About The Scott Contessa Active 40 Aluminum 9-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike

The Scott Contessa Active 40 is a women's-specific aluminum hardtail mountain bike built on Scott's Contessa Active platform, which uses geometry and cockpit dimensions developed specifically for female riders. The frame features a narrower 680mm Syncros Women Pro grip handlebar versus the 720mm bar on the co-ed Aspect lineup, and the Contessa Active geometry adjusts stack and reach proportions to better suit shorter torso lengths. The 6061 alloy frame uses custom tubing with a BSA73 threaded bottom bracket, internal cable routing, and a replaceable derailleur hanger — details that matter for long-term trail use and serviceability. Notably, the Contessa Active 40 uses mixed-wheel sizing: smaller sizes run 27.5-inch wheels while larger sizes use 29-inch wheels, a practical approach to keeping standover height and handling proportions appropriate across the size run.

The drivetrain is Shimano Altus 2x9 with a Shimano FC-MT2102 36x22T crankset and Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-36T cassette, paired with a Suntour XCT30-HLO 100mm fork with hydraulic lockout. Braking is Tektro HDM276 hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors front and rear. Wheels are Syncros X-20 Disc 32h alloy rims on Kenda Booster 2.4-inch 30TPI tires. Total weight is approximately 31.5 lbs.

Who It's For

  • Women entering mountain biking who want a women's-specific geometry and cockpit rather than a standard bike in smaller sizes
  • Riders who benefit from a narrower handlebar width and adjusted reach proportions
  • Trail riders looking for a capable hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes at an accessible price
  • Riders in smaller sizes who benefit from the 27.5-inch wheel option for better standover and handling balance
  • Not ideal for: riders wanting Shimano hydraulic brakes — the Tektro HDM276 is a capable but Tektro-branded system; step up to the Aspect 940 tier for Shimano MT200

What to Look For

  • Wheel size: Confirm which wheel size your frame size runs — smaller sizes use 27.5-inch, larger sizes 29-inch. This affects tire availability and ride character.
  • Cockpit proportions: The 680mm bar and Contessa-adjusted geometry are designed for shorter arms and narrower shoulders — compare these dimensions to your own during a fit.
  • Fork lockout: The hydraulic lockout on the XCT30 fork is genuinely useful for road connectors and smooth climbs.

Key Features

Frame: Contessa Active 6061 alloy with custom tubing, OLD 135mm rear spacing, BSA73 threaded bottom bracket, internal cable routing, and replaceable derailleur hanger. Women's-specific geometry adjusts stack, reach, and standover compared to the co-ed Aspect platform.

Groupset: Shimano Altus RD-M2000 rear derailleur, Shimano FD-M2020 front derailleur, Shimano FC-MT2102 36x22T crankset, Shimano SL-M2010 shifters, Shimano CS-HG200-9 11-36T cassette, KMC X9 chain. A functional entry-level 2x9 setup with a wide climbing gear.

Brakes: Tektro HDM276 hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors. Hydraulic actuation provides trail-capable stopping power and consistent wet-weather performance without the effort of cable-pull systems.

Wheels: Syncros X-20 Disc 32h alloy rims with Formula hubs and Kenda Booster 2.4-inch 30TPI tires. Mixed-wheel sizing (27.5 or 29 depending on frame size) ensures handling geometry stays appropriate across the size run.

Rider Intent Summary

  • Biggest strengths: Genuine women's-specific geometry and cockpit, mixed-wheel sizing, and hydraulic disc brakes at an entry-level price
  • Tradeoffs: Altus drivetrain is entry-level; Tektro rather than Shimano hydraulics; 30TPI tire casing
  • What makes it different: The 27.5/29 mixed-wheel sizing based on frame size is a Contessa-specific approach that keeps geometry proportional across sizes, not just a smaller version of the same bike

Victory's Take

At Victory Bicycle Studio, we value the Contessa Active 40 because it is a genuinely women's-specific design rather than a pink-and-small version of a men's bike — and we use our professional fit process to confirm that the cockpit dimensions work with your specific proportions before you ride it home.

What you get

  • Frame - Contessa Active 700/900 series / Alloy 6061 Custom Tubing
  • Fork - Suntour XCT30-HLO Hyd. Lockout / 100mm travel
  • Groupset - Shimano Altus 9 Speed
  • Wheels - Syncros X-20 Disc
  • Tires - Kenda Booster
Scott Contessa Active 40 Aluminum 9-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike

Scott

Scott Contessa Active 40 Aluminum 9-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike

