Getting into cycling and looking to buy a bike, but unsure what type of bike is best for you and your budget? We can help!
This guide to the best women's bikes will break it all down. We'll explain the different types of bikes out there, what kind of riding they’re best suited to and what to expect for your budget. Finally, we have lots of advice to help you get riding and loving it.
There are three general types of bike: road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, and within each category there is further variation, so you can get really specific about the right bike for you.
Road bikes are designed for speed and distance on the road. They have lightweight frames, slim tyres and a handlebar with a drop for a more aerodynamic position on the bike.
Some road bikes are designed with a focus on endurance and comfort, while others are built for speed, making them the ideal choice if you want to cover greater distances, explore the countryside or are planning to do a race or other on-road event.
Gravel and adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular. They look like road bikes with their drop handlebars but are designed to be more rugged, and you can often fit luggage and mudguards to them, making them popular for touring, bikepacking and even commuting.
If a road bike is what you’re looking for, check out our list of the best road bikes we’ve tried and tested.
Mountain bikes are extremely versatile. They’re typically built for off-road use but can still be ridden on any road, they’ll just be slower going than a road bike.
They have flat handlebars and wider tyres, and usually have suspension on either the front only (hardtail) or on the front and rear (full-suspension), which helps smooth out rough terrain and provides traction for climbing, cornering and riding on muddy ground.
Mountain bikes are ideal for exploring your local woods, heading out on singletrack and going to a trail centre or bike park.
Our buyer's guide to the best mountain bikes has something for every budget to help you choose what’s right for you, and we’ve also rounded up the best women’s mountain bikes we've tested.
Hybrid bikes, also known as urban bikes, commuter bikes and city bikes, usually sit somewhere between road and mountain bikes in their design.
They typically have flat handlebars and an upright riding position, which make it easy to keep an eye on your surroundings and navigate when riding in traffic.
Hybrids can have a road-style frame that’s lightweight with a focus on speed and agility or a mountain bike-style frame that’s designed to handle rough roads, towpaths or fire roads, and some front suspension.
Consider a hybrid if your commute involves unpaved towpaths and trails. - Russell Burton / Immediate MediaHybrid bikes also have lugs for attaching mudguards (fenders), pannier racks and child seats.
You can commute on any type of bike, but if your commute involves a bus or a train, or you have to haul your bike into the office, you might want to consider a folding bike.
As the name suggests, these fold up to a small size that makes taking them on public transport or storing them under a desk much easier.
For more details on hybrid bikes and our top-rated picks, take a look at our best hybrid bikes list.
Gravel bikes are based around road-bike design, with lightweight frames and handlebars with drops, but have carefully tweaked geometry and greater tyre clearance to enable them to be ridden off-road as well as on.
They usually have a more rugged frame design, fatter tyres with a tread for plenty of grip on grass, mud and gravel tracks, and attachment points for adding mudguards and luggage.
Cyclocross is a type of bicycle racing, so cyclocross bikes have a more aggressive geometry that puts the rider in a racier position on the bike.
By contrast, adventure bikes – a loose category that includes gravel and all-road bikes – are designed for comfort over long distances on rough surfaces. They'll tend to have a more upright position.
Gravel riding is exploding in popularity right now, as cyclists look to get off busy roads and bring a bit more fun to their riding. If we had to recommend just one bike to do a bit of everything, a gravel bike would be it.
Some even come with gravel bike suspension similar to mountain bikes to increase comfort and grip.
Ebikes, or electric bikes, are bicycles that either have a motor built into the frame at the bottom of the bike or on the rear wheel's hub.
They provide what’s called ‘pedal assist’, which means they’ll add to the power you put in through the pedals, so you do have to pedal to make them work.
Electric versions of road, mountain, hybrid and folding bikes are absolutely brilliant for making commutes easier and providing help on climbs. They get you riding if you have an injury or level the playing field between you and your cycling companions – they're downright fun, too.
Most bikes are sized as Small, Medium, Large, etc (usually mountain bikes and some hybrid bikes), or numerically in centimetres or inches (54cm, 17in, etc).
Like clothes, sizing isn’t consistent across brands, so don’t expect one brand’s Medium to feel exactly the same as another’s.
Most brands have an online size guide that will recommend a size based on your height, or other measurements such as your inner leg length. This is where you should start.
Try to demo the bike if you can, so you can see how it feels when you ride it. This is particularly important if you sit between sizes because it will help you work out which size to go for.
For more information, we've created a simple guide to women’s bike sizes that may help.
Once you have a bike, it’s possible to adjust the fit to make it even better, which is important if you’re going to be riding it a lot because small niggles can turn into big ones over a long bike ride.
Also, if you want to make the bike you already have fit better, or adapt a unisex bike, there are some simple changes you can make.
The six most common tweaks for a better bike fit are:
Many of these adaptations are easy to do yourself, or if you buy a bike from your local bike shop they will be able to help.
If you're going to be riding a lot – and particularly if you're going to buy a road bike – we'd recommend getting a professional bike fit. A bike fit is where an experienced bike fitter takes measurements including leg length, flexibility and how far you reach forward when seated. They will also observe as you ride the bike on a static trainer.
