Best Type of Standard Bikes for Plus-Size Women

Bicycling is the perfect exercise for women with every type of body composition. If you are looking for a great way to take a refreshing break from work and other obligations without adding stress to your joints, cycling is the way to go.

You can enjoy two-wheeled adventures at any physical condition and any size, even and possibly especially plus-size. Marley Blonsky at Cycling Tips confirms that you also don't need to pick up cycling to lose weight or deepen your passion for it. You can do it just because you love it, and it makes you happy.

Regardless of your reason for searching for a bike, you need to pick out the right one for your cycling goals and to support your body throughout every ride.

Let's explore some things to keep in mind when you start shopping for your new standard bicycle.

Bike Shopping for Plus-Sized Women Is Better Than Ever

The best bike sellers understand that their valued customers come in all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels, so they are not there to judge you. They want to support your well-being, so expect them to help ensure you have the right bike versus, say, the most expensive bicycle.

E-bike and standard bike businesses know that not everyone who loves cycling has a figure like Kristin Armstrong or Dede Berry. These women and others like them in their fieldwork and train tirelessly and eat meticulously to achieve low body fat and high fitness. Most women who have their own families and careers want to stay fit and enjoy life on two wheels without all the pressure, so you aren't alone if that's all you want from your bike.

With this in mind, start shopping for your new standard bike with confidence that it's all about your goals and desires. The cycling world is out there to encourage and support you in furthering the love and popularity of this sport, which is meant to inspire joy and a sense of freedom.

There Are Some Considerations All Women Need to Make When Shopping for a New Bike

Every woman—and man, for that matter—needs to go into the bike shopping phase with some key thoughts in mind. No one wants to end up with an uncomfortable bicycle, so you need to do some research before plugging in your own data to come up with the best fit.

While there are standard bikes for people of all sizes, there is no standard sizing, notes Faye Sanders at Bike Radar. Therefore, you need to go into your search with your body's composition in mind and be clear that comfort comes first to ensure that you can enjoy years of bicycling pleasure.

One important thing to note is that you don't necessarily have to buy a women-specific bike model. Many women lock themselves into the idea that a step-through bicycle is the only style option for women, while sometimes a step-over is easier for women. According to Bicycling, "some women benefit from women's bikes' geometry and tuning characteristics" while others might not.

For instance, if you have hip flexor issues, you might find it challenging to step- through at a comfortable angle. In such cases, you might find that you can swing your leg over the back of the seat more easily. Ultimately, you might find that a unisex style bike is perfect for your body's frame and your riding preference.

All that said, you need to find what works for you, so you feel great and happy during each ride, no matter how short or long the distance and time in the saddle.

Sizing Matters

Most of us want to skip the sizing matters and skip the style and all the bells and whistles a bike has to offer. However, sizing is crucial and can mean the difference between waking up in the morning and being excited about getting on your bike and storing it in a far corner of the basement or garage.

You definitely want to feel the former, which means taking the time to guarantee proper sizing makes all the difference when you take the time and effort to ensure precision sizing.

Don't Let Sizing Issues Intimidate You

Sometimes people feel intimidated or self-conscious when sizing issues come into the picture of buying a new bike. No matter how body-positive someone is, there is often a slight twinge when we need to take a closer inspection, especially when we need to share that private data with others. Even if those others have your best interests in mind and want to help you find the perfect bike.

Do your best to let go of any insecurities so that you can give yourself the gift of a perfectly sized bike.

Another issue is that many bike riders—even the most seasoned ones—struggle to figure out how to take on the sizing issue. Further, with the seemingly millions of bike frame sizes, it's no wonder cyclists are confused and don't know where to begin. On top of that, you might find several different approaches to the topic that seem to contradict each other. Sometimes it feels like the cycling world is working against you and your passion, but keep in mind that nearly everyone offering advice has good intentions focused on getting you on your dream two-wheeler.

Bike Station features a handy sizing chart that is worth exploring. Even better, they break down the sizing by the type of bike you might want, including:

• Mountain bikes
• Hybrid bikes
• Road bikes
• BMX bikes

General Notes on Sizing

If you are new to bike sizing, there are some things that might surprise you. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start your adventures in bike sizing:

• Bike frames are listed in centimeters most of the time. However, you will sometimes see sizing listed in inches or as small, medium, or large. So, prepare to see these different configurations and work within them. If necessary, find a good conversion app to help you during your shopping excursions.
• Sizing starts with the consideration of the height of the rider. Figure out your height in the right metric to start, then apply it to a sizing chart for your desired bicycle or bicycles. You might find that you fall someplace in between two sizes, so you might give both a try to see which one is more comfortable.
• A separate women's bike sizing chart isn't used. The sizing goes strictly from height, so you can look at general sizing guidelines to find your fit.

