FINALVERDICT

Each of these bikes has been designed with a slightly different ride feel and terrain in mind, so will therefore suit a different type of rider. The Liv Intrigue isn’t the perfect trail bike, but it has the fewest performance compromises of all the machines here and is a solid all-rounder. While we’d prefer slightly longer and slacker geometry, it feels agile and playful, and comes specced with some good kit. Riders who aren’t looking for ultimate speed will be happy with the more nimble 650b wheels too.

Purely based on its geometry and design, we preferred Juliana’s Maverick, but despite being the most expensive bike here, its budget parts just don’t let you unleash the potential of its modern shape and carbon frame. We also liked the dimensions of the Scott Contessa Genius, and it’s a really capable bike, albeit a bit more sluggish than the others due to its heavier weight and big wheels. In some ways more of a wannabe enduro bike than a trail bike, it could do with a bigger fork to help you make the most of its descending abilities. Canyon’s Spectral WMN performs really well in two areas – pedalling and trailcentre blasts – but it lacks capability on rougher, faster downhills. Given the choice, we’d opt for the unisex Spectral with its longer 440mm reach.

So, are women’s-specific bikes worth buying? If the sizing, geometry and shock tune suit you, then potentially, yes. But taller, heavier or more aggressive riders may be better off buying a unisex frame (and possibly getting a custom tune).