From this, they can adjust elements of the bike, such as saddle height, handlebar reach, etc, to give you the best fit possible.
This may require swapping out certain parts for others, such as handlebars with a deep drop to a pair with a shallower drop, or a long stem to one that's slightly shorter.
We have loads of advice on bike fit on BikeRadar, though, such as how to set your saddle height and position and how to adjust your handlebar height.
If you'd like more information, here's the lowdown on how to get your road bike position right and how to achieve the perfect mountain bike fit.
Nearly all the big bike brands make what they call ‘unisex’ bikes; bikes they say are designed for all riders.
A lot of brands also make women’s bikes, sometimes called women’s-specific bikes. Often, these are mostly the same as those brands' unisex bikes but with different contact points, such as the saddle and handlebar, which will be chosen to suit women better.
Other brands, such as Liv Cycling and Canyon Bicycles, make bikes specifically for women based only on body geometry, sizes and needs of women from research data.
The question is then do women have to ride a women’s-specific bike? The answer is no, but a lot of women do find they fit them better. It’s always worth testing out a few bikes, both unisex and women’s-specific if you can, to see which feels best for you.
Whatever approach a brand has to designing women’s bikes, there are usually a few things they have in common:
Some women have a better fit on women's-specific models, while others find no difference between women’s and unisex bikes, or prefer unisex bikes completely.
It's worth testing out a few bikes, if you can, to compare how different brands or different sizes fit because there are always slight differences in the way brands size up their bikes.
Having a bike fit will ensure your bike is right for you, whatever type you go for.
You can buy a road bike for as little as £200, but to get a decent-quality bike we recommend starting from about £500 if you’re planning to use it for longer distances or events.
At this price point, you see a massive jump in quality that will really make a difference to anyone doing serious riding.
You can also get excellent bargains — often in the region of a 30 to 40 per cent discount — if you don’t mind buying last year’s model, so shop around and consider waiting for the end-of-season or Black Friday sales if you’re looking for a bargain.
In general, as you go up in price you’ll get a lighter, more aerodynamic or more comfortable bike with better-quality parts that work more smoothly and/or are more robust.
If you’re willing and able to spend big, there’s nothing quite like a top-of-the-range bike, but don’t forget no matter how expensive your bike is, you’ll still be the one turning the pedals.
As with road bikes, you can get a mountain bike from as little as £200, but if you’re planning on riding trail centres or off-road, rather than towpaths or bridleways, we recommend spending in the region of £500 upwards and ensuring you get a bike with disc brakes for more stopping power.
While some full-suspension bikes cost less than £500, we suggest buying a hardtail at this price point. They’re simpler and more likely to include quality parts. Our guide to the best mountain bikes has more tips on how to choose the best one for you.
The starting price for a hybrid bike is around £150, and although you can find cheaper, you may find yourself paying in other ways, due to the likely heavy weight and lower quality of parts.
In general, as you go up in price bikes will get lighter, which is something to bear in mind if you need to carry it anywhere.
While some hybrid bikes have pannier racks and/or mudguards fitted, you may want to factor in the additional cost of these if not.
You’ll also find an array of Dutch-style upright bikes, cruiser bikes, and bikes with vintage-inspired styling, so if you want something that’s beautiful as well as functional you’ll find plenty of options, with many under £500.
Prices don’t rise uniformly across these different kinds of bikes though – for different styles, the value comes through in different ways, such as quality gears and leather finishing kit for some, and premium aluminium for others.
Published on Wednesday 22 March 2023
Good news! Women's cycling is becoming more and more democratic... and so are the bikes for women. The question is which bike to choose. Fortunately, The Cyclist House is here to help you make the right choice and guide you in thebuying a used bike. If you are a woman, choosing a bike specifically designed for women is a wise choice (but we will discuss this further below). Indeed, the bikes for women are generally designed to fit the female body type, they are often more comfortable, and will offer you an optimal ease for your rides.
See our bikesNo matter what you do, there are a few things you'll need to consider before you buy choosing a woman's bike. Here are the different characteristics to study before you start. The following tips may vary depending on your practice, the number of rides you do and the length of your workouts.
How to choose the right size of women's frame ?
The women's bike frame differs from a men's bike frame in that its geometry is more suited to the female body type (shorter top tube and lower frame height). First of all, it is important to understand that the size of the frame is determined by the length of the crotch. So measure the length from the ground to your crotch to get a first indication. Then, consult the size guide at women's bike model you want to find the frame size that fits you.
💡 If you are between two sizes, always choose the smaller one for better handling and comfort.
Here's an example of a frame with a shorter, lower top tube, specifically designed for women:
In addition to comfort, choosing the right frame size can also improve your safety. A frame that fits you perfectly will allow you to control the bike better, brake more easily and react more quickly to unexpected events.️
💡The frame of the Liv Avail Advanced 1 frame, made from high quality carbon fiber, is an excellent choice for women who are looking for a road bike frame with a geometry specifically designed for their body type. Its frame is perfect for long rides and races, offering a fast yet comfortable ride.