Regular price $1,150.00 USD
Sale price $1,150.00 USD Regular price $1,150.00 USD

Specifications

Frameset
Frame

Contessa Active 700/900 series

- Alloy 6061 Custom Tubing OLD 135mm

- BSA73 Internal shifting Cable Routing

- Replaceable hanger

Fork

Suntour XCT30-HLO Hyd. Lockout, 100mm travel

Headset

Syncros OE Press Fit

- 1 1/8" OD 50mm

- ID 44mm

Wheels
Rims

Syncros X-20 Disc 32H, black

Front Hub

Formula DC-19 FQR Disc

Rear Hub

Formula DC-25 8s RQR Disc

Spokes

14 G

- Stainless

- Black

Tires

Kenda Booster 2.4", 30TPI

Drivetrain and Brakes
Rear Derailleur

Shimano Altus RD-M2000 9 Speed

Front Derailleur

Shimano FD-M2020-TS, 31.8mm

Shifters

Shimano SL-M2010 R-fire plus, 2 way release w/gear indicator

Crankset

Shimano FC-MT2102 2-piece Design, 36X22

Bottom Bracket Set

Shimano BB-MT500 Hollowtech II, threaded

Chain

KMC X9

Cassette

Shimano CS-HG200-9, 11-36T

Brakes

Tektro HDM276, Hydr. Disc

Brake Rotors

Tektro

- 6 bolts

- F&R 160mm

Pedals

Feimin FP-873-ZU

Cockpit
Handlebars

Syncros 3.0

- 680mm black

- 31.8mm

- 12mm rise

- 9° BS Syncros Women Pro grip

Stem

Syncros 3.0

- 7°

- Black

Seat Post

Syncros 3.0 31.6mm

- 350mm

- Black

Saddle

Syncros Savona 2.5 V-Concept

Additional Information
Bike Weight

14.30kg, 31.53lb

Max. Allowable Weight - 128kg / 282lb
*Specifications subject to change without notice

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the bike packaged and how long does delivery take?

All bikes are securely packaged to ensure that damage doesn't occur during shipping. All parts of the bike are padded and if needed, zip tied to minimize or eliminate movement inside the box. Once a bike is handed to the shipping company (usually Fedex or UPS), depending on your location, delivery will range from 1 day to 8 days. If you do choose the option for Professional Assembly or White Glove Delivery, this can add anywhere from 2 days to 5 days to the lead time.

Can I finance the purchase of my new bike?

Yes.  Simply select the Shop Pay Installments option which will allow you to buy now and pay later.  Shop Pay Installments is powered by Affirm.  If you would like to determine your spending limit, simply download the Shop app or the Affirm app on your smartphone and after you create an account on one of these apps, the app will let you know what is your spending limit.

Can I return the bike if it doesn't suit my needs?

Our return process is as follows. The customer is responsible for the return label ($150). Once the returned bike arrives at our warehouse, our team will inspect it and make sure it is in new condition and undamaged. Once we verify, we will process the return and issue a refund to the original payment method on file. To clarify the amount refunded, it would just be the amount of the bike (and tax if applicable) less the $150 shipping label that we provided, but the original shipping is not refunded. So if the original bike cost $4,500 and shipping was $150 (so you paid $4,650), you would be refunded $4,350 (the $4,500 less $150 for the return label) assuming the bike was returned in new and un-used condition and within the 30 day return period.

What does the warranty of my new bike or product cover and what is the warranty period?

Depending on the bike or any product, different companies have different warranty policies.  If you do ever have an issue with your bike or any product, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will assist with any warranty issues and clarify the warranty for the affected product.

Can I have my bike serviced at any bike shop?

Typically, to avoid any issues with your warranty, you should bring your bike to a certified mechanic or bike store for that bike (i.e. if you have a Trek bicycle, you should bring the bike to be serviced to a local bike store that is an authorized Trek dealer).  If you need assistance, simply email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we can direct you to a certified dealer of your bike.

Do you ship bikes internationally?

We unfortunately do not ship bikes outside of the 48 contiguous states of the United States. We do recommend for international customers to open (or use a current account) account with a freight forwarding company. If you use a freight forwarding company located in the U.S., make sure to put your billing address for a dedicated credit card as the same address as the freight forwarder so that you don't have any credit card or payment method issues).

Once you do this, simply place an order with us and we can ship to the U.S. address as long as the credit card doesn't get rejected. Once the freight forwarder has the box/order/shipment, you would instruct them to then ship to you in your home country and they would charge you their own shipping charge to ship to your international address.

Do you offer free shipping?

We do offer free shipping on non-bike orders over $100. We do not offer free shipping for bicycles unless it is a one time promotion. Generally, bike shipping will cost $150 and that covers just the shipping of the bike with no assembly. If you were to bring that bike to your local mechanic or bike store, you would pay them their assembly fee. If you choose our Professional Assembly option for $200, our service technicians would assemble the bike before shipping and then re-pack the bike safely for transit. When you receive the bike you would attach the front wheel, attach the seatpost/saddle, and raise the handlebars and clamp them. Those three items do have to be detached to minimize or eliminate the chance of damage in transit.

How much does shipping cost?

For orders of parts, accessories, apparel, etc. on orders under $100, shipping is a flat rate of $9.99. Regular bike shipping without assembly is $150, bike shipping with Professional Assembly is an additional $200 (so $350 in total which includes the $150 of regular shipping). Our White Glove Delivery option is $699 and that will cover the assembly of the bike and our White Glove Delivery partner delivering your dream bike to your front door, ready to ride!

How can I track my order?

When you place your online order, you will receive an instantaneous email update with your order number and order details, and shortly after, you will receive a follow up order email with the tracking number for your order.  If you still need assistance with your order, feel free to email us at online@victorybicyclestudio.com and we will respond asap.

What happens if my package arrives damaged?

If your package arrives damaged, email online@victorybicyclestudio.com with pictures of all angles of the box and pictures of the damaged product and we will work with you to either send a new replacement asap and coordinate return (or re-imburse you for labor or costs incurred to fix the issue at your local bike store).

Are pedals included with the bike?

If you do not see pedals in the bullet point product specs on the product page, the bike does not come equipped with pedals.  Many manufacturers do not spec bikes with pedals, so they are often purchased separately.

If I only pay the $150 for bike shipping, can I assemble the bike on my own?

Victory Bicycle Studio highly recommends that you bring your bike to your local certified bike store for the brand of the bike that you purchased. If you do attempt to assemble the bike and damage occurs, this may result in your warranty not being honored. For that reason, we do highly recommend to select our Professional Assembly option for $299.