The Best Cruiser Bikes for Women (2023)

(Last updated on March 6th, 2023)

Cruiser bikes are your ticket to easy-rolling and comfortable riding all over town. Whether you plan to hit the boardwalk or explore your local paths, women’s cruiser bikes strike the perfect balance between fashion and function.

There are seemingly endless choices, so I’ve selected the top 5 best women’s cruisers for sale to help you narrow your search. Check out the most stylish and well-reviewed cruisers for women below.

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Public Bikes C1 women’s cruiser green with the woman sitting on bench. Public Bikes

How I Picked the Best Women’s Cruiser Bikes

I sifted through dozens of cruisers before determining which models cut. Then, I prioritized popular brands with reliable inventory and quality components so you can trust what you’ll be riding, especially when purchasing online.

Manufacturer specs, user reviews, and expert options provided additional information for curating this list.

I gave each women’s cruiser an overall rating and individual scores according to the relevant criteria:

Design: Cruisers are stylish bikes with attractive elements like elegant frames, colour-matched parts, and bold paints. I awarded extra points for eye-catching aesthetics and ease of use.

Comfort: Comfort is a top priority when it comes to cruisers. The relaxed riding position, swept-back handlebars, and simple gears make rolling around a breeze, even for beginners.

Specs: Don’t expect the latest and lightest tech out there, but the best cruisers have reliable components that require little maintenance and provide dependable performance ride after ride.

Value: Cruisers are one of the most affordable categories of bikes, and I made sure to select the models that are a great deal and a smart investment for years to come.

Note: These days, bicycle companies are increasingly moving away from marketing their bikes as gender-specific. Almost all bikes are considered unisex, so it’s just a matter of finding a model that fits your body and personal preferences, regardless of gender. This article recommends relevant cruisers for female bikers, which can also be great picks for the wider cycling community.

Compare the Best Women’s Cruiser Bikes at a Glance

ModelTakeawayDrivetrainBrakesWeightRatingPrice
Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-ThruMost Popular Women’s Cruiser BikeShimano Tourney TX-35 7-speedFront/rear: cold-forged alloy linear-pull15.45 kg / 34 lbs9/10$729
Public Bikes C1Best Single-Speed Women’s Cruiser BikeSingle-speedPromax cold forged, high polish, alloy dual-pivot caliper rim brakes30 lbs8.5/10$499
Priority Coast  Most Reliable Women’s Cruiser Bike1-, 3-, 7-speed or Enviolo CVT ebike rear hub, Gates Carbon Belt DriveFront rim brake and rear coaster brake26 lbs8/10From $599
Sixthreezero EVRYjourneyMost Versatile Women’s Cruiser Bike1-, 3-, 7-, or 21-speed microSHIFTFront and Rear V-Brake36.5 lbs9/10$599
Linus Dutchi 1    Most Elegant Single-Speed Women’s CruiserSingle-speedShimano coaster brake12.kg / 27.4lbs9/10$499

Most Popular Women’s Cruiser Bike

1. Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru

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Electra Townie 7D EQ Step-Thru women’s cruiser bike. Electra Trek Bikes

Our Rating

9/10

$729

KEY SPECS

Frame6061-T6 aluminum w/patented Flat Foot Technology®
GearsShimano Tourney TX-35 7-speed
BrakesFront/rear: cold-forged alloy linear-pull
TiresBontrager E6 Hard-Case Lite 26×2.00″ w/reflective stripe
Weight15.45 kg / 34 lbs

PROS

  • Comfortable frame geometry with Flat Foot Technology
  • 9 attractive color options
  • Quality 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain

CONS

  • Rim brakes instead of disc brakes
  • EQ version is more expensive than some rival cruisers

The Electra Townie 7D is the best-selling cruiser on the market, and I can vouch that it deserves that title. Priced at $729, its comfortable design and quality parts make this unisex bike an excellent value. With several versions of this bike available, I’ve chosen the slightly fancier EQ model because of the upgraded specs compared to the standard version, including colored fenders and integrated front and rear lights.

The Electra brand focuses on comfort-oriented bikes and is a subsidiary of Trek Bicycles so that you can expect good components and plenty of reliability.

The aluminum Townie frame is both step-thru or step-over, depending on your preferences, and features Trek’s patented Flat Food Technology that makes putting your feet on the ground while stopping a bit easier.

A huge plus is that riders can choose between 9 different frame colors.

