Our Favorite Bikes for Women, From Beach Rides to City Commutes (2024)

• Our Picks

• How We Selected

• What to Look For

• FAQ

• Why Trust Verywell Fit

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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 foron-the-go exerciseand transportation.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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'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.

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

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.

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

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, likeAventon'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.

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