![\"ccs-58780-0-51155000-1511161508.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-51155000-1511161508.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nI\u2019ve had the Juliana Furtado in my quiver for around six months. During the test period, I rode as many different trails around Cape Town and Stellenbosch as possible and took part in a couple of local enduros to get a feel for the bike on different terrain.<\/p>\n
Specifications:<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
- \n
- Frame<\/span>Juliana Furtado Carbon CC<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rear Shock<\/span>Fox Float Performance Elite 130<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fork<\/span>Fox 34 Float Factory 130<\/span><\/li>\n
- Headset<\/span>Cane Creek 40 series tapered, cartridge bearing<\/span><\/li>\n
- Stem<\/span>Raceface Turbine Basic 35mm clamp<\/span><\/li>\n
- Handlebar<\/span>Santa Cruz Carbon; 760mm; 35mm clamp<\/span><\/li>\n
- Grips<\/span>Juliana single sided lock-on <\/span><\/li>\n
- Saddle<\/span>Juliana Primeiro Saddle<\/span><\/li>\n
- Seatpost<\/span>Rock Shox Reverb Stealth; 150mm<\/span><\/li>\n
- Brakes<\/span>SRAM Guide RSC; Avid Centerline Rotors; 180mm<\/span><\/li>\n
- Shifter<\/span>SRAM X01 Eagle<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rear Derailleur<\/span>SRAM X01 Eagle<\/span><\/li>\n
- Cassette<\/span>SRAM XG1295; 10-50t<\/span><\/li>\n
- Chain<\/span>SRAM X01 Eagle Powerlock<\/span><\/li>\n
- Crankset<\/span>SRAM X1 Eagle Carbon; 32t<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rims<\/span>Easton ARC 24<\/span><\/li>\n
- Front Hub<\/span>DT Swiss 350 110×15<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rear Hub<\/span>DT Swiss 350 148×12<\/span><\/li>\n
- Front Tyre<\/span>Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR; 27.5×2.3<\/span><\/li>\n
- Rear Tyre<\/span>Maxxis Ardent Race EXO; 27.5×2.35<\/span><\/li>\n
- Retail Price<\/span>R122 995<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Geometry:<\/h2>\n
![\"ccs-58780-0-97941900-1501597841.png\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-97941900-1501597841.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Build<\/h2>\n
Overall the build is balanced, with no single component feeling out of place. As expected, the Eagle XO1 drivetrain has performed immaculately throughout the test period. The gear range has been very welcome on long climbs.<\/p>\n
\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-59599200-1502043681.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-59599200-1502043681.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-70616100-1502043687.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-70616100-1502043687.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe Fox 34 Float Factory 130 fork and Fox Float Performance Elite 130 shock are well matched, providing plush initial travel with a steady increase in support as you move through the range. I am a set and forget suspension user and once I found a setup I was comfortable with, I did not experiment much with settings. For the most part, I rode descents with the shock fully open and climbed with it set to firm, unless the trail got very chunky. On smooth, flatter trails I found the middle setting to be ideal: it provides a firmer platform for pedaling sections.<\/p>\n
The Easton Arc 24 wheelset has been unremarkable and got on with the job at hand without drawing attention to its performance. The tyre choice suits the bike: the Maxxis Minion DHF on the front provides acres of grip, while the Ardent Race on the rear is a little more fast rolling, expertly juggling the sometimes conflicting requirements for grip, low weight, and quick rolling rubber.<\/p>\n
I initially struggled to get my tyre pressure right: running them too soft and suffering a few nasty rim knocks, and then setting them far too hard and ricocheting all over the trail. Once I found my sweet spot at around 1.7-1.8 bar (according to our dodgy pump) I had no more trouble.<\/p>\n
![\"ccs-58780-0-67189000-1502043651.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-67189000-1502043651.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-30303400-1502043658.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-30303400-1502043658.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-10612400-1502043665.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-10612400-1502043665.jpg\")
<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe RockShox Reverb dropper post has been a real highlight on the build with its silky smooth travel and easy actuation. Quite a different experience from my early years with an awkward, sticky three position dropper.<\/p>\n
The only niggle I experienced, was an issue with the SRAM Guide RSC brakes. On occasion, dirt has caused the pistons to jam so that they need to be forced open to clear it out. A relatively easy fix, but a mild annoyance worth noting.<\/p>\n
![\"ccs-58780-0-24485100-1502043694.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-24485100-1502043694.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFor longer rides, I would need to swap out the saddle. The Juliana Primeiro was too narrow for my wide hip bones. This was not a problem for the types of rides I was doing. I wasn\u2019t exactly grinding away kilometres but before tackling anything like a 70-kilometre day, I would certainly look at something a little more supportive.<\/p>\n
Something to consider is the bottle cage bolt positioning. They are set very low down on the downtube so the bottom of most bottle cages will end up rubbing the carbon in the bottom bracket area. Even though I went to great lengths to find the shortest bottle cage possible and checked that there was no contact ,when I removed the bottle cage some of the paint had rubbed away. Presumably, under the weight of a full bottle there was some rub.<\/p>\n
Lastly, for those in drought-stricken Cape Town, the VPP linkage is tricky to keep clean without the use of a hosepipe, so bear that in mind if you are precious about keeping your steed spotless at all times.<\/p>\n
