Best Bike Brakes for Cruiser Bikes of 2025

Jason Kiser Avatar
Jason Kiser
Last Updated: Jan 5, 2025

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Cruiser bikes are a popular choice for those who enjoy leisurely rides around town or along the beach. When it comes to safety, having reliable brakes is essential. There are a few different types of brakes available for cruiser bikes, including coaster brakes, rim brakes, and disc brakes. Coaster brakes are the most common type found on cruiser bikes, and they work by pedaling backward to engage the brake. Rim brakes use pads that grip the rim of the wheel to slow it down, while disc brakes use a rotor and caliper to stop the wheel. Depending on your riding style and preferences, each type of brake has its own advantages and disadvantages.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set Cover #TOP 1
Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set
ftb score rating icon 9.8
SUNLITE Cruiser/MX Silver Alloy Brakes Set Cover #TOP 2
SUNLITE Cruiser/MX Silver Alloy Brakes Set
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Sunlite 26'' Rear Brake Kit Cover #TOP 3
Sunlite 26'' Rear Brake Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 7 Bike Brakes for Cruiser Bikes

#TOP 1

Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set

12454
Steel
Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set Cover
Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set, 73-91mm Reach, Chrome

The Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set, also known as the Sunlite Steel Brake Set, is a full brake set designed for both the front and rear of your bike. It includes two levers, two calipers, cables, and housing, providing you with everything you need to upgrade your bike's braking system. With a long reach of 73-91mm, this brake set is perfect for beach cruisers and BMX bikes. The chrome finish adds a sleek and stylish look to any bike. To ensure a proper fit, measure the reach by using a ruler or measuring tape to determine the distance from the brake mounting hole to the middle of the braking surface of the wheel. Upgrade your bike's braking performance with the Sunlite Cruiser/MX Steel Brake Set.

What We Like
Full brake set
Long reach for beach cruisers and BMX bikes
Chrome finish
#TOP 2

SUNLITE Cruiser/MX Silver Alloy Brakes Set

12380
73-91mm
SUNLITE Cruiser/MX Silver Alloy Brakes Set Cover
SUNLITE Brakes - Cruiser/MX Set - Pair, Silver, Alloy, 73-91mm Reach

The SUNLITE Cruiser/MX Silver Alloy Brakes Set includes a pair of front and rear calipers, levers, cables, and housing, providing a full brake set for your bike. The product fits frames with a reach of 73-91mm, and the levers fit 22.2mm (7/8") handlebars, which are suitable for most BMX and MTB bars. The cables and housing are longer than necessary, ensuring they fit a variety of bicycles, but they may need to be cut to fit. The 618g weight per set offers an ideal balance for your bike's braking system.

What We Like
Full brake set included
Fits frames with 73-91mm reach
Suitable for most BMX and MTB bars

Sunlite 26'' Rear Brake Kit

CC-BRAKEKIT-REAR
Sunlite 26'' Rear Brake Kit Cover
Sunlite 26'' Rear Bicycle Brake Kit

The Sunlite Rear Brake Kit is designed specifically for bicycles with 26-inch wheels, ensuring a perfect fit for various bike models. You can enjoy dependable braking performance on steep hills or busy streets, giving you confidence in your ride. Installation is a breeze with included instructions and all necessary hardware, allowing you to set it up quickly without needing special tools. Built from durable materials, this brake kit can handle tough conditions and regular use, giving you peace of mind for every journey.

What We Like
Compatible with 26-inch bikes
Easy installation process
Reliable braking performance
Durable materials
#TOP 4

Lowrider Beach Cruisers Alloy Brake Front Black

Lowrider
113174
Lowrider Beach Cruisers Alloy Brake Front Black Cover
Lowrider Beach Cruisers Alloy Brake Front Black. for Bicycle Brake, Bike Brake

The Lowrider Alloy Brake Front is a high-quality bicycle brake designed specifically for beach cruisers. With its sleek black design, it adds a stylish touch to your bike while providing reliable stopping power. The alloy construction ensures durability and long-lasting performance. Whether you're cruising along the beach or riding through the city streets, this brake will give you the confidence to stop safely and smoothly. Its easy installation process makes it convenient for users of all skill levels. Upgrade your bike with the Lowrider Alloy Brake Front and enjoy enhanced braking performance for a more enjoyable and safe riding experience.

