Getting into cycling and looking to buy a bike, but unsure what type of bike is best for you and your budget? We can help!
This guide to the best women's bikes will break it all down. We'll explain the different types of bikes out there, what kind of riding they’re best suited to and what to expect for your budget. Finally, we have lots of advice to help you get riding and loving it.
There are three general types of bike: road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrid bikes, and within each category there is further variation, so you can get really specific about the right bike for you.
Road bikes are designed for speed and distance on the road. They have lightweight frames, slim tyres and a handlebar with a drop for a more aerodynamic position on the bike.
Some road bikes are designed with a focus on endurance and comfort, while others are built for speed, making them the ideal choice if you want to cover greater distances, explore the countryside or are planning to do a race or other on-road event.
Gravel and adventure bikes are becoming increasingly popular. They look like road bikes with their drop handlebars but are designed to be more rugged, and you can often fit luggage and mudguards to them, making them popular for touring, bikepacking and even commuting.
If a road bike is what you’re looking for, check out our list of the best road bikes we’ve tried and tested.
Mountain bikes are extremely versatile. They’re typically built for off-road use but can still be ridden on any road, they’ll just be slower going than a road bike.
They have flat handlebars and wider tyres, and usually have suspension on either the front only (hardtail) or on the front and rear (full-suspension), which helps smooth out rough terrain and provides traction for climbing, cornering and riding on muddy ground.
Mountain bikes are ideal for exploring your local woods, heading out on singletrack and going to a trail centre or bike park.
Our buyer's guide to the best mountain bikes has something for every budget to help you choose what’s right for you, and we’ve also rounded up the best women’s mountain bikes we've tested.
Hybrid bikes, also known as urban bikes, commuter bikes and city bikes, usually sit somewhere between road and mountain bikes in their design.
They typically have flat handlebars and an upright riding position, which make it easy to keep an eye on your surroundings and navigate when riding in traffic.
Hybrids can have a road-style frame that’s lightweight with a focus on speed and agility or a mountain bike-style frame that’s designed to handle rough roads, towpaths or fire roads, and some front suspension.
Consider a hybrid if your commute involves unpaved towpaths and trails. - Russell Burton / Immediate MediaHybrid bikes also have lugs for attaching mudguards (fenders), pannier racks and child seats.
You can commute on any type of bike, but if your commute involves a bus or a train, or you have to haul your bike into the office, you might want to consider a folding bike.
As the name suggests, these fold up to a small size that makes taking them on public transport or storing them under a desk much easier.
For more details on hybrid bikes and our top-rated picks, take a look at our best hybrid bikes list.
Gravel bikes are based around road-bike design, with lightweight frames and handlebars with drops, but have carefully tweaked geometry and greater tyre clearance to enable them to be ridden off-road as well as on.
They usually have a more rugged frame design, fatter tyres with a tread for plenty of grip on grass, mud and gravel tracks, and attachment points for adding mudguards and luggage.
Cyclocross is a type of bicycle racing, so cyclocross bikes have a more aggressive geometry that puts the rider in a racier position on the bike.
By contrast, adventure bikes – a loose category that includes gravel and all-road bikes – are designed for comfort over long distances on rough surfaces. They'll tend to have a more upright position.
Gravel riding is exploding in popularity right now, as cyclists look to get off busy roads and bring a bit more fun to their riding. If we had to recommend just one bike to do a bit of everything, a gravel bike would be it.
Some even come with gravel bike suspension similar to mountain bikes to increase comfort and grip.
Ebikes, or electric bikes, are bicycles that either have a motor built into the frame at the bottom of the bike or on the rear wheel's hub.
They provide what’s called ‘pedal assist’, which means they’ll add to the power you put in through the pedals, so you do have to pedal to make them work.
Electric versions of road, mountain, hybrid and folding bikes are absolutely brilliant for making commutes easier and providing help on climbs. They get you riding if you have an injury or level the playing field between you and your cycling companions – they're downright fun, too.
Most bikes are sized as Small, Medium, Large, etc (usually mountain bikes and some hybrid bikes), or numerically in centimetres or inches (54cm, 17in, etc).
Like clothes, sizing isn’t consistent across brands, so don’t expect one brand’s Medium to feel exactly the same as another’s.
