After 2 weeks of hands-on testing and crowdsourcing feedback from various online bike online communities, we have placed the Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bike on top of our list of best cruiser bikes for 2018. The bike is equipped with seven gears for high maneuverability and great stability for any tough terrain you may come across.
Are you tired of cycling a worn out flimsy cruiser bike?
Did you always fall from your bike due to unstable wheels and a weak body frame?
Or you just want to enjoy a relaxed ride at the nearest beach.
Either way, we know getting a good cruiser bike has never been easier due to the numerous choices released by various bike companies.
Over here we have narrowed to 5 cruiser bikes which we think offer the best value both in term of price and quality. We also created a buyer's guide outlining some of the most important buying factors that you need to know before making a purchase.
So without further ado, let’s begin!
Products | Dimensions | Weight | Mechanism |
---|---|---|---|
Trimaco 54710 E-Z Floor Guard Starter Kit | 22.8 x 8.8 x 4.4 inches | 8 lbs | Step, Pull, and Tear |
PowerLead Pacd D001 Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser | 16.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches | 3.2 lbs | Step only |
Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser (Model MS2-305) by The Emperor of Gadgets® | 16.5 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches | 3.2 lbs | Step only |
Adaman Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser | 17 x 9.2 x 5.3 inches | 5 lbs | Step only |
Shoe Inn Fusion Automatic Shoe Cover Dispenser | 28 x 13 x 8 inches | 20 lbs | Step and Pull |
Factors to Consider- Buyer's Guide
Much like any other bike, buying a cruiser bike (electric powered bikes) also has a few considerations to bear in mind. Here are the 5 important factors.
1. Size
Size is one of the determining factors that you need to look into when buying a cruiser bike. Cruiser bikes usually come with a standard size that is suited for most people.
However, do note that cruiser bikes also come in a myriad of sizes although not as many as mountain bikes or BMXs.
Most cruiser bikes come with the instructions that tell you the ideal height range for the rider. Hence, you no longer need to find out the suitable height by physically climbing onto the bike just to find out.
Most bikes i.e foldable allow you to adjust the length of the handlebars and the height of the saddle.
2. Frame
Another important aspect is the bike’s frame. The frame is the backbone that holds all the components of any bicycle. An important factor that you should consider.
For cruiser bikes, they need to be a bit heavy but still lighter than mountain bikes. Why? That is because cruiser bikes are not meant for difficult terrain unlike like mountain bikes. The added weight will provide better stability on the road.
Aside from the weight, you also need to look into the material used for constructing the frame. Out of the several materials possible, aluminium is considered the gold standard when it comes to frame construction, as they allow a more lightweight yet durable build.
3. Brakes
Brakes are one of the most basic yet essential parts of any cruiser bike.
Cruiser bikes usually have their unique brakes which they call as coaster brakes. In these types of brakes, stopping is done by the pedal when you move in reverse, in contrast to other bikes where breaking is done by a lever.
Coaster brakes are better in long duration without the need for regular maintenance and repair, thanks to the elimination of cables.
4. Gears
Cruiser bikes come with different gears and speed settings. Most of the cruiser bikes in the market nowadays only come with a single gear system.
However, there are also some cruiser bikes that come with at most, seven gears. This is favorable whenever you are driving on different types of terrain. With this, you can adjust the resistance as well as speed of the bike as you drive.
In line with this, if you are only using the cruiser bike for recreational driving on parks or smooth roads, then a single speed cruiser bike is also adequate.
5. Wheelset
Wheelsets aren’t very crucial when it comes to buying cruiser bikes but they too, need careful deliberation.
Cruiser bikes are usually equipped with extensive, balloon type tires with minimal treading for better friction on wet surfaces, thus providing a safer and more convenient drive.
It is also preferable that you equip yourself with spokes made of stainless steel or any durable material. Most cruiser bikes come with wheels with a diameter ranging from 24 to 26 inches.
