You've looked at the different women's bikes out there, and decided that off-road is the way to go. Welcome to the world of flat bars, suspension systems, dirt and knobbly tyres!
Mountain bikes are perfect for exploring the off-road environment. You can either take them entirely into the wild, heading up mountains for all-day epic adventures, or keep it local, blasting around your local trail centre or bike park for a few hours' fun. No cars to worry about – unlike your road-cycling counterparts – just you, your bike and the trail in front of you.
But first, you're going to need a mountain bike, and that's where BikeRadar can help. This guide will help you narrow down what type of mountain bike you should go for, what you'll get for your money (and what you should avoid) and how to work out what size you'll need.
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For an in-depth look at the different types of mountain bike, and what to expect for your money, take a look at our mountain bike ultimate buyer's guide.
- Best mountain bike: how to choose the right one for you
- Best women's bikes: A buyer's guide to find what you need
Do I need a women's mountain bike?
There are ever-increasing numbers of women's-specific mountain bikes available – everything from entry-level trail bikes through to race-ready enduro machines developed to take on big, brutal territory. Women's-specific bikes may designed specifically from the ground up to suit a female rider, with different geometry and componentry, or may be a unisex frame with female-friendly finishing kit such as saddle and narrower handlebars.
There are still differences of opinion as to whether women need a different type of bike design for mountain biking to men. Some brands feel that, because of the physiological differences between men and women to do with height, power output and body proportions, designing the geometry of a bike to suit these is important.
How much should I spend?
- Whether they're mechanical or hydraulic, look for disc brakes rather than rim brakes, as they'll provide the stopping power you'll need, particularly in wet and muddy conditions.
- Steer well clear of full-suspension bikes below £500, as they are unlikely to be effective and efficient – you're much better off going for a hardtail (no rear suspension) at this level. Quality full-suspension bikes start to come in around the £1000 mark.
- Keep some money in your budget aside for kit and components. Most mountain bikes above a certain price point won't come with pedals, and those that do may not be great, so having some money spare to get a set of decent quality pedals will make a huge difference to your ride. You'll also want to get a helmet, glasses and gloves if you don't already have them.
- Under £300 – Alloy frame and steel-forked rigid bike (no suspension) or hardtail. Around 18 gears with a triple crankset, and V-brakes.
- £350 to £500 – Alloy frame hardtail with around 100mm travel on forks, 21 to 24 gears with a double or triple crankset, and either hydraulic or mechanical disc brakes.
- £550 to £950 – Alloy frame hard tails, with better quality suspension forks by brands such as RockShox and Suntour. Often have triple cranksets giving a huge range of 27 to 30 gears, using SRAM X5 or equivalent.
- £1000 to £2000 – Full-suspension trail bikes, with around 120mm travel, alloy bars and stem and hydraulic disc brakes. Alternatively, high-quality cross country hardtails (these are lighter and designed to go faster rather than take on the roughest ground), with carbon or alloy frame, quality forks such as RockShox Reba RL, and 10-speed gearing such as Shimano Deore.
- £2000 to £2500 – High-grade alloy frame with quality suspension components including Fox 32 or 34, or RockShox Pike forks, and Fox Evolution rear suspension shock. 10- or 11-speed chainset, wheels designed to take tubeless tyres (which are less puncture prone and can be run at lower pressures for more grip), and more suspension travel options up to 150mm.
- £2500 upwards – High quality alloy or carbon fibre frame with top of the range suspension from Fox or RockShox. Wide-ranging 11-speed gearing with a single-ring crankset, high-end tubeless ready wheels.
Full suspension or hardtail?
What type of mountain bike do I need?
What size women's mountain bike do I need?
Popular women's mountain bikes
Women's mountain bike clothing
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