Many cycling brands are now moving beyond standard 'women's specific geometry' to create thoughtfully designed road bikes that truly meet women's needs and preferences.
But not every female rider want's a women's specific bike either. Unisex frames and genderless designs are becoming increasingly popular amongst female cyclists. With this in mind, we've complied a list of the best women's road bikes which also includes some of the best unisex road bikes.
The updated EnviLiv Advanced Pro is designed to be lighter and faster yet also more comfortable thanks to geometry tweaks. Integrated cabling makes for a clean, aero cockpit.
The Endurace CF delivers impressive value, featuring a carbon frameset and an Ultegra groupset. As the name suggests, this is one suited for long days in the saddle...but it's still quick.
The Langma is raced at WorldTour level but you don't have to pin on a number to enjoy the light yet stiff frame that makes it adept at both climbing and sprinting.
The latest Allez adds wider tire clearance and disc brakes to the legendary platform that's oft-regarded as the benchmark for fast, affordable alu road bikes. Sizes start at 44cm.
Despite being the cheapest bike reviewed, the Triban still boasts an 11-speed Shimano drivechain and cable hydro disc brakes. A host of mounts make it a practical steed, too.
Slow to pick up speed and quick to loose it on rises and climbs
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Wheelset overwhelms rest of ride feel
The updated EnviLiv Advanced Pro, while still an aero race bike, has opted for more forgiving geometry, which should make it better suited for longer days in the saddle, too.
This totally new geometry almost mirrors that of the Liv Langma Advanced millimetre by millimetre. What that means is a higher front end than the previous model. The tube shapes and frame material are also new. Overall, the bike is slimmer than before, with more rounded tubing. The material is the brand's new Advance SL Grade composite. The result, according to Liv, is bike that's both lighter (the frame weighs about 200g less) and faster.
We were huge fans of the outgoing model but in testing felt that all the reworking has resulted in the new bike losing some of its 'zing'. Sure, it's still fast in a straight line but the handling wasn't quite as good as the previous model—although we felt that some of this is likely down to the deep section wheels.
But there is plenty to like here. The new frame design alongside the new aero bars and stem has resulted in a far cleaner looking cockpit. It's a huge improvement aesthetically and vitally will also make adjustments and maintenance much easier.
While we test the SRAM Force AXS equipped bike, the EnviLiv Advanced Pro is also available with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 groupset.
While Canyon doesn't choose to make women specific road bikes, it's wide size range for most of its models makes it a good fit for many. Take its Endurace and Endurace SLX range—the bikes are offered in sizes that start at 3XS, which translates to a standover height of just over 700mm. The more expensive SLX models also feature the German brand's adjustable-width handlebar.
The Endurace CF 8 delivers great value for money. It's built around an endurance-focussed carbon frameset and comes equipped with a mechanical 11-speed Shimano Ultegra groupset that includes hydraulic disc brakes. Sensibly for a bike that's designed to be comfortable over long distances, it comes with plenty of tire clearance and is fitted with 32mm as standard.
We found that the bouncy VCLS seatpost in conjunction with the big tires makes for a plush and comfortable ride. However, the frame is plenty stiff. The downsides? A rather heavy wheelset and a lack of fender/mudguard guard mounts, which seems an odd omission for a bike that's well-suited to four-season riding.
Groupset: Shimano 105 Di2 Hydraulic Disc or SRAM Rival AXS
Wheels: Bontrager Paradigm Comp 25 Thru Axle
Tires: Bontrager R3 Hard-Case Lite 32c
Sizes: 44 - 62cm
Colours : Crimson, Dark Blue
Weight: 19.6lbs / 8.91kg (Size 56)
Reasons to buy
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Versatile with 38mm tire clearance
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Comfortable
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Great spec inc. electronic SRAM or Shimano drivechain
Reasons to avoid
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Slightly sluggish on steep hills
While Trek did away with its gender categorisation in 2020, it now offers smaller sizes across its range of road bikes—including the versatile Domane, which is available in frame sizes that start at 44 cm.
The Domane, Trek's capable endurance bike that can be raced (it's won Paris-Roubaix Femmes) as well as ridden for leisure, is offered in a huge range of models. The top-tier SLR 9 will set you back well over $/£10k, while a Gen 4 AL 2 can be yours for under $/£1,500.
As for the Trek Domane SL 6 it's probably one of the most versatile bikes on the market, with century rides, touring rides, and even fast paced group rides all being taken in its stride when we tested it. In fact, when we reviewed an older generation model we loved it so much we gave it our Editor's Choice Award.
