Gravel Bikes for Women

Everything about gravel bikes. Everything for women.
Everyday life, sport, nature and adventure – gravel bikes combine all of these and are among the most popular bike models for women. Get on, have fun and become part of the movement. Find the right gravel bike for you here.

Our top picks for women

Our top picks for women

Backroad AL Aluminium gravel bike for beginners

    

starting at 2 083,00 €
Backroad FF Competition-proven carbon racer

  

starting at 5 000,65 €

Everyday gravel bikes for women

Everyday gravel bikes for women

As individual, colourful and versatile as your everyday life: Our Everyday gravel bikes are not exclusively for women, but for many they are the first choice. They give you an easy and affordable entry, options for mudguards and luggage as well as tyres for off-road riding. Our recommendation if you are looking for a bike for any occasion.

Blend Sporty and suitable for everyday use.   starting at 1 353,58 € 

Hobo Casual and robust.    starting at 1 353,58 €

Backroad AL EQ Versatile and fully equipped.   starting at 2 604,01 €

Adventure gravel bikes for women

Adventure gravel bikes for women

Adventure gravel bikes are all about discovery. Discover unknown paths, unspoilt nature and endless freedom. Alone or in a group, with or without luggage. There is no need for special gravel bikes for women. Rather, geometries suitable for touring, reliable parts and tyres that give you confidence. And of course your thirst for adventure.

Backroad AL All-rounder with sturdy aluminium frame      starting at 2 083,00 €

Backroad Lightweight & sporty – the top seller made of carbon     starting at 3 125,02 €

Race gravel bikes for women

Race gravel bikes for women

Race gravel bikes are the racing machines of gravel tracks. Light, stiff and streamlined, with agile handling and integrated power meters. Experience pure speed even off the road. No matter whether you are looking for a fast training device or want to compete with other women in gravel races.

Backroad FF Competition-proven carbon racer – our athletes' first choice    starting at 5 000,65 €

PDQ CC racer for all ups & downs    Starting at 2 395,60 €

What you need to know

Do you need a gravel bike for women?

What women should look out for on a gravel bike

10 tips for gravel beginners

FAQs

As a woman, which frame size should I choose for my gravel bike?
Depending on the model, the frame size depends on your height or inside leg length. You will find more detailed information when selecting the size on the respective model pages. In the case of size overlaps, most women tend to choose the smaller frame size so as not to sit too stretched out on the bike. We recommend a test ride in one of our stores.
What is the best saddle for women on gravel bikes?
The saddle should fit the individual sit bone distance, which is on average wider for women. Many women prefer saddles with a shorter, sloping nose and a cutout in the centre of the saddle to relieve sensitive areas. Especially for longer tours, the saddle should not be too heavily padded, otherwise parts that are not under load will press into the soft tissue and inhibit blood circulation. If you have complaints, it is worth looking at special women’s models or step saddles.
What kind of clothing is recommended for beginners?
In addition to a helmet, you should also buy a pair of sports or cycling glasses to protect you from the wind, branches and insects. Padded cycling gloves are not absolutely necessary, but they relieve pressure on the palms and offer protection in the event of a fall. Well-fitting, padded cycling pants are also essential for comfort on long tours – as is a close-fitting cycling jersey that keeps you dry and covers your back even when you are stretched out. A light windbreaker or vest will protect you when it gets cold.
Which shoes do I need for a gravel bike?
This depends on the pedals used, which you have to buy separately from the bike. If you start with classic platform pedals, trainers will do for a start; flat pedal shoes offer more grip and durability. You need special cycling shoes for clipless pedals. Clipless pedals with an SPD system are popular for gravel bikes – you can find matching shoes with a 2-bolt standard among the sportier MTB shoes or the more comfortable trekking shoes. Women's models often have a narrower cut and are available in smaller sizes. Our pedal guide provides more information.
Are there different requirements for the equipment?
No, in principle women do not need different accessories to men. A few parts are enough to start with, which you can add to gradually. We particularly recommend a water bottle and holder, a bell, especially in cities, as well as a bicycle pump, repair kit and tyre levers for punctures. A torque wrench is also essential for all adjustment work, especially with carbon frames. Chain oil is also an essential. You can buy everything else, such as locks, lighting, etc., if need be.
What is important when gravel cycling?
Grundlage sind wie bei jedem Rad vorausschauendes Fahren und Bremsen sowie eine dem Untergrund und Verkehr angepasste Geschwindigkeit. Bremse nicht zu stark und immer mit beiden Bremsen. Wird es mal holprig, geh leicht aus dem Sattel und nutze die Knie zur Federung. Bleib locker im Oberkörper und stütz dich nicht zu sehr auf den Lenker. Besonders bei Frauen führt dies oft zu Handgelenk- und Nackenbeschwerden. Übungen zur Stärkung der Rumpfmuskulatur helfen, dem entgegenzuwirken.

