When looking for a new bike it can be overwhelming as there are so many option with features which you may not even need which boosts up the price of the bike.
Which is why we compiled this list of affordable yet quality road, mountain, hybrid, & cruiser bikes for women. Although most of our selections are specifically designed for women, we do recommend a few unisex bikes on our list based on value for the price. Let’s take a look at the list.
Types of bikes:
The market for bikes is vast and saturated. There are no limitations as to what you can customize for yourselves. Everything has options to suit your requirements, from the price to the structure to the color of the bike. Similarly, you can choose a different bike for different purposes as well. The following are a few of the popular kinds of bikes meant for different areas and environments:
Best Women’s Bikes Under $500:
- Pedal Chic Women’s 700c Transform Bike – Road Bike
- Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s road bike – Road Bike
- Tour de cure Road Bike – Road Bike
- Huffy Bicycle Company Hardtail Mountain bike – Mountain Bike
- 820 Women’s by Trek bikes – Mountain Bike
- Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike – Mountain Bike
- Raleigh bikes Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike – Mountain Bike
- Marin Wildcat Trail 1 – Mountain Bike
- Flourish 4 – Hybrid Bike
- Schwinn Volare Hybrid bike – Hybrid Bike
- Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s – Cruiser Bike
- Cruiser 7D 24in by TrekBikes – Cruiser Bike
Best Women’s Road Bikes Under $500:
Road bikes are one of the first-ever types of bikes that were created. As the name suggests, these bikes are meant to be ridden on smooth, clear roads and have a structure that maximizes speed and efficiency. They are lighter, have slimmer tires, and they are suitable for everyday use. The focus of their manufacturing is speed, comfort, and endurance. However, the ratio of each of these features varies in different designs and models.
If you want to go on long road trips and exploring adventures, these kinds of bikes will be the way to go.
Pedal Chic Women’s 700c Transform Bike
The Pedal Chic Transform comes in two sizes, namely Small and Medium, and comes in a beautiful combination of turquoise and grey. The frame is made of aluminum, and the bike weighs 35.2 pounds. These features collectively make the bike resistant to turbulence as well as light-weight both, at the same time.
The handlebars are alloy, and the seat is made particularly comfortable for women. 21-speed Drive-train with twist shifters, multiple gears, and thin road tires, collectively ensure an overall smooth biking experience. Additional features include a reflector, but no fenders, bells, or horns.
Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s road bike
This aluminum bike has a light-weight frame, along with a 1 1/8″ Threadless Alloy 100mm stem. 16-speed Shimano Claris STI shifters ensure a smooth gear experience along with water mounts to give you extra storage space for your water containers, a feature not very common in budget-friendly bikes.
Because of its low weight and light structure, the bike ensures smooth but fast rides. The main focus of this design is on the endurance and speed of the bike.
Bike manufacturers kept in mind the average measurements of the legs and shoulders, as well as the height of most females, to construct a vehicle that is easy to ride and is comfortable for the rider.
Tour de cure Road Bike
The Tour de cure bike comes with 21 speeds from Shimano and is a crowd favorite for its beautiful exterior and classy specs. It has easy twist Revo shifters, which make the overall biking experience smooth and easy. The tires are Vitesse racing and 700C. The overall measurements of the bike are 211 cm height, 708 widths, and 1303 length.
The bike looks exceptionally chic with its purple and white color theme and stylish hand- gears. But, the fantastic thing about this brand is that with every bike sale, a $10 donation goes to the American diabetes association. So, not only will you be opting for a healthy lifestyle, but you will also be giving out charity and doing a good deed.
Best Women’ Mountain Bikes Under $500:
Mountain bikes are sturdier. They are robustly built to be used off-road but are comfortable enough to be used as a road bike. However, because of their more substantial structure, they are slower than a typical road bike and require slightly more physical effort.
These bikes are ideal for a ride along the woods or other bumpy tracks because they can absorb shock efficiently, and move through and around obstacles.
Huffy Bicycle Company Hardtail Mountain bike
A beautiful, glossy, purple frame and 21 speeds allow you to move through the rugged, rough trails of the mountains without any disruption or turbulence. This particular bike comes with 24×1.95 inch wheels and a 14-inch frame. Design is appropriate for female riders of height 58 to 70 inches. It has a padded saddle, stitched for a long-lasting, high-quality experience. Adjustable seating can adapt to different heights for extra comfort.
The indexed Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur and the micro-shift twist shifter enable a smooth uphill climbing as well as downhill riding. Efficient acceleration and consistent gear operation are promised. The brakes are linear and allow active turbulent-free halt at quick responses.
The handlebars are slightly raised to enable an upright posture and minimize strain on the back and shoulders. The kickstand is included as well as Kraton grips.
The entire bike weighs about 41.1 pounds and is made of steel.
