FAST UP AND DOWN
Not surprisingly, this aluminum hardtail easily kept up with competitors on climbs. But its standout performance on descents wowed testers even more. Why? Fisher’s Genesisters geometry works with a woman’s biomechanics, helping us flow effortlessly through tight switchbacks. The four-inch Fox F100 RL front fork can handle almost any terrain, and Shimano’s LX/XT group proved a workhorse through high miles and hellish East Coast mud and crud. 26 lbs; fisherbikes.com
Bonus: No rear shock means less maintenance.
Bummer: It’s a bit heavy for a hardtail.