Great commuter bikes for women will have features like step-through frames, ergonomic grips, and practical accessories like racks and fenders, that are great for cruising around the city with comfort. These bikes are usually lightweight with easy-to-use features and prioritize stability and safety.
The best women’s commuter bikes are the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser and the Schwinn Phocus Road Bicycle. The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney features a 7-speed gear system with high-quality Shimano parts. The Schwinn Phocus is equipped with aerodynamic spokes on the rear wheels to provide extra support.
In this article, I will explore the top commuter bike options that are easy to mount and dismount and easy to take around narrow lanes.
Best Commuter Bicycles for Women
- Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle (Top Pick)
- Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike (Budget Buy)
- Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Road Bicycle (High End)
- AVASTA Hybrid Bike
- AVASTA Neptune Road Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Bike
- Sixthreezero Around The Block
- Schwinn Loop Folding Bike
Compare Top Women’s Commuting Bikes
Product | Overall Score | Bottom Line | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser | 85 | Easy to ride uphill | Check Out On Amazon |
Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike | 82 | Comes with a rear rack for storage | Check Out On Amazon |
Schwinn Phocus Road Bike | 82 | Features Shimano rear derailleur | Check Out On Amazon |
AVASTA Hybrid Bike | 80 | Lightweight yet durable | Check Out On Amazon |
AVASTA Neptune Road Hybrid Bike | 79 | Easy-to-use 6-speed gear system | Check Out On Amazon |
Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bike | 74 | Comes with lifetime limited warranty | Check Out On Amazon |
Sixthreezero Around The Block | 77 | Portable and easy to ride | Check Out On Amazon |
Schwinn Loop Folding Bike | 77 | Comes with fenders | Check Out On Amazon |
Detailed Analysis of the Best Women’s Commuter Bikes
Why a women-only commuter bike?
Because the design of bicycles, in particular, has become incredibly sophisticated over the years and modern consumers are lucky enough to have access to style and weight-specific bikes that are suitable for use in all types of different terrains and weather conditions.
Here are our top picks:
1. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle
Overall Score: 85
The Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Step-Through Beach Cruiser is probably the most popular women’s commuter bike there is, if the reviews done on it are anything to go by.
This beach cruiser is very unique in that it’s built for comfort, functionality, and style.
It comes with soft-rolling tires, a well-cushioned seat, and a convenient step-through frame. For even more comfort, you can lean the seat back effortlessly, thanks to the foot-forward design.
It’s very easy to ride overall. It also has a 7-speed gear system with high-quality Shimano parts that are easy to access.
You’ll be able to sit upright thanks to the positioning of the handlebars in relation to the seat. This is part of what makes this bike an ideal option for those with back pain.
The handlebar grips aren’t only sturdy, but they’re designed to ensure that you’re able to maintain your grip on the bicycle no matter how sweaty your palms get.
Other features that make this the best women’s commuter bike for ladies include a back seat to keep your items, a chain guard, and mud fenders.
Advantages
- Comes with fenders to protect your legs from mud splashes.
- Easy and comfortable to ride.
- Comes with multiple gears.
- Easy to ride uphill.
- Made with a lightweight aluminum frame.
- It has a stylish and chic high-gloss chrome finish.
Disadvantages
- Customer service should be better.
2. Schwinn Hinge Folding Bike
Overall Score: 82
Next on our list of the best Schwinn women’s commuter bikes, we have this single-speed machine from Schwinn – another famous bike manufacturer.
Features included in this folding bike are a durable steel frame that can handle up to 220 pounds of weight.
The handlebars are well-positioned to help your back maintain an upright position while the low-lying frame allows for a wide array of heights to comfortably sit on the bicycle.
If you’re wondering if the seat is comfortable, you’ll be glad to know that it’s spring-loaded. It’s designed to work in conjunction with the bike’s 20-inch wheels.
Thanks to these features, you’re guaranteed a smooth and comfortable ride. It’s the best commuter bike for women looking to maintain an active lifestyle, thanks to the single-gear design.
We also found that it’s ideal for flat terrain. The bike also comes with replaceable bike baskets for item storage.
Advantages
- Well-priced.
- It’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
- It comes with a rear rack for storage.
- Foldable and portable.
- Made to last.
