Top 16 cheap Bikes & Frames for Ladies

Juliana Joplin 2.1 AL Mountain Bike Frame - 2018 - Women's

Not content to be a one-trick pony, the Juliana Joplin 2.1 AL Mountain Bike Frame seamlessly transitions from grueling cross-country races to trail rides where sweeping berms, rock rolls, and elevated bridges pose a challenge to your skills. Although it could be categorized as a fast-rolling XC machine in 29er form, the Joplin 2.0 doesn't like to be pigeonholed, defying its short-travel genre with progressive trail geometry, plus the ability to switch between 29-inch and 27.5+ wheels with its flip-chip linkage. This particular frame has aluminum construction for reliable strength without the higher price of its carbon brethren.

Taking design cues from Santa Cruz's iconic Tallboy, the Joplin 2.1 blurs the line between razor-sharp XC scalpel and spirited trail bike with its 110-millimeters of VPP suspension paired with Juliana's recommendation for running either a 120 or 130-millimeter fork (for 29ers or 27.5+). This combination of shorter travel out back with extra plushness out front makes it pedal with resounding efficiency, but with a bit more margin for error when you're dropping into rocky descents and sending side-hits along the trail. Where the Joplin differs from the Tallboy lies within its female-specific shock tune. By tuning the Fox Float Performance DPS shock for lighter riders, it feels more active tracking over speed-sapping rocks and roots.

The VPP suspension gets 10-millimeters of extra travel over the previous Joplin 1.0, aligning the newest Joplin with the current crop of do-it-all trail rigs with approximately 4.5-inches of travel. Not only is the travel a bit more substantial at 4.5 inches/110 millimeters, but the revised VPP platform makes it perform better, so you can squeeze every last drop of bump-compliance out of the suspension. Juliana engineered it to be more supple off-the-top, meaning you'll gain better traction when you're riding over bumpy rock and root sections. The shock's ramp-up arc remains more consistent until the end for a smooth, consistent feel, at which point it becomes progressive to resist bottom-outs on bigger hits and large rocks. This shock progression is especially important, as it allows you to use a 110-millimeter travel bike on bigger terrain where you'd normally blow through all your travel.

One of the Joplin's best features lies in the ability to switch between high and low geometry settings, and in doing so, change the fast-rolling 29-inch wheels for the voluminous traction of 27.5+ wheels. The flip-chip rotates along the upper link, allowing the shock mount to migrate between high (29er) and low (27.5+) settings, but without a drastic change in the bike's geometry. In fact, Juliana preserved the 68-degree head tube angle between both wheel sizes for confident descending when the trail turns steep and rocky, as well as keeping the short 17-inch chainstays and low-slung bottom bracket of 13 inches for nimble turning and stable handling.

Yeti Cycles SB5 Beti Carbon GX Eagle Mountain Bike - Women's

The Yeti Beti SB5 uses a frame that's identical to the critically-acclaimed SB5, but with a lighter shock tune as well as touch points (grips, handlebar, saddle) that are better suited for smaller and lighter riders. Born on the rugged trails of Colorado, the Beti SB5 represents everything a modern trail bike should be: lightweight, nimble on the climbs, and dominant on the descents. With 5in of bump-gobbling Switch Infinity travel out back paired with a 6in travel Fox 36 fork up front, this bike is capable of tackling everything from all-day rides on raw backcountry singletrack, to quick laps at your local trail network, or even ripping the bike park on the weekend. On this SB5 Beti Carbon GX Eagle Complete Mountain Bike, all parts are high-performing and durable enough to withstand multiple seasons of use while coming in at a price point that leaves you enough to fund riding trips to epic mountain bike destinations to see just how far you can push this bike. For 2019, Yeti beefed up the fork stanchions from 34 to 36mm for more lateral and torsional stiffness on the front end to help it track better, and also gave the bike clearance for up to 2.8in wide plus tires. This significantly expands your tire options so you can run the right tread for the conditions at hand. Whether it's fast-rolling 2.3's for snappy handling on buff singletrack, meaty 2.5 or 2.6's for a mix of rugged conditions, or high-volume 2.8's for the chunky rock ledges of places like Moab, the SB5 can run them all. This build comes with 2.6in tires that find a nice middle ground between ground-hugging traction and reasonable rolling resistance.

A huge part of the Beti SB5's success is the Switch Infinity suspension design. It's certainly one of the best platforms we've ridden, made so by the translating main pivot with two Kashima-coated stanchions that switches directions as you move through the travel. The mechanism moves upward in the initial travel, providing excellent anti-squat characteristics in the pedaling zone for superior pedaling performance and mid-stroke support, all without sacrificing small-bump compliance. The link switches directions and moves back downward as you get deeper into the travel, dropping the anti-squat drastically and decoupling chain forces from the suspension, allowing the rear shock to better absorb impacts. Simply put, Switch Infinity is buttery-smooth throughout the entire travel, inspiring confidence on technical descents while remaining exceptionally efficient on the climbs by preserving your energy with minimal suspension bob.

We'd be doing you a disservice if we didn't talk about Yeti's carbon and the bike's geometry. This build is constructed from Yeti's C-Series carbon fiber, making for a frame that weighs just over 6lb with shock, depending on the size. This puts the bike on the lighter end of the trail bike spectrum despite the minor 250g weight penalty compared to the Beti SB5 frame made of TURQ carbon. This weight difference is due to a different carbon lay-up that allows Yeti to offer the C-Series frames at a lower cost, without sacrificing strength, stiffness, or ride quality compared to the TURQ frames. Yeti is quite confident in their carbon so starting in 2019, all frames come with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, including the Switch Infinity link itself. Available in sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large for riders from 4'11 up to 6'6, the slack geometry inspires you to test your limits, while the low-slung top tube and short standover height give you confidence to lower your center of gravity for more control on tricky sections of trail, as well as easier dismounts in surprise situations.

Juliana Furtado Carbon 27.5+ S Mountain Bike - Women's

The Furtado line from Juliana has created high expectations that resonate across the industry, and the Furtado Carbon 27.5+ S Complete Mountain Bike is no exception thanks to this year’s redesign which gives it a slacker, more versatile geometry than ever before. Featuring a playful feel that flicks around tight corners, maximizes efficiency while you pedal up rock-littered steeps, and appreciates a speedy, energetic descent, this bike redefines what it means to be called a trail bike. The Furtado makes a wider range of terrain accessible to you, with a low-slung geometry that feels more stable at high speeds without losing the agility, efficiency, and nimble handling that made its predecessors able to successfully replace a garage full of bikes with different applications. This version also features 27.5+ tires, which enhance traction as you climb and add cushion for harder landings as you cruise over drops and jumps on the way back down.

