The Best Hybrid Bikes For Women: Do-It-All Bikes For Any Budget

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Jessie is a freelance writer and experienced cyclist. She wants to share her expertise in cycling with newbies and pros. She gives a detailed comparison between the best bike and equipment depending on your needs and budget. She is committed to providing helpful tips and recommendations for any needs.

Why buy a women’s specific bike?

As Osmo nutrition puts it “women are not small men.” Women proportionally have shorter arms than men, a shorter torso, narrower shoulders, and wider hips. Simply a smaller version of a men’s bike is not always the best fit for a woman. Women’s specific bikes address the physical differences between men and women.

Does every woman need a women’s specific bike? Absolutely not! But before spending money on a new bike, you should at least be aware of all your options to find the bike that best fits you and your riding style.

How much do I need to spend?

As with most bikes, the more expensive the bike the better components and lighter weight the bike will be. That being said, not every cyclist needs the top end components on the lightest frame possible.

The cheaper components will not handle aggressive riding very well and with excessive riding, will wear faster than the expensive components. Meaning that if you ride every day, you may want to consider a more expensive bike, but if you ride infrequently, the lower end bikes will absolutely work.

What different price points offer

$500 or less: lowest end components, aluminum frame, rim brakes. These make great commuters, but won’t hold up to lots of riding or aggressive riding.

$1000 range: middle of the of the road components, aluminum frame, disc brakes (much more powerful than rim brakes) and will handle the variety of terrain and long rides better than the $500 or less category.

$1500+: Higher end, more reliable components, handle any and all commuting, long road rides or smooth dirt, gravel or grass, and carbon fiber frames make the bike much lighter and ride smoother.

Road Bike vs Mountain Bike vs Hybrid

Most hybrid bikes, also referred to as fitness bikes, have moderately wide tires with grooves making them much better than a road bike at riding off road, but the tires are fairly smooth, which makes them much more efficient on the road, compared to a mountain bike tire.

The fit on the bike is more upright and comfortable with flat bars, compared to a road bike, which relieves the stress on your back for daily commutes. The downside of being upright, however, is a reduction in speed because your position isn’t as aerodynamic.

If you’re looking for a bike with drop bars and knobby tires, you may want to consider a cyclocross bike.

With this variety of 15 different women’s specific hybrid bikes within five model lines, you can be sure to find something that fits your needs and your budget.

Editors Pick	Cannondale Quick 1-8	$-$$$	More info
Best commuter	Jamis Allegro Comp Femme	$$	More info
Best all around	Trek FX women’s (S5, S4, 3, 2)	$-$$$	More info
Best bang for your buck	Diamondback Clarity (ST, 1, 2)	$	Buy on Amazon
Best for Trails	Marin San Anselmo DS 1-4	$-$$	Buy on Performance

Below you’ll find our more detailed reviews; you can also click the links above to check prices or read customer reviews.

Best Bang for Your Buck: Diamondback Clarity (ST, 1, 2)

Frame: aluminum
Brakes: rim or disc
Components: Shimano

If you are looking for a great deal on a perfect commuter bike, look no further. The Diamondback Clarity line will hold up to the daily commute over gravel, grass, or pavement. All three hybrids combine the riding position of a mountain bike with the efficiency of a road bike making the commute fast but comfortable.

Starting with the Clarity ST fitted with an aluminum frame, steal fork, Shimano Altus components and rim brakes all the way to the Clarity 2 (pictured) fitted with an aluminum frame, Tektro Aries Mechanical Disc, and Shimano Altus. These hybrids are priced like a low end hybrid yet function as a middle of the line hybrid (compare to Jamis Allegro Comp Femme).

Best for Trails: Marin San Anselmo DS 1-4

Frame: aluminum
Brakes: rim or disc
Components: Shimano

Unlike the other featured hybrids, the Marian San Anselmo has 63mm front suspension. This will help absorb any rough terrain from gravel to dirt paths. The geometry for this line is perfect for efficient fast riding, but also a comfortable upright position. The Marin San Anselmo DS1 (the lowest end) has a lightweight aluminum frame, Suntour NEX suspension fork, rim brakes, and Shimano Altus drivetrain.

The Marian San Anselmo DS4 (the highest end) has an aluminum frame and Suntour NCXD fork, disc brakes, and Shimano Deore & Alivio drivetrain. The benefit of the Suntour NCXD fork is the hydraulic lockout which allows for stiff and fast riding on the pavement but comfortable smooth riding on the dirt. No matter your budget or your need with 4 variations to choose from, the Marin San Anselmo line has a bike for you.

Editor’s Pick: Cannondale Quick

Frame: SmartForm C2 or C3
Brakes: Disk or rim
Components: Shimano

Part of Cannondale’s women’s specific fitness bikes is the Cannondale Quick. These hybrid bikes are perfect for any commuting or around town adventure needs. The geometry allows for an upright comfortable riding position and flat handle bars for easy control and confident handling.

Starting at $440 with the Cannondale Quick 8 that has entry level Shimano components, all the way to the top of line Cannondale Quick 1 (pictured) at $1300. The Quick 4, 6, 7, and 8 all have rim brakes which will be less powerful than the Quick 1, 3 and 5 which have disk brakes. The 1-4 Quicks use SmartForm C2 alloy frame and tapered carbon forks; the 5-8 Quicks use SmartForm C3 and alloy or cromoly forks.

Best Commuter: Jamis Allegro Comp Femme

Frame: Triple-butted 6061 aluminum
Brakes: Tektro Novela mechanical disc brakes
Components: Shimano Acera

The Jamis Allegro Comp Femme is a perfect middle of the line women’s specific hybrid bike. The bike is designed for comfort but is still a fast riding fitness bike.

This bike will handle long road rides as well as an upright comfortable riding position making the daily commute more relaxing by taking stress off your back. Fitted with mechanical disk brakes, Shimano components, and an aluminum frame, this is a perfect middle of the line hybrid.

Best All Around: Trek FX women’s (S5, S4, 3, 2)

Frame: Carbon or Aluminum
Brakes: Disk or rim
Components: Shimano

If you are looking to get into cycling Trek offers every level of women’s specific hybrids. The Trek FX women’s line has brought together everything you need for a fast commute or weekend workout on any terrain.

Starting with the FX 2 with lower end, but still quality name brand components, and rim brakes (less powerful than disc brakes) all the way to the FX S 5 (pictured) with a carbon frame and fork, disc brakes, and Shimano Tiagra.

Find current hybrid bikes on sale