Disadvantages
- Because it’s a single-speed bike, this bicycle is only suitable for flat terrain.
3. Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 Road Bicycle
Overall Score: 82
Schwinn takes yet another spot on our review of the best women’s commuter bike with their Phocus 1400 and 1600 drop bar road bike.
Although this isn’t necessarily a flashy bike in terms of its visual appeal, it has a lot to offer. For one thing, it’s designed to accommodate people with short limbs. It feels lightweight and comfortable to ride.
It only weighs about 26 pounds and it’s made with a Shimano rear derailleur so you can shift gears effortlessly.
In addition to having an accessible gear shifting system, this bike is easy to control overall and comes with aerodynamic spokes on the rare wheels to provide extra support when bending.
When it comes to female commuter bikes, this bicycle is in a class of its own.
Advantages
- Suitable for use on different surfaces and road terrains.
- Lightweight yet durable.
- The seat post is easy to quickly adjust.
- The components are all quick and easy to shift when going uphill.
Disadvantages
- It has a size limitation.
- Made with low-quality pedal straps.
4. AVASTA Hybrid Bike
Overall Score: 80
Sturdy and well-built, this women’s bike from AVASTA is made to withstand the rugged rigors of the city road. It’s stylish as it’s strong.
What impresses us most with this bike is the fact that it’s constructed with a low center of geometry.
This is evident from the bike’s handlebars which are slightly raised to complement the bike’s back-swept saddle.
This means that you’ll be able to fully extend your legs while riding your bicycle if you like, while fully maintaining an upright back.
The frame is constructed from 26 inches of high tensile steel which makes for a durable and long-lasting bike.
It makes sense then that AVASTA has backed this bicycle with a 10-year warranty, they’re confident about its quality.
You’ll find that it’s super easy to get on and off from this bike thanks to its low swooping frame which makes it suitable for people of different heights.
In terms of performance, this bicycle is powered by a 6-speed gear system that’s complimented by 26-inch hybrid tires that make it easy to accelerate the bike at incomparable speeds.
Advantages
- Comes with fenders on the back and front.
- Features a self-retracting kickstand.
- Quality needlework.
- Wide alloy wheels.
- It has an easy-to-use 6-speed gear system.
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t have a luggage carrier.
- It’s heavier than most.
5. AVASTA Neptune Road Hybrid Bike
Overall Score: 79
There’s no shortage of great features to speak about with this hybrid bike from AVASTA. It’s constructed with a dual suspension steel frame that can handle a weight of up to 200 pounds.
This means that it will cushion you from all the bumps along the road even if you’re plus-sized.
The front suspension fork measures 60mm and enables you to enjoy a relatively smooth ride when cycling through unpaved roads.
You can shift this bike for up to 24 speeds which makes it easier to handle curves and cuts along the road, no matter how fast you’re going.
We’re glad they included the Shimano Rear Derailleur system which allows you to effortlessly shift the linear-pull brakes on the front and back.
If you’re looking for a bicycle that’s easy to control and reliable, this is it.
Plus, you’ve got 700x40C KENDA tires that are designed for ease and convenience. The tire width is designed to maintain an optimal grip on the ground during different weather conditions.
Plus, there are 36 spokes on the aluminium rimmed wheels.
Advantages
- This is an affordable bike.
- Features a quick gearing system.
- The handlebars and seat are both adjustable.
- Comes with a responsible braking system.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Disadvantages
- We didn’t like the number of stickers that were on this bike.
- It doesn’t come with installation instructions.
6. Schwinn Wayfarer Adult Bike
Overall Score: 74
The Schwinn Wayfarer is the best women’s commuter bike under 500, as it comes with a 7-speed gear shifting system, a twist handle that allows you to do all kinds of maneuvers, and sturdy front alloy brakes that’ll bring the bike to a stop as soon as you step on them.
The front brakes are sturdier though, which is good news. This bike is constructed from durable yet lightweight aluminum that lends a sleek, stylish, and even retro look to it.
The rack and fenders complement each other perfectly and make this the ideal bicycle for different types of terrain, especially in the city.
Moreover, you’ve got a top-quality elevated spring set that allows you to see with 40-40 vision, which is cushioned to ensure comfortable sitting and riding overall.
