Buying a Second-Hand Women's Bike: Type, Frame Size and What to Look Out For
Looking for a second-hand women's bike? A well-maintained model can take you to work, school, or into the city for years to come, often for much less than a new bike. However, not every women's bike is right for everyone. In this guide, you'll learn which type suits you and how to choose the right frame size. You'll also discover which braking and gear system is convenient and what to look out for before you buy.
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Short answer: first choose the type (city bike, step-through bike, transport bike, or e-bike). Then determine your frame size based on your height and check the brakes, gears, tires, frame, and frame number. Buying from a specialist store? Then that check has already been done for you.
Why a second-hand women's bike?
Many women's bikes have a low step-through. This makes it easy to get on and off, even in a skirt, with a full pannier bag, or with a child seat on the back. Ideal, therefore, for daily use in the city. A sturdy women's bike is built to be ridden every day, and how long it will last depends mainly on its condition and maintenance.
That's why a well-maintained second-hand model is often a smart choice: you pay less, while the bike can still cover many kilometers. Moreover, you're giving an existing bike a second life. This also makes it a more sustainable choice. Are you mainly looking at the price? Then also read buying a cheap bike.
Which type of women's bike suits you?
| Type | Features | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| City bike | Relatively light, upright riding position, often 3 to 7 gears | Daily commuting, school, and shopping |
| Step-through bike | Classic frame, very low step-through, often a freewheel hub and few or no gears | Short rides and slow, comfortable cycling |
| Transport bike | Sturdy frame, front and/or rear rack, high carrying capacity | Groceries, bags, and a child seat |
| Electric women's bike | Pedal assistance with a battery | Longer distances, headwinds, and those who want to exert less effort |
Are you torn between a regular bike and an e-bike? Then also read our buying guide for a second-hand e-bike and choosing a second-hand electric bike.
The right frame size for a women's bike
The frame size is the distance from the center of the bottom bracket to the top of the seat tube, measured in centimeters. If you ride a bike that is too large or too small, you'll feel it in your back, shoulders, or knees. A frame that is too large also makes getting on and off more difficult. Use this table as a guideline:
| Body height | Frame size |
|---|---|
| 145 to 155 cm | 46 cm |
| 155 to 165 cm | 49 cm |
| 165 to 170 cm | 53 cm |
| 170 to 175 cm | 56 cm |
| 175 to 180 cm | 57 cm |
Are you exactly between two sizes? Then choose a smaller size for more control and easier getting on and off, or a larger size for a more relaxed riding position on longer rides. In our frame size guide, you'll find all sizes, including for transport bikes and e-bikes. Feel free to provide your height when ordering, and we'll check if the frame size is a good fit for you.
Brakes and gears
Which brakes suit you?
- Freewheel hub: you brake by pedaling backward. Simple, requires little maintenance, and is popular on step-through and city bikes.
- Roller brake (hub brake): a hand-operated brake located in the hub. It also works in wet weather and requires relatively little maintenance, but do check the braking performance regularly.
- Rim brakes (V-brakes): light and easy to adjust, although they brake less effectively when the rim is wet.
- Disc brakes: found mainly on e-bikes and sportier models. Powerful and reliable, even in the rain.
Which brake you choose is mainly a matter of habit. The most important thing is that the front and rear brakes engage immediately and evenly.
Gears: how many do you need?
Most women's bikes have an hub gear, where the gears are hidden in the rear hub. This is low-maintenance, and you can also shift gears while stationary: convenient at traffic lights. For flat city riding, 3 gears are often enough. With 7 or 8 gears, you can cycle more easily against the wind or over bridges.
A derailleur (with visible gears at the back) is found mainly on sportier bikes. This gives you more gears, but also requires more maintenance.
Popular brands for second-hand women's bikes
Well-known Dutch brands such as Gazelle, Batavus, Sparta, Cortina, and Union are popular second-hand. They are sturdily built, and parts are readily available. A well-known brand is a good starting point, but mainly look at the condition, wear, and maintenance of the bike.
Checklist: what to look out for with a second-hand women's bike?
- Brakes: the brakes engage immediately and evenly at the front and back. With a freewheel hub, you don't have to pedal far back.
- Gears: shift through all gears. It should go smoothly, without slipping or stuttering.
- Chain and gears: a stretched chain or worn gears will cause slipping and extra costs.
- Tires and wheels: no cracks, sufficient tread, and wheels that roll straight without wobbling.
- Frame and front fork: no cracks, dents, or heavy rust, especially around the welds.
- Handlebars and bottom bracket: no play or creaking while steering and pedaling.
- Lights and reflectors: in the dark, a working headlight and taillight are mandatory.
Want a more comprehensive checklist? Then check out our checklist for buying a second-hand bike. Do you also ride in winter? Then read how to make your bike winter-ready.
How to prevent buying a stolen bike
Buying from a private seller? Then always check the frame number. You'll usually find it under the bottom bracket, on the seat tube, or on the head tube. Via Stop Heling and the RDW Bicycle Theft Register, you can check for free whether a bike is registered as stolen.
Keep in mind that not every theft is reported. Therefore, also ask about the bike's origin and a proof of purchase. At 2dehandsfietsenwinkel, we check the frame number of every bike before it goes on sale.
Buying a second-hand women's bike at 2dehandsfietsenwinkel
Every women's bike in our range is inspected by an experienced bike mechanic. They check the brakes, tires, gears, and frame, and repair minor defects. You can read how exactly this is done on our working method.
- ✓ Free and delivered ready to ride in the Netherlands and Belgium
- ✓ Frame number checked for theft
- ✓ Warranty on every bike and 14 days to exchange or return (current terms in the frequently asked questions)
- ✓ Lowest price guarantee
- ✓ Test ride in our showroom at Noorderhagen 229A in Rotterdam
View our current range of second-hand women's bikes immediately, or compare them with our second-hand e-bikes. Are you looking for a bike for him? Then read buying a second-hand men's bike. Want to know more about all types, maintenance, and accessories? Then read our complete guide to women's bikes.
Frequently asked questions about second-hand women's bikes
What frame size women's bike do I need?
That depends mainly on your height. As a guideline, a frame size of 49 cm fits 155 to 165 cm, 53 cm fits 165 to 170 cm, and 56 cm fits 170 to 175 cm. You'll find all sizes in the frame size guide from 2dehandsfietsenwinkel.
What is the difference between a step-through bike and a city bike?
A step-through bike has a classic frame with a very low step-through and often a freewheel hub. A city bike is usually lighter and more often has multiple gears. This is convenient for daily commuting.
How many gears does a women's bike need?
For flat city riding, 3 gears are often enough. With 7 or 8 gears, you can cycle more easily against the wind or over bridges. A hub gear is low-maintenance, and you can shift gears while stationary.
What should I look out for with a second-hand women's bike?
Check the brakes, gears, chain, tires, frame, handlebars, and lights. Also check the frame number via Stop Heling or the RDW Bicycle Theft Register. At a specialist store, this has already been done for you.
Do I get a warranty on a second-hand women's bike?
Yes, 2dehandsfietsenwinkel provides a warranty on every bike, and you can exchange or return it within 14 days. You can find the current warranty terms on the frequently asked questions page.