For nearly as long as the activity has existed, biking has been a male-dominated industry. On all fronts, R&D, engineering, testing, graphics and marketing, the percentage of women actually involved in the product development process has been minimal at best.

Three years ago, in the spirit of Title IX, the landmark 1972 legislation that gave women equality in college athletics. K2's Ski division introduced a women's-specific ski collection that was driven from concept to execution by a carefully selected group of women skiers.

To make sure that the T:Nine bike line is authentic, K2 has recruited a team of 5 women bikers, each representing a key demographic within women's biking. Called the Alliance Team, these women are responsible for providing direction in all areas of bike development as well as determining the marketing direction for the T:Nine collection.

• Lightweight, durable aluminum frame is designed around a woman's long legs and short torso (as compared to a man) affording a more comfortable fit
• Answer Manitou R7 front fork features rebound adjustment and 100mm travel for smoothing bumps and hard landings
• Answer Manitou Radium R Air rear shock with rebound adjuster cushions the back end and keeps the rear wheel on the ground for better control
• Hayes Sole hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stopping power no matter the pitch of the slope or how wet the weather
• Truvativ Firex Giga X Pipe crankset powers the SRAM PG-980 11-32 cassette for awesome climbing power and blazing downhill rides
• SRAM X-7 trigger shifters, X-9 rear derailleur and X-Gen front derailleur provide instant response through all 27 speeds
• Features Shimano Deore performance hubs and Kenda Nevegal 26x1.95 tires for clawlike grip on dirt and rock
• Crank Brothers Eggbeater C clipless pedals optimize the transmission of power and offer secure retention and easy release
• Streamline T-Nine Performance saddle provides women-specific shaping for optimal support and comfort in an offroad ride

As featured in Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year 2006. "In Moab, testers powereed up steep slickrock and rutted trails with nonchalance. But it's not just a mountain goat: The new Linear Link rear suspension, which provides almost four inches of travel, yielded one of the most natural feeling rides of any bike tested. The SRAM drivetrain is straight value, and we dig the short-reach brake levers."