Fitness Gear Equipment The 10 Best Bikes for Women of 2022 for Cycling, Commuting, and More Schwinn's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike features a 21-speed drivetrain and rides comfortably By Lindsey Lanquist Lindsey Lanquist LinkedIn Lindsey Lanquist is a writer and editor specializing in fashion, lifestyle, and health content. Her work has appeared in SELF, StyleCaster, SheKnows, MyDomaine, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 09, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Heather Black, CPT Reviewed by Heather Black, CPT Heather Black, CPT is a NASM-certified personal trainer and owner of Heather Black Fitness & Nutrition where she offers remote and in-person training and nutrition coaching. 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Verywell Fit / Sabrina Jiang Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise: Research has found that cycling as one’s form of commuting is linked to a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Luckily, if you’re interested in biking outdoors, there are plenty of options to get in a good workout. Reviewed & Approved We chose Schwinn's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike as the best overall because it rides comfortably, has 21-speeds, and works on rock and pavement. We also like Schwinn's Loop Adult Bike as a foldable option. Before purchasing a bike, it's important to choose one that’s equipped to handle the type of cycling you’d like to do. For example, are you looking for a cruiser that’s budget-friendly, or a performance mountain bike that can handle rugged terrain? We researched dozens of bikes for women and evaluated them for material, comfort, durability on different terrains, and price. Each of the bikes for women chosen in this article was determined to be a top contender in each of these categories. Here are the best bikes for women on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Schwinn GTX 3 Hybrid Bike at Dick's Jump to Review Best Splurge: REI Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Step-Through Bike at REI Jump to Review Best Mountain Bike: Royce Union RMT Womens 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Folding: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Cruiser: REI Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru at REI Jump to Review Best Road Bike: Hiland Road Racing Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Hybrid: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Public Bikes C7 at Publicbikes.com Jump to Review Best for Commuters: Vilano Step-Through City Bike at Amazon Jump to Review Best Electric: Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike at Aventon.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For Best Overall: Schwinn GTX 3 Hybrid Bike 4.8 Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods View On Dick's Pros 21-speed drivetrain Two frames for different heights Works on rocks and pavement Cons Brakes may need frequent readjusting Gears may not shift fluidly What do buyers say? 70+ Dick's Sporting Goods reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. We chose Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike as the best overall choice because it boasts a lightweight aluminum frame and has a 21-speed drivetrain, which will help you navigate obstacles on slick city streets, rugged off-road paths, and everywhere in between. The bike also features alloy V-brakes, which are good for crisp stops. And, its all-terrain tires should keep your rides feeling smooth and comfortable—whether you’re cycling on- or off-road. The Schwinn Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike comes with a 15-inch frame or a 17-inch frame, which is suitable for riders between 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Price at time of publish: $450 Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 42.05 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds Best Splurge: REI Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Step-Through Bike Courtesy of REI View On REI Pros Fluid gear shifts 24-speed drivetrain Three frames for different heights Cons Heavy Versatile, comfortable, and durable, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike is loaded with features that give it a smooth, nimble ride. Its 24-speed drivetrain will give you the kind of fluid gear shifting you need to flexibly dodge obstacles and tackle different kinds of terrain, and its hydraulic disc brakes are designed to be reliable in any weather condition. The Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike has a relaxed silhouette that will keep you upright as you ride, helping you cut down on hunching over your handlebars. It also has a shock-absorbing suspension fork to keep bumps to a minimum—even when you encounter obstacles.Price at time of publish: $649 Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 9 inches tall | Weight: 30.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Best Mountain Bike: Royce Union RMT Womens 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Fluid gear shifts Easy riding for all Two frames for different heights Cons Better look rather than quality of design Hard to assemble tightly The Royce Union All-Terrain Mountain Bike is easy to handle and control, making it a great option for riders of all experience levels. The bike has a no-rust aluminum frame, which is durable enough to support you—but not so heavy that it’ll weigh you down. With a pair of all-terrain tires, you can maintain momentum in a range of conditions. They also offer less rolling resistance than many other mountain bike tires, making the Royce Union All-Terrain Mountain Bike a versatile ride. The bike comes with a 15-inch frame or a 17-inch frame for riders between 5 feet and 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Additionally, the bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds. Price at time of publish: $360 Style: Mountain | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 41.