Juliana

The bikes are closely integrated with Santa Cruz frame development and technical support. Riders may consider Juliana for its smaller size availability, distinct colors and build packages, and women-centered identity. The limited lineup makes the range easy to understand, although it offers fewer frame sizes and price points than larger mountain bike brands.

What Juliana Makes

Juliana’s current catalog consists of four full-suspension platforms:

• • Wilder: A 29-inch cross-country and light-trail bike with 115mm of rear travel and a 120mm fork

• • Joplin: A short-travel 29er with 120mm at the rear and a 130mm fork, intended for efficient trail riding

• • Furtado: A mixed-wheel trail bike combining a 29-inch front wheel, 27.5-inch rear wheel, 130mm of rear travel, and a 140mm fork

• • Roubion: The most descent-focused model, with mixed wheels, 150mm of rear travel, and a 160mm fork

• • Complete bikes and framesets: Selected models are offered in Carbon C complete builds and higher-tier Carbon CC builds or framesets, depending on model year and availability

A Focused Line Within the Santa Cruz System

Juliana’s relationship with Santa Cruz is important when comparing its bikes with other women-focused brands. It should not be assumed that every Juliana uses fundamentally different geometry simply because the range is marketed to women. For example, the published Furtado geometry matches the Santa Cruz 5010 in their shared sizes.

The practical differences are more likely to involve the available size run, model name, finish, component package, and overall brand identity. This can be an advantage for riders who want Santa Cruz-derived frame development and service resources but prefer Juliana’s presentation or available specifications. It also means buyers should compare geometry charts rather than treating gender labels as a substitute for fitting.

The lineup places particular emphasis on smaller riders. The Furtado, Joplin, and Roubion are offered in XS through M, while the Wilder runs from S through L. That range leaves limited options for taller riders. Someone who fits beyond a medium on the longer-travel bikes may need to consider the corresponding Santa Cruz range or another manufacturer.

Wheel format also separates the models. The 29-inch Joplin and Wilder prioritize rollover and momentum, while the mixed-wheel Furtado and Roubion use a smaller rear wheel for additional clearance and a more compact rear end. The tradeoff is that an MX bike requires two tire, tube, and potentially rim sizes rather than one.

What to Know Before Buying

Start with stack, reach, effective top-tube length, seat-tube length, and standover rather than the suggested rider-height chart alone. Dropper-post insertion is especially important on an XS or S frame. A post that cannot be lowered far enough can undermine the benefit of selecting a smaller bicycle.

Choose travel around the terrain actually ridden. The Wilder is the most appropriate starting point for cross-country speed, while the Joplin provides more conventional trail capability without the weight and slower handling of an enduro bike. The Furtado occupies the versatile middle of the range. The Roubion makes more sense for steep, rough descents than for riders whose trails are mostly smooth or rolling.

Suspension setup should be treated as part of the purchase. Air pressure, sag, rebound, tire pressure, and control position need to be adjusted for the rider rather than left at showroom settings. On models equipped with an adjustable geometry chip, changing its position affects bottom-bracket height and suspension behavior, so the setting should be recorded before additional adjustments are made.

Confirm the exact model year before ordering a derailleur hanger, linkage hardware, shock parts, frame protection, or other replacements. Current storefront inventory spans multiple model years, and similarly named builds can use different drivetrains, suspension components, and wheels. Carbon C and CC labels should also be compared at the complete-bike level; an expensive transmission or carbon wheel upgrade may matter more to one rider than the frame tier.

Juliana is best suited to riders seeking a premium carbon mountain bike in a smaller size, particularly those drawn to its focused community and model selection. Riders wanting an entry-level aluminum bike, a hardtail, an e-bike, a broader range of sizes, or more choices below premium pricing will find stronger alternatives elsewhere.