More families are turning to bicycles as a daily exercise, and you’ve decided to join the club. What are the best bikes for moms if you need to buy a bike?
You know that the best way to keep an eye on your kids and get some exercise is for you to buy a bike and pedal it around the neighborhood with them. But you don’t want to take a second mortgage just to afford one. Or maybe you’ve decided to make biking your passion and use it as a part of your daily exercise regimen. Either way, there is a lot to consider. Are some bikes better, or is one bike pretty much like another? Are there differences between bikes? The last thing you want is to buy a bike that won’t last or doesn’t fit right and find out you hate it. A bike that just sits around not being used is pointless, but there are so many choices that it is hard to know where to begin.
The best casual cruising bikes for Moms are among the following:
- Sixthreezero 26 Inch Evryjourney City Commuter
- Schwinn Mikko Beach Cruiser
- Sixthreezero Around the Block
- Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Classic Cruiser
- Tommaso Imola Endurance (Road)
- Royce Union RMT Womens (Mountain)
Are there some things to consider before purchasing a bike? Not just budget, but the quality of the build or ease of storage? Which bikes are the most popular? Is there a rating system for bikes, like the ones Consumer Reports offers for other products? You want to make sure you do your homework and find a good, dependable bike to get rolling with your kids.
We understand. Let’s see if we can’t help you narrow down the list of the top bikes for moms. We have scoured the web, searched manufacturer’s sites, and even tapped into cycling clubs for moms (yes, they have such things) and tried to clear through the clutter.
What Bikes Are Best for Moms? - Cruisers
If you are just starting or looking for an excellent bike to peddle with the kids around the neighborhood, a hybrid cruiser-type bike is probably best. Cruiser bikes are made for riding at a slower pace, with relatively flat terrain and gentle slopes. Many are equipped with customizable baskets or racks and lend themselves very well to child carriers or doggie baskets if your designer dog is small enough. The following suggestions seem to be some of the most popular and best-loved bicycles built for women in this category.
Sixthreezero 26 Inch Evryjourney City Commuter
Th Evryjourney is a hybrid cruiser bike that emphasizes comfort and vintage looks but is also very built. The whitewall tires and front and rear fenders give the bike a retro look, and the lightweight aluminum frame makes the bike easy to handle, either carrying or placing on a bike rack. The bike is designed with forwarding pedals, which allow for appropriate leg extension, and the pedal height is low enough to help should sudden stops be needed. The bike comes in various cute colors, including navy, teal, mint green, and even cream. The bike comes in single, 3, 7, and 21 speeds. The seat is situated for maximum ergonomic comfort, and the handlebars force the rider to sit upright, lessening back strain on longer rides. A wider tire allows plenty of cushion on the drive and can handle all road conditions. The Evryjourney is one of the most popular bikes that Sixthreezero makes.
Price $$ - (519.99 - 599.99)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Hybrid Cruiser)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (High)
Features
- Aluminum frame
- Built for comfort
- Forward pedal placement
- Variety of colors
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically designed handlebars
- A variety of gearshifts offered
- Suitable for riders with back or knee pain
- Easily customized for child carrier or trailer
- Recommended Riding Distance less than 12 miles
For more info, check the manufacturer's website or Amazon.
Schwinn Mikko Beach Cruiser
The Schwinn Company has been building bikes in the states since 1895 and has been one of the primary providers of bicycles for American families for decades. This Mikko is a simple cruiser that isn't as fancy as other competitors, but the retro design will appeal to women who need to be seen and intend to make fashion statements. (Yes, it will look good on you). The bike is a coaster brake model (just press backward on the brakes to slow or stop). The three-gear shifter twister effortlessly goes through the gears to assist with mild to moderate inclines. The seat is set farther back to promote an upright rider stance, and handlebars are curved toward the rider to assist with control and steering. The steel frame offers rigidity and stability, providing a more secure feel to riders just starting their weekend riding regimen.
Price $$ - (529.00)
Bike Type (Adult Cruiser)
Frame (Steel)
Wheel Size (26)
Comfort Level (High)
Features
- Vintage Look
- Fenders on front and rear tires
- Variety of colors
- Twist shift (right hand)
- Pedal coaster
- Pedal set back to enhance balance
- Easily customized for a child carrier
For more information, check out the manufacturer's website or Amazon.
Electra Cruiser 1
This cruiser is designed with a lower pass-through, making it much easier to get in and ride. It also makes stopping easier because the ground is closer, allowing the rider to get flatfooted quickly if the situation warrants it. The bike is more expensive than others, but the added peace of mind can be worth the price. The seat is egomaniacal and sits back, forcing a more upright posture, but the height of the bike has been lowered to provide a feeling of surefootedness. The Cruiser 1 is a pedal brake bike.
