How To Adjust Your Beach Cruiser So It Fits Perfectly

Have you ever sat on a bike and noticed that it just didn’t fit right? Having a properly adjusted cruiser can make all the difference between a pleasant ride and one that is uncomfortable and unsafe.  

So how do you adjust your beach cruiser for the perfect fit? Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Prop your cruiser upright
  2. Lower or raise the saddle
  3. Adjust saddle angle
  4. Change saddle position
  5. Modify handlebar height
  6. Adjust handlebar angle

I created this article to help you fit and adjust your bike to keep you feeling great as you pedal. Of course, only adjust as needed or to your liking.

The 3 Comfort Zones

To get started, there are 3 comfort zones that will affect how your beach cruiser fits you. This will impact the overall comfort of your ride. I have these areas below:

  • Frame Size – This cannot be adjusted so make sure to choose the correct size frame.
  • Saddle – You will need to adjust the saddle height, angle, and forward / backward placement to your liking.
  • Handlebars – You will be adjusting the height and bar angle of your handlebar to your liking.

Bike Tools Needed

Now that you know the potential areas that need to be adjusted, let’s take a look at some of the tools you might need.  I have listed them below:

If you do not have those tools, I’d suggest that you pick them up at your local hardware store or purchase them online.  I have provided links to the tools above.  They are very affordable.

Okay…Now we can walk through the steps to adjust your cruiser to the perfect height. These are very easy to follow. Remember to take your time and test your adjustments so it fits properly.

Step 1 – Prop Your Cruiser Up

Secure your cruiser upright with a bicycle stand or trainer. If you do not have one of these stands, you will have to either prop it up against a wall or have a friend hold it steady and upright for you while you make the adjustments.

Step 2 – Adjust The Saddle Height

The first adjustment you want to make is the saddle. Here is how to make sure it is at the correct height:

  1. Stand next to your cruiser. The top of your seat should come up to meet your hip.
  2. Now sit on your bike and push one pedal down to its lowest position where your leg is fully extended. Here are a few scenarios to consider for final seat adjustments.
    • If there is a slight bend in your knee then you have reached the perfect height.
    • If there is too much bend in the leg that is on the pedal, you need to adjust the seat to a higher position so there is only a slight knee bend.
    • If your foot does not reach the pedal, then you need to adjust the seat to a lower position.
  3. To move the saddle up or down, first dismount the bike, open the quick release lever (or something similar on your bike), and adjust the saddle accordingly.
  4. After moving the seat to the appropriate height, make sure it is aligned with the frame and then tighten the lever.

Step 3 – Adjust the Saddle Angle

The angle of the saddle can also impact your level of riding comfort. The majority of riders like their saddles to be even with the ground. You can use a level to help determine if it is in the same horizontal plane as the ground. If you prefer a different angle then adjust accordingly.

How to adjust the saddle angle? Start by loosening the nut(s) under the saddle with a wrench and then either tilt forward or backward to your desired position. Once you have the perfect angle, re-tighten the nut(s).

Step 4 – Adjust the Saddle Position

Do you feel too close or too far away from the handlebars? You can move the saddle either forward or backward.  

To do this, loosen the nut(s) under the seat with a wrench. Move the saddle forwards or backward depending on your riding preference. Once you have achieved your desired seat position, tighten the nut(s) back up.

Step 5 – Adjust the Handlebar Height

Sometimes you may feel that the handlebars are positioned too low or too high. Therefore you may need to adjust the height of your beach cruiser handlebars. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Loosen the bolt(s) on the stem of the handlebars. The bolt(s) are located on the section where the handlebar meets the frame. You may need to use either an Allen wrench or adjustable wrench to loosen the bolt(s).
  2. After the bolt(s) is loosened, raise or lower the bars until your arms find a comfortable position.
  3. Once you find a comfortable handlebar height, lock it into that position by re-tightening the stem bolt. Make sure the handlebars are aligned straight.
  4. Test that they are securely fastened to the frame by trying to turn the handlebars while straddling the front tire. Use your legs to prevent the wheel from moving while you turn the handlebar.

Step 6 – Adjust the Handlebar Angle

If the handlebars feel too far away or too close then you will need to adjust the angle. To do this, you need to loosen the bolt(s) on the front of the handlebar stem. This is where the handles are connected.

Once the bolt(s) are loosened, you can either rotate the handlebars forward or backward until you find a comfortable fit. Once you have placed your handlebars at the perfect angle, re-tighten the bolt(s) on the stem.

*For the best riding angle, make sure there is a slight bend in your arms!

Last Checks

Make sure the seat is secured by trying to wiggle it.  Also, make sure the seat is aligned with your frame. Check that the handlebars are secured and aligned.

Re-check that each bolt is snug so they don’t come loose. Once you have done all of these checks to make sure your cruiser is secure, you are ready to ride! 

Note that it is important to buy a cruiser that fits you first. Therefore, you should review my beach cruiser sizing guide to help get the correct size bike.