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Trek Lush 29er Womens

You love nature, adventure, tackling singletrack with friends, seeking new challenges. So does Lush. It's a perfect match.

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I've had this bike for nearly two years, this was my first full suspension bike. This baby has been through so much, I've raced and trained for XC with it for the past two years. I've taken some serious crashes with this bike, and my first instinct has always been to check the bike. My Lush never let me down, the frame is still going strong as well as all of the components. I have not had to have a single repair. The 29" wheel rolls over anything and everything while giving me leverage on climbs. This is a fun bike and I highly recommend.

Weaknesses would have to be none.

good components for the price point, Women Specific Design simply WORKS for a petite woman handling suspension tuned to a woman's weight

slooooow on the flat... but that's not why you bought a full suspension, is it?!

I picked up my Lush S 2013 in Bangkok... which is flat as a pancake. I got a great deal on it (and I already think that it is a great value for the components) because there is really no use for a full suspension bike when you never go down a hill! the S was the only version offered in the store, so I didn't try the SL or regular Lush, but this price point and component level was pretty much what I was in the market for, anyway. I was all excited to try it out, despite the flatness of Bangkok, so I took it out with a local group who rides the trails around the rice paddies outside of town, which turned out to be almost as hard packed as the tarmac roads we took to get to them. I found myself at the tail end of the group the whole time- all of whom were riding hard tails with smooth, skinny tires - which was a bit embarrassing, really. But then I took it home, to Kathmandu... Suddenly I went from the back of the pack to charging up hills, passing the best of our group, and flying down singletrack like I had wings. I felt like Superwoman! The big knobbly tires, which slowed me down on the flat hardpack in Thailand, grip the mud and layered dust of Kathmandu like glue. The plush suspension takes the drops and rocks and ruts like they weren't even there, the derailleurs shift the chain along the 3X10 rings like silk, and the slack overdrive headset steers like a dream. The real difference with this bike, for me, is the geometry. I am 5 foot nothing, with relatively long legs and short arms- kind of a typical woman, really! I ride the 14.5 Lush S, which puts me much closer to the handlebars than my hard tail (also a Trek, but not WSD). The different angle makes my pedal stroke a lot more efficient too, which is how I find myself powering up hills about twice as fast as before, despite the rear suspension. This is also the first bike I've ever owned where I actually have the recommended stand over height! The suspension is also well designed for a lighter woman, making even the front fork significantly more cushy than my HT, while never being in danger of bottoming out- giving me a lot more control, not just a smoother ride. The one thing I'm still getting used to is the totally different center of gravity. While it makes me feel more in control and confident on the downhill, I feel much higher off the ground than on my HT, and therefore a bit tippy. This is particularly true when I'm headed up a short very steep bit of trail- I often feel like i'm going to tip over. This is more a technique issue than anything else, and I'll get used to it soon, but I thought I'd mention it in case other people feel the same way. The steering is also much more sensitive than on my HT, so I had a bit of trouble at first on particularly skinny "half tracks" like those between the Nepali rice paddies (the Thai paddies have tractor roads between them), I felt like I was in danger of accidentally over steering and falling off the track. Again, this is just something to get used to. Finally, it is a bit shallow, but I do have to say I love the color, and I've gotten a TON of complements on it. The powder blue and navy is just striking, and the gold accents are a nice touch! If you want an idea of what kind of riding I do in Kathmandu, look up "colors of Kathmandu" on YouTube.

not carbon! a good value. many frame improvements from the Trek Fuel WSD. handles well with excellent suspension properties. 2012 Lush SL has decent color. decent weight.

oem crankset on the 2012 Lush SL. not compatible with water bottle cages. 2012 color options are hideous (except for Lush SL which is decent) and will not match well with most prospective upgrades that are dominated with red, gold, etc unfortunately, color coordination is a big thing among most ladies

i have researched and tested the Trek Lush Carbon and the Trek Lush SL. I was intending to splurge on my girlfriend who has shown great improvement in mountainbiking. i was also intending to either settle with SLX or XT or maybe XTR For comparison among women's bikes, i have also researched the Specialized Safire Pro, Giant Trance XW, Norco Sight Forma 2 and Forma 3 and the Pivot Mach 5.7 Carbon. The Trek Lush rides very well. Suspension has minimal bob when pedaling but descends very well. Its ABP system works well and allows suspension to remain active even during panic braking. The price value is one of the best and second only to the Norco Sight Forma. Compared to last years model (its predecessor) 2011 Trek Fuel 8 WSD, the Lush has improved with lower standover height and a better riding experience. the Lush has less travel with 120mm compared to the Norco Sight Forma at 140mm and the PC Mach 5.7 carbon at 140/150mm. However my girlfriend is upgrading from a 80-100 fork hardtail so i think the 140 is overkill (at least for now). the difference in travel was therefore inconsequential. The price was great and i really wanted to settle with the Lush. Unfortunately, there were two things that were simply unacceptable in this bike: 1. color. the colors of their bikes are far from attractive and clashes with most upgrades that i wanted to add. for example, i intended to add a better wheelset which had red stripes (as most mtb components have)... with so many other colors the bike starts to look like a rainbow or clown in bad way. although color is not a big issue to me, it was an issue with my sister and my girlfriend and since i was already spending that much money, i wanted a good looking bike. The outgoing 2011 Trek EX 8 WSD (was on sale) looked great but was not the right size. 2. you cannot attach a water bottle cage on it. the bike decision basically came to this. as an avid mountain biker, we go 3-4x a week but each ride is less than 2.5 hours long. most of the female bikers including my sis and girlfriend rarely ride more than 2 hours and would rather use water bottles for non-epic length bike rides. they don't want to wear a sweaty camelback that needs to be washed each week and requires extensive preparation beyond filling a clean water bottle that they could wash in the dishwasher. in the end, no matter how i tried to convince myself about the Lush, it simply didn't cut it. by lowering the standover height (which was already sufficiently low in the previous Fuel EX WSD) they made the frame triangle too small to allow a water bottle cage and thus didn't even try to put bolts/receivers on the downtube. if this was a freeride or downhill bike, i would understand the lack of water bottle cage bolts/receivers but this is a trail bike! nearly went with the Specialized Safire Pro but it looks hideous and the suspension design was not inspiring. i ended up settling with the Pivot Cycles 5.7 Carbon (the aluminum did not allow water bottle cages either) and built it with Shimano XT at competitivecyclist.com. it is a sweet bike although i ended up spending nearly 2x more than i intended to when i was looking at the Trek Lush

smooth ride. easy too handle, corners great,and climbs like crazy! pretty paint job. solid, light,traction is top notch..fits my body correctly and 27 inch stand over.pretty girly looking paint job seems to cleean easy. appears to reject mud.good price was out the door.

none...... just be sure if you move brake levers in for one finger,that the rear brake cable might need slack re dispursed. this is because handle bars are not wide.24" (white grips are no problem they windex back to pure white anytime...)

my hard tail rattled too much so my husband bought me a lush. superb workman ship on this ladie bike. paint job is drk blackish blue with glitter that reflects near dark purple with a hint of gold.lots of laddie ish emblembs and a pink elephant on the back of the frame by the crank and shock. pretty bike. too pretty for a boy to ride. smooth ride and easy to control. i hate to climb but this bike climbs great! love the traction. Im not a hot dog like my husband but with the lush I can at least follow him in style and comfort. we see a lot of fuji and giant and specialized but the TREKS are way better and worth the money. my husband says the LUSH cant mop the floor with any other xc bike out there. I think he is right. I am really a begginner but yesterday we went to palos illinois and peddaled 3 ravines, one day and gravity cavity. ok so i walked 2 of the ravines but the 3rd I did and the Lush handled cornering at one day and I dont even know how to corner yet!!!then we walked up gravity cavity and my husband did the jump with his remedy 7, and then I climbed out of gravity cavity from first jump to top on my LUSH. last but not least the 27 inch stand over is perfect because i am only 5'2". all Lush frame sizes have 27 " standover give a 1/4" or so.I recomend this bike to all wifes because it helps to have a top machine. you dont got to be any good to pedal a LUSH but if you are good you could compete with this bike.

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my husband has a trek remedy 7

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Best Women’s Bikes You Can Get in 2024: Best Road, Mountain, Hybrid, Gravel, and Electric

Image source: Liv Cycling

Cycling has always been a growing trend for a good reason – It’s easy and enjoyable while clearing your mind and getting you in shape like nothing else out there.

We are fortunate to live in a time when bicycle manufacturers are pushing their limits to provide the best quality bikes at more affordable rates than ever before! Buying a bike is a significant investment, and luckily there are plenty of models to choose from for each occasion.

This article guides you through the world of the best women’s bikes available online. We have gathered the most popular and best-selling bikes according to each bike type and price range. Enjoy!

Best Women’s Bicycles in 2024

HYBRID 1. TREK – FX Sport 5 – $1,889 2. CANNONDALE – Quick Disc 2 Women’s – $1,000 3. CO-OP CYCLES – CTY 1.1 Women’s – $549

ROAD 4. TREK – Domane AL 3 Women’s – $1,099 5. CANNONDALE – Synapse Disc 105 Women’s – $1,800 6. ALL CITY – Zig Zag 105 – $2,699

MOUNTAIN 7. CANNONDALE – Trail 5 Women’s – $950 8. DEVINCI – Riff Deore – $999 9. CO-OP CYCLES – DRT 2.1 – $1,299

GRAVEL 10. CO-OP CYCLES – ADV 2.1 – $1,099 11. SALSA – Journeyman Claris 650 – $849 12. CANNONDALE – Topstone Women’s 105 – $1,750

ELECTRIC 13. ELECTRA – Vale Go! 9D EQ – $3,300 14. TREK – Powerfly 5 Women’s – $4,199 15. RAD POWER BIKES – RadRunner 1 – $1,199

Best Hybrid Bikes For Women

Hybrid bikes are popular among female cyclists due to their versatility and ease of use. The concept of a hybrid bike has been engineered for a comfortable and fuzz-free commuting experience. A hybrid is what you get when mixing mountain and road bikes.

Best Hybrid Bikes for Women in 2024: Top Models for Commuting, Fitness, and Leisure

There are a lot of hybrid/city bikes with forks, borrowed from mountain bikes; and narrow wheels & tires borrowed from road bikes. Many cyclists prefer the hybrid due to its upright riding position.

Hybrid Bikes Q & A

• What Is The Best Women’s Hybrid Bike ? Depending on your budget, and how often and where you mainly ride, I’d say each of the bikes listed here are the best in their price range.
• What Is The Most Affordable Hybrid Bike For Women ? Co-op Cycles CTY series has been a trending choice among female cyclists, and their bikes sell out quickly!
• How Much Should I Spend On A Hybrid Bike ? I’d say the bikes that get used once/twice a week by recreational cyclists start from $500. If you are serious about cycling, going for a spin regularly, the $800-$1,000 budget will definitely get you a great bike, which can be upgraded if needed for final preferences.
• Are Hybrid Bikes Good For Long Distance ? As women’s hybrid bikes generally have flat handlebars and 700c sized road bike wheels and tires, they are excellent for 10-40 mile distances. If you are planning to cycle more often on paved roads for longer distances, a road bike offers a better, more performance-driven option for you. It builds up speed effortlessly.
• Mudguard & rack Compatibility ? Check out each bikes’ features for compatibility.

1 . TREK – FX Sport 5

Fastest, most high-tech women’s hybrid bike

Don’t let the sleek crystal white finish on this bike give you the idea that it’s merely just the most beautiful-looking hybrid bike you’ve seen so far! FX Sport 5 is the latest and greatest women’s hybrid bike.

It is placed as number one in this article for a good reason – there’s simply nothing to add or remove to make it perfect! Trek had set the bar when they were designing this higher-end city bike for female cyclists. It’s a strong choice among commuters who expect only the best in their bike rides.

Sure, nearly $2,000 is a lot of money, but this Trek hybrid women’s bike is worth it when you seriously value your time commuting. The only thing to keep an eye on with this bike in the long run, besides regular maintenance, is the carbon frame .

The best feature of lightweight carbon fiber is also its weakest. This means you have to be careful not to drop it, or excessively stress the frame. 

Buy from Trekbikes.com

2 . CO-OP CYCLES – CTY 1.1 Women’s Step-Through

Best-selling commuter bike for women by Co-op bikes!

MSRP:   $549

The CTY 1.1 women’s hybrid bike has the best value for money on this list. It’s no surprise it has the most ratings and feedback on REI.com. When cycling is not (yet) your primary hobby, but you still want to get the best bang for your buck – this all-around hybrid is THE choice for you.

It’s got all the basics that an occasional cyclist expects. It’s the best women’s hybrid bike due to its ease of use and affordability. The only thing to consider is that it’s got road bike wheels and Presta valves, which differ from widely used Schnaider valves (the ones used on cars as well). That means you have to get a decent floor pump.

Buy from REI.com

3 . CANNONDALE – Quick Disc 2 Women’s Bike – 2020

For someone who enjoys a workout and relaxed cruising

Best for recreational cycling

MSRP:   $1,000

This lightweight yet ultra-durable women’s Quick Disc 2 by Cannondale is the best women’s hybrid bike in its mid-range price category! There are plenty of gears, stopping power, and many more features that a recreational cyclist could ask for.

Cannondale women’s hybrid bikes have always been a popular choice among well-known bike stores because they look good and over-perform their value!

The wide variety of gears allows you to choose your ideal pace. Rack and fender mounts offer versatility and add a lot of value to the bike. The full carbon fork makes the steering light and your ride more sporty.

I strongly recommend this bike if you value excellent engineering, and expect your bike to perform like a $1,000 hybrid bike should.

Best Women’s Road Bikes

Road bikes are for those who have the ultimate performance, speed, and training in mind. Also, they’re the quickest way to take your bike rides to a different level on paved roads.

Best Road Bikes for Women

Women’s road bike q & a.

• What is the best women’s road bike for a beginner ? The Co-op Cycles ADV series bikes have a wide variety of models and great set-ups from beginner and intermediate riders!
• Are road bikes difficult for beginners ? If you have some cycling experience, road biking can be a little difficult to learn in the beginning, but once you get used to it, there’s no turning back!
• What are the best women’s road bikes ? Trek, Giant, Co-Op Cycles, and many more. If you have a certain brand in your mind, go check out our Best bike brands article to find out more about it.

4 . TREK – Domane AL 3 Women’s

Best women’s bike for beginners

Best for training purposes

MSRP: $1,099

The Domane AL 3 women’s road bike is an excellent entry-level road bike with more than a decent set of components. Bontrager ; rims, tires, stem, handlebar and saddle post, Domane carbon fork, and much more give you a glimpse into the world of road-biking.

Plus, this bike comes all equipped, ready to ride – you don’t need to get another pair of cycling shoes and clip pedals. The bike itself weighs under 10kgs/22 lbs which is something to look for in a decent, aluminum frame road bike! 

As you can also see from the main features, there are plenty of extras that can be added to the bike to make it more versatile. It’s an awesome entry-level bike road bike for beginner to intermediate women cyclists!

5 . CANNONDALE – Synapse Disc 105 Women’s

Stiff build with plenty of comfort for fast rides!

MSRP:   $1,800

Do you have enough experience as a cyclist to tell the difference between bikes that perform well according to your input, but still haven’t found the best set-up for yourself? Well, have you ever tried the combination of Cannondale and Shimano 105?

It’s a legendary combination in the road bike industry that’s hard to compete with. We strongly recommend considering this as your next road bike if you value the tradition and you’re looking for a bike that’s got more torque than you can ask for.

6 . ALL CITY – Zig Zag Ultegra

MSRP:   $4,449

A great alternative to other leading brands out there. The Zig Zag by All-City bikes has all you need to start competing or for taking your performance to the next level. It is super lightweight and durable, which makes it perfect for steep climbs and long descents.

The more great news is that the Zig Zag bike will be shipped to your door for free, and ready to ride – there’s no installation needed, and pedals are included too! The brand All-City might not have come across your eyes or ears so far, but this one is a super solid build with a good mid-range set-up.

Whether you like riding a road bike solely for training purposes, or you’re thinking of competing sometime soon, the Zig Zag Ultegra is built for both.

Buy from JensonUSA.com

Best Women’s Mountain Bikes

MOUNTAIN BIKE (MTB) – A bicycle that’s built to go places, widely used as a comfortable allrounder from city streets to narrow trails. The larger tire/wheel size and fork travel make riding on unpaved roads super smooth and enjoyable.

Best Women’s Mountain Bikes of 2024: Top Choices in All MTB Disciplines

There’s plenty of traction provided by large and knobby tires, and the overall durability of the frame and components are something you won’t need to worry about.

7 . CANNONDALE – Trail 5 Women’s

Best beginners mountain bike for women

MSRP:   $950

• 1×10 microSHIFT Advent X drivetrain
• Tektro M275 Hydraulic disc brakes
• Weight: 32 lbs

This Cannondale women’s mountain bike is a great mid-entry choice for beginners, made by a brand that sure knows how to build bikes – 50 years and counting! The Trail 5 has all the essentials you could ask for at that price range.

It’s got a lockable suspension , which is great when riding on flat paved roads. Either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels are used to tackle larger obstacles effortlessly, and the hydraulic disc brakes that offer plenty of stopping power!

It’s by far the best in its price range. By the way, Cannondale women’s mountain bikes are currently among the best-selling bikes online next to Co-op bikes.

8 . DEVINCI – Riff Deore 10S

MSRP:   $999

• 10-speed Shimano Deore
• SR Suntour XCR Air, 100mm
• Aluminum Optimum G02 frame

Best for cross-country and light trails – The Riff 10S Deore is one of the best bikes to get at this price range. Devinc i knows how create mountain bikes, and here is their mid-entry level mountain bike in nice glossy white color.

Why did we mention that? It is because white bikes are not as common to come by, and it definitely catches an eye where mountain bikes for recreational cyclists are scarce during this pandemic.

The level of components is best-suited for a recreational cyclist who wishes to explore gravel, urban and hilly terrains. Is it a good first mountain bike? Yes, even more than that.

MT200 hydro disc brakes and V2 Comp wheels make you feel safe and secure, and the 29×2.4″ tires work wonders cycling on uneven trails. There’s nothing to add or remove about the bike, and price is matched well above its price tag!

9 . CO-OP CYCLES – DRT 2.1

Most advanced on the DRT range!