For a good practice, several elements must be taken into account:
The width of the saddle should correspond to the distance between the pelvic bones. Women generally have wider pelvic bones than men, so it is important to choose a wider saddle for optimal comfort.
Women's saddles often have a wider and shorter shape to provide optimal support in the pelvic area. Flat saddles are generally better suited for riders who prefer a more upright riding position, while curved saddles are better suited for riders who have a more aggressive stance on the bike.
It's up to you to find the right compromise between comfort and support to avoid pain and friction.
💡 An example of a women's bike saddle is the Selle Royal Respiro Soft Athleticwhich is designed to provide maximum comfort and ventilation during long rides. It has a curved shape for optimal support and a central channel to reduce pressure on the pelvic area. The saddle also features ventilation technology to keep the seat area dry and cool.
Here are the different criteria to take into consideration when choosing your Handlebar :
Women's hangers are often designed with a smaller shape to fit the female body. Flat hangers are often better suited to women.
mountain bikes
or for riders who prefer a more upright riding position, while curved hangers offer a more aerodynamic position for riders looking to improve their speed.
The height of the Handlebar affects the riding position and can be adjusted to suit each rider's preference. Higher hangers are often better suited for riders seeking maximum comfort, while lower hangers offer a more aerodynamic riding position for riders seeking to improve performance.
💡 The Handlebar Zipp Service Course SL-70 is designed to offer an aerodynamic riding position while maintaining optimal comfort. It is available in sizes ranging from 36 to 44 cm to fit every rider, and is made from high quality aluminum for optimal lightness and durability!
There are several key components that affect the quality and performance of your bike:
The wheels The wheels are a crucial element for the stability and the performance of the bicycle. It is important to choose wheels adapted to the practice envisaged (road, mountain bike, bicycle touring), by taking into account the size, the weight and the profile of the wheels.
The tires are also very important for the stability and the comfort of the bicycle. Again, it depends on your practice. You have to think about the size, the pressure and the type of tire (smooth, notched, tubeless...). If you choose the
buying a used mountain bike
.If you choose to buy a used mountain bike, check the condition of the tires, which are often put to a severe test.
The transmission is composed of the CassetteThe transmission is composed of the gearbox, the derailleur and the chainrings. You will have to be careful about the number of gears, the gear ratio and the quality of the components. We have compared the different models of the main manufacturers in our article on SRAM vs Shimano
Brakes are a crucial element for the safety of the cyclist. You will have to choose between a pad or disc system. We have compared the two options in a dedicated article. Depending on your riding style, you will have to take into account the braking power and the durability of the material.
If cycling is still essentially a male sport, the lines are changing and more and more women are getting into it every year. A trend that has not escaped the attention of manufacturers, who are increasingly offering models designed for women - or at least sold as such.
The group Giant has even created a 100% female brand: Liv. With bikes for all types of cycling (road, MTB, triathlon, leisure), Liv is particularly present among women cyclists and sponsors many athletes.
Lapierre continues to offer some models for women, but the range seems to be shrinking. In particular, they have stopped the production of the Xelius Women in 2021. The brand still offers a specific Selsium model for women, with an adapted geometry as you can clearly see on the comparison below (we let you guess which one is the women's model!) :
Same observation at Cannondale, which still offers a Topstone and a CAAD13 for women. The difference between men and women models is less obvious, the geometry is really very close. Some specific components like the saddle or the size of the shifters are proposed but the main difference is in the colors and the sizes available.
Trek and Specialized have completely stopped their women's lines. Like Canyon, they offer their "mixed" models in a wider range of sizes, sometimes starting from XXS.
That said, and fortunately, it is not mandatory to buy a woman's bike when you are a woman! On the contrary, the goal is to buy a bike that fits you perfectly. So if a "man's" bike suits you, go for it!
For example, Marianne Vos, Olympic champion and multiple world champion, uses a bike model Giant TCR Advanced SL. This model is marketed as a high-end "men's" road bike, suitable for competitions. You can always add a more comfortable women's saddle on a mixed bike, or replace the Handlebar to personalize your bike.
The Cyclist House has given you some advice, but it all depends on you, your goals, your budget, your preferences... There is no perfect bike. If you're an occasional rider, you can opt for entry-level components, while if you ride regularly, it's recommended to invest in higher-end components to ensure better performance and durability. It's also important to consider your body type and riding style when choosing components that best suit your body and riding style.
One final question to ask yourself:
Buy a new bike or a used bike?
It is also important to ask yourself the question of whether to buy a new or used bike. If you want to buy a bike at a low price, the used bike can be very interesting, especially if you want to find high-end models at an affordable price. In addition, buying a used bike is often more environmentally friendly as it gives a bike a second life rather than buying a new one. However, it is important to check the condition of the bike before buying and to make sure that all the components are in good working order. Come and read our used road bike buying guide to help you in your choice.
Now it's your turn to play! The whole team The Cyclist House wishes you a good journey, and see you soon ✌️