WOMEN’S MOUNTAIN BIKES

Trek Fuel EX 9.8 Women’s $7,000

“Cobra Blood” is the dramatic name given to the hue of this year’s 9.8, which seems apt for a high-performance trail bike. The lightweight carbon frame comes with 130 mm of rear travel using Trek’s Re:aktiv with Thru Shaft tech. The grippy 27.5 x 2.80 mid-fat Bontrager XR4 Team Issue tires keep you planted on the trail, as the 1 x 12 sram GX Eagle drivetrain gets you going. The Bontrager dropper post can get the Ajna Elite saddle out of the way when you want to get your weight back during descents. Those with a smaller stature will get a curved top tube for better standover height. Those who want to fine-tune their rides from slack to slacker can use the Mino Link to adjust the geometry. Control Freak Cable Management keeps all your lines organized. ( trekbikes.com)

Norco Fluid FS 1 Women’s $3,599

This full-suspension, newly redesigned trail bike is available in four sizes – extra small to medium with 27.5" wheels, and a medium 29er. The aluminum frameset offers a more forward riding position to help you power up those big climbs and includes a sram NX Eagle, 12-speed drivetrain. The Tranzx ysp18jl stealth dropper will get you down steep descents as you roll on tubeless-ready 2.6" Maxxis Forekaster tires. ( norco.com)

Ghost Lanao 3 $950

The cost of entry to mountain biking can seem high, especially for someone who hasn’t (yet) discovered that it’s an amazing sport she’ll want to do forever. Ghost offers a line with a friendly introduction in mind. Standover height on this aluminum frame was carefully considered, especially for women with a shorter build. This hardtail is complemented by an rst Blaze RL fork with 100 mm of travel to absorb roots, rocks and bumps. A 27.5" wheelset rolls over obstacles well, much like large 29ers, but is much easier to handle than the big wheel size. Shimano components are set up for smooth shifting and braking, with a triple crank for lots of gear options while learning to ride various trails. ( mec.ca)

Liv Pique Advanced $5,099

Data from women’s body dimensions, muscular activity and strength patterns all play into the geometry and componentry of this performance XC rig. The Giant Contact SL Trail handlebars are wide for aggressive descents – especially if you make use of the Giant Contact Switch S dropper post – while the sram NX Eagle, 1 x 12 drivetrain gives you a wide range of gears for climbing. The Giant trx 1 hookless carbon wheelset with 27.5 x 2.3 Maxxis Highroller II tires provide grippiness when you need it. A reasonable standover height and a women-specific Contact SL saddle are made with comfort in mind. ( liv-cycling.com)—taranolan