As has been the trend with previous Furtado redesigns, the latest model leads with a slacker head tube angle, down from 67 degrees to 66.5 in its high setting and 66.2 in its low setting. The high and low settings owe their presence to a significant change out back, where Juliana’s flip-chip technology lets you tweak the shock attachment to tune the bike’s geometry for the terrain and riding style at hand. Feeling more of an aggressive, downhill vibe—maybe even with some lift assistance? Go low to send it with the confidence of that extra stability underfoot. Planning on a full day of pedaling? Go high to enjoy a front end less prone to wandering on climbs.

Not only does the flip-chip allow you to ride in a more slacked-out position if you so choose, but it also gives you ample clearance to run wider tires—up to 2.8in. Juliana outfits this particular Furtado with 2.6in tires, which deliver all the traction and bump-smoothing benefits of a traditional 2.8in tire, but without feeling overly vague or excessively heavy. This 2.6in tire gives confidence to monster truck across the rockiest stretches of trail but without worrying about the tire squirming under hard braking and cornering like a larger 2.8in tire.

The slightly longer reach is another major update to this generation’s Furtado. It may be a touch more than you’re used to on a trail bike, but it provides a roomier cockpit for plenty of knee clearance even when you’re shifting your weight toward your bars for those extra steep climbs. This alignment increases composure at the higher speeds you'll be pushing for, and the seat tube is a full degree steeper to keep you in an optimal pedaling position whether you're climbing for thousands of vertical feet or muscling up a short, punchy climbs with rocks and roots standing in your way. The longer reach and slacker head tube are also offset by a short stem, which keeps handling snappy even while you reap the benefits of more stable confidence.

Despite the changes, the new Furtado retains the high degree of pedaling efficiency and bottom-out resistance its predecessors featured courtesy of its VPP suspension. This VPP platform neatly tucks the lower link above the bottom bracket to protect it from rock strikes and damage from flinging trail debris. The upper portion remains attached to the top tube with a new stiffer box-section upper link. While other DH-oriented frames in the Juliana line have moved to a lower-link mounted shock, the Furtado retains its upper link-mounted shock to minimize the risk of bottoming out even with its reduced travel. That being said, it's spec'd with a FOX DPX2 Float Performance shock for a supple feel with improved traction while pedaling over bumpy trail sections, as well as greater resistance to heating up for more consistency on those long descents. Juliana tuned the shock specifically for lighter, female riders, so this bike complements your riding style in a manner that maximizes sensitivity and response without sacrificing power.

One thing that hasn't changed is Juliana's carbon manufacturing. This particular frame benefits from the resounding stiffness and strength you've come to love from the Northern California brand's Carbon C layup. This high degree of stiffness translates to lightning-quick acceleration when you're powering out of a corner or hammering up a steep, punchy climb on the trail, as well as allows you to hold your line over rugged stretches of trail. Additionally, you'll find the Carbon C frame pairs nicely with SRAM's GX Eagle group, which provides you with the range needed for steep, extensive climbs as well as lets you find your max speed more efficiently. The frame is backed by an amazing lifetime warranty, so you'll have peace of mind for riding hard and fast out on the trail.

Juliana Furtado Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - Women's

Juliana’s Furtado has been the go-to for versatile female riders for quite some time, balancing the need between efficient climbing and powerful descents. The Furtado Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame is the customizable version of the quiver-killer you love. The Furtado is an all-around bike that emphasizes rider strengths, so it’s no surprise that you’d want to customize the build for your exact preferences, for everything from components to personality.

In the high setting you'll find the geometry has slackened a touch, from the previous bike's 67-degree head tube angle down to 66.5 degrees. If you desire an even slacker geometry for steep descents with intimidating rocks and roots posing a threat, you can slacken it even further down to 66.2 degrees. These slacker figures make it all the more capable on terrain that used to be a bit overwhelming for the Furtado, allowing this trail bike to drop into terrain where you'd normally want an all-mountain bike. Besides being slacker, the Furtado has a 15-millimeter longer reach for a better overall fit on a trail bike of this pedigree. And to compensate for the slacker, longer geometry, the seat tube angle is steeper by one full degree for an optimal pedaling position where you can really lay down power on long climbs.

As you'd expect from a Juliana, the Furtado retains the high degree of bump compliance, pedaling efficiency, and bottom-out resistance of its VPP suspension platform. While others in the Juliana line have moved to a lower-link mounted shock, the Furtado retains its upper link-style VPP platform, seeing it's not as gravity-oriented as the Roubion or Strega. This Carbon CC build benefits greatly from a FOX DPX2 Float Factory, which gives you a more supple feel with heightened traction while pedaling over bumpy sections of trail.

The Furtado features top tier CC carbon fiber construction. By using some of the finest and strongest raw materials available, Juliana is able to make its CC level frames extremely lightweight, while maintaining outstanding impact resistance, exceptional stiffness, and just the right amount of finely tuned flex to cancel out trail chatter. Of course, balancing these factors requires true mastery of carbon fiber, and the design team at Juliana has proven time and time again that their command of carbon fiber construction is unsurpassed in the bike industry. The result is a frame that will hold up to years of hard riding, will provide a comfortable ride, and will do so at a very competitive weight.

One thing that hasn't changed for 2019 is Juliana's commitment to delivering an optimal fit and riding feel for female riders with a lighter shock tune that's developed exclusively for females, seeing they're on average 30 pounds lighter. There's an extra-small available for even the shortest of females, meaning you'll finally have a bike that's custom tailored to your shorter stature without having to ride a larger bike and make major compromises. What they haven't done is water down their dialed geometry with a swooping top tube, higher front end, and shorter reach like much of the competition, which only leads to major compromises in ride quality and handling when you're actually riding hard and fast on the trail.

Juliana Joplin Carbon S Mountain Bike - Women's

Built with some big updates that boost it into the modern world, the Juliana Joplin Carbon S Complete Mountain Bike has Boost rear spacing, and a new geometry, to push its boundaries from smooth and rolling singletrack to all-mountain trail riding. This is in part thanks to a slacker head tube that tracks with control through rocky sections, and a stiffer rear end that allows for flickable maneuverability. And not to mention 110mm of travel, allowing you to tackle terrain from the chunky rock gardens to long climbs loaded with tight switchbacks on this more-capable-than-ever XC and trail machine.

