Woot! My Juliana just came in.

[Nick]

I've been waiting for the new Santa Cruz Juliana since May. She arrived today. What a beauty! This will be my first time riding full suspension and clipless, so I'll need lots of practice. After much research and deliberation, I decided to try the Crank Brothers Candy 3s and see how I do with them. Unfortunately, it's pouring rain today so I can't take her for an inaugural ride .



The folks at my LBS were wonderful in terms of helping me research, giving advice, and setting everything up for me. They did a starting fit and even taught me how to use the clipless -- I practiced on the trainer. I must say that they have superb service. Several staff members spent a lot of time with me from when I first started inquiring, to my initial order, through to the build and set up of the bike.

[indysteel]

Oooh, pretty! Let me know what you think of the bike. It's at the top of my short list of FS bikes. I'm riding a Specialized Myka HT that I actually like despite it having few bells and whistles. The Juliana would be a big step up.

[Nick]

Hi Mary Ann, I'll be sure to post updates! I considered the Myka when I was first researching entry level mtbs, but just didn't like the fit and feel when I tried one at the LBS. I found several reviews from women my size raving about their Juliana.That is what eventually led me to ordering the Juliana, even though no-one in this region carries one I could try. I had to buy sight unseen, but so far am happy with the decision. She felt great on the trainer. We'll see how she does on the trails...

[Catrin]

Congratulations on the new bike!

[Nick]

Thanks, Catrin! You've inspired me with all your recent adventures...

[bellissima]

Awesome bike! I love the color

[sgtiger]

Nick, I agree that it is a beautiful color. It looks like it'd be very fun to ride too. I can't wait to read your first ride report.

[Nick]

Thanks, ladies -- I agree that the color is really nice. It looks even better "live" than on the Santa Cruz website pics.

Well, my inaugural trip ride had a bad ending -- as you'll see from my other thread. This was my first time going clipless with the Candy 3 pedal, and I had a couple of falls, the second one being quite nasty. But, I think I'm OK. Bruises I can handle... So, this was all due to the pedals, at a near standstill, and not the bike's fault.

Once clipped in, smiles, the Juliana handles beautifully. I did my easy loops rather than the more challenging trails - in order to get a feel for the bike (and learn to ride clipless). The Juliana's twin brother is the Santa Cruz Superlight, and she certainly feels feather light compared to my hardtail (which isn't a heavy bike). She is very nimble and responsive -- I could feel the bike molding to cues from my core even before I made turns or nudged in a direction. I can feel a difference in the cornering and the handling from the Gary Fisher (which, though old, is a wonderful bike). Within one short loop around I felt comfortable in handling the bike.

It took me a couple of stops and investigation (following cables with my hands to find where they connect, lol) to figure out the gears -- the Gary Fisher uses a different type of switching mechanism. Once I knew what connected where, and realized that I had two switches per hand/gearset, I soon had her set her in comfortable gears. I didn't have much need for braking other than a couple of brief slow downs and my stops at the Jeep to practice clipping in and out (I did that between every loop). But, when I did brake they were remarkably silent and smooth.

It'll take me a while to get used to the "bouncier" feel of full suspension, as well as the additional height fs gives on the bike. And I'll have to see if I stick with clipless or go back to a flat pedal... All in all, really pleased with the Juliana. She was voted 2011 editor's choice of women's trail bike by Biking Magazine: http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbik...kes?page=0%2C3

[Catrin]

The color is just awesome, and she looks like she is tapping her front wheel in impatience to hit the trails

I've only ridden FS so have no idea how the ride compares with a good HT, but I have to say that I love my Jamis Dakar and I actually don't notice bouncing on it - other than when I am getting started and stopping. Granted, I am only on the very easiest of trails right now. All I notice is a very comfortable and very smooth ride regardless of surface. My LBS certainly has dialed in the suspension perfectly for me

For comparison's sake I rode my Gunner on some grass the other day (1.5 inch tires) and got rattled to death...very glad I am not using it for light mountain biking which I COULD since the only thing on that bike that isn't mountain is the road fork...

[Hound Dog]

Congrats on the Julianna. I have one and absolutely love it! Have fun!

[emily_in_nc]

Stunning color! Jealous!

[Ja Da Dee]

Congrats on your bike, she's a beauty!! I love my Juliana too!!