820 Women’s by Trek bikes
Trek has been one of the oldest manufacturers for women’s bikes, and it is safe to say that they know what they are doing. With 21 speed Shimano drive-train, and alloy wheels that consist of semi-slick tires, this mountain bike is loved by all women who like to go on off-road trips. These tires are easy to roll on payments and tricky trails, along with a suspension fork that makes bumpy roads less turbulent. The seat is created especially for women, ensuring long-term comfort and ease. It consists of mounts that allow you to accessorize the bike with lights, flowers, or anything else you want.
Apart from all of this, the bike comes in a beautiful color called California sky blue, so you get everything: style, comfort, and quality, all under the budget of 500$.
Kent KZ2600 Dual-Suspension Mountain Bike
This bike is not a women’s specific bike but its value provided for the price makes it one to consider. The wheels are 26 inches with good speed. The frame is aluminum and shock-resistant. Plus, the dual suspension feature allows it to absorb shock effectively. It delivers well under bumpy surfaces.
Apart from these technical features, the bike is designed stylishly and has a gorgeous color theme. Overall, it is a perfect budget-friendly mountain bike for beginners.
Raleigh bikes Ziva Women’s Mountain Bike
If you want a strongly-built, heavy-duty mountain bike under the price of 500 dollars, this one should undoubtedly be on your list. With a mixture of style and quality, Raleigh Ziva can take whatever you give: snow, rocks, and sand.
The aluminum frame makes the bike light-weight but durable. It comprises Shimano mechanical components that are high-quality and affordable options. It features a Tektro Auriga hydraulic disc brake that aids smooth shifting and improves the overall working of the bike.
Marin Wildcat Trail 1
The Marin Wildcat bike trail 1 is designed specifically with the female physique in mind. These upgraded, modern bikes have head tube angles and seat tubes designed with optimal geometry. The advanced hydraulic disc brakes and suspension forks give you maximum control over the movement of the bike. You can get one of the four sizes available on their website (XS, S, M, L).
The frames are aluminum and women-specific, meaning that they are low and allow the female to stand with her feet on the floor without getting up from the seat. The rims are double-wall alloy, and the spokes are black, high-quality stainless steel.
The shift levers, brake levers, and the derailleur (front and rear) are Shimano.
The pedals are nylon platform and the handlebars, saddle, and grips are also female-oriented.
Apart from all these Hi-Tech advancements, the bike is available in two colors: metallic grey and dark teal. You can choose one according to your personal preference.
Best Women’s Hybrid Bikes Under $500:
These are one of the newest variations in the bike industry. Hybrid bikes are a combination of both of the types mentioned above. A Hybrid design bike is a perfect type for a daily commuter who likes to move around the city, and also wants to go on adventures from time to time. It is an ideal balance of both lifestyles.
Flourish 4
With a size availability of XS, S, and M, and a color selection of Charcoal/ Neon Coral, White pearl/ Orange, this bike is stylish and efficient, both under a budget. The suspense forks are high tensile steel, while the frame is good-quality aluminum. Alloy handlebars and comfortable saddle seat allow the female to ride the bike for a more extended period without tiring. The shifters are Shimano, and the rear derailleur is Shimano Tourney.
Alloy brake levers are connected to brakes that have a direct pull mechanism. The cassettes, chains, and crank-set are all high-quality, with a sealed, cartilage bottom bracket. The rims and hubs are giant alloys, and the spokes are stainless steel. Kenda tires give the bike a smooth running on pavements and roads.
Schwinn Volare Hybrid bike
The frame of this bike is made out of aluminum, which makes it light-weight and adds to the speediness. The 700c wheels are appropriate for females of heights between 5’4″ to 6’2″. 21-speeds and Shimano rear Derailleur, along with EZ Fire trigger shifters, come together to give the rider an overall pleasant experience so that she can fully control the bike. The saddle seat is appropriately designed to ensure that she has a comfortable ride. Alloy disc brakes are better than other kinds of brakes and give the bike a better stopping power.
Similarly, high-quality double-wall rims give the bike a light-weight but sturdy exterior. The brake style is linear-pull and efficiently improves the quality of the ride.
Best Women’ Cruiser Bikes Under $500:
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s step-through Hybrid Alloy Beach Cruiser Bicycle
The Sixthreezero hybrid bike is a crowd-favorite. It has wheels measuring 26 inches with matching full fenders and aluminum city frame. It comes with a 7-speed external derailleur along with front and rear handbrakes. The aluminum in the bike allows smooth, comfortable long-distance rides for women.
The saddle seat is made of brown synthetic leather, which makes your riding experience comfortable for a more extended period. The tires are semi-slick, which allow smooth rolling, and a stable bike-ride.
The low frame gives an upright posture to the rider and allows easy on and off from the bike. It lets the rider stabilize the bike by putting her feet down correctly on the ground while staying on the seat.
Cruiser 7D 24in by TrekBikes
The perfect combination of style and technology, this particular cruiser bike is a work of art. With its beautiful pearl white exterior and durable design, women love this specific model for a trip down on the beach or the road. A 7-speed Shimano Tourney and MEGA RANGE gearing, along with Shimano Revo Twist shifter, enable you to ride the bike smoothly and shift gears comfortably. The frame is sturdy, the rims are alloy, and the spokes are stainless steel. These make the overall exterior of the bike durable and make it last for years.
