Are Mountain Bikes Unisex? Everything You Need to Know

Riding on mountain trails is open to everyone, and there are different types of mountain bikes to choose from. However, if you are just getting started with mountain biking, you may wonder if there are mountain bikes specifically made for men or women. You may also wonder if mountain bikes are unisex.

Mountain bikes are unisex, but some are more gender-specific than others. However, rider size and the bike’s dimensions are more important factors than gender designation when looking for the perfect bike. A tall female rider (5’9 – 6’1 or 175-185 cm) can ride a 29-inch (73-cm) bike meant for males.

This post explains everything you need to know about mountain bikes and genders. Read on to learn more.

Mountain Bike Brands Typically Offer Unisex Options

As earlier mentioned, almost every mountain bike brand offers unisex bikes to accommodate the sizes of different riders. Some also focus on gender-specific mountain bikes with frames and other components meant for the male or female build. However, males and females can ride any bike that fits their size.

If you also look at the design of gender-specific mountain bikes, the margin of difference is pretty small. Few bike components differentiate a female bike from a male bike. 

These are a few notable components that may differ between a bike intended for a male rider and one intended for a female:

• The saddle shape
• Different sized frames
• Stem length
• Narrower or wider handlebars

It’s worth noting that these components can undergo modifications to suit the rider’s size if needed. 

Can a Woman Ride a Mountain Bike Designed for Men?

Manufacturers design mountain bikes more according to sizes than gender. This is because the rider’s size ultimately determines whether the bike will be a good fit. 

A woman can ride any bike as long as her height and size match the bike’s dimensions. If you are not tall enough and the bike is too high for you, the bike is not a good fit. 

This situation is also applicable to men. If a man isn’t tall enough for a bike, he’ll struggle with balance. In that scenario, it’s best to opt for a smaller bike. 

What Kind of Bikes Do Professional Female Riders Use? 

Professional riders on mountain trails and other tracks use more customized mountain bikes. They often get a bike from a supplier and tailor it to suit their body frame. Some equip it with additional features, like extra gears. Others adjust the handlebars, change the saddles, and make a few other modifications. 

Also, some renowned brands design bikes for professional female bikers and supply them in bulk. These bikes can either be unisex or female bikes by their labels, but the central idea is that it’s suitable for the rider. 

Which Mountain Bike Is Best for Females?

The best bike for a female is one that suits her unique body size and feels comfortable and light for her to handle. It can be a unisex, male, or female mountain bike. 

While it’s logical to think that the best bike for a female is the one designated “female” by the manufacturer, this isn’t always the case.

First, you have to consider the body size of most women. On average, women are smaller than men in height and body frame. They generally have smaller torsos, hands, and shoulders. In contrast, men have broader shoulders and long legs.

Going by this general assumption in the sizes of women and men, manufacturers design women’s bikes to be smaller to accommodate the small body structure of most women.

Still, a woman can have broad shoulders, long legs, large hands, and a height equal to that of men. Hence, a bike designated for women may not fit her. A bigger female will often be more comfortable with a unisex mountain bike or a bike made for men.

The average-sized woman, on the other hand, can use a female or unisex bike. 

Features of Female Bikes

While gender isn’t the principal factor in determining whether a mountain bike is suitable for males or females, there are features unique to female bikes, including the following:

• Lightweight frame
• Narrow handlebars
• Shorter stems
• Smaller wheels
• Wider saddles

Let’s look at each of these components in more detail below.

Lightweight Frame

Since manufacturers assume women to be smaller than males, they make the bikes for women lighter for easy riding. As a general rule, bikes designed for females are generally more lightweight than others. 

However, all lightweight bikes are not automatically made for women. Some are lightweight simply due to the materials used in their production. 

The best materials for lightweight bikes are carbon fibers and titanium. However, these materials tend to make mountain bikes a bit more expensive.

The good news is that most brands are now producing lightweight, high-quality mountain bikes for females and presenting them at somewhat affordable prices. 

Narrow Handlebars

Women tend to have slender shoulders compared to men. Hence, a narrow handlebar is often suitable for them. For mountain bikes, the handlebars are wider so the rider can have a stable balance while on the trails. However, the handlebars for female mountain bikes will be slightly narrower to accommodate their smaller shoulders and give them stability on the mountain trails. 

