Hey there ladies! First off mountain biking for women is a great way to hang out with their friends and family.

More than just fresh air and exercise, mountain biking helps women heal their trauma and get over barriers that they have been holding back for a while. If you ask, mountain biking for women is building skill and confidence, with the right share of gears, and avoiding some common mistakes. 

Mountain biking has now become more accessible to women of all ages. Like so many things in life, you girls can have experience of mountain bike riding. It is fantastic to see the growing female population in mountain biking, and how even many over 40 riders are leading the excitement of this sport.

If you are a female about to start mountain biking, it’s a quick and brief guide. The LBS is here to help. You go, gurl! 

Where to get MTB skills if you are female? 

First off, grab your helmet and dust off your mountain bike. If you don’t have one yet, you may want to consider checking out your local bike shop for a fun shopping round.

Turn around to look for a workshop or fun cycling velodrome (the arena for track cycling). These places are mecca for cyclists—everyone’s there to learn, and no one cares if you fall off your saddle while trying to conquer a tiny rock. The right trainers help you navigate the obstacles in your path. 

You can try learning from online videos too, once you can confidently woggle the handlebars. That’s not only it, you can join a community of fellow riders with more confidence for a rough riding session. 

There are groups like Strava’s stream of Sisterhood, where you share bike maintenance secrets (like worn brake pads) and join the company of a new girl gang, that cheers up your XC skills. Girls ROC and Ladies ROC Beginners Camps in PA are also actively helping those in confusion about where to start. 

Who could be a better coach than you, who has the spirit to ride, tackle all skill levels, and be able to ride your fear? It’s all about your style of riding and manifesting a league with no gaps! 

So, # let’s ride mountain bikes # full-suspension women’s bikes # ride with us women– finally, the game is on. You might just find your next favorite hobby to keep you from falling into a rut. 

Top Women’s Mountain Bikes you can consider buying 

Choosing the Perfect Entry-Level Mountain Bike for Women

An entry-level mountain bike choice is not as easy as it sounds. But it will add to bring confidence in female riders riding patterns. There are extremities between the mountain bike components, gear, and finally breaking down into one that ticks all the list, as a beginner. 

1. Frame Size 

Mountain bikes for women typically come in sizes like XS, S, M, and L, or sometimes just plain inches (like 15″ or 17″). This size is based on the length of the seat tube (the post that holds your seat!). Here’s a general guide to get you started:

• Short Stuff (4’10” – 5’2″)? XS or 13″ – 14″ frame might be your jam.
• Average Rider (5’2″ – 5’6″)? S or 15″ – 16″ frame could be perfect.
• Tall Tale (5’6″ – 5’10”)? M or 17″ – 18″ frame might be just right.
• Amazonian Adventures (5’10” – 6’0″)? L or 19″ – 20″ frame is what you’ll likely need.

Always check the specific brand you’re interested in for the most accurate measurements. Get your cyclocross frames, mountain frames, road frames, and also touring frames.

2. Frame Geometry 

Women’s bikes often have a different geometry than men’s bikes to better fit their bodies.

Based on their riding needs, women bikers can choose an upright position or a relaxed stack. A little too much or too little reach on your mountain bike can give you a back strain, so check the geometry if it fits you. 

Women’s mountain bikes often have shorter top tubes compared to men, so that they can reach to handlebars with an upright position and more comfortable ride. When shopping as per the bike’s geometry women’s bikes usually have lower standover height, to easily get on and off the bike. 

Women’s mountain bikes also come with adjustable seat post, handlebars, and fine-tuning with riders’ style. 

3. Type of Mountain bike 

Women usually ride either the hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike. There is a choice for each girlie out there who is not just rebellious but adventurous from the heart. 

Hardtail is usually lighter, affordable, and great for beginners who want to develop skills. Full suspension bike comes with front and rear suspension, which provides more comfort on rough terrain but is on the pricier side. As a beginner is it for you to simply learn or to scale up as a rider, based on that women can shop for their mountain bikes? 

4. Weight 

A lighter bike is easier for women to handle, especially among beginners. Usually, aluminum frames are more popular options for women’s mountain bike designs. Female mountain biking is also about suspension travel, where riders can absorb bumps and easily navigate. 