Best for trail mountain biking

MSRP:   $1,299

If that list of features didn’t light a spark under your adventurous side – I recommend rechecking the price tag! The DRT 2.1 is a mid-range hardtail mountain bike that feels more at home on rougher terrains than you could probably imagine.

The frame and the bike are super durable while giving you all the possibilities of making your ride smoother and more comfortable on technical sections. A must-consider women’s mountain bike when you haven’t found one yet. Co-op bicycles are a rising trend, and many of their bikes sell out quickly!

Best Women’s Gravel Bikes

GRAVEL BIKE – A new type of bike that’s been trending for a good reason. Its best field of use is 70% on the road and 30% off the road , which makes it the most versatile bicycle type on this list! These bikes provide excellent comfort and durability on less-traveled roads.

Best Women’s Gravel Bikes of 2024: From Beginner to Advanced Riders

And, they do it with proper speed! Check out the three best-selling women’s gravel bikes below to find yourself the most suitable one!

10 . CO-OP CYCLES – ADV 2.1

Best Women’s Gravel Bike!

Best for gravel and bikepacking

MSRP:   $1,099

Our favorite on the list, the newcomer Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 women’s gravel bike features the best components in its price range. Whenever increasing your budget over the 1000-dollar line, you can rest assured of its reliability.

This is especially so when it comes to Co-op bicycles, which stand out for their top value . This bike has enough to satisfy the needs of beginner to intermediate cyclists who want the best bang for their buck.

11 . SALSA – Journeyman Claris 650 Bike

The cheapest women’s gravel bike with the flashiest of designs on the list!

MSRP:   $849

The Journeyman Claris 650 has combined a wide range of uses into a single women’s gravel bike under the 1000 dollar mark! It’s equipped with the essential components for recreational cycling.

If you’ve been looking for a bike that has the speed of a road bike while being able to tackle lighter trails , this Salsa Women’s gravel bike gives you all of that, at the best possible price! The only con about this bike is that it doesn’t come with a pair of pedals.

It’s up to your personal preferences whether you go for the standard platform pedals or use your existing clip-on ones.

12 . CANNONDALE – Topstone Women’s 105

Light and lively – yet smooth and snappy

MSRP:   $1,750

A higher-end women’s gravel bike that’s best for going fast on less-traveled roads.

It’s tough enough to build up speed on the roads while being perfectly capable of taking a beating on unpredictable trails. The price to quality ratio is well matched, and you can trust your money with Cannondale’s engineering.

It’s the best women’s gravel bike on this list for a good reason – the 105 groupsets with tubeless wheels & tires are a must-have in the gravel bike category! Besides the performance aspect, the bike is perfect for bike-touring due to its multiple bottle-cage, rack, and fender mounts!

Best Women’s Electric Bikes (E-Bikes)

Electric bikes don’t need any introduction or reason to bike – they are simply the next level of commuting possibilities. They save you from sweating while speeding up your time spent commuting. Many cyclists choose to get an E-bike because of a previous injury, or they live in a hilly area.

Best Step-Through Electric Bikes for Urban Rides and Commutes

What to look for when choosing an electric bike ? The main difference that builds up the price is the size and quality of the battery. All of the bikes below come with a removable battery, making it easy for charging and a great option from a safety perspective as well.

• Pricier electric bikes have stronger components such as SRAM, Bontrager, Bosch, Hydraulic disc brakes, large and powerful batteries with a long-range and shorter charging time.
• Cheaper electric bikes have no suspension, longer charging time, and a basic, simple set-up.

13 . ELECTRA – Vale Go! 9D EQ

Comfortable and versatile women’s E-bike for light cruising or fast commuting in the city!

MSRP: $3,300

Charge Time : 3.25hours / Range : 60mi (96,5km) / Top Speed : 20mp/h-32km/h with pedal assist (PAS)

 Fully integrated motor in a step-through frame, Bosch Kiox screen displays Bluetooth connectivity, speed-, performance-, battery rating, and much more. An integrated rack carrier frame makes it a perfect women’s city e-bike where you can also load the racks .

Electric bikes are the future. If you haven’t considered getting one just yet, consider that its geometry is designed for cruising and commuting. It’s for cyclists who use their bikes recreationally and want their bikes to last and perform well. By the way, Electra’s women’s electric bikes start as low as $1,500, so check out their website for more affordable options!

• Best for : Streets to light trails
• Main Features : 6061-T6 Aluminium Frame / BOSCH Active Line Plus Motor (Lockable&removable) / BOSCH Kiox Display / TEKTRO hydraulic disc brakes / SHIMANO Alivio 9-speed Derailleur / SCHWALBE Super Moto X-Tires with puncture-resistant Kevlar, suspension seat post.
• Main Specs : E -Bike Classification: Class 1: pedal assist / Weight: 54 pounds-25kg

14 . TREK – Powerfly 5 Women’s

Highly capable and durable women’s electric mountain bike

MSRP:   $4,199

This is THE bike if you are looking for an ultra-durable women’s electric mountain bike for trail riding. The Powerfly 5 comes in three sizes. The XS/S model comes with 27,5″ wheels and 100mm fork travel, while the Medium size bike comes with 29″ wheels on RockShox Recol 120mm travel forks.

The bike weighs about 48lbs (22kgs), but it’s built for rough terrains and can hold up a 300 pound/136kg rider! Now that’s something you can rely on. The bike is made by Trek , and this model is equipped with the latest and greatest you can ask for in a women’s electric bike.

You can easily push this bike through rugged terrain, up and down hills, and not worry about anything falling apart.

15 . RAD POWER BIKES – RadRunner 1

The cheapest women’s electric bike on this list!

Up to 45+ Miles per Charge (estimate), 48V

MSRP:   $1,199

By far the best entry-level women’s E-bike by a known brand that specializes in making electric bikes only! The RadRunner 1 is your perfect companion for light rides to longer commutes. It’s got a lot to offer when it comes to versatility, ease of use, and comfort!

Rad Power Bikes Brand Review: All You Need to Know

No need to look any further when you don’t want to go over your budget, but you still want a beautiful-looking and high-performing e-bike!

Buy from RadPowerBikes.com

Women’s Bikes Buying Guide

Getting a new bike is a process that can be either fun or frustrating. If the last time you rode a bike was a few odd years ago, you have probably noticed that a lot has changed during that time. New bikes are more affordable, comfortable, and durable than ever before. And let’s not forget that women’s bicycles have become very nice looking too!

Second-Hand Bike vs New Bike

Buying a second-hand bike off Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist solely based on its look is a risky option when you don’t know too much about what to look for in a bike. It’s far too easy to overpay for a bike that’s not safe to ride, unmaintained has the wrong frame size, or the bike is designed for an entirely different purpose than what you are looking for.

Of course, low-hanging fruit is available as well, and you might get lucky!

I strongly recommend buying a bike that is made by a known brand. New bikes come with a warranty , and you also save a fair amount of money when ordering online! Plus, the choice is far more comprehensive on the web than at your local store.

Follow the guidelines below to get yourself the best match available!

How Much to Spend?

Since the biking industry is uber-competitive and the bikes listed here are amongst the popular ones – you don’t need to worry about getting ripped off. Below you’ll get a brief overview of what to expect within a specific price range:

How much to pay for a women’s bicycle in 2024?

• ENTRY $400-$600 – Gets you a nice all-rounder hybrid bike. They are generally equipped with essential components that are suitable for beginner cyclists.
• MID /Entry $600-$1,000 – Decent hybrid bikes, great MTB’s come into play. Cheaper road bikes are available in this price range! 
• MID -Range $1,000-$1,500 – Can get you a proper hybrid, MTB or a road bike. Entry-level electric bikes become an option.
• TOP -Range – $1,500+ Gets you a great road-, mountain-, gravel- or hybrid bike. This is also where the mid-range electric bikes come along.

1. Men’s vs Women’s Bikes

The main difference is that a women’s bike has a “step-through” frame shape, while men’s bikes have quite a horizontal top tube. Depending on the frame size and bike type, the size of wheels can differ as well from the men’s 29″ wheels to 26″ and 27,5″ on women’s bikes.

There are plenty of unisex bikes available, and one which comes to my mind FIRST is Co-op Cycles , who have mastered the art of making these bikes.

2. What Is The Best Bike For A Woman?

For recreational cyclists, the classical step-through design is widely preferred for comfort. However, women can certainly ride all step-over bikes as well. Most manufacturers are now only making unisex models, so women shouldn’t feel limited to women-specific bikes only when looking for a new bicycle.

3. Do I Need A Helmet?

Sorry for being blunt, but I find it reasonable that riding without a helmet is fined in Australia ($150AUD), no questions asked. I used to ride without one until my mid 20’s, which didn’t bother me much. But once I started wearing one and realized the importance and safety of that little piece of plastic – it’s simply priceless. ALWAYS wear a helmet, and do it correctly!

By wearing a helmet, you are a role model for those who haven’t realized the importance yet!

4. What Cycling Gear Do I Need?

If you get your bike regularly maintained in a bike shop, which is not a bad idea, you just need a bicycle pump, a helmet, and comfortable clothing. In addition to that, you can also consider getting a spare tube, a multi-tool, cycling gloves, and a set of front and rear lights.

5. What are the basics I need to know?

• Keep your bike maintained
• Check your tire pressures before heading out
• Bring water with you to keep hydrated

6. What tire pressure to use?

The recommended tire pressure is written on the sidewall of your tires. Finding the perfect tire pressure takes some trial and error because it is also influenced by your weight and your style of riding. If you want more comfort, deflate your tires slightly, or inflate them more if you aim for more speed.

7. What are the basics that beginner cyclists fail at?

Number one: Not keeping your tires inflated to the recommended pressure. Number Two: Beginners leave their bike unattended/unlocked, which can get your bike stolen. So, invest in a proper lock!

8. Is cycling dangerous?

Depending on your skill level and where you’ll be riding the most – a bike ride is as safe as you make it. As a beginner cyclist, you’ll want to avoid busy roads and difficult trails at first.

9. Can I cycle during the rain?

With proper clothing and mudguards – Cycling through mild rain can be an awesome experience. Although, it is best to keep the chain lubricated so that the water won’t start to rust the metal.

10. What are the differences between cheap and expensive bikes?

• FRAME : Carbon vs alloy vs steel. Carbon has better shock-absorption qualities and weighs a lot less than steel/alloy frames. Alloy frames are cheaper to make and repair if needed, while carbon is mostly unrepairable. Carbon used on newer bikes is way stronger than it used to be 5-10 years ago!
• BRAKES : Hydraulic vs Mechanical brakes. Most cheaper bikes are equipped with “old-school” brakes, where the linkage between the brake pads and the brake lever is connected via cable. More advanced bikes have hydraulic brakes, which use mineral oil for more accurate and smoother braking.
• COMPONENTS : The quality of the rims, cogs, derailleurs, shifters, forks, and hubs make a big difference when it comes to overall quality.

11. Why Order A Bike Online?

Easy, more options, cheaper, plenty of time to make up your mind .

All bicycles sold at REI include a free tune-up. New bikes go through a standard break-in period, after which readjustment is essential for longevity and performance. Bring your new bike into your local REI for its free tune-up within 20 hours of use or six months from purchase, whichever comes first.

 Note: Bikes shipped to your home require some assembly upon delivery. Instructions and tools are included.

12. What is the selection based on?

We took a compromised selection between affordability and popularity when choosing those bikes to the list.

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About the Author

Sam Millers

3 thoughts on “ best women’s bikes you can get in 2024: best road, mountain, hybrid, gravel, and electric ”.

Hi there, My girlfriend has a bike and while cycling her legs stretch a lot. can you suggest one under 1000$? was thinking to gift her a new bike. but here good bikes have high price tags on them. It will be a great help for me. We like cycling and get out now and then with our bikes. but while reaching our destination we can’t enjoy the scenery as her legs become so stretched. if you can please let me know. thanks.

What kind of bike are you after – A city hybrid, mountain or trekking bike? And what do you exatcly mean by stretching?

I’d also recommend looking into our “ Between Two Bike Sizes article ” to find out if she has picked the right size for her.

I love to ride had back and shoulder surgery 2018 and 2019. Sold my bikes because I have a hard time getting my leg over top tube. Look at step-through bikes. No more tri for me just like stay in shape. Have any recommendations

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10 Best Womens Bikes for All Styles of Riding

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.

Best Womens Bikes

What style of womens bike is best for me.

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 .

Women’s BIke STYLES – DETAILS AND EXPERIENCE

JUMP DOWN TO DESIRED BIKE STYLE SECTION: 1. Hybrid Bikes – Best for average to longer distance paved riding 2. Comfort and Cruiser Bikes – Best for shorter distances on paved trails 3. Recreational Mountain Bikes – Best for basic dirt trail use or mixed use 4. E-Bikes – Various models available to match all types of riding

Women’s Hybrid Bikes

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 ).

Distinguishing Features of Hybrid Bikes:

• HANDLEBARS : Hybrid bikes have flat, mostly straight handlebars that can vary in height and width. Hybrid handlebars typically aren’t as wide as those on a mountain bike or as narrow as those found on road bikes, but rather a comfortable in-between.
• BODY POSITION : Riders are positioned in a semi-upright position. The rider’s torso is more leaned-in than on a comfort/cruiser bike, but much more upright than on a road bike. This semi-upright position places the rider in the optimal position for getting the most power out of each pedal stroke. As a result, they are typically much more efficient for use with a child bike seat or trailer as compared to a comfort or cruiser bike.
• WHEELS AND TIRES : Like road bikes, hybrid bike tires are thinner and run at higher air pressures to minimize the rolling resistance between the tire and the pavement. As a result, hybrid bikes are fast and efficient on paved surfaces but don’t offer much cushioning compared to the tires on recreational mountain bikes.
• SUSPENSION FORK : With minimal cushioning provide by hybrid tires, suspension forks help minimize the bumps and jolts if you’ll be riding on rough paved roads or gravel and dirt trails.
• GEARS : Gears can range from 3 to 27. The number of gears you need really depends on how varied the elevation where you ride. The more steep uphills and downhills you encounter, the more gears you will need. The average rider, however, typically does just fine with 3 to 10 gears.
• BIKE TRAILERS and CHILD BIKE SEATS : Of all the bike styles on this list, women’s hybrid bikes are generally your best option if you plan on pulling a bike trailer or using a child bike seat in the city.

Decathlon Btwin Riverside

Best on a Budget

MSRP : $199 (close-out sale price) HEIGHT RANGE: 3 sizes, for heights ranging from 4’11” – 6’1 BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE : Front frame, rear frame, rear rack SUSPENSION FORK: On upgraded Riverside 500

The Btwin Riverside is a rare find in the budget bike world as it offers real quality and comfort without breaking the bank. From responsive shifting to quick braking, we were honestly shocked at the value and performance of this $300 bike (now on sale for under $200!).

As part of our tests, we put the Riverside to work with several different front and rear-mounted child bike seats and we are pleased to report that it didn’t skip a beat. If your young family is looking for a quality bike on a budget to start getting out the kids, you can’t go wrong with the Riverside.

WHAT WE LOVE :

• Quality build and a comfortable ride for an unbeatable price
• Available in three different sizes to fit a very wide range of heights (4’11” to 6’1″)
• Compatible with rear racks, as well as front and rear-mounted child bike seats
• Standard lifetime warranty on frame, stem, handlebar and rigid fork

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY:

• Thinner “hybrid tires” roll smooth on the pavement, but offer less cushioning than wider tires on other bikes
• Limited color selection – only Black is available on the base model
• Only available online, so you won’t be able to try it before you buy it
• Bikes are returnable through Decathlon, but return shipping expenses will be deducted from your return (common with many bikes)
• Riverside 100 has grip shifters, while the Riverside 500 and 900 have trigger shifters (as well as additional gears)

AVAILABLE MODELS:

• Riverside 100 ($199): (Model we tested) Great for around town on paved surfaces. 6-speeds.
• Riverside 500 ($279): Improved comfort and gearing for all-terrain riding. Jumps up to 9-speeds, has suspension fork.
• Riverside 900 ($400): Lighter-weight build and additional gearing for more aggressive riders. 10-speeds, aluminum frame (others have steel).

Polygon Path 2

Best for flat and hilly areas

MSRP : $599 (but often on sale for $399) HEIGHT RANGE: 4 sizes, S – XL BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE : Front frame, rear frame, rear rack SUSPENSION FORK: No

Polygon Bikes may not be a brand you’re familiar with, but they have become increasingly popular in the United States in the past few years. Because the brand owns its own factories, it’s able to save costs in the bike manufacturing and supply chain process, and those savings result in some pretty bang-for-your-buck price tags.

We have tested almost a dozen Polygon bikes and we are always impressed with the quality they offer for the price. The Polygon Path 2 features solid quality components, a light weight aluminum frame, and easy-rolling Vee Speedster tires for a smooth ride.

That said, based on our experience with this particular bike, the Path 2 will likely require a bike shop tune-up before you ride. While it’s easy enough to put together, we had to make many tweaks to the brakes and drivetrain before it was in riding shape. If you’re not familiar with bikes, a bike shop would need to do this for you.

• The Path 2 has a very wide gearing range, which makes it super versatile for easily climbing hills, while also allowing you to gain speed on the way down. The gearing range (between high and low gears) covers basically every situation you’ll find yourself in.
• Trigger shifters allow for faster and smoother shifting between gears
• This bike is very lightweight, and would be a good option if you need to regularly carry your bike upstairs.
• Available in four different sizes to fit a very wide range of heights
• With mechanical disc brakes, we would expect more stopping power. Don’t expect to be able to “stop on a dime”.
• Thinner “hybrid tires” roll very smoothly on the pavement, but don’t offer much cushioning for bumpy roads.
• Limited color selection – only blue is available on the Path 2. Path 3 available in black/grey.
• Only available online, so you won’t be able to try it before you buy it.
• Polygon Path 2 ($599): Model we tested, 24-speeds.
• Polygon Path 3 ($649): Hydraulic disc brakes for faster and easier braking, upgraded drivetrain for smoother shifting. 27-speeds.

Priority Turi

Maintenance-free Belt Drive and High-End Enviolo Gearing

MSRP : $949 SIZING: 3 sizes, for heights 5’0 – 6’1 BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not without special hub adapter CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE : Front frame, rear rack SUSPENSION 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.