Apart from durability and style, comfort is not compromised, either. The pedals have been moved forward, and the angle of the seat husband shifted to ensure the posture of the female remains upright and corrected.
Buyer’s guide:
Before you make a purchase decision, there are several things that you need to keep in mind. The following buyer’s guide for women will help you make an informed decision and invest your money correctly.
The difference between men’s and women’s bikes:
Before we move onto the specs and smaller details, let us discuss the difference between men’s & women’s bikes.
The bigest differennce in women’s bikes vs men’s is fit.
Bikes that are made specifically for women are appropriately sized for the average heights and physique. Women on average have shorter torso lengths, so women’s bikes have shorter reach lengths making it more comfortable for the female rider.
Similarly, the seats made for a woman are appropriately designed, shaped, and developed for extra comfort. This feature allows for a more comfortable extended ride.
The shoulder-lengths of women are generally narrower as well. Thus, the handlebars are created shorter and more confined to suit a woman’s physique and reduce the stress on the arms while pedaling.
Women’s bikes also have a lighter shock tune to adapt to the lighter weight of a female.
Size:
Even though women’s bikes are made specifically for the female physique, sizes always vary among individuals. Size-charts almost always provide measurements with the bike, whether you are buying it on the internet or viewing it in a store. However, these measurements are an overview, and different frequencies may vary for various arm lengths and height. So, the best way to see which bike is the best for you is to take it for a test ride if you are buying it in a store. This trick is a foolproof way to know whether you are comfortable in a particular size or not.
However, if you don’t have this opportunity because you are buying the bike online, you may have to rely on the universal bike size-charts or take reference from your older bikes that you are comfortable on.
Purpose:
As established previously, different kinds of bikes are available for different types of usage. Thus, you must know why you are purchasing a bike, and how you will utilize it. Deciding this will help you determine which bike you want (road bike, mountain bike, or a hybrid bike). Then, you can choose the specs and design of the bike appropriately.
Specs:
While it may all look very technical and sophisticated, the specs of a bike that you want to purchase are vital. These features decide what kind of facilities the bike will provide you and how you can use it. Some of the essential specs of a bike include:
The frame
The frame is also known as the heart of the bike, primarily because it decides who can sit and how effectively it will run. For a woman’s bike, the material should be light-weight, and the design of this frame should allow more space for the female to mount and un-mount the bike quickly.
Drive-train
Usually, 1 to 30 gears are present in a high-quality bike. About 12 of these are at the back and 1-3 at the front. The effectiveness of these gears is essential for a female bike. The smoother they work, the more effortlessly the rider will be able to control the bike.
Brakes
There are three types of bike-brakes in the market: Coaster hub brakes, rim brakes, and disc brakes. The newer, modern women’s bikes are incorporated with cable activated for hydraulic disc brakes, which may be more substantial in intensity but make the overall working of the brake system smooth.
Suspensions
Women’s bikes especially need front and rear hydraulic shocks because they absorb all the turbulence and bumps in the surface underneath, which otherwise, bother a light-weight female rider. However, the lighter the suspensions, the more expensive they get.
Wheels
The material and size of the wheels are essential in a bike. These factors will decide whether you will be able to carry the bike easily, ride it uphill or in challenging environments, and whether or not the bike will be able to accommodate her weight and height.
Other notable specs include the stem, the cassettes, the chains, the handlebars, and pedals, and each makes a huge difference in the overall working of the bike.
Budget:
Another primary requirement that you need to consider when looking for a bike is the price you are willing to spend on it. Set this budget aside, and look for bike options that lie within this range. Doing this will help you stay within your financial limits, and will prevent you from over-spending on an impulse-buy.
A variety of brands and companies manufactures women’s bikes in several price ranges. So, you should dig deep through the market to find a bike that fulfills all your requirements and falls within your budget.
Color, Design, and Brand:
Finally, let us come to the secondary requirements. These include the color, the design, and the brand of the bike that you want. While these may not be secondary for some people, they generally come last on the priority list when deciding which bike to buy.
A variety of brands manufacture women’s bikes in specific, with different designs, patterns, colors, and sizes along with various price ranges to accommodate everyone’s affordability. Some of these brands are high- end, while others are more low-end. However, do not be fooled by a brand being low-end and cheap. A lot of these less expensive brands provide high-quality bikes for women at affordable prices and are thus crowd- favorites. You just have to look deeply through the market and have a sharp eye for suitable bikes.
Final Thoughts
bikes have come a long way from when they started as a trend. A considerable variety has come into the market with tremendous technological advancements since the last 50 years and so. Based on your requirements, budgets, and preferences, you can choose from different types, sizes, and brands for bikes. Hopefully, the options and the guidelines above will help you make an informed decision when you get your first bike