Marin Redwood Step-Thru Frame
The Marin Redwood is a midline hybrid bike that comes with a women's specific step-through frame. The bike is stocked with a front suspension fork, a suspension seat post, and 26-inch slick tires that will handle both street and gentle dirt path riding. This bike is suited for riding around town, on the boardwalk, and on short excursions with family. The women's step-through frame eliminates the challenge of stand-over clearance for shorter ladies. It's important to be able to straddle your bike and have an inch or two between your pubic bone and the bike's top tube. This allows you to get on and off your bike safely. The step-through frame on the Redwood sweeps low enough to keep an adequate stand over clearance.
Electra Hawaii 24 Inch
The Electra Hawaii is a classic beach cruiser and is perfect for women who are looking for a simple and sleek design. The Hawaii model is a single speed and is great for beach riding, bike paths, and short trips around town. The Hawaii 3i model offers three gears in an internal hub. This gives you options to help make it up larger hills, and the internal set up keeps everything covered and clean. The Hawaii is offered with a 24-inch wheel, instead of the traditional 26-inch wheel. A smaller wheel makes the bike more compact, lowers the rider's center of gravity, and often feels more manageable for smaller riders.
Scott Scale RC Junior
The Scott Scale RC Junior is a hard-tail mountain bike with a 24-inch wheel. Officially a kids bike, the smaller wheel size may be a more comfortable fit for smaller riders. The smaller size also makes this bike weigh less, making it easier to move around on the trails for lighter riders. Scott does not scale down on their kids' bikes. Although this bike is smaller in size, you get all the same components that you'd find on an adult bike in a similar price range. Remember that the 24-inch wheels will make it harder to keep up with friends riding 26-inch wheels on the flats. With every pedal stroke, you won't go quite as far because your wheel diameter is smaller. The trade-off for a bike that fits will be worth it.
Trek 2.1 WSD Road Bike
Check out the Trek 2.1 WSD Road Bike if you're looking to bike long distances. The 2.1 WSD comes with entry-level racing components. This women-tailored bike has the geometry that better suits a woman's frame. The women's saddle will make a more comfortable ride, and more narrow handle bars make for a more natural hand placement. The 2.1 WSD comes in a 43CM frame and 650CC tires as opposed to standard 700CC wheels. The combined frame size and smaller wheel is designed for petite women. The smaller wheel lowers your center of gravity, providing more security and better handling.
Article Written By Kathrine Cole
Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.
