Is summer even summer without a beach cruiser to ride?! I think not.If you agree and are looking for a new bike to pedal off into the late evening sunset, let me introduce you to the Retrospec Chatham Plus. Its a budget-friendly cruiser bike thats also pretty, fun, and low-maintenance. It might just be the perfect warm-weather companion.Unfortunately, I dont live anywhere near a beach, BUT I have been using the longer, warmer days to test the Chatham Plus on trips to the ice cream trolley (yes, we really have one in my neighborhood), and to meet my sister for patio drinks.Getting there was a delight. Pushing it back up the hill to my house afterward? Less so. But more on that in a minute.Review In A NutshellPros:AffordableCute, feminine design with pastel colors and faux leather detailsSimple, low-maintenance buildComfortable, upright riding positionFun for flat beach or city cruisingCons:Not suitable for hills (upgrade if you have any inclines)No fenders or rack includedPrice: $359Buy at Retrospec.comPretty In PastelsLets start with the obvious: this bike is adorable. It looks as good leaning against a caf wall as it does rolling down the boardwalk.The Retrospec Chatham Plus comes in several soft, feminine pastel colors with a shiny paint job that is undeniably pretty. The faux leather saddle and matching grips add a charming, retro aesthetic that makes me smile every time I ride it.Low Stepover And Swept-Back Bars Make For A Comfortable RideThe Chatham Plus has a very low stepover, making it easy to mount and dismount even in a skirt or dress, no gymnastics required. Once youre on, the swept-back handlebars put you in a relaxed, upright position thats easy on your back and shoulders.For short, casual rides, this geometry is great. You feel comfortable and in control, and theres no hunching over the bars like youre racing.Simple, Low-Maintenance BuildThe version of the Chantham Plus Ive been testing is the single-speed. In other words, it has no gears.One of the best things about a bike with a single-speed coaster brake is that there is almost nothing to maintain. No gear cables to stretch or snap, no brake pads to replace, no derailleur to adjust. To keep the Chatham Plus happy, you really just need to lube the chain occasionally and add air to the tires. Thats it.The build is sturdy and feels durable for casual use. The wheels are solid and the overall construction holds up welljust dont go jumping curbs with it.The kickstand also deserves a special mention: its super solid and kept the bike upright even on uneven, non-paved surfaces. Small thing, but I noticed and appreciated it.Now About Those HillsThe single-speed version of the Chantham Plus is not designed for hills. Why?The single-speed drivetrain means you have no gears to make pedaling easier when the road pitches up, and the coaster brake (you brake by pedaling backward) is sketchy at best on a steep descent. Its been a long time since Ive ridden a bike with a coaster brake rather than hand brake levers, and it definitely tested my nerves a bit. I live at the top of a hill, and the Chatham Plus made that hill feel like a punishment in both directions. Both uphill and downhill I had to walk when the pitch got steep.If theres any chance your rides will involve meaningful elevation change, do yourself a favor and look at the slightly pricier version of the Retrospec Chatham that comes with hand brakes and gears. Your legs on the way up (and your nerves on the way down) will thank you.The SaddleThe saddle on the Chatham Plus looks incredibly comfortable. Its wide, plush, and covered in faux leather. One of my friends rode it and loved it! As for me, I thought it was comically wide, and its definitely not the saddle Id want to pedal long distances with, BUT for short cruises, it was fine.Wide TiresThe wider tires on the Chatham Plus add some nice volume and help absorb road chatter on bumpy pavement. They have a smooth tread so are best for fast-rolling paved surfaces, but they can also handle a little bit of loose sand.A Note On SizingThe Chatham Plus is sold as one size fits most, with a stated fit range of 50 to 64. The extremely low standover and adjustable saddle height mean that riders across that range can get their feet on the ground comfortably.That said, the reach to the handlebars may feel a touch long for shorter riders and slightly cramped for the tallest ones. At 55, I felt right at home, but if youre at either extreme of that range, keep it in mind.The quick-release seatpost collar is a thoughtful touch. You can adjust saddle height without any tools, which makes it easy to share the bike between two riders of different heights.Whats Not Included (And What You Might Want To Add)The Retrospec Chatham Plus is a bit bare-bones when it comes to extras. There are no fenders included, which youll miss on wet roads or damp beach paths. Theres also no rack, which limits your ability to carry much of anythinga bummer if youre hoping to bring home a bag of peaches from the farmers market.The good news: there is a mounting point on the rear for a rack if you want to add one after the fact. Fenders can always be added too.One more note: the wheels bolt on rather than using quick-release skewers. That means youll need a wrench to remove a wheel if you get a flat. This is a minor inconvenience at home, but more of a hassle if youre far from your garage.Bottom Line: The Perfect Bike For Flat, Casual RidingThe Retrospec Chatham Plus is purpose-built for one thing: flat, casual riding. Think boardwalks, bike paths, beach towns, and lazy neighborhood loops. If thats your primary use case, its a fun and cheerful bike at an accessible price point.Its particularly well-suited for riders who want something low-maintenance, easy to get on and off, and pretty enough to feel good riding. If you want to run errands, do longer commutes, or live somewhere with hills, youll want to look elsewhere. Or at minimum, upgrade to the geared version.More Help Choosing A BikeBest Womens Cruiser Bikes & How To Choose!Types of Bikes & How to ChooseUltimate Guide To Womens Bike Sizes & Size ChartAbout The ReviewerKristen Bonkoski is a USA cycling and NICA coach, bike educator, and founder of Femme Cyclist.Shes also the host of the Femme Cyclist podcast and runsRascal Rides, a website about biking with kids.Shes been riding bikes for more than two decades and is passionate about empowering women on the bike.IG:@femme_cyclistJoin Kristens Weekly Newsletter!The post Retrospec Chatham Plus Beach Cruiser Bike Review appeared first on Femme Cyclist.