
Kulana Women’s Makana 26” Cruiser Bike
- Bike along the boardwalk with the Kulana Women’s Makana 26’’ Cruiser Bike. This single speed cruiser features an extra-large spring saddle for optimal comfort, a strong steel frame, and coaster brakes for easy stops. The Makana has front and rear fenders that adds style and protects from splash back when biking through puddles.
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying This Classic Cruiser Bicycle
The Kulana Women’s Bike has become a popular choice for women looking for a comfortable and stylish cruise bike. With its classic beach cruiser design and ease of use, this bike is great for casual riding around town or along the boardwalk.
Before you buy the Kulana Women’s Bike, there are some key factors to consider so you can choose the right model for your needs. This comprehensive buying guide will cover everything you need to know, from the bike’s features and specs to where to buy it and how much it costs.
Key Features of the Kulana Women’s Bike
The Kulana Women’s Bike comes loaded with features designed for comfort, stability, and optimal performance. Here are some of the stand-out features:
- Step-through steel frame: The low angled top tube makes it easy to get on and off the bike. The durable steel frame provides strength and shock absorption.
- Wide cruiser handlebars: Allow for an upright and comfortable riding position. Easy to control and maneuver.
- Coaster brakes: Pedal backwards to brake the rear wheel. Simple and easy to use.
- Balloon tires: The 26″ or 24″ tires have a wide width for stability. They absorb bumps and cracks in the road.
- Rear rack: Perfect for strapping on a basket or bag for carrying belongings. Some models include a matching front basket.
- Fenders and chain guard: Keep you clean and dry when riding in wet conditions. The chain guard protects clothes from grease.
- Single or 7/8-speed drivetrain: Simple gearing for flat city terrain. The 7-speed model provides extra versatility.
Where to Buy the Kulana Women’s Bike
The Kulana Women’s Bike is sold through the company’s website as well as select online and in-store retailers including:
- KulanaCycles.com: The manufacturer sells the full range of models directly through their site.
- Amazon: A wide selection of Kulana bikes available with free shipping for Prime members. Watch for discounts.
- Dick’s Sporting Goods: Brick-and-mortar stores across the U.S. stock select Kulana models each season.
- Walmart: Budget-friendly options sold in-store and online. Limited sizing and color choices.
- Local bike shops: Some independent shops carry the Kulana line. Call ahead to check inventory.
Kulana Bike Models and Prices
Kulana offers several variations of the Women’s Bike to fit different needs and budgets. Prices range from $200 to $500. Here are the main models:
- Women’s Lova: Starts at $219 for a 7-speed model. The top-selling Kulana bike with a relaxed geometry and cushioned seat.
- Women’s Makena: Priced around $330 for a coaster brake or $380 for the 8-speed. A mid-range cruiser with upgraded components.
- Women’s Kahana: The premium model starts at $499. Includes front and rear handbrakes and a lightweight aluminum frame. More accessories available.
- Women’s Haleakala: A budget model with 24″ tires to accommodate shorter riders. Starts at $189 for the single-speed version.
Available Sizes and Fit
Kulana Women’s Bikes come in two main size options to fit a range of heights:
- 26″ wheel models: Best for women 5’4″ to 6′ tall. Choose a 15″ or 17″ frame based on inseam.
- 24″ wheel models: Designed for women 4’10” to 5’6″ tall. Pick a 13″ or 15″ frame size.
The cruisers feature a step-through design, so you don’t have to swing your leg over the seat. Simply step through the open front triangle of the frame.
Visit a bike shop and test ride different sizes if you are between heights. The size should provide a comfortable leg extension with a slight bend at the knee when seated.
Beginner-Friendly Cruiser Design
The Kulana Women’s Bike is an excellent choice for recreational riders and cycling beginners. The laid-back riding posture promotes comfort and confidence.
Coaster brakes are intuitive to use, even if you’ve never ridden a bike before. Simply pedal backward to slow down and stop. There are no gears or handbrakes to figure out.
