Today a government scheme offering £50 bike repair vouchers launches in England as part of plans to get the public cycling. An initial 50,000 vouchers will be made available online at 11.45pm on a first-come, first-served basis as part of the Fix Your Bike scheme. Boris Johnson has also announced that access to bikes will be available on the NHS.
It's all part of the governments new campaign to tackle obesity, encouraging the public to get cycling - somethings that's become a bit of a lockdown cliche in the past few months.
First it was banana bread, now it's biking. That's right, we seem to be incapable of taking up a new hobby in lockdown without the entire world thinking of the same thing - and as move from the kitchen to the great outdoors, we've all been asking... what bike should we get? Or more specifically, what are the best bikes out there for women?
For those whose bike has sat dusty in their parents garage for years, those who've been meaning to invest in one for years or those who've never even owned a bike, getting into cycling can feel like a minefield. Do you get a mountain bike for those countryside strolls, a racer for a fitness burst or hybrid so you can keep up the hobby when we're eventually commuting again?
Should you be getting your two-year-old cycling now? What if you're a complete beginner at 35? And what about all the stuff that doesn't come with the bike? Well, we've got you covered. After extensive research and much expert advice, we've narrowed down the best bikes for every type you could need. Take a scroll and get to grips with your new gears...
Best bikes for beginners
Best bikes for women for beginners - Grazia
1 of 2Bobbin Brownie 7, £445
For an absolute beginner, you'll need something sturdy and upright. The Bobbin brownie 7 bike is just that, offering a smooth and simple ride. It's an investment, but it'll last you.
2 of 2Cube Nature Urban Bike (2020), £499
Designed for both countryside and city exploring, the aluminium frame and hydraulic disc brakes make for an easy ride.
Best hybrid bikes
Best hybrid bikes for women - Grazia
1 of 3Janis Hybrid, £999.99
This super-lightweight hybrid bike with very low gearing makes riding and climbing easier. It doesn't come with pedals, bare in mind, but it's considered top of the range when it comes to hybrid bikes.
2 of 3Pinnacle Neon 4 2020 Women's Hybrid Bike, £750
The mix of riding position and easy speed on the Pinnacle makes the Neon both easy-going on lanes and easy tracks and nippy about town.
3 of 3WOMENS DEVON 2020
Whether it's a long commute or you're training for proper races, the Devon 2020 offers the best of both worlds.
Best mountain bikes
Best mountain bikes - Grazia
1 of 2Apollo Spiral Womens Mountain Bike, £170
Full suspension and a gel saddle mean this is a comfortable ride, but is also perfect for adrenaline junkies who fancy going off road.
2 of 2Norco Sight A2 27.5 2020 Women's Mountain Bike, £2995
Perfect for a confident, stable ride, even if you're hurtling down a mountain.
Best folding bikes
Best folding bikes - Grazia
1 of 2Brompton B75, £780
Brompton are the best of the best when it comes to folding bikes. The greatest performer with the easiest fold, these bikes are on the pricier side but remain the perfect introduction to city cycling.
2 of 2Dahon Vybe D7 Folding Bike 20" 7S, £535
A more affordable option made for commuting, the Dahon Vybe folds in just 15 seconds. It's also equipped with a luggage carrier, mudguards and a beautiful retro design.
Best bikes for kids
Best bikes for kids - Grazia
1 of 3Isla Rothan Balance Bike, £179.99
Founder by former professional cyclist Isla Rountree, Isla bikes are head and shoulders above the rest. Not only are they the lightest, they hold their value well and perform like no other.
2 of 3HOY Bonaly 14 inch Wheel 2020 Kids Bike, £290
Founded by former track cyclist Chris Hoy, HOY bikes are a high-performing but more affordable option. This Bonaly is their best-seller, their 2020 bike has been made even lighter than the original which was already a huge hit with kids.
3 of 3Frog 40 Pedal Bike, £290
FROG bikes are lightweight but sturdy, with a focus on easy pedallling. Patented Frog cranks reduce the distance between the pedals increasing efficiency and comfort for your child.
Best electric bikes
Best electric bikes - Grazia
1 of 3Pendleton Somerby-E Electric Hybrid Bike, £999
Founded by Victoria Pendleton, Pendleton bikes are elite when it comes to the electric experience. This one has all the style of the Pendleton Somerby with added, electrically powered, pedal assistance. The 317Wh battery delivers 40 - 50 miles of range to guarantee effortless rides, taking the strain out of hills and making moving off from a standstill much easier.
2 of 3Assist Hybrid Electric Bike, £599
A more affordable option, the Assist hybrid electric bike has a removable battery and a maximum range of 20 miles. Recharging in 2-3 hours, it's the perfect commuting companion.
3 of 3Carrera Subway Womens Electric Hybrid Bike , £1,099
With a huge maximum range of up to 60 miles, the Carrera Subway recharges in 5-6 hours and can propel you to a speed of 15.5mph.
Best racing bikes
Best racing bikes - Grazia
1 of 2Specialized Allez E5 2020 Road Bike, £680
Racing bikes are more expensive by virtue of their better performance. Built specifically for hardcore cycling, this Specialised bike is a best-seller for it's budget-friendly pricing all while maintaining the performance needs. It focuses on weight, refinement and reliability like nothing else in its class.
2 of 2Womens Axial Pro 2020, £759
The Cube Women's Axial Pro 2020 versatile, combining speed and comfort to make it both easy to rise and endurance-friendly. Lightweight with a thin seat - to reduce road vibrations - and carbon blades, this will be the smoothest ride of your life.
Best cycling accessories
Best bike accessories - Grazia
1 of 6Bell Local Helmet, £39.99
A simple helmet if you're a beginner on a budget, Bell's Local Helmet is known for it's unrivalled protection with a classic skating design if you fancy throwing it back to your 'Sk8er Boi' days.
2 of 6REFLECT360 Plus Women's Cycling Jacket, £119.99
A highly-reviewed reflective jacket, the REFLECT360 is tailored and made with 100% reflective material. Keeping you safe and stylish, it's waterproof, has great breathability and is an all-around must for any cyclist.
3 of 6Button Double Pannier, £65
Carrier space is a must - especially if you're planning to commute by cycling. While you can get bikes with baskets, there are also panniers. This Button Double Pannier is two bags joined together, flopping over the sides of the rear carrier and kept in place with poppers. Ideal for groceries or your work bag, they can be carried by the handles on top or by the detachable shoulder strap.
4 of 6Cateye EL135/Omni 5 Light Set, £29.99
Two essential lights, the front is the EL135 which has three LEDs and OptiCube lens technology for a wider beam - running for 80 hours on two AA batteries. The rear light is the Omni 5 with five bright LEDs to deliver great brightness for longer.
5 of 6Bobbin Mirror Mirror Helmet, £42
A helmet is a must, of course, but it doesn't have to be an eye sore. This classic Bobbin helmet is a fan-favourite, tried and tested to look glamorous while also making you more visible on your bike.
6 of 6Respro Ultralight Anti Pollution Mask, £45.99
If you're cycling in a big city, an anti-pollution mask is a must. The Respro mask is constructed from a 4-way stretch, breathable fabric conforming to facial features and movements for a more comfortable fit. It protects from pollution in hot or dusty areas with Hepa-Type sports filter.
Read More:
Here's How To Take Up Cycling If You're A Massive Newbie To The Whole Thing