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds The Best Mountain Bikes for Rugged Terrain Best Folding: Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Creates smooth rolling commutes Foldable with a carry bag Front and rear linear pull brakes Cons Assembly may be complicated Prone to breakdowns If you want a bike you can bring with you on the go, the Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is an excellent option. The durable steel bike is both reliable and versatile, and its seven-speed drivetrain will help you nimbly shift gears. Featuring smooth tires and linear pull brakes, your ride will be smooth, comfortable, and easily maneuverable. What sets this bike apart, though, is the fact that it folds up. When folded, the bike ends up being nearly half its original size. Instead of locking the bike on a bike rack, you can simply toss it in its nylon carry bag and bring it with you for on-the-go exercise and transportation. Price at time of publish: $450 Style: Folding | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 37.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 230 pounds The 7 Best Folding Bikes of 2022 Best Cruiser: REI Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru Courtesy of REI View On REI Pros Rides comfortably Easy riding for all Available in four colors Cons Not suitable for long-distance rides Not designed for varied terrain If you’re looking for a comfortable, laidback ride, it’s pretty hard to go wrong with Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Thru, which features a single-speed drivetrain. Its brakes kick in in the most intuitive way possible—simply pedal backward, and your bike will come to a crisp, efficient stop. The bike also has a low center of gravity which is designed to keep you stable on all your rides. The knobby tires are also helpful in ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride on any textured terrain. If you'd like to stay in a natural upright position as you ride, the bike’s step-through silhouette makes it easy. Price at time of publish: $400 Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 1 inch to 5 feet, 8 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Best Road Bike: Hiland Road Racing Bike View On Amazon Pros Lightweight and durable aluminum frame Seven-speed shifters for control Maintains good speed Cons No thorough assembly instructions Occasional missing parts Designed with the city in mind, the Hiland Road Bike offers both speed and control in smooth conditions. The bike’s 22-inch wheels will give you a high-speed ride, while its 14-speed shifters will help you nimbly maintain control as you bike. With double caliper brakes, you can easily stop on slick surfaces while the aluminum alloy frame provides you with lightweight and durable support. The Hiland Road Bike comes with a 21.6-inch frame or a 25.6-inch frame. The 21.6-inch frame makes the bike suitable for riders between 5 feet, 8 inches and 6 feet, 1 inch tall. And the 25.6-inch frame makes it suitable for riders between 6 feet, 1 inch and 6 feet, 4 inches tall. The bike’s weight capacity is 300 pounds. Price at time of publish: $380 Style: Road | Height Capacity (size 55 cm): 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 1 inch | Weight: 33.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds The 5 Best Road Bikes of 2022 Best Hybrid: Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon Pros Fender keeps dirt off rider Changes gears fast Quick to assemble Cons Handlebars not fully upright Suspension and fork can be jerky If you’re looking for a quality hybrid bike at a reasonable price point, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike is a solid choice. The bike’s aluminum frame is lightweight but durable, so you can feel supported as you nimbly tackle bends and curves. The 21-speed drivetrain also allows for fast, easy gear changes. Crafted with linear-pull brakes, you'll be able to make precise stops rain or shine. The bike performs best on commutes and bike paths, but thanks to its shock-absorbing suspension fork, you can take it on tougher trails, too. Price at time of publish: $521 Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 35.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds The Best Hybrid Bikes for Every Cyclist Best for Beginners: Public Bikes C7 Public View On Publicbikes.com Pros Rides comfortably Two frames for different heights Available in eight colors Cons Sizing may be inaccurate May lack durability Public Bikes’ C7 boasts a classic step-through design, which means you can expect to sit upright when you cycle. This natural seating position should keep you comfortable on all your rides, allowing you to focus on more important things—like changing gears and exploring new terrain. It comes with a seven-speed drivetrain, which you can use to tackle hills and obstacles like a pro. And thanks to the limited gear range, you can nimbly navigate routes without an overwhelming amount of options. Available in eight sleek colors and available in a small/medium frame or a medium/large frame, it shouldn’t be too tough to find an option that belongs in your collection. Price at time of publish: $520 Style: Step-through | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 10 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed Best for Commuters: Vilano Step-Through City Bike Courtesy of Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Roadbikeoutlet.com Pros Stops with linear pull brakes Seven twist grip