The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes for Women 2020 – By Experts

Have you ever walked into a bike store just to feel overwhelmed by the endless options and varieties?

A typical hybrid bike offers a nice blend between the features you’d find on a mountain bike like durability and a road one like speed. However, some of them can add in features from touring bikes or cruiser ones.

But generally, a good hybrid bike is one that tends to your needs, so you should form a solid idea regarding what you’ll be using it for, and then you’ll be able to make a decision more easily.

If you’re still unsure, I know this confusion all too well, which is why I’ve made this list of the best hybrid bikes for women you can find on the market.

Hybrid Bikes for Women – Comparison Table

The 7 Best Hybrid Bikes for Women

1. Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s

The Sixthreezero EVRYjounrey combines a retro look with lots of comfortable features that suit long rides.

To fit a variety of people, it comes in two different sizes: 24” and 26”. It also comes in three colors to suit different tastes.

The step-thru frame makes it easy to get on and off the seat, even if mobility is restricted by wearing skirts or dresses.

However, this is a single-speed bike, so you shouldn’t count on it for anything other than flat roads.

The fact that it comes with a handbrake and pedal brake makes it extra versatile.

Moreover, the Sixthreezero EVRYjounrey has a lightweight aluminum frame that’s quite sturdy and makes the bike more affordable.

It’s easy to assemble and very comfortable to ride. And if you face any trouble with assembly or operation, you know that Sixthreezero’s customer care will have your back.

Bottom Line:

The Sixthreezero EVRYjounrey is a great hybrid bike for ladies that are looking for comfortable rides on flat roads.

2. Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bikes for Men and Women

The Schwinn Discover comes from a very well-established brand, so you know that it will have superb performance.

Although it’s a hybrid bike, it comes with many of the classic road bike features, including Shimano twist shifters and alloy linear-pull brakes. But it keeps the comfortable riding position thanks to the swept-back handlebars.

Its aluminum frame makes it both lightweight and sturdy.

Although the Schwinn Discover comes with many ergonomic features such as a built-in rack, padded seats and grips, and fenders to keep your clothes clean, it only comes in one size that fits women in the mid-five-foot range.

A downside of the fenders is that they’re plastic, but they still do a pretty good job.

Moreover, it’s equipped with 38mm tires that enable you to ride through all terrains. However, they’re not as durable as the rest of the bike parts.

Bottom Line:

If you’re a beginner or want a simple ride around town, the Schwinn Discover would be a very good option for you. And whatever is complicated for a beginner will be solved by the company’s superb customer service.

3. Retrospec Venus Dutch Step-Thru City Comfort Hybrid Bike

Like the Schwinn Wayfarer, the Retrospec Venus Dutch bike comes with a sturdy shock-absorbing steel frame that makes it extremely durable.

It also has a robust steel handlebar that offers an upright riding position to cause less strain on the back.

It’s available in three speed-types, four colors, and two sizes –versatile enough to suit every taste and preference!

If you want a basic, no-frills bike that’s easy to maintain and repair, go for the 1-speed option.

On the other hand, the 3- and 7-speed options offer more flexibility and enable the bike to handle inclines and hills. These are equipped with high-quality Shimano components, RevoShift grip shifters, and caliper brakes.

It also employs high-quality Kendra tires, metal fenders, and a chrome front bike light.

Moreover, the step-thru frame makes it very easy to mount or dismount the bike.

Bottom Line:

Whatever it is you’re looking from your bike, you’ll find on the Retrospec Venus Dutch. Not only that, but you’ll also find it with high-quality and affordability.

If you don’t mind a little weight, this bike is an ideal choice for you.

4. Schwinn Wayfarer Hybrid Bicycle

This is one of the two only bikes with a steel frame on the list. And while steel can be a little heavy, it makes the bike super durable. Moreover, the steel fork does a great job of absorbing vibrations and shocks from the road.

The Wayfarer comes in some nice retro colors: mint and mango.

To suit beginners and provide versatility as well as stability, the Wayfarer comes with 7-speed shifters as well as front and rear v-brakes.

And although it doesn’t have the typical feminine step-thru frame, it does come with full fenders that guarantee a clean ride.

To make your ride even more comfortable, this bike comes with swept-back style handlebars. But the seat is admittedly not very comfortable –but that’s an easy fix.

However, it can be a little hard to assemble, so you should seek an expert for the job.

Bottom Line:

Coming with a limited lifetime warranty, the Wayfarer is an ideal option for women that are looking for a comfortable and relaxed ride around town with key road bike features such as V-brakes, thin road tires, and shifting capabilities.

5. Kent Springdale Women’s Hybrid Bicycle

While Kent isn’t a very big brand, its Springdale easily competes with any high-end option.

From the sleek design with white paint and faux brown leather grips and seat to the lightweight and sturdy aluminum frame, it’s a great bang for your buck.

Moreover, it comes with a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain that enables you to ride uphill with absolute ease.

It also features linear-pull brakes and a quick-release seat clamp to provide you with both reliability and comfort.

And if you’re into riding upright, you’ll enjoy the position of the handlebars that offers a more comfortable riding posture than typical road bikes.

However, the packaging may be faulty and result in some parts being bent or broken, so make sure you double-check when you receive it.

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for a hybrid bike for ladies to offer casual and comfortable rides, you should opt for the Kent Springdale.

You might need the help of a mechanic while assembling the Springdale, but once it’s up and running, it’s pretty easy to use.

6. Sixthreezero Pave N’ Trail Women’s Hybrid Road Bicycle

Although the Pave N’ Trail is a hybrid bike, it’s very easy to recognize the road bike features on it.