How We Came Up With Our List
We spent over 2 weeks of research on several expert sites and asked opinions from peers and friends to come up with a list of cruiser bikes for review. And it turned out the list ran up to a total of 30 cruiser bikes.
Once we got the initial list, we established a set of common buying criteria based on the feedback we received from bike experts, friends and readers. The factors include durability, ease of use, design, materials used, number of gears and price. We also looked into the bike's brands to make sure it is not ones that are untrustworthy.
After scoring the bikes, we selected 5 bikes based on the highest scores. We tested some of the bikes and checked our findings against reputable sites like Icebike.org and Gearpatrol.com.
Throughout the assessment, there was no inducement received from the bike companies. Hence, we believe our assessment is non-bias and objective.
Our Top Picks
The first entry on our list is the Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser Bike. This product boasts of a smaller yet more compact size. It also flaunts a simple yet elegant design that is sure to make people look back in amazement.
Equipped with a single speed mode driving, you get the uncomplicated and straightforward experience of riding a cruiser bike.
However, despite its simplicity, it comes with a steel frame that is made of premium grade aluminium which can withstand even the harshest blows and scratches. The steel frame has a size of 13.5 inches.
The bike comes with whitewall balloon tires which are wide enough to keep maximum friction on any road surface. The tires are also durable to withstand extreme heat and temperature and can keep a well-balanced shock absorption.
Therefore, you are assured that your bike can still be used without dents despite forceful pressures.
The brakes that come with the product provide good and confident braking, to ensure you of a safe drive each time.
Lastly, it comes with an oversized padded seat. To fortify the overall shock absorption and comfort of the seat it comes with dual springs. The product description states that the bike is suitable to use for women 4-5 feet tall.
Our main gripe with the product is that the chain felt a bit flimsy at times as we had to reinstall it after several uses. Moreover, the assembly can be a hassling experience.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Another worthy entry on our list is the Critical Cycles Beach Cruiser bike. The product boasts of withstanding heavy loads without breaking or yielding dents or scratches.
This is possible thanks to its aluminium long board styled frame. Aside from this, it flaunts an astounding design that does not fade easily and can withstand even the harshest wear and tear.
The 12 inch frame is designed ergonomically towards the equally durable forks to help absorb shock to allow a cruising ride despite hard terrain. So with this, expect a smooth ride every time regardless of the terrain.
Much like the one before it, the Critical Cycles Beach Cruiser can only set to a single speed mode. Despite this, the product can still be ride on most terrains.
Assembly with the product is easy and the purchase comes with all the needed screws and attachments. It comes with tires that measure 26 inches and boasts of being durable and providing a good grip and friction management. Because of this, the tires will not fail on you despite wet roads.
To provide comfort and convenience, the product comes with a well-padded saddle that has an ergonomic design suitable for long drives. While the handlebar is well padded with foam grips to provide better control and comfort.
However, compared to other cruiser bikes we featured, this comes with a heftier price tag.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
The third entry on our list is the Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bike. This product boasts of having premium grade construction without breaking the bank. With this bike, you get a high-quality product at a lesser price.
The frame is constructed from aluminium to provide robustness and stability. Therefore, you can expect the assembly remains intact despite difficult terrain. Compared to other bikes with uninspired design, this one dons a contemporary design that is sure to make head turns.
Probably the coolest thing about this product is the fact that it comes with 7 speed settings. This allows you have the benefit of having better control on your driving especially in different types of terrain.
It comes with a responsive shifter and brakes that provide stable, consistent and safe braking. When we tested the Kent Oakwood at high speeds, the brakes were steady and stable at all times.
Despite the aluminium construction, it remains to be lightweight and compact making it suitable for a stress-free ride to the park and mall.
Moreover, this bike is a good for exploring the outdoors, cruising down every hard terrain with ease and convenience.