This model comes with a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and 26” wheels. One downside is the linear-pull rim brakes instead of more powerful disc brakes, especially in wet conditions.

Those lackluster brakes and the higher-than-average price tag knock a point off my overall rating. Trek lovers who want to keep browsing can also check out the more affordable standard 7D cruiser or the Electra Townie Go! electric bike for pedal-assisted cruising.

RATINGS

Design4/5
Comfort5/5
Specs4/5
Value5/5

OUR VERDICT

A comfortable, best-selling cruiser with 7 speeds and tons of frame colors to choose from.

Best Single-Speed Women’s Cruiser Bike

2. Public Bikes C1

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Public Bikes C1 women’s cruiser bike. Public Bikes

Our Rating

8.5/10

$499

KEY SPECS

FramePUBLIC chromoly hi-tensile blend
GearsSingle-speed
BrakesPromax cold forged, high polish, alloy dual-pivot caliper rim brakes
TiresKenda Kwest, 700x35c
Weight30 lbs

PROS

  • Excellent design with plenty of color choices and cream tires
  • Fast-rolling 700c wheels with 35mm tires
  • Lightweight and comfortable step-thru frame

CONS

  • Poor-quality brakes with full-coverage housing
  • Single-speed gearing isn’t appropriate for hilly areas

The Public Bikes C1 is a Dutch-style cruiser that’s lightweight and super stylish. The slim frame and tires give this bike a sleek look and allow the C1 to roll faster than your typical clunky beach cruiser.

This version is single-speed, which makes it ideal for flat areas. If you’re expecting hilly terrain, check out the Public Bikes C7 or C9, which have gears.

I appreciate the elegant design and straightforward setup of the C1. The five distinct frame colors come with matching fenders, painted rims, and cream tires for a vintage-inspired aesthetic. This cruiser opts for larger 700c wheels instead of 26” rims and rocks Kenda Kwest 35mm tires.

The tires are much skinnier than traditional balloon tires, so that you can ride more efficiently over smooth surfaces.

At such an affordable price, the C1 shows its cost-saving measures with its low-quality brakes. The caliper rim brakes will do the job fine but will require maintenance.

The cables are also entirely covered in housing which is fine when new but is prone to extra friction and kinks that require a bigger fix— this lowers my overall rating slightly. If you’re searching for a stylish, single-speed cruiser, you can’t go wrong with the Public Bikes C1.

RATINGS

Design5/5
Comfort4/5
Specs4/5
Value5/5

OUR VERDICT

Reliable, single-speed women’s cruiser with pops of color and fast-rolling wheels.

Most Reliable Women’s Cruiser Bike

3. Priority Coast

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Priority Coast women’s cruiser bike. Priority Bicycles

Our Rating

8/10

From $599

KEY SPECS

FrameAluminum
Gears1-, 3-, 7-speed or Enviolo CVT ebike rear hub, Gates Carbon Belt Drive
BrakesFront rim brake and rear coaster brake
Tires26” balloon tires
Weight26 lbs

PROS

  • Low-maintenance and rust-proof belt drive
  • Frame and gearing choices at the time of purchase
  • Internal hub gearing that’s protected from the elements

CONS

  • Rear coaster brake instead of a rim or disc brake
  • Wider tires are good for comfort but not for speed

The Priority Coast isn’t your typical cruiser bike. An innovative belt drive and several internal hubs gearing options to customize your ride. If you live in a humid or wet area, the belt drive system is impervious to rust and lasts longer than a traditional metal chain, making this bike perfect for the beach.

Depending on your preferences, the frame is either step-thru or traditional, and you’ll have your choice of gear. All drivetrains are belt driven and come in 1-, 3-, and 7-speed options and an Enviolo CVT e-bike hub.

Keep in mind that additional gear will cost a bit extra. The gearing sits inside the rear hub, protected from the elements, so you won’t have to worry about fiddling or fixing your shifting anytime soon.

The Coast features a classic beach cruiser design with a sturdy, curved frame and wide balloon tires. It’s not as zippy as other models, but riders enjoy that the bike is nearly maintenance-free. There’s a rim brake on the front wheel and a coaster brake at the rear, even for the 3- and 7-speed models, which some riders might not love.

The singular rim brake knocks my rating down a bit, but I appreciate the load of tech that sets the Priority Coast apart from its rivals. This weather-proof bike is a sure bet if you are searching for a cruiser different from the rest.