Shorter Stems

Since manufacturers assume women are shorter, the stem that connects the saddle to the handlebar on women’s bikes will be short. With a shorter stem, women won’t have to strain their backs uncomfortably as they hold the handlebar while riding. The shorter stem is suited for small torsos and shorter arms.

Smaller Wheels

As you might expect, a small bike is going to have smaller wheels than a large bike. Most female bike wheels are 26 inches (66 cm) in height, which is generally considered the most suitable for them. Larger wheels of 29 inches (74 cm) will make the bike heavier, but the goal is to make the bike as light as possible.

Large wheels will make it difficult for smaller women to pedal, leading to slow movements and stressful rides. Smaller riders fall between 5’1 (155 cm) and 5’6 (168 cm) in height, which makes 27 inches (69 cm) the best wheel size for them. 

Wider Saddles 

The saddle is the most distinguishing factor of a female-specific bike. The seat of a female mountain bike will have a shape in line with the lower body anatomy of females and will be more comfortable. 

In general, the saddle on a female-specific bike will be wider than that of a male or unisex bike. Yet, many females complain that wider saddles affect pedaling, highlighting that the leaner saddles are better for competitive rides. This underlines the fact that one bike structure can’t be perfect for everyone, no matter how hard manufacturers try.

Can You Adjust a Male Mountain Bike To Suit a Female? 

A unisex bike can accommodate the riding needs of both males and females. Yet, if you purchase a unisex (or male) mountain bike that’s not ideal for your size as a female, it was probably designed for bigger males. 

Notwithstanding, you can convert a male mountain bike to suit your female anatomy by making a few changes in the components and structure of the mountain bike. 

You can start with the stem: shorten it if it’s longer than necessary. This will avoid any unnecessary strain on your back. The saddle is easier to replace with a more feminine version, and its tube height can go down a bit if it’s too high. 

A bike specialist can help you with these adjustments, including changing the handlebar if you want to narrow it further. 

The rest of the customization process in line with the “shrink and pink it” mantra to make the bike appear more feminine is all up to you.  

It’s also necessary to ride the bike first before making any changes. When you test-ride it, you might discover that it’s relatively comfortable, leaving you with only a few modifications to make. Never decide to modify a bike at a mere glance without getting a feel of it.  

How To Choose the Right Mountain Bike for You 

As you prepare to purchase a mountain bike, there are certain factors you must consider to help you make the right choice. These include the following:

• Stand-over height
• Wheel size
• Frame material
• Suspension
• Handlebar length

Let’s look at these factors below.

Stand-Over Height 

The stand-over height is a measurement that determines if the bike is the right fit for you. To get this right, you need to try out different bikes. This can be taxing, but it’s rewarding in the end because it increases your chances of finding the right match. A local bike dealer can assist you here.

To check for the stand-over height, stand over the bike’s frame and ensure your feet have a firm grip on the floor. If the stem is too high, you might find yourself standing on your toes when the stem frame is in the middle of your torso. 

You should raise the bike’s front wheels as well to be sure you still have a firm grip on the ground. 

The perfect stand-over height gives you total control of the bike without sacrificing comfort. The same goes for your hands and the handlebar. They should connect effortlessly without leaning too much. 

As a rule of thumb, most 29-inch (74-cm) mountain bikes won’t fit anyone below 5’7 (170 cm). 

Don’t forget to test-ride the bike. This is the best way to determine if it’s a good fit—better than any recommendation the local shop dealer will give. 

Test the bike for about 20 minutes. Although riding on the streets won’t pass for riding on the trails, it will give you an idea of what to expect. 

Wheel Size

The size of the wheels depends on your preference. 26-inch (66-cm) wheels are no longer in circulation. They gave way to the trendier 27 and 29-inch (69 and 74-cm) wheels that now dominate the market. While a 27-inch (69-cm) wheel sits in the middle of the scale, 29 is at the extreme. Hence, it’s bigger, stronger, and built for rougher terrain. 

Most mountain bikes come with 29-inch (74-cm) wheels. If you aren’t up for higher challenges like rough trails or uphill and downhill rides, settle for a 27-inch (69-cm) wheel, which you can also use on the road comfortably. 

