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We’re all trying our best to be more environmentally friendly and cycling to work can be a great way to minimize your carbon footprint.
Not to mention, it can be a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy.
But finding the right bike for the job is sometimes more of a challenge!
We’ve put together a list of some of the best women’s commuter bikes to help you see what’s out there.
We’ve also included some of the main features that you might want to look out for when you choose your new eco-friendly set of wheels.
Top 11 Best City Commuter Bikes For Women
1. Trek Verve 3 Disc Lowstep (best overall)
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Number of gears: 18
- Weight: 31.3 pounds
The Verve 3 Disc Lowstep bike is a hybrid bike that can perform well on city streets and bike paths.
With its low step-through frame, it’s ideal for cycling to work in a dress or skirt, without having to lift your leg awkwardly over a high crossbar.
One of the best features of this bike is that it’s designed for comfort.
The women-friendly saddle features soft cushioning and there’s even suspension on the seat post.
The handlebar grips are built to absorb vibrations and it also has puncture-resistant tires for added durability.
Conveniently, you can also easily adjust the height of the stem for a better cycling position.
This excellent commuter bike is fender and rack-ready, and you can even attach a trailer (sold separately) to tow your kids or dog.
What we like
- Versatile bike
- Low step-through frame
- Vibration absorbing grips
- Seat post suspension
What we don’t like
- It’s not the lightest
2. Marin Kentfield 1 ST (runner-up)
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Number of gears: 7
- Weight: 26.6 pounds
The Marin Kentfield 1 ST is a lightweight women’s bike designed for the daily commute and casual bike riding around town or on bike paths.
It has a 6061 aluminum frame with a 7-speed Shimano drivetrain.
This is a sturdy bike that can handle various bumps in the road.
It has a Marin Adventure Plush seat with hybrid geometry to let you sit a little more upright for comfort.
The Kentfield also benefits from having rack and fender mounts so you can attach aftermarket accessories to stop rain and mud from getting kicked up as you ride or attach a basket.
Additionally, the mechanical disc brakes can make stopping easier in all conditions.
What we like
- Lightweight
- Easy to ride
- Upright seating position
What we don’t like
- Not the cutest to look at
3. Cannondale Quick 4 (best flat bar)
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Number of gears: 9
- Weight: 25 pounds
The Cannondale Quick 4 has been designed specifically for women, with a lower standover height compared to most men’s road bikes.
It comes in a range of sizes to suit different heights, with the smallest frame having a 24 inch (61cm) standover height – great for shorter women or nervous cyclists.
This can be a comfortable bike for city riding, with a pressure-relieving saddle and comfortable grips on the handlebars.
A handy feature on this Cannondale bike is the wheel sensor, which you can connect to the Cannondale app to track your speed and distance, and even calories burned.
There’s also a mount on the stem so you can attach your phone to create a dashboard (compatible SP-connect case required).
This commuter bike is lightweight and features all-around reflectors for safety.
And it’s compatible with baskets and racks (sold separately).
What we like
- Lower crossbar for convenience
- Comfortable saddle
- Built-in wheel sensors to track your ride
What we don’t like
- Not a lot of color options
4. Co-op Cycles ADV 2.1 (best road bike drop bar)
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Number of gears: 16
- Weight: 23.5 pounds
The Co-Op ADV 2.1 is a unisex road bike with drop handlebars that can be a great choice for road cycling and gravel bike paths.
This bike is built for speed and comfort, with 18 gears and mechanical disc brakes for excellent control on rides.
But as with many road bikes, pedals are sold separately.
This is a lightweight bike that can be more comfortable for long-distance cycling, with 700c (29-inch) wheels for faster riding.
With a unisex design, it’s ideal for cyclists between 5 foot and 6 foot 3 inches, with different frame sizes to suit different heights.
With its horizontal crossbar, it might not be the best choice for beginners or less confident riders.
It’s probably also not the best bike to ride if you’re a frequent wearer of skirts and dresses while riding.
What we like
- It’s fast
- Great on paved roads and gravel
- Multiple frame sizes available
What we don’t like
- Pedals not included
- High crossbar
5. Electra Townie Go! 5i EQ (best electric bike commuter)
- Frame material: Aluminum
- Number of gears: 5
- Weight: 55 pounds
The Electra Townie Go! 5i EQ is a Class 1 E-bike that’s designed to make your daily commute quicker and easier than a standard commuter bike.
It features a 250 watt Bosch motor with four modes from Eco to Turbo to help you tackle various roads and hills.
It also comes with a 400-watt battery and a 4-amp charger.
A great feature of this bike is the step-through frame, which can make it easier to get on and off, even in skirts and dresses.
It also has an ergonomic seat with Flat Foot Technology for more control and reassurance while stationary.
It benefits from having front and rear LED lights for those dark winter morning or evening commutes.
Additionally, it has 26-inch puncture-resistant balloon tires to help you ride safely over all types of roads.
Another excellent feature of this electric bike is that you can customize it with an aftermarket front basket.
It’s also got a rear MIK rack for additional accessories.
