Despite the name, there’s nothing feminine about this hard-riding, go-anywhere rig—except the women’s fit, of course. The racers among us loved the aggressive position, which made for fast handling on tight trails but still provided plenty of hookup in back on loose, sketchy climbs. On one log-riddled trail, a tester reported clearing everything while her boyfriend, on an inferior bike, had to walk. Highlights: the easy-reach Fire F茅minine brake levers and cush Terry Butterfly saddle. 29 lbs (small); www.cannondale.com
Bonus: The Lefty single fork looks unnerving but soaks up the bumps.
Bummer: It’s a tad heavy for a four-inch cross-country ride.