While some women may prefer the look and feel of a women’s specific bike, our best women’s mountain bikes of 2023 are technically a mix of men’s and women’s. These are our absolute favorite trail, enduro, and cross-country bikes, coming in a variety of price ranges.
We know that finding and purchasing a new bike can be a daunting task. There is so much to consider as we each determine our individual likes, styles and needs in a bike. Below are some bike recommendations, to help you get started in finding that new bike!
While a few of the options we have listed below may be sold out, most are still available to purchase this year.
Juliana Furtado
The Furtado is a do-it- all trail bike. It has a steep seat tube angle of 77-degree for efficient climbing but also has the lower-link VPP suspension and slacked-out geometry for confidence in descending. The rear suspension is also tuned specifically for lighter riders, keeping you in control. The flip-chip feature allows you to adjust the geometry of the bike. You can switch from a low and slack setting for descending to a steeper and higher mode for climbing (an incredible advancement in bike technology). This bike has 140 mm of travel in the front and 130 mm of rear travel and runs a 29” wheel in the front and a 27.5” in the back.
If you are looking for slightly more travel, check out the Juliana Roubion. This bike has 160 mm of travel up front and 150 mm of rear travel and is a mixed-wheel mullet as well. This bike shines on rowdy descents but also loses some climbing efficiency on the uphills. Looking for less travel? Try out the Juliana Joplin.
Juliana Furtado models listed by price:
Carbon C GX Eagle AXS Mountain Bike - $5,799
The Juliana Joplin vs Furtado
The Juliana Joplin is a revered mountain bike model that combines versatility and agility. Designed for riders who seek a balance between speed and control, the Joplin offers a responsive and efficient ride, capable of tackling both uphill climbs and technical descents with ease. On the other hand, the Furtado delivers a thrilling and dynamic experience on the trails. It embodies Furtado's eclectic style by blending elements of cross-country and trail riding, providing riders with the confidence to conquer various terrains. Both the Juliana Joplin and the Furtado mountain bikes embody the spirit of adventure and exploration, allowing riders to push their limits and embrace the thrill of off-road cycling.
Overall, the Furtado is a more well-rounded, longer-travel trail bike, with mixed wheels. The Joplin is lighter, slightly more agile, and will get you where you’re going faster. Both are awesome options when it comes to new women’s mountain bikes.
Juliana Joplin models listed by price:
Joplin CR - $4,799 (the cutest Matcha green color ever)
Juliana Wilder
The Juliana Wilder comes in a SUPER cute peach color, and is a fun cross-country bike built specifically for women. It offers 115mm of rear travel and 120 of front travel, making the bike a pro climber, without compromising on the fun when descending some fun downhill flow.
Juliana Wilder models listed by price:
Carbon S - $3,700 (las year’s color)
Wilder Trail C GX Eagle Transmission - $6,699
Juliana Wilder vs Joplin
While both options support 29-inch wheels, these bikes have some key differences. Key differences include geometry, weight, and suspension layout. The Joplin has a slacker head angle and longer wheelbase, making it more stable on rough descents, while the Wilder is snappier, more pedal efficient, and lighter in weight. When comparing the Carbon S on both bikes, the Wilder is almost 3 pounds lighter. A benefit of the Joplin is that the tires are grippier and more aggressive, offering more control on the downhill.
Ibis Ripmo
This bike is a direct competitor to the Yeti SB130 below. It has 160 mm up front and slightly more travel in the rear with 140 mm (Plush Switch - Infinity suspension stretches rear travel to 147 mm). The Ripmo gets slightly better ratings for all-around descending - more rear travel and progressive shock rate prevents harsh bottom outs. This bike is also known for its easy maneuvering through corners, from open loose corners to well shaped berms. The Ripmo has a 76 - degree seat tube angle helping shift your weight forward, much like the Yeti SB130. This bike also runs a 29" wheel.
