Liv/giant vs Juliana

[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!

[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!

Pictures? Sounds awesome.