Bicycling is one of the easiest and most popular forms of exercise for most demographics. It combines movement, adventure, and just the right amount of sweat.
But if you’re a short woman, you have no doubt faced a lack of appropriately sized bikes when you’ve gone shopping for them. Particularly if you’re shorter than 5 feet, you’ll have a smaller range of options when choosing a bike, no matter what type.
However, although you won’t be spoiled for choice, there are enough bikes that will suit you. So today, we’ll help you find the best bike for short women. We’ve reviewed 5 of our top picks and also included a handy buying guide to help you get started. Let’s go!
What We Will Cover
At a Glance: Short Bikes for Women/Ladies
- Our top pick: WIILAYOK 26 Inch 24-Speed Mountain Bike for Men and Women
- Runner up: Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike
- Budget option: Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Best for all terrains: Hiland 26/27.5 Inch Mountain Bike
How to Find the Right Bike if You’re a Short Woman
No matter your budget, it can be difficult to find the best bike for short females. So before you finalize your purchase, consider the following factors to determine the right bike for you.
Bike Type
There are numerous bike types available for a variety of purposes, from recreational to fitness to touring. What kind of bike are you looking for? Are you more of a casual rider? Then perhaps a hybrid bike is best suited to your needs. Or, if you like adventuring with your bike, or going off-road, a mountain bike might be a better choice. Or perhaps you’re just looking for a dependable bike for commuting. In that case, you would be best off with a road bike.
Bike Size
Obviously, the most important consideration when selecting a bike to fit you well is the bike size. The best bike for short ladies, no matter which brand it’s from, will be available in at least 3 sizes: small, medium, and large. The right bike size depends upon the rider’s height. We have included a rough sizing guide below for hybrid bikes as they are the most commonly bought bike type.
| Rider Height | Suitable Bike Size | Bike Frame Size in Inches |
| 4’10” — 5’2” | XS | 13 — 14in |
| 5’2” — 5’6” | S | 15 — 16in |
| 5’6” — 5’10” | M | 17 — 18in |
Remember, this is only a rough guide to help you determine the approximate size. Also, the sizing will differ depending upon the type of bike you choose to buy. If you’re very confused about size, you can always consult a professional bike fitter.
Saddle
One of the most important considerations for a well-fitting bike is the saddle. A good saddle is not only one that fits you well but also provides maximum comfort. There are saddles available for off-roading, mountain biking, or recreational riding.
Women’s saddles are different from men’s because they account for women’s hip sizes and genitalia. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a women’s saddle is right for you. A unisex saddle might be more suited to your needs. It all depends on you.
First, consider the type of biking you’ll be doing, then think about the size. Saddle size is typically determined by sit bone width (and not your backside!). Also, look for saddles with center cutouts/grooves, which help to relieve pressure on the crotch area.
Frame Construction Material
What your bike is made of will determine to a great extent its performance and durability. Carbon, steel, and aluminum are the materials commonly used in the construction of bikes. Each one has its benefits, but carbon fiber is the most lightweight. It’s also the most expensive! On the other hand, if durability is what you’re after, go for steel.
Brake Type
Do you want rim brakes or disc brakes on your bike? Disc brakes cost more but offer greater stopping power, particularly in wet conditions. Disc brakes are most commonly seen in mountain bikes, although they are increasingly being seen in high-end road bikes as well. For commuting or recreational riding purposes, rim brakes may be more suitable.
Bike Speed
You have the option of choosing between a single-speed and multi-speed bicycle. Single-speed bikes are good for recreational and leisure riding, while multi-speed bikes are better suited to professional applications. Multi-speed bikes also let you manipulate pedaling power. It depends not only on your needs but also on terrain type.
5 Best Bikes for Short Female Reviews
Don’t let your height limit you. Here are the 5 best bikes to choose from if you’re a short woman!
