It’s only in recent years that many cycling enthusiasts have become aware that there are specific bikes for women. For a long time, most people didn’t know that there was such a thing as entry level women’s road bikes; they assumed that all bikes were the same. In fact, manufacturers have been creating women’s bikes since the 19th century. After reviewing several bikes, below are our picks for the best entry level women’s road bikes.

From the beginning, bicycles were a man’s forte (check Bicycle History & Evolution). They were designed with men in mind, and they were mostly used by men alone. It was rather unusual to see a woman on a bicycle.

The few women who cycled were frowned upon. It was unfeminine. It was widely accepted that it would awaken women’s sexuality and make them promiscuous (the act of straddling was seen by some as provocative). Some were of the opinion that women who cycled would harm their child-bearing ability.

It was all nonsense of course. In the late 19th century industrialization forced women to find easy ways to commute. They had to go to their jobs, and many in countries like England and France took to cycling.

Bicycles helped women become independent; they were able to shed their restrictive clothing and travel further than they had before. At about this time the suffragette and feminist movements were born, and the world hasn’t looked back.

Best Women’s Road Bikes for Beginners

Today, there are many different categories of women’s bikes. Best women’s road bikes for beginners is one of the most common.

Why do women need their own types of bikes?

The answer is quite simply that they are built differently from men. Men tend to be taller, with longer torsos and longer legs. Women also need bikes that are specifically designed for comfort with regard to their sensitive bits. You can learn more from this article on women’s bike size chart.

Best Entry Level Women’s Road Bikes Reviews

If you are new to cycling you may be wondering what beginner women’s road bike would be best. There are several that come highly recommended, and I shall be reviewing them here.

Check Lowest Price Now Aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork for quick, agile riding

Aluminum frame and a carbon fiber fork for quick, agile riding Premium 16-speed Microshift shifters and brake levers for smooth, fast gear changes

Premium 16-speed Microshift shifters and brake levers for smooth, fast gear changes Promax alloy caliper brakes for crisp, all-condition stopping

Promax alloy caliper brakes for crisp, all-condition stopping 700x28c smooth rolling street tires for smooth riding

700x28c smooth rolling street tires for smooth riding Alloy crank provides a wide gear range and less maintenance

Budget alternative: Schwinn Volare 1400

Shwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 are made for both men and women, but they can be classified as a women’s bicycle because of their design. Schwinn has been at the forefront of creating women’s bikes for more than 100 years. Their bicycles are designed for comfort and durability.

There are some websites that point out that the Schwinn Phocus 1600 is better for women than the 1400. It’s really up to you; many women are just as comfortable on the 1400 as they are on the 1600.

Features

The features that are listed here can apply to both the Phocus 1400 and Phocus 1600; remember, the main difference between the two is size.

Both bikes are made with an aluminum frame and carbon fiber rigid road fork.

Shimano 14 speed derailleur with integrated lever shifting.

High profile alloy rims with paired spokes.

Quick-release saddle & Seat Material: Polypropylene, vinyl

Good stopping power because of the Promax alloy caliper road brakes.

Weight: 27 pounds (Phocus 1400) & 33 Phocus 1600

Bicycle Chain Material: Steel

Rim Material: Metal Alloy

Gear Speeds: 16

Wheel height & Size: 700c/28″ & 700

What’s to like?

These bikes are considered among best entry-level women’s road bikes because they are lightweight and highly responsive.

They are good for commuting and for exercise.

Schwinn bikes are made out of superior materials that last a long time.

The bikes come with a stylish design suitable for both men and women.

What’s not to like?

These bikes are easy to assemble, easy to ride and provide excellent value for money. The most common complaint about Schwinn Phocus 1400 and Phocus 1600 is assembly; there are some people who aren’t DIY savvy and find putting the bike together quite a hassle. If you buy a bike online it will require assembly, so keep that in mind as you shop. If you would like a bike that’s already been put together you should talk to your local bike dealer.

