Getting around the city can be a hassle – but it certainly doesn’t have to be. Finding the right mode of transportation can make your commute faster, a workout and way more fun. We are talking about one mode of transportation in particular – city cruiser boards. The way we classify these boards is pretty simple – small enough to easily transport on the bus or train, softer wheels to deal with the crappy streets and a little bit of kicktail for some versatility. These boards will offer a little more room than your regular skateboard and the softer wheels will handle rocks, cracks and other minor roadblocks much smoother than a traditional hard wheel. Throw in a little kicktail and you can still ollie up the curb or drop into the bowls at your local skatepark.
So maybe you have a 6 block walk to your nearest train stop or maybe you need to make a quick run to the store and don’t want to drive or maybe you just need something faster than your two feet – a city cruiser could be the right choice for you! In this article I will give you the lowdown on 5 of my personal favorites that we have at the shop right now. So – in no particular order – here are the best city cruisers for summer 2013.
Santa Cruz 40th Anniversary Proflex Kicktail 27.5″ x 7.5 – $149.95
For the first of our favorites, we are going to take it back – way back – to a 40th anniversary gem by Santa Cruz, the Proflex Kicktail. This throwback design and shape is far from dated with it’s perfectly sized width and just enough kicktail to be a killer little city cruiser board. A ton of tech packed into this old gem thanks to the fiberglass / maple wood combo, making this board lightweight and super strong. Custom Santa Cruz cutout in the grip and classic striped logo on the bottom. Impress the big kids with your knowledge of classic skateboards with the Proflex Kicktail.
Santa Cruz Landshark Cruiser 27.5″ x 8.8″ – $134.95
The Santa Cruz Landshark is so awesome they had to make it in a whole bunch of sweet graphic options. Complete with a bottle opener under the front truck, this little ripper was inspired by the surf side of Santa Cruz with this shape coming straight from their shaping shed. With a fishtail and wide body, there is nothing this board can’t do. Whether you are ripping the streets or the empty pool down the block, the Land Shark can get the job done.
Arbor Pocket Rocket Cruiser 26″ x 7.75″ – $149.95
Probably the best selling cruiser board in the shop, the Arbor Pocket Rocket is a pint sized shredding machine. Disregard the fact that it’s amazingly good looking – we are talking perfect concave, nose and tail kick, just enough grit in the grip – and a perfectly sized ride for easy transport. Available in bamboo or Hawaiian KOA wood, each with their own signature look. We would expect no less from our friends at Arbor!
Never Summer Assault 32″ x 10″ – 219.99
One part longboard and one part street skateboard, the Never Summer Assault is basically the Unicorn of the cruiser board world. Does this thing really even exist? Yes, and it’s just as amazing up close and personal. With super snappy bi-directional fiberglass, a rubber dampening system, scratch resistant bottom graphic and p-tex reinforcement on the nose and tail, this may just look like a skateboard but in fact it’s so much more. Hitting the corner store or trekking it across town, the Assault is answer.
Loaded Poke 34″ x 9.125″ – $299.00
Straight from the master minds over at Loaded – the Poke is another Frankenstein like invention that blends the smooth ride of a longboard with the maneuverability of a short board – all in one. Made to be one of the most versatile boards in their lineup, it offers a deeper wheel well so it can comfortably house a larger wheel, nose and tail kick with perfect concave in between, an extra grippy (and stylish) grip tape job and the bamboo/fiberglass combo we know and love from Loaded. Charging the parking garage or hauling it to the train stop, the Poke will get you there.
This about wraps up our cruiser board recap, if this doesn’t make you want to hit the streets then we don’t know what will. For the latest skate availability, stop by the shop, hit the website or give us a ring.