This year, the Joplin moves away from its XC race dedicated roots, and slides into a versatile all-mountain spot. By dropping the head tube angle a full 2.2-degrees, landing at the moderately slack 68-degrees, the Joplin feels more stable on descents than before, and with the addition of Boost spacing in the rear, you won't find that agility is sacrificed for this stability. Boost spacing stretches the rear hub outward to 148mm, allowing for the rear end to be tucked up underneath the bike, shaving 13.3mm off of the chainstays, which gives the bike a lively and snappy feel when putting down power, or getting playful on rollers and roots. With the updated geometry, the Joplin now enjoys its ability to bounce back and forth from XC race day on rolling singletrack, to chunkier trails up higher on the mountain.

The Virtual Pivot Point suspension has also taken queues from all-mountain trail bikes, gaining an additional 10mm, which aligns the Joplin perfectly with the emerging crop of 4.5in, do-it-all bikes. Suspension also happens to be where we find the key difference between the Joplin and the Tallboy—the shock tune. Juliana's market research finds that the typical women cyclist weighs in about 30lb lighter than men, and the shock was adjusted so that we can enjoy the same plush benefits of VPP as the guys. This model features a FOX Float Performance DPS shock, with a light shock tune that allows us to take full advantage of the 4.5-inches of travel. Despite the changes in tune, the VPP design is a carry-over from Santa Cruz's re-worked frames like the Bronson 2.0 and 5010 2.0. It's inspired by the enduro-roots of the Nomad, and as a result, the links stay out of the way, which allows the shock to nestle in its spot with room for bottle cages, and enabling more ground clearance with lower standover height.

The latest VPP's changes aren't limited to wandering links, though; the system's tuning has also been tweaked. Where the old suspension curve described a deep "U," the new VPP's curve resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the arc and, as mentioned above, a lighter tune to give lighter riders access to the deep end. The results are that, during the initial and mid stroke, it boasts improved square edge bump compliance to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction across lumpy trails and root latticed climbs. It also maintains its predecessor's firm feel during accelerations, so it won't dampen the Joplin's spirited kick while rallying for position in a mass start or a finishing sprint. The shock's ramp-up arc doesn't dramatically alter as the shock compresses, so the pedaling platform stays consistent across travel, with less wallowing, bob, and bottom-outs, even while the Boost axle's path turns rearward to absorb bigger hits deep in its travel.

Juliana's industry-leading carbon fiber construction has made its way to the Joplin, although this version uses a slightly lower grade of carbon fiber than the top-tier Carbon CC frame. This requires more material to achieve the same strength, so it does carry a bit more weight, but in every other aspect it's held to the same uncompromising standards as Juliana's Carbon CC frames. The upshot is that you get a frame that's every bit as stiff and strong at much more palatable price point. The frame's two carbon triangles are built as whole pieces rather than glued together from disparate bits, a method that saves weight and increases structural integrity by allowing Santa Cruz to wrap carbon continuously through and around key junctures. This process reinforces the frame with less material while eliminating the artificial stress points that result from bonded construction methods. Finally, the carbon is also compacted from the inside and the outside for a more even finish that avoids any structural defects, excess material build-up, and resin pooling for (you guessed it) even more weight savings.

The Joplin's reworked linkage means it's one-by only, but with the huge gear range of SRAM Eagle, this built still offers you some easy-pedaling bailout cogs that might be missed in other one-by drivetrains. The threaded bottom bracket is another feature that we've come to just expect from the California-based brand, and it's a strong selling point for those who don't like dealing with the tricky tolerances and creaky interface of press-fit models.

Juliana Furtado Carbon 27.5 R Mountain Bike - Women's

The Juliana Furtado C 27.5 R Complete Mountain Bike is a versatile trail machine, not a one-trick enduro sled or XC pony, so it can keep up with you whether you’re sweating up a technical ascent, flowing through sweeping descents, or dicing techy sections. This nimble bike bike has a long, slack geometry that increases stability without sacrificing the playfulness of its 27in wheels and short chainstays. The 2.3in tire width provides traction without the added rolling resistance and slow rebound of a larger tire, though the frame still provides clearance for larger tires if you find yourself favoring looser terrain.

The little sister to Juliana's enduro-bred Roubion, the Furtado emphasizes surgical precision, especially on tighter trails where trees and rocks pose clearance issues. That being said, this bike doesn't sacrifice much in the way of descending composure versus the Roubion, thanks to a reinvigorated geometry that's longer, slacker, and low-slung. The 67-degree head tube angle keeps you confident and composed when you're dropping into steep descents littered with rocks and sudden drops. Plus, it retains one of the lowest bottom brackets in Juliana's line at a mere 13.1 inches, keeping you glued to the trail when you're charging at high speeds and railing around corners. Another notable geometry number, the 16.7-inch chainstays are shorter than your average trail bike, making it quick to change direction around corners.

It's loaded with 130-millimeters of travel (just a tick over five inches) of VPP suspension, which balances responsive pedaling with bump-smoothing compliance over rock gardens and forest roots. Surprisingly, the engineers at Juliana made this 130-millimeters of VPP travel feel a bit deeper than the numbers suggest, making it suitable for conquering all but the most technical of trails. And because Juliana gives it a custom shock tune for lighter female riders, you'll find its more sensitive and responsive than a shock designed for heavier male riders.

This particular version of Juliana's VPP suspension recently underwent a subtle redesign in the top suspension linkage, now attaching it to the top tube for greater stiffness and extra stand-over clearance for shorter riders. The lower linkage is neatly tucked above the bottom bracket, protecting it from flinging rocks and trail debris. As always with VPP, you'll find it strikes a nice balance between pedaling efficiency on the climb and rock-smoothing plushness on the descent, making it complementary to the Furtado's balanced geometry.

Juliana's Carbon C frame makes the Furtado impressively stiff, meaning rider energy is better directed into forward motion with every turn of the cranks. This particular R build kit comes with a Fox Rhythm 34 130 fork, which provides stiff tracking and precise handling with its 34-millimeter stanchions and 130-millimeters of plush travel. It's finished off with the SRAM Eagle NX drivetrain, which gives you the Eagle 50-tooth climbing gear and a wide usable range without having to deal with a front derailleur. Given the 11-tooth top end cog, it’s not the fastest possible drivetrain, but your speed on the trail is determined by how you ride it—and while you love getting a new PR, you’re really here for the experience.

