Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C Review
- Price: $8,399
- Frame: FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C
- Tires: 29″ front and 27.5″ rear for mixed wheels
- Gear: 1×12 Electronic
What we like about it: Premium carbon fiber frame, new hybrid wheel design, brings you more impact off-road route heart.
What we don’t like about it: The price is relatively high now.
Rating: (4.88/5)
Whether in terms of design or riding experience, this bike meets my expectations for mountain biking. The Juliana FURTADO GX, with its new mixed-wheel design, offers higher traction and stability. Additionally, the full carbon fiber frame not only lightens your riding load, but also ensures its durability. Furthermore, the attention to detail is impressive, with a custom-sized Glovebox equipped with a tool wallet and inner tube strap located under the down tube for easy tool access.
Of course, the design with only one water bottle holder has sparked some discussion among riders. But in my opinion, that’s not a deal-breaker, as there’s no such thing as a completely perfect product.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, specifications, and other versions of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS/Carbon C. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, you can follow us.
Riding Experience
Galbraith Mountain
Before setting off, I also booked accommodation through Skyscanner to give myself ample space to rest and prepare. Given the high price, we had high expectations for this bike’s performance. So we headed to Bellingham, which can be called a rider’s paradise. This time, we visited Galbraith Mountain, one of Bellingham’s most popular trails.
I had been here a long time ago. Galbraith Mountain’s trails are complex and cover almost all levels of riders. To evaluate the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS/Carbon C’s performance, we rode on popular routes such as SST, Unemployment Line, and Evolution.
Unemployment Line lane
This track is one of Galbraith Mountain’s premiere tracks, and until 2015 I would say “It’s beginner friendly too”. But since it underwent a relatively major renovation in early 2015 (adding a lot of ramps, a rhythm section, and two relatively larger drops), it seems to me that a certain amount of experience or experience is required to take on this course. So in my opinion to challenge this place requires some riding experience or you need to spend more time with this track to break it in.
Unemployment Line – Descending
After smoothly riding about 2 miles on Unemployment Line, we were very satisfied with the Juliana FURTADO’s performance. First, the weather was relatively mild on the day we descended, which greatly reduced my nervousness. Second, the high-quality components of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS/Carbon C provided an excellent riding experience.
First of all, it was on the very rhythmic undulating route. The lightweight FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C frame provides a lighter ride, I don’t have to put more effort into controlling the bike, and I enjoy the lightness more.
Secondly, having a 140mm RockShox Pike Select+ damping fork and a 130mm RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock is extremely useful on this undulating route. There are often rocks and some tree stumps exposed on this trail, and the upper and lower compression of the RockShox Pike Select+ greatly reduced the vibration, allowing me to focus more on the road ahead. If you’re sensitive enough, you’ll find that working the fork over and over again enhances suspension performance.
In addition, its hybrid wheel pairing enhances riding confidence during descents. The front 29″ Maxxis tires provide increased traction and stability.
All in all, this Juliana FURTADO GX is to be commended for its performance during the descent.
SST (Sidewinder, SST, Told You So) – Climbing
After smoothly descending the hill, we were looking forward to the upcoming climb test. However, it rained the night before the second day, and I was worried that the slippery road would create more obstacles for our ride. Unfortunately, the road conditions turned out to be just as I feared. Fortunately, I had the Juliana FURTADO GX, which helped me reach our destination smoothly.
I want to mention the tires of the bike, the Maxxis Minion DHR II, which have a unique cornering design. The side knobs are inspired by the legendary Minion DHF, and the wider design provides more support. So, despite my initial mistake of facing a long and wet uphill, the Maxxis Minion DHR II tires provided enough support and traction to help me move forward.
Furthermore, the bike has a 1×12 SRAM GX AXS Eagle electronic drivetrain, which allowed me to easily adjust the gear ratio for optimal climbing. Its electronic shifting system also allowed me to quickly change gears and speed when facing changing terrain.
Multifaceted Considerations
Some riders may think that a full suspension bike will be relatively heavy and not climb as well as a lightweight hardtail. It’s the fact that the premium carbon frame makes it only 30.2 lbs. and that the lockable RockShox Pike Select fork reduces kinetic energy loss. The 130mm VPP™ suspension strikes a balance between reducing bumps and improving pedaling efficiency.
