The best women's mountain bikes maximize comfort while riding over bumpy roads and down rock-strewn trails. They typically feature components not associated with road bikes, including fatter, knobby tires (ideal for gripping loose dirt), a suspension system (to reduce jarring on uneven surfaces) and additional gears for hill climbing. A well-designed women's mountain bike fits the female frame, as women are generally smaller and have longer legs relative to height than men.
For Casual Riding
Riding in the city or on dirt roads can be more pleasurable on a mountain bike than a road bike but rarely requires full suspension or highly technical components such as hydraulic brakes. For this reason, ideal casual bikes are generally somewhat less expensive than their more technical counterparts. The SyCip Women's Classic Steel Unleaded fits the bill, offering a low-priced hardtail ride unencumbered by overly technical components. Bicycling Magazine points out that the SyCip has streamlined top and down tubes, helping to keep the bike lightweight and manageable. The SyCip also gets points for style: as Bicycling notes, "If none of (the) 100-plus stock colors strikes your fancy, custom paint jobs are available."
For Trail Riding
Trail bikes often feature technical components, including hydraulic disc brakes to reduce hand fatigue during long descents. Lightweight riders who plan to do a lot of climbing might want to look for a hardtail option to reduce bike weight. To this end, the Trek Fuel 8000 WSD is well rated and much lighter and faster than comparable models with rear shocks. Bikeradar, an independent editorial review site, suggests the Fuel 8000 "for women who want a high-performance mountain bike without the compromises of standard women's frames." Heavier riders or those who plan to log long hours in the saddle or incorporate significant downhill riding generally opt for a full-suspension system, such as the Specialized Era FSR Marathon, which features hydraulic brakes and a surprisingly light build, at under 25 lbs. A Bicycling Magazine review notes that the bike is particularly adept at tackling rough climbs and loose terrain.
For Racing
Riders looking to maximize performance will want a bike with high-end components, including top-of-the-line hydraulic brakes, pneumatic shocks and lightweight wheels. A top-rated women's bike is the Specialized S-Works Safire, with its 120 mm travel front suspension fork and race-worthy disc rims. At just over 23 lbs., it's a lot of bike in a light package. Says Bicycling Magazine in an editorial review, the bike is "crazy steady and fast." It credits the FSR suspension design with its responsiveness to terrain. Alternately, the Scott Contessa Spark has remote lockout on both front and rear shocks and a plush 110mm of rear travel. Outside Magazine gives it "an unqualified thumbs-up" for its lightweight and powerful braking system.
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