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Have you decided to start cycling but do not know where to look for the best bike options? Do not worry; we have got you covered! This article is the complete guide about the best road bike options for women.
We have narrowed down some of the best women’s road bikes. A buying guide is also included, which will provide you detailed information about how to select the best bike for yourself.
All vehicles have particular features that make them particularly suitable for women. Let’s find the best pick for you!
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Women's Road Bikes
- OUR TOP PICK: Schwinn Phocus Drop Bar Bicycle
- RUNNER-UP: Sentuca Aluminum Road Bike
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Schwinn Volare S3030
Comparison of the Best Women's Road Bikes
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What Makes a Road Bike Great For a Woman?
Road bikes are specifically designed for taking you as fast as your legs manage. Over the years, technology has improved the design and features of these vehicles. Some of the important features that you must consider while buying a bike are as follows:
Frame Material
The right size and shape frame holds great significance when it comes to choosing a vehicle for you. You must be aware of the frame material the product is made of so you can determine how long it will last, and the conditions it can tolerate.
Road bike frames are usually made of aluminum or carbon.
Handlebars and Levers
Handlebars and levers provide you the right posture on your vehicle, which minimizes stress and strain on your body. A good, adjustable handlebar gives you a good balance for steep climbing or cruising with your hands on either of the stems. Therefore, look for a unit that has an adjustable, easy-to-grip, and sturdy steering handlebar.
Brake Type
There are two types of brakes found in road bikes. These are rim and disc brakes. You would have to choose between these two; however, both options are available in various models. Also, hydraulic disc brakes tend to offer better stopping power but are expensive.
Can You Really Find a Quality Women’s Road Bike That’s Affordable?
When you are looking for a road bike, make sure it fits your needs. Quality vehicles for women do not necessarily come at a high price. So, you could get a road bike with all the desired features and specifications at an affordable price.
It is commonly believed that low-priced products do not offer quality, which is wrong. The products reviewed in this article include models that come at affordable prices with all the features required for an ideal cycling experience.
You can find an affordable unit offering great comfort and advanced features, such as high-power brakes. Therefore, while purchasing, do not judge a unit by its price, but by how it functions and the features it offers.
Review of the Best Women's Road Bikes
Here is a list of the best women’s road bikes. They are reviewed in detail to give you a comprehensive understanding. So, let’s get started!
Best Overall:
Schwinn Phocus Drop Bar Bicycle
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers find this product offering great value for money. They have expressed satisfaction with the ease of installation. Also, it is lightweight and features a saddle that provides comfort to older aged female riders too.
This model is ideal for beginners as it has all the essential safety features.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a road bike that offers comfort and ease, this is the right pick. It has a lightweight aluminum frame along with a carbon fiber road fork.
It features Shimano 16-speed drivetrain that makes the bike smooth, agile, and responsive. Its narrow, high-pressure tires provide minimal rolling resistance. This makes it one of the best models on the market.
Besides, with this model, your long rides would be fun and exciting. Its advanced features make it possible for you to enjoy long and tiring rides. Considering how easy it is to install, it will be the right choice for beginners too.
Bottom Line
All in all, this product is one of the best since it is lightweight and comfortable, making it ideal for long rides. It offers all the desired features that make for a great road bike. The advanced speed drivetrain feature and braking system surely make it an ideal product.
Runner-up:
Sentuca Aluminum Road Bike
pros
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What Recent Buyers Report
People who bought this product found it to be comfortable and responsive. It is an affordable road bike that offers quality. Its lightweight frame and compact handlebars were loved by all users, especially those using the vehicle for everyday commuting. Reports also suggest that people were happy with the price-to-performance ratio.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Sentuca Aluminum road bike is a lightweight unit that offers ease and comfort. It is best suited for people who are beginners or require a vehicle for daily commuting purposes.
Furthermore, it has a lightweight aluminum frame along with an HCT carbon fork, rendering it durable and reliable. The compact frame geometry and handlebars maximize comfort and efficiency on your rides. These handles bars are also reported to help maintain a good, healthy posture.
It features the Shimano's drivetrain along with mechanical disc brakes, making it suitable for all-weather stopping. So, if you live in a city with unpredictable rain or snow, this unit is the one for you.
Bottom Line
To conclude, the Sentuca Aluminum model offers outstanding features at a fairly reasonable price. This affordable entry-level bike brings powerful performance and speed. Also, its lightweight aluminum frame and other compact accessories offer great comfort and ease.
Best for the Money:
Schwinn Volare S3030
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What Recent Buyers Report
Schwinn S3030 is reported to offer great value for the money. People who used it said that it was easy to assemble. It is great for people who have to commute daily. Many buyers were females, but even male riders reported the vehicle to be one of the most powerful and reliable bikes. People used it on busy roads and reported no issues.
Why it Stands Out to Us
For those looking for a bike that is fast and agile, this model is the answer. With its 14-speed Shimano shifter/brake lever combo, it offers great speed and performance. Also, this affordable product features a lightweight Aluminum frame assisted by light handlebar, stem, and seat post components. This gives you comfort while riding daily.
