Now a genuine alternative to the car for urban travel, the bicycle is also a wonderful way to get away from it all. Ecological, silent, economical, fast and healthy, there are many advantages to using a bicycle in the city.
The market for urban bike The market for women's urban bikes has grown considerably in recent years, and choosing the right bike for women is no longer an easy task, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned cyclist! When you've decided to take the plunge and buy yourself a nice bike for your daily velotafing, or to get some fresh air by taking advantage of the many cycle paths and facilities on sunny days, it's important to start by asking yourself the right questions. Here's what you need to know:
What type of women's city bike is right for you?
Do you need a Dutch bike or a VTC? Or a space-saving folding bike that's easy to store in your apartment? Or a trendy, easy-to-maintain fixie bike? What if a cargo bike was just right for you and your little family?
This first question will determine the next two:
- Which frame geometry is best suited to your intended use?
- And finally, which components are best suited to your body type?
If you want answers, we invite you to read our guide. We'll compare the different models to help you find the women's urban bike best suited to your needs and riding habits.
The type of women's bike for your commute
The nature of the routes you'll be taking will largely determine your choice of bike.
For frequent use over longer distances, choose a dynamic or even sporty bike, such as the VTC. On the other hand, short, occasional trips in the city center can be covered by bikes with a strong urban character, such as a Dutch bike or, in another style, a fixie bike. If your itinerary is too long or difficult (positive gradient or hills, ...), or if you want to get to work without having to shower, the electric city bike will undoubtedly be the best solution for you.
Visit folding bike is the ideal urban bike for intermodality, a mode of travel in urban areas that alternates bike portions with public transport journeys. It folds up for easy transport on buses, streetcars and subways, just like luggage.
If your journey takes in asphalt roads and a few off-road tracks, versatile, hybrid bikes such as VTCs or travel bikesthat are at ease on all types of terrain.
Last but not least, keep in mind that a versatile women's bike of this type can be used outside your daily city life, for family outings, country rides, vacations or weekends. So, depending on your habits and budget, choose an all-purpose women's bike rather than one with an overly exclusive urban identity (fixie, Dutch bike...).
WHICH CRITERIA TO CHOOSE?
Comfort (size, posture, geometry)
Among other comfort criteria, we note that most classic city bikes are also available in a Trapeze. This type of lower frame is better suited to women. There are also "Wave" frames frames, which are even easier to straddle than a Trapeze frame. Trapeze frames represent an intermediate solution between straight "Diamond" frames and gooseneck "Wave" frames.
Depending on the type of urban bike, the rider's posture can vary. This is an important differentiation criterion. For example, the position on a Dutch bike is very upright, the rider riding comfortably with a straight back and a good view of the road. In contrast, a VTC, fitness bike or fixie offers a sportier position, with the torso more inclined to the handlebars.
The right women's bike is the one you feel comfortable on! With the exception of some folding and cargo bikes, most urban models come in a range of sizes. On Probikeshop, you'll find a guide to help you choose the right urban bike.
The transmission of your bike is also an important element to consider, and should be chosen according to the difficulty of the terrain. Manufacturers equip their urban bikes with traditional derailleurs or hubs with integrated gears, which are well-suited to the flat to slightly hilly courses generally encountered in town. These require little maintenance compared with derailleur systems, which are still preferable for tackling difficult climbs.
Safety
In metropolitan France, cyclists can ride very close to vehicles and motorcycles, which is why it's essential to equip their bikes with safety accessories, to help them signal their presence to others.
The bike comes with basic lighting, reflectors and a bell. You may also wish to invest in more powerful lighting (for low-light conditions), a hazard spreader and reflective devices. Your urban bike should enable you to ride as safely as possible!
Useful accessories
Urban bikes are generally equipped with basic accessories, such as a rear rack, mudguards, kickstand, etc.. Their usefulness is obvious: they make it easy to carry panniers or a baby-carrier seat, protect you from water splashes when riding in the rain, and make it easier to hold your bike when stationary, without fear of it falling over when parked for a quick stop at the bakery.
If load capacity is an essential criterion for you, and you're planning to transport your children and run important errands by bike, the cargo bike is especially well-suited! Equipped with a body offering a greater or lesser load capacity, it can replace the car in many cases.
WHICH URBAN BIKE IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Mountain bikes (VTC)
The VTC is an all-purpose model, designed for riding on asphalt as well as rolling trails and paths. Borrowing their components from mountain bikes, they are most often equipped with disc brakes, telescopic forks and a traditional gearing system with derailleur gears, making it easy to climb any hill.
Travel bikes
The travel bike, or trekking bike, can be used by city-dwelling women keen on long bike rides to get around town on a daily basis. It's a very sturdy bicycle, with all the accessories needed for everyday use (mudguards, kickstand, luggage rack...). Equipped with durable, reliable components, they have a high load-bearing capacity and a transmission system designed to cope easily with difficult climbs.
Dutch bikes
An urban product par excellence, not to be found outside the city! It features a gooseneck frame that's easy to straddle. Super-comfortable for fairly short, flat rides, the Dutch bike is perfect for those who want to ride serenely, with an upright torso and head up for a good view of the traffic. The drivetrain components (hubs with integrated gears) are hidden from view to prevent soiling and limit maintenance requirements.
City bikes
These are models that aim for comfort, utility and practicality, designed to best accompany cyclists on their journeys. Superbly equipped with accessories (mudguards, luggage rack, quality lighting, kickstand...), the city bike makes life easier for the cyclist on a daily basis! Robust and durable, they are made of steel or aluminum, and come in a variety of shapes (Wave or swan-neck geometry, intermediate trapezoid or classic diamond), making them accessible to all. Vintage, beach cruiser, sporty, classic... the city bike can take many forms!
Fixie/singlespeed bikes
These are sleek, minimalist bikes that often appeal to young cyclists who cultivate a certain fun, casual style. They have a single speed, and are available with a fixed gear (fixie) and/or a freewheel (singlespeed). Ideal for fast urban cycling, over short distances and on flat roads!
Folding bikes
An ultra-practical, agile and adaptable product, made for intermodality! This mode of travel, which alternates commuting and cycling, is favored by cyclists who live on the outskirts of town to get to the city center. Thanks to their folding frame, these bikes are easy to transport on a bus or train, just like a piece of luggage.
Cargo bikes
Whether two-wheeled (biporteur), three-wheeled (triporteur) or extended (longtail), this is a bicycle with a very high load capacity. Equipped with a more or less voluminous box, or an extended rear rack, the cargo bike can be used to transport several small children, groceries and/or bulky parcels, etc. Ideal for families and professionals who work by bike, it can replace a car in town!
Electric bikes
Not included in our presentation, as they belong to a transversal category, electric bikes are available in most of the cycle types mentioned so far. There are electric folding bikes, electric city bikes, electric VTCs, electric cargo bikes... suitable for all city cyclists, especially those with fairly long distances to cover each day. Pedal motor, front or rear wheel, autonomy... There's plenty to choose from!
Découvrez tous nos conseils & Tutoriels
