In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
A woman who has opted for biking is still considered tough. Just like trail runners or military riders. Why? Because, unlike road cycling, marathon running or dressage riding, it's about more than fitness and discipline. In off-road sports, you also need strength, speed of reaction, a feel for the terrain, body control and the will to compete with the elements of nature.
The good thing is that mountain biking is so multifaceted that sporty women have a good chance of keeping up with men. At least in the hobby sector. But unfortunately, the complexity of the sport starts in the bike shop: Which bike should I buy? Is an easy-care hardtail enough or can I cope with a much cooler, but quite heavy enduro bike? And this decision has not become any easier with the e-MTB wave, including the motor and battery debate, but it has certainly become more expensive.
For beginners without a BIKE subscription or an engineering background, the inhibition threshold for our sport is really high. And we're not even talking about a bent derailleur hanger or a broken chain that needs to be repaired during a tour. "My husband takes care of the bikes and all the technical stuff" - a phrase you still hear a lot. Who's surprised?
Trail-Freundin: What is so special about the women's e-MTB from LIV?
Liv, the sister brand of Giant, develops specific women's bikes and is pretty much alone on the market. The Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ is the light assist fully - with features specially tailored to women.
- Compression and rebound damping are specially adapted at the factory for lighter riders. The internal parts, especially the so-called shim stack, are adapted. In concrete terms, this means less damping in the rebound stage so that the fork rebounds quickly enough even with low air pressure and a softer compression stage for more comfort downhill. Conventional suspension systems without this special treatment are often over-damped, especially for light riders, and therefore ride too stiffly.
- Side saddle The saddle was developed especially for women together with professional female racers. The edges are padded and the hollow on the saddle surface provides noticeable pressure relief. The longer, forward-sloping saddle nose maintains good contact with the inner leg and is designed to improve control on descents.
- Frame sizes XS For women taller than 152 cm, Liv also offers the Intrigue X Advanced E+ in size XS.
- Steering angle The Liv bikes have a slightly steeper steering angle for a more neutral steering behaviour and a shorter reach. The developers based this on a study that found that women on average have longer legs and a shorter torso than men.
- Handlebar widths The Liv Intrigue X Advanced E+ is available in frame sizes XS and S with narrower 760 millimetre handlebars. In sizes M and L, the handlebars measure 800 millimetres.
- Cranks A distinction is also made between the crank lengths. The cranks in frame sizes XS and S have a length of 160 millimetres. For frame sizes M and L, the cranks are the standard market length of 165 millimetres.
What do women's camps do better?
That's why women like to meet at women-only events. Here you can simply try out bikes and be shown the most important points in peace and quiet. And from a woman who doesn't talk about reach and stack values, but shows you where to adjust the screws for a more comfortable riding position.
"Oh, you've never repaired a broken chain either?" Relief. "Which saddle do you ride - can I try it out?" Valuable tips. Oh, so she just rides over the root field? Then I'll try that too. Riding technique specialist Stefan Herrmann often asks his few female course participants: "What do these women's camps offer that we can't?" The answer: The programme is broader. There are workshops on all biking topics and this togetherness among women - it's just fun!
The proportion of women on my driving technique courses is around 15 to 20 per cent, which is a shame because women are more capable of learning and are more analytical. They want to understand first, then perform. But if they have to chase after men, they quickly get used to a defensive driving style. In this respect, driving technique camps for women are a good thing. - Stefan Herrmann, MTB Academy
Bike fitting: the geometry must fit
Birgit Waxenberger, bike fitter at Gebiomised, says: "Three years ago, four women a month came to us to have their bikes customised, but now it's three women a week. There are often three pain problems to be solved: Buttocks, shoulders and wrists. The seat problems can be quickly solved with a new saddle, as most bikes are factory-fitted for men. However, due to the different shape of their pelvic bones, women need a wider saddle with a slightly downward sloping nose to relieve the sensitive pubic bone area. A more upright riding position is easier on wrists and shoulders. So: fit a shorter stem and shorten the handlebar width! Handlebars that are 680 - 700 millimetres wide are completely sufficient for the vast majority of women."
Take part & win! Grips and saddles from the Vali Höll Special Edition by Ergon
For safety and comfort on the bike, it's not just the right frame that is crucial, but also the components. Women can still optimise and adjust a lot, especially on the saddle and grips. Ergonomics expert Ergon has specialised in gender-specific differences at the contact points of the buttocks, hands and feet for years and has various model variants, different saddle paddings and grip sizes in its range. Downhill world champion Vali Höll also swears by Ergon products and has now designed her own small collection of saddle grips. The Ergon SM Downhill Comp saddle and the GDH team grips are adorned with smileys and other ornaments in the Vali Höll edition. "The symbols represent things that I like," says the Austrian.
We raffle 3 sets of Ergon GDH Team grip and SM Downhill Comp saddle* in the Vali Höll Special Edition worth 145 euros each. The closing date for entries is 17 August 2025.