Most brands have an online size guide that will recommend a size based on your height, or other measurements such as your inner leg length. This is where you should start.
Try to demo the bike if you can, so you can see how it feels when you ride it. This is particularly important if you sit between sizes because it will help you work out which size to go for.
For more information, we've created a simple guide to women’s bike sizes that may help.
Once you have a bike, it’s possible to adjust the fit to make it even better, which is important if you’re going to be riding it a lot because small niggles can turn into big ones over a long bike ride.
Also, if you want to make the bike you already have fit better, or adapt a unisex bike, there are some simple changes you can make.
The six most common tweaks for a better bike fit are:
Many of these adaptations are easy to do yourself, or if you buy a bike from your local bike shop they will be able to help.
If you're going to be riding a lot – and particularly if you're going to buy a road bike – we'd recommend getting a professional bike fit. A bike fit is where an experienced bike fitter takes measurements including leg length, flexibility and how far you reach forward when seated. They will also observe as you ride the bike on a static trainer.
From this, they can adjust elements of the bike, such as saddle height, handlebar reach, etc, to give you the best fit possible.
This may require swapping out certain parts for others, such as handlebars with a deep drop to a pair with a shallower drop, or a long stem to one that's slightly shorter.
We have loads of advice on bike fit on BikeRadar, though, such as how to set your saddle height and position and how to adjust your handlebar height.
If you'd like more information, here's the lowdown on how to get your road bike position right and how to achieve the perfect mountain bike fit.
Nearly all the big bike brands make what they call ‘unisex’ bikes; bikes they say are designed for all riders.
A lot of brands also make women’s bikes, sometimes called women’s-specific bikes. Often, these are mostly the same as those brands' unisex bikes but with different contact points, such as the saddle and handlebar, which will be chosen to suit women better.
Other brands, such as Liv Cycling and Canyon Bicycles, make bikes specifically for women based only on body geometry, sizes and needs of women from research data.
The question is then do women have to ride a women’s-specific bike? The answer is no, but a lot of women do find they fit them better. It’s always worth testing out a few bikes, both unisex and women’s-specific if you can, to see which feels best for you.
Whatever approach a brand has to designing women’s bikes, there are usually a few things they have in common:
Some women have a better fit on women's-specific models, while others find no difference between women’s and unisex bikes, or prefer unisex bikes completely.
It's worth testing out a few bikes, if you can, to compare how different brands or different sizes fit because there are always slight differences in the way brands size up their bikes.
Having a bike fit will ensure your bike is right for you, whatever type you go for.
You can buy a road bike for as little as £200, but to get a decent-quality bike we recommend starting from about £500 if you’re planning to use it for longer distances or events.
At this price point, you see a massive jump in quality that will really make a difference to anyone doing serious riding.
You can also get excellent bargains — often in the region of a 30 to 40 per cent discount — if you don’t mind buying last year’s model, so shop around and consider waiting for the end-of-season or Black Friday sales if you’re looking for a bargain.
In general, as you go up in price you’ll get a lighter, more aerodynamic or more comfortable bike with better-quality parts that work more smoothly and/or are more robust.
If you’re willing and able to spend big, there’s nothing quite like a top-of-the-range bike, but don’t forget no matter how expensive your bike is, you’ll still be the one turning the pedals.
As with road bikes, you can get a mountain bike from as little as £200, but if you’re planning on riding trail centres or off-road, rather than towpaths or bridleways, we recommend spending in the region of £500 upwards and ensuring you get a bike with disc brakes for more stopping power.
While some full-suspension bikes cost less than £500, we suggest buying a hardtail at this price point. They’re simpler and more likely to include quality parts. Our guide to the best mountain bikes has more tips on how to choose the best one for you.
The starting price for a hybrid bike is around £150, and although you can find cheaper, you may find yourself paying in other ways, due to the likely heavy weight and lower quality of parts.
In general, as you go up in price bikes will get lighter, which is something to bear in mind if you need to carry it anywhere.
While some hybrid bikes have pannier racks and/or mudguards fitted, you may want to factor in the additional cost of these if not.
You’ll also find an array of Dutch-style upright bikes, cruiser bikes, and bikes with vintage-inspired styling, so if you want something that’s beautiful as well as functional you’ll find plenty of options, with many under £500.