1. Huffy Hardtail Mountain Bike – 24 inch 21-Speed, Lightweight
Key Features:
- Bike Type: Mountain bike
- Brake Style: Linear Pull
- Suitable rider height: 4’8″ to 5’0″
- Frame: Steel
- Speeds: 21 speed
- Suspension Style: Front
If you’re a woman 5 feet tall or shorter who loves touring and off-roading, you’ll be excited to read about this mountain bike offering from Huffy. It has a sturdy 21-inch frame constructed from steel, so don’t be fooled by its low price… it’s built to last!
But how does it perform? Well, it’s equipped with a 21-speed system, so you can imagine all the places it’ll take you. Shifting gears is easy and efficient too, thanks to the inclusion of the Shimano TZ-31 rear derailleur, which works with a removable rear derailleur guard. The tires have a knobby tread with a measurement of 24”x1.95”, letting you approach your dirt biking aspirations. Meanwhile, the front suspension lets you take on uneven terrain worry-free.
What’s more, you can customize the seating on this bike according to your height and preferences. Its alloy quick-release mechanism allows for effortless seat height adjustment. Furthermore, the bike’s handlebar is a slight-rise model, allowing you to ride upright and prevent strain on your back and shoulders. The ATB-style pedals are made from resin and are comfortable to the touch.
This is easily one of the best-looking bikes on our list too. Although our selection is the purple bike, you have 5 other attractive colors to choose from according to your taste.
Now, although the bike’s saddle has been designed with side stitching for enhanced durability, comfort seems to be lacking. If you face that, however, you can always get a replacement saddle. All in all, however, this is the best mountain bike for short females that we’ve found.
What We Liked
- Super easy assembly
- Affordable yet efficient
- 21 speeds for fun and adventurous touring
- Suitable for both downhill and uphill riding
- ATB saddle with side stitches for durability
- Available in 6 attractive colors
What We Didn’t Like
- The saddle might be uncomfortable for some
2. Mongoose Switchback Adult Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- Bike Type: Mountain bike
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 27.5″
- Brake Style: Disc
- Suspension Type: Front
Anyone who knows anything about bikes is bound to have heard of Mongoose. When searching for the best mountain bike for short riders, whether male female, you’ll agree that this brand has justly earned a reputed name for itself. With a wide range of bikes suited to a variety of riders and riding types, it’s no surprise that Mongoose ended up on our list!
This aluminum bike is equipped with a multi-speed system between 8 and 21, which you can choose according to your needs and capabilities. As a mountain bike, it’s built to handle a wide variety of terrains, which is evidenced in the high quality of its fittings and components.
We’re talking, of course, about the disc brakes, which offer dependable stopping power in any condition. Meanwhile, the Mongoose MTB saddle ensures your comfort no matter where you are. The 27.5″ tires give you full control of where you want to go.
Not to mention, the bike’s internal cable routing adds protection while preserving the bike’s minimalist aesthetic appeal. But even with the simple design, this bike is available in 6 different colors, so go crazy!
What We Liked
- High-quality disc brakes for great stopping power
- All cable routing is internal
- Lightweight and durable Tectonic T1 aluminum frame
- Smooth and stable ride thanks to 27.5″ tires
- Available in 6 attractive colors
What We Didn’t Like
- The gear system might act up depending on terrain type
3. Hiland 26/27.5 Inch Mountain Bike
Key Features:
- Frame: Aluminum 16-inch
- Wheels: 26/27.5inch
- Speeds: 24
- Suspension Type: Lock-Out
- Brake Style: Disc
- Suitable Rider Height: 5’1” to 5’9”
For our next pick we have selected a bike suitable for use by female riders with a height between 5’1″ and 5’9″. This aluminum bike is beautifully made and equipped for ultimate efficiency. Let’s see what it has to offer.
Boasting a disc-style brake system, this bike is the ideal selection if you’re looking for a dependable mountain bike that will double well as a road bike. You can shift easily between 24 speeds and enjoy optimal control on various terrain types. Meanwhile, the Shimano TZ500 rear derailleur keeps you moving smoothly from one terrain to another.