The seat is adjustable depending on your preference, thanks to its movable clamp. Also, to provide better safety, the chain is remained enclosed in a safe and durable cover.
The frame measures 15 inches.
Our main gripe is that the paint of the frame is scratched easily. With this, be prepared to have a repainting.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
4. Northwoods Pomona Men’s Cruiser Bike- Second Runner Up
The fourth entry on our list is the Northwoods Pomona Men’s Cruiser Bike. The Northwoods Pomona is suitable for short drives or drives in the park and is not made for hard terrain drives such as the outdoors.
This cruiser bike’s frame is made of aluminium, which provides a lighter and compact weight making its suitable to bring along malls. Also with this, pedaling through this bike is guaranteed convenient and soft.
Despite the lightweight construction, the Pomona can carry heavy loads. The frame is durable enough to resist rust and corrosion.
In regards to the wheels, it has a measurement of 26 inches in diameter. The wheels are large enough to be used for recreational driving. The spokes that come along with the bike are made of alloy and are guaranteed durable even through heavy loads.
The bike comes with three speed rear Shimano shifters giving you more freedom to choose the speed of your bike depending on your terrain.
The handlebar is well padded and provides better comfort despite long drives. The seat is well padded and has an ergonomic design to provide good support.
Regarding design though, we think that the shape is prone to back straining since you tend to hunch a bit when driving.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
5. Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Speed Cruiser Bike- First Runner Up
The last entry on our list is the Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Speed Cruiser Bike. This one excels in design, that will win the hearts of the ladies.
The sleek design also comes with a durability that can withstand even the harshest blows and hard terrain. The solid steel forks help absorb shock.
It comes with seven-speed settings that you can choose depending on your terrain or trail. With this, you have the freedom to cruise through with ease on flat roads or mountains.
The product comes with their patented shifters which are durable and responsive. The tires have a diameter of 26 inches which are built with durability and stability in mind. The tires can be used in terrain while also providing better control.
The frame is built from quality aluminium. With this, you can have a safe and stable ride.
The seat is well padded and excels well in shock absorption to provide better comfort. One downside of the product is that assembly is somewhat difficult and hassling. Good thing, the purchase comes with a manual that has assembly instructions.
What We Liked
What We Didn't Like
Our Recommendations:
Editor's Pick: Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bike
Among this list of equally competent cruiser bikes, we had to choose the Kent Oakwood Men’s Cruiser Bike as our top pick. This is due to several reasons.
First, compared to other cruiser bikes that have only a single speed setting, this one comes with seven speeds. With this, you get to choose the speed and resistance of your bike as you pedal through different kinds of terrains.
It comes with a clamped saddle to allow you to adjust the height of your seat and to provide better comfort and convenience. It also ticks the necessities of a cruiser bike such as convenient shifters, responsive and durable brake.
What makes it stand above the rest is the addition of a cover for the chain. With this, the chain is protected from rusting mud and dirt. With all these traits, the Kent Oakwood deserves to be one of the best performing cruiser bikes of 2018.
Runners Up: Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Speed Cruiser Bike and Northwoods Pomona Men’s Cruiser Bike
Coming in at second place is the Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Speed Cruiser Bike. This product also boasts traits that deserve an honorable mention.
The product is undoubtedly lightweight and compact, making it suitable for recreational driving or outdoor rides. With its seven-speed modes, you get to choose which speed you want depending on your terrain.
Moreover, the product excels in shock absorption thanks to its well-constructed frame and forks.
At third place is the Northwoods Pomona Men’s Cruiser Bike. This product does exceptionally concerning durability and stability in driving.
Equipped with alloy spokes, the Pomona is likely durable enough to endure hard terrain and difficult drives.
Well put list, Walter! The handle bar on the Kent looks really rad. Color scheme and construction is simple but sleek. Awesome review!
Well put list, Walter! The handle bar on the Kent looks really rad. Color scheme and construction is simple but sleek. Awesome review here and thank you for putting up a great list!