Prices don’t rise uniformly across these different kinds of bikes though – for different styles, the value comes through in different ways, such as quality gears and leather finishing kit for some, and premium aluminium for others.
As the upward trajectory of women's cycling is on a constant march, many brands are thinking more carefully about what women actually need - and want - from a road bike.
First off, it might be a surprise, but not every female rider will want a women's specific bike. We'll take you through the difference between 'female-specific' and unisex frames further down - this is just to highlight now that our guide will also be including some of the best unisex road bikes, which can also also make a great ride for female cyclists and are well worth considering
While we are probably pretty much aligned on the need for the best women specific cycling shorts, and even the best women's cycling saddles, the jury is actually still out when it comes to the question 'is women's specific geometry still relevant' ,
Further down this page, we explain the different approaches brands take when creating women's bikes, and how to make sure you choose the very best bike for you, so take a read if you're still deciding what's best for you.
But first, our picks of the best bikes...
The Quick List
Best women's road bikes: our picks
Best aero bike
Liv Enviliv Advanced Pro AXS women's road bike
(Image credit: Future)
Best women's aero road bike
Our expert review:
Frame/ forks:
Advanced SL Grade Composite (full composite)
Groupset:
SRAM Force AXS 12-speed
Wheels:
Giant SLR 1 50 Disc WheelSystem
Tires :
Cadex Race Tubeless 25mm
Sizes :
XXS - M
Colours :
One - Hibana
Weight:
18lbs/ 8 kg (claimed)
Check Amazon+
A fair price point for the specification on board
+
Small size options (down to XXS)
+
Power meter on board (model depending)
+
Significantly improved cable routing on new mode
-
Handling at either slow speeds or in wind
-
Slow to pick up speed and quick to loose it on rises and climbs
-
Wheelset overwhelms rest of ride feel
The updated EnviLiv Advanced Pro, while still an aero race bike, has opted for more forgiving geometry, which should make it better suited for longer days in the saddle, too.
This totally new geometry almost mirrors that of the Liv Langma Advanced millimetre by millimeter. What that means is a higher front end than the previous model. The tube shapes and frame material are also new. In general, the bike is slimmer than before, with more rounded tubing. The material is the brand's new Advance SL Grade composite. The result, according to Liv, is bike that's both lighter (the frame weighs about 200g less) and faster.
We were huge fans of the outgoing model but on test felt that all his reworking has resulted in the new bike losing some of its 'zing'. Sure, it's still fast in a straight line but the handling wasn't quite as good as the previous model - although we felt that some of this is likely down to the deep section wheels.
But there is plenty to like here. The new frame design alongside the new aero bars and stem has resulted in a far cleaner looking cockpit. It's a huge improvement aesthetically and vitally will also make adjustments and maintenance much easier.
While we test the SRAM Force AXS equipped bike, the EnviLiv Advanced Pro is also available with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset.
.Read more: Liv Enviliv Advanced AXS Disc full review
Best value carbon
Canyon Endurace CF 8 road bike
(Image credit: Philip Sowels)
Best value women's carbon road bike
Our expert review:
Frame/ Fork :
Canyon Endurace CF (carbon fibre); Fork: Canyon Canyon FK0089 CF Disc
Drivetrain:
Shimano Ultegra 8020 mechanical
Brakes :
Shimano Ultegra 8020 hydraulic disc
Wheels:
Fulcrum Racing 900 DB
Tires:
Schwalbe One 30/32mm
Sizes:
3XS-2XL
Colours :
one
Weight:
18.7lbs / 8.5kg (claimed)
Check Amazon+
Superb value for money
+
Excellent handling
+
Comfortable
+
Lots of tyre clearance
-
No mudguard eyes
-
Heavy wheels
While Canyon doesn't choose to make women specific road bikes, it's wide size range for most of its models makes it a good fit for many. Take its Endurace and Endurace SLX range - the bikes are offered in sizes that start at 3XS, which translates to a standover height of just over 700mm. The more expensive SLX models also feature the German brand's adjustable-width handlebar.
The Endurace CF 8 delivers great value for money. It's built around an endurance-focussed carbon frameset and comes equipped with a mechanical 11-speed Shimano Ultegra groupset that includes hydraulic disc brakes. Sensibly for a bike that's designed to be comfortable over long distances, it comes with plenty of tire clearance and is fitted with 32mm as standard.