Ridley Liz SL Disc Ultegra Complete Road Bike

Some of us believe in the N+1 theory when it comes to bikes. That is, the correct number of bikes in our quiver is always one more than we've got, but Ridley flips that theory on its head with the Liz SL Disc Ultegra Complete Road Bike. This do-it-all endurance machine is capable of hammering centuries and hill sprints alike, and carries its strength through to race day when you're toeing the line with the podium on your mind. It manages to capture so many categories by combining a meticulous carbon layup with diamond constructed tubes that reduce aerodynamic drag, while elevating stiffness for putting the power down. This year's Liz continues Ridleys trend of offering the same race-proven geometry to women as it's men's line, but with different touch points that better suit our anatomy, like a narrower bar, and female-specific saddle.

The Liz SL is built from a blend of 30t and 24t high-modulus carbon fiber, just like the Fenix SL, a move that we can't applaud enough in an industry rife with examples of shrink, pink, and downgrade when it comes to women-specific fare. While its geometry stays the same in both the C and SL designations, the SL features a blend of 30t and 24t carbon layups to differentiate the two frames. The SL opts for a more expensive layup with two different gauge carbons, 24t and 30t, offering unbeatable stiffness, while maintaining intensely light construction. This particular model pairs its stiff frame with disc brakes, as opposed to the classic rim brakes. While they may scale in just a couple of grams heavier than their rim counterparts, the Ultegra 8000 brakes on this SL offer impeccable modulation, and the power to stop on a dime on the steepest pitches,

Ridley maintains the plush ride in a light, stiff as a result of a few design choices. These include narrow, flat-section seat stays that absorb power-sucking road noise while maintaining lateral stiffness. The stays feed into a vertically compliant 27.2mm seatpost, and the flat, curved top tube serves as a leaf spring of sorts that works in conjunction with the seatstays and slimmed-down seatpost. The net result is a system-wide vibration damping and compliance for a more forgiving ride across everything from rural chip seal to the jarring stones of Belgium.

The top tube and down tube utilize a unique multi-hexagonal shape, which is undoubtedly partially responsible for the Liz's torsional rigidity and responsiveness. At the front, Ridley utilizes a tapered head tube that makes for increased stiffness while torqueing on the bars and exceptional handling and cornering capabilities while sweeping through descents or diving through the final turn before a finish sprint.

For an extra dose of stiffness, Ridley opts for a beefy PressFit BB86 shell. The wide bottom bracket shell anchors the oversized drive spine, solidly transferring every bit of power to the drivetrain without any watt-sucking lateral movement. While this frame isn't billed as specifically aerodynamic, it does boast an integrated fork crown for a smooth transition between the head tube and fork that at least offers the appearance of aerodynamics. You'll enjoy some drag-reduction benefits over frames without the integrated fork crown, and it just plain looks cleaner.

Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - Women's

Strega is the Italian word for witch, and we're not sure if the folks at Juliana picked the name or designed the frame first. Either way, the bike lives up to its namesake; you're in for a wicked good time as you get aggressive with the Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame's slack angles and efficient yet plush VPP suspension design. The Strega packs all the features you'd want in a hard-hitting enduro bike and gives you all the speed you'll need to keep from getting burned at the stake—err, off the line.

The big-hit Strega is easily the rowdiest, most capable women-specific enduro sled we've come across. The incredibly slack head tube angle is adjustable with a simple re-position of the flip-chip on the linkage, so you can customize the ride from a higher, trail-taming 65-degrees, to a DH-worthy 64.5-degrees. The DH setting also drops the bottom bracket and elongates the wheelbase, offering plenty of composition at speed yet staying agile enough to take anywhere. Regardless of setting, the steep 74.5-degree seat tube angle allows this bike to pedal well up sheer terrain. You can really get your weight forward, encouraging you to attempt the sharpest uphill switchbacks without resulting in extreme body-English while your power is right over the pedals.

The Strega's VPP suspension design takes cues from the Santa Cruz V10 and Nomad with its lower link location. Nestled in the lower link is the RockShox Super Deluxe RCT shock, with nearly 7in of suspension, positioned in a way to keep the bikes center of gravity as low as possible. No detail goes unnoticed with the Juliana team, and the shock has its own fender shielding it from errant trail debris.

The shock location also creates the most sensitive VPP platform in the Juliana line-up, providing a consistent linear feel throughout the shock stroke and a quality of travel that can make some DH bikes green with envy. New eye-to-eye lengths afford the use of the metric shock standard, gaining increased bushing overlap for a smoother stroke that encourages descending with reckless abandon and still allows room for a full-size water bottle to sit inside the downtube. The shock also receives a custom tune for lighter—yet no less heavy-hitting—riders.

The frame is constructed from top-of-the line CC carbon in a manufacturing facility exclusive to Juliana and Santa Cruz. A one-piece carbon lay-up is used to eliminate overlapping joints, saving weight because there is no need for extra carbon to bond or wrap those joints. Instead, carbon is wrapped seamlessly between tubes for better distribution of loads and impact energy, resulting in a stronger frame. Frame strength is further enhanced by Juliana’s ability to achieve maximum compaction of the carbon layers. This prevents resin migration, resulting in a stout frame that is almost as smooth on the inside as it is on the outside. The lay-up also allows them to integrate full length tunnels for the internal cable routing, greatly simplifying the process of routing housing through the frame. A threaded bottom bracket further eases maintenance duties for the home mechanic and eliminates the BB creaks that often plague press fit systems. Finishing details include an integrated shuttle bumper to protect the frame when it's slung over a tailgate for shuttle laps, a downtube guard to protect from rock strikes, and molded chainstay protectors to silence chain slap. To cap it off, Juliana includes a lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty to the original registered owner.

Juliana Strega Carbon CC X01 Eagle Mountain Bike - Women's

Tame those tricky lines, hit bigger drops, and ride at speeds you didn't think were possible on the Strega Carbon CC X01 Eagle Complete Mountain Bike from Juliana. Its gravity-inspired shock configuration improves small bump compliance and big hits alike letting you fly downhill at eye-watering speeds, send it on those big bike park lines, as well as pedaling up into the high country for those memorable descents that you'll continuously daydream about. Strega is the Italian word for witch, and with its aggressive geometry, super plush suspension, and phenomenal Carbon CC frame, you'll be spellbound with the progression of your riding.

