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Best Road Bikes for Women
When it comes to bikes, you have plenty of options to choose from. However, nothing can compare with road bikes when it comes to the ultimate riding experience.
Road bikes can also be categorized into:
- Road bikes for men
- Road bikes for women
This segregation is entirely based on sizes, not by gender. This post is about the latest and futuristic road bike models for beginners and occasional riders. So, all you need is go through the comparison of best road bikes for women and choose the one that fulfills your needs.
Top 3 Best Road Bikes For Women Reviews
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1. Frame
When you’re comparing different road bike models, a good way to start digging with the frame. Of all the things on your bike, its frame is not only the most expensive thing; it’s the core component. Once you get the perfect frame, you’ll get know the value of it with time when you move on to upgrade other components.
The right frame is worth spending some time. Road bike frames are available in different materials, such as steel, carbon fibre, titanium, and aluminium. They have different properties and hence, cost and ride feel may be different with each.
- Steel may be heavier than other frame materials, but it offers ultimate comfort. The material is durable, repairable and desirable. In fact, it’s used in custom frame builds these days. If you’re a professional, you may want to spend on custom design.
- Aluminium is suitable for beginners and entry-level riders because it’s stiff, cheaper than steel, and lighter. On the other hand, titanium offers identical comfort and durability as Steel but is more expensive and less heavy than steel.
- Anyhow, manufacturers and cyclists are fond of carbon fibre material, thanks to its incredibly light weight, strength and a variety of shapes. Carbon fibre frames are available with different choices depending upon the quality they have.
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| Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike – 700c: This bike features handcrafted aluminium frame that makes it extremely lightweight. In fact, the 6061 aluminium frame ideal for entry-level riders, or those who use to ride it on hilly tracks. The lightweight requires less effort and maintains the smooth distribution of force as you ride your bike up the slope. But the road bike lacks the strength and durability. The slanted tube connecting the forks with the seat tube makes it suitable for riders with different heights. |
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| Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano: This road bike for women also has the aluminium frame, but since it’s double butted, the bike is more durable than the one mentioned above. Again, it’s a handy bike for entry-level riders. The bike frame has a straight top tube that some riders won’t be comfortable with. A good thing, though, you have 3 sizes (small, medium and large) to choose from. |
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| Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Complete Women’s Road Bike: This particular road bike model is made from the high-end aluminium material that features DBR Podium Performance Alloy fork. Another benefit of this model is that the frame comes with EPG (Enhanced Performance Geometry) that gives and relatively straighter posture, thereby reducing the stress on lower back and neck. The awesome frame design is tailor-made for long rides and professional competitions. |
2. Group Set
Almost best road bikes under 1000 are equipped with groupset, and when it comes to branded road bikes, there are three major manufacturers of groupsets; Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo.
Groupsets consist of all the moving components including derailleurs, gear shifters, levers, brakes and other parts. Inexpensive models, the components are lighter and account for durable and more reliable groupset.
- Shimano offers the widest range of groupsets from entry level to professional level. Some noteworthy groupset models include Tiagra, Ultegra and Dura-Ace. Hence, Shimano is considered to be more reliable.
- Campagnolo also offers a large variety of groupsets which include Veloce, Centaur, Chorus, Athena, Super Record and Record. So, you’ll have plenty of options, especially when you’re looking for upgrades and modifications to your road bike.
- SRAM is a new emerging manufacturer in the market, have launched four successful ranges, namely Force, Rival, Apex and Red.
You can easily identify the difference between the make and models if you look closely at the design and working of shifters. There is also a difference in placement of buttons and levers. Anyhow, it depends on the rider whether he feels comfortable with a particular set.
Shimano and Campagnolo are the best in manufacturing futuristic, electronic gears. These manufacturers offer exceptional electronic gear systems that are effortless and more reliable.
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| Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike – 700c: Shimano shifters and derailleurs have been quite popular in the market and Giordano Libero 1.6 Road Bike for Women features Claris STI 16-speed shifters. The downside is, the groupset lacks a front derailleur. However, considering that the bike is for beginners, the groupset offers ease of use for the beginners. Most importantly, it proves to be quite comfortable and reliable for the new riders. |
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| Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano: This women’s road bike features A050 Shimano handlebar mounted shifters. The beginner-level road bike also features Shimano front and rear derailleurs, which is rare in other similar models. For short-height riders, reaching for mounted brakes can be a bit difficult. Perhaps a little stretch would help, but performance-wise, no technical issues have been reported by customers. |
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| Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Complete Women’s Road Bike: This particular road bike model features Shimano Sora FSA Drivetrain. You cannot get any better than Shimano integrated levers/shifters and dual pivot brakes other similar models. The 16-speed Shimano set is extremely comfortable, especially the derailleurs that are extremely trouble-free. You may have a little trouble with shifting on the left side, though. On front derailleur, shifting might be sticky, but it’ll get better with time. |
3. Chain Set
Next thing you should look for is the chainset. Choosing the right chain-set depends on entirely upon the purpose. Two major types of chainset are being used in modern-day road bikes; double chain set and triple chain set. The basic difference is between the rings (triple chain set has three rings).