Check Best Price Now Lightweight hand crafted 6061 aluminium frame

Lightweight hand crafted 6061 aluminium frame Headset: 1 1/8” thread less steel

Headset: 1 1/8” thread less steel Fork: high tensile steel

Fork: high tensile steel Dual water bottle mounts

Dual water bottle mounts Shifters: 16 speed Shimano ST2300 with integrated brake levers

Shifters: 16 speed Shimano ST2300 with integrated brake levers Rims: highv- profile silver Vitesse alloy 700c 32 hole

Rims: highv- profile silver Vitesse alloy 700c 32 hole Tires: 700×25 road clincher

There is a men’s and a women’s version of this bike, so make sure you buy the right one. The Giordano Libero is a superior women’s road bike. It is modeled after the popular men’s version and retains many of the same features but is designed specifically for the female body. Many people choose this bike because it is affordable – it retails at a much lower price than many bicycles that have similar features.

Features

Aluminum frame for maximum stability and power.

It is light, at just under 25 lbs.

Prowheel crank drivetrain with Shimano cassette, front and rear derailleurs and integrated shifters.

Quick gear-shifting action.

16 speeds for easy navigation of different types of surfaces.

Vitesse alloy rims with 32 spokes.

Adjustable Velo saddle.

What’s to like?

It is lightweight but made from tough materials and will last a long time.

You can use this bike in all kinds of terrain – it is good for riding in the city and on gravel and rough roads too.

The tires are designed for maximum speeds and have enough grip for different road surfaces.

The bike is available in different sizes for tall and short women.

It provides excellent value for money.

What’s not to like?

The only problem with this bike, according to some, is that the saddle could do with better design. It isn’t very comfortable for long-distance rides.

Easily switchable 7 gears via twist grip shifters on the handlebar

Easily switchable 7 gears via twist grip shifters on the handlebar Front and rear handbrakes for more precise stopping

Front and rear handbrakes for more precise stopping Low swooping frame for easy step-thru entry and exit

Low swooping frame for easy step-thru entry and exit Matching fender and rear rack for optional baskets.

Matching fender and rear rack for optional baskets. Fits riders 5 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall.

Budget alternative: sixthreezero EVRYjourney

This is an excellent beginner women’s road bike. Looking at it, you may think that it doesn’t amount to much. It looks rather plain and doesn’t have fancy colors. Don’t let this deceive you. It’s one of the best road bikes for women in the market today. The sixthreezero is described as fast, smooth, comfortable and fun. It was conceptualized and designed in someone’s garage in California and went on to become one of the leading road bikes for women.

Features

Shimano 7-speed derailleur.

Front and rear brakes.

Lightweight aluminum frame.

Great handlebar design for maximum comfort, including leather grips.

Tapered saddle to protect sensitive parts and allow for speed.

Wheels have double-walled rims for smooth rides.

Nice bike rack attached at the back.

It can accommodate cyclists of different height.

What’s to like?

It is one of the most comfortable road bikes for women beginners and experienced cyclists alike.

The lightweight frame and unique design allow for speed without compromising on comfort.

You can use this bike in busy city streets, bike trails, and even major roads. The 7-speed gears give you lots of freedom.

It is an excellent bike for long-distance rides.

Nice bike rack means you can bring a few things along.

What’s not to like?

Most people who buy this bike give it 5 stars. You may see a few negative reviews, but this is mostly because of the DIY work involved in putting it together.

This bike is built for comfort; it’s easy to use and you can ride for a long time in an upright position without feeling the strain on your back and shoulders. The suspension frame means that you get a comfortable ride even in rough terrains and the tires are designed to add to maximize comfort and ease of riding.

Features

Aluminum frame.

Spoke alloy rims with custom-design cruiser tires.

Shimano rear derailleur.

Lifetime warranty for the frame, 1 year for the component parts.

Well-padded saddle for maximum comfort.

What’s to like?

The bike is available for both men and women; choose your optimal size with the aid of a bike size chart.

It’s a reliable bike; you’ll be able to cover long distances in comfort and without much strain.

The suspension frame makes it the ideal bike for those who have to negotiate bumpy roads.

This bike is great for use in busy city traffic.

The quick-release saddle is easy to adjust.

What’s not to like?

