Womens Mountain Bike
There is a specific mountain bike for every individual, and it is important to consider aspects such as body shape, age, weight and gender when selecting the correct mountain bike to suit your requirements. If you are a female, it might be appropriate to get a womens mountain bike.
Female specific bike designs cater to the average body shape of most women. The average body shape of a woman differs from the average body shape of a man in that most women are shorter in size, lighter in body mass, and have a significantly smaller torso and shorter arms.
Most mountain bikes cater to the average male body shape, and hence female specific designs are necessary. Of course, a womens mountain bike may not be suitable for all women, and each individual person should always test which design suits their specific body shape the best.
For most women, the deciding factor in selecting a womens mountain bike is the size of the bike itself, because the larger male-specific frames can be too heavy and cumbersome, and can be difficult for smaller-sized women to maneuver.
Several reputable companies offer small and extra small frames. Some brand names which cater to the needs of female mountain bike riders are Trek Bikes, Gary Fisher Bikes, Titus Cycles, K2 and Specialized.
The T:Nine, created by K2, is a perfect example of a womens mountain bike. It is smaller and lighter, has shorter handlebars, has a shorter reach to the brake levers and even comes in three different sizes for women, which are medium, small and extra small.
Another significant factor which is incorporated into the T:Nine and other female specific mountain bikes is the seat. These seats are generally wider and have more padding to protect the female pelvic region and accommodate the broader hip structure that is common in most women.
Women’s mountain bikes do not cost any more or less than regular mountain bikes. You can purchase a working second hand mountain bike for $US150 or even less, but if you want top quality and a range of add-ons, you might spend as much as $US8,000 on a new bike. However, it is usually not necessary to spend so much, and a quality mountain bike suitable for women can always be found for under $US1,000.
Mountain biking can be enjoyable for everyone. Just be sure to choose a suitable mountain bike.
