Cycling has never been a male-only sport; however, there has always been a severe shortage of women's road bikes. As such, we know how difficult it is to find the best women's road bike for beginners.
Thankfully, after a few months of reviewing and testing a number of options, we've identified the best entry-level road bikes suitable for women. Most of them are also affordable (below or around $1000) and should suit you well. So if you don't need a super expensive bike to get you into cycling, then the list below will be perfect for you!
6 Best Women's Road Bikes for Beginners
Here are the best options:
- Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600
- Giordano Libero 1.6 Women's Specific Road Bike
- Schwinn Volare 1400 Women's Road Bike
- Diamondback Bicycles Arden 1
- Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
- 700c Women's Giordano Acciao Road Bike
Let's jump into the individual women's road bike reviews.
Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600
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Schwinn has been a long-standing name in the cycling industry and is well known for producing some really high-quality bikes. With that in mind, you can rest assured that the Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600 will live up to expectations. This road bike is listed as an entry-level women's road bike for both men and women.
But it's far from just entry-level! This bike features some of the best quality parts and has very good reviews from experts and riders alike. So while we rank it as the best entry-level women's specific road bike, you are actually getting more than just a basic product.
The Schwinn Phocus features a solid aluminum frame that you will find on some of the more premium bikes from brands such as Trek, Giant, Cannondale, etc. Moreover, it doesn't fall short where performance is concerned as it even features great parts like a Shimano 14-speed or 16-speed drivetrain, carbon fiber front fork, and even Promax alloy dual-pivot brakes.
Reasons to Buy
We think this women specific bike deserved the top spot, and we don't see any reason why you shouldn't go for this one. So if you need a good quality bike at an affordable price, this is the one to get.
Giordano Libero 1.6
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The Giordano Libero 1.6 is another excellent women's entry-level road bike. It is well designed and features a very stylish white, pink, and black color scheme that most women will appreciate. This bike also doesn't fall short when it comes to features.
With the Giordano Libero road bikes for women, you get 700C wheels paired with 1 1/8" threadless alloy stems and caliper brakes. It has a lightweight aluminum frame and 16-speed Shimano Claris shifters and rear derailleurs that will allow you to accurately control the bike. Moreover, it is one of the most affordable women's road bikes for starters.
Reasons to Buy
Overall, this bike is a good women's specific road bike for beginners that should do just enough for most. If there is one thing, we didn't like much about this bike; it would be the seat's design. Our tester felt that it wouldn't be very comfortable for very long rides. However, the saddle can easily be switched out with a better bicycle seat.
Schwinn Volare 1400 Women's Road Bicycle
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The next best women's road bike for beginners looking to get into cycling is the Schwinn Volare 1400 - (Purple). This road bicycle model wasn't designed specifically for women. But Schwinn has since added a variant that most women will find suitable.
Currently, the bike comes in two stylish colors of Red and Matte Purple. If you don't need a women-specific bike, you can go with the Red variant. However, if you want the option that considers females, then the Matte purple option is the model to select.
This bike will be suitable for most women as it has an adjustable seat, so even if you are 5 feet 2 inches tall, you should still be fine riding this bike. The Schwinn Volare also has all the typical features you would expect a bike from Schwinn to include.
It comes with a lightweight aluminum frame and a steel fork. Moreover, it sports a Shimano 14-speed integrated shifter and brake lever combo along with Shimano rear derailleurs. Added to the fact that this is a 700C bicycle, you can definitely expect this women's specific bike to be very agile.
Reasons to Buy
You definitely won't be disappointed if you decide to go with the Schwinn Volare. We've done a full review of this bike, and we loved every minute of riding it, and we're sure you will too.
Diamondback Bicycles Arden 1 women's bikes
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The DiamondBack Arden 1 Women's Road bike is a great bicycle for beginners and even expert riders. We recommend this one if you have a bit more to spend to get a top women-specific road bike.
DiamondBack, like Schwinn and other top brands, has been around for years. So they know what they are doing when they release a bike like the Arden 1. You can shop confidently, knowing that you are getting a very high-quality bike that exceeds the typical entry-level women road bicycle.
The Arden 1 road bicycle features a women's specific aluminum frame that is very lightweight and durable. Its design is stylish, and you will definitely get a tonne of compliments with this bike. DiamondBack offers this bike in 4 color variants of Blue, Green, Matte Dark Blue, and Red. Moreover, they offer different sizes that will fit women between 4'10" to 5' 11 inches.
This road bikes for women is also packing with features such as Tektro Spyre mechanical disc brakes that will provide superb stopping power. Moreover, it sports the Shimano cranks and Shimano 105 2x11 speed drivetrain so you'll be shifting gears like cutting butter with a hot knife. The bike itself weighs 21.2 lbs.
Reasons to Buy
As a beginner, you want a bicycle that won't give you any extra hassle, and that's exactly what you'll get from the DiamondBack Arden 1. Great quality and performance in one.
Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike
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The Tommaso Forcella is another great women's specific road bike that we recommend for beginners. This bike is our second favorite best women's road bike under 1000. While this bike model isn't women-specific, Tommaso has made sure that they produce suitable sizes for women.
