The 8 Best Mountain Bikes For Women
Mountain bikes are typically used for off-road riding. However, many of the best mountain bikes for women have low-step frame designs, small frames, and wider handlebars for easy handling. Among different types, some models are known as “unisex mountain bikes,” suitable for both men and women.
If you are looking for the best mountain bike for your wife, daughter, or girlfriend and want to give them a good and healthy gift. With so many options, you may be confused in deciding what type of mountain bike should be best for your family females without breaking the bank. Nothing to worry about; we can help you!
In this buyer’s guide, we tested 15 different mountain bikes specifically made for females. In the features section, we also highlighted the suitable rider’s height and maximum weight limit. This will help you quickly figure out a suitable mountain bike model for your wife or daughter.
Our bike testers spent more than ten hours per day for about six months riding all selected mountain bikes on the Mike Levine Lakelands State trail in southeastern Michigan to check their strengths and quality rides. After collecting test details, we used our rating metrics to declare the winner. Based on our results, Mongoose Impasse and Schwinn High Timber are the best mountain bikes for women.
Below is the ranking list of our picks of 8 best mountain bikes for women. All these recommended bikes come with comfortable seats, anti-slip tires, a front suspension fork, and sensitive brakes. if you have a specific budget to purchase, then you can check our latest reviews on the best mountain bikes under 300 And the best mountain bikes under 600.
Best Mountain Bikes For Women:
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
1  | Mongoose Impasse MTB Bike | ||
2  | Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike | ||
3  | Hiland Gamille Mountain Bike | ||
4  | Huffy Stone Mountain Bike For Women | ||
5  | Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail MTB Bike | ||
6  | Pacific Cavern Women Mountain Bike | ||
7  | Titan Pathfinder Women’s Mountain Bike | ||
8  | Ktaxon Mountain Bike |
1. Mongoose Impasse Mountain Bike For Women
Features:
- 17-Inch Rust-Proof Aluminum Frame
- Full Shimano SRAM Twist Shifters
- Mechanical & Hydraulic Disc Brakes
- Front Suspension Fork & Rear Spring
- 2.6” Knobby Tires & Alloy Wheels
- 175mm Aluminum Alloy 3-Piece Crankset
- Suitable For 5’4” to 6’2” Tall Females
- Maximum Weight Limit: 250 Pounds
The Mongoose Impasse Full Suspension Bike is one of the lightest model in our list and our top recommendation for female riders. It is built around an aluminum frame and equipped with an aluminum crankset and aluminum double-wall rims.
Other interesting features suitable for female riders include internal cable routing, dual mechanical disk brakes, a dual-suspension frame, an SRAM twist shifter, wide knobby tires, a quick-release front wheel, and a free kickstand.
This ultra-light mountain bike can hold up to 250 pounds and is suitable for 5’4″ to 6’2” ft tall female riders. The manufacturing company also offers a 5-year warranty on the frame and a one-year on its parts.
Note: Mongoose offers 7, 8, and 9-speed options in this model. You can use the following chart to select the best MTB bike for your wife or girlfriend.
| Model | Specifications |
| Impasse 1.0 | 27.5-inch Wheels, 7-speed, Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Impasse 2.0 | 29-inch Wheels, 8-speed, Mechanical Disc Brakes |
| Impasse 3.0 | 29” inch Wheels, 9-speed, Hydraulic Disc Brakes |
2. Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike
Features:
- 16.5- Inch Lightweight Aluminum Frame
- Shimano 21-Speed Thumb Twist Shifter
- Both Linear pull or Disc Brakes Options
- Reliable Front Alloy Suspension Fork
- Strong Alloy Wheels & 2.1-inch Tires
- Quick-Release Adjustable Seat Post
- 5-Wheel Sizes Perfect For 4’8” to 6’2”
- Maximum Weight Limit: 260 Pounds
This Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike is highly in demand and is one of the lightest entry-level MTB bikes for female riders. This bike model weighs only 33 pounds, and the main reasons for its popularity are the step-through frame design and adjustable geometry for short-height riders.