RATINGS

Design4/5
Comfort4/5
Specs5/5
Value5/5

OUR VERDICT

A rust and corrosion-resistant cruiser with several frame and gearing options.

Most Versatile Women’s Cruiser Bike

4. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney

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Sixthreezero EVRYjourney women’s cruiser bike. Sixthreezero

Our Rating

9/10

$599

KEY SPECS

FrameAluminum
Gears1-, 3-, 7-, or 21-speed microSHIFT
BrakesFront and Rear V-Brake
Tires26”x1.95”
Weight36.5 lbs

PROS

  • Colorful and stylish frame with matching fenders and rims
  • Customizable gearing options at the time of purchase
  • Good-quality V-brakes instead of caliper rim brakes

CONS

  • Relatively heavy compared to other aluminum cruisers

The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney is a modern take on the cruiser that’s equipped with customizable specs for a smooth ride wherever you go. Classic beach cruiser design can be bulky and difficult to ride uphill, but this versatile model gets a facelift complete with up to 21 gears for easy pedaling.

The EVRYjourney makes a good first impression with its mid-step aluminum frame, which comes in 5 colors and matching fenders and rims. Whitewall 26×1.95” tires finish off the vintage-inspired look, and there’s an included rear rack.

If retro beach cruisers and coaster brakes are more your thing, you might like the Sixthreezero Around the Block.

Riders can choose between single-speed, 3-, 7-, and 21-speed gearing depending on their needs. I recommend the 3- or 7-speeds that’ll get you up most hills comfortably and are easier to use than a full 21-speed drivetrain.

It’s outfitted with rim brakes, but the dual V-brakes are better quality than most calliper brakes on competing cruisers, so I can’t complain too much. One downside is the heft of this 36.5 lbs bike, but plenty of gears and its relaxed riding position make pedaling a breeze.

RATINGS

Design5/5
Comfort5/5
Specs4/5
Value4/5

OUR VERDICT

Versatile, upgraded women’s cruiser with vintage flair and customizable gearing.

Most Elegant Single-Speed Women’s Cruiser

5. Linus Dutchi 1

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Linus Dutchi 1 women’s cruiser bike. Linus Bike

Our Rating

9/10

$499

KEY SPECS

FrameHi-ten steel frame with cro-mo down tube
GearsSingle-speed
BrakesShimano coaster brake
TiresLinus “Elysian” black, 700 X 35C
Weight12.kg / 27.4lbs

PROS

  • Chic, uninterrupted design without cables and gears
  • Comfortable saddle with springs
  • Lightweight for a women’s cruiser bike

CONS

  • Only two color options to choose from
  • Coaster brake-only setup isn’t very powerful

I’ve reviewed the Linus Dutchi 1 before, and it remains an excellent European-style cruiser worthy of this list. This bike is very similar to the Public Bikes C1 (and priced the same) but takes an even more simplistic design approach, so there aren’t any cables or fussy gears to disrupt the elegant silhouette.

If you enjoy riding single-speed with a coaster brake, it isn’t much more stylish than the Dutchi 1.

I appreciate the straightforward construction that isn’t engineered, meaning there are no extraneous frame tubes or mismatched colors. The painted frame has matching fenders and a chain guard that blend nicely with the chrome-finished parts.

The hand-stitched grips are genuine leather, and the saddle has plush springs to absorb road buzz. The handlebar shape is ergonomic and elegant, unlike many rival cruisers on the market, without being too wide.

Remember, though, that the Dutchi 1 is a simple bike with limitations. There is only one gear and a rear coaster brake, so if speed is your thing, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Another shortfall is the lack of color options (only available in purple or cream), which lowers my overall rating.

For riders who want to feel like they’re rolling through the streets of Amsterdam, the well-designed Dutchi will surely do the trick.

RATINGS

Design5/5
Comfort5/5
Specs3/5
Value4/5

OUR VERDICT

Elegant Dutch-style cruiser with single-speed gearing and coaster brake.

How to Choose the Best Cruiser Bike for Women

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Pink Public Bikes C1 women’s cruiser in front of vintage van. Public Bikes

What Is the Best Cruiser Bicycle to Buy?

The ideal cruiser bike is comfortable and easy to use, with reliable parts and a stylish look that make riding around an even more enjoyable experience.

To boost the probability of choosing the perfect cruiser for you, I recommend you stick to well-known brands like the ones featured in this article to ensure the quality of the components. Cruisers are generally simpler machines than complicated mountain or road bikes.

