My friend has one women’s specific (Giant Trance ) and she loves it. I tried it and am confused. It climbs really well and corners better than my bike too. Took both bikes on some really tough short little climbs. Swapped bikes with said friend – she couldn’t get up some of them on my bike (Trek fuel X8 – 3/4 yrs old) and I know she is a better climber than me.
On the climb I did twice I was in easiest gear on my bike having trouble keeping the front wheel down / little control. On her bike was no problem .
Not sure if it’s geometry/ old technology on my old bike comparison or to do with wheel size. 😕