Best Cruiser Bicycle For Tall Riders?

Having the best cruiser bicycle for tall riders means one thing; comfort. It’s the type of two-wheel that puts comfort before speed and everything else.

The fact that you cycle upright means you don’t stress the back a lot.

Cruiser bikes or beach cruisers are also about style, or shall I say a timeless style. They have an inherent vintage look that never goes out of fashion.

So, you’ll always look cooler on a cruiser bike.

Their versatility is also commendable. These bikes offer more than what their name suggests.

You not only can ride them on the beachside but also anywhere else flat. So, they are perfect for urban commuting, beach cruising, and around-town leisure rides.

The best part is that they come in different sizes, with many options available for tall guys like us.

So, how about I guide you on how you can find your tall beach cruiser?

But before that, I’ll explain what a beach cruiser is, what it is best for, and why you need one.

In a hurry? Consider my top recommended beach cruisers below.

Best Cruiser Bicycle for Tall Riders – 4 Hottest Choices

1. Sixthreezero Around the Block: Best 1-Speed Cruiser Bike
2. Firmstrong Bella Classic Cruiser: Best 3-Speed Cruiser Bicycle
3. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Cruiser: Best for Men
4. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Cruiser: Best for Women

What is a Cruiser Bicycle?

A cruiser bicycle or cruiser bike, popularly known as a beach cruiser, is a hybrid bike designed for recreational cycling.

So, as long as high-speed is not a priority, but comfort is, a beach cruiser is ideal.

These bicycles come with wider balloon tires for a cushioned ride on the beach and other flatter terrains.

They also have a characteristic wide-sweeping handlebar for upright cycling and wider saddles for comfortable seating.

Additionally, they come accessorized with baskets, chain guards, rear racks, and bells and are mostly single-speed.

What is a Cruiser Bicycle Good For?

Cruiser bikes are best for recreational cycling. That includes the following:

• Cruising the paved neighborhood
• Urban commuting
• Casual riding on the beach and sidewalks
• Running errands around town
• Leisure rides on weekends

Overall, beach cruisers are only best where the terrain is smoother and flatter. That’s because they come with simple gearings, mostly single-speed.

Thus, they are not best for hilly terrains or anywhere where speed is critical as they are generally slow.

Given that they come in a wide variety of colors and styles, beach cruisers are statement bikes. They stand out everywhere outdoors.

Why Should You Get a Beach Cruiser For Tall Guys?

Being tall comes with one primary concern, and that’s to find the most comfortable bike.

Most standard bikes don’t fit well. They don’t offer you enough room to pedal or hold the handlebar at a comfortable distance.

So, your posture gets interfered with since you have to struggle to fit on the bike and maneuver it. That, however, is not the case when you ride a beach cruiser that matches your height.

They offer you more legroom to pedal and enough space to handlebar and navigate the bike.

In most cases, you don’t even have to adjust the seat post if you match the bike frame with your height.

How to Choose the Best Cruiser Bicycle for Tall Riders

Let’s look at the things to prioritize in a new beach cruiser.

• Correct Bike Size

This is the most crucial consideration when you are tall, as you want the most comfortable beach cruiser.

For starters, you have to match your height with the correct bike frame size. Remember, the frame size is the distance between the top tube and the crank bearing (or bottom bracket).

You also have to consider the wheel size or wheel diameter.

Below is a table you can use to match yourself with the right cruiser bicycle for tall man.

• Gear Number

The best cruiser bicycles mostly come as single-speed, but we also have three-speed, 7-speed, and 21-speed cruisers. Note, however, that 7-speed and 21-speed beach cruisers are very rare.

Single-speed beach cruisers are only best for casual cycling on flatter roads. The drivetrain has low maintenance due to its simple design, and the bikes mostly come with coaster brakes.

Sadly, single-speed beach cruisers cannot go uphill or downhill. If you want to go uphill or downhill, you’ve to go for a multi-gear beach cruiser.

So, you can easily ride over a light hill, especially on the beach, with a three-speed, 7-speed, or 21-speed beach cruiser.

The bikes, however, have a more complicated drivetrain, which has more maintenance. They mostly feature handbrakes.

• Brake Type

Cruiser bicycles for tall men come mostly with two types of brakes:

• Coaster brakes – These are pedal-backward brakes perfect for riders who prefer cleaner-looking handlebars and low-maintenance beach cruisers.
• Front and rear handbrakes – These are not the most aesthetic on the handlebar but are much safer, thus ideal for beachside downhill cycling.

More Considerations for the Best Cruiser Bicycles for Tall Riders

• Bike Comfort

There are so many aspects of the best cruiser bikes that determine cycling comfort. The first one is the correct frame size, which I covered earlier.