Similar to the way Liv Enviliv stretches it's aero categorisation, the Trek Domane SL 6 does the same for it's 'endurance' one. On test we found it a great do-all bike, managing to be sprightly, if a little heavy on the hills, as well as comfortable.
The ride-smoothing IsoSpeed frame comes with decouplers at the rear of the top tube and in the head tube, making it a very comfortable ride.
Any concerns that this inbuilt suspension would compromise power transfer were quickly put to bed, with its oversized tubing assisting in its responsiveness to seated and out-the-saddle efforts.
The latest Gen 4 SL 6 is offered with either a SRAM Rival AXS or a Shimano 105 Di2 12-speed electronic groupset and has clearance for 38mm tires.
The Liv Langma Advanced Pro 1 is a direct descendant of the professionally ridden bike. The bike was updated for 2022 , with a stiffer fork, although it seems to have kept the front cables that we weren't keen on.
The bike's biggest claim to fame is its low weight, and our review model - with disc brakes and Shimano Ultegra - came in at 15.7lbs/ 7.13kg, but the top-end rim brake options sit under the UCI weight limit of 6.8kg and had to be bolstered for pro riders.
The low weight, however, hasn't reduced its stiffness - even a sprinter like Coryn Rivera can race this bike to success - and we found it offered ample platform for power transfer, with optimised components like the Giant PowerCore bottom bracket and Overdrive II steerer.
Its another stand out bike, and hard to compare against it's peers, but the latest version reminded our Cycling Weekly Tech Ed of the Specialised Aethos that she loved so much.
While we await a full review of the new model, the current one was a top scorer at nearly full marks, and is easily a GC contender, and will more than hold its own on all but off-road terrain, meaning there is a great deal to really like about the bike.
Available in a wide range of sizes, including a 44cm, the recently updated Specialized Allez is a great option for those wanting a versatile road bike without breaking the bank.
Based around a stiff and agile aluminium frame and carbon fork, the new Allez has added comfort and compliance to its list of tricks. Tire clearance has been increased, allowing for up to 35mm width, while the geometry has been relaxed a little to make it better suited to longer rides. This versatility is enhanced by the inclusion of fender/mudguard and rack mounts, making it a legitimate four-season road bike that could also handle the commute to work.
However, as we found out when we tested the bike, it's certainly no slouch when shown some power, just like the previous models which were focussed a little more on speed. The 8-speed drivechain did leave us between gears more often than we would have liked, but the next model up solves this problem with the inclusion of a 10-speed Shimano groupset.
When it comes to value for money, Decathlon's Triban RC 520 is hard to beat. Alloy frame, carbon forks, Shimano groupset cable hydro disc brakes...the list of impressive specs goes on. And while it isn't a women's specific bike the size range does include an XS. Alternatively, if you're looking for a women's specific Triban road bike, the RC 500 with rim brakes is available at the time of writing.
As for the RC 520, in the constantly shrinking sub $/£1000 category, in our view it's almost unchallenged. With enough clearance for 36mm tires, it's plenty versatile. This aided by plenty of mounts too - fenders, rack, bottle cages, they're all here.
Perhaps the standout detail however is the 11-speed 105 groupset. In this price range you're often looking at 8-speed drivechains, which can really limit performance and ride quality.
Yes, it's a bit on the heavy side but on test we enjoyed the way it handled at higher speeds, feeling nice and solid even on fast descents. In short, if you're just starting your road bike journey the Triban RC 520 won't hold you back and is equipped to handle a wide ranging of riding, from long, all-day adventures to winter commutes.
There is no simple black and white answer here. Rather unhelpfully, it depends who you ask.
However, whilst manufacturers have to make their decisions based on what they feel will suit the 'average rider', remember that when buying a bike you're an individual.
To get the best women's road bike for you all you need to do is choose a bike for you. Test riding women's specific and unisex bikes will probably give you your answer.
Aside from that, there are two clear approaches that brands take:
Brands offering women's road bikes with female specific frame geometry
Some brands build a frame to be completely women's specific.
This is often represented in a shorter top tube, and taller head tube. The result is a slightly more upright geometry. Many of the best women's road bikes also feature a slacker head angle and longer rake - which does tend to position the bike closer to that of a unisex endurance bike.
The reasons for this vary: some brands say their research suggests women have a shorter wingspan (arms), meaning a shorter reach is ideal. Others suggest a women's lower upper body mass and centre of gravity make this a more suitable option, while some explain that women position their pelvis differently to avoid soft tissue compression. The results of focus groups and studies imply that many women want to ride in a more upright position.