If you’re riding on smooth and plain surfaces and have no plans for a mountain ride, you’ll be better off with the double chainset. Whereas, triple chain set is meant for riding up relatively steeper hills and mountain tracks. Since you have more gear options, you’ll find ride more comfortably with the additional ring in your chain set.
However, latest road bike models feature compact double chainset that has smaller rings. Due to smaller rings, road bikes have less weight, and they will be much easier to ride on.
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| Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike – 700c: This road bike features double chain set, meaning, you don’t have too many gear-changing options while riding up the hill. Despite that, you’ll get 16 speeds which would give you close enough experience. Anyhow, you can replace the crankset with compact double, for smoother rides. |
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| Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano: Vilano Aluminium Road Bike offers the 21-speed feature which means it’s one of the best road bikes for women, because of smooth and comfortable rides up or down the hill. The road bike offers triple chainset (50/40/30) made of alloy. Plus, it has the most reliable name, KMC, associated with it to convince any rider. |
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| Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Complete Women’s Road Bike: When you look at the chain set of Diamonback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Road Bike for Women, it features a double ring set. That means you’ll have to force your way up the hill and rely more on 16-speed derailleurs |
My Choice: Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano
4. Wheel
Riders seem to have a psychological connection with the wheels and tires, and why not. High-quality wheels and tires prevent doubts related to road bike’s performance, helping them focus more on their riding time, speed, twists, and turns, etc. No matter how good the other components are, a substandard pair of wheels can significantly ruin any model.
The weight of the wheels is directly related to riding experience. A pair of lightweight wheels is more responsive and offers better handling. Material quality, durability, size and aerodynamics are other important factors that can affect your purchase decision.
Adult road bikes often feature 700c wheels. They have a rim diameter of 62.2cm (or 29 inches). Then there are other, relatively smaller wheels. Medium size wheels have 27.5-inch diameter which makes them 22.99 inches with inflated tires. A small size wheel has the 26-inch diameter (22.01-inch height).
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| Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike – 700c: This road bike for women is available in two sizes; medium and small, but there is no difference in the wheel size. The rims are made of Vitesse Alloy high V-profile silver and have 32 holes. This is the reason why the road bike feels lighter than other similar models. However, it does not have Presta valve tires that are more in demand these days. |
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| Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano: This road bike offers 700c wheelset with double walled CNC machine sides. This means the wheelset is exceptionally strong. The 25c tires perfectly complement the wheels, featuring Presta valve inner tubes – essential element of the best road bikes for women. All in all, the wheels, tubes, and tires combine to make your journeys safe and trouble-free. |
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| Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Complete Women’s Road Bike: Like a professional road bike, this model also features 700c wheelset with a trademark DB equation SE double walls. It has 26c Kenda K196 tires that offer better road grip, strength, and durability. With DBR Podium alloy fork, you can twist and turn the wheels without any fear of falling down. |
5. Budget
Store-quality road bikes don’t come cheap. So, before finalizing your budget, you have to make sure that the model offers a perfect fit, comfort, and best riding experience. Then you can think about stretching your budget a little bit since you’re making a long-term investment.
Entry-level road bikes, with branded frame, groupset, wheelset and other components, come at a high payment. When you narrow down your choices in terms of these elements, you’ll get a reliable model.
Alternatively, if you‘re a beginner with the tight budget, you have some cheap options to start with. Later, you can think about upgrading the components. However, frame size, material, and flexibility to upgrades are crucial.
Here’s a budget comparison
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| Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike – 700c: As mentioned, Girodano Libero 1.6 has handcrafter aluminium frame, there’s a room for improvement and upgrades. In fact, you’ve already got some high-end features to cut-down installation expenses in future. You’re getting a perfect frame, Shimano Claris groupset, and an outstanding pair of wheels. All in all, the bike calls for one-time investment, and you might get the warranty of parts. |
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| Vilano Aluminum Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano: While choosing Vilano Aluminium Road Bike, you have to consider the rigidity of the frame. But if you’re the only one in the house riding it, the right fit would save you from future troubles. The road bike already has 3-ring chain set and a high-end wheelset. Plus, you’ll get a pair of pedals for free. That means it’s an economical purchase and you can always upgrade it to your liking. |
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| Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport Complete Women’s Road Bike: This particular road bike model is more suited for exercise, warm-ups, and occasional riding. It may still be an economical purchase considering manufacturer’s warranty, durable frame, high profile tires and Shimano groupset. |
Conclusion
With everything you should know about the best road bikes for women in 2016, all you need is to make the right decision by following factors:
- If you’re a beginner and are looking for durable, flexible and affordable model, you should pick Vilano Aluminium Road Bike 21 Speed Shimano
- If you’re looking for better comfort, better speed and control, and something that you wouldn’t want to invest in from a couple of years, you can choose Giordano Libero 1.6 Women’s Road Bike
- If you’re looking for extreme comfort, better road grip, and long-life, Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Airen Sport can be your one-time investment for life.
About the Author Nick Soros
Hi, I'm Nick Soros. I have been an cycling enthusiast from 2006. Ezroadbike.com is my personal blog where I share my pedaling experience. No matter you are a new cyclist or skillful one, you would find useful topics in my site. Have a great cycling...