*Alternatively, another Ergon women's saddle can be selected
VorTeile only: Bike equipment for women
While bike manufacturers are tending to scale back their commitment to the women's segment, the range of components and equipment is growing. Here is a selection of parts that make it easier for women on the trail.
See through: Evil Eye in size XS
Even the best bike goggles are annoying if they slip or pinch. Bikers with narrow faces are particularly aware of this. That's why Evil Eye is now launching its successful Roadsense, Trailsense (pictured) and Trailsense II models in size XS. Because glasses can only play to their strengths if they fit perfectly: Enhance contrasts, absorb light and offer protection from UV rays, wind and insects. Price from 219 euros
SQlab 60 X Infinergy
If men and women differ anywhere, it is in the anatomy of their pelvis. And painful buttocks can also lead to cramps in the back. It is therefore definitely worth finding a saddle that fits. At SQlab, the sit bone distance is measured first to determine the optimum saddle width. This allows the less sensitive sit bones to take the main weight and the front pubic bone area is noticeably relieved. Price: 179,95 Euro >> available here.
Deuter Compact EXP 12 SL
SL stands for Slim Line from the rucksack specialist, i.e. for a fit tailored to female shapes: shorter back, softer S-shaped shoulder straps for the chest area and hip fins angled upwards for better support on the hips. The pack volume can be expanded by 5 litres with a zip (e.g. for a hydration bladder). Back length: 38-48 cm, suitable for body sizes 1.58-1.78 m, weight: 950 g, price: 77 euros >> available here.
Sports bra from Canyon
Road cyclists have declared it the test winner. It should fit perfectly even with a heart rate belt, stay compact and not squeeze or constrict anywhere. Only on very hot days could the fabric become too warm. Available in white and black, sizes: XS, S/M and L/XL (75 B/C) Price: 49.95 euros
Wind tunnel: Giro Source Mips
Women tend to have more hair on their heads than men. This makes it all the more important that the helmet has a good ventilation system. With the Giro Source, the patented Roc Loc 5 Air Mips ensures a cooling airflow directly to the head, while heat is channelled outwards via internal channels. Price: 149.95 euros.
Bib Short Alé Voltage
A good saddle needs a seat pad that doesn't cause pressure points. In our trouser test, the Alé Voltage came out on top. Also because of its minimised seams and comfortable feel. Only the perfectly cut seat pad might be too soft for long distances. Price: 175 euros
Biking with style: Dharco
"DownHill Australian Racing Company is the full name of Australian Mandy Davis' bike clothing company. She grew up in Whistler, but only started mountain biking in Australia. She gets inspiration for her designs from surfers on the beach there. The special thing about her fabrics: she adds 15 per cent cotton to the functional material for a more comfortable feel.
Comfortable grip: Shimano GF800WL
Clipless or flat pedals? Riding technique experts recommend flat pedals in combination with a comfortable shoe to start with. Shimano even offers such a touring shoe, which is just as suitable for enduro tours as it is for Sunday laps through the city, with a women's-specific last, reinforced toe and ankle protection and a rubber sole that grips the pedals well but doesn't slip even on rocky ground.
The next camps for women
There's hardly a weekend without a camp being organised somewhere just for female bikers. There are also dates in autumn.
1st BIKE Women Camp 2026
And make a note now: the BIKE Women Camp 2026 at Lake Molveno. Date: 11 to 14 June 2026Registration and all information will be available soon on : bike-women.com
2nd road trip Tuscany
Pack your own camper van and travel in convoy with other women to the most exciting enduro bike spots in Tuscany. Date: 6-13 Sept.Price incl. breakfast and shuttle tour: from 1259 euros, bucketride.de
3rd Girls Enduro Camp at Lake Reschen
The specialist enduro tour organiser also regularly offers camps by women for women. For example, a long autumn weekend on the three-country enduro trails at Lake Reschen. With riding technique and workshop. Date: 4-6 October.Price incl. wellness hotel: from 630 euros, flatsucks.at
4th Las Ciclistas Engadin
On 13 September Las Ciclistas Day takes place for the first time in the Swiss Engadin. Women from all bike categories come together for social rides, a bike parade, a second-hand exchange, talks, aperitifs, dinner and a party. Exciting: this event also includes joint gravel or bikepacking rides. graubuenden.ch
5. gravel on the Atlantic
Spend a week cruising through Portugal's coastal mountains with stunning views and then relax deeply at the Feelviana Wellness Hotel in Viana do Castelo. Or add a surf session in the Atlantic waves? Date: 14-21 September., price incl. HP: 1550 Euro, dierasenmaeher.de
6. women's get-together Freiburg
Every Wednesday at 6 pm, female trail bikers meet at the "Biosk" in Freiburg for an informal ride together. Why only women? Because it's more relaxed then. From October to March, the meeting always takes place on Sundays at 1 pm. Info: mountainbike-freiburg.com
Women who understand the technique of their bike are safer and more confident on the trails. That's why I always offer technical workshops at my women's camps. - Karen Eller, the lawnmowers
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