Although I spent more time climbing, I did feel the excellent performance of the components of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS/Carbon C bike working together. Therefore, if you want to challenge this exciting and technical route and have a sufficient budget, you may want to give it a try.
Specification
The design of the Glovebox of the Juliana FURTADO GX bike shows its thoughtfulness, making it more convenient to store necessary tools and access them when needed. Moreover, a shorter fender is set at the bottom tube to effectively prevent flying stones and mud from hitting and soiling the bottom tube when passing through muddy or gravel-filled roads.
During the descent, the brakes of the Juliana FURTADO GX bike also bear more pressure. However, the high-quality 4-piston SRAM G2 RS brake lever, with its powerful braking force and maneuverability, can stop in time when encountering unjumpable pits.
Additionally, its RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper post has a brand-new internal structure. During the ride, I can feel that it responds faster than before, whether going up or down. Moreover, its installation is not complicated, and even beginners can quickly grasp it.
Other versions
With enough time and actual riding on different terrains, we have a visual of the drivetrain, wheelset, etc. of this Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C. It is an all-around full-suspension cross-country mountain bike. However, the high price of $8,399 will make some users hesitate. However, Juliana FURTADO also has other options, for which we have done some understanding.
Juliana FURTADO R / Carbon C
This one is relatively less expensive and also has a carbon fiber body. Not only that, the front and rear travel distance is the same as that of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C, also 130mm rear, 140mm front, but the Juliana FURTADO R / Carbon C has a relatively lower performance damping kit. It is perfectly suitable if you often challenge the intermediate lane in your neighborhood.
It has a 1×12 SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain, which in my opinion is not as fast as the electronic drive. But the 1× setting is very friendly to newbies and can be quickly mastered for gear shifting.
The setting on the tires is the same as Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C, so it has the same good stability and handling. The difference is the weight of the body, Juliana FURTADO R / Carbon C is a little heavier, so it may take a little time to get familiar with it at the beginning of the ride.
In short, this one is more for riders who don’t have a big budget but want to challenge the intermediate or even upper intermediate lane.
What do we like about it?
- Premium FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C carbon fiber frame reduces the burden of riding.
- A quality suspension system that not only reduces bumps but also allows you to have a better breath experience.
- The outstanding SRAM GX AXS Eagle electronic gear system offers faster and more precise shifting and allows for quicker reactions on complex terrain.
- High-quality Maxxis Minion DHR II tires provide better grip and traction.
What don’t we like about it?
- The relatively high price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious riders.
FAQs
- What is the drivetrain of Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C?
The drivetrain of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C is the SRAM GX AXS Eagle.
- How many water bottle mounting holes does Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C have?
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C has 1 water bottle mounting hole.
- How to choose the right Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C?
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C Size Chart:
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 4’7″ – 5’2″ | XS |
| 5’0″ – 5’6″ | SM |
| 5’4″ – 5’9″ | MD |
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C Specs
Build
| Frame | FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C BB Standard: BSA, 68mm, Threaded Color: Matte Aquamarine |
| Fork | RockShox Pike Select+, 140mm |
| Rear Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, 210×50 |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset |
| Stem | Burgtec Enduro MK3, 42mm |
| Handlebar | Santa Cruz 20 Carbon Bar, 760mm |
| Saddle | Juliana Segundo Saddle |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb Stealth, 31.6 |
| Grips | Juliana House Grips |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX AXS Eagle, 12spd |
| Crank | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB, 32t |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller 2 Button |
| Cassette | SRAM XG1275 Eagle, 12spd, 10-50t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12spd |
| Brakes | SRAM G2 RS |
Wheels
| Rims | RaceFace ARC Offset 30 29″ |
| Front Hub | i9 1/1, 15×110, Torque Cap, 28h |
| Rear Hub | i9 1/1, 12×148, XD, 28h |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHR II 29 “x2.4”, 3C MaxxGrip, EXO, TR |
Video
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Drivetrain | Travel | Brakes |
| Scott Contessa Spark RC World Cup | Click View | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS / 12 Speed Wireless Electronic Shift System | 120mm rear, 120mm front | Shimano XTR M9100 Disc |
| Santa Cruz 5010 X01 / Carbon CC | Click View | SRAM X01 Eagle | 130mm rear, 140mm front | SRAM G2 RSC |
| Specialized Stumpjumper Pro | Click View | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS | 130mm rear, 140mm front | SRAM G2 RSC |
| Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 SE | Click View | SRAM GX Eagle AXS | 135mm rear, 150mm front | TRP Trail EVO |
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C vs Scott Contessa Spark RC World Cup
It must be acknowledged that both of these mountain bikes are not cheap and may not be suitable for budget-conscious users. Therefore, the following descriptions are aimed at riders with higher demands.