There are a bunch of other factors like brand choice, budget, and many others that differentiate your ideal bicycle or bike from other riders, as a beginner. Stretch out with proper hydration and look out for local rides with the bike of your choice. 

Are there any affordable women’s mountain bikes with good suspension? 

Look for price drops or sales. You can find some affordable women’s mountain bikes at end-of-season sales in the LBS. Many brands offer the best cycles female riders usually aspire but not all fit their pockets. 

Recommended Affordable Women’s Mountain Bikes

1. Liv Tempt 1

Type: Hardtail

Suspension: 80 to 100mm travel (depending on frame size) with a Giant air fork.

Features: Lightweight design, Tektro hydraulic disc brakes, and internal routing for a dropper post.

Price: Approximately $900.

Notes: Available in XS frame for smaller riders and comes with tubeless-ready tires (conversion needed).

2. Cannondale Trail Women’s 8

Type: Hardtail

Suspension: SR Suntour M3030 suspension fork.

Features: Lightweight alloy frame and disc brakes.

Price: On sale for about $589.00.

Notes: Suitable for entry-level riders, offering a rugged build for various trails.

3. Marin Wildcat Trail 1

Type: Hardtail

Suspension: SR Suntour XCM DS fork.

Features: 6061 aluminum frame and Shimano drivetrain.

Price: Approximately $569.00.

Notes: Designed for recreational mountain biking, it is a great entry-level option.

4. Canyon Grand Canyon 5 WMN

Type: Hardtail

Suspension: Offers solid front suspension for trail riding.

Features: Direct-to-consumer model with a focus on performance.

Price: Approximately $1,199.00.

Notes: Highly rated for its performance and value

Gear Up: Essential Mountain Biking Gear for Women Riders

So now when you have decided to choose the bike of your convenience and budget, it’s turn for you to pair it with essentials. 

Before you hop on your new bike, get a good helmet. Where a half-shell helmet can only be good for general trail riding,  choose a full-face helmet with ventilation and MIPS technology for safe downhill riding. 

After a quick tune-up with your local bike shop, set your saddle post to comfort for riding. All this, while you need to be dressed in a breathable moisture-wickey jersey set to start your gravity, ride as a woman, shorts, jacket, and protective gear like knee elbow pads, with right pedal shoes, this is something you ought not to miss out on. 

Clipless shoes are in demand today, so be prepared for trailside repairs with the basic toolkit. Wear sunglasses, have a hydration pack, and start your ride. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid for Girls in Mountain Biking

There are many common mistakes girls can make on and off the bike that can impact their riding performance on the trail. One should always check the pressure, brakes, and chain lubrication before the ride. Similar to that, riders must be cautious about their hydration and nutrition. Other mistakes on mountain trails are, 

1. Incorrect Bike Setup 

Girls as beginners often struggle with incorrect bike setup, which is fundamental. An impromptu step without thorough research or expert help can be the reason for discomfort, impeccably impacting your riding skills. 

2. Neglecting Safety Gear

Safety gear is a last-moment savior whose importance every ladies rider must be aware of. Underestimating its importance in riding can be life-threatening and give you a serious injury. Every protective gear like helmet, knee pads, gloves, and eye protection all has to do with your safe riding experience. 

3. Lack of Basic Skills 

Hitting the trails without general rules or mastery of basic skills, like braking, shifting gears, and cornering can only make you less confident. These are some mistakes that can cost you your life. 

4. Tense Grip on Handlebars

A tight grip can make your ride stiffer, so maintain a relaxed grip. You don’t have to rush over for control or better maneuverability of your bike. 

5. Inadequate body positioning 

The same posture for an elongated period can result in stiffness on a ride, You need to switch between sitting on the saddle and learning to transfer weight and stand up when necessary to navigate the obstacle course during an uphill climb.

5 Female Mountain Bikers To Follow on Instagram 

Be it downhill Female Mountain bikers, free riders in the female category, or cross-country mountain legends, these females are the leading names in the racing. 

1. Rachel Atherton

British racer and mountain biker is unstoppable, with the 2023 Downhill Worldhill Career, she has a remarkable presence. She titled, the Fastest Mum in the World, on the founding story of Atherton bikes, said, Dan always built these like mad bikes you know. He is always putting school stuff together and has this dream of having a bike company. 

