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What is the difference between a man and a woman specific bicycle? Do I need to buy a woman’s bike for my tour? These questions often come up when ladies begin thinking about a bicycle tour.
Let’s start from this: it’s an absolute truth that women can ride any “men’s” bicycle, just adapting the contact points to fit the unicity of your body, just like everyone needs to do, no matter the gender. So don’t be afraid to purchase a bike that you like just because is supposed to be a man’s frame. If you’re looking for a new bike and are not willing to sell a kidney you can also check our article about 21 great touring bicycles under 1000$.
So, if I can ride every kind of bicycle, what’s the meaning of having woman specific models? Well, while sometimes it can mostly be a matter of marketing, it’s undebatable that, generically speaking, women and man have different physiologies. Women usually have a comparatively shorter torso and arms, longer legs, narrower shoulders and less muscular mass (some say they are also usually shorter, but I think it strongly depends on ethnicity, when I was living in Nederland I quite felt like a dwarf compared to most women). So bicycle brands built woman specific frames and bikes with these generic parameters in mind, meaning a shorter reach (distance from the saddle to the handlebars), shorter top tube, smaller frame sizes, narrower handlebars, and so on…
Keep in mind that this might not be your case, so always try to have at least a test ride before buying a new bicycle.
The Trapeze Frames or Step-Through Frames
Back in the early days of bicycle manufacturing, women use to wear skirts much more often than nowadays, and they were long skirts, usually to the ankle. That’s the main reason of the so-called Step-Through frames, the kind of frame geometry where the top tube goes diagonally that are usually recognized as women’s frames. Nowadays there’s almost no reason (besides the skirt/dress fact) for a step-through frame to be used exclusively by women, but still people see them as girly bikes, that’s why many brands still produce women’s specific bikes in this fashion.
The main advantage of this geometry (also called “Trapeze”) is the easiness to mount on, you don’t have to stretch your leg above the whole bike (and panniers!).
The main downsides are an alleged weakness and less stiffness, compared to a diamond frame, that basically results in a few hundred grams more of steel to match the diamond geometry’s features.
The 10 bikes in this article are not the best women’s specific bicycles out there but represent a good and cheap starting point to enter the world of bicycle touring on a relatively low budget.
If these touring bicycles are out of your budget, take a look at our list of
best touring bikes under 1000$
If instead, you’re looking for something more high-end, here are
18 Great Touring Bikes for Under 2000$
Check also our list of
Best Online Stores for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
preparing for a bicycle trip? Here’s our
Essential Gear for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
Sensa Women’s Travel Lite Trekking Bike €715,59
Sensa is a 25-years-old Dutch brand, a relatively modest sized company, staffed almost entirely by enthusiastic cyclists. This trekking bike is the northern European version of a British tourer, a perfect bike for commuting, weekend adventuring or even something more.
The direct purchase from the manufacturer allows these custom build road bikes to be offered at an excellent price point allowing the customer to access a superior road bike at an affordable price.
Components are a good deal for the price, and overall this budget touring bike seems well fit for medium term touring.
Specifications:
Frame: Alu 7005 HydroFormed Triple Butted Smooth Welding
Front fork: Supra Tapered 1.5 Superlite Alloy
Group: Deore Mix
Seatpost: Supra Base Line
Stem: Satori Adjustable OverSize
Wheels: Weinmann Rims + Shimano hubs
Tyres: Schwalbe Delta Cruiser
Saddle: Sportourer FLX Gel Flow
Weight: 13.8 KG
Creme Echo Mixte Solo Bike 2017 €811.99
The Echo Mixte Solo Bike is built around a lugged mixte frame with a CrMo front triangle for fine handling and great looks. The bike features a 16 speed drive-train with reliable components, and you will find some nice touches such as polished rims and a classic 1” quill stem. Not a lot of gears, but enough if you’re not planning to climb Alpine passes.
The Echo Mixte Solo Bike is suited for light touring.