It comes in 21- and 7-speed styles, both operated by high-quality Shimano shifters.

If you’re going to be riding through rougher or bumpy terrains, you’ll love the special shock-absorption suspension fork that you can lock for a smoother and faster ride.

The Pave N’ Trail’s frame offers an ideal combination of a road bike’s and a cruiser’s riding posture. You won’t have to ride while sitting forward, but you’ll still get the proper geometry needed for higher speeds.

The only downside is that the Pave N’ Trail comes in only one size, which fits women around the mid-five-foot range. 

Bottom Line:

If you’re looking for an affordable bike for women that’s well-built and has a sleek design, I’d highly recommend the Sixthreezero Pave N’ Trail. If its only size fits you, that is.

It’s a great entry-level road bike and a budget option for more seasoned riders.

7. Raleigh Bikes Alysa 1 Women’s Fitness Hybrid Bike

The Raleigh Alysa 1 is a pretty lightweight bike with a comfortable upright riding position that feels effortless to ride through the city.

It’s equipped with three front speeds and seven gears in the back, so you can switch between 21 speeds to ride smoothly up and downhills.

Moreover, it’s equipped with 700c wheels and 35mm tires that allow you to ride as effortlessly and stably on rougher terrains.

The combination of the steel fork and aluminum frame allows this bike to deliver an efficient yet comfortable ride.

Moreover, the Raleigh Alysa 1 comes with a twist shifter that allows for seamless gear changes. And you can adjust the reach of the brake lever to fit your hand size.

Finally, the V-brakes give you a strong braking power to provide the safest ride.

Bottom Line:

For an affordable price, you can get this bike to offer you lots of comfort and efficiency. Despite the steel and metal components, it’s easy to handle.

Related Articles:

• Best Hybrid Bikes Under 300$
• Best Hybrid Bikes Under 500$
• Best Hybrid Bikes Under 1000$
• Hybrid Bike Size Chart Guide

What’s the Difference between Women’s and Unisex/men’s Bikes?

Almost all bike companies produce women-friendly bikes. Some have a distinct frame with a design that suits female riders better, while others have a unisex frame.

There are some features that qualify them to be a bike for women, and these include:

Smaller Sizes

Small, X-Small and XX-Small frames are designed to cater for smaller or shorter riders. And while some unisex bikes offer these smaller sizes, some come with a dedicated women’s frame and unique geometry.

Lowered Top Tube

Commuter or hybrid bikes for women have lower or sloping top tubes. This shortens the stand-over height, making it easier to mount and dismount the bike.

Shorter Reach

The reach refers to the distance from the saddle to the handlebars. Women-oriented hybrid bikes shorten this distance and provide a more upright position for the rider.

Shorter Crank Arms

Crank arms are the part linking the pedals to the spindle they move around. For a rider with shorter legs, a shorter crank arm would result in a reduction of the leg stretch needed around the pedal stroke. Consequently, this reduces strain and facilitates pedaling.

Narrow Handlebars, Shallow Drops

To fit narrower shoulders, handlebars are made narrower and with shallower drops to reduce the reach from the bars to the seat.

Saddle

Perhaps this is one of the most distinctive features of a female hybrid bike. They come with saddles specifically designed to be comfortable for female riders.

How to Choose a Hybrid Bike?

Frame Material

There are three types of frames: Aluminum, steel, and carbon fiber. They differ in their durability and weight.

For the maximum durability, go for a steel frame. For the lightest weight, go for a carbon fiber one. And for a combination of both, opt for an aluminum frame.

Wheel and Tires

The wheels on a bike come in two sizes: 700c and 26” ones.

700c wheels are the standard size for a hybrid bike, so naturally, so are the 700cc tires.

These enable you to accelerate more easily, travel uphill and traverse on bumps and cracks as smoothly as you would on paved roads.

Contrarily, the 26” wheels and tires are more suitable for commuting and casual cruising. They’re not as smooth on rougher terrain, but they have superior wind resistance and speed.

Brakes

There are two types of brakes on a hybrid bike: either disc brakes or rim ones.

Disc brakes come with brake pads that grip onto the rotor using either mechanical disc brakes or hydraulic ones.

The former employs a mechanical motion to stop the wheels and requires manual adjustments as the pads wear out over time.

On the other hand, hydraulic brakes are more powerful and advanced as they require less finger effort. Not only that, but they also self-adjust to the wear of the brake pads.

Rim brakes, on the other hand, have pads, but they grip on the wheel rims instead of the rotor. However, they wear the wheel out, so you’ll end up needing to change it.

Suspension

If you’re going to be commuting through paved city streets, you can drop the suspension to get a lighter bike with extra pedaling effectiveness.

However, if you’ll ride through uneven roads with cracks and bumps, you’ll need the shock-absorption that suspension systems provide.

Seat and Handlebar

If you’re looking for a comfortable riding position, go for handlebars above the seat’s level.

On the other hand, handlebars below the seat’s level will provide you with extra speed as they have a more aerodynamic posture.

Final Thoughts

While the seven options listed above can all be considered the best hybrid bikes for women, there are some that excel in terms of performance and versatility.

Take, for example, the Sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women’s that combines strength, durability, a sleek design, and comfortable riding experience. However, it’s one of the more expensive choices on the list, and it lacks the variability of speeds.

For something more affordable yet still as effective, you can opt for the Retrospec Venus Dutch Bike. It’s very versatile and has durable steel construction. But that can also be considered a con as it makes it a little heavy.

Finally, the Schwinn Discover Hybrid Bike would be an ideal option if you’re looking for a bike that will work well on both city streets and off-road as well as on flat roads and inclined ones.