The responsive shifter/brake lever combo and oversized Schwinn road tires are meant to offer incredible smoothness and safety to your riding experience. Its alloy double-wall rims make the vehicle durable.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this product has all the essential features available at a rather fair price. For female drivers looking for speed, power, and low-maintenance, this unit is your ideal pick. Its 14-speed shifter/brake lever combo, lightweight frame, and other components make it agile and fast.
Best Women’s Road Bike Under $500:
Eurobike EURXC550
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What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers particularly praised this product for the incredible look and exterior. They felt great while riding this bike as it was smooth and powerful. They also found the installation of handlebars, seat, pedals, and front-wheel fairly easy. People report it to provide good value for money since it can be used on most kinds of terrains, especially on hilly and mountainous terrains.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We think that this model is one of the best because it offers great quality at a reasonable price. If you are looking for a stylish and pleasant-looking vehicle, then this would be best for you. It offers smooth riding with efficient gear shifting. You will have to assemble its parts, including handlebars and pedals. However, the detailed instruction that comes with it makes the process very easy.
Moreover, this bike is ideal for beginners. Since it costs less, you can buy it to learn and practice driving before buying an expensive, pro-level one. It comes with a 42T chain wheel, which is less than the standard chain size of 52T or 53T. The larger chain wheel makes the bike go faster.
Hence, this would be the right pick for newbies as a smaller chain wheel would be more suitable for them.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this model is a complete package with all the required features. You can easily install its various components on your own as well, making it perfect for women. If you are tight on budget and need a road bike that offers a smooth ride, then do consider this model.
Best Women’s Road Bike Under $1000:
Royce Union 700c RMX Womens
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What Recent Buyers Report
Royce Union 700c RMX offers superior performance, great comfort, and easy maintenance. People who bought the bike found it easy to handle and maneuver in tight spots due to the light and compact aluminum frame.
Also, with Shimano three-speed twist and Shimano Nexus rear derailleur, users loved the smooth gear shifting. Consequently, it makes it easy to climb up the hills and fun to glide down.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you are looking for a suitable vehicle for challenging terrains or weekend excursions, then Royce Union 700c RMX is there for you. With its superior performance, easy maintenance, and comfort, you would love this bike. It is perfect for climbing steep terrains on hills and mountains. So, for the adventurous women, this unit is perfect.
The lightweight aluminum frame makes it durable and reliable. It also features a front ZOOM suspension fork that makes the ride comfortable, even on rough pavements and minor potholes. The lightweight alloy linear-pull brakes with machined alloy wheel rims give swift stopping power.
Bottom Line
Overall, this product by Royce Union offers outstanding performance requiring minimum maintenance. It is durable and reliable with a lightweight aluminum frame. With this vehicle, you could climb up hills and glide down with ease and comfort.
Best Beginner Road Bike for Women:
SAVADECK Warwinds 3.0 Carbon Road Bike
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What Recent Buyers Report
We saw some highly satisfactory reports backing this product, particularly about its carbon fiber construction. The quality of the product is phenomenal, and it comes at a reasonable price, so beginners also enjoyed buying and using it. They also found it to be a well-designed vehicle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Savadeck Warwinds 3.0 carbon road bike is one of the best when it comes to quality. It comes at a reasonable price with advanced features that make it ideal for beginners.
It features a lightweight carbon fiber frame, fork, and seat post. The carbon fiber construction is truly outstanding, as it adds remarkable durability to the product. Moreover, it features Shimano Sora 2*9 speeds with shifter lever, front derailleur, and a rear derailleur that enables effective and smooth riding. It has complete internal cable routing, ensuring clean airflow throughout the bike.
Another important feature is that it comes with most of its components fully assembled. So, right after the unit is delivered, you can start riding it.
Bottom Line
To conclude, this model offers amazing features to beginners in particular. It is durable, lightweight, and comfortable. Moreover, you do not have to worry about the assembly of the product since it is mostly assembled.
Types of Road Bikes For Women
Road bikes are specifically designed for riding on paved or road surfaces. They are suitable for hilly terrains or long distances. The common features include handlebars, narrow tires, and agile, and efficient riding experience.
However, there are various types of road bikes. Depending upon your need, you could choose which type suits you best. These include:
Endurance/Supportive Bikes
These are lightweight models designed for long-distance rides. They usually have an upright position, focusing on comfort and efficiency.
Race Bikes
Race models include features like aerodynamic frame geometry. They are light, fast, and could be uncomfortable for longer rides. They give more preference to forward momentum; that is, the rider is positioned in a more downward and aerodynamic position on the bike.
Time Trial and Triathlon Bikes
Time trial and Triathlon units are speedy models. The biker stays in a streamlined position due to its aerodynamic shape that is paired with aero bars.
Gravel and Adventure Bikes
As their name suggests, gravel bikes usually feature hard frames, broad tires, disc brakes for increased stopping power, and ample resistance around the tires for mud. It could be said that these models are designed to go off-road, therefore, they have such features.
Touring Bikes
These models are similar to mountain bikes. It features a tough frame, smooth gearing to make climbing easier, a comfortable straight position, and a mudguard.
