Building on the gold standard for trail bikes was an ambitious endeavor, and Santa Cruz succeeded with flying colors in the 2016 the launch of the Furtado 2.0. So much so, that it's carrying over that new 2.0 geometry into the new model year with the 2017 Juliana Furtado 2.0 Carbon R1 Complete Mountain Bike. Kitted out with SRAM's NX one-by drivetrain, WTB wheels, and smooth FOX suspension, this bike arrives longer, lower, and slacker than its predecessor with an aggressive pedaling platform and nimble back end to extend the limits of possibility on the trail.
The changes in geometry are most apparent in the slacker head tube and steeper seat tube in comparison to the Furtado 1.0. The head tube loses a whole degree, dropping from 68 to 67, which brings it more in line with the previous Roubion model and expands the Furtado's capability when things get steep and gnarly. The steepened seat tube is equally impactful, with the forward-oriented position of the saddle providing better leverage on the pedals while grinding up steep inclines or cranking out speed over long stretches of singletrack.
In addition to the updated tube angles, the Furtado 2.0 features a longer reach, lower bottom bracket, 5mm more travel, increased dropper range, stubbier chainstays, and a wider rear axle than its 1.0 predecessor. That pile of alterations means that it pedals harder, takes bigger bites out of terrain, and provides a wider seat height range for aggressively tackling double-digit grades on either side of zero.
The Virtual Pivot Point 3 (VPP3) suspension also gets some updates in the Furtado 2.0. The most immediately obvious is the extra 5mm of travel, but the tuning has also been revised. Where the old suspension curve described a deep "U," VPP3's curve more closely resembles a flattened check mark, with less dramatic ramping on either end of the travel arc.
These changes mean that VPP3 provides increased small bump compliance during the initial stroke to keep the tires glued to the trail for more traction across lumpy terrain and root-strewn grades. It also maintains its predecessor's firm feel during accelerations while jockeying for position off the line or punching up pitchy climbs. When paired with FOX's Evol air can, the ramp-up arc doesn't dramatically alter as the shock compresses, which keeps the pedaling platform consistent across travel with less wallowing, bob, and bottoming out—even while the axle's path turns rearward as travel increases to absorb big hits.
Juliana’s industry-leading carbon fiber construction makes its way into Furtado 2.0 Carbon R1, although this version uses a slightly lower grade of carbon fiber than the higher end Carbon CC frame. This requires more material be used to achieve the same strength, so it carries a bit more weight, but in every other aspect it’s held to the same astoundingly high standards as Juliana’s Carbon CC level frames. The upshot is that you get a frame that’s every bit as stiff and strong, at much more palatable price point.
Both triangles are constructed as whole, monocoque pieces, which contributes to additional weight savings by allowing the carbon fiber to wrap continuously through junctures and around joints. This eliminates the artificial weak points of bonded frames and requires less overall material in the process. While it's being cured, the frame is compacted from inside and out, a final step that virtually eliminates any excess material and resin pooling, resulting in increased structural integrity and, of course, lower weight.
The gold standard trail bike redefines its category
130mm travel of smooth, responsive VPP suspension
Slacker front end holds lines with confidence
Nimble rear triangle with stiff Boost spacing
Carbon C frame blends strength and rigidity
SRAM's NX drivetrain provides a wide range of gearing with one-by simplicity
Rich aesthetics and enviable functionality define Juliana
Frame Material:
Carbon C
Suspension:
VPP
Rear Shock:
FOX Float Performance
Rear Travel:
130 mm
Fork:
FOX Rhythm 130
Front Travel:
130 mm
Headset:
Cane Creek 10 series
Shifters:
SRAM NX
Front Derailleur:
n/a
Rear Derailleur:
SRAM NX
Crankset:
Race Face Aeffect AL
Bottom Bracket:
included w/ crankset
Cassette:
10 - 42 t SRAM XG 1150
Chain:
SRAM PC 1110
Brakeset:
SRAM Level T
Brake Type:
hydraulic disc
Handlebar:
Race Face Ride, 35mm clamp
Handlebar Width:
760 mm
Grips:
Juliana single sided lock-on
Stem:
Race Face Ride, 35mm clamp
Saddle:
Juliana Segundo
Seatpost:
Race Face Ride 31.6 x 400mm
Wheelset:
WTB STP i23 TCS
Hubs:
[front] Novatec D711, [rear] Novatec D712
Front Axle:
15 x 110mm Boost
Rear Axle:
12 x 148mm Boost
Tires:
[front] Maxxis Minion DHF EXO TR, [rear] Maxxis Crossmark 2 EXO TR
Tire Size:
[front] 27.5 x 2.3 in, [rear] 27.5 x 2.25 in
Recommended Use:
mountain bike, trail
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime on frame
GEOMETRY CHART
Furtado 2.0 |
|||||||||||
|
Seat Tube (c-t) |
Effective Top Tube (eTT) |
Stack (S) |
Reach (R) |
Stand Over |
Head Tube (HT) |
Head Tube Angle (HTo) |
Seat Tube Angle (STo) |
Bottom Bracket Height (BBH) |
Chainstay (CS) |
Wheelbase |
S |
15.55in |
22.68in |
23.03in |
15.94in |
27.99in |
3.94in |
67o |
74o |
13.15in |
16.73in |
43.98in |
M |
16.54in |
23.54in |
23.43in |
16.73in |
28.23in |
4.33in |
67o |
74o |
13.15in |
16.73in |
44.92in |
L |
17.72in |
24.45in |
23.78in |
17.52in |
28.31in |
4.72in |
67o |
74o |
13.15in |
16.73in |
45.87in |