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. Generally, you should expect to pay between $300-$600 for a recreational bike for adults. Some high-performance bikes, like Aventon's Pace 350 Step-Through EBike , may start around $1,000. Less expensive bikes may not have as many useful features, and likely won't be as durable. More expensive options may have a more modern design and added features like easy-to-read displays. The cheapest bike on our list, Vilano's Step-Through City Bike , is often available for less than $200. And our top overall pick, Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike, was $550 when we last updated this list.

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 Jones.

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.

12 Best Bikes for Women of 2023 for Roads, Trails, and More

The 8 Best Bikes for Women of 2022 — Verywell Fit / Sabrina Jiang

Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise. Research has found that cycling while commuting to work reduces the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. It's also a great way to increase your heart rate while getting plenty of fresh air.

If you're ready to get started—or enjoy having an indoor cycling bike and want to get a bicycle for the outdoors—there are plenty of bikes to choose from. Before purchasing a bike, it's important to choose one that's equipped to handle the type of cycling you'd like to do. Are you looking for a budget-friendly cruiser or a mountain bike that can handle more rugged terrain? Maybe you're searching for an e-bike to shorten your commute.

We researched dozens of bikes for women and evaluated them based on material, comfort, durability on different terrains, and price. A personal trainer from our Review Board reviewed this information to ensure its accuracy, how to choose the correct model and men's versus women's bikes.

Here are our top picks for casual cyclists looking for a smooth ride.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Schwinn GTX 3 Hybrid Bike at Dick's

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Best Splurge:

REI Co-op Cycles CTY 1.1 Step-Through Bike at REI

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Best Mountain Bike:

Royce Union RMT Womens 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain Bike at Amazon

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Best Folding:

Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike at Amazon

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Best for Commuters:

Specialized Roll 2.0 Low Entry at Specialized.com

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Best Cruiser:

REI Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru at REI

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Best Road Bike:

Hiland Road Racing Bike at Amazon

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Best Hybrid:

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike at Amazon

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Best for Beginners:

Public Bikes C7 at Publicbikes.com

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Best Electric:

Electra Townie Go! 7D Step-Through Electric Bike at REI

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In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Dick Sportings 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

Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike is our best overall choice because it boasts a lightweight aluminum frame and has a 21-speed drivetrain, to help you navigate obstacles on slick city streets, rugged paths, and everywhere in between.

Schwinn's Hybrid Bike comes with a 15-inch or 17-inch frame, which is suitable for riders between 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. We also like the alloy V-brakes, which are good for crisp stops. And its all-terrain tires will keep your rides feeling smooth and comfortable—whether you’re cycling on- or off-road.

However, some riders have found that the gears don't shift as easily as with other bikes. Users also note that the brakes may need to be adjusted more frequently.

Price at time of publication: $550

^{Key Specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 4'11" to 5'10" | Weight: 42.05 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds}

REI

View On REI

Pros

Fluid gear shifts
24-speed drivetrain
Three frames for different heights

Cons

Handlebars may be too low for some

Versatile, comfortable, and durable, Co-op Cycles’ CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike is loaded with features that give it a smooth, nimble ride. Although it's more expensive than many of our other top picks, we think its thoughtful design is more than worth the investment.

The Coop Cycles Bike's 24-speed drivetrain will give you the kind of fluid gear shifting you need to dodge obstacles and tackle different kinds of terrain flexibly. And its hydraulic disc brakes are designed to be reliable in any weather condition.

We love that this bike has a relaxed silhouette that will keep you upright as you ride, helping you cut down on hunching over your handlebars. It also features a shock-absorbing suspension fork to keep bumps to a minimum—even when encountering obstacles. However, some users have found that the low handlebars take a few rides to get used to.

Price at time of publication: $649

^{Key Specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5' to 5'9" | Weight: 30.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Royceunion.com

Pros

Fluid gear shifts
Easy riding
Two frame sizes for different heights

Cons

Assembly may be complicated

Royce Union's All-Terrain Mountain Bike is easy to handle and control, making it our top pick 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 weather conditions. We like that they also offer less rolling resistance than most mountain bike tires, making Royce Union's All-Terrain Mountain Bike a versatile ride.