Features:
Bottom bracket: Square taper, 68mm shell
Brake front: Promax caliper, dual pivot
Brake rear: Promax caliper, dual pivot
Cassette: Shimano Sora, 8 speed 12-25t
Chain: KMC X8
Crankset: Fsa Tempo aluminium crankset, compact 50:34t
Derailleur front: Shimano Claris
Derailleur rear: Shimano Claris short cage
Fork: Cromoly fork, lugged, 1”
Frame: Lugged steel frame with cromoly front triangle
Grips: Velo bar tape
Handlebar: Drop bar, width: 400mm
Headset: First, threaded, 1”
Hub front: Joytech road hub
Hub rear: Joytech road hub
Pedals: VP-365
Rims: Aluminium double wall 700C, road racing
Saddle: Velo
Seatpost: Aluminium 26.6mm
Shifters: Dia Compe downtube shifters
Spokes: Stainless steel
Stem: Aluminium cold forged quill stem, 100mm, high polish
Tyres: Schwalbe Lugano 700X25C
Additional: Stylish bell
Weight: 10.6kg
Creme Echo Mixte LTD Bike 2017 €1121.99
The Echo Mixte LTD Bike features a lugged, full CrMo mixte frame, and together with CrMo forks, it is one of the sexiest bikes out there.
This bike blends classic looks with the convenience of a modern Shimano STI shifting system, and the moustache style handlebars provide a more upright, less aggressive riding position.
On the technical side you will find an 18-Speed drivetrain for getting up to speed and climbing hills easily, and for comfort, the famous Selle San Marco Rolls saddle.
Features:
Frame: Lugged full CrMo frame
Fork: CrMo fork with invest cast crown, 1″
Brake front: Promax caliper, dual pivot
Brake rear: Promax caliper, dual pivot
Crankset: FSA Tempo aluminium crankset, compact 50/34T, 167.5mm (51cm frame), 170mm (54cm frame), 172.5mm (57 and 60cm frame)
Bottom bracket: Square taper, 68mm shell
Front derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tiagra
Cassette: Shimano Tiagra, 9-Speed 12-25T
Chain: KMC X9 9-Speed
Grips: Velo grips
Handlebar: Moustache bar, bar bore: 26.0mm
Shifters: Dia Compe Ene Stem shifters
Headset: First, threaded, 1”
Hub front: Joytech road hub, 32H, QR
Hub rear: Novatec road hub with sealed bearings, 32H, QR
Rims: Aluminium double wall 700C, road racing
Saddle: San Marco Rolls
Seatpost: Aluminium 26.6mm
Spokes: Stainless steel
Stem: Aluminium cold forged quill stem, 100mm, high polish
Tyres: Schwalbe Lugano 700x25C
Additional: Stylish bell
Weight: 10kg
Dawes Karakum 2017 Women’s Touring Bike €818.99
Let’s get into more proper touring rigs. The Dawes Karakum 2015 Women’s Touring Bike features a lightweight alloy frame and chromoly fork. Distinctive because of its butterfly handlebars it offers multi riding positions on those long tours. A roll call of quality components consist of Shimano Alivio 27 speed gears, Shimano hubs, Shimano V-brakes, Schwalbe Silento II tyres and an woman specific Dawes saddle.
Specifications:
Frame: 6061 Alloy
Fork: Cromoly
Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-M390 3spd
Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-M430 Alivio 9spd
Number of Gears: 27
Shifters: Shimano SL-M390 Rapidfire 27spd
Chain set: Shimano FC-M391 170mm Crank
Chain rings: 48-36-26T Chainring
Cassette: Shimano 9spd Cassette 11-32T
Brakeset: Shimano BR-M422 Alloy V Brakes
Brake Levers: Tektro Alloy Lever
Handlebars: Alloy Multi-Hand-Position
Stem: Adjustable alloy Quil Stem
Headset: 1 1/8″ Aheadset
Rims: ALEX Ace19 Double Wall Alloy, with CNC braking surface
Front Hub: 32H Shimano HB-RM70 Quick Release, alloy
Rear Hub: 36H Shimano FH-RM70 Quick Release, alloy
Spokes: 14G, Stainless Steel
Tyres: Schwalbe Silento II 700 x 32C
Seatpost: 27.2mm x 350mm suspension seatpost
Accessories: Ping Bell, Alloy rack, Chromoplastic mudguards and single plastic chainguard
Weight: 15.4 kg
Bobbin Luna Champagne Ladies Racer Hybrid Bike $824.15
The 2016 Bobbin Luna comes fitted with lightweight mudguards, while the frame is ready to fit a bottle cage and carrier rack for all your commuting/expedition needs. Speedy, reliable and adventurous: that’s the Luna.
A Shimano Claris 16 speed drivetrain with a 50-34 compact chainset to assist the drivetrain is what powers up this nice machine.