The wide balloon tires provide stability and shock absorption for new riders. The bike easily handles uneven city streets, gravel paths, or boardwalk terrain.
The step-through frame allows you to put feet down easily. The low center of gravity creates a feeling of security for inexperienced cyclists.
Durable Frame and Components
Kulana constructs the Women’s Bikes using quality materials to withstand daily riding. The chromoly steel or aluminum frames resist corrosion and absorb more shock than cheaper steel.
Here are some of the durability features:
- Alloy linear pull or alloy V-brakes (on models with handbrakes)
- Stainless steel spokes and aluminum rims
- Rust-resistant kettle stitching on the cushy saddles
- Nickel-plated bike chains with corrosion resistance
- Aluminum alloy crankarms and pedals
The paint is chip-resistant to maintain the pristine and stylish look of your new bike after many rides.
Ideal for Flat Urban Areas
With their wide set handlebars, balloon tires, upright riding posture, and single-speed or 7/8-speed drive trains, Kulana cruisers are optimized for casual riding around flat neighborhoods, parks, and shorelines.
The bikes easily cruise down paved roads and bike paths without requiring frequent gear changes. The tires absorb imperfections in the asphalt to dampen the ride.
The limited gears are not ideal for extended hill climbing. For riding in hilly areas, look for the 7 or 8-speed models to provide lower gears for ascending slopes.
Long Ride Comfort
The Kulana Women’s Bikes emphasize comfort to keep you smiling mile after mile. The plush saddles are designed for the female anatomy with extra width and foam padding.
The cruiser handlebars allow a natural arm position without hunching over, reducing strain on your back. The seat position encourages an upright posture to take pressure off your hands, shoulders, and neck.
Look for bikes with suspension seat posts and forks to add shock absorption over bumps if you plan to take longer treks. This enhances comfort and reduces fatigue on all-day rides.
Low Maintenance Design
One of the appeals of a single-speed cruiser is the minimal maintenance required. With no complicated gearing system and few moving parts, the bikes are simple to tune up and keep running smoothly.
Here are some tips for taking care of your Kulana bike:
- Wipe the chain down periodically and lubricate it to prevent rust.
- Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure listed on the sidewalls. Soft tires lead to sluggish riding and flats.
- Adjust the coaster brake by tightening the brake arm nut if needed.
- Check bolt tightness on the wheels, headset, seat, and handlebars. Tighten any loose parts.
- Inspect brake pads for wear and replace as needed.
- Wipe the bike down after wet rides and store indoors to prevent corrosion.
Available Colors to Suit your Style
Kulana offers their Women’s Bikes in a palette of fashionable colors so you can pick one that matches your personality.
Popular choices include mint green, bright coral, sky blue, vintage cream, and lilac. Special edition designs feature floral prints and two-tone paint jobs.
Highlights from the current color lineup:
- Robin’s Egg Blue with brown saddle and grips
- Mint Green with white wall tires
- Cherry Red with silver accents
- Yellow Cream with chocolate brown seat
- Grape with complementary lavender tires
Check the Kulana site or retailer listings for the latest color options. Custom orders may be available for an additional charge.
What Do Customer Reviews Say?
The Kulana Women’s Bike earns high marks for its stylish design, smooth ride, and comfortable ergonomics. The cruisers garner over 4 out of 5 stars on average from satisfied owners.
Positive feedback points to the bike’s quality construction, cushioned seat, easy pedaling, and beautiful paint colors. The coaster brakes and upright position supply confidence for beginners.
Some negatives cite plastic pedals on entry models prone to breakage and mediocre headlights. Hand assembly may lead to some loose parts.
Overall, most reviewers say the Kulana cruiser is a fantastic value for casual neighborhood cruising. It provides a super smooth and relaxing ride to unwind after a long day.
Warranty Protection
Kulana offers a limited lifetime warranty on the steel frames and aluminum cruiser forks. All other components have a limited one-year warranty from date of purchase.