gears for controlled rides Tires handle many road conditions Cons Gears marked by dots rather than numbers The Vilano Step-Through City Bike is an urban-style hybrid bike, fit for recreation, exercise, and commuting. The bike’s lightweight steel frame will help you nimbly navigate your morning commute, while its strong tires will keep you in control as you gain speed. The bike’s seven-speed drivetrain will help you flexibly shift gears as you maneuver different portions of your route, and its linear pull brakes will help you come to a smooth, efficient stop. The Vilano Step-Through City Bike comes in a single size, which is suitable for riders between 5 feet and 5 feet, 6 inches—though the seat is adjustable to accommodate a greater height range. Price at time of publish: $202 Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 6 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: N/A The Best Commuter Bikes for Going to and from Work Best Electric: Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through Ebike Courtesy of Aventon View On Aventon.com Pros Reaches speeds of up to 20 MPH Available in two sizes Bright, full-color display Cons Expensive Aventon's sleek, user-friendly Pace 350 Step-Through Bike is our recommendation for riders who want an electric bike. It comes with some impressive features, including an LCD display that syncs with (and can charge) your smartphone and five levels of pedal assist. A headlight and tail lights offer safety during dusk or nighttime rides, while a throttle helps the bike reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour. The bike comes in two sizes, to accommodate riders between 5 feet, 1 inch, and 6 feet, 4 inches. You can also choose from two stylish colors: bright white or a subtle purple. The price point is much higher than others on our list—but with a one-year warranty and 14-day returns, you can shop confidently. Price at time of publish: $1,399 Style: Electric | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 1 inch to 6 feet, 4 inches | Weight: 49 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds Final Verdict Looking for a bike that can take you anywhere? Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike is up to the task. The versatile hybrid bike boasts a lightweight frame, a nimble 21-speed drivetrain, and a set of all-terrain tires. Put simply, it’s prepared to help you tackle all kinds of bike routes comfortably, quickly, and with ease. How We Selected the Best Bikes for Women We reviewed dozens of bikes from the most trusted and popular retailers to select the top bikes for women. First, we asked the manager of a bike shop which qualities to look for when purchasing a bike. We evaluated each bike based on its riding style, gears, and durability. We also considered the weight of each bike, style, portability, and ease of assembly. What to Look for in Bikes for Women Riding Style There are several different kinds of bikes, and each kind is designed for a different style of riding. Road bikes are equipped to handle smoother surfaces, like sidewalks and city streets. Mountain bikes are equipped to handle more rugged terrain, like off-road trails. And hybrid bikes are designed to handle both. Consider the kind of riding you intend to do, and shop for a bike that accommodates your riding style. Use Case Are you riding for fitness or recreation? Will you be taking your bike on long morning commutes, or simply riding it around the block? If you’re an avid cyclist, you may want a performance option that’s built to last. If you’re a first-time or recreational cyclist, you may prefer a budget-friendlier option that’s a little easier to use. Gears Bike gears are designed to help you comfortably navigate different kinds of terrain. If you intend to bike a lot, you may want a bike with plenty of gears you can nimbly shift between. If you prefer to go on shorter, more recreational rides, you may not need as many gears to choose from. Frequently Asked Questions What size bike should I get for my height? In general, you can use the bicycle manufacturer’s sizing chart to determine the right size bike for your height. For bikes that need very specific sizing, such as road bikes, the sizing process may be more involved, so you should work with a local bike shop for the best fit.“We measure the rider's inseam, torso, arm lengths, overall height, and flexibility to determine exactly which size would be best for the rider,” says Tyler Jones, store manager at Erik's Bike Shop in Eden Prairie, Minn. How much does a good quality bike cost? “A good, high-quality bike is relative to the shopper's desired cycling discipline and what their expectation of performance is,” says Jones. A decent recreational bike for adults may start in the range of $300 to $600, while high-performance bikes may start around $1000. What are the main differences between women's bikes and men's bikes? The main difference between women’s and men’s bikes is the size and fit. Women, on average, are shorter than men and have proportionally shorter torsos and longer legs, so women’s bike models generally have shorter stack heights and shorter reach lengths.Some women-specific commuter and cruiser bikes are built to accommodate wearing a skirt, so the top tube is much lower than the tubes on men’s versions. The right bike for you will be the one that fits you best, regardless of which gender it’s intended for. 2 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Celis-Morales CA, Lyall DM, Welsh P, et al. Association between active commuting and incident cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality: prospective cohort study. BMJ. Roser M, Appel C, Ritchie H. Human height. Our World Data. 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