Like most any other sport, mountain biking has its own set of official rules that you should get familiar with if you plan on getting into the sport. Developed by the International Mountain bicycling Association or IMBA, the rules are meant to minimize human impact on the environment, promote safety, and to encourage good relations between all trail users.
Historically, women have had a tougher time fitting themselves for a quality bike. And shorter women often find it even more difficult. The main problem is that even though most women are smaller than men, they often have longer legs. Shorter women will find that a frame with an appropriate seat tube length will leave them unable to reach the handlebars. Many good manufacturers are making women’s bikes to accommodate body differences. Just keep on testing bikes until you find the right fit. And don’t only limit yourself to women’s bikes either. Try everything. Being overstretched on a ride will cause stress to your arms, back and shoulders.
Drop it! Road bikes come equipped with both dropped handlebars and upright straight bars. Most experts would agree that dropped handlebars are definitely the way to go. Upright handlebars saddle the rider with inefficient aerodynamics, less balance, less stability, and less traction for steering. In addition to those performance issues, it also prevents the optimum use of leg muscles, and hurts the lower back.
*Dropped handlebars offer the rider several positions for not only the hands, but the wrists and arms, reducing fatigue and monotony.