10 Best Women's Bikes - We Personally Test Every Bike We Recommend!

Bikes vary greatly in performance and price, and finding the best women’s bike can certainly get overwhelming pretty quickly. After personally testing over 20 different women’s bikes, we compiled our favorite bikes for various types of riding and at various price points.

So whether you need a bike to ride around the neighborhood and local trails with the family, cruise the strand in style, or tackle light dirt trails with friends, we’ve tested bikes for all of these situations. From women’s hybrid bikes to cruiser bikes and recreational mountain bikes, we’ve done the research and pedaled the miles to make your decision process easy. What about ebikes for women? Yep, we tested those as well!

For this article, our main goal was to find quality bikes suitable for casual to intermediate, non-technical women riders. We dug deep into the world of casual, cruiser, hybrid, commuter, and fitness bikes to find the bikes that offered top notch durability and performance for their price. Due to continual supply chain issues, bike availability also played a major factor in our recommendations.

Technical bikes – like full-suspension mountain bikes and road bikes – were intentionally left off this list as they are simply too much bike for the average everyday woman rider.

Not sure what type of bike you need? Jump down to our women’s bikes buying guide to learn which bike style is best for your needs.

Narrowing down the type of bike you need is the first step to finding the best women’s bike for you. While every type of bike is flexible in its use, picking the style of bike that matches the type of riding you do the most is usually your best bet.

Step-through frame or regular frame? Many women’s bikes have a slanted top tube known as a step-through frame. Step-through bikes are easier to get on and off as they don’t require the rider to lift their leg as high to mount, but otherwise, the frame styles are functionally the same.

If you plan on riding with a child-bike seat, step-through bikes are preferred as they are easier to get on and off when the bike is weighed down with a child in a bike seat. Bikes with step-through frames are typically only compatible with rear rack-mounted child bike seats. Regular “triangle” frames are usually compatible with rack and frame mounted rear bike seats. Both styles of bikes are equally compatible with front-mounted seats.

JUMP DOWN TO DESIRED BIKE STYLE SECTION: 1. Hybrid Bikes – Best for average to longer distance paved riding2. Comfort and Cruiser Bikes – Best for shorter distances on paved trails3. Recreational Mountain Bikes – Best for basic dirt trail use or mixed use4. E-Bikes – Various models available to match all types of riding

As the name implies, women’s cruiser bikes and comfort bikes are meant for cruising in comfort, usually for shorter distances. Here are a few distinguishing features you can typically expect in these bikes:

$289 – $389

SIZING: One size, for women 5’0″ to 6’0″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not recommended with a coaster brake only modelsCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, but not ideal with coaster brake only models

If you’re truly on a budget and looking for a beach cruiser bike, the Retrospec Chatham step-through models are an exceptional choice for a 26 inch women’s bike. Available in tons of fun colors as well as single speed, 3-speed, and 7-speed, there are plenty of options to fit your needs and budget.

Having tested many women’s bikes that are much more expensive, we were a bit shocked at how comfortable and easy the Retrospec Chatham women’s cruisers were to ride. Quite simply, they are a delightful bang for your buck! We tested the Chatham single speed with a coaster brake, and the Chatham Plus 7-speed with dual handbrakes.

Single-speed bikes are ideal for flat terrain, and have a lot fewer components that can break or need maintenance over time. Initial assembly is also incredibly easy – even if you’re not mechanically gifted.

Most single-speed beach cruisers have a coaster brake (back pedal brake). The benefit of coaster brakes is that they require very little adjusting or maintenance, but on the flip side, they take more effort to engage and don’t allow you to backpedal when trying to regain your balance. So if simplicity is a priority for you and you’re looking for a bike that won’t need a lot of tender loving care over time, the Retrospec Chatham single is a great choice.

The 7-speed Chatham Plus is a bit more expensive, but a better choice if you will be riding in hilly areas or near windy beaches. Trying to ride a single speed bike on lengthy climbs or against a gusty ocean wind is a challenge! With gears and dual handbrakes, you have more options for enjoyable riding adventures, paired with super solid stopping power. That said, initial assembly was significantly more involved than the single speed, and if you’re not a bike person, assembly is best left to a bike shop.