The bike comes with a 15-inch or 17-inch frame for riders between 5 feet and 5 foot, 10 inches tall, and a weight capacity of 300 pounds. But some users have found that it can be difficult to assemble—so you may want to grab a friend to help.

Price at time of publication: $460

^{Key Specs:
Style: Mountain | Height Capacity: 5'7" to 5'10" | Weight: 41.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Creates smooth, rolling commutes
Comes with a carry bag
Front and rear linear pull brakes

Cons

Seat may be too firm for some

If you want a bike you can bring with you on the go, we recommend Schwinn's Loop Folding Bike. This 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 easy to maneuver.

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, we love that you can use the included nylon carry bag to bring it with you for on-the-go exercise and transportation.

Note that some users have reported that the seat is very firm—so you may want to purchase a more comfortable bike seat of your own.

Price at time of publication: $490

^{Key Specs:
Style: Folding | Height Capacity: 4'6" to 6'2" | Weight: 37.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 230 pounds}

Specialized

View On Specialized.com

Pros

Good traction
Reflective accents
Comfortable, gel-padded seat

Cons

Expensive

For a reliable commuting bike, Specialized's Roll 2.0 Low Entry is our top pick. It's just as functional as it is stylish, with a durable aluminum frame that can stand up to daily wear and tear. The tires are wide and can grip the road well, even in wet weather.

We also love that the tires have reflective accents, so it's easier for motorists to spot you when you're riding in low-light conditions. Plus, the ergonomic seat features gel padding for a comfortable ride.

While it's more expensive than other bikes on our list, we think the Roll 2.0's durability and commuter-friendly features make it worth the price.

Price at time of publication: $800

REI

View On REI

Pros

Rides comfortably
Intuitive brake system
Available in four colors

Cons

Not suitable for long-distance rides
Not designed for varied terrain

If you’re looking for a comfortable, laid-back ride, we recommend Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Thru, which features a single-speed drivetrain. We love the intuitive brakes: Simply pedal backward, and your bike will come to a crisp, efficient stop.

The bike also has a low center of gravity that's designed to keep you stable on all your rides. And if you'd like to stay in a natural upright position as you ride, the bike’s step-through silhouette makes it easy.

However, this bike isn't ideal for long-distance rides over rougher terrain, since it's a cruiser.

Price at time of publication: $400

^{Key Specs:
Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5'1" to 5'8" | Weight: 36 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Lightweight aluminum frame
Seven-speed shifters for control
Durable

Cons

Assembly may be complicated

Designed with the city in mind, Hiland's 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, we like that you can easily stop on slick surfaces—and the aluminum alloy frame is supportive and durable, but still lightweight enough to lift.

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 foot, 8 inches and 6 foot, 1 inch tall. And the 25.6-inch frame makes it suitable for riders between 6 foot, 1 inch and 6 foot, 4 inches tall.

Some users have found that assembling this bike can be tough, noting missing parts and no instructions. But we still think it's a good investment for beginner to intermediate cyclists.

Price at time of publication: $370

^{Key Specs:
Style: Road | Height Capacity (size 55 cm): 5'8" to 6' 1" | Weight: 33.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Pros

Fender keeps dirt off rider
Changes gears fast
Rear carrier

Cons

Handlebars may be too low for some
Suspension and fork can be jerky

If you’re looking for a quality hybrid bike at a reasonable price point, Schwinn's 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 rougher trails, too. We also like the fenders, which keep dirt and mud at bay, and the rear carrier to hold your bags and other gear.

As with other bikes on our list, this one has lower handlebars that some riders may find uncomfortable at first. Users have also found that the suspension and fork can feel jerky—but we think the bike's other features make up for any difficulties you might have riding on trails.

Price at time of publication: $475

^{Key Specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5'7" to 6'2" | Weight: 35.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds}

Public Bikes

View On Publicbikes.com

Pros

Rides comfortably
Two frames for different heights
Available in eight colors

Cons

Expensive

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 we like the limited gear range, which allows you to 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.

While this bike is more expensive than others on our list, we think it's a worthy investment for beginners who plan on riding their bikes for years to come.

