The 8 Best Bikes for Women of 2021

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Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Schwinn GTX 3 Hybrid Bike at Dick's

Its 21-speed drivetrain will help you flexibly navigate obstacles on slick city streets, rugged off-road paths, and more.

Best Splurge:

REI Co-op Cycles CTY 2.1 Step-Through Bike at REI

The bike’s relaxed silhouette will keep you upright as you ride, helping you cut down pain from bad riding posture.

Best Mountain Bike:

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

It's easy to speed up when you need it and overall simple to handle when you're gaining momentum.

Best Folding:

Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike at Amazon

Easily foldable for storage or on-the-go packing, it also comes with a nylon storage bag for convenient carrying.

Best Cruiser:

REI Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Thru at REI

Designed to make cycling as simple as possible, this style rides comfortable and stops easily.

Best Road Bike:

Hiland Road Racing Bike at Amazon

Designed for city riding, the majority of the bike comes pre-assembled so you can quickly hit the road.

Best Hybrid:

Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike at Amazon

An ideal choice to use for daily commuting or recreational rides, it's complete with 21 speeds and a shock-absorbing function.

Best for Commuters:

Vilano Step-Through City Bike at Amazon

Commuters looking for a dependable ride can find relief in this option, from its stopping power to its seven-speed drivetrain.

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Fit?

Cycling can be an excellent form of exercise, and if you’re interested in biking outdoors, there are even more options to get in a good workout. You can take your bike to work with you every morning or explore a nearby off-road trail. Research has even found that cycling as one’s form of commuting is linked to a reduced risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease. Even going for a recreational ride around the neighborhood can be a fun way to work up a sweat—especially if you recruit a few friends or family members to come with you.

In order to go for a bike ride, you need a bike that’s equipped to handle the type of cycling you’d like to do. Luckily, quality options exist at every price point and for every riding style. So whether you’re looking for a cruiser that’s budget- and beginner-friendly or a performance mountain bike that can handle rugged terrain, you’re bound to find an option that meets your needs.

Here are the best bikes for women on the market.

Pros

Rides comfortably
21-speed drivetrain
Two frames for different heights
Works on rocks and pavement

Cons

Brakes may need frequent readjusting
Gears may not shift fluidly

Thanks to its versatile hybrid design, Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike comes about as close to a one-size-fits-all bike as you can get. It boasts a lightweight aluminum frame, which promises a quick, nimble ride, and its 21-speed drivetrain will help you flexibly navigate obstacles on slick city streets, rugged off-road paths, and everything 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.

Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 11 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 42.05 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Pros

Rides comfortably
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.

Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 9 inches tall | Weight: 30.9 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

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

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.

Style: Mountain | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 7 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches | Weight: 41.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

Pros

Creates smooth rolling commutes
Foldable with a carry bag
Rides comfortably
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.

Style: Folding | Height Capacity: 4 feet, 6 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 37.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 230 pounds

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.

Style: Cruiser | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 1 inch to 5 feet, 8 inches | Weight: 36 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

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.

Style: Road | Height Capacity (size 55 cm): 5 feet, 8 inches to 6 feet, 1 inch | Weight: 33.4 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds

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.

Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet, 7 inches to 6 feet, 2 inches | Weight: 35.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds

Vilano Women's Hybrid Bike 700c Retro City Commuter

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.

Style: Hybrid | Height Capacity: 5 feet to 5 feet, 6 inches | Weight: 32 pounds | Weight Capacity: N/A

Final Verdict

Looking for a bike that can take you anywhere? Schwinn’s Women's GTX 3 Hybrid Bike (view at Dicks Sporting Goods) 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.

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.

FAQs

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.

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.

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