What we like
- Four-mode electric motor
- Dress-friendly frame
- Can put both feet flat on the ground while stopped
What we don’t like
- Pricey
- Pretty heavy
6. Schwinn Loop Adult Folding Bike (best folding bike)
- Frame material: aluminum
- Number of gears: 7
- Weight: 33 pounds
The Schwinn Loop can be an excellent option if you live in an apartment or need to take your bike on public transportation, as it folds easily into a compact size and fits inside its own nylon storage bag for convenience.
A great feature of this folding commuter bike is that it has a rear cargo rack so it’s built for carrying bags and groceries.
Another useful feature is the low step-through frame for ease of use.
The bike is ideal for a range of cyclists and suitable for heights between 4 foot 8 inches and 6 foot 2 inches.
It has 7-speed gears for cycling around hilly streets and front and rear linear-pull brakes for safe stopping.
It also comes with a lifetime warranty.
What we like
- Durable commuter bike
- Ideal for taking on public transportation
- Built-in cargo rack
What we don’t like
- A little heavy
7. Niner RLT 9 2-Star Apex 1 Gravel Bike (best disc brake)
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- Frame material: aluminum
- Number of gears: 20
- Weight: 20 pounds
The Niner RLT 9 2-Star Apex 1 is a lightweight bike that can offer high performance on roads and trails, making it a great choice for both commuting and leisure use.
One of its greatest features is its hydraulic disc brakes for smooth all-weather bike control.
It also benefits from a carbon fiber fork for added strength while minimizing weight.
A great feature for commuters and leisure cyclists alike is the ability to customize the bike to suit your pursuits.
There are 26 threaded mounting points on the frame to add gear bags, racks, bottle holders, or whatever else you want (these accessories are sold separately).
This can be a versatile commuter bike that’s built for speed and durability.
What we like
- Very lightweight
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- Multiple mounting points
- Great for multi-surface city and off-road riding
What we don’t like
- Expensive
8. Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Cruiser (best budget)
- Frame material: steel
- Number of gears: 7
- Weight: 44 pounds
The Schwinn Wayfarer is an affordable hybrid bike with a classic style that can be great for daily commuting and casual riding around town.
This is a durable bike with a steel frame and a lifetime warranty.
However, it’s not lightweight, which you might notice if you have a long commute.
As well as its cute vintage appearance, this can be a pretty comfortable bike to ride, with a more upright riding position thanks to the swept-back handlebars.
The padded saddle also benefits from having springs for added cushioning over bumps.
It’s also easy to get on and off while in a dress and features a rear rack for holding your cargo.
Additionally, it has front and rear fenders to stop mud and rain from splashing on your clothes.
What we like
- Cute vintage looks
- Excellent durability
- Basket-ready rack
- Dress-friendly frame
What we don’t like
- Pretty heavy
9. Norco XFR 3 ST
- Frame material: aluminum
- Number of gears: 21
- Weight: 29 pounds
This Norco XFR 3 ST is a commuter bike that can handle the rugged terrain of off-road trails if you fancy taking your bike for weekend adventures on dirt tracks.
This hybrid bike has more of a traditional mountain bike appearance, with wide tires (50mm/1.97 inches) for added stability on various surfaces.
It features 3×7-speed Shimano gears for smooth shifting and it has mechanical disc brakes for added stopping power in all conditions.
It has a low crossbar with a step-through frame for convenience and has the added benefit of having rack and fender mounts to let you attach baskets or cargo bags.
What we like
- Rack and fender mounts
- Good for hilly towns and cities
- Mountain bike appearance
- Great for weekend trail riding
What we don’t like
- Saddle is not the comfiest
10. Trek FX 2 Disc Women’s Bike
- Frame material: aluminum
- Number of gears: 24
- Weight: 26 pounds
This Trek FX 2 Disc women’s bike is a lightweight commuter bike that can also be great for fitness cycling and casual cruising.
It features hydraulic disc brakes for safer braking in wet or muddy conditions.
It also has internally routed cables for added protection from the weather and less chance of getting snagged on your clothes.
It has various mounting points for attaching racks or baskets.
It’s also compatible with the Bontrager DuoTrap S sensor (sold separately) which can allow you to track your speed and distance to help you keep tabs on your workout as you head to and from the office.
A nice feature of this bike is the women-specific saddle, with a Contour Relief Zone Plus for added comfort and protection.
The saddle benefits from having a cut-out design and softer padding.
What we like
- Saddle is engineered specifically for women
- High-performance disc brakes
- Easy to accessorize
- Versatile bike
What we don’t like
- High crossbar
11. Batch Lifestyle 700C
- Frame material: aluminum
- Number of gears: 7
- Weight: 32 pounds
This Batch Lifestyle 700C can be an affordable commuter bike if you’re looking for something versatile or for short distances.
It’s got sleek looks and is made from quality materials.
Batch Bicycles are part of the Huffy brand of bikes and are designed to offer the quality you’d expect from specialist bike shops but at a lower price point.
Batch bikes are shipped directly to your local bike store and assembled for you, which can be great if you’re new to cycling.
The Lifestyle bike features an aluminum frame with a steel fork for added strength.