• While many Priority bikes come with gearing options (1, 3, or 7), the Turi only comes with the Enviolo gearing system. Its gearing range (between the lowest and highest gear) is wider than most other Priority bikes, making it a better option for riding in areas with hills. (That said, if hills will regularly be part of your riding, a wider gearing range like on the Polygon Path 2 would be a better experience.)
• Hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power, even in wet weather conditions.
• Dual leg kickstand is significantly more stable than a traditional bike stand
• Thin “hybrid tires” roll fast and smooth on the pavement, but offer less cushioning than wider tires on bikes like the Priority Coast (which also has an Enviolo gearing option)
• Due to the Enviolo rear hub, the Turi is a bit heavier than other models. If you need to carry the bike upstairs regularly, you might want to look at the Priority Classic or Coast instead.
• If you want to use a rear child bike seat, the Axiom rack sold on Priority’s website is compatible. The 174Hudson Rack is more affordable, but with a 35 lb. weight capacity, should only be used with panniers or baskets.
• We highly recommend trying one of the 174Hudson pannier bags with a rack. From storing our bike lock to snacks and a laptop, it’s been a pleasant convenience.

Priority Classic Plus – Gotham

Maintenance-free Belt Drive and Simplified 3-speed shifting

MSRP : $599 SIZING: 3 sizes, for inseams ranging from 26″ – 36″ BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not without special hub adapter CHILD 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.

• Grease-free belt drive requires very little, if any, maintenance. Most bikes have a bike chain set up, which is significantly more finicky and more likely to get damaged and need fixing.
• 3 speeds keep shifting super simple, while still giving you the flexibility to climb moderate hills or race the flat roads.
• Very lightweight, which makes a huge difference when going up hills, carrying kids, or riding longer distances
• Offered in both a women’s step-through and men’s diamond frame. Choose according to your preference or height restrictions.
• Due to the internally geared rear hub, a special adapter is required for bike trailers.
• If you want to carry a rear child bike seat on the women’s model, you must also purchase a rack and buy a rack-mounted child bike seat . The men’s diamond frame is compatible with both rack and frame-mounted rear child bike seats.
• Priority Classic Plus – Gotham ($599): Great for around town or longer distances on paved surfaces. Ideal for carrying kids on child bike seats.
• Priority Classic Plus ($599): Swept-back handlebars put a rider in an upright position, and wider cushioned saddle put this model in the women’s comfort bike category. It’s not as ideal for carrying kids on child bike seats, although you certainly can (we’ve done it!).

REI Co-Op Cycles CTY 1.1

REI Guarantee and Service

MSRP : $599 SIZING: 3 sizes, for heights ranging from 5’0 to 5’9 BIKE 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.

• Order online, pick up assembled in your local REI store
• Free adjustments and basic maintenance for a year, including brake and derailleur adjustments and chain lubing (for anyone, not just REI members)
• Easy returns or exchanges at your local store
• If you’re an REI member, the REI mechanics will fix any flat for free (forever)!
• Lightweight, aluminum frame
• Rear Shimano Altus derailleur shifts easily and smoothly
• 24 gears cover a wide range and trigger shifters shift smoothly, but might take a little getting used to
• The handlebars and stem on the CTY are a bit lower and flatter than other women’s hybrid bikes. This will work great for many women, but if you find yourself leaning too far forward, you can have your local REI put on a riser stem to put you a little more upright. (This is about $40.)
• If you’re looking to use a bike trailer, you’ll need a longer rear axle skewer to be able to attach the trailer hitch. After ordering online, simply call the store and request a longer skewer when they assemble the bike.
• Available in diamond or step-thru frame styles
• Co-Op Cycles CTY 2.1 ($799) The CTY 2.1 offers some solid upgrades. With front suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, and an upgraded drivetrain, the 2.1 is a great option for bumpier roads, has more stopping power, and also has smoother and easier shifting.

Cannondale Quick CX 4 Women’s Bike

Quality Hybrid Bike with Suspension

NOTE: The Cannondale Quick CX4, as described below, has been discontinued. The links in this article are now for the Quick 4, which does not have a suspension fork.

MSRP : $735+ SIZING: 4 sizes, for heights 4’10” to 5’10” 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.

• Rides incredibly smooth on paved surfaces. Pedal strokes feel quick and efficient as the bike easily climbs up mild ascents and glides down hills.
• Included tires have slight knobs that make them more suitable for mild gravel or compact dirt trails than smoother tires found on other hybrid bikes
• Trigger shifters are responsive and easy to use
• Women’s step-through version is available in 3 different frame sizes and the standard version has 4 frame sizes
• Front suspension fork helps smooth out the bumps and rocks along the way
• Available at REI, so you can order online and pick it up already assembled and tuned for no extra charge. Returns are just as easy!
• If purchased at REI, free adjustments and basic maintenance are free of charge for a year!
• The lower the CX model number (i.e. CX 1, 2), the higher the component quality (suspension fork, brakes, drivetrain) and the more expensive the bike
• Water bottle mounts on seat tube can prevent smaller models from being compatible with frame-mounted rear bike seats
• All CX models come with the same tires that are suitable on varied smooth terrains (paved to compact dirt trails)
• Standard models (diamond frame) tend to fit more rear bike seats than the women’s step-through models
• Cannondale Quick CX 4 ($725): 63 mm coil fork, 3×7 Shimano Tourney drivetrain, mechanical disc brakes
• Cannondale Quick CX 3 ($900): 63 mm coil fork, 2×8 Shimano Acera and Tourney drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes
• Cannondale Quick CX 2 ($1,150): 63 mm coil fork with lockout, 2×9 Shimano Acera and Alivio drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes

Womens Cruiser Bikes and Comfort Bikes

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:

Distinguishing Features of Cruiser Bikes for Women

• HANDLEBARS: Comfort and cruiser bikes generally have swept-back handlebars. This style of handlebar allows a rider to sit up straight.
• BODY POSITION : Upright, with back straight. Many casual riders prefer to sit upright, instead of leaning forward to grasp the handlebars. This is personal preference, but is very comfortable for leisurely riding.
• WHEELS AND TIRES : Tires have smooth street tread, but their width does vary. Wider tires are considered the most cruiser style as they offer more cushioning than narrower tires.
• SADDLE : Wide, cushioning saddles cradle your bum and prevent “saddle soreness” that often comes with standard bike saddles that are more narrow. These wide saddles also often come with springs for light suspension that are more aesthetic than truly cushioning.
• BIKE TRAILERS and CHILD BIKE SEATS : Many cruiser and comfort bikes are compatible with bike trailers and child bike seats. However, because of the adult rider’s upright body position, pedaling is less efficient and generally more tiring, especially when hauling a child with your bike. For hauling kids longer distances or in hilly areas, we highly recommend a hybrid bike instead.
• For even more options, check out our article 7 Best Beach Cruisers and Cruiser Bikes .

Retrospec Chatham Step-Through Beach Cruiser

Single Speed, 3-Speed, or 7-Speed on a Budget

MSRP : $279 – $379 SIZING: One size, for women 5’0″ to 6’0″ BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not recommended with a coaster brake only models CHILD 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.

• Low price, low maintenance
• Single speed option keeps it simple for casual riding, and requires less maintenance over the long run
• 7-speed options are more versatile for riding in hilly areas, and also feature more powerful hand brakes
• Dual v-brakes offer solid stopping power, and are better than the brakes of some significantly more expensive cruiser bikes that only have pivot-style brakes
• Wider tires are more cushioning than the thinner tires of other women’s cruiser bikes we tested
• So many fun color options
• Most Retrospec Chatham models are offered in standard or “Plus”. The Plus models are a tad more expensive, but offer slightly upgraded parts. The biggest differences are that the Plus models have frames made from aluminum (vs. steel), which is more lightweight and rust-proof. Additionally, the Plus models have wider BigWave tires which add a bit more cushioning to your ride. The difference in cushioning was noticeable to us.
• If you are using your beach cruiser near an actual beach, the aluminum frame (and some components) of the Plus models are a better option to prevent rusting. (Although there are still some components that can rust.)
• We don’t recommend using a bike trailer or child bike seat with a bike that only has a coaster brake (single speed and 3 speed). The added stopping power needed when hauling kids is a bit much for a single coaster brake.
• Bikes with only coaster brakes and no handbrakes are cheaper, but harder to control your speed as you have to pedal backwards to slow down
• Assembly for 7-speed model is more involved than more expensive bikes on this list, and may require help from a bike shop
• Chatham Single Speed ($279): Steel frame, 1 gear, coaster brake
• Chatham Plus Single Speed ($319): Lighter-weight aluminum frame, 1 gear, coaster brake
• Chatham 3-speed ($349): Internally-geared 3-speed hub (no finicky derailleur), coaster brake
• Chatham 7-speed ($349): Steel frame, 7 gears, dual handbrakes
• Chatham Plus 7-speed ($379): Lighter-weight aluminum frame, 7 gears, dual handbrakes

Priority Classic Plus

MSRP : $599 SIZING: 3 sizes, for inseams ranging from 26″ – 36″ BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Requires special hub adapter CHILD 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.

• If you don’t know much about bikes, bike maintenance can be a huge pain. The Priority Classic Plus’ grease-free belt drive and internally geared hub require very little, if any, maintenance. Most bikes have a chain drive and derailleur, which make the bike much more likely to end up in the bike shop.
• Assembly is streamlined and straightforward.
• If you want to carry a rear child bike seat on the women’s cruiser model (step-thru frame), you must also purchase a rack and buy a rack-mounted child bike seat. The diamond frame is compatible with both rack and frame-mounted rear child bike seats.
• Priority Classic Plus : With sweptback handlebars, an upright body position, and wider cushioning saddle, the Classic Plus is a true comfort/cruiser bike.
• Priority Classic Plus – Gotham : This women’s hybrid bike has straighter, flatter handlebars that allow a rider to lean forward while riding. It is easier to climb hills or gain higher speeds if you can lean in.
• Priority Coast : With more traditional beach cruiser styling and rust-fighting components.

Electra Townie 7D

Flat Foot Technology for Worry-free Cruising

MSRP : $630 SIZING: One size, for 4’11” – 6’0″ CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE : Front frame, rear rack (but not ideal for either) FULL REVIEW : Electra Townie vs. Electra Cruiser

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.

• Flat-foot technology is the top reason to choose this women’s cruiser bike. We were surprised just how comfortable it was and how much we loved being able to stop and start with our feet flat on the ground!
• 7 speeds gives you much more flexibility in climbing hills than most women’s cruiser bikes with just one speed
• 2″ wide tires are wider than others on this list, and add to a feeling of stability and cushioning
• Tons of fun color options
• The Townie has dual handbrakes and no coaster brake. Many women’s cruiser bikes have coaster brakes, but this isn’t one of them! Coaster brakes require less maintenance, but don’t allow you to backpedal and require more force to stop the bike.
• Offered in just one size, but from our testing, it fits this wide range of heights very well.
• While you can attach a child bike seat or bike trailer, this is really not the best bike for that set-up. We highly encourage you to look at hybrid bikes if you’ll be bringing kids along for the ride frequently.
• Electra Townie 7D : With Electra’s famous Flat-Foot Technology, the Townie is ideal for super comfort riding.
• Electra Townie Path 9D : Upgraded components like hydraulic disc brakes and a more expensive drivetrain with 9 speeds instead of 7 make the 9D a better bike, but not necessary for your average casual rider.
• Electra Loft 7D : If you love the comfort of an upright body position, but you want to ride longer distances or climb hills regularly, the pedal position of the Loft model is less flat-foot, but more efficient.

Electra Loft 7D

Best Women’s Cruiser for Longer Distances or Hauling Kids

MSRP : $650 SIZING: Two sizes to fit 5’0 – 6’3 BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Yes CHILD 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.

• Efficient pedaling, upright body position, and 7 gears is a rare combination
• The uniquely designed split top tube makes this women’s comfort bike particularly stylish
• A small detail, but the pedals are both functional and pretty!
• Forward-placed pedals and large wheels mean that your toes could hit the tire when executing tight turns. This happened to us and is one of the few potential drawbacks of flat-foot technology when paired with larger wheels.
• The leather grips are gorgeous, but pretty slick with little grip. If this bothers you, just get some grip tape!
• Electra women’s bikes may not be compatible with all racks. The rack compatible with the Loft 7D is the Electra MIK Rear Rack .
• Electra Loft 7D : Features a standard derailleur.
• Electra Loft 7i : All the advantages of the Loft 7D, but with an internally geared hub that requires less maintenance than a traditional derailleur… but costs an extra $100.
• Electra Townie 7D : With Electra’s famous Flat-Foot Technology, if you prefer to set your feet down flat when stopping, the 7-speed Townie is for you.

SixThreeZero Around the Block Women’s Cruiser

Single Speed Honorable Mention

MSRP : $329 SIZING: One size, for women 5’0″ to 6’0″ BIKE TRAILER COMPATIBLE: Not recommended with a coaster brake only CHILD 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 (which are also cheaper!), if you find a SixThreeZero on super sale, it’s a decent option we can vouch for.

Womens Mountain Bikes (Recreational)

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.

• HANDLEBARS: Wide and straight with a slight rise, mountain bike bars typically position the hands much wider than other bikes for increased stability, yet still in a comfortable position.
• BODY POSITION : Similar to a women’s hybrid bike, recreational mountain bikes place the rider in a semi-upright position with the rider’s torso slightly leaned in towards the handlebars.
• WHEELS : Wheel sizes range from 26″ to 29″. Wheel sizes vary widely between models as well as frame sizes. For basic riding, wheel size shouldn’t be a deciding factor.
• TIRES : Knobby, wider, and squishier than any other bike tire, mountain bike tires are designed to grip the trail as well as provide cushion from rocks and uneven surfaces.
• SUSPENSION: Most recreational women’s mountain bikes have basic coil spring forks which help to smooth out your ride. One of the biggest differences in price between mountain bikes is the suspension fork. Quality air suspension forks, which offer better cushioning for taking on larger obstacles, can more than double the cost of a bike.
• GEARS : More gears aren’t necessarily better. Due to simplicity, we prefer women’s mountain bikes with 8 to 12 gears and only one shifter (on the right hand). However, those bikes tend to be more expensive than bikes with two shifters (left and right hand) and 20+ gears.
• BIKE TRAILERS and CHILD BIKE SEATS : Recreational mountain bikes typically work well with rear mounted child bike seats (both rack and frame). Many lower-end mountain bikes also tend to be compatible with traditional front-mounted seats, but expensive mountain bikes typically are not. Mid-mount “mountain bike” child bike seats are usually a great choice for mountain bikes.

Polygon Xtrada 5

Entry-Level True Mountain Bike

MSRP : $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.

• Semi-upright geometry is comfortable for casual cruising, but aggressive enough for more adventurous riding
• Available in 4 different frame sizes and 2 different wheel sizes (27.5″ and 29″)
• Tektro hydraulic disc brakes for plenty of braking power in all riding conditions
• Easy to use trigger shifters with a wide range of gearing (2×10 drivetrain)
• Wider 2.25″ MTB tires are great on dirt trails, but have higher rolling resistance on paved surfaces compared to thinner tires on hybrid models.
• Coil-spring fork with 120mm of travel helps to smooth out small bumps along the trails, but is not built to take on aggressive trails with larger obstacles
• Wheel sizes vary by frame size – S is only available with 27.5″ wheels, M and L come with 27.5″ or 29″, and XL is only available with 29″
• Water bottle mounts on seat tube can prevent smaller models from being compatible with frame-mounted rear bike seats. The Xtrada also does not have mounts for a rear rack
• Polygon Xtrada 5 ($799): 120 mm coil suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, 2×10 Shimano Altus rear derailleur, 11-42T cassette, Shimano Deore trigger shifters
• Polygon Xtrada 6 ($899): 120 mm coil suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, 1×11 Shimano Deore rear derailleur, 11-51T cassette, Shimano Deore trigger shifters
• Polygon Xtrada 7 ($1,099): 120 mm air suspension fork, hydraulic disc brakes, 1×12 Shimano Deore rear derailleur, 10-51T cassette, Shimano Deore trigger shifters

Trek Marlin 5

High-Quality Versatility for Paved and Beginning Mountain Bike Trails

MSRP : $739 SIZING: 8 sizes, for heights ranging from 4’5” 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 5 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 5 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.

• Exceptional MTB geometry for a comfortable, stable ride
• 2.2” wide tires offer great traction and additional cushioning
• Hydraulic disc brakes for maximum stopping power
• Coil-sprung front fork provides light suspension to smooth out bumps on the trail or road, but can be locked out mid-ride to more efficiently climb hills
• Ergo grips are so comfortable and help prevent hand and wrist fatigue
• Kick stand mount for the win! While it doesn’t come with a kickstand, our mom bike tester easily added one.
• Even if you buy online, it can be assembled at your local bike shop
• While the Trek Marlin 5 is the most popular in the Marlin series, there is also a Trek Marlin 4, 6, 7, and 8. 
• Trigger shifters (vs grip shifters) are ideal for mountain biking because you can shift through several gears with just one push. The mechanics may be a new concept for you, but you’ll grasp it quickly.
• If you’re not sure “how much bike” you need, any bike in the Marlin series can easily be upgraded. You can always start with the “Goldilocks” Trek Marlin 5, and then upgrade components later as your budget allows, if you get more serious about mountain biking.
• Trek Marlin 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 : The higher the number, the better the components and the more expensive. If you’ll only ever be tackling mild dirt trails, you’re safe to stick with the lower numbers. If you’re serious about progressing your MTB skills, buy the highest number your budget will allow.