The Strega shares its DNA with the Santa Cruz Nomad and as such, it's a longer travel bike that has few peers in the women's market. Juliana knows there are plenty of aggressive riding ladies that desire a hard-hitting mountain bike and that's exactly what it delivers. It sports 170 millimeters of bump gobbling VPP travel, providing the discerning female rider with the proper tools to up their skills and speed in the park, on enduro stages, and epic days on technical terrain. You'll quickly appreciate that your equipment won't be holding you back on those lift access rides, repeated shuttle runs, or self-propelled adventures deep into high-alpine terrain.

One of the first features that catch your eye with the Strega is its reconfigured VPP suspension, driven by a lower-link mounted shock that's radically different from the Roubion, Furtado, and Joplin. This shock location takes cues directly from the Santa Cruz V10, renowned on the professional downhill circuit for its numerous World Cup victories and ridden by the fastest athletes on earth. On the Strega, the lower shock placement makes it suppler off the top with better small bump compliance so it tracks smoothly across steep and rugged terrain, much like a dedicated downhill bike. Another thing of note is that Juliana employs a custom shock tune on the RockShox Super Deluxe RCT that's designed for the lighter builds of female riders, allowing it to react better and not be overly harsh like shock tunes built for heavier riders.

Looking at the geometry numbers, the Strega provides aggressive trail confidence with its 65-degree head tube angle in its higher geometry setting making it one of the slackest women's specific bikes that we know of. Just a few short years ago, that head tube angle was relegated to lift-access and shuttle lap gravity sleds that's sole purpose was going downhill. However, more and more aggressive riders are seeking long-travel bikes that can actually pedal uphill too, and the engineers at Juliana designed it with a pedal-friendly 74.5-degree seat tube angle, again in its high geometry setting. This combines with the 500% gear range from its XO1 12-speed drivetrain to provide the means to power up steep punchy climbs as well as settling in on a fire road climb where the fun begins up top. The low-slung frame improves standover heights (as low as 27.7 inches on the XS frame) for shorter riders and allows for longer dropper post further boosting confidence on hairy double black diamond trails.

Juliana also engineered the Strega with a flip-chip at the linkage that changes the bike's geometry from that all-mountain 65-degree head tube angle we spoke of above, to an almost downhill-dedicated 64.6 degrees, as well as lowering the bottom bracket and slightly lengthen the wheelbase for greater composure at white-knuckle speeds. We wouldn't hesitate to enter a DH race when the machine is set up in this configuration. Another thoughtful detail that’s afforded by the reconfigured VPP setup includes a special fender that defends the shock from kicked up rocks and flying mud from the trail below. Juliana's obsession to detail didn't end there, and it gave the Strega a custom shuttle guard, so that beautiful Carbon CC frame and cerulean paint don't get damaged while banging around on truck tailgate pads.

Speaking of the Carbon CC frame, the Strega Carbon CC XO1 shaves a significant deal of weight from the Carbon C frame. Juliana achieves this by using a lighter and more expensive carbon lay-up, all without sacrificing one bit of strength or stiffness you've come to expect from Juliana carbon frames. You can expect about a half-pound savings over the C-grade carbon, which is a significant amount of weight loss no matter what discipline of bike you're talking about.  

Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - 2018 - Women's

Just one glance at the intriguing lines, flashy paint scheme, and gravity-inspired shock configuration of the Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame is all that's required to evoke thoughts of scintillating downhill laps and epic rides over formidable alpine terrain. Fittingly named after the Italian word for witch, we'd be lying if we didn't admit our spellbinding desire to the Strega's gorgeous aesthetics paired with a mix of aggressive geometry, smooth suspension, and top-flight Carbon CC frame.

Juliana set out to create a bike without equal in the world of women's market, throwing preconceived notions aside in favor of what women desire in a mountain bike with its 170-millimeters of VPP travel. That being said, it's purely intended for the demanding rider seeking a long-travel bike to push their ever-progressing skills over no-fall lines, rowdy rock gardens, and seriously treacherous descents. Ultimately, it's the type of bike for those pouring every bit of passion into their riding, regardless if it's lift-accessed downhills on the weekends or self-propelled adventures deep into the alpine wilderness.

One of the first things you'll notice with the Strega is the reconfigured VPP suspension, driven by a lower-link mounted shock that's radically different from the likes of Roubion, Furtado, and Joplin. This shock takes cues from the Santa Cruz V10, which is renowned for its dominance on the pro downhill circuit. Translated to the Strega, the lower shock placement makes it feel more consistent and linear throughout its stroke, tracking to steep descents and dicey lines in a smooth, supple fashion much like a downhill rig. Another important detail, Juliana employs a custom shock tune for the lighter bodies of female riders, making it more responsive when you're pedaling and descending over rugged stretches of trail.

Looking at the Strega's geometry, you'll notice its 65-degree head tube angle (in high geometry setting) makes it the slackest women's-specific bike on the market. A couple of years ago, this would limit the Strega to lift-accessed terrain and shuttle runs like most gravity bikes. However, realizing that many female riders desire a long-travel bike that actually propels itself back uphill, the designers at Juliana engineered it with a pedal-friendly 74.5-degree seat tube angle (high geometry setting). In conjunction with its longer reach, you'll find it's able to power up steep, punchy climbs without struggling to weight the front wheel like many of the slacker rigs in the gravity category.

Since mountain bikes are best when customized to your particular riding style, Juliana engineered it with a flip-chip on the linkage that changes its geometry from its stock 65-degree head tube angle to a downhill-dedicated 64.6 degrees, as well as lowering the bottom bracket and slightly elongating the wheelbase for greater composure on downhills. Another cool detail, the reconfigured shock includes a special fender that blocks flinging rocks and kicked-up mud. Juliana didn't stop there with the obsession to detail, hooking up the Strega with a custom shuttle guard, so your Carbon CC frame doesn't get damaged from banging around on truck tailgates.

Speaking of its Carbon CC frame, this version of the Strega offers a significant weight savings over the cheaper Carbon C frame—all without sacrificing the legendary strength and stiffness you've come to love from Juliana bikes. Although we don't have any real figures on hand for the weight savings, a typical Juliana Carbon CC frame weighs about nine ounces lighter than its Carbon C counterpart. Juliana achieves weight savings by using a lighter and stronger carbon fiber lay-up while trimming away strategic areas to reduce weight. And seeing it's custom designed for hard-charging ladies, low standover heights (as low as 27.7 inches for XS) make the most of the bike's aggressive geometry without compromising fit.