We found that the bouncy VCLS seatpost in conjunction with the big tires makes for a plush and comfortable ride. However, the frame is plenty stiff. The downsides? A rather heavy wheelset and a lack of fender/mudguard guard mounts, which seems an odd omission for a bike that's well-suited to four-season riding.
Read more: Canyon Endurace CF 8 full review
Best Endurance bike
Trek Domane SL 6 road bike
(Image credit: Trek)
Best endurance bike in small sizes
Our expert review:
Frame/ fork :
500 Series OCLV Carbon frame/ Domane SLR Carbon fork
Groupset:
Shimano 105 Di2 Hydraulic Disc or SRAM Rival AXS
Wheels:
Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 Thru Axle
Tires:
Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 32c
Sizes:
44 - 62cm
Colours :
Crimson, Dark Blue
Weight:
19.6lbs / 8.91kg (Size 56)
View at Trek BicycleView at Trek BicycleCheck Amazon+
Versatile with 38mm tire clearance
+
Comfortable
+
Great spec inc. electronic SRAM or Shimano drivechain
-
Slightly sluggish on steep hills
While Trek did away with its gender categorisation in 2020, it now offer smaller sizes across its range of road bikes - including the versatile Domane, which is available in frame sizes that start at 44 cm.
The Domane, Trek's capable endurance bike that can be raced (it's won Paris-Roubaix Femmes) as well as ridden for leisure, is offered in a huge range of models. The top-tier SLR 9 will set you back well over $/£10k, while a Gen 4 AL 2 can be yours for under $/£1,500.
As for the Trek Domane SL 6 it's probably one of the most versatile bikes on the market, with century rides, touring rides, and even fast paced group rides all being taken in its stride when we tested it. In fact, when we reviewed an older generation model we loved it so much we gave it our Editor's Choice Award.
Similar to the way Liv Enviliv stretches it's aero categorisation, the Trek Domane SL 6 does the same for it's 'endurance' one. On test we found it a great do-all bike, managing to be sprightly, if a little heavy on the hills, as well as comfortable.
The ride-smoothing IsoSpeed frame comes with decouplers at the rear of the top tube and in the head tube, making it a very comfortable ride.
Any concerns that this inbuilt suspension would compromise power transfer were quickly put to bed, with its oversized tubing assisting in its responsiveness to seated and out-the-saddle efforts.
The latest Gen 4 SL 6 is offered with either a SRAM Rival AXS or a Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed electronic groupset and has clearance for 38mm tires.
Read more: Trek Domane SL6 full review
Best race-ready bike
Liv Langma Advanced SL Disc women's road bike
(Image credit: Future)
Most versatile race-ready women's bike
Our expert review:
Frame/ Fork:
Advance Grade Composite
Groupset:
SRAM Red AXS
Wheels :
CADEX 36 Carbon Disc WheelSystem
Tires:
CADEX Road Race, tubeless, 700x25c
Sizes:
XS - M
Weight :
6.7kg
Check Amazon+
Handling
+
Fit
+
Wheelset and tubeless set up
+
Lightweight
+
Power meter
-
Front end cables
The Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1 is a direct descendant of the professionally ridden bike. The bike was updated for 2022 , with a stiffer fork, although it seems to have kept the front cables that we weren't keen on.
The bike's biggest claim to fame is its low weight, and our review model - with disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra - came in at 15.7lbs/ 7.13kg, but the top-end rim brake options sit under the UCI weight limit of 6.8kg and had to be bolstered for pro riders.
The low weight, however, hasn't reduced its stiffness - even a sprinter like Coryn Rivera can race this bike to success - and we found it offered ample platform for power transfer, with optimised components like the Giant PowerCore bottom bracket and Overdrive II steerer.
Its another stand out bike, and hard to compare against it's peers, but the latest version reminded our Cycling Weekly Tech Ed of the Specialised Aethos that she loved so much.
While we await a full review of the new model, the current one was a top scorer at nearly full marks, and is easily a GC contender, and will more than hold its own on all but off-road terrain, meaning there is a great deal to really like about the bike.