However, some cheaper manufacturers take that opportunity to cut corners on their bikes. If you want a trail bike to ride rougher terrain, check out our list of the best full-suspension mountain bikes under $3,000.

Different Frame Designs

Cruiser bikes come in two main frame designs: beach cruisers and Dutch-style bikes. Beach cruisers have long, hefty frames with curved or decorative tubes accentuating the retro aesthetic.

The wide balloon tires and single gear are appropriate for comfortably rolling down the boardwalk at a relaxed pace. These bikes typically have a rear coaster brake and a laid-back riding posture.

The other cruiser type is the Dutch style based on the bikes used in places like Amsterdam and Copenhagen. These bikes have skinnier tires and rim brakes for more performance and efficiency around the city.

The frame geometry is more upright than beach cruisers, and many riders love the elegant look of these European-inspired bikes. Riders who like Dutch-style bikes might also be interested in hybrid bicycles that roll faster in the city, these also come in a great collection for women.

Gearing Options

Modern cruisers can be set up with various gearing options between one to 21 speeds. Some models, such as the Sixthreezero and Priority cruisers, even let you customize your bike and select your preferred gearing when you purchase.

The simplest bikes have just one gear which is fine for navigating flat, smooth terrain but will become difficult to pedal when going uphill.

A 3-speed setup (typically via an internally geared hub) is intuitive even for beginner riders and offers enough gear ratios to slight gradients. Geared hubs are easy to use and require almost no maintenance, making them a favorite of mine on cruiser bikes.

For riders who expect hillier outings, a traditional 7-speed drivetrain is another common option on cruisers. I don’t recommend choosing a 21-speed cruiser unless you are really in love with the specific bike.

Cruisers are meant for recreational riding where a wide range of gear isn’t necessary. If you require 21 speeds, choose a hybrid or road bike with a higher-quality drivetrain.

Finishing Kit and Accessories

One of the most fun aspects of choosing a cruiser is browsing through the possible combinations of smaller parts and accessories. Things like racks, colored rims, and fenders can elevate the bike’s aesthetic and utility. You can also practice assistance installing the fenders on your Electra Townie cruiser bike.

Balloon tires can make a bike difference and provide more cushion than skinnier tires. For ultimate traction and tire air volume, though, riders can check out our list of the best fat tire mountain bikes on the market.

These choices, of course, depend on personal preferences and can be the deciding factor between bikes as you make your final selection. Have fun customizing your cruiser, and remember that small details can be worth it, encouraging you to hop on your bike and go for a ride.

Final Thoughts

Cruiser bikes are perfect for female cyclists looking for a comfortable and easy-rolling setup. Whether it’s for the boardwalk or crossing campus, the cruiser bikes featured on this list are an excellent two-wheeled investment. With the ideal balance between style and efficiency, why ride anything else?!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is size cruiser bicycle right for my height?

Most cruisers are one size, so riders between 4’11” and 6’0” can comfortably fit the frame. If two or three sizes are available, brands will typically post a helpful tool or size chart on the web page with specific recommendations based on height.

Are cruiser bikes good for long rides?

Cruisers are not designed for very long rides yet are fine for extended, relatively flat and smooth outings. The smaller range of gears on cruisers and laid-back position can make going up hills a challenge, but what you lack in efficiency is made up for by comfort over easy terrain.

Should your feet touch the ground on a cruiser bike?

Yes, touching the ground with your feet improves safety, allowing you to remain seated while stopped and dismount more easily. In the case of a sudden stop, riders can quickly take their feet off the pedals and maintain stability.

Some riders prefer to put their feet flat on the ground, while others are fine with only the ball of their foot making contact.

Why are cruiser bikes hard to pedal?

Cruiser bikes are generally less efficient than other bikes because of the laid-back riding posture that reduces your power but greatly increases comfort.

Some riders can find it more difficult to pedal on hills since cruiser bikes typically have fewer gears than other bikes.

What are the benefits of a cruiser bike?

Cruiser bikes are a fantastic option because of their ease of use and high levels of comfort. Their relaxed frames are more stable and stylish than other bikes and come in various colors and accessories.

When should I buy a cruiser bike?

A cruiser is a sure bet if you typically ride in a flat area and want a low-maintenance bike. Modern cruiser bikes are more lightweight and easy to control than ever and can be a great upgrade to exploring your local boardwalk, neighborhood paths, or school campus.

Have more questions about women’s cruiser bikes? Drop us a line below!

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