Womens eBikes

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:

• USE : Buy a bike that matches how you want to use it. Like regular bikes, a city bike with thin tires won’t have enough traction on dirt trails and a bike with fat, knobby, all-terrain tires will be heavy and slow rolling on paved surfaces.
• CLASS: There are 3 classes of e-bikes – class 1, 2 and 3. The classes differ by how fast the motor will propel the bike and whether or not the bike as a throttle. Bikes with throttles (class 2 or class 3) are prohibited in some areas, so be sure to check your local laws before your purchase.
• THROTTLE : The throttle on an e-bike propels the bike forward completely independent of the pedals of the bike. With a throttle, pedaling an e-bike is optional.
• TORQUE SENSOR : Higher-end bikes with torque sensors allow you to control the speed of the bike with the pedals (like you do on a regular bike). Lower-end bikes typically do not have a torque sensor, so speed is controlled via the throttle, by braking, and by tempering speed by coasting.
• MOTOR : The higher the Watt rating on the motor, the more power available to power up hills. For city riding, a lower-end watt motor will do just fine.
• WEIGHT : e-bikes are very heavy! Most are too heavy for car-mounted bike racks, so don’t plan on transporting your e-bike with your car without buying a heavy duty hitch rack.
• BIKE TRAILERS and CHILD BIKE SEATS : We DO NOT recommend using a bike trailer on an e-bike. (Unless that e-bike’s max speed can be lowered, like the Priority e-Coast .) Most trailers have a max MPH of 10 to 15 mph which is really easy to accidentally blast past on an ebike. Going faster than the recommended speed puts the trailer at risk of tipping over. As long as you are cautious with your speed, many e-bikes are compatible with front or rear rack-mounted child bike seats.

Aventon Pace 500.3

Amazingly fun, comfortable, and affordable e-bike

MSRP : $1,699 SIZING: Two sizes to fit heights 5’1″ to 6’4″ 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 FULL REVIEW : Aventon Pace 500

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.

• The Pace 500 is ridiculously fun to ride, with or without the throttle! We’ve tested out several different e-bikes at various price points and the Pace was a clear winner in the “fun” department.
• Offers a comfortable, upright body positioning
• Thickly padded saddle is comfortable for all types of riders
• Throttle is easily removable and bike can function without it
• Available with a standard or step-through frame
• Integrated lights along the side and back of the bike’s frame
• Sleek design that allows the battery to seamlessly blend into the frame, yet still be removable (battery can be charged on or off the frame)
• Compatible with rear rack for hauling gear or for adding a child bike seat
• Free app to help you track miles and milestones, battery life, turn on or off the lights
• The Pace 500 is pretty fast! The speed can easily be controlled via the 5 different pedal assist modes, but it does take a bit to get used to its speed.
• The newest 500.3 has a torque sensor, while previous models did not. This allows you to control the speed of the bike with your pedal stroke, which provides a much more natural ride feel.
• Aventon Pace 500.3 ($1,699): 500 W motor, hydraulic disc brakes, 28 mph max pedal assist, 40 mile battery life, torque sensor
• Aventon Pace 500.3 Step-Through ($1,699): Same as 500 but with step-through frame

Priority e-Classic Plus

Best ebike for a Natural Ride Feel

MSRP : $1,699 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 CHILD BIKE SEAT COMPATIBLE : Rear rack seat and some front mounted FULL REVIEW : Priority e-Classic Plus

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.

• Quiet, grease-free carbon belt replaces the traditional chain on the bike, leading to a quite ride and minimal maintenance
• Smaller 250W front hub motor helps you ride faster or further without feeling too powerful, uneasy or out of control
• Bike comes with full front and rear fenders as well as a tail light that also functions as a rear brake light
• Hydraulic disc brakes for plenty of stopping power
• Double-footed kickstand makes it easy to get on and off the bike without worrying about it falling over
• The e-Classic Plus does not come with a throttle, you must pedal to activate the motor. We don’t miss is though as the bike is seriously a blast to ride and feel very much like riding a traditional bike.
• There is no derailluer to worry about! The bike has three gears that are located within the bikes rear hub (you still change gears via a shifter on the handlebar). The gears works great for around town, but you’ll likely want more gears if you live in a hilly area.
• Pedal assists modes are easy changed via the bikes’ front display (3 modes).
• The 250W motor is low compared to most ebikes, but its lower power leads to the bikes very natural ride feel. If you want an ebike to help keep up with friends and family on traditional bikes, this is the bike for you. If your trying to keep up with others on ebikes, you’ll likely want a bike with at least a 500W motor.
• One model available in Step-thru and Diamond Frame

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. 10 Best Hitch Bike Racks : We’ve personally used all of the bike racks we recommend. Which one is right for you? Check out this article! 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.

About The Author

Natalie Martins

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Women's Only Trek At Indiahikes

A special trek just for women

We have opened our next Women's Only trek to Chandrakhani Pass. It starts on August 28!

At Indiahikes, we cannot think of a more significant way to mark the occasion. With our vision that  Everyone Must Trek , we have always dreamed of more women trekking. True to our vision, we have seen encouraging changes over the years.

Why join a ‘Women Only’ trek? 

• To trek in a safe and supportive circle . Within the circle of fellow women-trekkers, you feel safer to have deeper, unfiltered conversations. There’s an inherent empathy, where you connect over common challenges and perceptions. 
• To feel empowered and confident. Completing a high-altitude Himalayan trek with fellow women trekmates allows you to explore your abilities beyond societal biases. It instantly sharpens your personal growth and boosts confidence.
• To explore stronger networking and mentorship opportunities . On this trek you’ll meet women from diverse backgrounds. And over 4 days you’ll have an opportunity to network, learn about each other’s worlds, and even seek mentors who could change the course of your life.
• To break stereotypes and mental barriers . Simply by registering for a high-altitude Himalayan trek with only-women, you question traditional stereotypes. You challenge certain pre-conceived notions about women needing support in harsh conditions. This triggers a positive societal change.

The success of our first Women Only group to Kedarkantha prompted us to open this second group to Chandrakhani Pass trek.

Chandrakhani pass is not a new trek in Indian trekking circles. Along with the ancient stories of Naggar (where the trek starts) and the village with strange customs, Malana (where the trek ends), this route is one of the most trekked on in India. 

Treks you could register for

Chandrakhani Pass Trek

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Chandrakhani Pass Tr...

Himachal's most loved pass climb for beginners

Frequently Asked Questions

“In the past 13 years of Indiahikes, we have seen a dramatic change in the demography of our trekkers,” says Sandhya UC, co-founder and COO of Indiahikes. “During our first few years, there would hardly be one or two women in a group of 20 trekkers. In fact, back when I was leading treks, I would be the only woman in a group of male trekkers. Now I see at least 5-6 women in every group. Around 35% of our trekkers are women. It’s very encouraging to see the growing numbers,” she says. (Incidentally, Sandhya herself was recognised with a Women of Worth Award by Outlook Business in 2017.)

It's heartening to see that a large section of these women come as solo trekkers. In numbers, approximately 4000 women are trekking solo with us every year. They feel safe with our team members and our safety processes, which gives them the courage to come from faraway cities to trek in the Himalayas.

The cherry on top is that more and more women are taking up careers in the outdoors . “Out of our 40 Trek Leaders, 15 of them are women. Added to that, the number of women applicants we receive has quadrupled over the past 5 years. It’s wonderful to see women taking up such an extraordinary career, going beyond all norms of the society,” says Lakshmi Selvakumaran, who heads the Learning and Development Team at Indiahikes. 

This all-women’s team is going to be led by a woman Trek Leader, something that will encourage solo women to come along. 

The trek is to encourage women who still come in a smaller percentage to do treks on their own. Our hope is that women will feel comfortable coming and doing a trek knowing that they will be surrounded by like-minded women. The trek will be led by a women trek leader and they’ll get to experience the adventure and thrill of a Himalayan trek without worrying about their safety. 

You can do a trek during your periods. The only time you cannot is if you have extremely bad cramps that are totally unmanageable. But if you have regular periods and if you are comfortable during your daily life with periods then you can definitely do a trek as well.

Any woman between the age of 8 to 62 years can do this trek. 

The women on this trek will be joining us from various parts of  India or they can be from anywhere in the world. The trek is open for women all over the world.

Yes you can join the trek as a solo woman. 

Yes, you will be accompanied by a woman trek leader on this trek. 

Special Women's Trek Experience in Pictures

What Trekkers Say

Radhika koneru.

Kedarkantha Trek, March 2023

Anjali Lyndem

Madhuri kabra, trekking with us, you're leaving mountains better.

Green Trails is our promise to leave the mountains better. We have removed over 1 lakh kilos of waste left behind by others on trekking trails. By signing up to trek with Indiahikes, you also sign up to do your part to ensure that the mountains are left in a better condition.

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We have terrific trekking tips, trek updates and trek talks to look forward to

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Women’s Ride Guide

Check out the latest from trek.

Trek has just released a new ride guide for women, highlighting recent innovations in women's cycling along with the women behind these awesome products. Take a look at some of our favorite parts or just dive in.

View the Guide

What's in the Guide?

What's a women's bike.

Let’s get one thing straight:   A women’s bike is any bike a woman rides.

Trek offers over 50 models with touchpoints like saddles and handlebars designed specifically for women. But the reality is that all women are different: some women will like the fit and feel of women’s-specific touchpoints, and some will prefer the fit and feel of a unisex model. What matters is what feels best to you. Women’s or unisex, Trek bikes are built with the same performance frames, drivetrains, and suspension. Because that’s the way it should be. 

Equal performance for all.

TREK BRAIN TRUST

Meet the finest team of designers, thinkers, and creators the game has ever seen. These women pack their passion for the sport of cycling into every product they bring to life, and they aren’t slowing down anytime soon.

BICYCLE ANATOMY

Take a look at detailed breakdowns of Domane SL 6 Disc Women’s and Remedy 9.8 Women’s to see the latest innovations in road and mountain bike design.

ASK ME  ANYTHING

Trek’s 75 Women’s Advocates located across North America spend their free time leading group rides, hosting clinics, and getting more women on bikes—with as much fun thrown in as humanly possible. We asked them to share their best advice for the questions they are asked most frequently. Their answers will not disappoint.

What Bike Should I Get?

The first thing to do is determine what your goals are. Second, think about where you will ride and how often. Third, start to narrow down the options by discussing with the experts at your local Wheel & Sprocket location or browsing our selection of bikes online.

Why should I buy a bike from a bike shop?

Because a website or a big box store can’t fix a flat, tune your derailleur, correct your saddle height, pour you a cup of coffee, or wax endlessly about that one time when you almost won that one thing. Locally owned bike shops are the heart and soul of cycling, and while the prices at your local Super-Something may seem enticing, they cannot match the quality and expertise you will find at your local bike shop.

Where can I find people to ride with?

Your shop is a great place to start. From weekly rides to women’s events, your local shop already knows a bunch of people who would really like to ride with you. If you’re having trouble getting started, check out Trek Women on Facebook and we will help you out.

THE THREE BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC BIKES

Electric bikes eliminate the barriers you may face while riding a bike, and remind you why you love riding one in the first place. Whatever your motivation, we have an e-bike to meet your reason as well as your budget.

Bike Commuting Goes Business Casual

The barriers to riding to work are universal: You live too far. You don’t have time. You can’t arrive sweaty. Electric bikes conquer all your concerns, allowing you to ride farther and skip traffic with less effort.

Check out Super Commuter+ 7

Carry Everything. Or Everybody

Before electric bikes, carrying kids or replacing a car for errands was out of reach for many. Electric bikes put you back in control of whatever it is you’d like to do more of with a bike. They will not, however, control your kids when you ask them to sit still for a photo.

Check out Check out Verve+ Lowstep

Ride Everything

An electric mountain bike is the quickest way to superhero status. Cover more distance, ride longer, climb whatever hill you like and get more out of your time outdoors.

Check out Powerfly 5 Women’s

We hope you’re as excited about the new guide as we are. If you see anything you like, let us know. We can’t wait to get you on the bike of your dreams.

Please note that many of the links on our site are affiliate links. These are denoted with an *.  By clicking on them, Femme Cyclist gets a small commission on any sale.

9 Best Women’s Hybrid Bikes & How To Choose!

A hybrid bike (like the name would imply) is a mix between a road bike and a mountain bike. It has skinny, fast-rolling tires like a road bike, but more relaxed geometry and a flat bar like a mountain bike.

A hybrid bike a good option for women who are looking for a “fitness bike”, who haven’t ridden a bike in years, or for ladies who are uncomfortable on the more aggressive geometry of a traditional road bike.

In this article, we share with you our favorite women’s hybrid bikes (also known as fitness bikes), as well as tips on what to look for when shopping for a hybrid.

Table Of Contents

Our top picks, roll bicycles a:1 adventure bike.

We like everything about the Roll Bicycles A:1 Adventure Bike . Smaller sizes come with a tapered top-tube (as seen above) while larger frames have a more traditional frame design.

This bike can go anywhere. The tires are a bit knobbier than other bikes on this list and are perfect for cruising gravel roads or rail trails.

We dig small touches such as the bar-end grips, the 1×10 drivetrain, and internal cable routing. The weight is also noteworthy: at 23 pounds, this is one of the lightest bikes on our list.

Read Review : Roll Bicycles A1

Price (MSRP): $899

Cannondale Quick Women’s 3

If you are trying to get more exercise, the Cannondale Women’s Quick is a great bike to do it on. Thanks to an integrated wheel sensor you can track all your stats–mileage, speed, and even calories burned.

The bike has hydraulic disc brakes that provide superior stopping power–even when wet. Additionally, the bike has eyelet mounts to accept fenders and/or a rack should you want to add either of those.

The women’s-specific version of the bike has a low standover height, which makes it a good choice for smaller women and those with short legs.

Read Review : Cannondale Women’s Quick

Price (MSRP): $1,075

Kona Dew Deluxe

The Kona Dew Deluxe can do a little bit of everything. It’s well suited to around town riding, but can easily tackle rail trails as well.

Thanks to the hydraulic disc brakes, fenders, and wider tires, this is a great option for women who live in wetter, muddier climates.

The components are good quality and include a Shimano 11-Speed drivetrain, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, Formula hubs, and WTB Horizon tyres.

Read Review : Kona Dew Deluxe

Price (MSRP): $949

Liv Alight 3

Liv makes some of the best women’s-specific bikes out there. The Liv Alight 3 is no exception.

It has a low standover which is nice if you want to wear a skirt, or if you have limited mobility. There are also integrated dropouts to easily add racks or fenders should you care to do so.

The most obvious attraction to the Liv Alight is the pricetag. It is one of the cheapest bikes on our list.

Price (MSRP): $560

Diamondback Haanjo 1

The Diamondback Haanjo 1 can do a little bit of everything, from riding long distances on the road to cruising gravel canal paths. The tires are slick enough to roll fast on pavement but wide enough to handle a bit of of the rough stuff.

The women’s-specific offering comes in smaller sizes, with the XS fitting women as short as 5’1″.

The geometry is more aggressive than many of the other bikes on this list, but more relaxed than a traditional road bike which makes it a good pick for women who want to ride longer distances on the road but are uncomfortable on a road bike.

Price (MSRP): $785

Marin Kentfield ST 1

The Marin Kentfield ST 1 is a great fitness bike at an entry-level price. It’s not the fanciest bike around, but it will certainly get you going.

In fact, it has everything you really need: mechanical disc brakes, mounts for fenders or racks, and an entry-level Shimano drivetrain (7-speeds). With this bike, you don’t have any excuses stopping you from getting started….

Read Review: Marin Kentfield

Price (MSRP): $499

Trek FX 3 Disc Stagger

The Trek FX 3 Disc is a step-up in terms of quality from many hybrid bikes. It offers a carbon fork to help dampen road vibration, hydraulic disc brakes for superior braking performance, and internal cable routing to keep things clean.

The 1x drivetrain provides a good range of gears without the added complexity of a front derailleur. You’ll also appreciate this bike if you want a lower stepover, which it has.

Read Review : Trex FX 3

Price (MSRP): $1,049

Specialized Sirrus 3.0

The Specialized Sirrus is one of the best-selling hybrid bikes around. It comes in several different models depending on your preferences and budget. We think the Specialized Sirrius 3.0 hist the sweet spot for most ladies.

The bike used to come in a women’s-specific version but it doesn’t anymore. There is the option however, to choose a lower step-thru frame.

The mid-level components are smooth and provide good rider experience. We especially appreciate the hydraulic disc brakes that outperform the mechanical brakes found on many hybrid bikes.

Read Review: Specialized Sirrus

Price (MSRP): $1,200

Specialized Roll 2.0

Like the Specialized Sirrus listed above, the Specialized Roll offers superior bang for your back. With the Specialized brand name, you always know you are getting a quality, durable bike.

The Roll is a great option for women who need an EXTREMELY low stepover. If you have trouble with mobility, this bike is extra easy to get on and off.

The nice wide 2.3″ tires provide a lot of stability and also a little extra cushion. Speaking of cushion, we also like the gel saddle which is comfortable even after quite a lot of miles pedaling.

Read Review: Specialized Roll

Price : $800+

Other Hybrid Bikes To Consider

• State Bicycle 4130 All Road* – This is a beautiful bike. It has extra beefy mountain bike tires to tackle dirt roads as well as paved. $899.
• Priority Continuum Onyx* . A belt drive (rather than a chain) and an internally geared hub make this bike super low maintenance. $1,299.
• Batch Bicycles Fitness Bike – An affordable option to get you started, it also comes in really pretty color schemes. $499.

Comparison Chart: Women’s Hybrid Bikes

Things to consider when choosing a hybrid bike.

Not sure how to choose the best hybrid bike for YOU? Read on to help you make an informed decision.

Frame Size And Shape

You’ll notice many of the bikes on this list have a “step-thru” style frame. This is where the top-tube (which is the bar on the top of the frame triangle) is sloped downward rather than straight across.

A step-thru frame (left) has a down-swept top-tube compared to a more traditional frame (right).

This design is good for smaller women as it provides a lower standover height. It’s also nice for ladies who have limited mobility, want to wear a skirt, or simply feel more comfortable with this design.

That said, don’t feel limited to a step-thru frame especially if you are taller or more athletic. We’ve also included several bikes on this list that have a more traditional frame geometry.

The bikes on this list have brakes that fall into one of three categories: v-brake, mechanical disc brakes, or hydraulic disc brakes.

V-brakes (or rim brakes) are the more old-fashioned, traditional style brakes you might be used to. They are easy to maintain and cheap. Unfortunately, they don’t offer as much stopping power as disc brakes, especially in wet weather.

Mechanical disc brakes are a good choice for most women. They offer more stopping power than v-brakes, are generally pretty affordable, and don’t require much maintenance.

Hydraulic disc brakes are the most powerful, are easier to pull if you have weak hands, and provide plenty of modulation. These brakes provide the best performance. That said, they also increase the price of the bike and require more maintenance.

All of the bikes on this list have gears. While a lot of women get hung up on trying to compare the number of speeds a bike has, we’d advise you not to worry about this. A handful of gears is really all you need.