What We Like
Stylish design
Reliable stopping power
Durable alloy construction
#TOP 5

RUSUO Bike Brake Kit

RUSUO
Y9669B-FZHUUS-TT
Black
Front brake set
RUSUO Bike Brake Kit Cover
RUSUO Bike Brake,Front/Rear Fixie Bike Brake Kit Road Bike Cruiser Brake Set Bike Caliper Brake Kit Side Pull Brake Set

The RUSUO Brake Set offers a choice between front or rear caliper brakes, providing flexibility for your biking needs. Each package comes complete with a caliper brake, a brake handle, and a brake cable, making installation straightforward. The brake handle features a comfortable diameter of 22mm, ensuring a good grip during rides. Additionally, the cable lengths are designed to accommodate various bike setups, with a 21-inch front cable and a generous 61-inch rear cable, helping you achieve optimal performance and safety while cycling.

What We Like
Flexible front/rear options
Complete installation package
Comfortable grip handle
Long cable lengths
#TOP 6

Lowrider Alloy Rear Brake

Lowrider
113175
Lowrider Alloy Rear Brake Cover
Lowrider Beach Cruisers Alloy Brake Rear Black. for Bicycle Brake, Bike Brake

The Lowrider Rear Brake is designed specifically for beach cruisers, providing reliable stopping power for your cycling adventures. With its durable alloy construction, this brake ensures longevity, allowing you to enjoy your rides without worrying about wear and tear. The sleek black finish not only adds a stylish touch to your bike but also helps resist rust, keeping your equipment looking great. Installing this brake is straightforward, making it easy for you to upgrade your bike quickly and efficiently. Overall, this rear brake enhances your riding experience by delivering safety and performance.

What We Like
Durable alloy construction
Stylish black finish
Easy installation
Reliable stopping power
#TOP 7

Srutueo Front Fixie Brake Kit

Srutueo
215010A1
silver
Srutueo Front Fixie Brake Kit Cover
Srutueo Front Fixie Road Bike Cruiser Brake Set Bike Brake Kit Bike Caliper Brake Kit Side Pull Brake Set for Most Fixie Bike Silver

The Srutueo Fixie Brake Set is designed for front installation on most fixie and road bikes. With a handle diameter of 22mm, it ensures a comfortable grip for easy control while riding. The brake kit features a front cable tube length of 21 inches, providing ample length for varied bike setups. Additionally, the core length measures 29 inches, offering flexibility in installation. This combination of features not only enhances safety but also improves your riding experience, allowing you to stop smoothly and confidently whenever needed.

What We Like
Compatible with most bikes
Comfortable grip
Flexible installation options
Improved safety
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can you put front brakes on a cruiser bike?

Installing front brakes on a cruiser bike is not complicated. Bike shops carry adapter kits that include center-pull or U-brake caliper brakes and pads, a universal bracket, hand lever and a brake cable. Installation requires a couple of hand tools along with the instructions for the particular front brake kit.

2. Are all bike brakes compatible?

Separate brake levers are available but cantilever brake levers (e.g. v-brake levers) are not compatible with calipers as they require a different amount of cable to be pulled in order to work properly. If you are considering a disc brake upgrade for your road bike, be sure to check compatibility.

3. How do I know what brakes to buy for my bike?

Shape. Different brake calipers have different shapes and different methods of holding the pads in place. Thankfully getting the correct shaped pad is pretty obvious. Look at what your brake is called (it's usually written on the lever reservoir and/or the caliper body) and then find a disc pad of the same name.

4. Are bike brakes Universal?

Bike brake pads, on the whole, are universal; the main difference is the compound they are made of. Some have soft non-metallic compounds whereas others feature hard metallic compounds. There are also some variations in size and diameter of the pads but this doesn't make much difference.

Editor's Notes

During our bike brake for cruiser bikes research, we found 24 bike brake for cruiser bikes products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 7,781 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bike brakes for cruiser bikes list. We found that most customers choose bike brakes for cruiser bikes with an average price of $19.85.

The bike brakes for cruiser bikes are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bike brakes for cruiser bikes, including Sunlite, Flying Horse, Lowrider, RUSUO, Srutueo. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 348 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Jason Kiser Avatar

Jason Kiser is an editor who lives in California, he previously worked in a travel agency for ten years, which enabled him to travel a number of interesting countries and experience several different cultures along the way. His range of job and travel experiences grant him expertise in hiking, camping, outdoors and fitness.