Price at time of publication: $650

^{Key Specs:
Style: Step-through | Height Capacity: 4' 10 inches to 5' 10 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

REI

View On REI

Pros

Rides comfortably
Fluid gear shifts
Works as a cruiser or an e-bike

Cons

Expensive

Electra’s Townie Go! 7D Step-Through Electric Bike is a great option for anyone who wants to pick up speed without sacrificing comfort or control. The step-through bike comes with a motor, which you can use to access speeds up to 40 miles per hour—meaning you can tackle both hills and long rides with ease. That balance is part of what makes the Townie Go! 7D such a great pick for first-time e-bike riders.

When you’re not in the mood for a motorized ride, you can use your Townie Go! 7D like a classic bike. The step-through boasts seven speeds, so you can nimbly and fluidly shift gears while you ride. And it also comes equipped with a set of thick balloon tires, which promise to keep your rides smooth and comfortable on a range of different terrain.

Although it is a significant investment, we feel that the ease this bike will bring to your daily commute is worth it.

^{Key Specs:}

^{Style: E-bike | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 11 inches | Weight: 47 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

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 EBike is our other recommendation for an electric bike at a slightly lower price. 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 foot, 1 inch, and 6 foot, 4 inches. Choose from two stylish colors: bright white or a subtle purple. The price point is higher than others on our list—but with a one-year warranty and 14-day returns, you can shop confidently.

Price at time of publication: $1,299

^{Key Specs:
Style: Electric | Height Capacity: 5'1" to 6'4" | Weight: 49 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds}

Amazon

View On Amazon

Pros

Stops with linear pull brakes
Seven twist grip gears for controlled rides
Budget-friendly

Cons

Gears marked by dots rather than numbers

The Vilano Step-Through City Bike is an urban-style hybrid bike and our top pick for casual rides. The bike’s lightweight steel frame will help you nimbly navigate your neighborhood, while its strong tires will keep you in control as you gain speed. The bike’s seven-speed drivetrain allows you to flexibly shift gears as you maneuver different portions of your route, and its linear-pull brakes provide 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. But while we love the budget-friendly price, the gearshift may be difficult to read at times.

Price at time of publication: $195

^{Key Specs:
Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 6 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: Not listed}

How We Selected the Best Bikes for Women

First, we asked Tyler Jones, store manager at Erik's Bike Shop in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, which qualities to look for when purchasing a bike. Then, we reviewed dozens of bikes from the most trusted and popular retailers. 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 to compile our final list of recommendations.

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 type of riding you intend to do, and shop for a bike that accommodates your riding style.

Use Case

You'll want to look for a bike that matches the type of riding you plan on doing most often. 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, like Royce Union's RMT All-Terrain Mountain Bike. If you’re a first-time or recreational cyclist or enjoy an indoor exercise bike and want to give riding outside a try, you may prefer a budget-friendlier option that’s a little easier to use, like Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Through Bike.

Frame

Women's bikes usually have one of two types of frames: a regular (also known as a step over) frame or a step-through frame. Visually, they look different—regular frames typically have an extra piece of horizontal metal between the seat and the handlebars that you have to step over in order to get on the bike. Step-through frames don't have this piece, which means they're easier to get on and off of. The type of frame doesn't affect the bike's performance.

One note: If you are thinking about attaching a child seat to your bike, you'll want to make sure the seat is compatible with your bike's frame. A rear frame-mounted seat will only work with a regular frame bike. Rear rack-mounted and front-mounted seats are compatible with both types of frames.

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

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. Generally, you should expect to pay between $300-$600 for a recreational bike for adults. Some high-performance bikes, like Aventon's Pace 350 Step-Through EBike, may start around $1,000. Less expensive bikes may not have as many useful features, and likely won't be as durable. More expensive options may have a more modern design and added features like easy-to-read displays.
The cheapest bike on our list, Vilano's Step-Through City Bike, is often available for less than $200. And our top overall pick, Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike, was $550 when we last updated this list.
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 Jones.
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.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

As a seasoned health and fitness writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands how vital quality product recommendations can be. She is careful to recommend products that are reliable, comfortable, and genuinely well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them.

Additional reporting contributed by Sarah Felbin

With over two decades of dance experience, Sarah Felbin loves diving into the latest wellness research. As a health and fitness writer, she's passionate about finding products that are of great value and make life easier. She's enjoyed cycling outdoors since she was little—her favorite bike to ride is a beach cruiser, like Electra’s Cruiser 1 Step-Thru bike.

The 8 Best Bikes Under $500 of 2023