The 24-inch Cruiser is ideal for the younger rider who appreciates the time-honored qualities of riding comfort. Cruisers are popular among casual bicyclists and vacationers because they are very stable and easy to ride, but their heavy weight and balloon tires tend to make them rather slow. Pello also uses safe, Woom-like recessed Allen bolts at the front fork. We love the sealed, mudproof front hub and the lightweight but very tough 20-spoke alloy rims. (Most bikes we tested feature 28 or even 32 spokes. Only the Woom 3 had a lower count at 16.) The fewer spokes, the lighter the wheel and the easier it is to pick up and ride.
Most kids have learned to ride a bike by the time they’re ready for one that’s 18 inches or larger. However, if your bike-antsy tyke is ready for a pedal bike early, check out our balance bike guide, which has recommendations for 14-inch balance bikes with pedal attachments. Most 16-inch bikes will be small enough that 4- to 6-year-olds can straddle the seat with feet flat on the ground for balance (the ideal way to size a bike), and such a bike will last them at least a couple of years. The durable Schwinn cantilever steel frame has been updated with tubular leading axle front fork and cushioned hand grips. It’s designed for comfortable riding with a padded saddle and wide whitewall tires that ride smooth over almost any terrain. The Cruiser 5 has
5-speed gears and hand brakes for greater versatility and range.
We also love the freewheel setup, which makes learning to pedal and to stop even easier than a bike with coaster brakes. Some Schwinn cruiser bikes are better suited for certain activities than others. For example, if you plan to use your Schwinn cruiser bike primarily for leisurely rides around the neighborhood, a Schwinn schwinn beach cruiser Wayfarer Hybrid Retro Styled Bike might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a Schwinn cruiser bike that can handle more rugged terrain, a Schwinn mountain bike might be a better option. Ultimately, choosing a Schwinn cruiser bike that fits your specific riding needs and style is important.
The handlebars, while kid-friendly in terms of size, make the bike a touch less stable than other bikes we tested because they are narrower at 7 inches (instead of 8). If they were an inch wider, the bike would be more controlled when the child is turning or pedaling out of the saddle. A 1-inch narrower Q factor—the distance between the pedals—could also help the bikes almost-too-quick responsiveness.
I interviewed John Bradley, until recently the editor in chief of VeloNews magazine and a former editor at Outside magazine. Bradley has a son named Max who at the time had recently graduated from a Strider balance bike to a 14-inch schwinn dealers Islabikes Cnoc pedal bike, which we didn’t review because it was north of our price parameters. You will love the upright riding position with large back handlebars, road-taming, stylish whitewall tires, and comfortable bumper seat.