When her shoulders are out, she screams and she has a supportive partner who figures out things for her. She adds mountain biking is like a I feel good about it, I have got a lot to give an offer. I fired up aggressively. Earlier her prototyping was ridiculous with 4 years of extra determination she is here. 

She conquered the challenging ‘Hardline’ track, leaving a lasting legacy. By sharing her experiences with the Slippery Rock section, she inspired fellow female riders to overcome their fears and embrace the challenges ahead.

2. Marine Cabriou

La place du vélo bicycle shop owner plus World Champion Marine Cabriou has a humor and talent that celebrates who she is. She constantly challenges herself with different trail, and riding techniques and shares her experience until the last round to inspire her viewers. 

Among all her active participation in competitions, exploring new trails, and a busy riding schedule, she creates the lifestyle content as a rider. Her dedication is evident to her gram fam.

3. Veronique Sandler

Professional New  Zealand-origin mountain biker, Veronique Sandler trained from a young age with her buddy, and her lucky dip, depop, and throw down a lot of bike moves, to impress her viewers. She constantly uploads highlights of her work in her reels like switching lanes, backyard laps, massive dirt jumps, and more as you scroll through her Instagram, she is an inspiration for a kind. 

4. Jolanda Neff

17 World Cup wins + 3x World Cup Champion cross-country Swiss rider Jolanda Neff is someone you girlies must look up to. If you want to be like her constantly train in all weather conditions. 

Neff shared her journey of injury recovery, passion, and challenge resistance spirit, which is a must-learn from her life. She demonstrates new riding skills as well in her active Instagram channel. 

5. Rebecca Rusch

American endurance female mountain biker Rebecca Rusch has gone on Idaho cycle riding with Global Cycling Network and shared her off-road experience. She is a Solo Mountain Bike Champion too, who says, Be Good, Be Vulnerable, and Don’t Stop Learning. 

She encourages women to engage with local riding groups, have mentors, and have a clear target to manage the ups and downs of off-road bike adventure. In one of her videos, she mentioned, 

Camping in the background, hanging out outside as a kid, I always wanted this. It is cool to see that people can find so many different styles of riding the bike. There is so much more that you cannot turn around. 

There are other Female mountain bikers doing cool stuff online like, Brooklyn Bell, Anita Naidu, and Katie Holden, pushing mountain biking boundaries. 

Conclusion 

An ambition or passion for mountain bike riding for girls is not so easy. Women struggle from bike frame selection to learning technical skills and still have a long way to go. There are women in lead, who inspire the aspiring bicyclists, a partner who trains them, or friends who motivate them throughout their path. Hope this guide, will be a part of your big journey. At any stage, The LBS can consult you for your unique needs.

FAQs

What are the trail etiquette women riders should follow? 

It is part of etiquette where woman mountain bikers equally respect the hikers, equestrianism, and be courteous to an outdoor environment, like their male counterparts. Women should slow down and allow fellow travelers uphill to pass on the route. 

When approaching other bike riders from behind, you should call out a friendly warning sign like “On your left”, ring a bell, or show a fair sign of your presence. Friendly and positive female riders always adhere to trail signals and prefer to ride with a friend or group for additional safety and fun. 

What is the role of social media in promoting female representation in mountain biking?

Watching out on social media, many female riders have learned how riding is not just a basic skill. The valuable tip is to be slow, steady, and firmly pedal while being non-intimidating to the environment. 

Most of the experienced women’s clubs in social media demonstrated practically their training sessions, safety precautions, how to confront obstacles, and come as a superhero. All these videos have reached a large audience, advocating for the diverse female riders, and sharing their story. This anticipated learning and highlighted the initiatives in riding, which inspire women of all ages. 

How do women-only mountain biking events enhance confidence among participants?

Women-only mountain biking events are locally and internationally organized to boost the confidence of fellow female riders. These events are like workshops with tailored instruction, a chance to network and support one another. It’s sometimes not about self-efficacy, but better with positive communication with females who together strengthen the mountain biking community and share experiences. 

At such events, women can learn the technical skills, and equipment knowledge, and have the opportunity to do different forms of riding like downhill and cross country. For that women need to administer registration charges, while it can be sometimes freely organized for community service and awareness purposes. All this boosts talent and confidence among the participants.