Custom Sizing to Customize Your Standard Bicycle and Your Cycling Experience

When you find a seller you love, you might find that they offer specific sizing for bikes you have your heart set on to guarantee the perfect body fit. The Six Three Zero feels that proper sizing is the foundation for happy cycling. We believe that, if your bike is too small or large for your frame, you won't be as likely to go out and enjoy your ride. We don't want that. We want you out on the road, loving your bicycle.

Here are some ideas to help you with proper sizing:

• Get fitted with the help of a quiz taking your height, weight, and desired cycling goals.
• Choose your favorite frame, whether men's, women's, or unisex.
• Consider any customizations you might like, such as accessories and previews of your custom-designed bike.

Bike Style Is Everything When It Comes to Buying Your Standard Bike

Now that we have sizing considerations out of the way, it's time to focus on the heart of the matter, which is the best style or type of standard bike for plus-size women. Fortunately, several cycles might suit your purposes and keep you comfortable.

Let's look at a few types of standard bikes and popular models that might work best for you.

Cruiser

According to Bikes Reviewed, cruiser bikes were popular from the 1930s to the 1950s, but they have made a comeback in the past few decades. Cruisers inspired the designs for early mountain bikes if you can believe it, considering how different the two are used. But the frame style makes sense for both kinds.

The review website loves the Six Three Zero EVRYJOURNEY because it works so well for tall and plus-size riders and offers the following:

• A lightweight aluminum frame that allows for an easier and gentler ride.
• 26-inch wheels and 2-inch semi-slick tires for a stable ride and plenty of cushion for sheer comfort. The thicker tires give you more assurance for stability as a plus-sized rider.
• Combines classic style and modern accessories and design specifications.
• Suitable for leisurely rides, long exercise sessions, daily commutes, and regular errands.
• Brimming with hip style and a gentle curvature to the frame helps protect and improve your posture.
• As a premier all-in-one bike for women, it features a rear rack to stash your groceries, packed lunch, laptop, water bottle, and much more.

Hybrid

As the name implies, hybrid bicycles offer riders the best of both worlds between mountain and road bikes. You can enjoy revving up for good speed without doing it on skinny road bike tires. Further, you can take on gravel paths and other off-road adventures with a hybrid model. Keep in mind, though, that you can't head off onto rough and rugged trails, and you couldn't keep up with, much less compete with a road bike and its speed-focused attributes.

Most women who choose hybrid bikes use them for activities such as:

• Recreational bike rides on smooth or dirt paths
• Work and errand commutes
• Bike deliveries for work or volunteering projects

One hybrid to consider is the Reach Your Destination model that lets you zip around town with ease and grace. This fast, comfortable, and fun hybrid offers you an easy-mount step-through frame, click-on attachment points for easy customization for each ride, and hybrid tires that let you take on varied terrains.

Comfort

Popular among seniors and plus-sized riders, generally, comfort bikes don't necessarily go fast, nor are they ideal for workouts. Still, they are fun, easy to ride and offer you good exercise and a reliable way to commute. The "comfort" comes from the relaxed and upright frame, well-padded saddle, wide tires, and seat post suspension. These bikes often typically feature a step-through frame that makes it more comfortable for riders with less physical flexibility.

The Easy Boarding bike offers the lowest step-through option for men and women, plus-sized or not. Here are some additional features to love about the Easy Boarding experience:

• The forward pedal design lets you keep the seat low to the ground and makes stopping and dismounting easier and safer.
• The seven available speeds mean you can take on some hills without overexerting yourself too much, and you can hit speeds of up to 16 miles per hour on flat stretches.
• The 1.95" tires roll smoothly on the pavement and standard trails.

Commuter

Also known as urban bikes, commuter bikes are perfect for all your daily city needs and goals. You can haul your laptop and other work needs in your pannier on the back or pedal away for a ride to the museum or movie theater with ease.

Six Three Zero's Ride in the Park features the slogan: "Urban life meets sugar and spice." This beauty lets you ride in style without working up a sweat if you don't want to. Take leisurely rides through the park or meet your friends with this step-through-framed standard bike.

Here are some top features that make it an outstanding option:

• Dual single-spring seat for extra support
• Suitable for all skill levels and body types
• Easy to customize

Which Type of Standard Bike Do You Want to Try?

Are you ready to choose your new bicycle yet? If you still have more questions or concerns, our Six Three Zero team is here to help. We want you to get the most out of your bicycling experience.



Contact us to learn more about the bikes listed here and any others we carry. We can also discuss sizing options and our test ride option.