Brands creating a bike with female specific frame geometry will spec the bike with components that match the intended rider - the handlebars, stems, saddles, cranks and gearing will all be female friendly (more on that below).
Brands offering women's road bikes with unisex geometry and female specific components
Other brands choose not to create a female specific frame, but instead to offer the same chassis as the unisex bikes, but with components adjusted to better suit the average woman's requirements.
Components that are often changed on a female specific bike include:
Handlebars: women generally have narrower shoulders, and ideally your handlebars should measure a similar width to your shoulders. So a well fitting women's road bike will have narrow handlebars. Shifters are often wound in to suit smaller hands (though you can do this for free at home on Shimano or SRAM shifters).
Stem: While frames built from 'the ground up' to suit women often have a shorter reach, those providing a unisex frame will nearly always fit a shorter stem. This does the same job of decreasing the reach, but can affect the handling.
Cranks: Women are typically shorter than men, so usually have shorter legs. Crank length is a debate on its own - but as a rule, reducing the length of the crank allows smaller riders to get the most from each pedal stroke. In the case of a very small frame, the cranks also need to be reduced in size to prevent toe overlap with the front wheel.
Gearing: If we're comparing Joe Bloggs and Lizzie Deignan, it's not realistic to say that the female rider will produce less power. But if we're comparing Joe Bloggs and Joanna Bloggs, it's an understandable assumption. It's therefore hightly likely to find the best women's road bikes featuring a compact or semi compact chainset (50/34 or 52/36 respectively) and wide ratio cassette (11-28 or 11-32).
Gearing may be adjusted on women's road bikes
(Image credit: Cycling Studio)
Standover height: Some women's bikes have a sloping top tube, to reduce standover height. This applies more to hybrid bikes and mountain bikes.
Sizes: A unisex frame with female components marketed as the women's version will usually be available in smaller sizes. In an ideal world, the brand will scale down other elements of the geometry and aspects such as fork angle will change too.
Saddle: Women frequently report saddle discomfort putting them off cycling. Most riders will swap the saddle on their bike early on - but a women's model will come with a women's saddle, giving a slightly higher chance of getting on with the perch after just a few rides.
Brands offering unisex frames with non-adjusted components
Many women choose to buy a standard unisex frame, and adjust the components above to suit. Indeed, many men will adjust these on unisex bikes in time.
If you're at a stage in your riding career where you know you'll do this anyway, then it doesn't make much difference.
However, picking a great women's road bike with these components already tweaked can make the first few months of bike ownership much cheaper - especially for beginners who don't have the standard cyclist's garage full of spare stems, handlebars and saddles.
Is the saddle most important for women's bikes?
Mike Smith is one of Britain’s top Retül bike fitters and runs Velomotion in Milton Keynes. He believes that the major difference in men's and women's bike fit lies in saddle comfort.
He commented: “I think it all comes around the saddle which makes the real difference to a female rider. Women are a lot more sensitive to putting weight through their perineum, soft tissue and their pubic bone.
“They prefer to sit to the back of the saddle where they put more weight through their sit bones.”
This sensitivity can be relieved by using a saddle with a cut-out, though thought should still be given to saddle width. “Spacing between the sit bones means the average woman would favour a wider saddle compared to a male rider,” Smith added.
Failure to address the saddle issue will see the rider sitting way back on her saddle, bending at the waist, not the hips, to give an upright position that makes the bike feel longer than it really is. This is a problem manufacturers mitigate with the aforementioned different tube lengths.
The saddle on a women's road bike
What type of women's road bike should you look for?
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Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.
Before you enter a bike shop, get a clear idea of what you want your perfect women's road bike for. If you want the speed and aerodynamic benefits of a drop bar bike, then you're in the road bike camp - and the next step is to decide if you want an endurance focused on more aggressive race orientated frame.
Key road bike categories include:
Endurance focused women's road bikes
Endurance women's road bikes will generally feature a shorter reach, and a taller stack - putting the rider in a more upright position. Disc brakes are more popular in this category, along with a longer wheelbase to aid stability and the material will be fine tuned to offer greater compliance - or comfort. The Trek Domane is an example of an endurance road bike.
Race focused women's road bikes
Race bikes are created to offer nippy handling and a lower, more aero position - usually with a longer reach, lower stack and short wheelbase. The fork angles will be tuned for quick and responsive handling. Some of the best women's road bikes in this style will have disc brakes, which in our opinion are fantastic when hydraulic, and less so when mechanical (cable- actuated), so don't be immediately put off rim / caliper brakes for the sake of any disc options.