$289 – $389

SIZING: One size, for women 5’0″ to 6’0″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not recommended with a coaster brake only modelsCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, but not ideal with coaster brake only models

If you’re truly on a budget and looking for a beach cruiser bike, the Retrospec Chatham step-through models are an exceptional choice for a 26 inch women’s bike. Available in tons of fun colors as well as single speed, 3-speed, and 7-speed, there are plenty of options to fit your needs and budget.

Having tested many women’s bikes that are much more expensive, we were a bit shocked at how comfortable and easy the Retrospec Chatham women’s cruisers were to ride. Quite simply, they are a delightful bang for your buck! We tested the Chatham single speed with a coaster brake, and the Chatham Plus 7-speed with dual handbrakes.

Single-speed bikes are ideal for flat terrain, and have a lot fewer components that can break or need maintenance over time. Initial assembly is also incredibly easy – even if you’re not mechanically gifted.

Most single-speed beach cruisers have a coaster brake (back pedal brake). The benefit of coaster brakes is that they require very little adjusting or maintenance, but on the flip side, they take more effort to engage and don’t allow you to backpedal when trying to regain your balance. So if simplicity is a priority for you and you’re looking for a bike that won’t need a lot of tender loving care over time, the Retrospec Chatham single is a great choice.

The 7-speed Chatham Plus is a bit more expensive, but a better choice if you will be riding in hilly areas or near windy beaches. Trying to ride a single speed bike on lengthy climbs or against a gusty ocean wind is a challenge! With gears and dual handbrakes, you have more options for enjoyable riding adventures, paired with super solid stopping power. That said, initial assembly was significantly more involved than the single speed, and if you’re not a bike person, assembly is best left to a bike shop.

$399

SIZING: Two sizes, Small (5’ 0” – 5’ 7”), Large (5’ 8” – 6’ 3”)BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: YesCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Works with most front and rear mounted seats

If you’re looking for an adult bike that delivers on comfort and ease without breaking the bank, the Guardian Adult Bike should be on your list. Designed with casual riders in mind, it combines thoughtful features like a plush saddle, ergonomic grips, adjustable handlebars, and easy-to-use shifting into a surprisingly affordable package.

With its 7-speed drivetrain controlled by a single grip shifter, there’s no need to worry about complicated gear changes. Whether you’re cruising bike paths or tackling mild inclines, shifting is seamless and intuitive—even for beginners. The shifter even includes a helpful window with a bike-on-a-hill icon, making it easy to remember which direction to shift when riding uphill or downhill.

What really sets the Guardian apart, though, is the comfort. The saddle is generously padded, the handlebars can be raised or lowered for a more custom fit. Paired with soft, ergonomic grips that are easy on your hands during longer rides, the Guardian was designed to make your ride smoother, simpler, and more enjoyable.

Available in two sizes with some unique color options tied to each size, the Guardian Adult Bike is also a solid choice if you’re looking for a more personalized ride. The bike comes with a kickstand—because sometimes it’s the little things that make life easier.

All in all, it’s a fabulous option for riding around the neighborhood with the kids or heading out for a leisurely solo cruise.

$599

SIZING: 3 sizes, for inseams ranging from 26″ – 36″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Requires special hub adapterCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack, (rear frame on diamond-frame only, not step-through)

The Priority Classic Plus offers exceptional quality in an easy-to-maintain package. If you’re looking for a women’s cruiser or comfort bike with gears, the 3-speeds of the Classic Plus offer plenty of range for casual riding and are easier to manage than bikes with more gears to shift through.

You probably learned to ride on a bike that had a coaster brake (back pedal brake), and may think that’s what you want now as well. All models of this bike come with a front and rear hand brake, and no coaster brake.

We highly recommend that you consider a bike no coaster brake. Dual hand brakes (and no coaster brake) make the riding experience easier and more natural. They also offer more stopping power, which will come in especially handy if you’ll be carrying a child on a child bike seat.

