There is no particular reason for men and women to have dedicated mountain bikes. You often find women cycling a man's bike or vice versa in emergencies. Yet most brands create ladies mountain bikes by modifying the bike mould frames since most women weigh less than men and are shorter in height. Another reason is the differences in the body structure in the seating department.

The abilities and features are nearly similar in both men's and women's bikes, but the basic differences are mainly comfort and pleasure while riding.

Ladies' bikes are available in different ways:

Some have short distances between the seat and the top of the frame based on the short torso/longer leg generalisation.

Some ladies' mountain bikes also come with thinner tubes and lighter frames. The weight of the bikes is almost the same, but still, you must have a trial before selecting one.

The saddle is wider in ladies' mountain bikes than in men’s.

The handlebars are also shorter in measurement and diameter for a more comfortable grip.

Like you find numerous options when you buy something, there's a myriad of mtb helmets South Africa available in hundreds of different features, shapes and styles. So which one will you choose? Although it will all depend on your preferences and budget, you can get various types of helmets for different vehicles.

Why do you need a helmet?

You need something to guard your head against sudden collisions or tumbles when charging down/ climbing mountains on a bicycle. 

Helmets come with vents to channel air in through the front and out the back again to ensure that you stay comfortable and less stinky. Most mountain bike helmets have peaks to help keep the glare out of your eyes and cover from dust and perch thrown up by the front tyre.

Conclusion:

Virtually every bike manufacturer deems a helmet a mandatory kit, too. Bike helmets are all designed to very high crash measures. They can withstand a single impact but not repeated abuse. So, you must go for a new one if you have had a crash and smashed your helmet against a hard surface.