The large 700c wheels offer great strength and are more than capable of withstanding the city roads, with their potholes, or quiet gritty country lanes. The wheels come fitted with cream Kenda tyres.
Specifications:
Mudguard Mounts: Yes
Rear Rack Mounts: Yes
Number of gears: 16
Frame and Fork: Hi Ten Steel frame
Wheel Size: 700c (622)
Wheelset: Weinmann rims laced to forged alloy hubs
Shifters, Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano Claris
Brakes: Tektro levers
Brake Callipers: Tektro Canti brakes
Chainring Size: 50 Tooth, 34 Tooth
Cassette Range: 12-32 Tooth
Tyres: Kenda Gumwall tyres
Warranty: 1-year frame and parts
Bobbin Black Orchid (2017) Hybrid Bike $1,220.00
That’s a very cool bicycle. 700c wheels, belt drive, 8 internal gears (upgradable to a Rolhoff 14 speed, state of the art hub), long wheel-base and super-safe hydraulic disc brakes. eCutting through the cityscape or countryside with a technical set-up suited to distance commuting, and long term touring Black Orchid has serious elegance. A great alternative to a boring old hybrid.
Black Orchid 8 is a luxury machine. Featuring a super-smooth carbon belt drive for hassle (and oil-free) peddling, the Black Orchid 8 has a female-specific lightweight alloy frame. Robust Continental tyres, fitted mudguards, kickstand and bottle cage mounts provide other practical Bobbin touches.
A Shimano Nexus 8 speed drivetrain is what powers the Black Orchid. The reliable and trusty Shimano internal hub indexing should keep your confidence up and never let you down (Elena used this hub for our first 8000km on her Koga).
Specifications:
Mudguard Mounts: Yes
Rear Rack Mounts: Yes
Number of gears: 8
Frame: Alloy 6061
Fork: CroMo steel forks
Wheel Size: 700c (622)
Wheelset: Forged Alloy front hub and Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub laced to double walled alloy rims
Shifters: Microshift
Brakes: Tektro hydraulic disk brakes
Chainset: Gates Carbon Belt Drive
Rear Hub: Shimano Nexus 8 speed hub
Tyres: Continental Touring Plus 700x32c
Suspension fork bikes are not very common among long term tourers. Despite that, they are well appreciated by occasional tourers who seek comfort, also on uneven surfaces. We also met some long distance travelers who love that cushioned feeling.
The biggest downsides of suspension forks are the added weight and the possibility of a failure. If you can cope with that, take a look at this deals.
GT Transeo 3.0 Womens (2017) Hybrid Bike $414.72
The super-cheap GT Transeo 3.0 Women looks like a nice entry level bicycle. With its lightweight Hyrdoformed alloy frame and 75mm suspension fork the Transeo has all the bases covered.
GT has made all models equipped with powerful disc brakes and mounts for both mudguards and racks. The Triple Triangle™ geometry was developed to extend the frame life, stiffen the rear triangle and thus create a faster, more responsive ride.
The Shimano 8 speed drivetrain is the good combination of performance and durability, with the Acera rear derailleur to enhance the gear indexing and the Octalink M311 chainset to reduce weight but maintain the strength. These both will ensure the classic Shimano reliable shifting and performance.
Shimano M355 hydraulic disc brakes with a 160mm rotors on both front and rear, offering high stopping power for tracks that you might not normally hit up. Finishing kit is GT’s own brand All Terra using a 6061 aluminum riser handlebars, stem and micro adjust seat post.
About the GT brand
GT Bikes, based in Southern California, has been in the business of making great bikes since 1972 when Gary Turner launched one of the first performance BMX race bikes. Developing world class bikes in conjunction with the world’s best BMX rider such as Greg Hill, Eddie Fiola, Jamie Bestwick, Clive Gosling and Dave Mirra, GT grew into one of the biggest brands. GT used the same model of developing performance bikes with the best riders, pioneering new suspension technology and the use of carbon fibre in MTB frames. Winning numerous World Championships in downhill and cross country racing with legendary riders such Nicholas Vouilloz, Steve Peat and more recently Atherton Racing, with Dan Gee and Rachel Atherton. Hans “No Way” Ray has been one of the figurehead of GT’s longstanding team rider program, setting the record for longest sponsorship deal of 26 years and counting. In the mid 90’s GT build track bikes for the USA Olympic team.