Do you need a gravel bike for women?

You're probably here because you're specifically looking for a gravel bike for women. After all, we learnt from an early age that women need a women's bike. But do women really need a special gravel bike? To cut a long story short: They don't.

Myth #1: A women’s bike needs a low entry
This refers to the low top tube of classic women’s bikes, originally designed for stylish getting on the bike and wearing dresses and skirts. This may make sense for a city bike, but wearing dresses is not a good idea on a sport bike. And with the right clothing, women can of course get on the bike in style – especially as they tend to be more agile than men. The most important factor, however, is that on a lightweight sports bike, a low top tube would affect stiffness and stability.
Myth #2: Women have different body proportions
Not quite a myth, because on average and in relation to the upper body, women actually have longer legs than men. That's why, so the argument goes, they need a shorter top tube so as not to sit too stretched out. However, average values are of little help, as the opposite is true for many women and men. In addition, women usually have a more flexible pelvis, which means they are better able to compensate for slight differences.
So what do you need instead?
Above all, the right frame size: smaller sizes for smaller women. Also a bike that fits your proportions – and add-on parts matched to them. Read more about this in the next section.

What women should look out for on a gravel bike

You usually only know whether you feel completely comfortable on your bike after a few tours. Many things are new, some take some getting used to, some can be adjusted, others can be replaced. Here are a few tips on what you can consider before buying and optimise after the purchase.
  • Intended use: Sporty or relaxed? Everyday life or adventure? Motor or muscles? Gravel bikes are real all-rounders – and yet they all have a different focus. The better you know yours, the more fun you will have with your bike later on.
  • Frame size: Measure your inside leg length and ideally take a test ride. If you are between two sizes, consider your body proportions: Do you have long legs and a short torso? Then you could sit too stretched out on the larger frame.
  • Saddle: A little pressure is normal at the beginning. Vary the height, position and tilt of the saddle. If the complaints are permanent, you should replace it. Women often need wider, sometimes even shorter saddles. Some manufacturers therefore offer special saddles for women.
  • Handlebar: The handlebar width usually varies with the frame size. Women with very narrow shoulders can still benefit from replacing the handlebar. Also pay attention to the handlebar bend and that you can easily reach the brake levers.
  • Stem: Are you sitting too stretched out on the bike despite having the right frame size and saddle adjustment? Then a shorter stem can help. However, it should not be more than 2 cm. If the frame is too large, the stem alone cannot compensate for this.
  • Gearing: Gravel gears, both mechanical and electronic, differ in the gear ratio and number of gears. An easier uphill gear (largest sprocket at the rear) suits women depending on the terrain. Alternatively, a smaller front chainring will help.
  • Crankset: As with the handlebar, the crank length usually decreases with the frame size. If the radius of your pedalling still feels unnatural, you can also consider a smaller crank.
The most important tip first: Wear a helmet. Should go without saying, but we would like to point this out anyway. Do yourself and your loved ones a favour. Everything else is optional.
Tip 1: Start small, increase slowly.
Start with short tours of 10-20 km in length. This allows you to familiarise yourself with your bike and learn how to brake with foresight, shift gears and the handlebar positions.
Tip 2: Brake in disc brakes.
To ensure that new brake pads retain their full braking power, they should be braked during the first few kilometres. Here we explain how braking in works.
Tip 3: Change the saddle position.
You will only achieve the optimum saddle adjustment in height, position and tilt by repeated trial and error. Cycling pants help against initial pressure on the sit bones.
Tip 4: Adjust the air pressure.
Many gravel newbies ride with over-inflated tyres and thus give away comfort and traction on gravel. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and work your way up slowly.
Tip 5: Plan tours in advance.
Gravel bikes are perfect for exploring. Get inspired by others or plan your own tours. Apps such as Strava and Komoot or GPS bike computers are helpful.
Tip 6: Find like-minded people.
Gravelling is possible alone and in a group. You should try both, preferably with women at your level at the beginning. Contact points: Cycling clubs, apps, forums or Rose Group rides.
Tip 7: Practice changing tyres.
A flat tyre can happen anywhere. Then it is better if you have already practised changing a tube. You should of course have a tube, pump and tools with you.
Tip 8: Try clipless pedals.
It's not just women who fear clipless pedals. But they make pedalling more efficient. To be on the safe side, start with duo pedals and practise clipping out when stationary and on a straight stretch.
Tip 9: Maintain the drive.
To keep your drive running smoothly, it helps to clean and lubricate it regularly. The chain, sprockets and gears will thank you with a longer service life and you will save on early follow-up costs.
Tip 10: Start your training.
Gravel race or bikepacking tour? It's easier to train with goals. Use apps to plan your training, don’t forget snacks and drinks, and the most important thing: Recover and reward yourself.