Read more: Liv Langma Advanced SL Disc full review
Best aluminium bike
Specialized Allez Disc road bike
(Image credit: Future)
Best aluminium women's road bike
Our expert review:
Frame/ fork:
Specialized E5 Premium Aluminum/Specialized FACT full carbon fork
Groupset:
Shimano Claris 8-speed w/ Tektro mechanical disc brakes
Wheels :
Axis Sport Disc
Tires:
Specialized RoadSport 30mm
Sizes:
44, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm
Colours :
Three options
Weight:
N/A
View at Specialized Bikes USCheck Amazon+
Ride quality
+
Ease of set up
+
Versatility
+
Ability to change ride characteristics
-
Performance of mechanical disc brakes
Available in a wide range of sizes, including a 44cm, the recently updated Specialized Allez is a great option for those wanting a versatile road bike without breaking the bank.
Based around a stiff and agile aluminium frame and carbon fork, the new Allez has added comfort and compliance to its list of tricks. Tire clearance has been increased, allowing for up to 35mm width, while the geometry has been relaxed a little to make it better suited to longer rides. This versatility is enhanced by the inclusion of fender/mudguard and rack mounts, making it a legitimate four-season road bike that could also handle the commute to work.
However, as we found out when we tested the bike, it's certainly no slouch when shown some power, just like the previous models which were focussed a little more on speed. The 8-speed drivechain did leave us between gears more often than we would have liked, but the next model up solves this problem with the inclusion of a 10-speed Shimano groupset.
Read more: Specialized Allez first ride review
Best value
Triban RC 520 road bike
(Image credit: Future)
Best value for money women's road bike
Our expert review:
Frame/Fork :
6061 T6 aluminium / carbon blades and aluminium 1"1/8 Aheadset steerer
Drivetrain:
Shimano 105 11sp mechanical
Brakes :
TRP HY/RD disc brakes
Wheels :
Triban alloy tubeless ready
Tires:
Triban Resist 28mm
Sizes:
XS - XL
Colours:
one
Weight:
22.92lbs / 10.4kg
View at Decathlon USCheck Amazon+
Brilliant value for spec
+
Stable, comfortable geometry
+
Significantly undercuts rivals on price
-
Harsher ride quality than rivals
-
On the heavy side
When it comes to value for money, Decathlon's Triban RC 520 is hard to beat. Alloy frame, carbon forks, Shimano groupset cable hydro disc brakes...the list of impressive specs goes on. And while it isn't a women's specific bike the size range does include an XS. Alternatively, if you're looking for a women's specific Triban road bike, the RC 500 with rim brakes is available at the time of writing.
As for the RC 520, in the constantly shrinking sub $/£1000 category, in our view it's almost unchallenged. With enough clearance for 36mm tires, it's plenty versatile. This aided by plenty of mounts too - fenders, rack, bottle cages, they're all here.
Perhaps the standout detail however is the 11-speed 105 groupset. In this price range you're often looking at 8-speed drivechains, which can really limit performance and ride quality.
Yes, it's a bit on the heavy side but on test we enjoyed the way it handled at higher speeds, feeling nice and solid even on fast descents. In short, if you're just starting your road bike journey the Triban RC 520 won't hold you back and is equipped to handle a wide ranging of riding, from long, all-day adventures to winter commutes.
Read more: Triban RC 520 full review
What makes a women's road bike female specific?
There is no simple black and white answer here. Rather unhelpfully, it depends who you ask.
However, whilst manufacturers have to make their decisions based on what they feel will suit the 'average rider', remember that when buying a bike you're an individual.
To get the best women's road bike for you all you need to do is choose a bike for you. Test riding women's specific and unisex bikes will probably give you your answer.
Aside from that, there are two clear approaches that brands take:
Brands offering women's road bikes with female specific frame geometry
Some brands build a frame to be completely women's specific.
This is often represented in a shorter top tube, and taller head tube. The result is a slightly more upright geometry. Many of the best women's road bikes also feature a slacker head angle and longer rake - which does tend to position the bike closer to that of a unisex endurance bike.
The reasons for this vary: some brands say their research suggests women have a shorter wingspan (arms), meaning a shorter reach is ideal. Others suggest a women's lower upper body mass and centre of gravity make this a more suitable option, while some explain that women position their pelvis differently to avoid soft tissue compression. The results of focus groups and studies imply that many women want to ride in a more upright position.