Specifications:
Mudguard Mounts: Yes
Rear Rack Mounts: Yes
Number of gears: 24
Frame: Gt Transeo Triple Triangle 6061 Alloy frame
Fork: SR Suntour NVX-DS HLO forks with 75mm travel
Wheel Size: 700c (622)
Wheelset: Formula Hubs laced to Jalco JD200 rims
Shifters, Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano Acera
Brake Callipers: Shimano hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors
Chainset: Shimano Octalink M311 / 48 Tooth, 38 Tooth, 28 Tooth
Cassette: Sunrace 8-speed / 11-32 Tooth
Tyres: Innova Land Tracker 700x35c
Warranty: Lifetime frame warranty, 12 month parts warranty
Fuji Traverse 1.7 D ST Hybrid Bike $406.00 List Price $580.00
The Fuji Traverse 1.7 D is a womens specific hybrid bike designed for family fun rides, riding country paths, all weather commute and light touring. With suspension forks for added comfort and fender mounts to keep you clean and dry.
It features a wide range of gears, Tektro cable operated disc brakes with 160mm rotors, the light and stiff Oval concept alloy flat bar, and an Oval Concepts women saddle.
Specifications:
Mudguard Mounts: Yes
Rear Rack Mounts: Yes
Number of gears: 21
Frame: Fuji A2-SL custom-butted alloy w/ PowerCurve down tube, 1-1/8″ semi-integrated headtube
Bike Weight: 14.05 kg / 30.91 lbs
Fork: Aluminium Alloy SR NEX suspension, adjustable, 63mm travel
Shifters, Front and Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
Brakes Levers: Shimano EF51 Altus, 2-finger
Brakes: Cable Disc Brake Tektro mechanical disc, 160mm/160mm rotor
Chainset: Shimano TY701, 48/38/28T w/ chainguard
Chainring Size: 48 Tooth, 38 Tooth, 28 Tooth
Cassette: Shimano TZ31 freewheel, 14-34T, 7-speed / 14-34 Tooth
Handlebars: Oval Concepts, 6061 alloy, 15mm rise, 5deg sweep, 31.8mm
Stem: Oval Concepts, alloy, 20deg rise, 31.8mm
Tyres: Vera EOS, 700 x 38c, 30 tpi
2017 Specialized ARIEL Disc Women Hybrid Bike €520
Specialized is a brand that doesn’t need presentations, appreciation by bicycle tourers worldwide is all you need to trust their bikes. The updated Specialized ARIEL Disc takes care of safety with powerful disc brakes, while control is provided through a women’s-specific geometry and a Multi-Circuit Damping fork with 60mm of travel, that’ll have you tackling workouts on paved or dirt surfaces with equal confidence.
Specialized have also included their light and tough A1 SL Premium aluminium frame tubing, workhorse components that are sized and designed specifically for women, and a wide range of gears that’ll take the sting out of steep trails.
Designed for women who want to mix adventure with fitness, the hard-working, sturdy A1 SL Premium Aluminium frame features Specialized’s Women’s Fitness Geometry—meaning that you’ll go faster with maximum efficiency, only without the discomfort of an aggressive ride position. The more comfortable you are, the longer you’ll ride.
Specifications:
Frame: Specialized A1 SL Premium Aluminum, fully-manipulated butted tubing, internal cable routing, flat mount disc, rack & Plug + Play mounts
Fork: SR Suntour NEX, coil spring, hydraulic lock-out w/Multi-Circuit Damping, 60mm of travel
Front Hub: Specialized disc, double-sealed, loose ball bearings, 9mm QR
Rear Hub: Specialized disc, loose ball bearings, for Shimano 8-/9-speed cassettes, 9mm QR
Rims: 700c disc, 6061 aluminum double-wall
Front and Rear Tyres: Trigger Sport Reflect, 700x38mm, 60TPI, wire bead
Chainrings: 48/38/28T w/chainguard
Shifters: Shimano Altus, 8-speed
Fron Derailleur: Shimano Tourney, top swing, for 7-/8-speed 31.8mm clamp
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 8-speed
Cassette: Sunrace, 8-speed, 11-34t
Front and Rear Brake: Tektro Flow Set Control, hydraulic disc, metal pads, post mount, 160mm rotor
Handlebars: Specialized, double-butted alloy, 9-degree backsweep, 31.8mm
Stem: 3D forged aluminum, 7-degree rise, 31.8mm clamp
Cube Touring Trapeze City Bike 2017 €593.99
Cube intentionally ditched complicated features with this model, but not the ergonomics. The Touring is a great all-rounder well suited even for long term touring.