Ridley Jane SL Ultegra Road Bike - 2017 - Women's

The 2017 Ridley Jane SL Ultegra Complete Road Bike marks a bold step for Ridley as it launches a full line of women-specific bicycles, and we're happy to report that the company's done a lot of things right. Kicking back against the common myth that there's a consistent difference in leg to torso proportions between genders, Ridley opts for mirrored geometry to its Noah SL while adjusting the touchpoints to better suit riders with narrower shoulders and wider hip structure. Across the size range, this manifests as narrower handlebars, shorter stems and cranks, and wider saddles compared to similarly sized Noah SL builds. This particular Jane SL also gets outfitted with Shimano's exceptional Ultegra 6800 drivetrain with semi-compact gearing and an 11-28 cassette to offer a wide range of gear options for riders of all abilities.

In a world of shrink, pink, and downgrade, it's fantastic to see Ridley give the Jane SL the same top-tier carbon blend as the Noah SL, ensuring a snappy, high-end, race-ready ride that doesn't make any compromises in stiffness or weight. This Jane's oversized tubes earn the SL suffix—which we generally assume denotes the industry superlative Super Light—through Ridley's inclusion of a mix of 60, 40, and 30-ton high modulus carbon fiber. The inclusion of 60-ton means it can use less material at key points while maintaining the same stiffness, which lowers weight without sacrificing efficiency. As with the original Noah and Noah SL models, the Jane SL's different carbon moduli are used in different areas of the frame based on desired properties of stiffness, weight, durability, and road-noise damping.

This targeted blend of materials is a common practice across the industry, though few manufacturers go to the extreme of using 60t carbon—an inclusion that demonstrates the Jane SL's pedigree as a race bike for the top sprinters in the world. The SL also features a tapered head tube for sharp tracking and efficient power transfer, and the PF30 bottom bracket, internal cable routing, and electronic group compatibility that are all but expected in frames of this level. As with the Noah SL frame, Ridley incorporates its Future Aero Speed Technology (FAST) F-Surface design into the Jane SL, which involves fluted channels running the lengths of forward-facing tubes to trip air into a manageable layer of turbulence. That tripped layer detaches later and more cleanly, reducing the frame's wake and overall wind drag.

The Jane SL's high modulus carbon fiber fork mirrors the Noah SL's with a look that stands out as distinctly different from other road forks, with an open channel running down the middle of each leg. This FAST F-Split Fork channel design is revolutionary in its ability to guide incoming air away from the spokes to reduce turbulence and drag, which keeps the airstream around the wheel smooth and fast. By pairing this fork with the FAST F-Surface design, Ridley claims that the Jane SL enjoys a 3-5% reduction in drag over frames without FAST design. This means more speed with less effort, all thanks to a little bit of surface air routing.

Please note that Ridley recommends a maximum rider weight of 209.5 lbs (95kg) for the Jane SL.

Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - 2018 - Women's

Just one glance at the intriguing lines, flashy paint scheme, and gravity-inspired shock configuration of the Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame is all that's required to evoke thoughts of scintillating downhill laps and epic rides over formidable alpine terrain. Fittingly named after the Italian word for witch, we'd be lying if we didn't admit our spellbinding desire to the Strega's gorgeous aesthetics paired with a mix of aggressive geometry, smooth suspension, and top-flight Carbon CC frame.

Juliana set out to create a bike without equal in the world of women's market, throwing preconceived notions aside in favor of what women desire in a mountain bike with its 170-millimeters of VPP travel. That being said, it's purely intended for the demanding rider seeking a long-travel bike to push their ever-progressing skills over no-fall lines, rowdy rock gardens, and seriously treacherous descents. Ultimately, it's the type of bike for those pouring every bit of passion into their riding, regardless if it's lift-accessed downhills on the weekends or self-propelled adventures deep into the alpine wilderness.

One of the first things you'll notice with the Strega is the reconfigured VPP suspension, driven by a lower-link mounted shock that's radically different from the likes of Roubion, Furtado, and Joplin. This shock takes cues from the Santa Cruz V10, which is renowned for its dominance on the pro downhill circuit. Translated to the Strega, the lower shock placement makes it feel more consistent and linear throughout its stroke, tracking to steep descents and dicey lines in a smooth, supple fashion much like a downhill rig. Another important detail, Juliana employs a custom shock tune for the lighter bodies of female riders, making it more responsive when you're pedaling and descending over rugged stretches of trail.

Looking at the Strega's geometry, you'll notice its 65-degree head tube angle (in high geometry setting) makes it the slackest women's-specific bike on the market. A couple of years ago, this would limit the Strega to lift-accessed terrain and shuttle runs like most gravity bikes. However, realizing that many female riders desire a long-travel bike that actually propels itself back uphill, the designers at Juliana engineered it with a pedal-friendly 74.5-degree seat tube angle (high geometry setting). In conjunction with its longer reach, you'll find it's able to power up steep, punchy climbs without struggling to weight the front wheel like many of the slacker rigs in the gravity category.

Since mountain bikes are best when customized to your particular riding style, Juliana engineered it with a flip-chip on the linkage that changes its geometry from its stock 65-degree head tube angle to a downhill-dedicated 64.6 degrees, as well as lowering the bottom bracket and slightly elongating the wheelbase for greater composure on downhills. Another cool detail, the reconfigured shock includes a special fender that blocks flinging rocks and kicked-up mud. Juliana didn't stop there with the obsession to detail, hooking up the Strega with a custom shuttle guard, so your Carbon CC frame doesn't get damaged from banging around on truck tailgates.

Speaking of its Carbon CC frame, this version of the Strega offers a significant weight savings over the cheaper Carbon C frame—all without sacrificing the legendary strength and stiffness you've come to love from Juliana bikes. Although we don't have any real figures on hand for the weight savings, a typical Juliana Carbon CC frame weighs about nine ounces lighter than its Carbon C counterpart. Juliana achieves weight savings by using a lighter and stronger carbon fiber lay-up while trimming away strategic areas to reduce weight. And seeing it's custom designed for hard-charging ladies, low standover heights (as low as 27.7 inches for XS) make the most of the bike's aggressive geometry without compromising fit.

Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - 2018 - Women's

Just one glance at the intriguing lines, flashy paint scheme, and gravity-inspired shock configuration of the Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame is all that's required to evoke thoughts of scintillating downhill laps and epic rides over formidable alpine terrain. Fittingly named after the Italian word for witch, we'd be lying if we didn't admit our spellbinding desire to the Strega's gorgeous aesthetics paired with a mix of aggressive geometry, smooth suspension, and top-flight Carbon CC frame.

