Test 2021: Women's road bikes in the TOUR test

Just a few years ago, you might have thought that women rode road bikes completely differently to men and needed substantially different bikes. Almost every major manufacturer had special models for women in their range, and some, such as Trek, Specialized and Canyon, even had their own frames with modified geometries in several categories. The fact that these manufacturers have almost simultaneously discontinued the development of their women's bike lines in recent years suggests that their offensive has not paid off as hoped. In view of the growing number of different types of bike, it was probably no longer economically viable to launch the entire programme for women. In addition, female buyers were apparently not always convinced by the manufacturer's marketing: many women ride unisex racing bikes and are happy with them.

Women are like men: different

But there is one good thing about the temporary push by manufacturers: there has been a lot of market research, studies on body proportions and product tests. TOUR has also learnt a lot from testing the many women's bikes over the years. The result for us and our female testers is similar to that of most manufacturers: women are neither built nor predisposed in such a way that they necessarily have to ride different bikes than men. And just like men, they are diverse in their requirements and have different physiques. They are just slightly smaller on average. Because the road bike market now covers a huge range of geometries, price categories and purposes, every woman will find a suitable model. As is so often the case, the devil is in the detail - a "somehow uncomfortable" bike with a different saddle, handlebars, stem or wider tyres can suddenly feel tailor-made. But sometimes men feel the same way.

To help women with these details, a few brands still offer women-specific models. As a rule, they equip unisex frames with parts that fit many women: for example, a slightly wider saddle is usually fitted because women tend to have a wider sit bone distance. A narrower handlebar because they have narrower shoulders on average. And the manufacturers who do it seriously also offer a smaller frame size - for smaller women.

Liv stands out among the manufacturers of women's road bikes: the brand belongs to Giant and is the only one whose entire model range is aimed at women - it is also now the only one that still produces women's bikes in its own geometries and shapes. Canyon, once a pioneer in this respect, no longer does this, but offers many variants in all road bike categories - an advantage for women too. The Koblenz-based brand also specialises in very small sizes. Other women's road bikes can be found at Scott, Cannondale and Cube - although the latter two were unable to deliver a test bike this year due to delivery problems. Well-known brands such as Trek, Specialized, Merida and many, many more are now convinced that women will also be happy with their well-stocked "normal" model range. Judging by the street scene, this is also true.

Six women's road bikes put to the test

The three TOUR testers Jeanette, Kerstin and Vivian rode five very different current bikes that are made for women - as well as one that we only slightly customised, but which still received a lot of praise.

• Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 WMN Disc- Competition -3.399 Euro
• Trek Émonda SLR 9 - Competition - 11,499 euros
• Liv Langma Advanced 1- Tour - 5,599 euros
• ScottContessa Addict RC 15 - Tour - 5,599 euros
• Canyon Grail 6 WMN - Gravel - 1.499 Euro
• Liv Devote Advanced Pro- Gravel - 2.499 Euro

Alternative women's road bikes: already tested, still for sale

We have already tested the following women's models in TOUR 04/2020. They will only be resold in 2021 with a different paint finish or minor technical changes:

• Cannondale SuperSix Evo Carbon - Competition - 3.299 Euro
• Liv EnviLiv Advanced Pro 2 - Competition - 3.699 Euro
• Canyon Endurace WMN AL Disc 7.0 - Tour - 1,599 euros
• Scott Contessa Addict 15 Disc - Tour - 2.499 Euro
• Cannondale Topstone Women's - Gravel - 2.999 Euro
• Liv Avail AR 1 - Gravel - 1,599 euros

In TOUR 04/2021 you will find our detailed evaluation of the bikes. We also give tips on how to find the right bike and the right size - and which details women should pay particular attention to on a bike. You can find the tests of the unchanged road bikes in TOUR 04/2020.