Price $ - $$ - (400 - 719)
Bike Type (Adult Cruiser)
Frame (Steel)
Wheel Size (26)
Comfort Level (High)
Features
- Basic Stripped Down Look
- No coverings over the front or rear tires
- Variety of colors
- Pedal coaster
- Pedal set back to enhance balance
For more information, check out the manufacturer's website
Sixthreezero Around the Block
Since Sixthreezero began its operations in 2005, building quality cruiser bikes out of its garage, they have become one of the leading manufacturers of easy-riding, comfortable bicycles for the casual rider. The Around the Block is built for comfort, with handlebars extending upward and outward in a classic cruiser style, forcing the rider to assume the correct posture and ease any strain on the back. The bike comes in one speed, seven, and twenty-one gears, depending on the terrain that must be conquered. The Around the Block has a locking/unlocking suspension which can be set to the rider's preference. The bike is designed for shorter rides (5 miles or less) and is a perfect bike for moms looking for an easy rider that can keep up with the kids. The bike has a more contemporary stripped style (no back or front fenders) and comes with a basic rack over the back tire that is compatible with most child carriers.
Price $$ - $$$ (349.00 - 719.00)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Cruiser)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (High)
Features
- Aluminum frame
- Built for comfort
- Forward pedal placement
- Variety of colors
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically designed handlebars
- A variety of gearshifts offered
- Suitable for riders with back or knee pain
- Easily customized for child carrier or trailer
- Recommended Riding Distance less than 5 miles
For more information, check out the manufacturer's website and Amazon
Huffy Nel Lusso Women’s Classic Cruiser
This Huffy basic road bike/cruiser is less expensive than its competitors but still looks and rides great. The steel frame is heavier (almost 50 lbs, providing good support, rigidity, and a more weighted feel when riding. The retro look is active and bright with both rear and front fenders. It comes in various colors and has accessories like a basket and cellphone holder. A back rack is conducive to customization, allowing for the addition of a child carrier. This bike is a coaster braking bicycle with two-tone rims (butterscotch) and solid wider tires. The comfort is impeccable, and the bike is easy to pedal. The bike comes in one color - mint.
Price $ - (323.00)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Basic Cruiser)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (High)
Features
- One Speed
- Built for comfort
- Forward pedal placement
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically designed handlebars
- One gear offered - one color offered
- Heavier than other bikes - can be difficult to lift
- Easily customized for child carrier or trailer
- Recommended for flat terrain - roads
For more info, check the manufacturer's website or on Amazon.
What Bikes Are Best For Moms? - Road Bikes
Bicycling is sometimes more than just a soft pedal along the beach boardwalk. Read on if you desire something more than just being the center of attention.
Tommaso Imola Endurance Aluminum Road
This bike is for serious contenders who don’t want to play at riding a bike. Those who want a road-worthy bike with soft ram-shaped handlebars drop down to give off the Tour De France vibe. This bike is aluminum with a lifetime warranty. The Tommaso is equipped with Shimano gears (a two-year warranty from Shimano on gear assembly). It has a comfortable but very rigid ride. This is not a bike for the faint of heart but for the serious trainer who wants to make cycling a daily mission. Expect to ride it a lot if you are serious about getting into shape.
Price $$$$ - (819.00)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Road)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (High but Rigid)
Features
- Designed for racing or road
- Built for serious riders
- Forward pedal placement
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically designed lower drop handlebars
- No rear rack for a child carrier
- Recommended for all kinds of terrain
For More information, check out Amazon.
Schwinn Phocus Adult Road Bike
This unisex bike is designed for beginners or intermediate riders who are just getting serious about their daily biking routine. The bike will fit riders 5’4 to 6’2. The 14 gears shift fluidly and smoothly with little effort or pause. The suspension is excellent, helping to provide a comfortable ride. Handlebars are ram-shaped, with braking handles within easy reach. The bike is customizable with a rear rack and can be fitted for a child trailer. If you are looking for one bike that will begin to work muscle groups you didn’t know you had but is light enough to carry and is capable of handling the stress on constant use, the Schwinn Phocus is an excellent choice.
Price $$$ - (769)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Road)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (More rigid)
Features
- 14 Speed - easy to shift
- Built for serious training or heavy riding
- Good leg extension
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically designed ram handlebars
- Heavier than other bikes - gearbox adds weight
- Easily customized for rear child carrier or trailer.
For more information, check out the website or Amazon.
Schwinn Discover
This 21-gear hybrid bike is geared more toward moms who are riding more hilly terrain and want to push their limits. The bike is adaptable for either gentle riding or more serious road ventures. The bicycle stands taller at 28 inches, and the flat handlebars lend themselves to serious biking, particularly when a biker’s upper body needs to extend forward to generate more power. The Schwinn suspension fork provides a comfortable ride, and the taller tires mean faster acceleration and distance covered in shorter times. The bike comes in white color, with a black seat and black hand grips. The braking calipers are excellent, Promax provides excellent gripping strength when applied, and stopping suddenly is a must. The Discover is an exquisite bike for any serious mom wanting a primary trainer for times when you want to ride by yourself and provide yourself with a dynamic workout.
- Recommended for more hilly and challenging terrains
- Versatile bike
- Good Basic Road Bike
- It comes in White Color
- Excellent Braking
- Taller than competitors
For more info, check the manufacturer's website and Amazon
What Bikes Are Best for Mom - (Mountain Bikes)
To conquer the savage trail rider, sometimes moms just need to live on the edge. That is where mountain biking can come into play. Here are a couple of choices for the king of the hill of mountain bikes for women.
