Move over Lance Armstrong, Bradley Wiggins, Fausto Coppi and co. There’s a new breed of cyclist in town and they’re looking for something fun, easy to ride, and comfortable.
No really, move over; your bicycle is blocking traffic…
Anyway, about that comfortable ride; we’re talking about the women’s cruiser bike. These bikes are built with the female frame in mind, meaning they’ve got a lower centre of gravity than other road bikes to make them a little more appealing to new riders.
That increased appeal, it should be noted, has been reflected in record numbers of female bikers, spurred on by urban bike share schemes, the knock-on effects of a pandemic-related decrease in road traffic, and growing concern about the environmental impact of cars.
With so many brands now manufacturing women’s cruisers in response, it can be tempting to go out and buy the first bike you see – but this is not always the best idea. In fact, it’s never the best idea.
Instead, here’s a little guidance on the subject; our thoughts on 2023’s best women’s cruiser bikes and the features to look out for.
What Is A Women’s Cruiser Bike?
In case you couldn’t guess by the title and/or introduction, women’s cruisers are designed for, erm, women and cruising. These bikes are specifically aimed at improving comfort, control, and agility for female riders. This is done by reducing the bike’s stopping distance, improving the bike’s steering control, and increasing comfort due to a lower seat height.
This, along with an increased proportion of lighter-weight components, makes women’s cruisers a great choice for female commuters looking to sashay in and out of traffic effortlessly.
That’s not to say that it’s obligatory to live in urban confines if you’re to get the most out of your cruiser bike. In fact, there are a whole range of different designs aimed at different lifestyles, whether that’s a women’s beach cruiser bike for those who live by the sea, or a hybrid version for those anticipating meeting some particularly steep hills.
Accordingly, we’ve selected four of our favourite models that respond to the various unique needs of the rider most capably. Let’s dive in…
Merida Mari USA Road Bike
If you’re in the market for a women’s road bike, look no further than the Merida Mari USA.
The Merida Mari USA has a Shimano 105 groupset and comes with a wide range of Shimano gears. With a women’s road bike, you don’t need the world’s fastest groupset, but you do want a good quality groupset that’s compatible with a wide range of panniers, racks, and other accessories.
The Merida Mari USA also comes with a Shimano hydraulic disc brake that offers reliable, powerful braking in all weather conditions. The Merida Mari USA is comfortable to ride thanks to its wide frame and soft, padded seat and is durable owing to the aluminium frame and fork, making it a great choice for new riders or seasoned cyclists.
The Merida Mari USA is also easy to manoeuvre thanks to its responsive, Shimano-equipped drivetrain and suspension fork, making it a great choice for riders of all ages and abilities. With a stylish and minimal design, it’s particularly comfortable for longer distance rides.
Trek WSD Ambition Sport Women’s Road Bike
If you’re looking for a high-end ladies’ road bike, the Trek WSD Ambition Sport is a great choice. This bike features a lightweight aluminium frame, making it lightweight and easy to pedal. It also comes with a high-end Shimano 105 groupset that’s compatible with a wide range of panniers, racks, and accessories.
The Trek WSD Ambition Sport is comfortable to ride thanks to its comfortable, lightweight aluminium frame and wide, cushioned seat. This bike also comes with versatile Shimano hydraulic disc brakes that are reliable even in wet weather.
The Trek WSD Ambition Sport is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its responsive Shimano drivetrain, making it a smart choice for those keen commuters we mentioned earlier.
Specialized Camber Sport
If you’re looking for a women’s road bike that’s both lightweight and highly durable, check out the Specialized Camber Sport. This bike features an A-Series aluminium frame that’s lightweight and durable, making it comfortable to ride for longer distances.
The Camber Sport also comes with a smooth-shifting Shimano 105 groupset that’s compatible with a wide range of panniers, racks, and other accessories. The Camber Sport is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its responsive, durable aluminium frame and wide, comfortable tires.
The Camber Sport’s carbon-reinforced fork means it boasts a longevity not perhaps seen in some competitor’s models, with this bike comparatively comfortable to ride thanks to its lightweight aluminium frame, making it a great choice for long-distance riding.
Read: A guide to the best hybrid bikes on the market
Scott Lumen E-Bike
The Scott Lumen E-bike is a women’s road bike that’s comfortable thanks to its alloy frame, wide tires, and plush padded seat. This bike also comes with (once again!) a powerful Shimano 105 groupset that’s compatible with a wide range of panniers, racks, and other accessories.
It is easy to manoeuvre thanks to its quick-shifting Shimano drivetrain, making it a great choice for riders of all ages and abilities. Its lightweight alloy frame and wide tires make it a great choice for long-distance riding over sometimes troublesome terrain.
The Bottom Line
Reap the rewards on your health, wallet and the environment by investing in one of these fantastic women’s cruiser bikes today.
If you’re keen to up those green commuter credentials further, then check out these 5 reasons to buy an electric folding bike in 2023. Go on, you know you want to!