While all these bikes have multiple gears on the rear wheel (this is called a cassette), only some have multiple gears upfront at the crank arm. Again, we wouldn’t worry about this too much, although we personally prefer a single gear at the crank. (This design is called a 1x or “one by”).

Why? It keeps things simple. You only have to worry about one shifter rather than two, and you don’t have to worry about “cross-chaining.”

A single front chainring (left) is simpler than a double or triple front chainring (right).

• Read: A Guide to Bicycle Gears

You should pay attention to the type of shifter the bicycle has. Some bikes will have a grip shifter, while others have trigger shifters.

In general, we prefer trigger shifters as they make cleaner shifts. That said, grip shifters can be more intuitive, so if that thought of shifting stresses you out, go with a grip shifter instead.

Another thing to be aware of is that there are different component levels. We’re not going to go into too much detail here on that, but just be aware that the cheaper the bike you buy, the cheaper the drivetrain components are going to be. If you want a really smooth-working drivetrain, you might want to spend a bit more.

Women’s Specific vs Unisex Bike

Some of the bikes on this list are specifically designed for women, while others are unisex bikes that happen to work well for women.

Women’s-specific bikes are a good choice for smaller ladies as they generally come in smaller frame sizes and offer a step-thru frame (as discussed above). They also offer components like smaller grips and women’s’-specific saddles (seats).

If you are taller, a unisex bike will work just fine, though you may still choose to upgrade to a women’s-specific saddle later on.

Wheel Size and Tires

Most hybrid bikes have 700c wheels , the same as a road bike. That said, a few hybrid bikes have 26-inch wheels, more typically found on mountain bikes.

The type of tire also matters. If you plan on riding primarily on pavement, look for a slick tire without a lot of tread. These will roll faster on the road. If, on the other hand, you want to hit up gravel roads or mellow dirt trails, look for a bike that has knobbier, higher volume tires.

When you are shopping, you might notice that some hybrid bikes come with a suspension fork. While compiling our list of the best women’s hybrid bikes, we intentionally tried to avoid bikes with suspension.

Why? A suspension fork really isn’t needed on a hybrid bike and it adds weight. Hybrid bikes are best suited for pavement and mellow gravel and dirt trails; conditions that just don’t require a suspension fork. If you want to ride more challenging trails, consider getting a real mountain bike instead.

Don’t forget to pay attention to weight when buying a hybrid bike. The lighter a bike is, the faster and more enjoyable your ride will be. Anything over 25 pounds is definitely going to slow you down and feel heavy if you are climbing hills .

While we haven’t included any e-bikes (bicycles with an electric motor to help assist you pedal), they can be a great option especially if you havent biked in years.

Electric bikes are significantly more expensive but help open the world of cycling to women who may need the extra boost. If you’re interested in electric bikes, check out our list of the Best Women’s Electric Bikes .

Get More Help Choosing The Right Bike

• 19 Types Of Bikes And How To Choose The Best One For You
• 3 Simple Tips To Help You Pick The Right Size Bike
• Men’s vs Women’s Bikes: 5 Things You Need to Know

About The Author

Kristen Bonkoski is the founder and owner of Femme Cyclist.

An avid cyclist for a few decades now, she took to cycling during her late teen years — a time when she needed something to help boost her self-esteem and confidence.

Mission accomplished, the sport has become an important part of her life.  Kristen’s favorite disciplines are mountain biking and bike commuting, although you can also find her cranking out a century on her road bike and touring with her husband and son.  If it has to do with two wheels, she enjoys doing it.

Kristen is a certified USA Cycling coach , and she runs  Rascal Rides , a website about biking with kids.

IG:  @femme_cyclist

6 thoughts on “9 Best Women’s Hybrid Bikes & How To Choose!”

Thanks so much! This was so helpful! I’m 66 years old and haven’t biked in years. I want to get back into it to help with fitness and just have fun! I’m just starting to look and expect to have to order since local inventory is nonexistent. I figure if I order in the fall, I may have something by next spring. I’d be grateful for any tips you could send me!

I just wanted to let you know that my wife and I fully endorse your review of the Roll A1 hybrid bike. We ordered online in August and the bike was delivered a few weeks later despite the pandemic, The bike was very nice and exactly as you describe it. We unfortunately had to return the bike after a few weeks due to knee issues my wife had (nothing to do with the bike or with Roll). As this happened Roll showed first class support. They gave us more than their standard 50 day return policy so that my wife could take time to make her final decision. Their customer service is superb. We highly recommend them.

Love hearing this positive feedback. Thanks for sharing!

This info was very helpful. As a person who likes to bike, but isn’t a Biker with a capital “b”, this was written at the very level I need!

Hello. Great article as I am in the market for a new bike. Would you be able to tell me the difference between the Liv Alight 3 and the Liv Comfort Alight 3 and whether you would equally recommend them both?? I road a Liv Alight rental last year on a 30+ mile ride and loved it, but they could not tell me exactly which one. Thank you.

I have limited $$$ I am just under 5ft tall (short) I have cruddy knees so more gears are important to me Looking for a hybrid bike that fits the bill… any suggestions?

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Best women's road bikes: take to the tarmac with comfort and speed

The best women's road bikes don't necessarily need to be women's specific, but those that come with women's specific touchpoints and sizing options do the job brilliantly

How to choose the best womens bike

Not every woman wants a women's specific bike, but the best women's road bikes should at least come with comfortable women's specific contact points.

For years there's been an ongoing debate over the need for women-specific geometry on bikes, which we discussed at length when we answered the question, ' can women ride men's bikes? ' Ultimately the answer is to ride the bike that best fits your body, and there are plenty of options available to women today, from women-specific bikes from the likes of Liv Cycling to unisex bikes with women-specific contact points from several other brands, like Specialized, Scott, Canyon, and more.

Women's specific road bike frames are built around average body dimensions data, and tend to have a slightly shorter top tube and slightly higher stack at the front end (head tube). On average, women tend to have longer legs proportionately to men, and therefore a shortened top tube means a more comfortable and balanced reach to the handlebars.

Unisex frames, on the other hand, can offer more options when it comes to components, size and style, but making adjustments can affect the feel of the bike. For example, a too-short stem will lead to a twitchy-feeling ride, and a saddle too far forward can create awkward pedal strokes.

Everybody is different though and, as a starting point, we would recommend checking your current setup's measurements from a comfort and fit standpoint. Use our comprehensive bike size guide , or, if you're a first-time bike buyer, don't underestimate the value of popping into your local bike shop to be sized. 

As a brief disclaimer, while we've done our best to include a range of suitable bikes that are currently available to buy, with the huge increase in demand since the beginning of the pandemic, unsurprisingly stock levels are very low and some bikes are already sold out, but this doesn't affect our opinion that these are some of the best women's road bikes out there right now, and if you're patient, they'll come back into stock eventually.

Our picks for the best women's road bikes: 

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Liv Langma Advanced 1+ Disc

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The Liv Langma Advanced 1+ Disc is a super aggressive road racer with a slammed front end that puts you in a speedy riding position. With a frameset created from Liv's Advanced-Grade Composite layup, our review sample measured an incredibly lightweight 7.96kg and felt destined to fly up the most challenging climbs.

Built around Liv's women-specific geometry, the sizing comes up small in the same way as the Avail listed above, with XS, S and M frames on offer. Our reviewer found it to have a noticeable amount of stiffness with exceptional balance, rather than feeling brittle. 

It boasts exceptional handling that's precise, intuitive and highly responsive without feeling skittish, and it feels surefooted and agile on descents. Despite being a stiff, performance bike, we reckon it's comfortable enough to ride for long miles over long hours, thanks to the efficiency built into the frame that staves off fatigue. It doesn't exactly feel plush - look to the Avail, listed below for more comfort - but it also won't leave you feeling rattled from road chatter.

For full details, take a look at our Liv Langma Advanced 1+ Disc review.

Liv Avail Advanced Pro 1

If the Langma above is too aggressive and racy for you, then you'll probably prefer the Avail range, which is Liv's endurance road bike.

Liv Cycling is a women-specific brand whose bikes are designed and built by women for women, with the input of female elite athletes. As such, the Avail's geometry is relaxed and comfortable, putting the rider in a relatively upright position, and tailored to fit women with shorter torsos and longer legs. 

Sizing stays on the smaller end of the scale, accommodating petite women from 5ft/152cm, up to around 5ft 10/178cm, so if you're taller with a long reach you may find it a little cramped.

The Avail Advanced Pro 1 is built around Liv's Advanced-Grade Composite frame with OverDrive steerer, it sports an Ultegra groupset - although the chainset is non-series Shimano RS510 - and Giant's shock-absorbing SL D-Fuse handlebar and seatpost. This, plus the plush 32c tyres, make for an overall very comfortable ride for hours in the saddle.

From her brief experience of riding the Avail Advanced Pro 1 in Provence back when it was launched, Reviews Writer Mildred Locke confirms that it rides like a dream, with super comfortable geometry, plush vibration damping from the thicker tyres, and smooth acceleration.

B'Twin Triban RC520 Women's Disc Road Bike

For anyone looking for an affordable entry-level women's road bike, the Triban RC520 Women's Disc offers exceptional value for money. The durable 6061 T6 aluminium frame is paired with a carbon fork and built with endurance geometry for a relaxed riding position, ideal for beginner road cyclists. 

For the price, the build is pretty decent, sporting a full Shimano 105 drivetrain, hydraulic TRP HY/RD disc brakes, tubeless ready wheels, and mounts for a front and rear rack and mudguards.

The bike itself offers a comfortable ride on tarmac, and with 28mm tyres can withstand slightly rougher ground like fine gravel. However after a while on bumpy terrain or tow paths, the road chatter can cause quite a bit of arm fatigue, so it's best restricted to the roads.

Reviews Writer Mildred Locke really rates it for the incredible value for money it offers, and the quality of ride you can get for under £850. Stay tuned for a full review soon.

Lapierre Xelius SL 600 Disc

A stalwart of bicycles in France, Lapierre bikes - outfitter of both the Groupama FDJ women's and men's teams - delivers on the Xelius SL 600 Disc, with a women's specific geometry. Lapierre has developed the Xelius alongside its pro riders and built a true climbers' bike. 

With the Xelius, Lapierre has reduced the top tube length by 15mm for the women's fit, and increased the stack height at the front end. The fully carbon frame and fork are dressed in Shimano Ultegra, and the bars are sized down by 2cm compared to the men's model. The additional components are stellar for the price range, with a Fizik saddle, Mavic wheels and Continental tyres coming standard. It weighs in at a respectable 8.4 kg. For a ready-to-ride mid-price point bike with a European heritage, the Lapierre is one of a handful of companies still creating a women's specific geometry. Suitable for short-torsoed, long-legged women, like we all dream to be. 

Scott Contessa Addict RC 15

One of the cleanest-looking bikes available, the fully internally cabled Scott Contessa Addict comes specced with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and weighs in at 7.6kg, making it a truly lightweight racing bike. Finished off with Syncros componentry, although the bike's geometry is the same as the men's model, the finishes are designed for a female body. While internal and integrated cabling gives the Scott a clean aesthetic, do note that it adds a layer of difficulty to some small adjustments and repairs, as the cockpit of the bike may need to be removed for disc brake cabling adjustments (luckily the bike comes fitted with Ultegra Di2, eliminating some internal cabling difficulty). 

Its size chart shows some overlap in sizing, meaning if you are between sizes you can comfortably size up if you prefer a shorter stem and longer wheelbase, or size down for a more compact, snappier ride.

Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc

While Canyon is phasing out its WMN range, it is still putting a lot of effort into including huge size ranges and variable contact points on its unisex bikes so that there's something for everyone. The Ultimate CF SL 8 Disc is highly specced, handles like a dream with surefootedness on challenging gradients, and looks absolutely stunning. The size range goes all the way down to XXS, and up to XXL, so anyone who sits on either extreme of the height spectrum should be able to get a model to fit them properly.

The advantages of buying directly from Canyon is a wide range of price points available on each selected frameset. The disadvantage? As a direct-to-consumer business model, Canyon only sells online meaning your local bike shop is less than likely to stock a full range of parts for it, and you lose the 'first service free' element of buying in person.

Ridley Liz SLiC Ultegra

An all-rounder bike, the Ridley Liz SLiC Ultegra features the brand's unique diamond-shaped carbon tubing, which is impact resistant and robust. The no-nonsense Belgian brand stays true to it's racing heritage; as can be clearly seen this endurance bike is built for speed. Going down to a size XXS, Ridley has catered to a petite market, and the smallest size should be perfect for a 5 foot 1 inch height. It has a decently long wheelbase for some extra stability and comes fitted with a Shimano Ultegra groupset.

The Liz SLiC is the 'women's' version of the men's Fenix frame and is as equally responsive on the hills as it's male counterpart. It is an aggressive race bike at a moderate price point, and easy to customise with different finishing kits.

Vitus Razor W Disc

A great entry-level kitted out road bike, the alloy frame features compact geometry and women's specific finishes.  Although some may find the top tube measurements a touch too long, for an entry into the world of road bikes it's a great starting point. A carbon fork adds a bit of class to the setup.

The Razor W Disc is a women's specific model, focused on the needs of female cyclists and comes with female-specific finishing kit. This includes narrower bars (38cm wide on XS and S), shorter stems, shorter cranks and a female-specific saddle. It comes in a bit heavier than the other models listed here at 9.75kg though. The gearing is 8-speed on the back, giving a bit of limitation on longer climbs or full out sprints.

However if you're brand new to road cycling and want something that will do the job in most situations, then this offers good value for money.

Cannondale Synapse Disc Women's Tiagra

Cannondale, like most of the big companies, gives a variety of options of groupsets for each frame, but the Synapse Disc Tiagra hits a unique price point on the market.  

Although the Synapse is one unisex geometry, the relaxed fit of the bike proves to be very comfortable for a variety of body shapes, and its female version comes with specific female touchpoint equipment. Equipped with FSA componentry and Shimano Tiagra 10-speed groupset, this alloy bike is road and light-gravel ready, promising a light, stiff and fast ride, and invisible ease. The carbon forks offset the alloy frame for exceptional smoothness. 

Even when on the heavier side (10.3kg), the Cannondale Synapse diligently provides the rider with a consistent and pain-free experience. The disc brake setup, however, is mechanically actuated so it lacks the feel and modulation of a hydraulic system.

Specialized S-Works Roubaix

For the last few years the Specialized has been phasing out its women's specific lines, the Amira and Ruby, and the latter has been brought under the similar-sounding moniker of Roubaix. Specialized punts this bike as a unisex model. 

At the high end of the range, the S-Works Roubaix uses free-foil shaped tubing that has been wind-tunnel tested. Outfitted with Dura-Ace Di2, the company claims the aerodynamics rival its road-specific Tarmac. Add into the mix a Pavé seatpost and Future Shock 2.0 to create a variety of vibration proofing options, and you get great bike for rougher tarmac, and an ultimately smooth ride. At the price point, it comes outfitted with the best of the best Roval Alpinist CLX wheels.

The complaints of the softness of the old Roubaix is gone in the new model, as the tech team has paired stiffness with its unique damping fork. The smallest size for the model is 44 cm, and the frame weighs in at less than 900 grams.

Trek Domane SLR 7

Another brand that has gone for a true unisex outlook, the Trek Domane is our pick for an all-round endurance-focused road bike. With its Project One online platform, it's easy to customise your bike for specific saddles, colours, bars and componentry, building the exact bike to your needs. In the Trek range, the anagrammed names might all have a familiar ring to them, but the Domane is the all-round bike model. 

It climbs well, descends well and pulls in aerodynamic features without overly focusing on a single element. With integrated cabling, the look is clean and sleek, and with wide clearance, a wider tyre can easily be put on for those looking to dabble in a bit of gravel or off-road adventures, without investing in a second bike. 

The bike comes fitted with Ultegra Di2 electronic drive train (11-speed), and parts from Bontrager. The Bontrager Pro IsoCore handlebar promises to reduce vibrations from the road by 20 per cent.

Liv Enviliv Advanced Pro 0 Disc

For points of difference, we had to throw in the fully aero, fully women's Liv Enviliv bike. As many women's offerings are more endurance-focused, the true aerodynamic prowess from this women's specific brand is a one-off on the market. 

The Enviliv boasts a women's specific geometry to add comfort and power to an aerodynamic riding position, while the frame's lateral stiffness and tube shaping offer high-speed efficiency for sprinting. It's made from the brand's Advanced-Grade Composite, which offers a sharp and snappy ride, and comes equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Giant SLR 1 Aero Disc wheels.

For women sprinting for signs, or dabbling in circuit racing, the Enviliv is unbeatable. The top tube length measures at 524 mm on the size small, and comes specced with 38cm handlebars. Internal cabling gives the bike a clean finish.

How to choose the best women's road bike

Do you need a women's specific road bike.

We've answered this in detail in Can women ride men's bikes? but to summarise, you can ride whatever bike fits you best. 

Many brands are moving away from gendered frames, and are instead offering more size ranges and multiple options for contact points, like adding one of the best women's road bike saddles .

Cycling is, at a performance level, a power to weight game, and for petite riders the bike makes up a greater proportion of system weight than it does for a larger rider. For a 50kg rider for instance the difference between having a 10kg bike over an 8kg bike is an increase of 3 per cent - not insignificant, but also not the be all and end all. Unless every ounce of performance needs to be wrung out we'd go for comfort over lightweignt.

For taller women, some of the women's specific frames will simply be too small, as many come in limited size runs, and recommend the men's or unisex version for taller women. If you are buying in person at a shop and fall into this category, work with the shop staff to swap out the finishing kit (handlebars, stem, saddle) for women's versions, and don't be scared to barter.

Of course, if you do want women's specific geometry, your best options are Liv and Lapierre.

What size bike do I need?

Much like when you buy clothes, when it comes to sizing, it can be a minefield navigating the differences between bike brands.  A 49cm in one brand can be the equivalent of a 51cm or a 47cm in another. 

This is because the measurement is based on the size of the seat tube, and the angle is not homogeneous across the brands. So a 50cm seat tube which is truly vertical on one bike is not the same as a 50cm seat tube at a five-degree angle. 

Some brands provide height recommendations and customer service departments are always there to help with size queries. If you have a bike already, check the stack and reach figures of your current model and use these as the all-important reference point on the geometry chart of your next bike. 

If you're not sure, check out our comprehensive bike size guide .