For women, we recommend selecting either the XXS, XS, S size variants of this bike to ensure that it perfectly fits your height. You can also visit Tommaso's official website and check out their recommendations for the size that will fit you here.
In terms of performance, this road bikes for women provides everything and more an entry-level woman cyclist would need. It features a lightweight but durable aluminum frame that will last years. Also included are Tommasos TRS performance Seatpost and the WTB Volt saddle for impressive comfort over long rides.
Tommaso also includes 24 speed Claris from the Shimano groupset that will provide great handling. Plus, the bike features Shimano Claris brake calipers that will bring provide accurate braking.
Reasons to Buy
700c Women's Giordano Acciao Road Bike
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The last option we recommend is the Giordano Acciao road bikes for women. This bike is the very definition of an entry-level women's specific road bikes for beginner. It is very affordable and definitely won't burn a hole in your budget.
With the Giordano Acciao, you are getting a 700C budget road bike that features a high tensile steel frame and fork. It features Shimano's Tourney STI shifters that offer 14 speeds. Moreover, we found this bike very easy to assemble even for complete beginners.
Reasons to Buy
Wrapping Up
By now, you should've been able to find the best women's road bikes for beginners that is perfect for you. We know there aren't many options out there, but the ones listed here are excellent women specific options to start riding. If you need more help, feel free to drop a question below, and we'll be sure to get back to you.
FAQ
Is it better to get a unisex bike or a women's specific bike as a beginner?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as it depends on your individual needs and preferences. For example, some women prefer a women's specific bike because it is designed to better fit a woman's body, with a shorter top tube and a more upright position. However, a unisex bike can also be a good choice for some women, especially if you are on a budget or prefer a more aggressive riding position.
What are some good options for the best women's road bikes for beginners?
Some good options for the best women's road bikes for beginners include the Schwinn Phocus 1400 and 1600, the Giordano Libero 1.6, and the Schwinn Volare 1400. These bikes offer a combination of affordability, good quality components, and a comfortable ride for new cyclists.
What is an entry level women's road bike, and what should I know about them?
An entry level women's road bike is a bike that is designed for a beginner or casual cyclists and typically has a lower price point than more advanced road bikes. These bikes often have lower quality components and a less sophisticated frame design than higher-end models, but they can still be a good choice for new riders. It is important to consider your needs and budget when selecting an entry level road bike.
What are the advantages of rim brakes versus disc brakes on a road bike?
Rim brakes are generally lighter and more aerodynamic than disc brakes, which can be beneficial for road cycling. However, disc brakes offer more stopping power and are less affected by wet or muddy conditions. Therefore, it's important to consider your personal preferences and the type of terrain you'll be riding on when deciding between rim and disc brakes.
Are there any budget road bikes that are suitable for women beginners?
Yes, there are several budget road bikes that are suitable for women beginners. The 700c Women's Giordano Acciao is an affordable option with a lightweight steel frame and upright riding position.
Are disc brakes a good option for beginner women's road bikes?
Yes, disc brakes can be a great option for beginner women's road bikes. They provide more consistent and reliable braking power, especially in wet or muddy conditions. The Diamondback Bicycles Arden 1 is a great women's road bike for beginners that features disc brakes.
Are women's specific frames important for beginner road bikes?
While women's specific frames are not necessary for all beginner road bikes, they can be helpful for women who have a shorter torso or differently shaped hips compared to men. The Giordano Libero 1.6 and the Tommaso Forcella Endurance Aluminum Road Bike are both great options with women's specific frames.
Are there any comfortable beginner women's road bikes with an upright position?
Yes, the Schwinn Volare 1400 Women's Road Bike is a great option for beginners looking for a comfortable, upright position. It has a padded saddle and an upright handlebar design, making it a great choice for long rides.
How do I know if I am getting the right bike for me as a beginner woman cyclist?
Think about how much money you want to spend, what you want to use the bike for, and what kind of bike you like when you are choosing a bike. You might also want to try riding a few different kinds of bikes before you decide which one is the best for you.
Are there any beginner women's road bikes with a lightweight frame?
Yes, the Diamondback Bicycles Arden 1 is a great beginner women's road bike with a lightweight aluminum frame. It also has a carbon fork, making it a great option for those looking to save weight.
What are the best beginner women's road bikes for commuting?
For commuters, it's important to take into account features such as convenience, reliability, and usability. Two great budget road bikes for beginner female cyclists commuting on a road bike are the Schwinn Phocus 1400/1600 or the 700c Women's Giordano Acciao Road Bike. Both of these bikes are lightweight and simple to control—perfect for getting around town!
Are rim brakes or disc brakes better for a beginner road bike?
Both rim brakes and disc brakes have their pros and cons. Rim brakes are generally lighter and less expensive but can be less powerful and less consistent in wet or muddy conditions. Disc brakes are generally more powerful and consistent but may be heavier and more expensive. As a beginner, either type of brake system can be suitable, depending on your needs and preferences.
Last Updated on October 14, 2023 by Daniel White