Advantages
- Suitable for use in different terrains.
- It’s backed by a lifetime limited warranty.
- It comes in a stylish retro urban design.
- Features full wrap fenders.
- Has handlebars that are swept back to keep your body in an upright position.
Disadvantages
- Beginners might find it difficult to shift gears.
- It can be hard to set the bike up if you’re not familiar with it.
7. Sixthreezero Around The Block
Overall Score: 77
This is yet another great bike from Sixthreezero, a brand that has made a name for itself as one of the best bike manufacturers.
This one is known as the Around The Block and comes with all the comfortable and functional features that we’ve come to expect from this manufacturer.
This includes a foot-forward design, a comfortable saddle, and dropping top tube. This bike is great not only for women specifically but for elderly riders as well, thanks to its ergonomic design.
It’s made with quick-rolling 700x38c wheels in addition to coaster breaks for easy backpedaling.
This is a durable and sturdy ladies urban bike that’s set to last you for many years to come, despite its affordable price.
If you’re wondering why it’s so affordable, keep in mind that it only contains a 21-speed gear system. This favorable feature makes this a lightweight and portable bicycle that’s comfortable to ride.
Advantages
- It’s durable and well-made.
- There’s room to upgrade if you like.
- Allows you to ride it upright.
- Offers a light ride thanks to having only a few gears.
- Portable and easy to ride around town.
Disadvantages
- There are no fenders.
8. Schwinn Loop Folding Bike
Overall Score: 77
Whether you’re riding a bike because you live in a city that doesn’t allow cars or because it’s just more convenient to avoid traffic by cycling through town, there’s a lot of value to be had in buying a women-specific commuter bike.
The Schwinn Loop Folding Bike is the best women’s commuter bike under 1000.
This is a portable model that’s designed for city life and it comes with a 7-speed gear system with an SL-TX30 Shifter and an RD-TZ50 rear derailleur. This translates to a malleable pedaling motion.
The motion can harden or soften depending on the conditions and your riding style.
You’re also guaranteed a trouble-free gear change and useful components that aren’t as pricey as Shimano parts but just as accessible and useful.
Advantages
- It’s designed to enable upright riding.
- It has a low sitting frame that’s easy to get on and off from.
- Comes with fenders to prevent mud from splattering on your feet.
- Made with multiple gears so that it’s easy to go uphill.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Super affordable.
Disadvantages
- There are a few quirks that come with this bicycle, but nothing you can’t get over.
How to Find the Best Women’s Commuter Bikes for City Riding
Now that you know what the best women’s commuter bikes are, it’s time to check out the criteria we utilized to come up with this list. This is to help you make an informed decision overall.
Position
The best quality commuter bikes typically offer a medium riding position, which means that they’re usually not too upright.
Why is this important? Because it translates to easy power transfer from the pedals and an easier time maneuvering the bike overall.
In addition to making for a comfortable ride, this feature is important to consider due to its impact on functionality and comfortability.
For instance, it’s important to ensure that your bike allows for a leaned-over position. This is if you’re someone who enjoys riding aggressively for long distances.
On the other hand, it’s much better to opt for a fully upright riding position if you only need your bicycle for short-distance rides. Otherwise, a mid-range option is more than suitable for most other riders.
Frame
Commuter bikes for women also come in different frame styles, such as a step-through frame and a traditional frame.
Most women prefer step-thru frame bikes because they’re ideal to ride when you’re wearing a dress or a skirt. They’re perfect for riders with a shorter height.
Gears
The average lady commuter bike also features different gear configurations and drivetrains. As you may have noticed, some of the bicycles on this list come with a single-gear, 3-speed or 7-speed gear systems.
Single-speed bikes are great for city slickers while an external drivetrain will come in handy for traversing hilly terrain, and gear systems can go to 21+ gears.
Just keep in mind that the more gears a bicycle has, the higher maintenance it is.
But, you have other options, such as belt drives or internally geared hubs which are suitable for most commuters and feature gears inside the gear wheel.
This system is perfect for anyone that has to deal with rainy or muddy weather conditions. You’ll thank yourself for it when you encounter slush and grime.
As for a belt-drive, it’s designed with a carbon fiber body instead of a chain which means that you don’t have to worry about maintenance tasks such as lubrication.