It benefits from having a Shimano 7-speed drivetrain and linear-pull brakes.
It also has rack and fender mounts so you can carry your laptop and lunch.
What we like
- Affordable commuting bike
- Great entry-level bike
- Rack-ready
What we don’t like
- Heavy
What’s The Difference Between Women’s And Men’s Bikes?
Frame
Traditionally speaking, the most obvious difference between a man’s bike and a woman’s bike was the style of the frame.
Women’s bikes tended to have curved top tubes, allowing for a step-through frame.
Men’s bikes, on the other hand, had high crossbars.
This difference in frame shape was generally to accommodate women’s skirts or dresses.
However, the shape of the frame is now not necessarily gender-related, as some unisex bikes have high crossbars and others have step-through frames.
A key difference between men’s and women’s bikes is the size of the frame and the shape and style of the seat.
Women, generally speaking, are shorter than men and therefore often need a bike with a smaller frame so that it’s more comfortable to reach the handlebars and touch the ground.
That’s not to say that women can’t ride men’s bikes.
But if you’re a shorter woman, you might find this a bit of a stretch if the frame is too large.
However, most bikes are available in multiple frame sizes, allowing you to find the best size for your height and leg length.
The handlebar length and width can also be different to allow for women’s generally narrower shoulders and shorter arms.
Another small difference that can be important on a woman’s bike, is the reach of the brake levers to accommodate smaller hands.
Seating
The seat or saddle on a woman’s bike can often be different from a man’s saddle.
Women’s saddles, for example, tend to be wider to accommodate a woman’s wider pelvic bones.
Men’s bikes often have longer, narrow saddles which can sometimes be uncomfortable to sit on.
What Features Of A Commuter Bike Do You Need To Look Out For?
Commuter bikes will generally be designed for traveling to and from work or college on paved roads or bike paths.
This means there are probably a few things you’ll want the bike to be able to handle on your daily route.
Cargo Rack
A cargo rack can be a great way of hauling your laptop and lunch to work, allowing you to make the most of the bike’s storage without having to wear a heavy backpack.
You can usually attach baskets and cargo bags to an existing cargo rack to customize your bike’s carrying potential.
Most commuter bikes will usually be capable of having racks mounted to them, even if they don’t come with a rack included.
Comfortable Saddle
If you’re riding your bike on a long commute, comfort can be important and that’s where your saddle comes in.
An uncomfortable saddle can make it more difficult for you to want to get back on it to ride home.
Cushioning is useful and a wider seat can be more comfortable than a narrower one.
You can also find saddles designed specifically for women, with added protection in all the right places.
This can be something to think about if you frequently cycle long distances.
Convenient Frame
What might make a frame convenient for you may not be convenient for your friend and vice versa.
Bike frames can be personal both in terms of size and style.
If you cycle to work in a dress, you’re probably not going to want a road bike with a high crossbar.
A step-through frame would generally suit you better in this case.
On the other hand, if you never plan to cycle in a skirt or dress then the style of the frame might matter less and you may prefer a sportier style.
However, a step-through frame has other advantages, such as it can be easier to get on and off if you’re new to cycling.
It can also be easier to stand over if you want or need to stop, especially if you’re shorter.
The size of the frame can also affect your ability to comfortably reach the handlebars, pedals, and the ground.
Many city bikes come in a range of sizes, so it can be important to choose the most suitable one for your body measurements.
Lightweight Frame
The weight of the bike can be important, especially if you plan to ride it over a long distance or up a hill.
If the bike is electric, you might find that weight doesn’t matter as much because you have the extra help of the motor to power you along.
But if you need to be able to lift it onto a train at any point, a lightweight frame can be a good idea.
Aluminum frames are usually lighter than steel ones and probably make up the majority of commuter bike frames – at least on our list.
The lighter weight options often include carbon fiber or titanium but these can be more expensive.
Steel frames tend to be durable and affordable, but can often be much heavier.
Lights And Reflectors
If you plan to ride your bike at any time when it’s dark, lights are essential for safety and in many cases, a legal requirement.
Reflectors can also be a requirement in some places in addition to or in place of a rear red light.
It can be a good idea to have both lights AND reflectors on your bike for early morning or evening commutes.
While most bikes won’t come with lights included, it can be easy to install your own aftermarket lights.
Video: How To Mount Your Bike Lights
Wrapping Up
After checking out some of the top bikes available, we think the best women’s commuter bike is the Verve 3 Disc Lowstep.
This bike has just about everything you want from a commuter bike, with a convenient-for-all-outfits step-through frame, a comfortable saddle with suspension in the seat post, plus attachment points for accessory mounting.
A great runner-up, and more affordable option, is the Marin Kentfield ST as it can be a great city bike for new cyclists, with a more upright riding position.
It’s also lightweight, has sufficient gearing for moderate hills, and has mechanical disc brakes for added stopping power.
When you’re choosing the best commuter bike for yourself, it’s important to look at the size of the frame and how the bike will fit you.
Not all of these options will be suitable for every woman out there.
As you know, we’re not all the same.
Read more: Tips for the best bike commute
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