The light, double-butted aluminium frame features Cube’s Efficient Comfort Geometry, specifically developed for touring bikes to provide a comfortable ride position with the best energy transfer to make the best possible use of long days in the saddle.
The Touring has bosses for bottle cages and for Cube’s ingeniously simple Cube kickstand, while internal cable routing helps reduce maintenance and keep gearshifts smoother for longer.
The Cube Touring has been built in accordance with StVZO regulations. The LED lighting system up front and the small but powerful red LED at the rear both get their power seamlessly from the hub dynamo – which means they’re ready whenever needed, regardless of the weather.
The Shimano 24-speed drivetrain is reliable and perfectly suited to everyday use. The Suntour suspension fork makes cycling comfortable, even on uneven and bumpy surfaces, while powerful Tektro V-Brakes bring you safely to a stop in any situation.
Cube’s in-house Cube components add the finishing touches without adding extra weight. This bike passed all their exhaustive test procedures, guaranteeing safe and reliable cycling for many years to come.
Specifications:
Frame: Aluminium Superlite Trekking Comfort Double Butted
Fork: SR Suntour NEX, 63mm
Headset: FSA No.10, Semi-Integrated
Stem: Cube Performance Stem, 31.8mm
Handlebar: Cube Comfort Shape Bar, 680mm
Grips: Cube Performance Grip
Rear Derailleur: Shimano RD-TX800, 8-Speed
Front Derailleur: Shimano FD-M310, Top swing, 31.8mm
Shift-Brake-Levers: Shimano ST-TX800
Brake System: V-Brake
Crankset: Shimano FC-T801, 48x36x26T, BB-UN100, 175mm
Cassette: Shimano CS-HG200, 12-32T
Chain: KMC Z72
Rims: Cube SX24
Front Hub: Shimano DH-C3000, Hub Dynamo, Nut
Rear Hub: Shimano FH-TX800, Nut
Tyres: Schwalbe Spicer, Active, 40×622
Pedals: Cube PP Trekking
Saddle: Cube Comfort Tour 1.2
Seatpost: Cube Performance Post, 27.2mm
Seatclamp: Cube Screwlock, 31.8mm
Front Light: LED 15Lux
Back Light: LED Steady Light
Kickstand: Cubestand Cmpt
Mudguards: Cube Black Shiny
Bell: Humpert
Carrier: Standwell Bag Carrier
Weight: 15.8kg
Ghost Square Trekking 3 Miss City Bike 2016 €750
This all rounder offers some unique technical features such as the Ghost central suspension fork, integrated cable routing, super-stiff fenders, and a fully integrated rack carrier which accommodates all common panniers.
All frames in this line feature the revolutionary sandwich belt-drive-ready dropout, enabling you to start simple and upgrade over time as you choose. The high-quality equipment guarantees years of use for both every-day commuting and week-long excursions. Shimano dynamo hub keeps you safe in the evening and can juice up your electronic devices during the daytime.
Also available on Amazon.co.uk
Features:
Frame: Square Trekking
Fork: SR Suntour SF13 CR-7V A 700C 40mm
Chainset: Shimano FC 371 48-36-26
Brake/Shift Levers: Shimano 390 SL
Front Derailleur: Shimano 191
Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio 9-Speed
Cassette: Shimano 11-32
Rims: Mach 1/810 622×19
Front Hub: Shimano Hub Dynamo
Rear Hub: Ghost QR
Tyres: Michelin Protek, 42-622
Front Brake: Magura HS 11
Rear Brake: Magura HS 11
Handlebars: Ghost, Rise 23, Sweep 30, 31.8, 660mm
Stem: Ghost, Stem Compact, 31.8
Saddle: Ghost 3050 DRN
Seatpost: Ghost LT 31.6 x 300mm
Weight: 15.9kg/35lbs
Mudguards: Ghost/Wingee
Rear Light: Herrmans H-Trace
Front Light: AXA Echo Switch
Kickstand: Hebie
Rear Rack: Ghost
Didn’t find what you were looking for? Check our article about
best touring bikes under 1000$
If instead, you’re looking for something more professional
18 great touring bikes under 2000$
Check also our list of
Best Online Stores for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
preparing for a bicycle trip? Here’s our
Essential Gear for Bicycle Touring and Bikepacking
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