avidone1

I may get one to leave at my daughters house. I do love a quality product. I would pay up to six or seven hundred if needed, but suppose a good quality cruiser could still come in at a lower price point. I would like to have at least 3 speeds, no more than 7.
Thanks.

banana rat

I hear the Electra, and Sun Bikes are pretty good, but I'm not an expert by any means. Maybe someone who is a seasoned Cruiser will chime in.

suncruiser

I've owned both electra and sun cruisers, albeit both single speeds. They are both excellent bikes, and electra has quite a few nice bikes in the 2016 lineup, along with a greater retail base since they are owned by trek.

On the other hand, my sun bike is more comfortable. I'll run it before any other bike

avidone1

I don't know why really, but I just don't like electra bikes. They look like they were made for old people. At my age, mid sixties, this matters to me. Sun does make some fine looking cruisers and they have been at it a while. How long have you had the Sun and how is it holding up?

GP 

Check into the Worksman. Worksman Design Your Own Classic MEN'S Cruiser | The Worksman Cycles Factory Direct Store, America's Oldest Cycle Manufacturer, Industrial Bicycles and Tricycles, since 1898

suncruiser

I've had my Sun a couple years now, and albeit some light modifications, i haven't changed much in the 6000 miles i've ridden it. one rear hub failure (my fault, i cooked it then tried to spray it off in panic with a pressure washer) and the standard tires/tubes. been the most reliable bike i've owned, and the single speed aspect of it keeping it simple makes it my favorite of all of my rides.

suncruiser

fietsbob

Custom hand Made ..

Needles

I ride my Firmstrong Urban more than any other bike. I DID swap out the derailleur for a 7 speed Nexus rear hub. Sturdy ride--- it'll likely outlast the owner.

TiBiker

I don't own a bike of this type but I work at a shop that sells them so I get to build, evaluate and ride a lot of them. I know what you mean about Electra bikes but the ones that you see the most are the Townies, which do look "old", but they are pretty easy and fun to ride and are well made. They also have a larger selection of styles than the other makers listed here and they have some pretty unique and cool looking ones in their lineup. like the Tigershark, Eightball, and Ratfink.

avidone1

LOL....Love that eightball...who knew?

Lastplace29er

You may want to check out some of 3G's bikes. I would lean towards the 7 or 8 speed models. Better gear ratios and hand brakes.

3G Bikes | Mens Newport 7 Speed Beach Cruisers

3G Bikes | Mens Newport BBW 8 Speed Beach Cruisers

jules rensch

I ride an old Raleigh Tourist, replete with 28 inch tyres and 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub.
...but I find myself interested in the big wheel (36 inch) American made Cruiser...I think it sells for about $700.
Has anyone had experience with this bike?

I've put approx 60000 miles on the Raleigh...biggest drawback, terrible brakes!

Jules in Ohio

tjkoko

I really enjoy my Azor Oma; it offers a really comfortable ride here in the flatlands with it's three speed IGH. I purchased the Azor because I wanted a dutch cruiser. However, the Electra Royal 8i looks like a really great alternative to the Azor.

okane

I picked up the blue Breeze from CL for $60 as shown. I subsequently cleaned and lubed all bearings but it had new tires and paint was excellent. Last week I got a second one in red in similiar condition for $25!

The Racer I got for $50 as shown and again, all it needed was clean and lube.

Of course many would not consider these cruisers but I do. They are cheap to buy, exhibit quality workmanship, easy to work on, a pleasure to ride, and made in the USA.

If you're set on a balloon tire cruiser, used bargains are not real difficult to find either. The Schwinn SS is not a walley world bike and was a $25 yard sale find. I added a fender set I found on CL for $20 and a light and rear carrier from "stuff" I had laying around.





Just as an after thought, here is an Electra for $155 on local CL. Don't know much about Electras but it seems like a good buy.
Electra Women's Cruiser 1 Bike in Lavender with Detachable Basket

Captain Rich

I have a Sun industrial yellow cruiser and an orange Firmstrong urban cruiser. Both are great bikes,
though my favorite is the sun. There's something special about the smooth feel of the pedal stroke.
It's a quality bike.

Philphine

i have one (two actually by odd chance). pretty sure you're meaning a coker monster if it's new at $700. or you could be meaning a dirty-sixer. more of a custom bike. i have no idea of the price but i can't imagine it being priced similarly. it's a fun bike to pull out sometimes, but i don't know about riding it regularly. i mean to cut one up and make something i like better.

truthfully, if you wanted a big wheel something to ride more often, i'd say look at the 32" wheeled kent that walmart sells. comparing both stock (as single speeds), i think the kent is a better rider. weight is a big difference. the coker being a big steel bike and the kent being aluminum. the kent also sits like a bigger bike, where the coker feel like a regular 26" cruiser ergo wise. you're just sitting on larger wheels. there are geared versions of both (3sp monster, 7sp kent), but i've never ridden them. pretty sure gears would make either better bikes.

GentleLamb

Felt Bicycles{some can be pricey), Electra, SixThreeZero, Fito, Greenline, Firmstrong, Genesis 29". Felt Bicycles, in my opinion, are the best in quality. If you can find a vintage Schwinn "heavy duty" in great shape, they are built very strong but expensive because of collectability.

trala999

I have three Phat Cruisers and they seem to be well made bikes. They are single speed though but that could be easily changed. I found my cruisers for fifty bucks each so you can lose out trying them.

Chris Chicago

given rivendell's trajectory expect they will put out a cruiser in the future

I-Like-To-Bike

"Girl's frame" Cruiser with Sachs 7 speed IGH Coaster Brake bought new in Germany in 2001 for the equivalent of $500. Don't know if anyone sells equivalent in U.S. My U.S. bought (in about 2003) Schwinn Cruiser Schimano 7 speed equipped but without front brake for about $500 might fit your requirement.

jnewkirk77

I've put a shade over 1,000 miles on my Electra, which I've upgraded with Michelin tires and a Nexus 3-speed setup. Next on my list is a better set of fenders - I've got some Wald Middleweights on the way, as they'll fit the narrower rubber I run now. All in all, very pleased with the bike.

fietsbob

You want a Hand made by a crafts man frame builder frame? that alone will be over your wish level.

Or to get something decent and just spend Up

on getting Nicer parts than they Come equipped with?

srinath.the.man

I have a centrix that I am pretty happy with. Alminum DINO 808 rims and good V brakes as well as a 7 speed etc etc.
The seat etc etc mostly metal rails and springs. Nice but heavy.
Rumor is - its made by jamis.
Cool.
Srinath.

cyclist2000

My daughter has a bianchi milano, its a very nice bike.