Schwinn offers multiple options in this MTB model, such as an aluminum frame or steel frame, 7 to 21-speed drivetrain, linear-pull brakes or disc brakes, different wheel sizes, and a wide range of colors. However, a 7-speed drivetrain is only available in 20” wheel size. All other models have 21-speed drivetrain.
During test rides, we fully enjoyed its Shimano twist shifter, which gives us smooth and accurate gear-shifting performance. In Addition, its front suspension fork, double-wall alloy wheels, and 2.1-inch MTB tires also offer comfortable riding. Another interesting point is that Schwinn offers this High timber model in 5-wheel sizes to accommodate almost every female rider.
3. Hiland Gamille Mountain Bike For Women
Features:
- Rust-Proof Aluminum Alloy Frame
- Full Shimano 21-Speed Derailleurs
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Front Adjustable Alloy Suspension Fork
- Double Wall Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Non-Slip And Explosion-Proof Tires
- 2-Sizes For: 5’3” to 6’1” & Little Girls
- Maximum Weight Limit 275 pounds
If you’re looking for the same mountain bike for your daughter and wife, consider this Hiland Step-Through mountain bike. This model comes in a 20-inch wheel size for 5 to 12-year-old girls and a 26-inch wheel size for 5’3” to 6′ 1” women.
This aerodynamic aluminum-framed Hiland model features a lower standover frame design to accommodate short-height female riders and an internal cable routing feature for wind-proof riding. Its lockout suspension fork effectively absorbs bumps, improving bike handling and saving 20% energy.
During test rides, our reviewers were extremely impressed by its Shimano 21-speed shifting system, mechanical disc brakes, and non-slip and explosion-proof tires. Hiland also offers a free kickstand and assembly tools kit.
Note: 20-inch wheel-size models come with 7-speed derailleurs, and 26-inch wheel-size bikes come with 21-speed derailleurs.
4. Huffy Stone Mountain Bike For Women
Features:
- Lightweight Hardtail Steel Frame
- Shimano 21-Speed Twist Shifter
- Front And Rear Linear Pull Brakes
- Front Kolo 1200 Suspension Fork
- Alloy Wheels & All-Terrain Tires
- Quick Release Adjustable Seat
- Three Sizes Available For Women
- Maximum Weight Limit: 250 Pounds
If your wife or girlfriend likes aggressive riding and wants to enjoy outdoor adventure fun, then this Huffy Stone Mountain Bike will be best for them. It is manufactured using a lightweight hardtail steel frame and features a Glitter in the paint to shine under sunlight.
This Huffy Stone MTB bike is equipped with Shimano twist shifters, which facilitate quick gear shifting using the thumb only. Its Kolo suspension fork and anti-slip tires provide excellent handling even on bumpy roads.
It would be nice if this bike came with disc brakes, but the provided linear-pull brakes are also reliable. The quick-release seat post lever allows you to adjust seat height without using any tool. Huffy offers three different sizes in this model to accommodate almost every girl and woman, no matter their height.
Note: 20-inch size bikes come with a 6-speed drivetrain, while 24-inch and 26-inch size bikes come with a 21-speed twist shifter.
5. Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail Mountain Bike
Features:
- Rust-Proof Hardtail Aluminum Frame
- 21-Speed Twist Shifter & Derailleur
- Mechanical Disc Or Linear V-brakes
- Front Element Suspension Fork
- Double Wall Alloy Lightweight Rims
- 29” Inch Wide Knobby Mountain Tires
- 4 Different Frame sizes for 4’8” to 6’2”
- Maximum Weight Limit: 250 pounds
The Mongoose Flatrock Hardtail MTB Bike is one of the super-light and speedy mountain bikes in this review, weighing only 36 pounds. It is made with a strong and rust-proof Aluminum frame. Mongoose offers 4 different frame sizes, from 14.5 to 18 inches, combined with 24-inch, 26-inch, and 29-inch wheels for 4’8” to 6’2″ tall female riders.
Regardless of frame size, you will get a complete package of advanced features such as a 21-speed twist shifter, mechanical disc or linear pull v-brakes, an element suspension fork, double-wall alloy rims, and wide knobby tires, except assembly tools. However, its handlebar is not adjustable, but you can easily adjust its seat.
