Few brands have reshaped mountain biking’s identity quite like Juliana Bicycles. Founded to give women a true performance option in a male-dominated space, Juliana isn’t a marketing exercise — it’s a movement. Built in partnership with Santa Cruz Bicycles, Juliana delivers high-end carbon frames, dialed suspension, and geometry designed by and for women who push the limits of what’s possible on the trail.
In 2026, Juliana stands as the benchmark for women’s-specific mountain bikes — combining California craftsmanship, real engineering input from pro riders, and a commitment to inclusivity that still feels authentic after more than two decades.
This review explores how Juliana’s mission has evolved, what makes its bikes unique, and why it continues to define the gold standard for women’s mountain performance.
Brand Overview
| Founded | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Juli Furtado |
| Headquarters | Santa Cruz, California, USA |
| Parent Company | Santa Cruz Bicycles |
| Focus | Premium women’s-specific mountain bikes |
| Tagline | “Ride Out Loud.” |
Juliana began as a dream of Juli Furtado, a world champion mountain biker who saw firsthand that women were underserved by the bike industry. She believed women deserved more than just smaller frames or pastel paint jobs — they deserved performance without compromise.
History and Evolution
Juliana’s story started with the Juliana model in 1999 — a re-engineered version of the Santa Cruz Superlight designed for women. It wasn’t just a resized men’s bike; it was geometry and component spec tuned for real-world female riders.
At the time, that concept was groundbreaking. The Juliana name quickly evolved into a dedicated brand, representing freedom, performance, and identity in the women’s MTB scene.
Through the 2000s and 2010s, the brand grew with Santa Cruz’s VPP suspension platform, carbon technology, and reputation for meticulous quality. Today, Juliana bikes are built on Santa Cruz’s proven frames, but tuned with women’s contact points, shock tuning, and visual identity.
The result: real performance parity — not pink-washed bikes, but machines ready to take on elite racing and big-mountain adventures.
Design and Philosophy
Juliana’s design philosophy can be summed up as performance-first, gender-informed.
1. Geometry Tuned for Proportions
Juliana frames share Santa Cruz molds but utilize different shock tunes and build kits, optimized for typically lighter riders. The aim is control, balance, and suspension that actually responds to smaller inputs.
2. Contact Points Matter
Each Juliana bike uses women-specific saddles, handlebar widths, and grips, giving a natural, balanced riding position from the first pedal stroke.
3. No Gimmicks
Juliana refuses to compromise performance for marketing. They don’t sell “women’s bikes” — they sell performance bikes made for women who ride hard. Every model can line up against the best unisex bikes in the world.
4. Aesthetics That Inspire
Clean, modern colorways — often earthy tones or deep metallic finishes — define the brand’s premium visual identity. They strike a perfect balance between style and substance.
Technology and Engineering
Juliana benefits directly from Santa Cruz’s advanced R&D pipeline — meaning all frames are made from the same CC and C carbon options, designed to balance stiffness, weight, and ride quality.
Key Technologies:
- VPP Suspension (Virtual Pivot Point): Highly efficient pedaling, consistent traction, and smooth small-bump compliance.
- Lifetime Warranty: On frames and bearings — transferable and industry-leading.
- Carbon Layup Optimization: Juliana uses tailored carbon layups for consistent feel across frame sizes.
- Proportional Geometry: Adjusted reach, stack, and standover for balanced handling across sizes.
- Refined Shock Tunes: Each model uses custom damping to suit lighter rider weights and more active suspension response.
This combination delivers bikes that are stable, responsive, and agile — without sacrificing strength or speed.
Model Lineup (2026)
Juliana offers a focused, high-performance lineup built for real-world mountain riding:
| Model | Type | Wheel Size | Travel (mm) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joplin 5 | Trail / Downcountry | 29″ | 120 rear / 130 front | All-day XC and fast singletrack |
| Furtado 5 | Trail / All-Mountain | MX (29/27.5) | 130 rear / 140 front | Playful, technical trail riding |
| Roubion 4 | Enduro | MX (29/27.5) | 150 rear / 160 front | Aggressive descending and park |
| Quincy | Gravel | 700c | Rigid | Mixed terrain, adventure rides |
Each platform mirrors a Santa Cruz equivalent (Tallboy, 5010, Bronson, Stigmata) but receives Juliana-specific shock tunes and aesthetics.
Juliana Joplin Review
The Joplin represents Juliana’s most versatile platform — blending trail efficiency with downcountry agility.
- Suspension: 120mm rear, 130mm front (VPP)
- Handling: Efficient climber, fast descender
- Ideal Rider: Cross-country racers and trail riders wanting one bike for everything
- Ride Feel: Snappy yet controlled — a confidence machine on flow trails and technical climbs
In 2026, the Joplin’s new lower-link VPP design makes it the best balance between comfort and control Juliana has ever offered.
