The CTY 1.1 is offered in two colors, five sizes for the standard frame style, and three sizes in a step-through variant. This is your ticket if you want a fantastic deal and a well-featured bike. Just as there is no one type of commute or commuter, there is no singular type of commuter bike. It used to be that a typical city bike had upright geometry, flat pedals, minimal gearing, skinny tires, and a relatively comfortable seat. But thanks to new technology and a greater demand to live a two-wheeled lifestyle, the category of commuter bikes is sprawling.
You might even score a good used cruiser at an exceptionally reduced price at your local bike shop. The Vado 4.0 is one of the best commuter bikes on the market. Exceptionally well-designed, the Vado 4.0 has an SRAM NX, 11-speed drivetrain, powerful SRAM Level brakes, and an SR Suntour Mobie A32 suspension fork for a smooth feel. Power settings are adjustable via an easy-to-manage phone app, plus all of the needed accessories for commuting—rack, schwinn beach cruiser fenders, and lights—come standard. While the Vado is pricier than some other bikes in the class, it has a refined feel, a strong global dealer network in case of motor issues, and is a thrilling e-bike to ride. That said, electric bikes like Around the Block from sixthreezero have some pretty massive advantages that may very well swing those sitting on the fence between traditional v. electric over to the motor side.
It boasts the company’s proprietary Future Shock, a coil shock positioned above the head tube that provides 20mm of suspension to eat bumps and bobbling gravel, reducing rider fatigue. We deem this an upgrade due to its better-than-most components, but if the Sirrus X 4.0 is too steep for you, check out one of the brand’s other 20+ Sirrus models. If, however, you plan on taking your beach cruiser to hillier locations, or if you want to go faster than just one speed, then consider buying a beach cruiser with more gearing options. Even a cruiser with just three sprockets, or three gearing options, in the rear can offer a cyclist a nice array of options to tackle different road and path gradients and conditions. Of course, these physical differences are all general differences and there will be outliers.
A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ’s Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks. There are, unfortunately, bicycle manufacturers out there who do take shortcuts in things like component quality. Other brands might include features or components that are highly specialized and thus hard (expensive) to replace or repair should you have issues in the future.
Repeat steps e and f on the other side of the axle, making sure the wheel is centered. For the latest update to this story, we worked with Bicycling test editor Dan Chabanov to vet each bike and recommend a few based on his riding experience. We’re confident that our picks stand on a foundation of real-world trial, professional evaluation, and a passionate commitment to cycling. City, urban, commuter, cargo, utility, folding, or e-fill-in-the-blank—call it what you will. Your commuter bike has a job to do, and only you know what that job entails. So whether you need to haul a ton of crap, make a quick run for some essentials, load up the kids and get out of the house, or get off your ass and grab some fresh air, you need the right bike, and we have it right here.
Fabulous and functional, the front and rear fenders add that vintage flair while helping to protect you – and your clothes – from splashes and dirt while you ride. The padded spring seat is soft and supportive, while the upright riding position is easier on your lower back. schwinn beach cruiser Rear coaster brake, also called a pedal brake, provides intuitive stopping power. All you need to do is pedal backwards to slow or stop – it’s that easy. I’d been spending a lot of time riding my old man’s original late 40s-early 50s Roadmaster Luxury Liner around.
Prior to joining Bicycling in 2021, Dan worked as part of the race organization for the Red Hook Crit, as a coach with EnduranceWERX, as well as a freelance writer and photographer. Although the selection of merchandise is constantly changing, Craigslist can be a great place to score a deal on a vintage Schwinn. This isn’t the place to go if you need a bike immediately, but if you’re patient and watch the listings carefully, you may just find the vintage bike of your dreams.
When on it, you’ll find that you sit upright, with your arms at barely a bend and your knees pedaling just before you. This is a rising position that won’t afford you a lot of power when trying to push up hills or race down a street. Similarly, it would be dangerous to take this style of bike on a downhill mountain path. Yet, it is a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy an easy ride around the neighborhood. Which type of wheels you want on your future beach cruiser bike will largely depend upon where you want to take that bike.
