The best equipment and maximum riding enjoyment on a budget. That's what everyone who is looking for a new bike wants. Regardless of gender. However, women's body measurements and proportions are different to those of men. But do women really want and need bikes that are specially tailored to them? While some swear by women-specific geometry, others consider it unnecessary marketing hype.
There is also no consensus among manufacturers. While many have long since stopped offering special women's frames, others are trying to make the unisex models as lady-like as possible with special components. However, some manufacturers are sticking to the female frame geometry and will be launching special women's bikes on the market again in 2020. And so, as always, the only way to choose your dream bike is to try it out and listen to your gut feeling.
Chic, fast and sporty: the women's MTBs 2020
Cannondale
Cannondale is one of the manufacturers who have decided against women-only geometries and in favour of unisex frames. However, women-specific components give the bike a feminine character.
Cannondale Habit
An all-mountain bike with trail character. The downhill-orientated geometry with a 66-degree head angle, 29-inch wheels and 140/130 mm suspension travel make the Habit a go-getter. Balanced handling and tyres with good grip help to maintain the perfect line. When climbing, the bike impresses with its smooth rear triangle when pedalling. The Habit is available as a unisex model and gets its feminine features from being equipped with women-specific components. The smallest Habit in size comes with 27.5-inch wheels.
Canyon WMN
With the WMN series, Canyon has set itself the task of developing bikes that are perfectly adapted to women's ergonomics and are versatile at the same time.
Canyon Neuron WMN CF 9.0
With the Neuron, Canyon has developed a universally usable trail bike for women. The compact fully with well-tuned SRAM GX Eagle equipment and 130 mm suspension is just as suitable for commuting as it is for sporty trails. In frame sizes XS and S, the Neuron comes with 27.5-inch wheels, M and L with 29-inch wheels. If you don't like the limited choice of colours (candy red/white), you can opt for the men's model. There are no differences in the geometry. The bike only seems to have a female character thanks to the women's-specific Ergon SM10 Sport saddle and the lack of an XL frame size. The all-rounder leaves the manufacturer for 3299 euros.
Grand Canyon WMN AL SL 7.0
This entry-level model is just as suitable for leisurely family rides as it is for first racing experiences. In contrast to the unisex all-rounder Neuron, the bike has a female-specific frame geometry. Steeper seat angle, shorter head tube, lower front height and shorter top tube length: the geometry of the XS and M frame sizes is intended to be more ergonomic, allowing women to sit better on the bike. The lower standover height also makes it easier to get on and off the bike. The 1099 euro aluminium model is no flyweight. However, the Iridium saddle for women ensures a comfortable seat. All in all, the inexpensive Grand Canyon women's model scores points with its comfortable geometry without sacrificing sportiness.
Canyon Spectral WMN AL 6.0
Exposed steep slopes or rough singletrails? That shouldn't be a problem with the new Spectral. With the help of modern kinematics, Canyon has created a particularly flattering frame for women. Important features such as a shorter top tube and head tube, a steeper seat angle, a shorter wheelbase and the smaller standover height are precisely adapted to the female anatomy. The package is rounded off with 150 mm suspension travel and a dropper seatpost. This makes even exposed trails a safe experience. The aluminium model with Shimano SLX rear derailleur and Race Face wheels is available for 2099 euros.
Cube WS
Cube also belongs to the range of manufacturers that focus on women-specific features instead of customised frame geometry. The unisex frames thus become women-friendly bikes. Above all, Cube focusses on a fair price-performance ratio.
Cube Sting
Tough trails suit the Cube Sting. The aggressive frame geometry of the all-mountain bike and the wide suspension travel (130/120 millimetres) are designed for a female rider. With the same frame dimensions as its unisex counterpart, the Cube Stereo, the Sting is customised for women with an adapted saddle and specific grips.
Read more: The 2016 BIKE test provides further details on the predecessor model
Cube Sting WLS 140
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Cube Access
Women who love speed should take a look at this light and manoeuvrable hardtail. A short rear triangle and a tapered head tube should ensure high efficiency and agility. Thanks to the harmonised geometry with slim seat stays and 100-millimetre fork, there is no need to compromise on comfort. The Access WS C:62 top model is available for 2299 euros.
Juliana (Santa Cruz)
As with most manufacturers, Santa Cruz has decided against a special women's geometry and has focussed entirely on men's frames, which are given a female character through special components. As Juliana focusses on bikes for fast rides, quality and safety are at the top of the designers' agenda. This has its price, the bikes are not available for less than 3000 euros.
Juliana Furtado
This full-suspension all-rounder is suitable for steep climbs and jagged trails. If things get particularly twisty, the fully comes up trumps with its 27.5-inch wheels and steep steering angle. The agile and tuned shock absorber should also ensure safety and comfort in exposed terrain. The same features are also found on the 5010 men's model, as are the frame dimensions. The special women's saddle and softer handlebar grips give the bike a feminine feel. Available in aluminium and carbon versions, you pay between 3199 and 7099 euros.
Juliana Roubion
Steep, exposed, rough descents? That shouldn't be a problem with the new Roubion. Thanks to the new damping technology with 160/150 suspension travel and 27.5-inch wheels, the all-mountain should float smoothly over steep drops and sharp edges. The bike is available in two colour combinations with an elegant, feminine look. However, if you like the colours of the Bronson men's model better, you can also take a look there. There are no differences in the frame geometry. Only the saddle and handlebar grips are again designed for women. Depending on the model, prices range between 3899 and 7399 euros.
Juliana Joplin
The slim frame of the new Joplin is designed for fast rides with long climbing sessions. The 130 mm suspension travel at the front and 120 mm at the rear and the VVP rear triangle in combination with the 29-inch wheels allow the trail bike to glide comfortably over hill and dale. If you do have to push the bike, the low standover height makes it easy to get on and off. Even with frame size XS, a water bottle fits in the frame. The Joplin is available in aluminium and carbon versions. Price between 3199 and 7199 euros.
Juiana Maverick
Varied, tricky gravel tracks, bumpy root passages and exposed steep slopes on one tour? That should be no problem with the Maverick all-mountain bike. Thanks to the intelligent flip chart, the geometry can be adapted to the conditions in no time at all by adjusting the steering angle and lowering the bottom bracket. The 29er is equipped with 150 mm suspension travel at the front and 140 mm at the rear. Thanks to its low weight, even long climbs are no torture. However, this also comes at a price. The Maverick is only available in carbon fibre and costs 4699 euros in the simplest version.
Liv (Giant)
With its so-called 3F design philosophy, the brand of the bicycle giant Giant is fully committed to the female sex. Liv is constantly working on innovations for women-specific bikes. The design department has the ambitious recreational athlete and the active female racer in mind. Liv bikes score points with frames specially designed for women and customised suspension technology.
Liv Pique 29
The Pique cross-country trail bike is designed for women who want to ride on fast tyres but don't want to miss out on trail fun. The very light Aluxx-SL frame and the race-orientated equipment ensure a fast pace. The Maestro rear triangle with 100 mm suspension travel and the dropper seat post are designed to make the bike easy to ride on fast trails. The downwardly curved top tube also prevents a large standover height and makes it easier to get on and off the bike. The Liv Pique 29 costs 2599 euros. The two carbon versions of the Liv Pique Advanced are available for between 4799 and 8999 euros.
Liv Hail
The new Liv Hail is one of the rare pure enduro bikes on the women's mountain bike market. Exposed downhills should be no problem thanks to the geometry of the compact frame and a generous suspension travel of 160 mm at the front and 170 mm at the rear. With its 27.5-inch wheels, the bike winds itself and its rider skilfully through any bike park. Equipped with a Sram SX groupset, Rockshox suspension fork and lowerable Giant Contact Switch Vario seatpost, the Hail costs 2699 euros. For the Advanced model with carbon frame, an additional 2100 euros must be invested.
Liv Intrigue
Fast, aggressive, racy. These could be the attributes of this full-suspension bike. Not only the geometry and design, but also the suspension elements are precisely tailored to women. The design department at Liv focused primarily on feedback from experienced test riders. The bike owes its dynamism to the 27.5-inch wheels, among other things. This should enable even the trickiest trails to be mastered. Depending on the model, the Intrigue 1 is available for between €1,999 and €3,499. Also available in the carbon version Intrigue Advanced for 4799 euros.
Liv Tempt
The inexpensive 27.5-inch entry-level model scores with its compact frame geometry and particularly low standover height. The comfortable riding position makes the bike the perfect everyday bike and also takes its rider safely through easy terrain. The three different aluminium models are available for between 599 and 999 euros.
Scott Contessa
Scott has also long since moved away from special women's frames and has dedicated itself entirely to women-friendly equipment. The bikes are primarily designed for ambitious female cyclists.
Scott Contessa Ransom
The finest enduro fun is pre-programmed! Thanks to a long reach and long chainstays, the enduro bike should remain stable even at high speeds. Thanks to the intelligent flip chart, the steering angle can be changed and the compact seating position should also lead to a high level of comfort in exposed terrain.
If the particularly feminine look of the metallic pink frame is too girly for you, you should take a look at the identical unisex versions with a wider range of colours. The selection of models and therefore the price categories are also wider for the unisex models. The women's version is only available in carbon fibre. The only difference to the unisex counterpart are the grips and a saddle specifically for women.
Scott Contessa Spark
The new Contessa Spark is suitable for long and fast tours. Enjoyable trails should not be neglected either. Thanks to the 120 mm suspension travel with three-stage adjustment, the bike can be manoeuvred comfortably even in more exposed passages. Thanks to its manoeuvrability, the Contessa Spark can be skilfully steered through winding paths. Available in four versions and colour combinations, prices range from 2199 to 5999 euros.
Scott Contessa Genius
Long tours and long trails? With the new Contessa Genius, this should be possible in comfort. With 150 mm suspension, the bike takes its rider safely over demanding trails. A 30 mm chainring, short crank arms and a TwinLoc suspension system that can be adjusted via a lever on the handlebars also make steep climbs easier. The bike is available in three different frame sizes (S-L), each with two wheel sizes (27.5 and 29). The two aluminium versions are available for between 2499 and 3599 euros.
Scott Contessa Scale
With Sram Eagle equipment, Fox 32 Float suspension fork and RideLoc technology for three different suspension travel settings, good conditions are created for the best racing pleasure. Available in three carbon versions, you pay 1599 euros for the entry-level model up to 2799 euros for the top model. The bikes are available in frame sizes S-L.
Trek
Trek also relies on unisex frames, which can be converted into women's models by changing the saddle, grips and colour scheme. We are only showing three of the numerous colour combinations as examples.
Trek Top Fuel
Designed for competition, the Alpha Platinum aluminium frame has been trimmed for lightness. Thanks to the 120-mm Rockshox suspension fork, rear shock with 115-mm travel plus retractable Vario seatpost, trails should not be a problem even at high speeds. However, this comes at a price. The entry-level model costs 5499 euros, the top model 10599 euros.
Trek Fuel EX
Lighter than the Top Fuel, the Fuel EX in size M weighs just 13.2 kg (without tubes). This makes long climbs more bearable. With 140 mm travel at the front and 130 mm at the rear, SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain and Fox Performance shock, flowing single trails and rough steep descents should also provide maximum riding fun downhill. A special feature of the Fuel EX: a storage compartment integrated into the frame. The bike is also available in small sizes (S, XS). Here, the top tube is bent downwards to make it easier to get on and off the bike. Available from 3199 euros for the entry-level model with aluminium frame, up to 8099 euros for the top model made of carbon.
Trek Remedy
The robustly constructed all-mountain bike is designed for wild descents and steep climbs. For the maximum kick. With 160 mm suspension travel, even long jumps should be absorbed well and safely. The RE:aktiv damping with Thru Shaft in particular reacts quickly and thus serves the important ground contact and good handling. With the help of the Mino Link, the geometry (steering angle, bottom bracket height) can be easily adapted to any terrain by turning a threaded nut. Available as an aluminium and carbon model from 2999 to 6999 euros.
