Gone are the restrictive days when a “women’s bike” just meant pink, frilly, and cute.
Beyond outdated gender stereotypes and symbolism, there are legitimate sizing reasons to purchase a women’s bike instead of a man’s or a coed bike. This is especially true if you weigh less than or have a more petite figure than the average man.
However, if you do want a more stylish, attractive, or feminine-appearing bike, that can be a fine enough reason for you to consider a bike labeled as a “women’s bike” as well.
You might also be perfectly fine with a bike suitable for both men and women, as long as it aligns with your specific needs and preferences.
Regardless of why you are searching for a women’s bike, you shouldn’t have to break the bank for a nice one.
We want you to understand the best options on the market in terms of quality, durability, and affordability.
Here are four of the best affordable women’s bikes.
Comparison Chart
1. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike
The Schwinn Discover is an excellent hybrid bike perfect for anyone looking for an affordable, relatively reliable, and comfortable bike.
This bike has 21 speeds and a rear derailleur, making it perfect for both city riding and light trails.
It also includes alloy linear-pull brakes that won’t let you down when you need to make a sudden stop.
The suspension seat post on this bike provides a smooth and comfortable ride, while the rear carrier provides space to strap on extra items for your trip.
The Schwinn Discover bike’s 700c wheels are suitable for riders between 5’7 and 5’10.
In general, it is a more lightweight-friendly bike, so if you need something more heavy-duty, it might be best to look elsewhere or be prepared to replace a few parts in the future.
Pros
- 21 speeds
- Rear derailleur
- Suspension seat post
- Alloy linear brakes
- Lightweight
Cons
- 700c wheels might be too high for some riders
- Not as heavy-duty as some of its competitors
2. sixthreezero Around The Block Women’s Beach Cruiser Bike
If you’re looking for a stylish and trendy bike that looks as good as it rides, look no further than the sixthreezero’s Beach Cruiser Bike.
It’s exceptionally cute and sleek, perfect for spring and summertime rides through the park or on the boardwalk.
Plus, this bike comes in over 20 styles, providing ample options for you to choose from to match your exact tastes.
The gears on this bike are especially easy to use, so it’s also ideal for anyone who hasn’t ridden a bicycle in a while. In addition to ease of use, it’s also easy to assemble in the first place!
The wide cruiser handlebars are not only stylish but comfortable as well, as they have foam grips
This bike is also very lightweight, so if you want something that can go for long distances without getting too heavy, the sixthreezero Around The Block is a sound choice.
However, if you require more heavy-duty braking power or want a more heavy-duty frame for long rides off-road, you might also want to consider another option.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Over 20 styles
- Summertime beach style
- Straightforward gear design
- Foam grips on the handlebars
Cons
- Braking power could be stronger
- Not suitable for off-road – only flat surfaces (e.g., paved roads, boardwalks, etc.)
3. Dynacraft 26″ Slick Rock Trails Bike
The Dynacraft Trails Bike is perfect for dynamic, multifaceted women who want a versatile bike that’s stylish enough for the road and sturdy enough for the trail.
This mountain bike has 26-inch wheels and knobby tires, perfect for light to moderate trails.
The Dynacraft also includes front and rear disc brakes for more precise stopping power and 21 different speeds to choose from.
This bike’s frame is made out of durable aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to maneuver.
If you’re looking for a women’s bike that is perfect for both city streets and light trails, the Dynacraft 26″ Slick Rock is a great choice.
Pros
- 26-inch wheels
- Knobby tires
- Front and rear disc brakes
- 21 speeds
- Lightweight frame
Cons
- Not suitable for more intense trails
- Some users experienced shipping problems and damages
4. Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike
Last but not least, the Huffy Stone Mountain Hardtail Mountain Bike is the best affordable women’s bike for adventurous women who wish to conquer more challenging and exciting trails.
This mountain bike includes several features that make it perfect for those who want to take their biking to the next level.
The Huffy Stone Mountain has a steel frame that is not only durable but provides good shock absorption as well.
In addition, this particular version has 26-inch wheels and a 17-inch frame that’s suitable for women who are at least 5 feet tall, but Huffy Stone offers 24-inch and 20-inch bike options as well.
The Shimano rear derailleur, microshift twist, and 21-speed settings work together to provide a bike suitable for hills, acceleration, rough terrain, quick stops, and sudden turns.
It’s also equipped with knobby tires that tackle the dirt with ease, a premium ATB seat for quality comfort, and quick-release seat adjustment. There’s not much more you can ask for when it comes to a durable mountain bike!
However, the instructions might be challenging to follow, and the kickstand is not the strongest compared to competitors.
Pros
- Durable steel frame with shock absorption
- Different size options
- Quick-release seat adjustability
- Shimano rear derailleur
- Microshift twist functionality
- 21 speed options
- Knobby tires
- ATB padded seating
Cons
- Challenging instructions
- Relatively loose kickstand
What to Look For in an Affordable Women’s Bike
When shopping for an affordable women’s bike, there are a few key things to look out for.
Price
First and foremost is the price. Most affordable bikes for women fall within the $200-$500 range, though there are some cheaper and more expensive options available as well.
A typical good quality bike starts around $600-$900, so finding a well-reviewed, high-quality bike under that price is certainly a steal.
Size
Another critical factor to consider is bike size. Many affordable women’s bikes are designed for women who are 5 feet or taller, though some are available in different sizes for shorter or taller women as well.
Similarly, it’s important to consider the size of the wheels when choosing a bike.
If you don’t know what size wheel you need, it can be helpful to consult with a bike expert or do some research online to determine the best option for your body and riding style.
Componentry and Parts
The componentry of a bike includes all of the moving parts that make up the bike, such as the gears, brakes, and pedals.
When choosing an affordable women’s bike, it’s essential to make sure that all of the parts are well-reviewed and durable, as these determine the overall quality and performance of a bike.
In terms of specific parts, it can be helpful to look for a bike with front and rear disc brakes, as these provide the best stopping power. Other important functions include the gears, suspension system, and tires.
Conclusion
You can find the best affordable women’s bike for you for under $600, but beyond the price, there are many factors you may want to consider when selecting your perfect bike.
Your favorite bike will depend on your size, riding style, aesthetic style, and other unique preferences.
We hope this article helped you uncover what you want in your next (or first) bike, and we wish you the best of luck in your cycling journey!
