How to choose a women's mountain bike?

Do you feel like riding with your girlfriends at the weekend? Or maybe you need a solo escape into the calm and fresh earth of the forest to recharge your batteries? We've got you covered!

Mountain biking is winning over more and more women who are looking for an activity that's both sporty and outdoor, allowing them to enjoy a relaxing outing in the great outdoors in fine weather, while combining the benefits of cardio exercise with toning of the buttocks, thighs and abs. Complete, isn't it?

That said, given the constant evolution of this fast-growing practice and the multitude of offers and models on offer, the choice of a women's mountain bike is becoming increasingly complex.

But don't panic! We've got you covered. Here's some practical information to help you find the frame that's right for you.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN MEN'S AND WOMEN'S MOUNTAIN BIKES

Frame and position

In the past, the market offer was largely limited to men's - or even mixed - models, thus severely restricting the choice of mountain bikers. However, manufacturers have come to understand the benefits of developing specific ranges, adapted and designed for women's morphologies. In recent years, numerous innovations - particularly in terms of frame geometry - have seen the light of day. And these are no longer just for experienced female riders!

These developments are highly appreciated by women mountain bikers, and include a new riding position. Older models offered a far too "sporty" riding position, with a top tube that was often a little too long and handlebars that were too wide.

Nowadays, brands are aware of the need for ease and comfort, and offer adapted frame versions, notably at the top tube level, with a Reach* also much shorter, while maintaining a similar saddle height.

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

Peripherals

You'll also notice differences in equipment. Just compare the anatomy of each bike and you'll see that the linking elements between the bike and the rider, such as the saddle and the handlebars will meet very different requirements. With their wider pelvises, women's saddles are often between 150 and 155 mm wide, while those for men are around 138 to 142 mm.

As for the stemwill be shorter to ensure a straight back. The handlebar width will also be different and shorter, as it depends on the rider's shoulder span. For example, a man riding an Enduro bike might opt for 780 mm handlebars, while a woman would choose the 760 mm model.

Regarding suspensionIt's best to choose air suspension over conventional suspension, as it's lighter and easier to adjust to suit your needs and preferences.

Finally, most brake levers brake levers are now equipped with guard adjustment. This detail is very important for ergonomics and small hands.

Which mountain bike is right for me?

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

- Which use (leisure, training, competition)

- When and for what frequency (season / regularity)

Your riding style, preferred terrain and regularity of use will determine the importance you attach to the bike's weight, but also to other key components for safe and comfortable riding, such as suspension (front and rear), wheels, tires, brakes, saddle... Nothing should be left to chance to ensure that your mountain bike outings don't turn sour!

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

If you already have a good level of riding experience, and you're keen on singles and descents, and want to take on the challenge of going further, on steep, technical trails with significant gradients, or over longer distances... then you'll need to focus on choosing a good fork, and perhaps even a good shock absorber with an all-suspension mountain bike, and brakes with good bite!

So, to make things clearer, here's our advice:

Hiking

For a Rando type of riding, where the main criteria are price and simplicity, the ideal choice is a semi-rigid steel or aluminum leisure mountain bike. Some will prefer a full-suspension for greater comfort, but in this case the investment will be a little higher. More likely to be fitted with 27.5" or 29" wheels, with a fork having between 100 and 130 mm of travel for greater versatility.

Cross-Country

For XC, a semi-rigid aluminum (or even carbon) mountain bike will provide maximum lightness and responsiveness. Preferably with 29" wheels, and a fork between 80 and 120 mm to be the quickest on rolling sections, but also in the rough. On the other hand, when it comes to longer rides (such as Marathons), you'll need an all-suspension wheel.

All-Mountain

We recommend a semi-rigid if you're on a tight budget, but the best would be an all-mountain bike with 130 to 150 mm of travel. The frame is usually aluminum, but can also be carbon, steel or titanium, and fitted with 27.5, 27.5+ or 29-inch wheels, depending on whether you prefer comfort, fun or performance. So many possible choices for a mountain bike capable of both climbing very well and being at ease on descents, even if they're steep.

Enduro

This is the all-suspension you'll need. The amateur will opt for an aluminum frame, while the competitor will be tempted by carbon, with 27.5 or 29-inch wheels. For travel, the minimum will be 140 mm, while the most daring riders will opt for up to 180 mm. Not necessarily the best for climbing, it's primarily for descending.

DH / Freeeride

This is necessarily a full-suspension bike with 200 mm of travel, generally made of aluminum; although carbon is becoming increasingly popular in this field for those chasing seconds at the finish line.

Semi-rigid / full-suspension comparison

Advantages Semi-rigid :	Advantages Full-suspension :
Equipment	Comfort
Weight	Handling
Maintenance	Driving pleasure
Performance	Performance
Price	Motricity