$599

SIZING: One size, for 4’11” – 6’0″CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack (but not ideal for either)

The Electra Townie women’s bike is the ultimate bike for comfort cruising and is especially ideal for timid riders. Unlike traditional bikes, the Townie allows the rider to position the saddle lower to the ground so that they can touch the ground with their entire foot when starting and stopping the bike. As a result, the Townie is noticeably easier to start and stop for timid riders.

The secret to the Townie (and many of the bikes in Electra’s lineup) is Electra’s Flat-Foot technology. Electra Flat-Foot Technology has nothing to do with electronics or an app. It’s all about the frame design of the bike, which positions the pedals farther forward on the bike instead of directly under the rider.

This allows the rider to get a full leg extension with each pedal stroke by pushing in a more forward direction, instead of straight down. As a result, the seat doesn’t need to be as high and the rider is able to place their full foot flat on the ground when starting and stopping.

This set-up is fantastic for those who don’t have the best balance, or just for those less-than-confident riders who want more foot contact with the ground when stopping and starting. However, you need to know that because you are pushing more forward on the pedals than straight down, you don’t transfer as much power to the pedals. This makes it less ideal for hills, long distances, or carrying kids in bike trailers or child bike seats.

$499

SIZING: Two sizes to fit 5’0 – 6’3BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: YesCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack

If you prefer an upright body position but want to go longer distances or haul kids, the Electra Loft 7D women’s bike is our favorite option. With 7 speeds, it will be much easier to adjust for the weight of a child on your bike as you tackle inclines or flat roads.

While the Loft 7D falls under Electra’s “flat-foot technology” category, its effect on this women’s bike is very small compared to the Townie – honestly, it’s not very noticeable. So if you really want to have your feet flat, you should go for the Townie. But if you just want to be upright, the pedal position on the Loft 7D is more like a standard bike, which allows you to get more leverage on the pedals. This makes riding long distances or with kids in tow more manageable.

$250

SIZING: One size, for women 5’0″ to 6’0″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not recommended with a coaster brake onlyCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack, but not ideal with a coaster brake only

We tested the single-speed, 26″ wheel “Around the Block” women’s cruiser. While we prefer the higher overall quality of the Retrospec Chatham bikes, the SixThreeZero a decent option we can vouch for.

Hybrid bikes are a mix between road bikes and mountain bikes. With the smooth rolling, low resistance tires of a road bike combined with the more upright position and flat handlebars of a mountain bike, hybrid bikes really are the best of both worlds. Hybrid bikes are ideal for any rider who plans on riding almost exclusively on smooth, paved surfaces.

If you plan on riding mainly paved with a bit of all-terrain riding mixed in, consider a hybrid bike with a suspension fork (typically only available on higher-end models). If all-terrain dirt or gravel trails will be the majority of your riding, a recreational mountain bike is likely a better choice (see mountain bike section below).

$949

SIZING: 3 sizes, for heights 5’0 – 6’1BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not without special hub adapterCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rackSUSPENSION FORK: No

We have been riding and loving Priority bikes (for adults and kids!) for many years. The Priority Turi is the most “high-end” of the models we’ve tested, and quickly became our bike of choice for bike commuting to school with our kindergartener.

Like every Priority bicycle, the Turi features that insanely low-maintenance belt drive (and also happens to be grease-free). Not needing to keep a bicycle chain cleaned and lubed, or deal with a derailleur that regularly needs adjustments and service is a huge win for bikes with a belt drive.

But our favorite feature of this comfort hybrid bike is its Enviolo shifting system. Safely enclosed in the rear wheel’s hub, the Enviolo gearing shifts seamlessly when you twist the grip shift with your right hand. There are no distinct gears that feel like “steps” as you shift up and down to adjust to the uphill, downhill, or smooth straightaways. Just a wide gearing range that feels more like riding on one of those airport moving walkways.

$599

SIZING: 3 sizes, for inseams ranging from 26″ – 36″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not without special hub adapterCHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack, (rear frame on men’s diamond-frame only)SUSPENSION FORK: No

The Priority Classic Plus Gotham Edition has been a staple in our bike fleet for years. From long family bike rides to quick commutes around town, this Priority has been a smooth ride and has required basically no maintenance.

