You’re shopping around for hybrid bikes for women for commuting to work or school everyday. There’s obviously a ton of choices on the market, but if you’re looking for a combination of affordability, simplicity, and good quality, the Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake is a good option.
This article will go through the basic features of this female-specific hybrid bike from Retrospec.
Table of Contents
Features and Specifications
Step-Through Steel Frame
The Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake is the female version of the Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker City Bike. Unlike the Retrospec Parker hybrid bike for men, this female-specific version has a steel, step-through frame, so you can easily mount and dismount.
The convenience of Parker’s step-through frame is combined with the comfort of an oversized cruiser seat with dual springs, vegan leather grips, and mustache handlebar (which offers multiple hand positions).
One-Gear Bike with KT Coaster Brakes
You don’t need a lot of gears in order to navigate the urban jungle. If you don’t want a hybrid bike that’s too complicated, this single-speed bike is perfect for you. Steep hills might require more effort on your part, but cruising on flat surfaces is definitely not a problem with this bike.
This is equipped with KT coaster brake hubs that make braking simple. Just pedal backwards to stop the bike on a dime.
32 Spokes, Deep-V Rims
The Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake have strong deep-V wheels (700c or 29 inches), which are designed to accommodate the thin Kenda Kwest commuter tires (700x32c). These are not dirt tires, but they’re definitely perfect for commuting to work or school or riding on paved surfaces.
Available Sizes
The Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake is available in two frame sizes:
- Small (38 centimeters): This is for riders who have a height of around 5’2” or under.
- Medium (44 centimeters): This is for riders who have a height of around 5’6” or under.
Technical Details
- Available colors: Mustard and Olive
- Bike size: Approximately 28 to 30 pounds
- Maximum weight limit: 220 pounds
- Bottom bracket: Cartridge-sealed, 68×110 Neco
- Brakes: Rear coaster brake
- Chain: KMC 1/2-inch x 1/8-inch
- Drop-out: Horizontal
- Frame: Hand-built, high-tensile steel with a step-through design
- Handlebars: Mustache handlebars
- Headset: 1 1/8 inches, threaded
- Hubs: Single-speed 16 teeth (T) freewheel
- Pedals: 9/16-inch, high-impact, resin pedals
- Rims: Super deep-V, double wall rims (30 millimeters) with machined braking surface
- Saddle: Comfort with coil springs
- Stem: Alloy quill
- Tires: Kenda Kwest commuter tires, 700x32c
- Accessories: Allen wrenches and flat multi-wrench
The Good
Light and Comfortable
For a bike made from steel, the Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike is surprisingly light. You won’t have a hard time carrying it up a flight of stairs, if ever you need to.
It’s also relatively comfortable. And, it looks like you won’t have to upgrade the handlebar grips and seat, which is usually the first thing that gets replaced in most budget bikes. The design of the bike allows an upright riding position for a pleasant journey.
Easy to Assemble and Low Maintenance
This is the beauty of a single-speed bike: It’s very low maintenance. There aren’t too many moving parts compared to a bike with multiple gears, like the Schwinn GTX 2 Women’s Dual Sport.
Putting this together is almost effortless and doesn’t usually require professional help. It already comes with the tools you need. Depending on your skills and knowledge on bikes, you could probably assemble this within 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Great Retro Look
As they say, less is better. The same is true with the design of this bike. Its clean and simple look is what captures everyone’s attention. If you’re into minimalism, you’ll love this Retrospec hybrid bike for women.
Looking for a no-frills, commuter bike? Try the Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake today.
The Bad
Not an All-Terrain Bike
As a single-speed bike, it’s a great help for urban riders who commute to work, school, or to any places with flat and paved roads. But, it’s going to be hard to go through areas with hills and rough roads with this type of bike.
Not for People with Kids
This is a great bike for adults. It’s another story once you try to attach bike extensions for kids, like baby seats and trailers. The Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake has non-standard bolts and bars, which make it hard to attach accessories to it.
Doesn’t Come with an Air Valve Adapter
The tires of this bike has French valves, also called Presta valves. This wouldn’t be so bad if it also comes with the appropriate adapter, so you could save yourself a trip to various stores.
Who Is It For?
Simplicity: This is one of the top reasons people—and perhaps including you—go for the Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake. If your bike route consists mostly of flat, paved roads, and if you don’t want to complicate your life with shifting, finding the right gear combinations, or too much maintenance, this is for you.
Conclusion
The Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake is pretty basic, which is exactly why most people love it. The components and frame seem sturdy and efficient. Its retro look is simply adorable. It’s also affordable, light, easy to use and maintain, and offers comfortable and enjoyable rides.
It’s not a multiple-geared hybrid bike, like the Schwinn Wayfarer 700c Women’s Hybrid Bike, but it’s still a great choice for urban riders who travel mostly on areas with a flat, smooth road surface. If you want a no-hassle, female-specific hybrid bike, you might want to check it out.
Cruise around the beach or the city with the simple and sleek Retrospec Critical Cycles Parker Step-Thru City Bike with Coaster Brake. Click here to get it now.