In this article, we have put together something special for those who know exactly what they want: a pink beach cruiser. These pink beach cruiser bikes are both gorgeous and comfortable to ride up and down the drag whenever the mood strikes. Beach season is coming up, so it is time to get yourself a new bike and get it ready to show off. These are our favorite men’s and women's beach cruiser bikes for this year.

Schwinn Ladies Perla 7-Speed Cruiser Bicycle 26" Wheels

A classic Schwinn always makes a statement and this Ladies Perla is no exception. It has a curvy and flirtatious look that is finished off with an all-over light pink color scheme. The step-through frame is both attractive and practical for mounting and dismounting with ease. The 7-speed twist shifters use a Schwinn rear derailleur to ensure smooth shifting. It also includes alloy linear pull brakes for reliable and secure stopping. The saddle is padded and mounted on springs to add comfort to the ride, and full wrap fenders prevent splash back from wet surfaces, both keeping you dry and adding style. This particular bike comes in a coral option as well for those who like their pink a bit bolder.

Kent Susan G Komen 7-Speed Beach Cruiser Bike

Though one might ride a pink bike because it is attractive, it is nice to be able to use it to promote a good cause as well. Kent has made this 7-speed beach cruiser specifically to promote breast cancer awareness. They donate a portion of the proceeds to the Susan G. Komen foundation to fight breast cancer. This bike by Kent features a Tig welded frame and fork made from steel that can withstand plenty of daily usage. There are both front and rear hand brakes so you can use whichever you are more comfortable with. It can be put together in less than an hour and rides well for many miles with all the stock parts. The wraparound chain guard and full fenders make great functional accents, but what is really impressive is the detailing and design all over the frame. This is quite the beautiful bike for a very reasonable price.

26'' Huffy Deluxe Single-Speed Women's Cruiser Bike

Those who prefer a single speed bike can enjoy the all-pink color scheme as well. Huffy’s deluxe single speed cruiser not only features a bright coral pink frame but also pink tires, pedals, and even a matching pink basket that can be mounted in front. The swept-back handlebars with two-toned grips paired with the padded pink seat provide a great deal of comfort. Aside from the basket, there are several other useful accessories included with this model, such as a pink cup holder and a reflector for safety on the rear fender. Huffy is well-known to make great products that ride well and last a long time, so you do not need to worry about sacrificing quality for aesthetics with this cruiser. With the front basket and rear rack, it is also very functional for commuting to work, school, or even on a shopping trip. If standing out is what you want to do, this is the bike for you.

Sixthreezero Women's 26-Inch Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Perhaps you are looking for a bike that shows off your pink personality but is not so in-your-face about it. If that is the case then consider this beach cruiser by sixthreezero. The frame and chainguard are a nice coral, but there are other colors throughout to keep the coloring from being over the top. The rims are a nice light blue and the seat and handlebar grips are a classic dark brown. To tie it all together the fenders are decorated in a paisley pattern that incorporates all the colors. As for functionality, the paisley coral option comes in a 1-speed and 3-speed configuration, making it best suited for casual use or light commuting. There are no hand brakes, instead coaster braking is what you will use on this machine by simply backpedaling when you want to slow down. The 3-speed option is built with the reliable Shimano internal hub and a Nexus shifter, both solid products. This is definitely a bike that will last you many summers and never go out of fashion.

Firmstrong Bella Women's Beach Cruiser Bicycle

Firmstrong bikes are getting quite the solid reputation for being well made and durable. This Bella bike comes in an attractive pink that covers the frame, fenders, rims, and chainguard for a seamless pink color scheme. The black accents of the tires, pedals, seat, and grips do well to highlight your color choice in a classic way. This particular color combination comes in 24” 1-speed, 26” 1-speed, and 26” 3-speed configurations, which are all perfect for beach cruising. The oversized seat propped on double coil springs and wide tires absorb all manner of bumps and shocks in the road to make for a smooth and comfortable ride. As with the Sixthreezero bike, the Firmstrong Bella uses rear coaster brakes in its single and 3-speed models. The thick top cruiser frame is a bit heavier than a classic cruiser frame, which makes it better able to stand up to heavier loads and usage.

It is never to early to start getting ready for beach season. Hopefully, we have given you some good ideas and guidance as you try to decide what ride you are going to be cruising around on this year. One thing is for sure, though, you will definitely look good while doing it!