First Look: Juliana Roubion and Furtado
Designed in loamy Santa Cruz and tested under riders throughout the world, the new Juliana Bicycles strike a careful balance between EWS podiums and good ol’ fashion fun (click to enlarge).
Longer, slacker, and more aggressive, the two latest models from Juliana Bicycles are more capable than ever before. Redesigned with input gleaned from the development of the Santa Cruz Nomad, the 150mm travel Roubion and 130mm travel Furtado share both suspension and geometry tweaks.
Compared to the outgoing models, lady rippers will find that the head tube angles have been slackened by one degree, chain stays have been shortened, and the top tube has been lengthened (anywhere between 20-25mm depending on size).
Geo tweaks like the new steep seat tube angle should help make short work of technical climbs (click to enlarge).
The brands focus has always been on optimizing contact points, and for the first time, frames will be equipped with different size posts. The smaller frames will come spec’d with 125mm dropper posts, while larger sizes will come stock with 150mm seatposts. This is possible due to a shorter seatpost tube, which will help facilitate better standover, and give more flexibility in sizing.
Up front, the reach has been increased to accommodate those who prefer shorter stems. Due to the compact nature of the previous model, it was not uncommon for riders to size up a frame. Compared to the outgoing bikes, the front center of the new mediums are now closer to last years large – yet both models have improved standover. You’ll also find the seatpost angle has been steepened by .8 degrees to help improve the pedaling position.
Tucked up and away, the redesigned linkage on the new Furtado and Roubion promises prolonged bearing life and improved stiffness (click to enlarge).
Many of these geometry tweaks were made possible due to a redesigned linkage. The new upper link mounts directly to the top tube in an effort to increase stiffness and bearing life, while the lower link is now tucked above the bottom bracket. This results in a ride that is supple at the top of the stroke, yet ramps up more progressively through the middle and end of the travel. This redesign, paired with a move to the new 148 x 12 rear axle standard, also helped reduced chain stay length on the Roubion by 6mm, and 8mm on the Furtado.
Continue to page 2 for more details and full photo gallery »
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