For over 25 years, Schwinn has been selling some of the finest beach cruisers. These retro-style bikes come at budget-friendly prices and promise so much comfort and character. But are Schwinn cruiser bikes good?
Schwinn cruiser bikes are good for recreational cyclists who’re looking to enjoy a slow, comfortable ride around the block. Essentially, that’s owing to the bikes’ upright geometry, raised handlebars, smooth-rolling balloon tires, and large cushioned saddles.
These casual bikes are also easier to maintain, thanks to their low-gear drivetrains and pedal-backward coaster brakes.
Moreover, they come packed with practical accessories such as baskets, racks (or rack mounts), full fenders, and lights.
But as impressive as they are, Schwinn beach cruisers don’t suit everyone. So, unless you are a recreational cyclist, these bikes are not a fit.
I’ll shed more light on that. I’ll even discuss the various types of Schwinn cruiser bikes to help you decide what suits you more.
Furthermore, I’ll recommend a Schwinn beach cruiser for each category.
In a rush? Check out my top recommended Schwinn beach cruisers below.
5 Best Schwinn Cruiser Bikes
- Schwinn Destiny Cruiser: Best Schwinn Classic Cruiser Bike
- Schwinn Sanctuary 7: Best Schwinn Commuter Cruiser Bike
- Schwinn Mendocino: Best Schwinn Cruiser Electric Bike
- Schwinn Meridian Trike: Best Schwinn Cruiser Trike
- Schwinn Twin Classic: Best Schwinn Cruiser Tandem Bike
Are Schwinn Cruiser Bikes Good? (Going Into Details)
The Good
Schwinn cruiser bikes are generally suitable for casual riding on smoother terrains like I mentioned.
Note that cruiser bikes are also known as beach cruisers primarily because they were designed for cruising the beachside.
So, Schwinn beach cruisers are an excellent choice for riding on the beach, but that’s not all they can do. They are overall a perfect recreational choice.
These bikes are the go-for type when you want to move around your neighborhood. In addition to the beach, you can ride them on paved roads, parks, light trails, boardwalks, and sidewalks.
Whether you want to run errands, dash to town, or cruise the neighborhood, a Schwinn cruiser is worth getting.
Overall, they are best when you want to ride slower on smoother terrains, and here are the things that make them a fantastic option:
1. Upright Geometry and Raised Handlebars
One thing that sets Schwinn beach cruisers apart from other bikes is their traditional upright geometry. Their frames have a low-swooping design while their seat is lower than the handlebars to allow you to sit upright.
Some of their handlebars also enjoy a sweep-back raised design that encourages upright seating.
Overall, this advantage makes these bikes best for people with back issues as you don’t bend. So, comfort is the key for these bicycles.
2. Smooth-Rolling Balloon Tires
Schwinn beach cruisers come with large balloon tires that roll smoothly on surfaces to allow you to have a smooth ride over bumps.
The tires are, however, thicker and heavier, making the bikes slower. This is usually a good thing when you want to move around town as you don’t need to ride faster.
3. Large Cushioned Saddle and Hand Grips
A Schwinn beach cruiser is generally comfortable to ride, and it’s not just because of its upright geometry and balloon tires. It’s also because of their oversize, well-cushioned saddles and hand grips.
Their thick and broad saddles relieve your sit bones from saddle pressure while the hand grips save you from wrist pain and hand soreness.
4. Easy-to-Maintain and Safer Coaster Brakes
Schwinn employs coaster brakes on most of their beach cruisers, and the brakes are generally cheaper to maintain.
Coaster brakes work in all weather and are generally easier to maintain. Furthermore, they are easier to use and safer once you master them.
5. Easy-to-Maintain Drivetrain
Schwinn beach cruisers generally have simple drivetrains with low gears. The drivetrains have fewer parts, which means they are easier to maintain.
Their low-maintenance advantage is also due to their low gears.
Most Schwinn beach cruisers are single-speed, but a few others have three speeds or seven speeds. Regardless, the fewer gears are cheaper to maintain.
Overall, the low gears make them only ideal for smoother terrains.
6. Accessory Packed
Schwinn beach cruisers always come with functional accessories. Notable ones include rear racks and front baskets for carrying stuff, thus suitable for commuters and running errands.
Their wheels feature full fenders that protect you from dirt and mud splashes.
7. Budget Choices
When I compare Schwinn bike ranges, their beach cruisers are the cheapest. Most of them cost $250-$500, which is just remarkable for budget buyers.
Only electric and tandem options cost more than $1,000.
The Bad
While Schwinn beach cruisers are strongly built and sometimes feature multi-speed drivetrains, they are not the best for aggressive terrains like cycling trails.
These bikes are also heavier, and that makes them slower. So, they are only best for lazy cyclists.
Their upright geometry also doesn’t favor long rides as you are likely to get tired.
The other concern is the parts, which are not high-end. You may have to replace some of them at some point, especially the brakes and tires.
What Are Cruiser Bikes Not Good For?
Like I mentioned, Schwinn cruiser bikes are suitable for slow riding on smoother terrains. On the flip side, they are the worst on steeper landscapes such as the mountains and cycling trails.
And given that they enjoy an upright geometry, they are not suitable for long rides as you could get tired quickly.
Moreover, their upright geometry is not the best for cycling uphill as you lack the aerodynamic advantage.
And due to their slow speed, these bikes are not best for fast commuting or racing.
Types of Schwinn Cruiser Bikes: Schwinn Cruiser Bike Reviews
Here are three primary types of beach cruisers that Schwinn sells:
- Classic cruiser bikes
- Commuter cruiser bikes
- Electric cruiser bikes
1. Schwinn Classic Cruiser Bikes
Schwinn classic beach cruisers come in a retro design, characterized by a front basket, rear rack, full-wrap fenders, and matching handgrips and saddle.
