In the last 3 or 4 years we've seen a huge increase in the number of high performance hybrid bikes on the market, and for good reason. Many customers who have previously owned hardtail mountain bikes and used them mainly for daily commutes and fitness riding on pavement and light trails have discovered that their bikes are a bit overbuilt for their purposes. Unless you're carving up rougher trails or bombing downhill a hybrid offers more efficiency and therefore faster, more pleasurably riding.
What we haven't seen a lot of are women's specific hybrid designs, but that's not the case with Marin. They've created this Terra Linda model that features tube lengths tailored to a women's dimensions. The frame is made of triple butted aluminum and the bike also features a lightweight carbon fibre front fork. Also featuring a Shimano Sora drivetrain this bike is great value at $800.
If you're a women who likes fitness riding or commuting in a relatively upright position using flat bars but you still want a fast, light bike come and check out the Marin Terra Linda.