The 29-inch (74-cm) variants are heavier and slower on both trails and roads but excellent at riding over obstacles, climbing hills, and traversing the most rigorous trails. 

Frame Material 

The material of the frame is another critical factor to consider. Carbon fiber is popular nowadays because it’s lighter than aluminum yet sturdy and durable. 

If you have a surplus budget for a mountain bike, the best bike material at the moment is titanium. It’s far lighter, more durable, and stronger than aluminum and carbon. 

A titanium mountain bike will give you more value for your money overall, as you’re sure to get more money when you decide to sell it. 

Suspension 

Suspensions make a bike heavier when they are double. If you want a lightweight bike, you must consider every factor that adds to its weight, and the bike suspension is one of them. 

However, opting for a bike without dual suspensions will make your mountain bike less suitable for the trails. Since you can’t do without suspensions completely, the best option is to find one with a single suspension in the front. 

Bikes with single front suspensions are known as hardtails, and they strike a balance between riding on the trails and the streets. If you care about the weight of a bike, hardtails are great options.   

For daring and adventurous mountain bikers, a dual suspension (rear and front) comes in handy as you ride through the steep slopes, dare-devil trails, and uneven paths. 

They come with shock-absorbers as well to cushion the effects of high impacts. Mountain bikes with full suspensions are more expensive than hardtails and are best suited for experienced mountain bikers. 

Handlebar Length 

Whether the bike has a unisex, male, or female label, the handlebar should fit your shoulder’s size. If you have broader shoulders, you need wider handlebars. Not only does this aid in stability on the trails, but it also accommodates difficult maneuvers. 

If your shoulders are narrow, you’ll need a shorter handlebar. Regardless, be careful of the handlebar’s length. You don’t want to have both hands close to each other, which can cause you to struggle with the bike’s handle and make inaccurate maneuvers. 

If you are close to a mountain bike dealership, it’s best to discuss your needs extensively with the staff. They will offer some more guidance to ensure you find the best fit for you.

Such dealerships will also allow you to test-ride your mountain bike long enough to make a decision. So, while you should probably ignore the dealership’s recommendations on products and pricing, you can trust them to help you pick a bike that’s the right fit.

Do You Need a Gender-Specific Mountain Bike? 

A unisex bike fits both genders, as manufacturers try to keep the dimensions in the middle—not too big or too small. This makes room for both genders to find the bike that’s perfect for them.

Humans are diverse in body shapes, and you can’t categorize everyone in any number of body sizes. 

If you are a petite female, a gender-specific bike should fit your body frame perfectly. These bikes come in various sizes to accommodate the needs of female bikers. Their physical anatomy is the blueprint for the bike’s construction, and you are certain to find your choice in a collection of female mountain bikes.

For smaller males, most gender-specific bikes cater to the needs of average-sized and bigger males. The best option is to find one you can customize to suit your body frame. 

Alternatively, you can request a bike fitting from any local bike shop. You should inquire if they offer the service before you head out; the process takes time, and they’ll have to book you for a session.

A trained staff member will handle the bike fitting procedure. In the end, you’ll find the bike more comfortable, as the staff will make necessary adjustments in the bike’s structure to suit your body type. 

How To Tell Whether a Mountain Bike Is Unisex 

There are no prominent differences between male, female and unisex mountain bikes. If you go with the notion that all smaller bikes are meant for females, you won’t necessarily be correct—some smaller bikes are also for kids. 

The only way to find out whether a bike is unisex is to check the label. Some manufacturers summarize the bike’s description on the label and spell out the gender it was made for. They usually design bikes in three categories: male, female and unisex. More bikes are in the unisex category, making it likely that a random one you choose will be unisex. 

If you notice no label on your mountain bike, it’s likely a unisex bike. You can find more information about your bike if you head to the brand’s website and search for your bike’s model. The site will spell out the designation of the mountain bike; if it doesn’t, it’s safe to assume that the bike is unisex. 

The Bottom Line

Mountain bikes are unisex to a large extent, yet, a fraction of women will struggle to ride a unisex mountain bike because it’s not suited to their size. The rider’s size and the mountain bike’s dimension are more important than the designation of the bike as female, male, or unisex.

Consequently, a man with a small body frame can ride a woman’s bike, and a bigger woman can ride a bike made for males. It all depends on the size of the body.