Is Sixthreezero Around the Block a good bike?
Sixthreezero Around the Block is a simple, reliable, and budget-friendly bike for anyone who wants to ride leisurely in the park or commute hassle-free. It’s one of our favorite bikes on the market as well.
But let’s dive into more details and see why this model is so beloved among cyclists in America.
Short History of Sixthreezero Brand
Sixthreezero is among the 65 best bike brands in the world. It’s an American company founded in 2005 in Hermosa Beach, California, to create some of the best beach cruiser bikes on the market. Only a few years after its creation, the company moved to a proper warehouse in Torrance, CA, where it’s headquartered as of 2021.
Sixthreezero Around The Block in a Glance
| Frame | Steel |
| Fork | High-Tensile Steel |
| Shifters | Shimano Index Revo Shifter ( 3, 7, and 21-Speed versions ) |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Tourney ( 3, 7, and 21-Speed versions ) |
| Tires | Sixthreezero Tires ( 26″ x2.125″) |
| Brakes | Front and Rear V-Brake ( Coaster Brake for the 1-Speed version ) |
| Weight | 34 lbs. ( 1-Speed version ) |
| Color Options | 6 |
| Speed Options | 1, 3, 7 or 21-Speed |
| MSRP | from $329.99 |
Comfort and Simplicity
One of the reasons we love Around the Block is the bike’s simplicity. It’s so easy to hop on and start riding it. This is especially true for the single-speed version of the bicycle. The ride is exceptionally comfortable due to the comfortable geometry of the frame and the upright riding position. After all, this bike is not focused on speed or performance. It’s made for casual riding around the block ( pun intended ).
Sixthreezero Around the Block is perfect for everyone with chronic back pain who wants a comfortable bike. The retro-styled handlebar is bent backward, so your hands will be closer to your body, and you don’t need to lean over. This will also help eliminate shoulder pain, which some more aggressive bikes can cause.
The women’s version of the bike also has a very easy-to-mount step-through frame. It’s a bike many women choose for daily riding, even in big urban areas.
When we talk about the simplicity of this bike, we need to mention that it’s a one-size-fits-all design, so you have one less thing to worry about when you’re buying it. You can easily adjust the seat and handlebar height for a better fit.
Customization and Gear Options
Sixthreezero is known for its many colors and gear options on all its bikes. Around the Block is available in women’s and men’s specific frames. The women’s version is available in six colors ( navy, cream, light plum, teal blue, mint green, and coral ), while the men’s version is available in two ( matte black and matte grey ).
On top of that, you can get the bike with four-speed options: 1-Speed, 3-Speed, 7-Speed, and 21-Speed. The single-speed option is the most affordable at $329.99 and offers unmatched value for money. It’s simple and fun to ride. It’s a bike for casual riding to the beach or around the neighborhood.
The 3-Speed option is a lot more expensive at $479.99 but offers enough gear range for most people who aim to ride casually but will need to climb a few hills here and there. This model is equipped with the Shimano Nexus Internal 3 Speed rear derailleur, a reliable internal shifter. It’s expensive to buy and fit on a bike, but it provides unmatched reliability, especially if you ride it close to the sandy beaches. It’s also a rust-free version, just like the single-speed one.
The 7-Speed option is priced similarly to the 3-Speed one but provides a much wider gear range. It’s the version we recommend to most people because 7-speeds are enough for climbing most hills. You can also ride this version at higher speeds due to the smaller gears at the back. The downside here is that the 7-Speed version comes with an entry-level Shimano Tourney derailleur which is not rust-free and needs some maintenance once in a while.
Out of the box, I recommend the 7-Speed version for men and the 3-Speed internally geared version for women.
Alek Asaduryan
The 21-Speed option is again priced at $479.99 and provides a wide range of gears. You can climb the steepest hills and make quick descents along the coastal roads. This version comes with front and rear Shimano Tourney derailleurs which are fine for most people, but you can get a much better-shifting experience with a Shimano Acera or Altus. Of course, this won’t be possible at below $500.
This bike is featured in the following round-up reviews:
Other Features
Tires
Sixthreezero Around the Block is fitted with 2″ semi-slick cruiser tires that provide a smooth and relatively zippy ride even on the bumpiest roads. They are typical beach cruiser-style tires that most bike manufacturers fit into these models.
Seat and Handlebar Grips
Another great feature of this bike is the comfortable seat. It’s an extensive, cushy single-spring saddle that most people find extremely comfortable. The seat is balanced and very secure, no matter which kind of fabric you use.
The same can be said about the handlebar grips. They’re simple, synthetic leather grips that are soft enough but durable at the same time.
Let’s talk a bit about the brakes.
Brakes
Around the Block uses two braking systems depending on your chosen version. The single-speed bike comes with simple coaster brakes ( a classic reverse pedal braking system ) that most people know from childhood. Coaster brakes are maintenance-free and brake the bike relatively well.
Many people still prefer hand brakes, and you can find those with the bike’s 3, 7, and 21-Speed versions. They come with standard alloy V-brakes that are more powerful than the coaster brakes.
Are there any disadvantages?
As with most things, you must swallow a few cons alongside the pros. We’ve heard a few complaints about the instructions. Some say they’re difficult to follow, and the tools provided with the package are difficult to use. The good news is that you can always go to a local bike shop and pay for a professional assembly.
Bottom line
Sixthreezero Around the Block is an excellent bike for people who want a relaxed, affordable, low-maintenance ride. There is a version for everyone so you can choose the best option for your personal needs, from a single-speed bike for everyone living on the coast to the multi-speed version for people who want to climb hills and work out on it.