\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-81590100-1511162108.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-81590100-1511162108.jpg\")
<\/a>Despite our best intentions, the bottle cage rubbed some of the gorgeous paintwork.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n![\"ccs-58780-0-65310600-1511162110.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-65310600-1511162110.jpg\")
<\/a>Dirt likes to collect on the linkage which isn’t easily accessible.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nOverall there is nothing that screams for an upgrade. If you really want to go all in, perhaps the wheelset. You could go lighter and stiffer with carbon rims. The 2018 model offers an option to upgrade to Santa Cruz Reserve carbon rims with Industry Nine Torch hubs. Having a long history of dings, scrapes and rim strikes, personally, I prefer the reassuring pliability of aluminium. However, the Reserve wheels do come with the Santa Cruz lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind in that regard.<\/p>\n
On the trail<\/h2>\n
The Furtado has proved to be incredibly competent. Unflappable on the gnarliest steep climbs, and chomping at the bit on every descent. I had always thought I was quite happy pottering around on an cross-country bike trying to keep up with our motley crew: ping-ponging downhill and holding on for dear life. A trail bike like the Juliana Furtado does not change the fundamentals of that, but it allows you to push just that little bit further, forgives mistakes that happen on the limit and smooths out the riding experience in a way that quietly builds confidence, and with it, riding enjoyment.<\/p>\n
In all honesty, as a more cross-country orientated rider, the hardest part of riding a bike like this was that it dulled the edges of my usual haunts, and forced me to look to scary jumps and drops that I had been studiously avoiding: pushing at the envelope of my well-defined comfort zone.<\/p>\n
Building confidence on jumps and drops was exactly where I found the Furtado to be invaluable. The extra squish, forgiving head angle, and sturdy tyres meant that within a few runs on our first outing together I was tackling gaps I’d never thought I’d look at. This confidence and comfort with being airborne has slowly translated across to my cross-country bike and opened up new trails and lines for me to enjoy.<\/p>\n
![\"ccs-58780-0-09783300-1511167984.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-09783300-1511167984.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe Furtado comes to life on steep trails: managing to feel surprising planted and nimble at the same time. A contradiction which builds confidence. It handles best when you let go the brakes and commit, and is agile enough to manoeuvre through ‘twisties’ and weave through rock sections with playful abandon.<\/p>\n
At a shade under 13 kilograms including pedals, the Furtado is not heavy by trail bike standards, and with the shock set to firm the bike feels stiff and pedals comfortably uphill. I have unwittingly bulldozed more than a few PR’s climbing. Put in the power and it will take you forward, and over anything in its path, although there is nowhere to hide when your legs don\u2019t come to the party. I found it felt a shade wallowy when out the saddle and sprinting with the shock open.<\/p>\n
I rode on a range of trails including Tokai, Hoogekraal, G-Spot, Eden, Mont-Marie, Jonkershoek, Boschendal, and Helderberg. The Helderberg and Jonkershoek trails were my favourite with the Furtado: the steeper gradients on some of the descents brought out the best in its confidence-inspiring handling. The faster you go, the more it devours obstacles.<\/p>\n
In the end<\/h2>\n
Juliana has created a bike that flat out demands to be ridden and enjoyed, with capabilities to match its ridiculous good looks. The Furtado leaves you with no excuses going up or down: meaning there is no reason not to explore every inch of trail you can find. In short, it is a bike that seems to have been designed to put a smile on your face: and by that measure absolutely nails the brief.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nPros<\/h2>\n
- \n
- Versatile\n<\/li>\n
- Capable\n<\/li>\n
- Super duper good looking\n<\/li>\n
- Fun<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n<\/p>\nCons<\/h2>\n
- \n
- The price tag<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"ccs-58780-0-11622200-1502131621.jpg\"](\"https:\/\/wp-media.bikehub.co.za\/production\/uploads\/2023\/02\/ccs-58780-0-11622200-1502131621.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n\nFind out more:<\/h2>\n
To learn more about the Juliana Furtado and other Santa Cruz or Juliana bikes, check out the Juliana Bicycles website<\/a> or contact Rush Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n
You can also follow the latest news from Juliana Bicycles on the following channels:<\/p>\n
Facebook – Juliana Bicycles<\/a>
Twitter – @julianabicycles<\/a>
Instagram – @julianabicycles<\/a>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Juliana bicycles are a women\u2019s specific sister company to Californian bike wizards, Santa Cruz. They use the same frame design as the Santa Cruz bikes with a tweaked suspension tune for lighter female riders, and ladies specific contact points. The Furtado is a 130mm travel 650b do-it-all trail bike (equivalent to the Santa Cruz 5010), […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":33154,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[840,839,841,141],"featured_location":[],"class_list":["post-16296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-tech","tag-juliana","tag-juliana-furtado","tag-long-term-juliana","tag-santa-cruz"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16296\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/33154"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16296"},{"taxonomy":"featured_location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/featured_location?post=16296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
- The price tag<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Rear Shock<\/span>Fox Float Performance Elite 130<\/span><\/li>\n