How can I make sure a unisex bike fits me properly?

If you're buying a unisex bike, you can make tweaks to suit your individual body dimensions. When it comes to opting for the finishing touchpoints, you want your bars to roughly be your shoulder width and your saddle should be matched to the width of your sit bones - which can be measured in most bike shops. 

When looking at different saddle pricing, often the prices go up based on weight (carbon elements, etc.) over the fit, so we recommend if you are trying a new saddle it might be wise to go entry-level first, to make sure it's comfortable before you invest in the more expensive model. 

Another less discussed finishing point is the crank arm length. Generally, cranks come in 165, 170, 172.5 and 175mm lengths, and a shorter crank arm means the circumference of the circle of the pedal stroke is smaller. If you are on an XS or S sized frame, a 165mm crank is probably best, and likewise, for a 58cm frame or larger you probably want a 175mm crank. 

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Mildred joined as Reviews Writer for Cyclingnews and BikePerfect in December 2020. She loves all forms of cycling from long-distance audax to daily errand-running by bike, and does almost everything on two wheels, including moving house, and started out her cycling career working in a bike shop. For the past five years she's volunteered at The Bristol Bike Project as a mechanic and session coordinator, and now sits on its board of directors.

Since then she's gone on to write for a multitude of cycling publications, including Bikeradar, Cycling Plus, Singletrack, Red Bull, Cycling UK and Total Women's Cycling. She's dedicated to providing more coverage of women's specific cycling tech, elevating under-represented voices in the sport, and making cycling more accessible overall. 

Height: 156cm (5'2")

Weight: 75kg

Rides: Stayer Groadinger UG, Triban RC520 Women's Disc, Genesis Flyer, Marin Larkspur, Cotic BFe 26, Clandestine custom bike

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Trek bikes range: which model is right for you?

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The humble beginning of Trek bicycles took place in the "red barn" - once a carpet warehouse - in Waterloo, USA. The first bikes were steel touring frames , but within three years the brand had expanded substantially.

Eventually outgrowing the barn, Trek moved into a much larger headquarters - still in Waterloo - in the year 1980. From there it began to manufacture road racing bikes, then in 1983 created its first mountain bike before moving into accessories come 1984.

Having started out in steel, Trek moved into developing aluminium bikes in 1985. The first Trek branded full carbon frame came in 1989 - the Trek 5000 had a frame weight of 1.5kg. It was built by an outside manufacturer and discontinued after a year. Trek made its own efforts at carbon, with an in-house production, in 1992 to much greater success.

>>> Trek mountain bikes: which model is right for you?

Now, Trek offers the Madone (aero bike), Domane (endurance bike), Emonda (lightweight race bike) and Checkpoint (gravel bike) as well as the Boone cyclocross and Speed Concept time trial machine.

Trek's OCLV Carbon

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.

Trek's carbon bikes have always used their own patented 'OCLV carbon' - this stands for Optimum Compaction Low Void. It believes this carbon creates the best compromise between low weight and high strength and stiffness.

Optimum Compaction refers to the way sheets of carbon are layered into the mould, and optimised via heat and pressure - in Trek's opinion the two treatments are administered to the perfect ratio. Low Void refers to the minimisation of space between the layers of carbon, which might otherwise reduce strength and durability.

In 1995, Trek opened an independent facility inWhitewater, Wisconsin. The idea being that the Waterloo factory would work in frame development only. For those who want to customise their ride, the'Project One' custom paint programme arrived in 2001.

Trek's pro cycling support

Trek supported now disgraced American cyclist, Lance Armstrong, through his peak years. In 1997, it helped him sign with their sponsored team, US Postal Service Pro Cycling. He won his seven editions of the Tour de Frances on bikes bearing the brand name, but all of said wins were later taken from him following doping violations.

In 2014, the brand sponsored the Trek Factory Racing Team, now calledTrek–Segafredo. In that role, it provided bikes for high profile winners such as Fabian Cancellara and Alberto Contador,as well as Jens Voigt, and notably his Hour Record in September 2014.

In 2020, Trek continued to support the Trek-Segafredo men's and women's race outfits, two highly successful teams.

Trek's acquisitions

Over the years, Trek has made a number of high profile acquisitions. The most famous, perhaps, Gary Fisher bicycles - the mountain bike brand which it took over in 1993.

Later came Bontrager Cycles in 1995 and Electra Bicycle Company in 2014. Bontrager, now Trek's component and apparel brand, maintains the same name as does Electra, the creator of leisure bikes and accessories.

Useful links for road bike shoppers…

Trek's road bike models

Trek is able to offer a wide range of different bikes, each tuned to a slightly different purpose. Some model families are available in a selection of standards (SLR premium carbon, SL carbon, ALR premium aluminium and AL aluminium), and then these come with assorted levels of componentry to suit your price bracket.

To add even more depth to the range, Trek offers many models in two different 'fits'. The Madone and Émonda come as standard in an H2 (traditional) fit, but there are versions in what it calls 'H1' fit. This is more aggressive, shaving off about 30mm on the head tube to create a longer, lower ride. The Domane comes in an H2 'Endurance' fit, with a few models in 'Pro Endurance', again with a longer and lower stance on offer.

Here's a look at the key model families...

With each product is a ‘Buy Now’ or ‘Best Deal’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Trek Domane

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

The Trek Domane was introduced in 2012. It was created to offer a comfortable ride, the key feature being an IsoSpeed decoupler which separated the seat tube from the top tube, thus reducing vibrations and fatigue.

In 2016 it gained theFront IsoSpeed, which helps to reduce vibrations at the front end without impacting handling. This came alongside a new slider, which alters the level of dampening offered by the rear.

In its most recent update , the Domane took notes from the Madone with an aero fork profile, whilst becoming more versatile thanks to clearance for 38mm tyres (without mudguards, 35mm with). It also gained a downtube compartment for stashing tools (or snacks!).

Though comfort is important to the Trek Domane, it's still a racing frame, and its prowess has been demonstrated by UCI WorldTour riders at major one-day Classics, such as Strade Bianche and the Tour of Flanders. The top Domane bikes come with an H1.5 fit, which was developed with the Trek-Segafredo teams to offer the optimal balance between aerodynamics and endurance.

The Trek Domane - available as a men's build or with women's specific componentry - is a fast selling model, which comes in a range of frame materials.

The Domane SLR uses the lightest carbon Trek offers, the SL is one step down, whilst the AL uses aluminium and is the cheapest of the range.

Trek Madone

The Trek Madone is quite another beast, and the bikes come built for men and women; the latter's models with women's saddles and narrower handlebars . With an aggressive geometry and stiffness to boot, it's a road race hero, and aerodynamics have become part of its lifeblood. When we tested five aero bikes , head to head, the Trek Madone came out fastest.

Modern Trek Madone's feature a high level of integration, with the cables tucked away yet reachable via an access point at the top of the down tube.Wind tunnel testing has helped Trek to create theirKVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes, used on the frame and fork. These unconventional tube shapes are designed to further reduce drag, helping the rider/bike unit to slice through the air efficiently.

Because being bumped around doesn't make you faster, the Madone also features an IsoSpeed decoupler at the seat tube and more recently an adjustable one at the head tube, which offers greater compliance whilst still being integrated to prevent adding drag.

The newest model, according to Trek, can offer 17 per cent more compliance through to 21 per cent more stiffness, depending upon your chosen setting. A damper at the seatpost is also said to cut rebound by 13 per cent. All of these stats add up to a bike that can be comfortable and stiff at the same time - and one that earned a place in our 2018 Editor's Choice awards.

The majority of the bikes come in a more relaxed 'H2' geometry, save for the Madone SLR, which is in an 'H1.5' fit - this is designed to allow riders to achieve an H1 fit or an H2, depending upon their set up.

Trek Émonda

Adding more depth to the Trek family is the Trek Émonda, launched in 2014. Designed to be a climbing bike, newer adaptations are capable of negotiating mixed terrains - with disc brakes available and tyre clearance to 28mm.

>>> Trek Émonda range explained

Trek continues to work on developing the Émonda, dropping the weight of the top end Trek Émonda SLR to 640g in a size 56cm (665g with discs) and 1091g for the Trek Émonda SL (1149g with discs). The weight difference is largely achieved by the use of700 Series OCLV carbon on the SLR, as opposed to 500 series on the SL.

The aluminium model has seen some major work and the result earned it a place in the Editor's Choice 2019 awards. The key characteristic we loved was the way it simply didn't look, or ride, like aluminium. A lot of this is down to Trek's 'Invisible Weld Technology' which increases the surface area of the frame, adding to strength and reducing weight. The ALR model's frame weight comes in at a competitive 1112g, or 1131g with discs, and it uses the brand's 300 Series Alpha Aluminium.

The carbon models are available in 'SLR' build or 'SL', the former being the lightest and the latter more affordable. The majority of Trek Émonda bikes cone in an 'H2' fit, but they can be purchased in an 'H1' geometry, if you choose the top end 'Race Shop' version.

There are a few nods to neatness and integration around, such as the use of 'Blendr Integration' which seamlessly mounts Bontrager’s cycling computer, Ionbike lights or even Garmin computers directly to the handlebars. On SLR versions there's ‘Control Freak Cable Management’ which allows for shifter and brake cables to be housed through the frame.

Trek Checkpoint

With gravel and adventure bikes a fast growing category, the Checkpoint is Trek's offering to fill that sector. The crucial element here is that both the SL and ALR frame options come fitted out with 35c gravel tyres, and can accommodate rubber up to 45c. They've all got internal cable routing, to ensure much stays out, whilst the higher end models use 'Control Freak' routing which is neater.

>>> Best gravel bikes: the top models reviewed

If you opt for the carbon SL model, you get vibration dampening from an IsoSpeed decoupler at the rear, too.  To provide stability and confidence on light trails as well as comfort on all-day adventures, the geometry is not as aggressive as the road bikes elsewhere in the range. Such all-day rides warrant plenty of kit, so there's mounts for racks and mounts. Similar to elsewhere in the range, there's AL, ALR and SL models.

Trek Speed Concept

Trek's Speed Concept time trial bike has been raced by the pros yet is still seen on the amateur race scene as a popular option.

>>> Check out Fabian Cancellara's 2016 Speed Concept

The frames use 500 Series OCLV Carbon, boasting the KVF (Kammtail Virtual Foil) tube shapes described in the Madone, plus a carbon fork with integrated brake and stem - the key goal being cutting through the air quickly.There's space to fit Trek's SC Draft Box and SC Sped Box, largely used by triathletes carrying snacks.

Trek Boone 5

Trek's got plenty of experience in the muddy realm of off-road cycling - and they've got a selection of cyclocross bikes. The Trek Boone 7 model comes with hydraulic disc brakes, a one-by crank and 12-speed cassette and they've all got Bontrager's own 33c cyclocross tyres.

The frame material is Trek's 600 series OCLV carbon, and there's front and rear IsoSpeed decouplers to help riders negotiate the mud without excess transfer of vibration. Combining the mud ready tyres, disc brakes, 'cross focused cable routing and geo into an aluminium package is the Trek Crockett family.

They key differentiation is the frame material, which is300 Series Alpha Aluminium, and there's no decoupler. However, it's still a performance bike that's ready to race.

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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.

E-bike battery fires have been making headlines but are the bikes inherently dangerous? We look at the various approaches being taken to improve safety and restore consumer confidence

By Luke Friend Published 27 August 24

The efforts at the back end of the race are just as worthy of celebration as the winners at the front

By Marley Blonsky Published 27 August 24

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The 12 Best Bikes for Women Who Commute, Tour, and Enjoy Leisurely Rides

From gravel rides to e-bikes, these are the best women's bikes out.

Let’s be clear on one thing. If you’re a woman shopping for a bike, your choices aren’t limited to only women’s models. (Even some women’s bikes are a better fit for men!) The point is: If you love a bike, you love a bike. Simple. If it fits, it’s comfortable, and it makes you happy, you’ll ride it more often than one that doesn’t.

Gear up for your next ride. Check out our picks for the best women's shorts , bike saddles , and spin shoes .

Best Women’s Bikes

Best Overall

Liv avail ar 3.

Best E-Bike For Women

Aventon level.2 commuter e-bike.

Best Beach Cruiser for Women

Electra cruiser 1 step-through bike, what to consider, then and now.

Few bike categories have seen bigger shifts in the past dozen years than women’s bikes. When first introduced, the “shrink it and pink it” mentality reigned supreme, and “women’s bikes” often simply meant smaller frames with stereotypical paint jobs and a lower level of components than their unisex counterparts. Then women-specific geometry took over. Bike companies started cranking out frames with shorter top tubes to better accommodate the average female body’s tendency toward longer legs and shorter torsos.

While some companies like Liv have stuck to that philosophy, others like Trek , Specialized , and Santa Cruz instead favor using the same frame for their men’s and women’s bikes and adjusting some parts—primarily touch points like the bar, grips, and saddle—for the intended gender. Most women’s mountain bikes also come with a fork and shock tuned for lighter riders. And city bikes are often offered as step-over and step-through models, with the latter aimed at women.

Know Your Fit

For city and mountain bikes, which generally run from XS or S to M or L, it’s easy to estimate the size needed based on your height. Road bike size can get a bit trickier. If you don’t know your bike size, getting measured at a bike shop—or even getting a professional fitter to assess you—can make an enormous difference in helping you choose a road bike that’s comfortable for you. Just remember, you can get a good fit on a women’s frame or a unisex one; it just depends on your body and riding preferences.

With so many different options these days, it’s a great time to be a woman on a bike. In addition to choosing from bike style and fit, you also have frame material : carbon, aluminum, and steel. All are strong options, though carbon is generally the lightest and most expensive, and steel is generally the heaviest and most durable.

You also want to choose between rim brakes and disc brakes , which cost a little more but offer better stopping power. Discs are pretty standard on mountain bikes and are becoming more common on road bikes that cost more than $1,000. Rim brakes are still popular on city bikes, but discs are gaining popularity there as well, because they offer more control and consistent stopping power in wet conditions.

How We Tested

Every bike on this list has been ridden and loved by women on our staff. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience riding these bikes to determine the best options. Our team of experienced test editors spent many hours and miles using these bikes for their intended purpose—from road races and trail rides to gravel adventures, commutes, and beach cruises. Then we evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, fun, and—yes—looks (because the mere sight of your bike should get you excited, too).

While other brands on this list have shifted to gender-neutral geometry, Liv is one of the only ones still manufacturing women’s-specific sizing. Instead of strapping a cushier saddle and a pink colorway to deem a bike feminine, Liv produces in-house stems, handlebars, saddles, and seat posts to accommodate the female body better.

The Avail AR 3 is a gravel bike that can handle dirt and trails, and smooth pavement. It’s got sturdy aluminum Giant S-R2 Disc wheels, a D-shaped seatpost that dampens bumps, a carbon fork for extra absorption, a Shimano Sora drivetrain, and internal cables that make it stylish and sleek. Although its Tektro disc brakes feel a bit gummy, this ride does well on bumpy roads, steep climbs, and uneven terrain. This is an excellent option for commuters doing light off-roading, and anyone looking for a bike packing workhorse.

Read our review

This class-3 e-bike will spin you up to 28mph through pedal assist or you can use the throttle and hit a max speed of 20 miles per hour. Those speeds sound fast for newer riders, but the bike has strong brakes and a balanced ride. The battery is housed cleanly in the downtube and provides 672 watt hours of power. The controls are easy to use, the dip in the frame’s top tuber makes getting on and off a snap, and the price is hard to beat for everything this e-bike fantastic city and commuting bike delivers.

It’s hard to beat a cruiser’s simple, functional, stylish appeal. Made for boardwalks or rolling around town like it’s is a beach day in July, this one is full of summertime vibes.

The Electra Cruiser has high wide bars for a relaxed riding position, and Electra’s Flat Foot technology, which places the seat further behind the pedals, so you can ride with it lower, making it easy to keep you feet on the ground when you stop. A single-coaster brake helps control your speed and a single gear means no fussing with shifts or keeping your derailleurs in tune—but also means that this one is best enjoyed on flat roads and sandy boardwalks.

Aventon Pace 350.2 Step-Through E-Bike

The $1,000 price level is where e-bikes can get sketchy: Lithium-ion battery technology is still pricey, so corners must be cut elsewhere to keep costs down. At $1,199, the Aventon Pace 350.2 is one such bike, but our test revealed it’s not too cheap to be quality. The Class 2 e-bike tops out at 20 mph, whether you get there by pedal assist or a throttle. There’s a 7-speed Shimano Tourney drivetrain and five levels of e-assist, giving you various pedaling options. You don’t get lights or fenders, but the Pace 350.2 feels viable for daily commuting.

Co-op Cycles ADV 2.2 Bike

Co-op Cycle’s ADV line of adventure bikes has impressed us for years, whether we’ve tested their lower-cost paved-path models or ones equipped for more ambitious rides like this one. The 2.2 is made for gravel and dirt roads but handles itself well on paved paths and city streets, too. You get Shimano’s excellent 1x10 GRX drivetrain, 40mm tires, a dropper seatpost, and a carbon fork to keep weight low and take some buzz out of bad roads. Plus, there are plenty of mounts for racks, bags, and other adventure gear should your trips extend into the next zip code.

Rad Power Bikes RadCity 5 Plus Electric Commuter Bike

Rad Power Bikes has become one of the most popular e-bike brands based on its great pricing, reliable customer service, and, more recently, having products to buy. One of the brand’s latest offerings, the RadCity 5 Plus, comes in a traditional frame or this step-through model. Both are excellent options for spinning around the city, running errands, cruising on bike paths, or getting from point A to point B as blissfully as possible.

This model comes with a hub-mounted 750-watt motor, which saves cost over mid-drive options, hydraulic brakes, puncture-resistant tires, and a rear rack with a 59.5-pound capacity—enough for hauling groceries or a kid.

Cannondale Adventure Neo 4 Bike

In the world of e-commuter bikes, the Adventure Neo 4 hits a happy medium between a traditional townie and a larger, more cumbersome cargo model. With an excellent Bosch motor that assists you up to 20 miles per hour and wide, cushy tires, the Adventure is ideal for cruising along bumpy streets and bike paths. The alloy frame keeps weight modest, and the step-through frame makes it easy for anyone to hop on and start spinning. There are Shimano hydraulic disc brakes to slow you safely, and the 60-plus-mile range means you can ride for hours before recharging.