The second factor is the saddle, which should have sufficient padding and should preferably come with dual suspension.

You also have to consider the bike’s suspension system. Beach cruisers with suspension are much easier to ride than those without.

Other considerations include wide handlebars with grip, adjustable seat post, and a foot-forward design.

• Quality Build

Though beach cruisers are inherently more robust, you have to verify it. It starts with examining the frame.

The frame has to be rust-resistant, strong, and durable. So, preferably go for aluminum or steel as they match the specifications.

However, don’t forget about the handlebar and seat post, as they should also match the frame in quality.

Its saddle should be high quality too, and so should the tires.

• Frame Configuration

Initially, step-thru bike frames were considered women’s choice and step-over frames men’s choice. Things are, however, different nowadays as both frames are taken to be unisex.

So, it all depends on preference. Overall, step-thru frames are thicker, heavier, and less sturdy than step-over frames but more convenient for easy getting on and getting off.

Types of Cruiser Bikes For Tall Guys

Beach cruisers for tall riders are primarily categorized according to the number of speeds as follows.

1. Single-Speed Beach Cruiser for Tall Guys

As I mentioned, single-speed beach cruisers are for casual riding anywhere flat. That includes urban roads, sidewalks, beaches, and parks.

Since there is no shifting, these bikes are not suited for hills.

Their biggest advantage is their simplicity. The drivetrain suffers fewer repairs, and so, the maintenance is lower.

These bikes usually come with pedal-backward coaster brakes, which have less maintenance and a cleaner look.

One cruiser bike for tall men that defines single-speed is the Sixthreezero Around the Block Beach Cruiser.

(Note that this beach cruiser also comes in 3-speed, 7-speed, and 21-speed versions).

The Sixthreezero Around the Block comes in a classic curvy 19-inch steel frame for casual riding in the neighborhood.

It features a dual spring saddle, wider cruiser style handlebar with foam grip, pedal-backward coaster brakes, waffle treaded tires, among other impressive features.

2. Three Speed Cruiser Bikes for Tall Riders

Unlike single-speed beach cruisers, three-speed beach cruisers allow you to take on light hills, especially on a smoother surface like a beach.

That’s because you have more gear range. The drivetrain also requires less maintenance, though not as single-speed options.

Overall, these bikes are best for commuting as you can shift smoothly even amid heavy traffic.

That also makes them ideal for long-distance cruising, more so on the road, where speed is not principal.

One 3-speed beach cruiser that excites riders is the Firmstrong Bella Classic Cruiser.

(Note that this beach cruiser is also available in single-speed).

The Firmstrong Bella Classic Cruiser comes in a curvy, fashionable 17-inch steel frame with an elegant top-tube and white-wall balloon tires to give you a stylish look.

It features an oversized dual-spring seat, wide handlebar with leather grips, coaster brakes, among other impressive features.

The bike generally suits women who are 5-6 ft. tall.

Classification of Cruiser Bicycles for Tall Guys According to Gender

Also, note that beach cruisers also come in men and women versions.

Let’s discuss them below.

1. Tall Mens Cruiser Bikes

Men’s beach cruisers are generally chunky and masculine and often come in basic and matte colors.

Plus, their frames are taller than those of women beach cruisers, mostly averaging 27.5-19 inches.

These beach cruisers mostly have s step-over frame, but there are a few exceptions with step-thru frames. One perfect example is the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Cruiser.

This men’s beach cruiser comes with a 19-inch step-thru frame, conventionally a woman’s frame.

It’s available in one-speed, 3-speed, 7-speed, and 21-speed, thus more versatile.

The bike enjoys an upright foot-forward cycling posture and comes with a comfy dual-spring saddle, powerful handbrake & coaster brake, matching fenders, and semi-slick tires.

Its 26-inch version (referring to the wheel diameter) suits male riders who are 5′-6’4″ tall.

2. Tall Womens Cruiser Bikes

Given that women are inherently shorter than men, women beach cruisers have a slightly shorter frame, about 15-17.5 inches.

Unlike men’s beach cruisers, women’s beach cruisers have a slender feminine look and come in soft and bright colors.

Women beach cruisers generally have a step-thru frame for easy riding by women in skirts. It, however, doesn’t mean that men cannot ride step-thru bikes.

One perfect example of a tall women’s beach cruiser is the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Cruiser.

This beach cruiser comes with a 17.5-inch low-swooping step-thru frame, and its 26-inch version (referring to the wheel diameter) suit male riders who are 5′-6’4″ tall.

The bike is best for cruising, commuting, and leisure riding. That’s thanks to its upright riding geometry and foot-forward design.

