Liv/giant vs Juliana

[Watkinsmith]

I can't decide on which bike to get between the Juliana Origion Primeiro or the Liv/Giant Lush 2. Has anyone ridden both of these bikes and can provide me with some feedback? There seem to be decent reviews for both bikes. It looks like most gals on this forum ride hardtails so maybe not a lot of people have riden both these bikes to provide feedback. Everyone in my family rides Santa Cruz or Specialized so I don't know much about the Giant bikes but I love the look of it! Thoughts?

[Irulan]

I've been on the Intrigue but not the Lush. Giant makes great bikes and has a reputation for very good bang for the buck. Which one feels the best and is in your budget? They are both good brands with good reputations. In the end I think it comes down to which one gives you a bigger smile.

[rocknrollgirl]

I purchased the Lust 27.5 in October and have not looked back since the first ride. I have a 26' Titus Racer X and a 29 " Salsa Mamacita. Both of those bikes are currently collecting dust.

I absolutely love the bike. It has renewed my love of mt biking. My hubs can't even get me on my road bike this season. It is nimble, and smooth and rolls over things beautifully.

It really is the best of both worlds. It handles great on all terrain, and does not feel squishy when I climb.

I tell everyone it is like riding warm buttered toast. A number of other women in the area have purchased bikes in the line and also love them.

I cannot say enough good things about it, other than I LOVE it.

[bcipam]

Sorry I don't post here that often... but had to add I just purchased the Juliana Origin. I basically purchased the frame and built the bike up (worked with my local LBS) - I wrote to the company and explained women, just like men, would like choices as to components etc... that said... I have fallen in love with the bike. But it is a "superlight" and this makes my third superlight, although this is a 29er, and I can't compare it to the longer travel/ plusher bikes. It's a good cross-country bike if that's what you like to do. I also have a 2012 Santa Cruz Juliana 26er (as well as an 2006 superlight) and am able to compare both bikes. The Origin is a fun ride, and I don't really notice any difference in climbing but am struggling with tight, switchback trails. But bottom line, both brands (SC and Giant) are good. This is my fourth Santa Cruz so obviously I like the company... I suggest you look for a shop that sells the Giant and then also watch for a Santa Cruz/Juliana demo day in order to ride both bikes.

Good luck on whatever you decide - you can't go wrong. BTW - silly stuff, the frame i bought was pearl white (two choices the white or pearl orange) and since that was boring I added Chris King components in purple (actually more an eggplant). Also some touches such as the grips rings, valve stem covers and nipples ont he wheel in the same eggplant/purple. I guess its more about the "bling bling" than function! :o

[brigada]

Juliana and eggplant coloured CK components? Wow! Could you please post some pics? :D

[Owlie]

Good luck on whatever you decide - you can't go wrong. BTW - silly stuff, the frame i bought was pearl white (two choices the white or pearl orange) and since that was boring I added Chris King components in purple (actually more an eggplant). Also some touches such as the grips rings, valve stem covers and nipples ont he wheel in the same eggplant/purple. I guess its more about the "bling bling" than function! :o

Pictures? Sounds awesome.

[Catrin]

Juliana and eggplant coloured CK components? Wow! Could you please post some pics? :D

PICTURES NOW....ummmm...errrrr.... PICTURES NOW PRETTY PLEASE with ice cream on top :D It sounds awesome and beautiful!

[bcipam]

OK - its looks nicer close up - girly in a subtle way...

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[bcipam]

couple more:

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Boyfriend bought me this headset spacer - not certain if I will add it on:

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[Catrin]

Very nice! One of the whole bike so we can drool some more? :-)

[bcipam]

Before I added new grips, handlebar and the seat post collar:

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[thekarens]

Beautiful bike!

[brigada]

This is definitely right in the dream bike domain. Amazing bike, bcipam! :D

Btw, if you haven't already done it, tighten the ring on the tyre valve :)

[bcipam]

Btw, if you haven't already done it, tighten the ring on the tyre valve :)

You have a sharp eye... when I took those photos I had just picked the bike up from the shop and was out going to ride it the first time. When I checked the tire pressure, I tightened everything up... the shop did a good job building the bike but alot of little adjustments were needed...

BTW got my first flat! Well first chance to try changing out a 29 tire...

[brigada]

Thanks! :)
Have you considered a tubeless setup for the bike? I don't know how frequently you will be getting flats, but it might be more convenient.

[bcipam]

Thanks! :)
Have you considered a tubeless setup for the bike? I don't know how frequently you will be getting flats, but it might be more convenient.

Did consider... obviously when I had the wheels built (had several discussions with the wheel builder about it) but rejected it. Tubeless tires (just my opinion) are convenient in theory, but have a nasty flat out on the trail, are almost impossible to salvage. Plus didn't want to deal with the whole messy Stan's stuff, changing it out etc.... I'm good at changing tires; have been doing it over 50 years! (yes I am OLD and Ole Skool). Thankfully I don't often get flats but its goat head thorn season here right now so trails are covered with those nasty little buggers!

[brigada]

That is fantastic :D
I've been lucky this season, only one flat so far. But they are so bothersome when it happens in the middle of the ride. I should probably get a spare tube so that I don't have to deal with punctures on the trails :)