The Juliana FURTADO features a suspension system with both Fox Float and RockShox components, offering a longer travel distance for easier handling on rough terrain and superior shock-absorbing capabilities. Additionally, the 29-inch tires provide a larger contact area for easier rolling on different surfaces, reducing wear and tear and improving speed.
The relatively higher-priced Scott Contessa Spark RC World Cup may have slightly shorter suspension travel, but it is still reliable for shock absorption. Moreover, it comes equipped with a Shimano XTR M9100 braking system, providing even stronger braking power compared to the M900 system, which is great news for riders who enjoy descending.
The Juliana FURTADO is designed specifically for female riders and is suitable for those who seek performance and enjoy challenging themselves.
The Scott Contessa Spark RC World Cup is perfect for riders who love challenging themselves in downhill and competitive situations.
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C vs Santa Cruz 5010 X01 / Carbon CC
Juliana is a sub-brand of Santa Cruz and is a mountain bike brand designed specifically for women. Additionally, these two bikes are priced similarly. However, in my opinion, there is not much difference between the Juliana FURTADO GX and the Santa Cruz 5010 X01/Carbon CC.
Firstly, there is only a 0.1lb weight difference between them, and their suspension travel distance is also the same. However, the Juliana FURTADO’s drivetrain uses the SRAM GX AXS Eagle 1×12 electronic shifting system, providing a superior shifting experience.
Overall, when it comes to choosing between these two bikes, I believe it depends on which one you prefer. In my riding experience, there isn’t much difference between them.
Learn More: Is Santa Cruz 5010 X01 A Good Bike? [Santa Cruz 5010 X01 Review]
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C vs Specialized Stumpjumper Pro
In terms of details, the mixed wheel setup of the Juliana FURTADO reduces the demands on the rider. In other words, riders can have more responsive rear-wheel steering and lifting while maintaining traction and stability.
The Specialized Stumpjumper Pro uses 29″ tires, which have higher inertia due to their larger diameter. This makes it easier for the bike to maintain momentum once the rider starts pedaling. This can provide a more comfortable and stable ride for riders planning long-distance rides.
Therefore, if you want to have better traction and agile steering, my recommendation is the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS/Carbon C. If you plan on long-distance off-road riding, the Specialized Stumpjumper Pro might be more suitable.
Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C vs Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 SE
The Maestro suspension technology of the Giant Trance X performs well on a variety of harsh terrains. With 135mm of rear travel and 150mm of front suspension travel, coupled with RockShox’s Flight Attendant self-adaptive automatic damping system, it can predict and adjust to the appropriate suspension state, making your ride smoother.
Of course, Juliana FURTADO’s VPP™ suspension design balances pedaling efficiency and reduce bumps. It also has excellent shock-absorbing performance when facing bumpy roads.
In my opinion, if you have extremely high demands for shock-absorbing performance, the Giant Trance X is worth a try. If you value details and agility, you may want to consider the Juliana FURTADO.
Learn More: Is Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 Worth Buying? [Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 3 review]
Summary
Above is our test of the Juliana FURTADO GX AXS / Carbon C. The full-suspension design, high-quality carbon fiber frame, and mixed wheel configuration give you more confidence to conquer the mountains and wilderness. However, in my personal opinion, if you do not have ambitions for technicality and high-end frames, you can first try their slightly lower-priced bicycles.
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