This is further facilitated by the bike’s lock-out suspension fork, which allows you to traverse city roads with as much ease as mountains and forests. But no matter where you are, the bike’s unique female-centric geometry will cater to all your biking needs. Not to mention, its beautiful purple and blue design is bound to turn a few heads.
All that said, given the low price, you shouldn’t expect the highest level of durability out of this thing. Furthermore, you might have to make some personal modifications for a really good fit. As far as budget options in short women’s bikes go, though, this is undoubtedly one of the best we’ve come across in our research.
What We Liked
- Lock-out suspension fork lets you ride on various terrain types
- Suitable for use in mountainous and city terrains
- Special female designed geometry
- 24-speed gear lets you take full control of your ride
What We Didn’t Like
- Assembly might be a bit difficult if you’re inexperienced
4. WIILAYOK 26 Inch 24-Speed Mountain Bike for Men and Women
Key Features:
- Frame: Aluminum
- Wheels: 26-inch
- Speed Settings: 24
- Brake Style: Disc
- Suspension Type: Lock-Out
WIILAYOK’s take on creating the ultimate adult-friendly bike focuses more on comfort and smooth transitioning between each gear. Featuring a lightweight frame paired with a lock-out suspension system, the bike ensures a stable ride even in numerous terrains.
To be able to gain maximum speed and use less force while doing so, you would need a sturdy and lightweight frame. This is where the bike’s aluminum alloy build comes in. Not only is it highly durable, it can also take heavy impact damage in case it falls. Even the rims are made of the same alloy to further reduce weight.
Fitted with only the best of the best gears from Shimano, the 24 speed setting is truly the perfect match for this bike. With 3 gears up front and 8 at the back, you can climb slopes or gain speeds at ease on flat grounds. The smooth finger-style shifters are tuned to perfection for accurate gear shifting. This allows you to maintain your natural speed progression.
What We Liked
- Lightweight frame and rims construction
- Ultra-light handle bars with high-quality rubber grips for better control
- Well-tuned shifters offer perfect transition in speed
- High-quality disc brakes offer precise braking
- The paint is environment-friendly and does not wear off easy
What We Didn’t Like
- The seat is not comfortable enough for long rides
FAQ About Best Short Bikes for Women/Ladies
1. u003cstrongu003eWhat sets a women’s bike apart from a men’s bike?u003c/strongu003e
Women’s body geometry is mainly taken into account. Smaller sizes, shorter crank arms, narrower handlebars, women-specific saddles, etc., set women’s bikes apart.
2. u003cstrongu003eWhat sizes are women’s bikes available in?u003c/strongu003e
Most bikes for women you’ll find on the market will be sized either as small, medium, or large. The sizing criteria varies from one brand to another, so it’s important to look into your chosen bike brand’s sizing chart before finalizing your purchase.
3. u003cstrongu003eHow can I improve the fit of an existing bike?u003c/strongu003e
There are a number of improvements you can make, such as getting a women-specific saddle, fitting a shorter handlebar stem, or adjusting how far your brakes reach. It’s best to seek professional bike-fitter opinion on the matter, though.
4. u003cstrongu003eCan I use a men’s bike?u003c/strongu003e
If you feel that it fits you better, of course! No two women’s bodies are the same, so it depends entirely upon your needs and preferences. You can also look into unisex bikes.
5. u003cstrongu003eHow much do short women’s bikes cost?u003c/strongu003e
The price range for quality women’s bikes is quite wide, from around $300 to over $4000. Much cheaper budget options are also available, although the quality is usually less impressive.
Final Words
Although there is no single best bike for short women, we’d be lying if we didn’t express our preference for the Mongoose Switchback. This multi-speed aluminum bike with its efficient front suspension is one of the best rides you’ll find.
On the other hand, if you’re on a budget, we would definitely recommend the Huffy Hardtail.
Good luck, and happy biking!