When you think of a women’s bike, what comes to mind? The main difference between female and unisex bikes is the geometry of the bike’s frame.
On average, women are shorter than men and have smaller torso lengths, so women’s bike models have both shorter stack heights and reach lengths. In short, a “women’s bike” model is often just a smaller version of a men’s or unisex adult bike.
You might see the problem here. A women’s bike isn’t designed to fit all women—it’s designed to fit the average woman, in relation to the average man. Obviously, plenty of women are taller than plenty of men. In reality, women’s and men’s bikes aren’t all that different, and many brands simply make trivial, largely aesthetic modifications to unisex bikes and slap a “woman’s bike” label on it.
That’s why you shouldn’t restrict yourself to female-specific models when looking for the best women’s bike. Although cycling statistically remains a male-dominated activity, unisex models today are truly made with both male and female riders in mind.
At the end of the day, it’s your own unique body type, not your gender, that determines which type of bike is best for you.
As a woman looking for a bike, your options aren’t just restricted to women’s models. The cycling market has grown exponentially in recent years and there are literally thousands of bikes to choose from.
The point is: Focus on finding a bike that’s comfortable for you, not just a “woman’s bike.”
Bike Features and Materials
From frame material, to wheel size, to brakes, there are a variety of features to consider when buying a women’s bike (or any bike, for that matter).
Frame material will vary, but generally, you’ll be choosing between carbon, aluminum, alloy, and steel. Carbon frames are the lightest choice (but extremely expensive), steel frames are the heaviest and most durable, while alloy frames are the stiffest and most high maintenance of the bunch. Aluminum offers a happy medium between the three and is a nice choice for mountain bikes and hybrids.
Brakes are another key feature. The two main types of brakes on modern bikes are rim and disc brakes. The names 'disc' and 'rim' come from where the brake itself applies force. Disc brakes apply pressure to a rotor or disc mounted on the wheel, while rim brakes apply pressure to the rim of the wheel. Rim brakes are common on cruisers and city bikes but offer a bit less stopping power (and less control in wet conditions) than disc brakes. Disc brakes are more expensive, but due to their increased control, they’re typically the brake of choice for mountain bikes.
Now, let’s dive into the 10 best women's bikes in 2022!
Ascent 27.5" Mountain Bike (21 Speed)
Best Mountain Bike
Multiple sizing options
Burly mountain tires
100mm shock-absorbing suspension
Ascent is a stellar entry-level mountain bike with high-end components. It features a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano 21-speed EZFire shifters, 100mm of travel in the shock-absorbing suspension, and responsive disc brakes. The 27.5x2.10” mountain tires are heavily-lugged, so they provide traction in even the burliest terrain, and the threadless steering system makes for a stronger, lighter, and low-maintenance riding experience. With small, medium, and large models designed for heights ranging from 5’5” to 6’2”, Ascent is a versatile women’s mountain and gravel bike for all shapes and sizes. It also comes in a 26” step-through model!
Chatham Beach Cruiser Bike
Best Casual Cruiser
Plush, comfortable seat
Relaxed riding posture
Wide tires for added cushion
For sunny days cruising through the local beach boardwalk, you can’t beat Chatham. Its padded saddle, wide (26 x 2.125”) cushioned tires, and simple coaster brake combine for a streamlined, carefree riding experience. The high-tensile steel frame will last for decades to come, while comfort foam grips, coaster brakes, and a relaxed riding posture keep things cushy—a comfortable riding experience, without all the bells and whistles. Chatham comes standard in a single size, with or without a top tube, but it’s a favorite of our female customers!
Beaumont City Bike (Step-Through 7 Speed)
Best City Bike
Full-wrap fenders for wet weather
Streamlined Revoshift Twist-Grip shifter
High-tensile steel step-through frame
Beaumont is the supreme do-it-all city bike for women. This bestseller features a 7-speed drivetrain, a Revoshift Twist-Grip shifter integrated into the handlebar, and a step-through frame for easier on-and-off while running errands around town. It’s no wonder Esquire said it “takes the cake for being the most versatile and well-designed city model” in our lineup!
Accessories like the sturdy rear rack, full-wrap fenders in the front and rear, and safety bell combine to increase the value here, and you can even add a handwoven basket to the handlebars. This bike also comes in a Step-Through 8 Speed model and a traditional 7 Speed model.