Juliana Furtado Review
Named after the founder herself, the Furtado is all about fun — flickable, lively, and ready for technical terrain.
With a mixed-wheel setup and 130mm of VPP rear travel, it’s perfect for trail riders who like to jump, corner hard, and feel connected.
- Feel: Agile, responsive, and incredibly capable on rough singletrack
- Upgrades for 2026: Steeper seat angle, slacker head angle, and Glovebox frame storage
- Verdict: A trail bike that rides like an all-mountain weapon
Juliana Roubion Review
The Roubion is Juliana’s enduro powerhouse, built for big mountains and confident descending.
Sharing DNA with the Santa Cruz Bronson, it delivers 150mm of rear travel and a mixed-wheel setup that rolls fast yet corners tight.
This bike is for serious terrain, bike parks, and enduro racers who demand control on everything from alpine lines to flow trails.
- Suspension: Plush yet supportive
- Build Options: C and CC carbon, GX to X0 AXS kits
- Verdict: A true enduro rig that never punishes on the climb
Juliana Quincy Review
The Quincy is Juliana’s gravel bike — versatile, fast, and capable.
Using lightweight carbon and generous tire clearance, it’s ideal for multi-surface exploration, endurance rides, and light touring.
It handles beautifully across dirt, pavement, and adventure routes, showing Juliana’s ability to apply their balanced design ethos even outside mountain biking.
Ride Quality and Performance
What sets Juliana apart is confidence-inspiring feel. Riders consistently report:
- Balanced geometry — stable on descents, precise in corners
- Active suspension for traction and comfort
- Predictable steering and consistent handling across frame sizes
- “Playful but planted” feedback — a hallmark of the VPP system
Every Juliana feels like a refined, high-end mountain bike, not a marketing derivative.
Juliana vs. Competitors
| Brand | Strengths | Weaknesses | Ideal Rider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Juliana | Santa Cruz engineering, real women’s input, premium build | Expensive, limited models | Performance-focused women riders |
| Liv (Giant) | Broader lineup, great value | Less boutique feel | Riders seeking value and accessibility |
| Trek (WSD) | Proven quality, good dealer network | Shared frames, less tuning differentiation | Mainstream riders |
| Specialized (LTD Women’s) | Lightweight designs | Limited model options | Fitness-oriented MTB riders |
| Revel / Pivot | Boutique craftsmanship | Higher cost | Advanced riders, tech enthusiasts |
Juliana stands at the top for authentic women’s-specific performance. It’s not the cheapest — but it’s the most refined.
Pricing (2026)
| Model | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Joplin 5 | $3,999 – $9,499 | XC-to-trail versatility |
| Furtado 5 | $4,799 – $10,499 | Playful all-mountain |
| Roubion 4 | $5,099 – $10,999 | Enduro-level performance |
| Quincy | $3,499 – $6,499 | Gravel and mixed terrain |
Juliana sits firmly in the premium category, on par with Santa Cruz, Yeti, and Pivot.
Sustainability and Ethics
Juliana shares Santa Cruz’s sustainability initiatives:
- Carbon Recycling Program: Frame offcuts and old frames are recycled responsibly.
- Lifetime Warranty: Encourages repair over replacement.
- Packaging Reduction: 90% recyclable shipping materials.
- Community Involvement: Supports women’s mountain biking clinics and trail advocacy through events like VIDA MTB Series.
Rider Impressions
Feedback from real riders is overwhelmingly positive:
- “The Joplin feels fast and forgiving — perfect for long trail days.”
- “Furtado corners like a dream and makes me ride harder every time.”
- “Finally, a bike designed for women without compromise.”
Juliana bikes consistently earn 4.9/5 ratings for build quality, ride feel, and visual design.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Santa Cruz engineering and lifetime warranty
- Perfect suspension kinematics and control
- Premium components and build quality
- Real women’s input and representation
- Clean, timeless aesthetics
Weaknesses
- Premium pricing
- Limited model selection
- Fewer alloy options for entry-level buyers
Verdict
Juliana isn’t a marketing brand — it’s a performance brand that happens to focus on women.
Every bike in its lineup is built with intention, feedback from real riders, and Santa Cruz’s obsessive attention to detail.
For riders who demand premium materials, confidence-inspiring geometry, and reliability that lasts a lifetime, Juliana stands unrivaled.
Whether it’s the agile Furtado, fast Joplin, or enduro-ready Roubion, Juliana delivers true equality in performance — and a riding experience that feels both empowering and exhilarating.
Final Take
“Juliana didn’t just paint bikes pink — they made them better. Every ride proves that performance doesn’t need to be compromised to fit the rider.”
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- Santa Cruz Bikes Review
Why Trust This Review?
Jeffrey South is the founder of Best Bike Brands. With over 30 years in the cycling world as a shop owner, mechanic, and industry insider, he now shares reviews, guides, and insights to help riders choose the best bikes and gear with confidence.
