It’s no secret that most cyclists, even hobbyists, have a preferred bike brand. Whether it’s the slightly unique design elements or smoother ride, something about that brand keeps them coming back.
Most manufacturers make bikes specifically for women, but they aren’t all created equal, and a few brands seem to rise to the top year after year. Let’s take a look at the best bike brands for women and what makes them so special.
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Trek: Best Overall
Trek remains one of the most popular names in the industry, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it’s one of the best bike brands for women. With a commitment to delivering the best cycles in the world, Trek aims to get more people riding.
History
From humble beginnings in Madison, Wisconsin, the Trek name blossomed into a titan in the bicycle industry. Founded more than forty years ago by Dick Burke and Bevil Hogg, the Trek brand remains synonymous with adventure and exploration.
Trek crafted a sustainability plan to fight climate change and reduce the overall carbon footprint. The company also participates in several social initiatives, like combating racial injustice.
Inventions
Aside from a commitment to improving the world and getting more people on bikes, the Trek team constantly works to improve its offerings. From increasing comfort to improved durability and traction, Trek’s innovations remain at the forefront of the industry.
- The R3 road bike tire represents a three-year project to improve speed and durability. These tires fit any of Trek’s products and can last up to 75% longer.
- Trek produced a safety upgrade with the Bontrager Flare R lights that increase visibility so that drivers can recognize cyclists sooner.
Bike Range
- Road Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Commuter Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Electric Bikes
Related: Best Bike Saddles for Women
Cannondale: Best for City and Commuter Bikes
Cannondale is another notable name in the bike industry, especially with the massive collection of off-road cycles. However, Cannondale has some excellent city and commuter bike options to support active moms and career women who prefer a greener commute.
History
Since its founding in 1971, Cannondale built a name as one of the most revolutionary brands in the industry. Surprisingly, the company started as a precast housing manufacturer, but the team switched gears and never looked back.
Over the years, Cannondale expanded its lines to include touring models, racing bikes, and even a selection of kids’ cycles. The manufacturer works with the racing community but also crafts reliable models for families and commuters.
Inventions
Cannondale thrives on breaking the rules and fueling cyclists around the world. At its core, the award-winning company is an innovator with sights set on crafting ergonomic and technologically advanced bikes to meet every need.
- Cannondale Advanced Aluminum Design (CAAD) frames revolutionized the industry more than once, including the most recent CAAD3. By altering how they use and treat the aluminum, Cannondale created a budget-friendly frame without compromising performance.
- Asymmetric Integration (Ai) offset rear ends featured on many off-road models can make it easier to use larger tires and improve balance.
Bike Range
- Road Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Active Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Kids Bikes
Related: Best Bike Shorts for Women
Specialized: Best for Mountain Bikes
Ladies looking for a little adventure might want to check out Specialized. Offering a vast selection of mountain and road cycles, Specialized earned a spot among the best bike brands for women. The company also released a line of turbo e-bikes.
History
Founded in 1974 with a mission to support cyclists who want to do more, Specialized aims to improve the overall experience for every rider. The company lives by the motto, “Made for riders, by riders.”
Aside from developing some of the best cycles on the market, Specialized committed to two issues close to the company’s values. In 1987, the team joined the International Mountain Bike Association to preserve bike trails and access to off-roading experiences. Additionally, Specialized created the non-profit Outride to give bikes to kids who need them most.
Inventions
As part of the Outride initiative, Specialized partnered with several medical professionals to research the importance of riding for mental and physical health. The innovative company also developed one of the most impressive frames of all time.
The Diverge frame stems from a collection of engineers and designers working with materials and math. This frame is durable, sturdy, accommodates large tires with impressive clearance, and has a front end that’s completely adjustable.
Bike Range
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Active Bikes
- Turbo E-Bikes
- Kids Bikes
Schwinn: Best Hybrid Bikes
It’s not easy to discuss the best bike brands for women without mentioning Schwinn. This company isn’t just one of the most popular brands; it’s also one of the oldest. In recent years, Schwinn released a series of impressive hybrid bikes.
History
Thirty-one-year-old Ignaz Schwinn left his machinist apprenticeship in Baden, Germany for America in 1891. He worked for other bike companies before founding World Bicycles in 1895 with Adolf Arnold.
The company made several strategic moves during the first few decades, including the purchase of Excelsior Motor Cycle Company and the development of a quality department. Schwinn splashed into American households in 1949 with the Black Phantom and ultimately gained attention from Hollywood stars throughout the 1950s.
By the time BMX hit the scene in the 1980s, Schwinn was ready and answered with a new release, the Predator. That innovation paved the way for Schwinn’s first mountain bike, the Homegrown Series. The company reinvents itself at every turn, playing into pop culture and answering safety concerns.
Inventions
Schwinn has been at the forefront of the bike industry for more than a century, but most of the innovation occurred during the 1930s and 1940s. Several of the features, like lightweight frames and coaster brakes, paved the way for updates by other manufacturers.
Bike Range
- Cruiser Bikes
- Hybrid Bikes
- Mountain Bikes
- Road Bikes
- Electric Bikes
- Kids Bikes
Related: Best Women’s Road Bikes for Beginners
The Verdict
Knowing something about the best bike brands for women cyclists can help you choose one that aligns with your views and needs. For example, Trek’s commitment to sustainability and other global social issues might be just as important as their woman-friendly selection of bikes.
Before jumping into a purchase, it might help to do some research into your options. Checking out some bike reviews for your favorite brands could be a step in the right direction!