Ibis Ripmo models listed by price:
Ibis Ripmo AF NGX Eagle Air - $2,999
The Ripmo AF Air is awesome for all-around descending and the AR model emits the carbon frame, making the price of this bike a bargain for an aggressive enduro bike.
If you love the up just as much as the down, the Ibis Ripmo SLX is for you. This mid-travel bike has a carbon frame and excels in maneuverability, and ability to handle long, backcountry rides, as well as bike park adventures.
Jamis Portal C2 - $6,499
Jamis is a women led company - building bikes with women in mind! This bike has 130 mm of travel in front and back, with 29” wheels. This bike is known to really do it all, with an extremely capable suspension design (new 3VO). This bike is extremely playful and maneuverable and excels on the uphills and downhills. The Women in the Mountains coaches rode this bike in 2020 and fell in love with its sturdy, yet light feel. If you need slightly more travel, then the Jamis Hardline (below) will do the trick.
Contender Bicycles local to Park City will soon be carrying both the Jamis Portal and the Jamis Hardline below.
Jamis Portal models listed by price:
Jamis Hardline C2 - $6,499
The Hardline has 160 mm of travel in front and back. It runs a 27.5” wheel. This bike is designed to be an aggressive enduro bike and succeeds. This bike likes to go fast. This bike also features the 3VO suspension design (some argue one of the best designs on the market) for efficiency and playful riding. This bike is not as efficient in climbing with a 74-degree seat tube angle, yet it will tackle any descent, no matter how rocky or steep.
Jamis Portal models listed by price:
Yeti SB 140
This bike has 150 mm of travel up front and 140 mm of rear travel. It combines the efficiency of a trail bike with the plush front suspension of an all-mountain or enduro bike - a great climber and playful on the descents. This bike has a steeper seat tube angle (77 - degrees), centering your weight right over the pedals for a more efficient climb. This bike can absorb hard impacts and repeated hits which provides comfort while riding and generates great traction. However, some riders say it can bottom out on really harsh hits. This bike has also been recommended as a bike for experienced riders, who have a very active riding style. This bike runs a 29” wheel.
Yeti SB140 models listed by price:
Canyon Spectral 7 WMN - $3,599
The Canyon Spectral women specific bike, is a lightweight capable trail / all mountain bike. This bike has 150 mm of travel up front and back. Many women praise this bike for being light and extremely maneuverable. The seat tube angle is 74 - degree, (not as efficient for climbing) but many riders move their saddle forward to help make it a bit steeper. This bike still has climbing capabilities, since it is so lightweight! Riders also recommend switching the lock out to the middle setting for best climbing efficiency.
Canyon is a direct-sales brand can manage to supply a carbon frame and exceptional components for not much over three grand.
Liv Intrigue Advanced - $3,400
The Liv Intrigue is another women specific bike, known for it’s lightweight feel. This bike has 150 mm of travel up front and 140 mm of rear travel, with a 27.5” wheel that can accommodate a 2.6 inch tire. This bike is agile and handles corners with precision. Riders of the 2020 models mentioned that this bike is definitely fun to ride, but not quite as fast or aggressive on the descents as other similar bikes. Much like the Canyon Spectral, the Intrigue’s seat tube angle is 74.5 - degree. It is also recommended to move the saddle forward to maximize climbing efficiency.
If you are interested in a 29er, you can also look into the recently launched Intrigue Advanced Pro 29.
Liv Intrigue models listed by price:
Cannondale Jekyll Women’s 1 - $4,250
Another women specific bike, that came out last year. The Cannondale Jekyll has been Cannondale’s long time, longer travel bike. In 2020 they made a women specific version. This bike has 150 mm of travel up front and 150 mm of rear travel and runs a 29” wheel. This bike also has a similar seat tube angle to the above bikes of 75 - degree. This bike is built for speed, traction and handling especially on the descents. Some women complained that this bike was on the heavier side.
Gravity Coalition local to Midway, Utah (and a woman ran bike shop) carries Cannondale and currently has a Women’s Cannondale Jekyll for a great price!
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