{"product_id":"scott-contessa-active-40-aluminum-9-speed-hardtail-mountain-bike","title":"Scott Contessa Active 40 Aluminum 9-Speed Hardtail Mountain Bike","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003cstrong\u003eThe frame features a narrower 680mm Syncros Women Pro grip handlebar\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe drivetrain is \u003cstrong\u003eShimano Altus 2x9\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWomen entering mountain biking who want a women's-specific geometry and cockpit rather than a standard bike in smaller sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiders who benefit from a narrower handlebar width and adjusted reach proportions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrail riders looking for a capable hardtail with hydraulic disc brakes at an accessible price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRiders in smaller sizes who benefit from the 27.5-inch wheel option for better standover and handling balance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat to Look For\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheel size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCockpit proportions:\u003c\/strong\u003e The 680mm bar and Contessa-adjusted geometry are designed for shorter arms and narrower shoulders — compare these dimensions to your own during a fit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFork lockout:\u003c\/strong\u003e The hydraulic lockout on the XCT30 fork is genuinely useful for road connectors and smooth climbs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey Features\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFrame:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGroupset:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrakes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWheels:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRider Intent Summary\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBiggest strengths:\u003c\/strong\u003e Genuine women's-specific geometry and cockpit, mixed-wheel sizing, and hydraulic disc brakes at an entry-level price\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTradeoffs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Altus drivetrain is entry-level; Tektro rather than Shimano hydraulics; 30TPI tire casing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat makes it different:\u003c\/strong\u003e 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\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eVictory's Take\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Scott","offers":[{"title":"Light Blue \/ M","offer_id":53469722181939,"sku":"286381-908","price":1150.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0981\/3685\/0739\/files\/mrwpobuwlyu6qbom46fd.jpg?v=1780428027","url":"https:\/\/victorybicyclestudio.com\/products\/scott-contessa-active-40-aluminum-9-speed-hardtail-mountain-bike","provider":"Victory Bicycle Studio","version":"1.0","type":"link"}