Note: Disc brakes are only available in 29” wheel size.
6. Pacific Cavern Women Mountain Bike
Features:
- 17.5-Inch Alloy Steel Hardtail Frame
- 21-Speed Twist Shifter & Derailleur
- Front & Rear Linear Pull V-Brakes
- Vortex Brand Front Suspension Fork
- Aluminum Alloy Double Wall Rims
- Perfect Bike For 5’4” to 6’2” Females
- Maximum Weight Limit: 230 Pounds
If you have a low budget and are looking for the best mountain bike for women under $200, then you can choose this Pacific Cavern Women’s Mountain Bike. This bike model comes only in a 17.5-inch alloy steel low step-through frame design. Thanks to adjustable geometry, which makes it suitable for 5’4” to 6’2” women.
The Pacific Cavern is equipped with a Shimano 21-speed twist shifter, and we found it smooth, precise, and accurate during test rides. However, the dual linear pull v-brakes are less effective in rain but will provide valuable and secure stopping power in dry weather conditions.
Furthermore, the adjustable seat post, front suspension fork, double-wall aluminum alloy rims, and anti-slip tires make it reliable for women to start their off-road adventure riding. Its assembly process takes some extra time due to removing the pre-assembled brakes to install the front wheel.
7. Titan Pathfinder Women’s Mountain Bike
Features:
- High-tensile alloy Steel Frame
- 18-Speed Grip Shifting System
- Front & Rear Linear Pull Brakes
- Quick-Release Adjustable Seat
- 100mm Front Suspension Fork
- Padded & Soft Handlebar Grips
- 26-In Alloy Wheels & MTB Tires
- Recommended Height: 5’2” to 6”
This Titan Women’s Pathfinder Mountain Bike gives us a very tough time to point out its weaknesses. We were personally impressed with its perfect weight-to-speed ratio and aerodynamic padded seat that is perfect for long-distance riding.
This Titan Pathfinder comes with a high-tensile steel frame and equipped 21-speed gear shifting system. Although its provided gearing system is not Shimano, we duly tested it on different road surfaces and got accurate speed changes.
Luckily, during test rides our testers had to face rainy weather and found that Its linear pull alloy brakes are not completely but responsive enough to give reliable stopping force in wet conditions. Overall, the Titan Pathfinder is a valuable mountain bike for 5’2” to 6” female riders.
8. Ktaxon Mountain Bike For Women
Features:
- Solid High-Carbon Steel Frame
- Quick & Accurate 21-Speed Shifter
- Front & Rear Mechanical Disc Brakes
- Front Lockout Suspension Fork
- Lightweight Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Non-Slip & Anti-Puncture MTB Tires
- Recommended For 5’5” to 6’5” Adults
- Maximum Weight limit: 274 Pounds
If you have a very very tight budget and want a reliable mountain bike for your wife, daughter or family. You must consider this Ktaxon women’s Mountain Bike, which comes with amazing durable features at an unbeatable price of less than 150 dollars only.
Our testers were extremely impressed by the combination of a shock-absorbing cushion seat and a front suspension fork to absorb maximum bumps and vibrations. Its sensitive disc brakes offer strong braking force even in bad weather conditions.
It is also important to know that its 21-gear shifting system is not Shimano but it works very well and accurately during our testing. Among these features, you will also get non-slip puncture proof tires and aluminum alloy wheels.
Why You Should Trust Us:
At Best Bikes Lab, our testing team members regularly research the top in-demand and newly released mountain bikes in the market. For this review, we choose almost 35 low-step-through mountain bikes. Our female tester then narrowed down our selection list to only include the best-performing mountain bikes to purchase for side-by-side testing.
After purchasing, our bicycle mechanic team members duly check the quality of provided components and note down all the aspects of the assembly process of each mountain bike, including total assembly time taken, bike weight, tire pressure, etc.
More than a dozen of our female riders rode our selected mountain bikes on Mike Levine Lakelands State trail of Southeastern Michigan and used their riding experience to evaluate and compare the quality performance of these MTB bikes. We establish a ranking criteria of rating metric to give scoring to each mountain bike based on its provided features, riding quality and price point. Our team of bike testers are well-experienced bike riders and almost know everything about mountain riding and off-road gravel riding.