Royce Union RMT27.5 Women's 21-Speed All-Terrain Mountain Bike
This mountain bike consistently lands at the top of the charts on multiple review sites. The 27.5-inch is ideal for cruising quickly down the trails, and the tire tread can handle gravel, dirt, sand, or pavement. The bike is equipped with 21 gears and has excellent suspension in the front. The frame is no-rust aluminum, making the bike very light to carry should a mishap happen, and you must haul it back down the trail. The flat handlebar design is perfect for helping absorb the trail's shock by keeping the rider focused and slightly elevated.
Price $$ - (469)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Trail/Mountain)
- Frame - (Aluminum)
- Wheel Size - (27.5 inches)
- Comfort Level - (High)
Features
- 21 Speed - easy to shift
- Built for the shock of trail with front suspension
- Good leg extension
- Tread reduces rolling resistance
- Ergonomically designed ram handlebars
- Heavier than other bikes - gearbox adds weight
- Easily customized for rear child carrier or trailer.
For more information, check out the website and Amazon.
Schwinn High Timber Youth/Adult Mountain
This bike comes in various sizes, and the price is contingent on whether a youth or adult bike is needed. The bike has 7 and 21 gear options, 24 -27 inch rim sizes, and various color schemes. The mountain bike has a twist shifter for ease, and the steel body is surprisingly light. Wider mountain tires increase the grip and traction of the bike to provide adequate control and steering over all types of terrains.
Price $$ - $$$ - (309 - 849)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Trail)
- Frame - (Steel)
- Wheel Size - (24 - 27 inches)
- Comfort Level - (More rigid)
Features
- 7 or 21 Speed - twist shifter makes it easy to shift
- Built for serious trail riding
- Good leg extension
- Wider tires
- Ergonomically flat handlebars
For more information, check out the website or Amazon.
Huffy Stone Mountain Women's Mountain Bike, 26-inch
This is an excellent bike for beginning mountain bikers. The bike is suitable for youth and women and has a steel frame and a Shimano derailleur delivering 21 gears. The ride is sensible (not too comfy but not so rigid it rattles your teeth). Wider tires with prickly nobs bite into trail surfaces and provide excellent control. The 26-inch bike can also be ridden on the street, enhancing its adaptability. The bike is offered in various extreme colors likely to appeal to youth. (But who knows, maybe there’s a wild mom out there who wants to mountain bike in denim blue or metallic cyan). The bike is one of the least expensive mountain bikes available, making it a good value, particularly if you are just starting to find out if mountain biking is your thing.
Price $ - (199)
Basic Specs
- Bike Type - (Trail)
- Frame - (Steel)
- Wheel Size - (26 inches)
- Comfort Level - (Moderate)
Features
- 21 Speed - twist shifter makes it easy to shift
- Built for beginners on trail riding
- Good leg extension
- Wider tires - tires have edges designed to bite
- Ergonomically flat handlebars
- Offered in a wide variety of extreme colors
For more information, check out the website or Amazon
What Kind of Bike Situation Do I Have?
There are a couple of considerations to ponder about Mom bikes before selecting the right one.
Will I be A Casual Rider, A Dedicated Daily Rider, or an Off-Road Warrior?
There are significant differences between being a casual rider just wanting to get out for some fresh air and the kind that takes cycling more seriously. It is essential to know the differences so that you can choose the right bike.
If you plan on bicycling casually, go with a cruiser. These bikes are built for comfort and show. They are not hard to ride or pedal, have cushioned seats, and are easy to maneuver. They are customizable for baskets or front of rear child carriers.
If you are a mom who has decided to train for the next marathon by peddling many miles a day, then a serious road bike with lots of gears for hills will be more to your liking. Choose a bike with a rugged structure, solid gear operation, and tires that can handle multiple weather conditions. You will be using the bike a lot more, so buy a bike that withstands the daily use.
The mountain bike is a must-have if you have decided to go off-road, hit the various dirt trails, and explore the outdoors in its rugged and extraordinary splendor. These bikes are specially made to handle more stressful situations and the constant pounding that trials and rocky terrain often produce. You will need a bike with good suspension and a bike that will handle the punishment you and the trail are like to give it.
Am I Going To Haul My Child on my Bike?
Believe it or not, this is important not just from a safety standpoint, but it means you are adding more weight to the bike. That means that peddling will be more challenging. If you are hauling your child in either an onboard carrier or a pull-behind trailer, you want a bike that can handle the additional load (the average trailer loaded with a child adds 20 - 40 lbs). We suggest looking for a bike with multiple gears, so the bike does the work (particularly when going uphill)
In addition, a lower pedal height is crucial. If you need to make a quick stop, you will want to quickly get your feet on the ground. Because an onboard carrier can often make the bike a bit more unbalanced, any advantage you can give yourself and your child in an emergency is a good thing. (Don’t forget about putting a helmet on your kid). While bicycles for girls tend to have lower pedal heights than their male-fashioned counterparts, it is still a consideration to ponder.