Men’s Road Bike vs. Road Bike For Women- Comparison Overview
Many companies focus on designing female-specific road bikes. This is done primarily to suit women’s needs and improve comfort on their rides.
Companies who carried out research found out that women’s physical characteristics are different from those of men; therefore, they need women-specific road bikes. For example, women have shorter arms, which means a shorter reach is ideal.
It is observed that companies that design women's specific frame geometry will mainly differ in the frame structure, handlebars, saddles, stems, cranks, and gearing.
Frame Structure
Women’s road bikes have a lower or sloping top tube, allowing a lower standover height. This makes it easier to get on and off.
Shorter Reach to the Handlebar
Models that are designed for women usually have a shorter distance from the saddle to the handlebars. This is to give an upright position to the rider.
Narrower Handlebars
Narrower handlebars are placed in women’s models since they have narrower shoulders.
Seat Shape
Men’s vehicles have a long and narrow seat. However, for longer rides, it could be uncomfortable for women. Therefore, women's bikes have a wider seat that could fit the pelvis and sitting bones comfortably.
Nevertheless, there are unisex/male road bikes that are suitable for women as well. These have features that are suitable for both genders; therefore, many women prefer these. In any case, before buying your road bike, make sure you take a test drive to be sure it is a suitable pick for you.
Royce Union 700c RMX Womens
Sizing a Road Bike For a Woman
Road bikes come in various sizes. They are usually listed in small, medium, and large sizes, in centimeters (e.g., 48cm, 58cm), and inches (e.g., 17in, 19in). Usually, the size of the vehicle is determined by the height of the rider.
Moreover, many companies have their size charts for each vehicle. Therefore, your local shop could help you with the size that suits you best.
If you want your bike to fit you better, there are some tweaks that you can do to make it better. This could be done through the installation of different components.
Purchase a Women’s Specific Saddle
Women often complain about saddle soreness. Consider fitting another saddle according to your comfort. Companies offer trial periods, so you could test it out for yourself.
Modify the Seat Post
You can reverse a set-back seat post that could effectively steepen the seat angle and shorten the bike's reach.
Choose a Narrower Handlebar Width
There could be a wider handlebar. Handlebars with a narrower gauge for road bikes can be considered, which can be more comfortable to grip for smaller hands.
Switch to Shorter Cranks
Shorter cranks can be fitted for people who are smaller in height as it is easier to turn and less stressful on your knees.
Modify the Reach to the Brake
A lot of women face the issue of having to stretch their hands to reach the brake and gear lever on their bikes. It is uncomfortable for the rider. Some road bikes offer adjustable reach; therefore, you could modify the reach to the brake.
Conclusion
Purchasing a woman’s road bike largely depends upon what you require in a bike. Usually, a cyclist would want a comfortable, durable, and reliable road bike. The models reviewed in this article have all the required features that make for a quality road bike at a reasonable price.
All you have to do is choose a product that best aligns with your needs, and you are good to go!
People Also Ask
It is normal to be confused about making your buying decision even after knowing what you need in your road bike. In this section of the article, some commonly asked questions related to women's road bikes are answered.
Is Cycling Good For Ladies?
Cycling regularly for women is a great way to stay physically and mentally fit. It certainly improves overall health, which is beneficial for women in the long run. In addition to improving their fitness, it greatly reduces rates of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and other such health problems.
Can a Woman Ride a Man’s Road Bike?
It depends upon a woman's body shape, whether it fits into a unisex bike or female-specific bike. Some women ride unisex bikes if they fit well. However, the majority of women have a shorter torso and longer legs than men, and narrower shoulders and smaller hands. Therefore, female-specific bikes are usually preferred.
Why Do Women's Bike Seats Have Holes?
Women’s bike seats have holes to allow for a forward rotated pelvic position without exerting excess pressure on soft tissue. It relieves the pressure for sensitive areas. However, if you ride in an upright position, you would not need a saddle with holes.
How Much Should You Spend on a Women's Road Bike?
One of the most important questions when buying a bike relates to how much you should spend and what you will get for the money. The best part is you could find a quality road bike at pretty much any price. The price range could vary between $500 and $2000 for a quality product, depending upon your needs, riding style, and budget.
How to Tell if a Road Bike is For a Woman
Specific parts of a bike indicate whether a vehicle is for a woman or man. A unit that features narrower handlebars, shorter stem, shorter reach to the brake, wider seat, and a lower or sloping top tube is designed to suit women’s shorter torso.
Can a Man Ride a Women's Road Bike?
Many companies researched designing gender-specific units. Women are, on average, shorter than men; therefore, their bikes have shorter stack heights. Moreover, they have shorter torsos; hence, their bikes have shorter reach lengths.
Nevertheless, a woman’s model may fit well to a smaller framed man way better than a men’s bike would and be more comfortable.
How Wide Should Flat Road Bike Bars Be For a Woman?
It is suggested that the width of the handlebar should match shoulder width. Wider bars may give relief to people who suffer from neck pain or hand fatigue. However, handlebar width may affect your aerodynamic drag. The narrower a handlebar, the faster you will go. For instance, if you are riding 44cm bars and would prefer a little more speed, consider moving to 42cm or 40cm bars.
