How to choose a women's mountain bike?

Do you feel the urge to ride with friends at the weekend? Or perhaps the need to escape solo in the peace and quiet of the fresh forest soil to recharge your batteries? We understand!

Mountain biking is attracting more and more women looking for an activity that is both sporting and outdoors, allowing them to enjoy outings in the fresh air during fine weather in a natural environment in relaxed mode, while combining the benefits of cardio exercise and toning work for the glutes, thighs and abs. Well-rounded, isn't it?

That said, due to the constant evolution of this rapidly expanding discipline and the multitude of offers and models available, the choice of a women's mountain bike is becoming increasingly complex.

But don't panic! We are here to explain everything. Here is some practical information to guide you in finding the right bike for you.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WOMEN'S AND MEN'S MOUNTAIN BIKE

Frame and position

In the past, the market offering was broadly limited to men's models — or unisex ones — greatly restricting the choice for MTB enthusiasts, but manufacturers eventually understood the value of developing specific ranges, adapted and designed for female body shapes. In recent years, numerous innovations — notably in terms of frame geometry — have emerged. And these are no longer reserved solely for experienced riders!

These are highly welcome developments for women mountain bikers, including in particular a new riding position. The older models offered a position that was far too "sporty", with a top tube that was often a little too long and a handlebar that was too wide.

Today, brands have become aware of the need for ease and comfort, and they offer adapted frame versions, notably in terms of the top tube, with an Reach* that is also significantly shorter, while maintaining a similar saddle height.

These models are easily recognisable by their size range. Mainly offered from S to XL for men, women's bikes are often available from size XS to L.

Peripherals

You will also notice differences in terms of components. Simply comparing the anatomy of each to understand that the contact points connecting the bike to the rider, such as the saddle and the handlebar, will meet very distinct requirements. Having a wider pelvis, the width of a women's saddle is often between 150 and 155 mm; whereas that for men is around 138 to 142 mm.

As for the stem, its length will be shorter to keep a nice upright back. The handlebar width will also be different and shorter, as it depends on the rider's shoulder span. For example, a man riding Enduro might opt for an 780 mm handlebar; whereas a woman would choose the 760 mm model.

Regarding suspension, it is ideal to favour air suspension over conventional suspension, as it will be lighter and easier to adjust in order to better suit your needs and preferences.

Finally, most brake levers now feature a reach adjustment. This detail is quite important for ergonomics and for smaller hands.

Which mountain bike suits my riding style?

Before answering this question, you will first need to ask yourself a few others:

- What use are you going to make of your mountain bike? (leisure, training, competition)

- When and how frequently are you going to use it? (season / regularity)

Your riding style, your preferred terrain, and the regularity of use will determine the importance you place on the weight of the bike, but also on other key components for riding in full comfort and safety, such as the suspension (front and rear), wheels, tyres, brakes, saddle… Nothing should be left to chance so that your MTB outings don't turn sour!

For example, if you are going to ride very occasionally, in leisure and relaxation mode, without seeking to go very far from a sporting/technical point of view, a classic mountain bike with front suspension, lightweight and fitted with a well-padded saddle, will be your perfect companion.

If you already have a good level, and singletracks and descents are catching your eye and you feel like taking on the challenge of going further, on steep and technical trails with significant elevation changes or over longer distances… then, you will need to pay close attention to the choice of a good fork and, perhaps even a good shock absorber with a full-suspension mountain bike, and brakes with good bite!

So, to see things more clearly, here are our tips:

Touring

For a touring-style ride, where the key selection criteria are price and simplicity, the ideal is a leisure hardtail mountain bike in steel or aluminium. Some will prefer a full-suspension bike for more comfort, but in that case the investment required will be a little greater. Generally fitted with 27.5" or 29" wheels, with a fork between 100 and 130 mm of travel to increase versatility.

Cross-Country

For XC, an aluminium hardtail mountain bike (or even carbon) will provide maximum lightness and responsiveness. Wheels preferably in 29'', and equipped with a fork between 80 and 120 mm to be as fast as possible on the rolling sections, but also on the technical ones. On the other hand, as soon as you consider longer rides (Marathon-type), you will need to look towards a full-suspension bike.

All-Mountain

We recommend a hardtail if your budget is tight, but the ideal would be to get a full-suspension mountain bike with 130 to 150 mm of travel. Most often made of aluminium, the frame can also be carbon, steel or titanium; and fitted with 27.5, 27.5+ or 29-inch wheels depending on whether you prioritise comfort, fun or efficiency. So many possible choices for a mountain bike capable of both climbing very well and being comfortable on descents, even challenging ones.

Enduro

A full-suspension bike is the one to go for. The recreational rider will opt for an aluminium frame, while the competitive rider will be tempted by carbon, with 27.5 or 29-inch wheels. For travel, the minimum will be 140 mm, with the more daring riders on the trails going up to 180 mm. Not necessarily the best performer for climbing, it truly comes into its own on descents.

DH / Freeride

It must necessarily be a full-suspension bike with 200 mm of travel, generally in aluminium; even if carbon is starting to spread more and more in this domain for those chasing the fastest finishing times.

Hardtail vs full-suspension comparison

Advantages of hardtail:	Advantages of full suspension:
Equipment	Comfort
Weight	Manoeuvrability
Maintenance	Riding pleasure
Efficiency	Efficiency
Price	Traction