Based out of New York City, Priority Bicycles are designed to withstand the unique rigors of city riding. Our team has owned eleven different Priority bikes over the years, and they’ve all withstood the test of time… even the Priority kids bikes which can take quite a beating from their little riders.

$599

SIZING: 3 sizes, for heights ranging from 5’0 to 5’9BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes, but needs longer rear axle skewer. CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack. Not enough clearance above the rear tire for a frame mounted rear seat.SUSPENSION FORK: No

Besides great quality for a fair price, there are so many benefits to buying a women’s bike from REI. Order online and pick up already assembled in store… then for a full year, get free adjustments and basic maintenance!

A more leaned forward body position and trigger shifters make this city bike particularly closer to a “fitness” bike than the other hybrids on our list. The leaned in position allows the rider to exert more force on the pedals and really pound away on the pedals for a great workout.

With 24 gears, the gearing range of the CTY 1.1 is the widest of any hybrid we tested. If you’ll be regularly tackling tough elevation gains, this Co-op Cycles bike should be high on your list.

$750

SIZING: 5 sizes, for heights 4’10” to 6’5″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Yes, but smaller framed women’s models may not be a good fit for a frame-mounted rear seat. But all sizes should be able to fit front-mounted seats as well as rear rack-mounted seats.SUSPENSION FORK: Yes

The Cannondale Quick CX is a great choice for those riding mainly on paved surfaces, but with a few gravel or compact dirt trails thrown in. The CX stands for “cyclocross” which is a type of riding in which riders traverse grass, dirt, and paved surfaces. While not a true cyclocross bike, the Quick CX offers the functionality of a basic CX bike paired with the comfortable positioning of a hybrid bike.

If you’ll be doing a lot of your riding on basic dirt trails, as well as the occasional ride on paved surfaces, a recreational mountain bike is the perfect choice for you. Recreational mountain bikes are not as fined-tuned as true mountain bikes and are not built to withstand the rigors of aggressive trail riding. However, they still provide plenty of cushioning and traction for basic, non-paved trails.

One of the major differences between a hybrid bike and a recreational mountain bike is the tires. The wider tires found on mountain bikes offer more traction and cushioning for off-road riding, but are slower-rolling on paved surfaces compared to hybrid bike tires. As a result, riding on paved surfaces on a mountain bike will require a bit more effort on your part than riding a hybrid bike on paved surfaces.

The difference between true trail bikes and recreational mountain bikes comes down to components and build. True trail bikes with hydraulic disc brakes and an air suspension fork (not necessary for the average rider) typically start around $1,200.

$799

SIZING: Four sizes, for heights 5’1″ to 6’4″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Rear mounted-rack seats not compatible SUSPENSION FORK: Yes

The Polygon Xtrada 5 is a true entry level mountain bike that will have you hitting the trails without burning a hole in your pocket book. Designed to be comfortable enough for casual riding, yet aggressive enough for true trail riding, the Xtrada will comfortably take you from paved paths to single track trails.

The Xtrada is available in 3 different models, the Xtrada 5, 6 and 7, with the higher model numbers having higher-end components. The more trail riding you plan on doing, the higher the model number we would recommend.

We tested the Xtrada 5 on basic green MTB trails, but if you’re planning on doing more advanced trails, the simplified 1x drivetrain (only one derailleur in the back) and air fork on the Xtrada 7 (versus coil on the 5 and 6), are worth the added expense. If you plan on doing a bit of both, the Xtrada 6 is a great mid-range bike.

$579

SIZING: 6 sizes, for heights ranging from 4’9” to 6’8”BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Front frame, rear rack. Eyelets on seat tube may interfere with a rear frame mounted seat. SUSPENSION FORK: Yes

The Trek Marlin 4 is one of the most popular women’s mountain bikes on the market. We have been hugely impressed with how comfortable it is to ride, the precision of its braking, and its smooth and easy shifting – all at a reasonable price tag for those just getting started with trail riding.

The Marlin 4 is in our “recreational” women’s mountain bike category because of its versatility. It was designed to excel at riding kids around the neighborhood, but is also right at home on mild dirt trails.