Brands creating a bike with female specific frame geometry will spec the bike with components that match the intended rider - the handlebars, stems, saddles, cranks and gearing will all be female friendly (more on that below).
Brands offering women's road bikes with unisex geometry and female specific components
Other brands choose not to create a female specific frame, but instead to offer the same chassis as the unisex bikes, but with components adjusted to better suit the average woman's requirements.
Components that are often changed on a female specific bike include:
Handlebars: women generally have narrower shoulders, and ideally your handlebars should measure a similar width to your shoulders. So a well fitting women's road bike will have narrow handlebars. Shifters are often wound in to suit smaller hands (though you can do this for free at home on Shimano or SRAM shifters).
Stem: While frames built from 'the ground up' to suit women often have a shorter reach, those providing a unisex frame will nearly always fit a shorter stem. This does the same job of decreasing the reach, but can affect the handling.
Cranks: Women are typically shorter than men, so usually have shorter legs. Crank length is a debate on its own - but as a rule, reducing the length of the crank allows smaller riders to get the most from each pedal stroke. In the case of a very small frame, the cranks also need to be reduced in size to prevent toe overlap with the front wheel.
Gearing: If we're comparing Joe Bloggs and Lizzie Deignan, it's not realistic to say that the female rider will produce less power. But if we're comparing Joe Bloggs and Joanna Bloggs, it's an understandable assumption. It's therefore hightly likely to find the best women's road bikes featuring a compact or semi compact chainset (50/34 or 52/36 respectively) and wide ratio cassette (11-28 or 11-32).
Gearing may be adjusted on women's road bikes
(Image credit: Cycling Studio)
Standover height: Some women's bikes have a sloping top tube, to reduce standover height. This applies more to hybrid bikes and mountain bikes.
Sizes: A unisex frame with female components marketed as the women's version will usually be available in smaller sizes. In an ideal world, the brand will scale down other elements of the geometry and aspects such as fork angle will change too.
Saddle: Women frequently report saddle discomfort putting them off cycling. Most riders will swap the saddle on their bike early on - but a women's model will come with a women's saddle, giving a slightly higher chance of getting on with the perch after just a few rides.
Brands offering unisex frames with non-adjusted components
Many women choose to buy a standard unisex frame, and adjust the components above to suit. Indeed, many men will adjust these on unisex bikes in time.
If you're at a stage in your riding career where you know you'll do this anyway, then it doesn't make much difference.
However, picking a great women's road bike with these components already tweaked can make the first few months of bike ownership much cheaper - especially for beginners who don't have the standard cyclist's garage full of spare stems, handlebars and saddles.
Mike Smith is one of Britain’s top Retül bike fitters and runs Velomotion in Milton Keynes. He believes that the major difference in men's and women's bike fit lies in saddle comfort.
He commented: “I think it all comes around the saddle which makes the real difference to a female rider. Women are a lot more sensitive to putting weight through their perineum, soft tissue and their pubic bone.
“They prefer to sit to the back of the saddle where they put more weight through their sit bones.”
This sensitivity can be relieved by using a saddle with a cut-out, though thought should still be given to saddle width. “Spacing between the sit bones means the average woman would favour a wider saddle compared to a male rider,” Smith added.
Failure to address the saddle issue will see the rider sitting way back on her saddle, bending at the waist, not the hips, to give an upright position that makes the bike feel longer than it really is. This is a problem manufacturers mitigate with the aforementioned different tube lengths.
The saddle on a women's road bike
You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Before you enter a bike shop, get a clear idea of what you want your perfect women's road bike for. If you want the speed and aerodynamic benefits of a drop bar bike, then you're in the road bike camp - and the next step is to decide if you want an endurance focused on more aggressive race orientated frame.
Key road bike categories include:
Endurance focused women's road bikes
Endurance women's road bikes will generally feature a shorter reach, and a taller stack - putting the rider in a more upright position. Disc brakes are more popular in this category, along with a longer wheelbase to aid stability and the material will be fine tuned to offer greater compliance - or comfort. The Trek Domane is an example of an endurance road bike.