Harper Fixie Bike (Single Speed)
Best Casual Commuter
“Flip-Flop” hub allows for fixed gear and freewheeling
Simple, low-maintenance construction
Five frame sizes
This durable single-speed is a top-notch women's road bike to conquer those city streets. The bike sports a tough steel frame, 700 x 28c commuter tires, and a flip-flop hub, allowing you to switch between riding fixed gear or freewheel at your leisure. This comfortable, budget-friendly road bike comes in five different frame sizes, so it’s made to suit everyone from 4’9” riders to those above 6 feet.
Harper 7 Commuter Bike (7 Speed)
Most Versatile Commuter
7-speed Shimano drivetrain
40mm double-wall wheel rims
Threadless steering for precision and control
If you're looking for a commuter bike with a bit more versatility, Harper 7 offers seven speeds, controllable with intuitive Shimano thumb shifters. Features like the 700 x 32c commuter tires, 40mm double-wall rims, and sealed cartridge bearing hubs protect against gunk and grime make this a more versatile, durable version of Harper Fixie. Like its single speed counterpart, Harper 7 also comes in five frame sizes, so it comes in builds to suit all riders!
Barron Comfort Hybrid Bike (21 Speed)
Best Comfort-Focused Hybrid
Shimano 21-speed drivetrain
Revoshift Twist-Grip Shifters
Shock-absorbing front suspension
Barron combines the best of both city and mountain bikes. Here you’ll find a blend of speed and comfort, with a 21-speed drivetrain, shock-absorbing suspension fork, hybrid grooved tires, and a lightweight aluminum frame. As women’s bikes go, Barron strikes a nice balance between hilly riding and flat city sidewalk riding. With four frame options accommodating heights from 5’5” to 6’3”, this is another bike that can suit women of all shapes and sizes.
Atlas Fitness Hybrid Bike (21 Speed)
Best Performance-Focused Hybrid
Sport-comfort saddle for optimal performance
700 x 35c hybrid tires
Lightweight aluminum frame
Atlas is a close cousin of Barron, but with an increased focus on speed and performance. The 21-speed drivetrain, threadless steering system, and lightweight aluminum frame combine to make a bike that excels at pushing the limits for fitness-focused riders. The sport-comfort saddle provides just enough cushion without compromising performance, and the 700 x 35c hybrid tires offer solid traction in a variety of terrains. Three sizes make this bike a great choice for women from 5’5” to 6-foot in height.
Judd Folding Bike (Single Speed)
Best Portable Bike
Folding aluminum frame
Lightweight and maintenance-free
20” commuter tires
For women who are tight on space around the house, a folding bike like Judd is perfect! This compact, portable bike pops out in a split second and can be stowed away in the closet. The lightweight aluminum frame makes it easy to pick up, while the single-speed drivetrain and coaster brake keep maintenance to a minimum. 20” commuter tires are ideal for around-town riding without compromising the bike’s superbly lightweight, compact build.
Beaumont Rev Electric City Bike
Best Electric Bike
Six levels of pedal assist
7-speed drivetrain
Throttle boost on-demand
Beaumont Rev combines the best of vintage European aesthetics with modern electric power. A 20-mile-per-hour top speed makes for effortless city riding, and it comes in two battery sizes (36-volt/350W or 48-volt/500W), offering a top range of 28 and 37 miles respectively. The LED control panel mounted on the handlebars lets you select from six pedal assist levels, monitor the bike’s battery life, and activate Start Aid for a 4 mph boost at takeoff (no wobbly first pedal starts for you!). Three frame sizes offer standover heights from 31” to 34”.
Koda Kids’ Bikes
Best Bike for Little Girls
If you’re looking for a bike for a little lady, Koda is an excellent choice. This bike comes in a variety of models, both with and without training wheels, and is suitable for kids from two years old up to eight years old. Even the smallest (12”) model features both coaster and hand brakes, so little riders can get used to braking by hand. Easily adjustable seats and handlebars let you keep modifying the Koda as they grow, and the high-profile tires are perfect for tackling sidewalks and cul-de-sacs. All Koda models come with a safety bell, and some options include a front basket!
Now that you’ve read more on what the best bikes for women are, check out our Help Me Choose a Bike quiz to figure out what retrospec bike is best for you!