They have a single-speed drivetrain that’s simple to maintain and one that makes them best for smoother terrains.
These beach cruisers only feature coaster brakes that are easier to maintain and use.
Overall, Schwinn classic beach cruisers are perfect for cruising around town on weekends and summer holidays. The best bit is that they are the cheapest of the pack.
Their downside is that they cannot take on the hills and are restricted to flat surfaces.
Overall, women and girls cannot go wrong with the Schwinn Destiny Beach.
This single-speed cruiser bike is a combination of style, comfort, and purpose. It’s perfect for getting around, short-distance commuting and running errands.
2. Schwinn Commuter Cruiser Bikes
Schwinn commuter bikes resemble the classic types in many ways, but the primary difference is that they are multi-geared. You’ll find them in three-speed and seven-speed options, making them easier and faster to ride on light trails.
Overall, their geared advantage explains why they are known as commuter beach cruisers. They are just your perfect commuter choice!
You’ll find them with baskets, rear racks, and many other accessories.
These beach cruisers are slightly costlier than the classic options and somewhat heavier due to their geared drivetrains.
But overall, they are perfect for all commuters.
While the Schwinn Cabo Cruiser Women’s Bike is ideal for women, the Schwinn Sanctuary 7 Cruiser Bike is a perfect unisex choice.
It comes with a 7-speed drivetrain but offers you the convenience of a step-thru and step-over frame. With its dual suspension, you can smoothly take on lighter trails.
3. Schwinn Electric Cruiser Bikes
Schwinn electric cruiser bikes target regular commuters who wish to go faster.
They come with powerful motors and long-mileage batteries to offer you the necessary assistance.
Sadly, they are costlier than the rest, averaging more than $1000.
Overall, getting a Schwinn electric cruiser bike is a good idea if you want to ride faster and probably longer.
Apart from the price, the other major downside is their maintenance. The presence of the motor and battery means that they are slightly costly to maintain.
But given that they compensate for that with speed and mileage, they are worth it.
That’s the case with the Schwinn Mendocino Cruiser E-Bike.
This adult cruiser e-bike comes in a lightweight aluminum frame and a 6-speed drivetrain for comfortable riding. It features a 250W rear-hub motor that offers you the necessary pedal-assist and a rear-mounted battery to power it.
The battery can last 35-55 miles, which is super impressive, and the motor allows you to clock up to 20mph on a perfect road.
Its rear rack not only anchors the battery but also offers you adequate cargo-hauling space.
Overall, the electric cruiser bike maintains the cool retro touches of a classic beach cruiser, such as the fenders, low-swooping frame, and matching seat and handlebar.
Special Cruiser Bike Categories by Schwinn
Schwinn also sells cruiser trikes and tandems bikes, which are super impressive.
a) Cruiser Trikes
Schwinn cruiser trikes come with three wheels and not the conventional two wheels. As a result, they are more stable, making them the best for seniors and guys who are less confident riding regular two-wheel.
The trikes come with a massive rear basket that suits commuters who carry lots of cargo. That also means they are suitable for running errands too.
Their major downside is that they are heavier and slower because of the extra wheel.
But other than that, these cruiser bikes are worth having, more so when you are huge.
One terrific trike by Schwinn is the Schwinn Meridian Adult Trike.
This step-thru trike is easy to ride and comes with a low-maintenance single-speed drivetrain.
Its wide cruiser-style handlebars promise an upright cycling posture and stable ride.
b) Tandem Cruiser Bikes
Schwinn offers a chance for intimacy to bloom while cycling using their tandem bikes. These two-person cruiser bikes are perfect for couples on a weekend retreat or summer holiday.
Yes, they are heavier and slightly slower or slightly expensive. But given the experience of riding them with a mate, they are worth it.
One exciting choice is the Schwinn Twin Classic Tandem.
This double-seater comes in medium and large frame sizes and generally enjoys low-step geometry.
Its 7-speed shifters allow you to take on slightly challenging terrains, and it enjoys caliper brakes with superb stopping.
It’s generally easy and fun to ride, and that’s its beauty.
FAQs
1. What Is A Schwinn Cruiser?
A Schwinn cruiser is a beach cruiser bike by Schwinn that compels you to ride upright. It enjoys an upright geometry, large-balloon tires, raised handlebars, pedal backward coaster brakes, and cushioned saddle.
2. What Is A Cruiser Bike Best For?
A cruiser bike is generally best for slow-speed recreational cycling. You can use a beach cruiser hood, run errands, and commute short distances.
Overall, these bikes are best for bikes with back issues, especially older guys, as they compel you to ride upright.
3. Are Schwinn Bikes Good For Trails?
Schwinn beach cruisers are not best for trails. That’s unless you get a multi-speed option that you can use to take on light trails.
Overall, only Schwinn mountain bikes are best for trails.
4. How Much Is A Schwinn Beach Cruiser Worth?
Schwinn beach cruisers are generally cheaper than other bike types. Most of them average $250-$500, with only a few costing more.
5. Why Are Schwinn Bikes Expensive?
High-end Schwinn bikes are expensive because they employ advanced designs and high-profile frames and parts.
Note, however, that Schwinn also sells some of the cheapest bikes (discount series). Most of the bikes on this line cost under $500, making them budget-friendly.
So, not all Schwinn bicycles are costlier.
Relevant:
Are Schwinn Cruiser Bikes Good? Closing Thought
Schwinn cruiser bikes are super comfortable to ride, thanks to their upright geometry, comfy saddle, cushioned balloon tires, and raised handlebars.
So, they are generally suitable for casual riding and, of course, for guys who constantly complain of back issues after cycling.