Race focused women's road bikes
Race bikes are created to offer nippy handling and a lower, more aero position - usually with a longer reach, lower stack and short wheelbase. The fork angles will be tuned for quick and responsive handling. Some of the best women's road bikes in this style will have disc brakes, which in our opinion are fantastic when hydraulic, and less so when mechanical (cable- actuated), so don't be immediately put off rim / caliper brakes for the sake of any disc options.
Best women's gravel bikes
If you are sold on the idea of owning a bike that fits your gender best, but want to hit the rough stuff, you might find that our guide on best women's gravel bikes a great help.
There's a lot of variation between cyclocross, adventure road and gravel bikes. They're all designed for riding on and off road - just to different degrees. gravel bikes bikes are one of the most versatile, suited to both road and trails, with higher bottom brackets to help you avoid roots and rocks, with more space for tyre clearance. Adventure road are similar, but closer to an endurance road bike, while a cyclocross bike will be designed purely for being nimble on rough terrain.
Best women's hybrid bikes
If you are looking for the best wheels for both rough and smooth, then our page on the best women's hybrid bikes is the one for you.
For city slickers who want flat bars and the option of hopping onto rough park tracks and canal paths, then a wider tyre hybrid with disc brakes like the Trek FX Disc Women's or Carrera Subway could be the thing. These will have flat handlebars, and offer a great deal of stability, though handling won't be quite as nippy as a road bike.
Electric women's road bikes
You might find that added vavavoom from one of the best women's electric bikes is what you've been missing on your rides.
If you would benefit from an extra boost up the difficult climbs or so you don't get so sweaty on your commute into the city, there are electric versions of road bikes. These will vary from ones with a hub-based or frame-mounted motor—and can offer different levels of assistance and range of battery life.
You don't have to use the electric assistance on these bikes at all times but it is always there for when you want it. But bear in mind, the e-bikes with the more powerful motors (and best assistance) are often heavier which can make cycling harder than usual when switched off. Therefore, keeping an eye on your battery levels and choosing a bike which has a big enough battery capacity for your riding is essential.
Road bikes are generally sold in sizes along the lines of 48cm, 50cm, 52cm and so on - though some brands choose instead to go for 'Small', 'Medium' and 'Large'.
There's no real standardisation in road bike sizing - which means one road bike brand's 48cm might suit a rider on a 50cm frame from one of their competitors. Not only that, but the same brand might call a unisex frame a 50cm, whilst the same rider might fit a 52cm frame in their women's range. Confusing, right?
The first option for many is to start by using the brand's designated sizing chart, dictating the ideal height range for each frame size.
This table is a quick reference women's bike size chart depending on height of rider. A bike shouldn't be purchased on this information alone.
(Image credit: Future)
Above is an example of a what sized women's bike you would need depending on your height. However, this is just to give you a rough idea of where to start your search.
Ideally you need a test ride before making any decisions. A rider with a shorter torso will generally go for a smaller frame than a rider with a long torso, even if they're the same height, as most of their length is in the leg (saddle height is much more adjustable than reach). Getting the right size is down to personal preference rather than black-and-white measurements.
We've got lots of hints and tips on how to find exactly the right sized women's bike for you on our road bike size guide , which can actually be applied to all styles of bikes.
Once you know what sort of bike you're after, shop around online, and produce a list of bikes you're interested in. Most brands frame families will come available in a range of models, with different levels of specification.
More expensive groupsets will be lighter and longer lasting - and it is generally considered that it is better to spend at the top end of your budget to avoid further expenditure through upgrades.
With a few choice models selected, ask for test rides, using the experience to help you decide what you like. Remember when testing unisex bikes that wider handlebars and a less-than-perfect saddle might be altering the ride quality.
Our team of experienced reviewers put in the hard miles, riding in all conditions and on varying terrain. Key points of consideration relate to the geometry: how the bikes handle in twisting corners, on fast descents and on steep climbs when hauling out of the saddle - does it feel twitchy or stable? Lively or dull? Beyond that, there's the specced components: how light and responsive are the wheels? Are the tires fast, robust or neither? How comfortable is the finishing kit? Does the gearing suit the intended riding? Taking all this (and much more) together - and factoring in the price - we reach a conclusion on the relative performance of the bikes we test.