Juliana set out to create a bike without equal in the world of women's market, throwing preconceived notions aside in favor of what women desire in a mountain bike with its 170-millimeters of VPP travel. That being said, it's purely intended for the demanding rider seeking a long-travel bike to push their ever-progressing skills over no-fall lines, rowdy rock gardens, and seriously treacherous descents. Ultimately, it's the type of bike for those pouring every bit of passion into their riding, regardless if it's lift-accessed downhills on the weekends or self-propelled adventures deep into the alpine wilderness.

One of the first things you'll notice with the Strega is the reconfigured VPP suspension, driven by a lower-link mounted shock that's radically different from the likes of Roubion, Furtado, and Joplin. This shock takes cues from the Santa Cruz V10, which is renowned for its dominance on the pro downhill circuit. Translated to the Strega, the lower shock placement makes it feel more consistent and linear throughout its stroke, tracking to steep descents and dicey lines in a smooth, supple fashion much like a downhill rig. Another important detail, Juliana employs a custom shock tune for the lighter bodies of female riders, making it more responsive when you're pedaling and descending over rugged stretches of trail.

Looking at the Strega's geometry, you'll notice its 65-degree head tube angle (in high geometry setting) makes it the slackest women's-specific bike on the market. A couple of years ago, this would limit the Strega to lift-accessed terrain and shuttle runs like most gravity bikes. However, realizing that many female riders desire a long-travel bike that actually propels itself back uphill, the designers at Juliana engineered it with a pedal-friendly 74.5-degree seat tube angle (high geometry setting). In conjunction with its longer reach, you'll find it's able to power up steep, punchy climbs without struggling to weight the front wheel like many of the slacker rigs in the gravity category.

Since mountain bikes are best when customized to your particular riding style, Juliana engineered it with a flip-chip on the linkage that changes its geometry from its stock 65-degree head tube angle to a downhill-dedicated 64.6 degrees, as well as lowering the bottom bracket and slightly elongating the wheelbase for greater composure on downhills. Another cool detail, the reconfigured shock includes a special fender that blocks flinging rocks and kicked-up mud. Juliana didn't stop there with the obsession to detail, hooking up the Strega with a custom shuttle guard, so your Carbon CC frame doesn't get damaged from banging around on truck tailgates.

Speaking of its Carbon CC frame, this version of the Strega offers a significant weight savings over the cheaper Carbon C frame—all without sacrificing the legendary strength and stiffness you've come to love from Juliana bikes. Although we don't have any real figures on hand for the weight savings, a typical Juliana Carbon CC frame weighs about nine ounces lighter than its Carbon C counterpart. Juliana achieves weight savings by using a lighter and stronger carbon fiber lay-up while trimming away strategic areas to reduce weight. And seeing it's custom designed for hard-charging ladies, low standover heights (as low as 27.7 inches for XS) make the most of the bike's aggressive geometry without compromising fit.

Juliana Joplin Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - Women's

Quick enough for cross-country hot-laps and composed enough for trail riding, the Joplin Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame from Juliana lets you hit the mid-week XC races while still giving you the capability to tackle all-day backcounty epics on the weekends. Its playful yet efficient demeanor allows you to blast over slickrock slabs, carve through loam berms, and smash up an over root lattices with ease. The Joplin can be built up as a fast-rolling XC machine in 29er form, however, it defies categorization with its flip-chip linkage switching effortlessly between 29 and 27.5+ wheels, all without significantly altering geometry or messing with suspension kinematics. The flip-chip is key to the Joplin's dual persona, easily transitioning from the mile munching benefits of a 29er to the grip and rock-crawling ability of 27.5+ wheels and tires.

This top-shelf version of the Joplin receives Juliana's Carbon CC frame for weight savings in the neighborhood of 280 grams, versus the lower-priced Carbon C frame. This is a significant weight saving that's likely to appeal to the competitive cross-country racer or discerning trail rider looking to shave every possible ounce from their ride. And even though it's lighter than Juliana's lower-priced Carbon C frame, you'll be pleased to note it's every bit as strong and stiff, so you won't sacrifice anything in terms structural integrity or ride characteristics.

Borrowing design cues from Santa Cruz's iconic Tallboy, the Joplin blurs the line between razor-sharp XC scalpel and spirited trail bike with its 110-millimeters of VPP suspension paired with Juliana's recommendation for running either a 120 or 130-millimeter fork (29er/27.5+). The combination of shorter travel out back with extra plushness out front makes it pedal with resounding efficiency, but with greater margin for error when you're dropping into rocky descents. Where the Joplin differs from the Tallboy lies within its female-specific shock tune, which is targeted towards the lighter bodies of female riders. By tuning the FOX Float Performance Elite DPS shock for lighter female riders, you'll find it's more sensitive tracking over roots and rocks.

The VPP suspension gets 10-millimeters of extra travel over the first generation Joplin, aligning the newest version with the current crop of do-it-all trail rigs with approximately 4.5-inches of travel. Not only is the travel a bit more substantial at 4.5 inches/110 millimeters, but the revised VPP platform makes it perform better, so you can squeeze every last drop of bump-smoothing compliance from the suspension. Juliana engineered it to be more sensitive off-the-top, meaning you'll gain better traction when you're pedaling over bumpy sections of small rocks and roots. The shock's ramp-up arc remains more consistent until the end-stroke, at which point it becomes progressive to resist bottom-outs on bigger hits and steep descents. This shock progression is especially important, as it allows you to use a 110-millimeter travel bike on bigger terrain where you'd normally blow through all your travel.

One of the Joplin's best features lies in the ability to switch between high and low geometry settings with its flip-chip, and in doing so, change the fast-rolling 29-inch wheels for the voluminous traction of 27.5+ wheels. The flip-chip rotates along the upper link, allowing the shock mount to migrate between high (29er) and low (27.5+) settings, but without a drastic change in the bike's geometry. In fact, Juliana preserved the 68-degree head tube angle between both sizes for confident descending. Other notable geometry notes, both wheel sizes benefit from 17-inch chainstays for snappy turns around tight corners, as well as a 13-inch bottom bracket for glued-to-the-ground stability at higher speeds.