Yet, it’s still very effective at making it through muddy and rainy weather conditions.
Tires
For best results, you want wide-set commuter bike tires with a lot of tread for smooth riding. Commuter bicycles that meet this criterion are usually a combination of mountain and road bikes.
They’re designed to work well in different conditions regardless of the weather or road conditions. Yes, you can even breeze through gravel roads without losing balance.
If you like Continental bike tires, check out this comparison.
Brakes
As you may have noticed, we made sure to only include on this list bikes that come with either hydraulic brakes, mechanical disc brakes, or rim brakes, all of which are decent options.
If your concern is price and you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, then you’ll want to check out V-brakes which are as low-maintenance as brakes get.
But they don’t have powerful stopping power, especially in rainy weather. For a mid-priced option, consider mechanical disc brakes which are better than rim brakes.
Lastly, the best option is hydraulic disc brakes, and they command a higher price tag thanks to their impressive stopping power and ease of regulation. But, they are high maintenance so keep that in mind.
Size
A women’s commuter bike should ideally have a short crank length and frame as that’ll make it easier and more comfortable to ride.
The shorter you are the smaller your hands are, so you’ll definitely benefit from a bicycle that has short-reach brake levers and shifters.
Weight
It’s also important to consider the bike’s weight, especially if it’s a manual bike. A heavy-set bike can be a real hassle especially if you’re traveling long distances.
Other Accessories
The only way to make your commuter bicycle even better is to incorporate interesting and useful accessories into it.
One of the most essential of these accessories is a rear rack, which can be used to carry items like extra clothes, a laptop, a phone, etc.
Then you’ve got fenders, which you need if you plan on keeping your legs dry when it’s raining. These features typically come standard in most commuter bikes.
But you shouldn’t take this for granted, so we advise checking if it’s possible to upgrade your bike with this accessory if needed.
You can easily add this accessory on your own, and it should be enjoyable if you’re someone that enjoys DIY projects. But, of course, it’s always better to get a bicycle that comes with all these features built-in.
You can check out my article on the best bike accessories featuring add-ons like gears, helmets, fenders, and many more that will reflect your style while providing comfort and safety.
Types of Commuter Bicycles
Commuter bikes typically come in the following styles:
Road Bicycles
Entry-level road bikes are ideal for use on longer commutes and because they’re easy to ride they’re great for weekend leisure riding.
The point is, you can get a lot of miles on this type of bike. This is especially if you opt for an endurance road bike which is more than suitable for daily commuting.
These typically feature disc brakes for use in wet weather conditions.
Cruiser Bicycles
These types of bikes are designed to handle flat roads and you can use them to carry luggage effortlessly. The Dutch bike is often referred to as either a traditional town bike, a step-through bike, or a sit-up.
They’re made for daily use and feature practical parts and components and come with features like low maintenance hub gears and chain guards to protect your legs from mud splashes.
Other features that you can expect from this type of bike are built-in racks, dynamo lights, and kickstands.
Single-Speed Bicycles
This type of bike is designed for speeding through flat terrain.
There’s usually a single rear cog and a chainring built into single-speed bikes which translates to a single gear system, but you’ll need a fair amount of leg strength to handle this baby.
Hybrid Bicycles
These types of bikes are designed mainly for urban riding but can also be useful for off-road applications.
Hybrid bikes, particularly, are a combination of mountain and road bikes which means they often come with disc brakes, wide-set tires, and a lightweight aluminum frame.
They also come in different styles. Some are more like mountain bicycles while others are more like road bicycles. This is based on the style of handlebars, tires, and suspension systems they have.
There’s a growing amount of bike manufacturers who are incorporating smaller 650-pound wheels into their fitness and hybrid bikes. This translates to a bike that can easily handle rough terrain.
Cyclocross Bicycles
If you’re looking to enjoy some off-road commuting while the wind caresses your hair, then it’s worth looking into adventure road bikes. These are also referred to as cyclocross bikes.
These bikes are made to handle rugged riding conditions and as such, they come with disc brakes, favorable mud clearance, and wide tires that’ll even take you into the woods.
Cyclocross bikes are also good for mud racing which typically takes about an hour but without pannier racks or mudguard eyelets.