Cervélo R5 Force eTap AXS

Cervélo, the sponsor of one of the most dominant women's teams in professional cycling , Jumbo-Visma, makes one of the best road bikes available. The R5 Force eTap AXS is a carbon-framed beast with carbon wheels to match. It's built with highly component components that make it light for climbs and stable on descents. Its Full SRAM Force eTap AXS 12-speed drivetrain gives it power, and according to our tester Tara Seplavy, the longer you ride it, the more comfortable it feels.

Niner 2-Star Apex 1 Gravel Bike

Our tester liked this aluminum version of the RLT bike even more than the acclaimed steel model. The RLT 9 is burly enough (and has the gearing) to put up with whatever challenge you could sling into its path. The bike is stiff, agile, and responsive no matter how much weight you pack. With what Niner calls “fire road geometry”—longer chainstays, a lowered bottom bracket, and a slacker head-tube angle—the RLT 9 was comfortable enough to ride on gravel all day. Rack and fork mounts make multiple touring and commuting configurations possible, and the tire clearance of up to 42mm allows you to take it as far off the grid as you want. A carbon fork, disc brakes, and dual thru axles complete the package.

Specialized Fuse Comp 29

This hardtail 29er has a semi-slack setup and a 130mm RockShox Recon RL fork, making it a capable and maneuverable little ride. Adding to its ability to take on rowdier trails is the smooth-operating TranzX dropper post and the well-knobbed 2.6-inch tires. The grippy, wide tires are not quite plus-size (the frame accommodates 27.5+ tires and wheels, too), but they deliver handfuls of traction on rock, snow, and slick clay. On climbs, the combination of the steep seat angle and longer reach help keep the rear wheel driving you forward and the front wheel tracking where you want it to go.

For the price, this bike has a huge range of capabilities and features, including hydraulic disc brakes, a 12-speed SRAM SX Eagle 1x drivetrain, and a 750mm-wide handlebar (780mm on sizes medium and up), which slows steering for a more stable ride. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or a vet, the fun-loving Fuse can turn every ride into a party.

Cannondale Cannondale Quick CX 1 Bike

We love the versatility of this lightweight bike from Cannondale. It’s got a little suspension, excellent brakes, cushy tires with lots of traction in sketchy conditions, and great parts from Shimano. The 1x12 drivetrain eliminates the finicky front derailleur and gives you 12 gears to shift through—enough to keep up on fast bike path sprints or to spin up the town’s tallest hill. It’s made for fun, but with all the features you need to be a practical city or town bike capable of paved and dirt adventures.

Quincy CC GRX

What started as a dedicated ’cross race bike has turned into a ’cross, gravel, and bikepacking beast that is one of the liveliest and most versatile “gravel bikes” we’ve ridden. On the spectrum between ’cross and gravel geometry (the former prizes agility and the latter tends to prize stability), the Quincy remains ’cross-biased—Santa Cruz wanted this to be a bike you could race in between your gravel adventures. It rides like a road bike on pavement and a gravel bike on dirt, and when it hits mellow singletrack, it transforms into a mini mountain bike.

With its endless grip on long, fast, swooping fire-road descents and over gravel sections, the Quincy will encourage you to dive into turns faster, brake less, and test the traction of the 2.0-inch tires in corners. But its light weight and shorter wheelbase keep it agile enough to dodge or hop over obstacles and washouts.

Juliana sells two versions of the bike—this one and another with SRAM’s Force AXS electronic group and 650b wheels. Both use frames with the company’s premium CC carbon and accept 650b or 700c wheels. Read Full Review

Kevin Cortez is an editor for Runner's World, Bicycling, and Popular Mechanics covering reviews. A culture and product journalist for over ten years, he’s an expert in men’s style, technology, gaming, coffee, e-bikes, hiking, gear, and all things outdoors. He most recently worked as the Style Editor for Reviewed, a top product recommendation site owned by USA TODAY. He also helped with the launch of WSJ's Buy Side commerce vertical, and has covered the music and podcast industries for Mass Appeal, Genius, Vulture, Leafly, Input, and The A.V. Club. Equally passionate about leisure as he is his penmanship, Kevin dedicates his spare time to graphic novels, birding, making cold brew, and taking long, meandering walks.

.css-7piy6r:before{width:1.75rem;height:1.75rem;margin:0 0.625rem -0.125rem 0;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-background-size:1.25rem;background-size:1.25rem;background-color:#F8D811;color:#000;background-repeat:no-repeat;-webkit-background-position:center;background-position:center;}.loaded .css-7piy6r:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/latest/bicycling/static/images/chevron-design-element.c42d609.svg);} Bike Reviews

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Pastor trades his cane for a cross to trek across America

When Nick Schindler heard the Lord Jesus say He wanted him to carry a cross, the unconventional pastor went to a big-box store – like good carpenters do – for lumber and hardware to build one.

A literal cross – not the spiritual one Jesus commands His followers to carry – is what the Lord had in mind.

Not a carpenter by trade like Jesus, Schindler listened to the Lord for directions: Build the cross using an eight-feet-long post and side bars three-feet wide, He told Schindler.

One hundred thirty dollars later, Schindler added stain to the 75-pound cross he then hoisted onto his shoulder first in Bend, Oregon for a trip the Lord told him would lead to the East Coast of the United States.

There in Washington, D.C. – precisely in front of the White House – the Lord has instructed Schindler to leave the cross. (See ministry information here: Facebook)

From the nation’s capital Schindler, who is 38, will return to Oregon where the Lord told him spiritual revival will break out.

From Oregon Schindler, who at one time was a traditional pastor at two churches in the South, will lift a new cross onto his shoulder for a trip along both sides of the Mississippi River.

He will minister to people along the route as well as in churches that invite him to share about how to evangelize the lost in the public square.

Founder of Redemption Railroad Ministries, Schindler considers it a privilege to carry the cross because it represents the power of God to save the lost and least – a truth he’s observed in a handful of cities since June of 2023 when his pilgrimage began.

Bearing the burden on his shoulder, the cross is a miraculous sign for Shindler whose pelvis was crushed in a rear-end automobile collision in 2015. The destabilization forced him to walk with a cane for a while.

“I went from being essentially crippled at one point in my life to carrying this cross because the Lord’s called me to do it.

“At the end of the day, my feet are inflamed, my legs are yelling at me and my back’s crying ‘stop it,’ said Schindler, who is further burdened by a chronic condition stemming from a period of rebellious living before the cross.

He trained for a year with the cross in the Pacific Northwest before beginning the trek from Oregon to Idaho, Wyoming, Utah and Colorado

In what Schindler calls the $100 challenge, anybody who carries the cross for 20 city blocks – roughly one mile – while listening to him share the meaning of the 300-pound behemoth Jesus bore on His shoulders, gets the cash prize.

The only people who’ve accepted the challenge and finished the trek – two members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) – were changed by the gospel Schindler shared with them.

At the start of 2024, Schindler embarked from Idaho along what he now calls the highway of prayer – Highway 30 outside of Twin Falls.

There a woman told Schindler her husband – a diesel truck mechanic – suffered from serious back pain.

Schindler prayed with the man named Armando during a cell-phone video call, calling on the name of Jehovah Rapha, the name for God who is the healer, mender and sewer.

Later that day when the man and his wife met Schindler in person, Armando testified that God had healed his back. Lifting the cross onto his shoulders, Armando carried it into town with Schindler at his side.

During much of August, Schindler’s ministered in Colorado, home to one of his spiritual heroes.

Arthur Blessitt, the world-renown gospel evangelist, reached every continent with a cross he carried during a lifetime of ministry; he is 81.

Like Blessitt’s anointed evangelism efforts, Schindler led a man who had been “praying to the universe” to the Lord Jesus by sharing with him the message of God’s grace, and how believers are justified by the blood of His cross.

Chronically homeless for 20 years in Fort Collins, the 56-year-old man’s adult children are unaware of their father’s plight, said Schindler, who is grateful the man now has spiritual treasure in Jesus.

Schindler’s ministry reaches unhoused people, who were the primary beneficiaries of Redemption Railroad’s compassion and mercy outreach during the pandemic.

As churches shut down and bars remained open in accord with government mandates, unhoused people greatly suffered until Schindler brought choice cuisine to empty bellies and the gospel to hungry souls.

During a season of rest that followed the pandemic, the Holy Spirit spoke to Schindler about issuing a wake-up call to churches that sadly were failing in evangelism – that is, taking the message of the cross into the public square.

“It hit home as I was walking with the cross in downtown Bend, Oregon during Easter weekend. Two young girls asked, ‘Mommy, why is that man carrying a big old cross?’

“The mother turns to the two kids and says, ‘O that’s some weird occultic thing,’” recalls Schindler.

Moved by the Holy Spirit, Schindler spoke to the woman about what Jesus accomplished by hanging on the cross 2,000 years ago.

“In that moment, it became very real to me why the cross is so important for people to see in the public square. We’re living in an age when it’s no longer normal to preach Jesus,” said Schindler.

His other spiritual hero, Evangelist Billy Graham, could be surpassed by soul-winning believers if they commit to sharing the gospel, Shindler believes. He thinks that could lead to revival in America that rivals the Book of Acts.

In Green River, Wyoming, Schindler was walking with the cross when he heard about a man whose barn burned during Fourth of July fireworks.

When he arrived in Rock Springs, the Lord told Schindler to give the man $500 to help rebuild his barn.

Obedient to the Lord, Redemption Railroad Ministries helped. The ministry name stems from the fact that many people have been “railroaded” by life – some by church hurt, others through persecution.

Like the Good Shepherd Jesus, the ministry searches for the one who’s strayed – really, people who’ve been “railroaded” by the enemy’s cruelty of homelessness, abandonment and hurt.

Generous and frugal, Schindler and his wife Lynn live sacrificially in a motor home as he carries the cross.

With a home of their own and modest financial means, the Schindlers nevertheless appreciate the generosity of people who give to further the message of the cross.

“God is using the ministry to wake up people and give an invitation. How will you help somebody carry their cross?”

Schindler believes every believer is called to embody God’s love and help people in need.

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Woman and husband caught in Grand Canyon flash flood, family says. She’s still missing

A 33-year-old is missing after she was swept away in a flash flood in Arizona’s Grand Canyon National Park, rangers said.

A flash flood hit Havasu Creek before 1:30 p.m. Aug. 22, the National Park Service said in a news release. Rescuers responded to several stranded hikers in the area that day near Beaver Falls.

Chenoa Nickerson, of Gilbert, was hiking in the canyon with her husband when the two were caught in the rushing water, her sister Tamara Morales wrote on Facebook.

Her husband was rescued and was able to camp with a raft crew, Morales said.

But his wife, Nickerson, has remained missing as teams spread out to find her.

Nickerson is 5 feet, 8 inches tall, weighs about 190 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Anyone with information can contact the park service’s tip line at 888-653-0009.

Park officials advise visitors to always check weather conditions before hiking in the canyons, which can become dangerous when it rains.

“A flash flood can travel miles beyond the rainfall that generated it, catching unwary hikers and motorists by surprise,” officials said.

In 2023, more than 4.7 million people visited Grand Canyon National Park , according to the National Park Service.

Missing 20-year-old woman found dead 150 feet below Grand Canyon rim, rangers say

64-year-old dad — an experienced hiker — vanishes on solo canyon trek, Utah family says

Tourist disoriented by ‘extreme heat’ dies after car rolls off ledge in Death Valley

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10 star trek female characters that made tng better.

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Every Star Trek Character Played By Suzie Plakson

5 ways patti yasutake's nurse ogawa was so important to star trek: tng, star trek: ds9 made 1 tng character more important (and it wasn’t chief o’brien).

• TNG introduced strong female characters like Crusher and Troi, but many interesting women only appeared briefly.
• Star Trek improved its portrayal of women in TNG, but still struggled with underutilization of female characters.
• Modern Trek shows like Picard and Lower Decks have brought back underutilized female characters for more stories.

Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced several strong and intelligent female characters, most of whom didn't stick around as long as they should have. Led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), TNG's ensemble cast featured Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis) as main characters, although they did not always receive the strongest storylines. Throughout its seven seasons, TNG introduced many interesting female characters who only appeared for one or two episodes, despite having the potential for more stories.

Although Star Trek's depiction of women improved dramatically in Star Trek: The Next Generation when compared with Star Trek: The Original Series , TNG was still a product of its time . Many fascinating female characters were introduced throughout the series, but they rarely stuck around long enough to become fully developed characters. Thankfully, modern Trek shows like Star Trek: Picard, Star Trek: Lower Decks, and Star Trek: Prodigy have brought back some of these characters who were underutilized in their initial appearances.

20 Awesome Women In Star Trek

Throughout its nearly 60-year history, the Star Trek franchise has introduced an incredible cast of women and iconic female characters.

10 Commander Elizabeth Shelby (Elizabeth Dennehy)

Star trek: the next generation season 3, episode 26 & season 4, episode 1 - "the best of both worlds".

In the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation two-parter , "The Best of Both Worlds," Commander Elizabeth Shelby was sent to the USS Enterprise-D to investigate potential Borg attacks. When Shelby learned that Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) had been offered his own command, she set her sights on becoming the next First Officer of the Enterprise-D .

After Captain Picard was kidnapped and assimilated by the Borg, Shelby proved to be an incredibly skilled officer, as she led an away team to the Borg cube. Picard's capture left Riker in charge of the Enterprise, and Shelby stepped up as his temporary First Officer. In the battle against the Borg, Riker and Shelby made a good team, ultimately rescuing Picard and destroying the Borg cube.

By the time of Star Trek: Picard season 3, Shelby had achieved the rank of Fleet Admiral and she led the celebrations at Frontier Day. When the Borg triggered assimilation in all of Starfleet's youngest officers, Shelby was shot and presumably killed by her assimilated crew members.

9 K’Ehleyr (Suzie Plakson)

Star trek: the next generation season 2, episode 20 ("the emissary") & season 4, episode 7 ("reunion").

Suzie Plakson's K’Ehleyr made her debut in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Emissary," where she traveled to the Enterprise to intercept an old Klingon sleeper ship. From her very first scene, Plakson embued K'Ehleyr with so much personality that she was instantly memorable. Upon arriving on the Enterprise, K'Ehleyr reconnected with her former flame, Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), but she refused to marry him when he asked.

After completing her mission in "The Emissary," K'Ehleyr did not make another appearance until TNG season 4's "Reunion." When came aboard the Enterprise this time, she had her young son, Alexander (Jon Steuer) , in tow, and surprised Worf by revealing that he was the father. Tragically, the Klingon Duras (Patrick Massett) killed K'Ehleyr when he discovered that she had found evidence linking him to Worf's discommendation.

What do a Vulcan, a Klingon, a Q, and an Andorian have in common? Actress Suzie Plakson has played them all in her Star Trek guest appearances.

8 Dr. Leah Brahms (Susan Gibney)

Star trek: the next generation season 3, episode 6 ("booby trap") & season 4, episode 16 ("galaxy's child").

Dr. Leah Brahms may be most remembered as the subject of Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge's (LeVar Burton) awkward holodeck romance , but she was a compelling character on her own. A brilliant scientist who helped design the Enterprise's engines, Brahms could easily have played a larger role in Star Trek: The Next Generation . Brahms was an expert in warp field theory, and the Enterprise crew could have contacted her more often.

Leah Brahms visited the USS Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation 's "Galaxy's Child," which led to an awkward conversation with Geordi when she discovered his holodeck program. Brahms felt understandably violated by La Forge's program, and his reaction didn't exactly do him any favors. Still, the two put aside their differences and worked together in the end, eventually becoming good friends.

7 Ensign Sito Jaxa (Shannon Fill)

Star trek: the next generation season 5, episode 19 ("the first duty") & season 7, episode 15 ("lower decks").

Sito Jaxa made her first appearance as a cadet at Starfleet Academy, alongside Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton). As a member of the Nova Squadron, Sito was involved in a flight exercise accident that caused the death of one of her fellow cadets. After Sito and her squadron attempted to cover up the real reason for the accident, she remained at Starfleet Academy and continued to pursue a career on a starship.

By the time of TNG's "Lower Decks," Sito had landed a position on the Enterprise-D, working in the security department with Lt. Worf. Seven months after being assigned to the Enterprise, Picard asked Sito to participate in an undercover mission to help a Cardassian defector return to Cardassian space. Tragically, Sito was killed during this mission and her death had a profound effect on her fellow lower deckers.

Sito Jaxa briefly returned in a flashback in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, episode 10, "Old Friends, New Planets." While at the Academy, Sito had been a friend and mentor to Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome).

6 Ensign Robin Lefler (Ashley Judd)

Star trek: the next generation season 5, episode 2 ("darmok") & season 5, episode 6 ("the game").

Only appearing in two episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ashley Judd's Ensign Robin Lefler had the potential to be a compelling guest character. In her first appearance, she was seen working alongside Geordi La Forge in engineering and she later formed a connection with Wesley Crusher. When Wesley visited the Enterprise while on vacation from Starfleet Academy, he and Robin helped save the crew from a dangerously addictive game.

Aside from Wesley Crusher, TNG rarely explored Starfleet from the perspective of young people (with "Lower Decks" as a notable exception). With Wesley's departure from the show, Robin Lefler could have taken over his role, but she unfortunately never appeared again after "The Game." Modern Trek shows like Star Trek: Lower Decks and the upcoming Star Trek: Starfleet Academy have begun exploring the lives of Starfleet cadets and ensigns in more depth.

5 Nurse Alyssa Ogawa (Patti Yasutake)

16 episodes of star trek: the next generation, star trek generations, star trek: first contact.

Beginning in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 4 , Nurse Alyssa Ogawa joined the medical team of Dr. Beverly Crusher. As one of the head nurses on the Enterprise-D, Ogawa assisted with important surgeries and helped care for the crew during medical emergencies. She became close personal friends with Dr. Crusher and the two regularly discussed their romantic relationships and lives outside of their careers.

In TNG season 6, episode 22, "Suspicions," Ogawa even risked her own career to help Dr. Crusher investigate some suspicious deaths. Ogawa appeared in sixteen episodes of TNG, and her presence helped make the Enterprise feel more lived in. She proved herself to be a skilled nurse, and Dr. Crusher even recommended her for promotion in TNG season 7, episode 15, "Lower Decks."

