To declare the best bike for tall women, we need to first answer some questions. For one, what exactly do we mean by “tall”? The CDC reports that the average American woman is about 5 feet, 4 inches tall. So, technically, 5’5” is taller than average, but for argument’s sake we’ll call 5’7” and taller to be a “tall” height for a woman.
A rough bike size fit according to height would suggest that 16-19” bikes would be appropriate for a tall woman, according to this definition. Though there are many other important features to look at, we can also say that larger wheel sizes are generally better for taller people, so 29” is best for the tallest people, while 26” might feel a bit cramped for the tallest women.
Women’s or Unisex?
If you’re a tall woman looking for a bike, you’ve undoubtedly wondered whether you could simply ride a men’s or unisex bike—is the best bike for tall women not even a women’s bike? The topic is still being debated, but it seems as though top bike brands are offering more and more unisex bike models.
Truthfully, every body has its own proportions, and what’s average for a woman might not correspond with yours at all. That said, the work some bike manufacturers have done to better accommodate women’s bodies is not without merit. There is such a thing as the best bikes for women. Brands like Trek, Specialized, and Schwinn feature heavily in the following list of bikes.
Because we’re not looking to solve the unisex-or-women’s question today, we’ve taken a look at highly rated bikes in both categories. Now, on to the list!
The Bikes: For Anyone (Especially the Tallest)
This list is roughly organized from most costly/toughest terrain to least expensive/most casual.
Comparison Chart
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Specialized Stumpjumper EVO Pro
First on our list is a mountain bike by Specialized. The Stumpjumper EVO Pro is recommended for a wide range of rider heights, all the way from 4’11” to 6’8”. This bike is great for anyone tall, with its 29” wheels, plus Specialized’s S-sizing gives you more options when you consider reach.
What makes this bike really stand out in this list is its adjustability. Six of the bike’s geometry components are adjustable. Make no mistake, however–this bike can be tailored to fit anyone but makes no sacrifices in performance. It’s light, powerful, and includes hidden storage inside the frame on top of everything else. The Stumpjumper EVO Pro is a high-end giant.
Cannondale Topstone 1
Another excellent choice for taller people is the Cannondale Topstone 1. The Topstone is made to thrive on gravel roads, with 700c tires and a full carbon fork. It’s recommended for a vast range of heights, from 5’0 to 6’8”.
The Topstone 1 is less “fancy” than the Stumpjumper, perhaps, but these bikes are both still quite high-end choices, and they accomplish different goals based on your riding style.
Trek Marlin 8
The Trek Marlin 8 is a powerful mountain bike with glowing reviews, but a more affordable price tag. Like the previous two bikes, the Marlin 8 can support a rider up to 6’8”. For our tall readers, sizes M through XXL have 29” wheels and frame sizes 17.5” (M) through 21.5” (XXL).
The Marlin is a strong and light cross-country as well as a mountain bike, considered “race-worthy” and ideal “for new mountain bikers who know they want a serious bike for their money,” according to Trek’s description.
Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29
In a similar class to the Trek Marlin 8 is the Specialized Rockhopper Comp 29. Like the Stumpjumper, this mountain bike has 29” wheels and supports riders up to 6’6”. Unlike the Stumpjumper, the Rockhopper will only set you back about $1,000 while still providing high-end features like SRAM Level hydraulic brakes.
Schwinn Sporterra 700c
The Schwinn Sporterra 700c is quite possibly the best bike for tall women who prefer to stick to the road. This bike is much more affordable than the Cannondale Topstone 1 at only around $680, yet its 700c wheel size and 19” frame make it great for tall riders. While only available in one size, that size is recommended for people 5’ 7”-6’ 0”, which is perfect for a tall woman.
Trek Dualsport 3
The Trek Dualsport 3 is the first hybrid bike on our list, and with supported heights up to 6’5.5”, could easily accommodate a tall woman. This bike’s closest cousin on the list is the Trek Marlin 8; the main difference is that the Dualsport 3 is a hybrid bike rather than a mountain bike.
The wheel size is slightly smaller at 700c, and the price range between the two is comparable at about $1,000.
The Bikes: More Typical Women’s Models
Comparison Chart
Sixthreezero EVRYjourney
Our first bike specifically tailored to women is the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney. Considered a hybrid cruiser, this more casual bike still accommodates riders up to 6’4” with a 17.5” frame and 26” wheel. This could be the best bike for tall women looking for a comfortable ride rather than a mountain bike monster. Its near-perfect customer reviews alone make it worth checking out.
Schwinn GTX 2 700c
The Schwinn GTX2 700c is a hybrid bike built for more “serious” terrain than the EVRYjourney, with an 18” frame and 28” or 700c wheel. It is still highly affordable, however, and suits tall women well with a recommended height of 5’7”-6’2”. This bike is a strong contender for those looking to occasionally venture off-road.
Schwinn Suburban DLX 27.5
This hybrid bike is comparable to the EVRYjourney in its intended primary use on pavement, 26” wheels, and 17.5” frame. It’s recommended for a relatively narrow range of heights, but a range that perfectly aligns with tall women between 5’7” and 5’11”. This is a great choice for women looking for a bike that can handle light trails but primarily roads.
Sixthreezero Around the Block
Sixthreezero’s Around the Block is our smallest featured bike for tall women and the only pure cruiser. Like the EVRYjourney, Around the Block is built for comfort and stability. With a 17” frame and 26” wheel, this bike is suited for women up to 6 feet tall, so most tall women can certainly ride it.
Around the Block is also the cheapest bike featured, coming in around $450. It still garners very high customer reviews, however, so don’t let this bike’s place on the list fool you.
Final Verdict
Every listed choice is an excellent contender for the best bike for tall women.
If what you’re looking for is a casual cruiser for an equally casual price tag, explore the two Sixthreezero models or the Schwinn Suburban DLX 27.5. Very serious terrain might warrant big guns like the Stumpjumper EVO Pro or Cannondale Topstone 1, while the many other listed models fall somewhere in the middle.
Be sure to try out your bike before you commit for ultimate assurance that it’s the right fit for you. Best of luck finding your new bike, and have fun!