A majority of cross bikes feature a flat top tube to help maintain comfortable shoulders even when riding up a set of stairs.
Check out my article on the best cyclocross bikes if you’re looking for bikes with wider tires, and a more upright geometry ideal for navigating mud and rough terrain while maintaining speed and control.
Folding Bicycles
Folding bikes are, as the name implies, foldable and portable. This makes them ideal for anyone that uses public transport such as buses and trains. You can easily transfer from one form of transport to the other.
The great thing about folding bikes is that they have different types of wheels in different sizes depending on your needs.
For the most part, the larger the wheels are, the easier it is to get your bike on the train.
Benefits of Female Commuter Bikes
If you’re reading this to find the best women’s commuter bike, you’re either already an avid biker or are looking for your first bicycle.
Either way, there are a lot of reasons why it’s a good idea for women to start enjoying two-wheelers.
Improves Mood
Scientific studies show that sun exposure is one of the best ways to not only get vitamin D into your life but can play a huge role in regulating mood.
If you want to boost your mood without drinking coffee, then you should consider getting some more sun. But you can only benefit from this if you’re doing some activity while in the sun.
Plus, riding a bike is one of the best ways to de-stress, especially because your focus is mostly on the road ahead of you, and you can just enjoy the ride.
Of course, you can always step it up a notch by putting on your favorite playlist on your phone or iPod.
Helps You Lose Weight
It’s interesting to note that compared to men, women are mostly inactive and tend to lead pretty sedentary lifestyles.
This is according to a British Heart Foundation report, whose evidence is supported by several studies from credible sources.
This might have something to do with the fact that most women find it difficult to stay active due to leading a busy lifestyle and trying to find a balance between home and work life.
Therefore, cycling becomes a really fun and effective way to keep fit without even thinking about it. Cycling through rough or flat terrain can really strengthen the muscles on your legs.
This is all without doing squats or lifting weights. Plus, any type of exercise that you engage in will help play do wonders to help you maintain a healthy weight.
Boosts Confidence
Bike riding is one of the most empowering activities that you could engage in. The rush that comes from going through different types of terrain and completing long miles is unparalleled.
You’ll feel like you’re on top of the world the first time you make it to the top of your first cliff and there’s nothing more exhilarating than discovering new places with your bike in the summer.
You might even discover a whole new personality as you become an avid biker.
Helps You Socialize with New People
We lead such busy lives that most of us almost never have time to enjoy leisurely activities. We’re often stuck in a routine that consists mostly of working, doing chores or running errands.
Lazing around on the couch doesn’t count as downtime because it doesn’t represent doing anything beneficial for your body.
What you want is a hobby or activity that’s fun while keeping you active and connecting you with new friends and social circles. Biking offers you that and more.
You get to meet like-minded people who enjoy two-wheeling just as much as you do. You’ll end up making new friends and might even feel compelled to participate in local racing activities.
You can even check platforms like Facebook for local bike riding groups that you can join or organize racing events.
Will Bicycle Commuting Save You Money?
While most people drive their car to work or take the bus or train to school, all of these activities cost money, whether it’s gas money or bus tickets.
The good news is that with a bicycle, you don’t have to worry about any of that. You’ll save an untold amount of money by riding your bike while getting fitter in the process.
Another benefit of riding a bicycle instead of driving a car or motorcycle is that you don’t have to do as much maintenance, and in most cases, you’ll be able to fix your bike if it breaks down.
For the most part, bicycles need very little maintenance and you can say goodbye to the cost of gas and service costs.
Commuter Bikes Offer Flexible Rides Through Congested Roads…
Well, there you have it! Now you know what it takes to find the best women’s urban commuter bike and what your options are, which option will you pick?
If you still feel confused and don’t quite yet know which option would work for you, I’m happy to recommend the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Hybrid Cruiser Bicycle.
Why? Well, with thousands of positive reviews online it’s safe to say that this beach cruiser is leaving a trail of satisfied customers who can’t get over how smooth it rides and how comfortable it is.
It’s a functional commuter bike with soft-rolling tires and a cushy seat. You can take it for long-distance rides and short commutes around the block to the local coffee shop with equal ease.
It’s powered by a 7-speed gear system and durable Shimano parts that are long-lasting and easy to replace when necessary.