In the wake of Patti Yasutake's tragic death, here are 5 reasons Nurse Alyssa Ogawa became one of Star Trek: TNG's best recurring characters.

4 Amanda Rogers (Olivia d'Abo)

Star trek: the next generation season 6, episode 6 ("true q").

Amanda Rogers first visited the Enterprise as part of a Starfleet Academy internship, reporting to Dr. Beverly Crusher as her mentor. Soon after her arrival, however, Amanda displayed strange powers reminiscent of John de Lancie's Q. Q arrived to investigate, informing Amanda that she was from the Q Continuum. Her birth parents had left the Contiuum and lived as humans, but were killed when Amanda was a baby.

Although Amanda initially wanted to stay on the Enterprise and refrain from using her powers, she later accepted her true nature and left with Q. Despite Q's later Star Trek appearances , Amanda never appeared again and her story remained unfinished on screen. In her single appearance, Amanda seemed like a genuinely good person and it would have been fascinating to see more of her story, considering she's the only Q who was raised as a human.

3 Vash (Jennifer Hetrick)

Star trek: the next generation season 3, episode 19 ("captain's holiday") & season 4, episode 20 ("qpid").

Captain Picard was entirely devoted to his Starfleet career, so he rarely found time for romance, but he made an exception for Vash. An archeologist with shady morals, Vash met Jean-Luc Picard while he was vacationing on Risa, and she quickly pulled him into one of her schemes. Intelligent and bold, Vash had visited Risa in search of a legendary artifact that would make her a huge profit.

After their dalliance on Risa, Vash and Picard parted on amicable terms, realizing their lifestyles were incompatible. Vash later reunited with Jean-Luc when the Enterprise hosted the Federation Archaeology Council symposium. While Vash was visiting the Enterprise, Q appeared and tried to help Jean-Luc in his love life by staging an elaborate Robin Hood-inspired fantasy.

After TNG's "Qpid," Vash left to travel with Q and the pair paid a visit to space station Deep Space Nine in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 1, episode 7, "Q-Less."

2 Keiko O'Brien (Rosalind Chao)

Eight episodes of star trek: the next generation.

Keiko O'Brien first appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation season 4, episode 11, "Data's Day," when she married Chief Miles O'Brien (Colm Meaney) . Keiko worked as a botanist on the Enterprise-D and was introduced to Miles by their mutual friend, Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner). In TNG season 5, episode 5, "Disaster," Keiko gave birth to her and Miles's first child, Molly (Angela and Angelica Tedeski), with Worf acting as a reluctant midwife.

The following year, in TNG season 6, episode 7, "Rascals," Keiko was one of the Enterprise officers transformed into a child, which led to some awkward moments with Miles and Molly. Although Keiko did not get much development as a character on TNG , she helped fill out the Enterprise crew and reminded viewers that the ship had families aboard. When Chief O'Brien transferred to Deep Space Nine, Keiko and Molly, of course, went with him.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's serialized storytelling improved many former TNG characters, including someone close to Chief O'Brien's heart.

1 Ensign Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes)

Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced Ensign Ro Laren in season 5, and she went on to appear in eight total episodes of the series. Although she received more development as a character than many of the women on this list, TNG still did not use her as much as they could have. Still, Ro had a fascinating backstory. After surviving the Cardassian occupation of Bajor, Ro joined Starfleet but had a rather tumultuous relationship with the organization.

After a disastrous away mission in which Ro disobeyed direct orders, she was court-martialed and imprisoned. She was later reinstated as a Starfleet Ensign and joined the crew of the Enterprise-D. Although many Enterprise crew members were initially weary of Ro, she later came to feel like a part of the crew. Picard took Ro under his wing, which left him all the more disappointed when she left Starfleet to join the rebel group known as the Maquis.

Ro Laren was originally meant to be the First Officer on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, but Michelle Forbes turned down the offer. The role later became Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor).

Picard did not get the chance to discuss Ro's betrayal until many years later in Star Trek: Picard season 3 , by which time she had rejoined Starfleet yet again. Ro was apparently killed while investigating the Changeling infiltration of Starfleet, although she did manage to pass the information she had gathered to Picard. Throughout her nine Star Trek appearances, Ro became one of Star Trek: The Next Generation's most interesting secondary characters.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

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‘A Gentleman in Moscow’ Creators Explain That Ambiguous ‘Fairytale’ Ending

Spoiler Alert

A Gentleman in Moscow

[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for the  A Gentleman in Moscow finale.]

A Gentleman in Moscow ‘s series finale honored its source material with an ambiguous ending. The episode, which aired on Sunday, May 19 on Showtime , revealed what happened after Count Alexander Rostov ( Ewan McGregor ), Anna ( Mary Elizabeth Winstead ), Sofia ( Beau Gadsdon ), and the rest of their friends at the Hotel Metropol launched their plan to get Sofia out of Russia. This also led to Rostov walking out of the hotel’s front doors — an act that’s been paired with the threat of death for decades as he carried out his house arrest in the high-end hotel.

After much planning, Sofia’s school trip became the catalyst for her escape in Season 1 Episode 8, “Adieu.” While some roadblocks set her back and threatened her safe departure, the plan worked out in the end. The signal — every phone in the Metropol lobby going off in quick succession — was delivered and the Count knew his daughter was safe. (Sofia was the daughter of Nina, Alexander’s niece-like companion who grew up at the Metropol. The count took Sofia in as his own after Nina’s presumed death, and Anna became her de facto mother.)

Sofia’s journey out of Moscow is the only one we see onscreen. Count Rostov, Anna, and Mishka’s ( Fehinti Balogun ) journeys after leaving the hotel for the last time were not shown. And like in Amor Towles ‘ best-selling book of the same name, we never find out what really happened to the Count and Anna in the end. We did, however, see the couple one last time in the final frame.

The final moments of  A Gentleman in Moscow show what appears to be one of Sofia’s memories, filmed just like the memory flashbacks from the Count’s point of view that viewers saw all season. Only this time, there are a few hints that indicate this is only a figment of Sofia’s imagination, not something that actually happens. In Towles’ book, there’s a brief passage hinting that Alexander made it back to his ancestral home and met Anna there. Sofia’s imagination in the finale takes things a step further by actually showing the Count and Anna together working peacefully outside of a small cottage.

We know this to be a fantasy because of the black apples (a reference to the family legend the Count would tell his hotel friends) and Sofia’s narration. The apple story said that a person could start their life anew if they were to find these “apples as black as coal.” A grown Sofia is heard saying that she never saw Alexander and Anna again after escaping to America.

Alexander, Anna, and Sofia plan Sofia’s escape to America (Ben Blackall / Paramount+ With Showtime)

“I discovered that Papa had escaped the hotel, but what happened after remains a mystery,” Sofia says. “I like to imagine [Alexander and Anna] finally free, living out the rest of their lives together. They gave me the greatest gift of life. I’ll keep them in my heart. Always.”

The ending was meant to be ambiguous like the book.

“It was about for us, allowing space for the viewer to perhaps decide for themselves what happened and giving them some ownership in that moment rather than trying to be too polemic or didactic about it,” showrunner and executive producer Ben Vanstone tells TV Insider. “We wanted to give some room so people could go away and be left thinking about the story a little bit rather than just necessarily getting everything they want.”

Why Ewan McGregor & Mary Elizabeth Winstead Wanted to Do 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Together

Director Sam Miller says they wanted a “fairytale” feel for the final moments, even though it’s not an explicitly happy ending.

“The key to that was Sofia’s imagination, playing into how Sofia might have imagined the story to have ended,” Miller explains. “That’s what gives it its slight fairytale quality.”

The creative team set out to recreate the feeling of reading Towles’ book when creating this series.

“I think what we wanted to do with the ending was try and capture the same feeling you have in the book. For me, it’s about the emotion of that moment rather than necessarily what happens,” Vanstone explains, adding that his personal experience reading the book produced that same feeling of wonder and ambiguity, but he also walked away feeling that the story was still complete regardless of it ending with a mystery.

“You finish it and it’s not entirely clear. You kind of get a sense of it,” Vanstone says. “And it also is a sum of more than its parts when it all comes together at that end point. It reminded me of One Hundred Years of Solitude as well in some ways, that sort of ending where it’s sort of a magic to it. So it’s all about capturing that.”

It is satisfying to see the POV memory motifs flipped into Sofia’s imagination. Those flashbacks were used as a plot device to show Alexander’s painful memories as he reflected on his life during imprisonment. In the final moments, we get to see him happy with the love of his life as they watch their daughter walk towards them. It’s a fantasy, but one worth showing. Miller explains how this memory flashback idea took root, saying it was something they got “very excited” about “very early in the development” of the limited series.

“We got very excited by the idea that the Count is reaching for his memories,” Miller explains. “One thing you do as soon as you’re cut off from your day-to-day, as soon as you’re encased like that, is you start to analyze what’s happened to you and look at all the things in your past. So we were trying to find a filming style that wasn’t too narratively driven, but could summon the feelings and the emotions that you have when you think about yourself as 6 years old or 10 years old or 18 years old.”

“So we try to make them very emotional and very subjective, so they’re all shot from the Count’s point of view,” he continues. “I think it gives them a real special place within the drama in a sense because it’s not telling you the story’s moving on, but it’s giving you real insight into what the Count’s experiencing and how he feels about himself and how he tries to work out what’s going on.”

Towles says it’s “a great example of how they’ve taken the written word and reinterpreted it for the visual medium.”

“As the writer, I couldn’t create that experience,” Towles tells TV Insider. “When you see those flashbacks, because they’re from the Count’s point of view, it’s like when we have a dream or when we have a memory, we don’t see ourselves in the dream or the memory. We see what we’re watching. And so for the viewer, you’re going to have this feeling of being in his position in this dreamlike moment, and that’s a visual experience that I couldn’t create in writing. The two art forms have their different advantages, and you’re trying to use the advantage of one to amplify the strengths of the other.”

“I think it was all there in the novel as well that you would get a sense of the Count’s previous life and his backstory, but we had to find a way to present that visually,” adds Vanstone. “So again, it’s about taking the novel and what’s there and making it work for television.”

A Gentleman in Moscow , Season 1 Available now, Paramount+

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Published Aug 23, 2024

Romulan Fashion: A Symbol of Strength

A brief and fashionable history of Romulan women and their shoulder pads of power.

StarTrek.com

Characters like Jadzia Dax, Kira Nerys, and B'Elanna Torres gifted viewers with examples of strong women in the science fiction genre. Romulan women have remained in especially bold and authoritative roles of leadership throughout the various iterations of the show from The Original Series (TOS) to Star Trek: Picard .

Notably, the Romulans' iconic shoulder pads have come back in vogue in the Picard series. Commanding the attention of all as a symbol of strength, the shoulder pads particularly present on women characters' costumes remind new and veteran Star Trek viewers alike of the power resting on women's shoulders.

Anatomy of a Romulan

A Short History of Shoulder Pads

Initially created as men's athletic wear in the late 19th Century, shoulder pads have been a prominent part of women's fashion since the 1930s. In her article, " The History of Shoulder Pads and How They Indicate Social Progress ," Sophie Shaw relays how Italian-French surrealist designer Elsa Schiaparelli first experimented with women's silhouettes using padding sewn inside clothing, notably incorporating shoulder pads inside structured jackets.

Into the 1940s, Joan Crawford brought shoulder pads to the big screen as part of her signature look, and they became a popular wartime chic style. During the Second World War, women entered the workforce in unprecedented numbers. The militaristic Victory suit with a more masculine shoulder shape helped women integrate into professional spaces previously dominated by men. Shoulder pads went out of style soon after the war, but regained popularity during the 1980s with "power dressing."

Women's power suits usually involved straight skirts or slacks paired with a shoulder-padded blazer. Among various celebrities and politicians in the late 1900s, the United Kingdom's first woman Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, was known for wearing shoulder pads, assuming a traditionally male-dominated role with a broad-shouldered silhouette, which costume designer Amy Roberts has brought back into public consciousness with the most current season of The Crown .

[Left] Joan Crawford sporting a shoulder-padded business jacket in "Mildred Pierce" (1945). [Right] Example of Demna Gvasalia's Balenciaga Spring 2019 Collection

Warner Bros / Getty Images

Presently, women celebrities and politicians like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez continue to wear power suits with both traditionally masculine and feminine qualities as a symbol of professional competence and gender equality.

In 2018 and 2019, fashion designers such as Demna Gvasalia have incorporated shoulder pads into their creations experimenting with the form of both men and women's silhouettes. Using 3-D modeling to create precisely angled shoulders, Shaw reports Gvasalia's Spring/Summer 2019 collection added what has been described as a 'futuristic' element to this evolving fashion trend.

A Romulan Fashion Statement

"The Enterprise Incident"

It should come as no surprise to Star Trek fans that shoulder pads are a futuristic fashion statement as a featured detail of Romulan costuming since the 1980s. On a number of women characters' costumes, shoulder pads contributed to Romulan women's commanding presence from The Next Generation to Picard .

Though sans shoulder pads, the first Romulan woman character on-screen was a powerful and intelligent Commander in the TOS episode, "The Enterprise Incident." The Commander never loses her air of authority, even after she is deceived by Kirk and Spock.

"Contagion"

The next time a woman Romulan makes an appearance is Subcommander Taris in TNG episode " Contagion ," who is also in a command position on the Romulan warbird Haakona . The notable visual additions to the Romulans' ensemble in TNG are the prominent shoulder pads on both the men and women's uniforms.

In TOS, there are consistent differences between men and women's costumes that are not limited to the species the actors are portraying. Like Lt. Uhura, the unnamed Romulan Commander in "The Enterprise Incident" wears a short skirt version of the Romulan sashed uniforms.

The 24th Century Romulans have less colorful gender-neutral uniforms, which denote several aspects of Romulan society. The Romulan uniform's gray bulky tunics and straight slacks indicate that Romulans are practical and militant. Unlike the Starfleet uniforms in TNG, they are loose fitting and do not emphasize the waist, hips, or chest.

"Unification, Part II"

A departure from TOS, Romulan women characters are not sexualized and, at a glance, look no different from the men. Even Romulan civilian clothing that is seen in the TNG two-part episode, " Unification ," have similar shoulder-padded tunics and uniformly cut hair on men and women.

From a production standpoint on TNG, there is simply much more representation of Romulan women characters compared to other alien species. There were few examples of Klingon or Cardassian women characters beyond the two reoccurring antagonists Lursa and B'Etor, and no examples of women from other popular species like the Ferengi until later in Deep Space Nine (DS9).

Though there are numerous Romulan women in TOS, TNG, DS9, and Voyager , most Romulan women characters are in the military and are usually in leadership positions or specialists like T'Rul in the DS9 episode, " The Search ."

Changing Gender Roles and Clothing Strong Women

"Face of the Enemy"

The best example of not only Romulan women in positions of authority, but also the empowering effects of the shoulder pads is in the TNG Season 6 episode, " Face of the Enemy ." In this episode, Counselor Deanna Troi is kidnapped and transformed into Tal Shiar agent Major Rakal to help smuggle Romulan defectors to the Federation aboard a Romulan warbird under the nose of Commander Toreth played by the talented Carolyn Seymour.

The two women are the focus of the plot, as Troi and Toreth play a captivating game of cat and mouse. During a dinner scene aboard the Romulan warbird, the viewer can feel the electric tension in the room as Troi and Toreth exchange barbs debating politics, military strategies, and ethics. Notably, the men in this scene outnumber the women; though, only Toreth and Troi speak during the entire dinner.

Furthermore, the shoulder pads endow Troi's character with unprecedented confidence and air of authority even under adverse circumstances. While Marina Sirtis still appears quite feminine as Major Rakal, there is no denying that when her character woke up in the bulky Romulan uniform, Troi owns her newfound authority and utilizes her position as a Tal Shiar agent to intimidate her foes and complete her mission.

The shoulder pads function to empower Troi with a more masculine silhouette without eclipsing her femininity. Major Rakal sitting in the Commander's chair of the Romulan warbird with her imposing shoulders starkly contrasts Councilor Troi's usual seat to the side of Captain Picard wearing a form-fitting catsuit.

The infamous shoulder pads make a comeback in Star Trek: Picard to emphasize the formidable power of Picard's new Romulan foes, namely Narissa and Oh.

"Broken Pieces"

These two women characters are introduced early in the series as undercover Romulan operatives in Starfleet working for the shadowy Zhat Vash. After Narissa and Oh reveal their true identities, they don the iconic shoulder pads in later episodes.

In " Broken Pieces ," viewers obtain insight into Narissa's traumatic past explaining why she joined the secret sect of the Tal Shiar with her aunt Ramdha. In the scene where they experience the 'Abomination,' or vision on Aia they are wearing dark robes with triangular leather shoulder pieces attached to the outside of their tunics.

This new external interpretation of the shoulder pad returns during the season finale, " Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 " when Commodore Oh exchanges her Federation Head of Security uniform for a sleek black Romulan military ensemble.

"Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2"

Throughout the season, Narissa and Oh prove to be cunning adversaries for Picard and the crew of La Sirena . Narissa leads the Romulans on The Artifact, a Borg Cube disconnected from the Collective, while Oh cleverly orchestrates the Zhat Vash's plan to ban synthetic lifeforms from inside the Federation.

Watching Commodore Oh in the Picard season finale arriving with her fleet of warbirds and her glorious angular shoulders, my sister and I both snapped our heads to look at each other and exclaimed, "The shoulder pads!"

We instinctively understood from the simple detailing on the shoulders that these costumes were meant to visually strengthen these Romulan women, while also reflecting their positions of authority — the magic of great costuming work!

Love them or hate them, shoulder pads have been a symbol of power in women's fashion since the early 20th Century. Their incorporation into the gender-neutral Romulan uniforms denotes a gender-equal society in the Star Trek universe and continues to communicate a message of women's empowerment to generations of viewers.

A Closer Look at Romulans

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This article was originally published on December 3, 2020.

Kaja Gjelde (she/her/hers) is a Sami-American writer and researcher with an MA in Indigenous Studies. Gjelde is a life-long Trekkie, feminist and linguaphile who lives a semi-nomadic lifestyle with her Norwegian Lundehund. Find her on Twitter @KGjelde.

In addition to streaming on Paramount+ , Star Trek: Picard also streams on Prime Video outside of the U.S. and Canada, and in Canada can be seen on Bell Media's CTV Sci-Fi Channel and streams on Crave. Star Trek: Picard is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

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