This protects against defects in materials and workmanship. Normal wear and tear is not covered. You must have proof of purchase and maintenance records to claim warranty service.
Contact Kulana or your dealer for help with any warranty issues. Parts and labor may be provided free or at a prorated cost depending on the age of the bike.
How Does It Compare to Other Brands?
The Kulana Women’s Bike competes primarily with other beach cruiser brands like Firmstrong and Sixthreezero. Here is how it stacks up:
- Less expensive on average than similar models from Firmstrong.
- Less customization options for speeds, colors, and accessories than Sixthreezero.
- Steel frame provides better shock absorption than aluminum frames on some competitors.
- More beginner-friendly than multi-speed models from Retrospec or Schwinn.
- Handsome vintage styling but fewer classic touches than Huffy cruisers.
- Kulana offers better quality for the price than generic store brands.
For the money, the Kulana hits a sweet spot between price, quality construction, and ease of use. It’s a reliable choice for recreational riding.
Rugged Enough for Light Off-Road Use
While the Kulana Women’s Bike shines as a paved path cruiser, its durability makes light off-road riding possible too.
The thick 26” tires can easily traverse packed dirt trails, gravel roads, grassy fields, and sandy beaches. The balloon width provides flotation and cushioning over rough ground.
Just take it easy on steep hills or extremely uneven terrain. The single-speed gearing isn’t ideal for challenging climbs. Extended bumpy paths may overwhelm the basic suspension.
But for mellow greenway trails, hard-packed beaches, or simple dirt access roads, the Kulana can provide fun extra versatility beyond the sidewalk.
Maximum Weight Capacity
Kulana rates the Women’s Bikes for a rider weight capacity ranging between 220 to 300 pounds depending on tire size and frame materials.
The lightweight aluminum frames accommodate a 220 pound limit. The thick chromoly steel frames can support up to 300 pounds.
The 24-inch wheel models have a lower 220 pound capacity. The larger 26-inch wheel size increases the limit to 300 pounds on some bikes.
Weight isn’t just limited to the rider. If you plan on attaching a child trailer or basket with heavy loads, subtract the added weight from the total limit.
Exceeding the recommended weight restriction can lead to potential safety hazards and decrease the lifespan of the bike parts.
Designed for Daily Use
With their durable construction and comfortable ride quality, Kulana cruisers can serve as an ideal daily commuter bike for short trips around town up to 30 minutes each way.
Their stability and ease of use make them a great choice for beginner bike commuters. The included rear rack provides a handy means of securing a bag or basket for errands.
The steel or aluminum frame absorbs shock and can withstand being locked outside. Fenders keep you clean if riding in work clothes.
To extend the bike’s commuting capability, add detachable front and rear lights for visibility and saddle bags for carrying items. A bike lock is a must to secure it at your destinations.
Cruisers for All Terrains
While the standard Kulana Women’s Bike excels on pavement, the company offers additional models tailored for specific terrains:
- Kulana Makena Fat Tire Bike: Features 26” x 4” tires to ride on sand or snow. Excellent flotation and traction.
- Kulana Surfside: Low 26” cruiser frame and oversized tires ideal for beach paths and boardwalks.
- Kulana Luna: An 8-speed model with front suspension and upgraded brakes to handle gravel rail-trails.
- Kulana Trailway: Lighter aluminum frame with 21 speeds and dual suspension to tackle rolling hills and bumpy dirt paths.
Visit KulanaCycles.com to browse the full range of cruiser models designed for everything from city streets to coastal trails.
Find the Right Kulana Bike for You
From its step-through steel frame to comfortable saddle, the Kulana Women’s Bike hits all the must-haves for recreational cycling. This versatile cruiser suits beginners and advanced riders alike with its relaxed geometry and ease of handling.
Make sure to consider your budget, height, terrain, and riding preferences when selecting the ideal Kulana model. Their durable construction and quality components provide everyday value on a bike made to last.
Ride in style and comfort on scenic paths for exercise or leisurely adventures with a Kulana cruiser designed just for women.