A ladies' bike is a very broad concept.

Women's bikes revolutionized the cycling world over a century ago. They sparked an explosion in popularity among women, significantly contributing to the market's growth and the popularization of cycling as an everyday means of transportation. To this day, they remain one of the most important segments, constantly evolving. Although they are less rigid than men's models, they offer easier mounting and a more upright stance. These features also appeal to many men. Women's city bikes are particularly appealing to those who want to commute in elegant attire. This post will focus on women's bikes with gears – we'll discuss popular types, the differences between them, and our experiences. If you're looking for such a bike, this will be a good start before testing it out.

Not all women's bikes are the same

Almost all recreational and commuting bikes come in women's versions. A classic example is the city bike. A women's city bike with gears is usually equipped with mudguards, various guards, and accessories. All this for comfortable riding over relatively short distances, regardless of outfit. When it comes to components, a hub derailleur or just an external rear derailleur is usually installed. Unfortunately, many manufacturers approach these bikes carelessly, focusing on baskets and details, and installing components of appalling quality. A classic example of this approach is the incredibly popular Le Grand brand, but even the renowned Giant can produce bikes that should be ashamed of themselves. Dutch bikes are worth considering separately. These incredibly comfortable bikes are also very heavy. What might not be a problem in the flat Netherlands, even in Warsaw can be problematic when carrying the bike into an apartment or up even a small driveway. That's why our recipe for a women's city bike is a lightweight steel frame, a three-speed hub gear, and only the essentials, like fenders. And we don't like bikes that handle like a cow. Our women's bike is lively and agile, which isn't often the case.

Women's bike outside the city

Women's trekking bikes are a popular category. Designed for long trips, they won't cause discomfort even on triple-digit distances. Equipped with pannier racks, dynamos, and extended handlebars, they're a bit too heavy and complicated for city riding. If you're looking for a more versatile bike, a women's cross bike is a better choice. Derived from the trekking bike, it's a lighter and simplified version. It's a versatile choice for commuting and touring. But gears are clearly mentioned in the title of this article, so it's time to write about them.

A women's bike with gears - a classic solution

Most of the above-mentioned types use the most popular external derailleurs. This solution has many advantages. It's inexpensive, simple, can be serviced by any service center, and spare parts are readily available. Importantly, they also offer a wide range of gear ratios, making them an obvious choice for cross-country or trekking bikes. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to dirt and damage, and adjustment requires experience. They also require caution when shifting gears and attention to avoid riding with the chain too far crossed. A women's bike with derailleurs offers great capabilities, but requires more attention and more frequent servicing. It's a good solution for those who intend to cover a variety of routes or who use their bike occasionally and are constrained by budget.

Women's bike with hub gears

An alternative is gears integrated into the rear hub. This solution is virtually maintenance-free (a checkup every season or two is sufficient), and adjustment is incredibly simple. Furthermore, the risk of the chain slipping is much lower than with traditional solutions. A disadvantage is the limited number of gears, especially in cheaper models. Furthermore, not every workshop can handle servicing the complex planetary gearset. Nevertheless, in many cases, it's a great solution (we use it often). In our opinion, a three-speed transmission is the best solution for city commuters or those who cycle short and medium distances. It's relatively lightweight, provides a sufficient range of gears for everyday riding, and is extremely durable and requires minimal maintenance.

Which one is the best?

We believe that the bikes we handcraft in our workshop are the best women's bikes on the market for city and suburban riding. Combining classic elegance with modern features, they can be customized to your individual needs. And that's something even the best factory can't replace.