The 3 Best Women's Mountain Bikes of Summer 2012

The top rigs for tackling cross-country trails and epic downhills

2012 Summer Buyer's Guide
Friday, June 01, 2012

Scott Contessa Spark RC

By: Category: Summer Buyer's Guide, Women's, Mountain Bikes
Contessa Spark RC
Photo: Courtesy of Scott Sports

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GUIDES

Find the Best

BEST FOR: Cross-country plus. THE TEST: While some riders eschew full suspension to save weight, the 4.7-inch Scott Spark eliminates the need to compromise. This 24.5-pound full-suspension carbon 26er can be both stiff for pedaling efficiency and plush for sucking up the rough stuff, and it’s so light that testers said it practically floated up climbs. That versatility stems from the ingenious bar-mounted lever that flips both front and rear shock to traction mode (3.3 inches) with one click and locks them out with two. Bonus: Precise and durable Shimano XT components. THE VERDICT: A fast trail bike that’s not watered down for women. 24.5 lbs

Brand: Scott

$4,000

Brand Name Description Price Date Keywords
Niner Bikes Rip 9 RDO Extremely well balanced and stable but also nimble and quick. $6,869 2013 Summer Buyer’s Guide Summer Buyer's Guide, Mountain Bikes
Norco Range Killer B2 A phenomenal deal, with a Fox Talas 34 fork and a Float CTD shock. $3,838 2013 Summer Buyer’s Guide Summer Buyer's Guide, Mountain Bikes
GT Zaskar 9R Elite Best bike for the money. $1,870 2013 Summer Buyer’s Guide Summer Buyer's Guide, Mountain Bikes
Surly Krampus A simple bike that's super grabby but still fast on moderate climbs. $1,950 2013 Summer Buyer’s Guide Summer Buyer's Guide, Mountain Bikes

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