Best women's gravel bikes
If you are sold on the idea of owning a bike that fits your gender best, but want to hit the rough stuff, you might find that our guide on best women's gravel bikes a great help.
There's a lot of variation between cyclocross, adventure road and gravel bikes. They're all designed for riding on and off road - just to different degrees. gravel bikes bikes are one of the most versatile, suited to both road and trails, with higher bottom brackets to help you avoid roots and rocks, with more space for tyre clearance. Adventure road are similar, but closer to an endurance road bike, while a cyclocross bike will be designed purely for being nimble on rough terrain.
Best women's hybrid bikes
If you are looking for the best wheels for both rough and smooth, then our page on the best women's hybrid bikes is the one for you.
For city slickers who want flat bars and the option of hopping onto rough park tracks and canal paths, then a wider tyre hybrid with disc brakes like the Trek FX Disc Women's or Carrera Subway could be the thing. These will have flat handlebars, and offer a great deal of stability, though handling won't be quite as nippy as a road bike.
Electric women's road bikes
You might find that added vavavoom from one of the best women's electric bikes is what you've been missing on your rides.
If you would benefit from an extra boost up the difficult climbs or so you don't get so sweaty on your commute into the city, there are electric versions of road bikes. These will vary from ones with a hub-based or frame-mounted motor—and can offer different levels of assistance and range of battery life.
You don't have to use the electric assistance on these bikes at all times but it is always there for when you want it. But bear in mind, the e-bikes with the more powerful motors (and best assistance) are often heavier which can make cycling harder than usual when switched off. Therefore, keeping an eye on your battery levels and choosing a bike which has a big enough battery capacity for your riding is essential.
Women's road bike size chart
Road bikes are generally sold in sizes along the lines of 48cm, 50cm, 52cm and so on - though some brands choose instead to go for 'Small', 'Medium' and 'Large'.
There's no real standardisation in road bike sizing - which means one road bike brand's 48cm might suit a rider on a 50cm frame from one of their competitors. Not only that, but the same brand might call a unisex frame a 50cm, whilst the same rider might fit a 52cm frame in their women's range. Confusing, right?
The first option for many is to start by using the brand's designated sizing chart, dictating the ideal height range for each frame size.
This table is a quick reference women's bike size chart depending on height of rider. A bike shouldn't be purchased on this information alone.
(Image credit: Future)
Above is an example of a what sized women's bike you would need depending on your height. However, this is just to give you a rough idea of where to start your search.
Ideally you need a test ride before making any decisions. A rider with a shorter torso will generally go for a smaller frame than a rider with a long torso, even if they're the same height, as most of their length is in the leg (saddle height is much more adjustable than reach). Getting the right size is down to personal preference rather than black-and-white measurements.
We've got lots of hints and tips on how to find exactly the right sized women's bike for you on our road bike size guide , which can actually be applied to all styles of bikes.
Tips for choosing an ideal women's road bike for you
Once you know what sort of bike you're after, shop around online, and produce a list of bikes you're interested in. Most brands frame families will come available in a range of models, with different levels of specification.
More expensive groupsets will be lighter and longer lasting - and it is generally considered that it is better to spend at the top end of your budget to avoid further expenditure through upgrades.
With a few choice models selected, ask for test rides, using the experience to help you decide what you like. Remember when testing unisex bikes that wider handlebars and a less-than-perfect saddle might be altering the ride quality.
How we test
Our team of experienced reviewers put in the hard miles, riding in all conditions and on varying terrain. Key points of consideration relate to the geometry: how the bikes handle in twisting corners, on fast descents and on steep climbs when hauling out of the saddle - does it feel twitchy or stable? Lively or dull? Beyond that, there's the specced components: how light and responsive are the wheels? Are the tires fast, robust or neither? How comfortable is the finishing kit? Does the gearing suit the intended riding? Taking all this (and much more) together - and factoring in the price - we reach a conclusion on the relative performance of the bikes we test.
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Michelle Arthurs-Brennan the Editor of Cycling Weekly website. An NCTJ qualified traditional journalist by trade, Michelle began her career working for local newspapers. She's worked within the cycling industry since 2012, and joined the Cycling Weekly team in 2017, having previously been Editor at Total Women's Cycling. Prior to welcoming her daughter in 2022, Michelle raced on the road, track, and in time trials, and still rides as much as she can - albeit a fair proportion indoors, for now.
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