Juliana Furtado 27.5+ D Mountain Bike - Women's

When taking on trails that feature massive berms, tight switchbacks, long climbs, and solid descents, you need the nimble handling and playful suspension of the Juliana Furtado 27.5+ D Complete Mountain Bike. Don’t worry, its twitchy control and efficient climbing feel don’t sacrifice the strength and power you need to plow down technical trails at speed. From the 130-millimeters of VPP travel to the extended geometry that maximizes rider confidence and control, the Furtado is the quiver-killer that expands the classification of a trail bike. Updates include a slacker head tube, a lower bottom bracket—making this trail bike reach toward enduro style—and a WTB wheelset that uses SRAM hubs and Boost axles for a more efficient ride that matches the current industry standard.

The Furtado emphasizes surgical precision, especially on tighter trails where trees and rocks pose clearance issues. That being said, this bike doesn't sacrifice much in the way of descending composure versus the Roubion—its enduro-bred, big sister—thanks to a reinvigorated geometry that's longer, slacker, and low-slung. The sub-67-degree head tube angle keeps you confident and composed when you're dropping into steep descents littered with rocks and sudden drops. Plus, it retains one of the lowest bottom brackets in Juliana's line at a mere 13.1 inches, keeping you glued to the trail when you're charging at high speeds and railing around corners. Another notable geometry number, the 16.7-inch chainstays are shorter than your average trail bike, making it quick to change direction around corners.

The inclusion of flip-chip technology allows for a subtle change from the 66.5-degree head tube angle in the high setting and a 66.2-degree head tube angle in its low setting. It not only allows you to ride with a couple of geo options, but also provides the clearance needed to run wider tires up to 2.8 inches in width. Juliana outfits this particular Furtado with their 2.6-inch tires, which deliver all the traction and bump-smoothing benefits of a traditional 2.8-inch tire, but without feeling bouncy, slow, or excessively heavy. This 2.6-inch tire really gives you the best of both worlds, traction and plushness over the rockiest stretches of trail, but without the rolling resistance or tire squirm under braking and hard-cornering like a larger 2.8-inch tire.

As you'd expect with the Furtado, it retains the high degree of pedaling efficiency and bottom-out resistance of the previous version. This VPP platform neatly tucks the lower link above the bottom bracket to protect it from rock strikes and damage from flinging trail debris. The upper portion remains attached to the top tube with a new stiffer box-section upper link. While other DH-oriented frames in the Juliana line have moved to a lower-link mounted shock, the Furtado retains its upper link-mounted shock, as to not lose the pedaling efficiency and bottom out resistance needed for the reduction in travel. That being said, it's spec'd with a FOX Float Performance DPS shock for a supple feel with improved traction while pedaling over bumpy trail sections, as well as greater resistance to heating up for more consistency on those long descents. Juliana tuned the shock specifically for lighter, female riders, so this bike complements your riding style in a manner that maximizes sensitivity and response without sacrificing power.

The D build consists of SRAM's NX drivetrain, which offers a great gear range and puts the final nail in the front derailleur's coffin. The simplicity, weight savings, and reliability of a 1x is hard to argue. Other notable features of this build are the Rock Shox Recon fork with its reliably stiff chassis and consistent damping, the SRAM hydraulic disc brakes that provide confidence-inducing stopping power, and the integrated headset that provides a lightweight, simplified mechanism with decreased maintenance needs.

Please note, because the alloy version of the Furtado uses an integrated headset, the headtube measurement is 10 millimeters longer than what's indicated on the geometry chart, as to match the same headtube measurement as the carbon frame with its external lower cup and internal upper cup installed. Other than this headtube measurement, everything indicated on the geometry chart is accurate.

Juliana Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame - Women's

Strega is the Italian word for witch, and we're not sure if the folks at Juliana picked the name or designed the frame first. Either way, the bike lives up to its namesake; you're in for a wicked good time as you get aggressive with the Strega Carbon CC Mountain Bike Frame's slack angles and efficient yet plush VPP suspension design. The Strega packs all the features you'd want in a hard-hitting enduro bike and gives you all the speed you'll need to keep from getting burned at the stake—err, off the line.

The big-hit Strega is easily the rowdiest, most capable women-specific enduro sled we've come across. The incredibly slack head tube angle is adjustable with a simple re-position of the flip-chip on the linkage, so you can customize the ride from a higher, trail-taming 65-degrees, to a DH-worthy 64.5-degrees. The DH setting also drops the bottom bracket and elongates the wheelbase, offering plenty of composition at speed yet staying agile enough to take anywhere. Regardless of setting, the steep 74.5-degree seat tube angle allows this bike to pedal well up sheer terrain. You can really get your weight forward, encouraging you to attempt the sharpest uphill switchbacks without resulting in extreme body-English while your power is right over the pedals.

The Strega's VPP suspension design takes cues from the Santa Cruz V10 and Nomad with its lower link location. Nestled in the lower link is the RockShox Super Deluxe RCT shock, with nearly 7in of suspension, positioned in a way to keep the bikes center of gravity as low as possible. No detail goes unnoticed with the Juliana team, and the shock has its own fender shielding it from errant trail debris.

The shock location also creates the most sensitive VPP platform in the Juliana line-up, providing a consistent linear feel throughout the shock stroke and a quality of travel that can make some DH bikes green with envy. New eye-to-eye lengths afford the use of the metric shock standard, gaining increased bushing overlap for a smoother stroke that encourages descending with reckless abandon and still allows room for a full-size water bottle to sit inside the downtube. The shock also receives a custom tune for lighter—yet no less heavy-hitting—riders.

The frame is constructed from top-of-the line CC carbon in a manufacturing facility exclusive to Juliana and Santa Cruz. A one-piece carbon lay-up is used to eliminate overlapping joints, saving weight because there is no need for extra carbon to bond or wrap those joints. Instead, carbon is wrapped seamlessly between tubes for better distribution of loads and impact energy, resulting in a stronger frame. Frame strength is further enhanced by Juliana’s ability to achieve maximum compaction of the carbon layers. This prevents resin migration, resulting in a stout frame that is almost as smooth on the inside as it is on the outside. The lay-up also allows them to integrate full length tunnels for the internal cable routing, greatly simplifying the process of routing housing through the frame. A threaded bottom bracket further eases maintenance duties for the home mechanic and eliminates the BB creaks that often plague press fit systems. Finishing details include an integrated shuttle bumper to protect the frame when it's slung over a tailgate for shuttle laps, a downtube guard to protect from rock strikes, and molded chainstay protectors to silence chain slap. To cap it off, Juliana includes a lifetime frame and pivot bearing warranty to the original registered owner.