How We Selected Best Mountain Bikes For Women:
We did not randomly choose any mountain bike for testing. Our step-by-step testing and review process starts from deep market research. Our team members physically go to the cycling market, meet bike shop owners, physically check the bike’s size, appearance and features, then we check availability of these mountain bikes on the online marketplaces.
After purchasing and assembling, our female bike testers took multiple test rides on each mountain bike using different riding styles to evaluate and find out the strength and performance differences of each mountain bike from each other.
Before testing, we measure total bike weight, size of wheels and frame, maximum weight limit capacity, alignment of frame geometry for women’s body shape, handle grips, padding of seat, tires quality and smoothness of Shifter.
During testing, our female riders spent most of their time performing different tests such as slow speed handling, fast speed test, sudden stopping, quickly moving from flat roads to side rough rocky surfaces and making detailed notes about quality performance of each mountain bike under provided riding situations.
After testing, our review editors and writers analyze test reports of our female testers and then calculate ranking metrics to give scoring and declare the winner mountain bike model for women. All the complete process of real-world testing was completed almost in six months to judge the quality of these women’s mountain bikes for this review.
Our Rating Metric:
Our rating metrics to give scoring and ranking for choosing the best mountain bike for women to cover this review article consist of the following criteria:
- Bike Build Test ( Frame & Wheels Material )
- Bike Handling Test ( Tire’s Grip & Riding Position)
- Speed Control Test (Brakes & Shifter Performance)
- Comfortability Test ( Adjustable Geometry & Grip)
- Price Point ( Specifications + Additional Extras)
You can use all the above rating metrics as a checklist to easily choose a mountain bike for your wife, daughter, or girlfriend. Among them, comfortable riding position, bike handling, and tires are the most important factors for the best women’s mountain bike, which contain about 40% of the overall rating criteria.
Our Test Team Members:
Among our testing team, our main contributors for mountain bike reviews are Lon Schroeder, Jason Jones, and Reba Nalon. They are well-experienced bike racers and mountain trail riders and have participated in the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, downhill, and cross-country national MTB series. Some of them are cycling coaches, bike shop owners, and cycling bookwriters.
Lon Schroeder is the lead reviewer of our testing team and has extensive knowledge about the ins and outs of the mountain bike industry from his time as an MTB bike supplier. In 2010, He started his profession in the cycling industry by purchasing and reselling mountain bikes for his local area bike shops at Michigan, US. After moving to Washington in 2018, Lon Schroader starts his new journey as MTB cross-country coach and leads the mountain bike racing participants to prepare them for different cycling competitions.
Jason Jones is an adventure addict, mountain biker, and bike industry expert and now works as a freelance writer for our mountain bike reviews. Recently, he participated in Butte 100K Mountain Bike races in Butte, MT, United States, and Montana Enduro Series 2024 Whitefish, United States. He loves writing about cycling and published his cycling book guide named “Mountain Biking—The Complete Guide To Mountain Biking For Beginners.”, in which he shares his mountain biking experience and many useful cycling tips for beginners to encourage them to start their Mountain biking journey.
Affiliate Disclosure:
Best Bikes Lab is reader-supported and buys all the bikes, cycling gears, and tools for testing reviews. We use affiliate marketing to earn money to support our testing work. If you purchase anything through our affiliate link, we may get a commission from suppliers. This link will not affect the final price of the product purchased. For more information, see our complete Affiliate Disclosure Policy.
Conclusion:
There are hundreds of women’s mountain bikes available in the physical and online market, but not every bike is for everyone. Every woman has a different body shape, different height, and different riding needs from each other. In that scenario, finding the most suitable mountain bike for women may be difficult for you, especially when you think of buying from an online market without getting test rides.
To solve this problem, we continuously researched both physical and online marketplaces and gently chose more than 15 mountain bikes to purchase for testing reviews to save you time, effort, money, and much more. We hope this article will be helpful for you in finding the best women’s mountain bike for your wife, daughter, or girlfriend.
