When it comes to mountain biking, there are a lot of different factors to consider. For women specifically, there are a few things to look for when choosing a mountain bike. The differences between men’s and women’s mountain bikes are mainly related to comfort and sizing. Some women’s mountain bikes are built with shorter distances between the top of the frame and the seat of the bike based on the short torso/longer leg generalization. Ladies’ mountain bikes also sometimes have thinner tubes and thus lighter frames. Before heading to your Denver mountain bike shop, let’s break down what factors the ladies should keep in mind to find their perfect ride.
Frame Size
One important factor to consider when choosing a mountain bike is the frame size. Women’s mountain bikes tend to have smaller frames than men’s mountain bikes. This is because women are typically shorter than men. So, make sure to choose a frame size that is appropriate for your height. Below is a chart outlining the recommended frame size for various rider heights.
| Size | Rider Height (Imperial) | Rider Height (Metric) |
| XXS | 4’10” – 5’1″ | 147cm – 155cm |
| XS | 5’1″ – 5’3″ | 155cm – 160cm |
| S | 5’3″ – 5’5″ | 160cm – 165cm |
| M | 5’5″ – 5’8″ | 165cm – 173cm |
| L | 5’8″ – 5’10” | 173cm – 178cm |
Women’s Mountain Bike Suspension
Another important factor to consider when choosing a mountain bike is the suspension. Most women’s mountain bikes have full suspension, which means that both the front and rear wheels are suspended. This is because women tend to be lighter than men, and full suspension helps to absorb bumps and vibrations better.
Contact Points
The last factor to consider when choosing a mountain bike is the contact points. Contact points are the areas of the bike where you come into contact with the bike, such as the pedals, saddle, and handlebars. Women’s mountain bikes often have shorter stems and wider handlebars than men’s mountain bikes. This is because women tend to have shorter arms and longer legs, and shorter stems and wider handlebars help to make the bike more comfortable to ride.
For the seat, you want to make sure that it is comfortable and that you can reach the pedals easily. And for the handlebars, you want to make sure that they are wide enough so that you can grip them comfortably.
Your Local Denver Mountain Bike Shop Can Help
All these details can be overwhelming enough, then you start throwing in brands, materials, ride styles, and customizations – it can be a lot! That’s why your local Denver mountain bike shop is here to help. Base Camp Cyclery is more than just some shop. When Harley and Sam started Base Camp Cyclery, they set out to build a passionate community of people who love to ride bikes and provide them with only the highest quality gear and support. Head to your local Denver mountain bike shop to find the perfect ride for you.