It’s both classy and comfortable and has a curvy feminine appeal.

FAQs

1. Are Beach Cruisers Good For Tall Riders?

Beach cruisers come in a wide range of sizes to suit riders of varying heights, including tall cyclists. So, they are a perfect choice for tall riders as long as you find your match.

2. What Size Cruiser Bicycle Is Right For My Height?

Cruiser bicycles come in different frames and wheel sizes to suit riders of different heights. So, you have to consider both factors and match them with your height, and below is a table to guide you.

3. Which Cruiser Bicycle Is Suitable For A Tall Person?

Below is a list of the best cruisers for tall riders:

1. Sixthreezero Around the Block: Best 1-Speed Cruiser Bike
2. Firmstrong Bella Classic Cruiser: Best 3-Speed Cruiser Bicycle
3. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Men’s Cruiser: Best for Men
4. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s Cruiser: Best for Women

4. Can Cruiser Bicycles Go Fast?

Sadly, cruiser bicycles are not optimized for speed. These bikes are only casual bicycles; thus, they are more of comfort than speed.

Unlike road bikes and mountain bikes, beach cruisers don’t combine comfort with speed. Essentially, that’s due to their wide balloon tires, heavy frames, and fewer gears.

5. Are Cruiser Bicycles Good For Hills?

Given that cruiser bikes have wide sweeping handlebars, they put you in an upright posture. Sadly, such a posture doesn’t give you enough leverage when cycling uphill.

Also, their wide balloon tires are not designed for a rugged landscape like a hill, and given that most are single-speed, there is no shifting.

6. Are Cruiser Bicycles Good For Exercise?

Studies have shown over the years that moderate cycling can help one lose weight. A cruiser bike is considered low-impact workout equipment, which means you can use it to exercise.

Note, however, that you won’t be able to conquer hills as you do with a mountain bike.

Closing Thought on Cruiser Bicycles for Tall Riders:

The comfort of the best cruiser bicycle for tall riders is unmatched on smooth roads. So, if you want a two-wheel that you can ride casually or commute with at a slow speed, a beach cruiser is a safe bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cruiser bikes good for tall riders?

Absolutely, cruiser bikes are a fantastic option for tall riders. These bikes don’t just offer a high saddle height that can comfortably accommodate longer legs, they also come with design features that prioritize comfort overall. For instance, you get a plush seat for those long rides, and a footrest is included for the pillion. These bikes are designed to marry style, comfort, and functionality, making them a perfect choice for almost any rider, particularly those who are taller. Don’t just take my word for it – next time you get a chance, hop on a cruiser bike and feel the difference. Dynamically, you’ll notice how the seats, footrest, and overall frame caters to your body type, and that truly enhances the riding experience.

Which bicycle is best for tall riders?

It’s challenging to single out one bicycle as the absolute best for tall riders because personal preference and individual riding style play such a huge role. But generally speaking, road bikes and mountain bikes with larger frame sizes (like 58cm, 60cm, or even 62cm for road bikes), are often recommended for tall riders. Other bikes like cruisers are also known for being good options, thanks to their adjustable saddle height and ergonomic design. Remember, the most crucial thing is finding a bicycle where you can touch the ground with your feet while sitting on the seat. Whether you’re into leisurely rides around town, hitting the trails, or challenging yourself on tough terrains, there’s a perfect bicycle fit out there for you.

What size cruiser should I get for my height?

Your height and inseam measurement are crucial to determining what size cruiser you should go for. Generally, for those with a height of 5’2″-5’4″, a cruiser bike frame size of around 50-52cm is recommended. For individuals standing at about 5’5″-5’7″, a frame size of 54-56cm might be suitable. If you’re taller, say around 5’9″-6’0″, then 56-58cm frame sizes should work. And for exceptionally tall folks — those above 6 feet — a 60cm or larger frame may be necessary. Always remember, fitting is essential when picking out a bike. It needs to feel right for you, so don’t be afraid to test it out!

What is the difference between a cruiser bike and a beach cruiser bike?

When it comes to cruiser bikes and beach cruiser bikes, it’s easy to get them mixed up as they’re quite similar. Both bikes are designed for relaxed, smooth rides. However, the defining factor lies in the type of terrain they’re designed for. Cruiser bikes are commonly used for urban or city rides while beach cruisers, true to their name, are perfect for coastal areas or sandy terrains. Beach cruisers often come with wider tires to tackle sandy surfaces effortlessly, while cruisers may have narrower tires designed for paved or bitumen roads. It’s all about the adventure you’re seeking, so choose based on where your explorations tend to take you the most.