Our “mom bike tester” has been riding her Trek Marlin for about two years now and can’t stop raving about it. With a baby still in tow, she currently sticks primarily to paved trails with the baby on the back in a rear child bike seat. But dirt trails are in the near future as she and her boys tackle the new world of mountain biking together.

E-bikes are available for every style of women’s bike – from cruiser to mountain. For this article we focused on women’s e-bikes that are ideal for city riding, provide great value, and can also be used to haul littles ones around. When it comes to electric bikes, there is A LOT to learn as there are a wide variety of options that provide a vastly difference riding experience.

If you are new to e-bikes, be sure to check out our Womens Electric Bikes Buying Guide. From features to bike classes, it covers everything you need to know about e-bikes before you purchase, and also highlights more bikes than are found here. Here are some notable differences to be aware of:

$1,799

SIZING: Two sizes to fit heights 4’11” to 6’1″BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: No – you shouldn’t pull a trailer with an e-bike CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Rear rack seat and some front mounted

Our testers continually raved about how much they loved the Aventon Pace 500. In addition to being comfortable, easy to use, and affordable, it is also extremely fun to ride! Whether you are looking for a bike to replace short car trips around town, need some extra assistance to tackle longer bike rides, or simply want a bike to reignite your love of biking, the Aventon Pace fits the bill.

What makes the Pace so much fun? Unlike other similarly-priced e-bikes, the Pace accelerates smoothly with no jolting or lag time. The “natural” feel of the Pace keeps the rider at ease and feeling in control, even when just using the throttle and not pedaling. The integration of the motor on other e-bikes isn’t as smooth, leaving the bike to feel more mechanical and less “graceful”.

Extremely versatile, the Pace is compatible with a rear bike rack for carrying cargo or a child bike seat, and comes standard with front and rear fenders, as well as integrated frame lights that make the Pace hard to miss in low-light situations.

For added fun, this Aventon e-bike also provides a free app to help you track everything from your miles to your average speed. The app also contains an active community of helpful members who regularly share tips, inspirational rides, and maintenance hacks.

If you happen to live in an area in which Class II e-bikes are prohibited (e-bikes with throttles are considered Class II), the throttle on the Pace can quickly and easily be removed. The pedal assist modes on the bike are not affected by removing the throttle.

$1,799

SIZING: Three sizes – Step-thru (5’2 – 5’10), S/M Diamond frame (5’6 – 5’10”), M/L Diamond frame (5’11 – 6’3″)BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: No – you shouldn’t pull a trailer with an e-bike CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE: Rear rack seat and some front mounted

If you are hesitant to get an ebike, the Priority e-Classic Bike is likely the bike for you! Designed to feel and ride like a traditional analog bike, the e-Classic provides just enough boost to help you keep up with others or ride faster, but without the uneasy surges of power often felt on ebikes.

Built with a 250W front-hub motor, the e-Classic provides gentle power that is noticeable, but not overwhelming. With three power assist levels as well as three gears, there are plenty of riding options for casual riding.

The e-Classic Plus also excels in being easy to take care of! Instead of a greasy chain, the bike is equipped with a smooth and quiet rolling grease-free belt drive. The bike also lacks a finicky derailleur as the bike’s three gears are located in the bike’s rear hub. Shifting the gears is still super easy via the bikes grip shifter on the handlebar.

Women’s Bikes – Related Articles

If you’re getting a bike, you might also need a helmet and a bike rack! Check out these articles for a quick and easy breakdown of what to look for as well as our top picks.10 Best Women’s Bike Helmets: If you need a bike, you need a helmet! Here are our 10 favorites for all style of riding.Best Beach Cruisers and Cruiser Bikes: Check out this article for more in-depth comparison of beach cruisers.e-Bikes Buying Guide: (it’s geared towards kids, but the information is still the same)

FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are included in this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this review, however, some of the reviewed product was supplied by the manufacturer or distributor to help facilitate this review. All opinions and images are that of Two Wheeling Tots LLC. All content and images are copyrighted and should not be used or replicated in any way. View our Terms of Use.