The Best Women's Mountain Bikes

The Best Women's Mountain Bikes

adventure mountain biking image by Maxim Petrichuk from Fotolia.com

Nearly every bike company creates specific designs for female athletes. Women's mountain bikes offer a frame with geometry to match women's longer legs and shorter torsos. Handlebars specifically made for women are more comfortable for narrower shoulders. Bike saddles designed for women fit wider to make bumpy trails more tolerable.

Novara Women's Pika

The Novara Pika offers a starter mountain bike. A full set of gears, linear pull brakes and front suspension give beginning riders the chance to get used to all the features of a trail bike. The Pika is an efficient choice for women who are just starting out in cycling or who only expect to periodically ride the trails. The bike retails for $399, as of March 2010.

Marin Juniper Trail WFG

Marin's Juniper Trail WFG gives women cyclists a bike with durability. Midlevel components keep the Juniper Trail tuned longer and provide a smoother ride than some less expensive bikes. The hardtail, cross-country mountain bike is suitable for women who want a bicycle they can ride for miles without worrying about an upgrade. The Juniper retails for $1,075, as of March 2010.

Trek Fuel EX 5 WSD

The Trek Fuel EX 5 WSD is the starting bike in Trek's lineup of full-suspension mountain bikes for women. Full-suspension bikes absorb more of the bumps on the trail. This makes for a more comfortable ride and also can make riding over obstacles feel easier as the rear suspension is capable of rolling over impediments without special handling from the rider. Hydraulic disc brakes offer quick-stopping power for the steepest hills. The Fuel EX 5 costs $1,589.99, as of March 2010.

Scott Spark RC JR

For petite women who want to ride trails, the Scott Spark RC JR may be the solution. With 24-inch wheels, the hardtail mountain bike is sold as a kid's bike, but will fit women who are too short to ride a full-size bike. With quality components, the Spark RC JR offers women the same features found on similarly priced adult bikes. The bike retails for $1,199.99, as of March 2010.

Article Written By Kathrine Cole

Kathrine Cole is a professional outdoor educator. She teaches rock climbing, backpacking, cycling, and bike maintenance classes. She is a graduate of the National Outdoor Leadership School, a Wilderness First Responder, and a Leave No Trace Trainer.

Write for Trails.com
  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword