"Yes, you heard right. We need the smallest women's bike you have for the test. But only full-suspension please. Size XXS. And it has to be expensive. Just the top model."
Some manufacturers couldn't believe their ears when we announced the requirements for this test field. And some were reluctant to hand over their test bikes. Why? Firstly, you won't find really high-quality XXS bikes in most manufacturers' catalogues. The price scale for the minis usually ends where "normal" mid-range fullys begin. Secondly, very small bikes are a major headache for the designers. Anyone who believes that you only need to project the standard men's sizes downwards, shorten the handlebars and fit a wide saddle is very much mistaken.
Too small an adjustment range of the seat post, too short a wheelbase, rollover sensations and nervous riding behaviour are the consequences. In this test, we will spare you from faulty designs like these, as well as from really cheap products. Even if our testers have a few things to criticise about this test field: These bikes are guaranteed to be the crème de la crème of lady bikes.
This time, we deliberately didn't hire professionals as testers, but sporty amateur bikers from the editorial team. Together with them, we assessed the following criteria:
1. the geometry
2. the chassis
3. the components
4. the comfort
The bikes in this test:
Bergwerk Faunus W.I.L.D., Cannondale Jekyll 500 Feminine, Maxx Skymaxx, Red Bull WPS 600, Scott G-Zero Tango, Specialised Epic Woman, Trek Fuel 90 WSD, Wheeler Compact DS 15