The most frequent complaint you will hear about this women’s road bike is the difficulty of putting it together. If you aren’t a handy DIYer my advice to you is this: once it arrives, take it to a local bike shop and have an expert assemble it for you. They’ll charge a few dollars but it’s well worth it, and they’ll make sure all the parts are in the right places. report this ad

This is the quintessential women’s bike – it looks feminine and comes in feminine colors (every color combination has some pink in it). Don’t underestimate it though; it’s one of the best entry-level women’s road bikes. It’s a single-speed bike that can be used to ride on different terrains including sandy beaches, smooth city roads and bumpy country lanes.

Features

It’s available in a steel frame and aluminum frame.

It has a classic cruiser frame and is easy for beginners to ride.

There are some versions that have more than one speed.

Dual spring comfort cruiser saddle.

It’s lightweight.

What’s to like?

This is an easy women’s road bike and is perfect for those who are just starting out. It doesn’t have any complicated parts – just get on and ride off.

You can ride this bike anywhere and have fun. The tires are designed for all terrains.

Many people love the way it looks; it has nice feminine curves and comes in 13 different colors.

It is one of the cheapest road bikes for women. It’s excellent value for money when you take into account how well it rides and how long it lasts.

Wide tires absorb impact and allow you to ride for longer.

The bike comes 80% assembled.

It comes in different sizes for women of different heights.

It is lightweight.

What’s not to like

The Firmstrong Urban Lady Beach Cruiser gets 5/5 stars in most reviews and is loved by new and experienced riders alike. You may see a few complaints but they mostly have to do with assembly. Get an expert to put it together for you and you will have nothing negative to say about this women’s road bicycle.

This may be one of the more expensive bikes for women, but if you look at the features you understand why. At first glance, there is nothing feminine about this bike, but it is designed for women and has excellent workmanship. It is built to perfectly cushion the female form and offers maximum comfort.

Features

Double-butted aluminum frame.

16 gears.

700 cc wheels.

Short top tube, short stem and narrow handlebars for every woman’s comfort.

Full carbon fork.

Dual-piston mechanical disc brakes.

It comes with its own bike size chart.

What’s to like?

It is one of the most comfortable women’s bikes in its price range.

It’s made of tough materials that last a long time.

It’s the perfect bike for women who don’t like feminine-looking bicycles.

The bike’s features make it easy to ride and control and you’ll be comfortable on different types of roads.

Good stopping power regardless of the weather.

You get a free tune-up after the first 20 hours of use or after six months (whichever comes first) … if you can find an REI shop near you.

The bike size chart takes the guesswork out of finding the right bike for your height.

What’s not to like?

I couldn’t find negative reviews about the Co-op Cycles ARD women’s bike except for the usual complaints about assembly. If you buy a bike online it will not be shipped to you fully assembled and you have to put it together yourself.

This bike is designed for women with dimensions that perfectly fit the female form. It is a good bike for beginners and experienced riders. Some people will give it a miss because of its price. True, there are other women’s bicycles with similar features that retail for less, but there are a few features that make the Specialized Dolce truly special.

Features

It is built with Women’s Endurance Geometry ensuring maximum comfort even for long rides.

Shimano Claris 8-speed shifters.

Axis sport wheels for maximum stability.

Handlebar width and crank-arm length are designed for a woman’s comfort.

The aluminum frame makes it lightweight but durable and stable.

FACT carbon fork for a smooth ride.

8-speed gears.

What’s to like?

It is one of the most comfortable women’s bikes in the market today. It may cost more but is worth every penny.

You can use the Specialized Dolce in different terrains without compromising comfort or performance.

It comes 80% assembled.

It comes with its own bike size chart.

What’s not to like?

At the time of writing this review, this bike seemed to be out of stock ion most places including Amazon and eBay.

Conclusion

This review of best entry level women’s road bikes doesn’t cover all bikes out there; there are other good ones that aren’t included here. However, if you buy any of the women’s road bikes that I’ve talked about in this post you’ll be assured of two things: comfort as you ride on different terrains, and durability. They all provide excellent value and last a long time.