Footage issues: My camera settings got bumped so the framerate is off in this footage and there's no stabilization. Welcome back to 2016! Apologies. Thanks for your patience and understanding. I don't have time to refilm this review but the information is good, and I decided this video still deserves to see the light of day. If it's too hard to watch, just listen while you walk the dog or do the dishes. You'll be ok. Thank you, my lovelies! -Tess
I love SC's continued nod to Juliana Furtado, the absolute mtb legend! I remember as a teen reading about and watching her crush souls on the mtb XC circuits in the mid-90s, as well as being a riding advocate for everyone; she got me super inspired to ride!
In the good ol days when bike companies had demo days, I got to demo some 29ers, and there's only been two so far that I jived with off the bat....the RM Instinct and Giant Trance. Currently, I just have a lot of fun on my 27.5s. Great review!
hi, that frame geometry looks like major clearance. thanks for the feedback as i keep my eyes open for a replacement mtb for my daughter as she expands her riding.
My wife is 5’ tall and 115lbs and this may be the best bike for her. She still wants try a small Ripley though, but at her height, 29ers seem like too much wheel.
The big wheels really only come into play when it gets super steep, then the wheel can hit you in the butt. Do you guys ride stuff like that? The top EWS women's rider rode a 29er for a while and she is also 5' tall. Definitely give the Ripley a try. Cheers.
I think for riders who are 5 ft tall and below, can 27.5 may still feel best. I definitely think it's worth having her try out a size small Ripley if she can, just so she can feel confident in her choice whichever way she goes. The other nice thing that I forgot to mention about Juliana is that they offer a size XS frame. But, that's a small Ripley has very low standover. Yeah, I think it'll just come down to what she feels most confident on. You wanted to feel like she's in command of the bike.
I currently have a 2019 Bronson. I haven't owned a 29r. So last week I tried a couple at Hurricane MTB Fest. I rode Guacamole 2 weeks before on my Bronson. I rode it Saturday on an Intense Primer 29, similar geo, slightly less travel (150mm vs 160mm). I felt like the Primer got hung up a little more than my Bronson does. Everybody looks at me like I'm crazy but that is what I felt. I came home happy with my current bike, though. I want to ride a medium Hightower to doublecheck, but as of right now, I'm happy with 27.5s. I'm also tempted to try it as a mullet setup.
Primer and Santa Cruz both use a version of VPP. Known to get hung up on rocky ledgy stuff. I had the original Primer and got rid of it. If you want a bike that does not get hung up and is fun and poppy try out a Revel Rascal. Like butter-so smooth and fun over rocky ledgy stuff.
I converted my furtado/5010 to a mullet and I love it! I went down 10 mm on the travel but having the 29 inch wheel more than makes up for it. I recommend giving it a try!
do you plan to try it in a mullet configuration? It might make that techy climbing a little spicier but you might find it makes up for it in the descending.
Would this be good for a woman’s beginner first full suspension? Or too much bike? I like green and blue trails and I am a conservative rider meaning I don’t do big drops or jumps, just like to go at my own pace. Or should I stick with more of a cross country or “down country” geo bike? Thanks! Love your channel!
I prefer the slightly slacker head tube angle of a trail bike, versus XC. That's a personal preference. I don't think this is too much bike though. It's still low enough in the travel to make it pretty versatile.
@@dustybettymtb I was going to suggest that as well. I purchased a Juliana Roubion last August on a whim and I love it. I also want a Wilder as XC has always been what I prefer but the Roubion has opened up some confidence for me on the fast and technical downhills. My seventeen year old daughter is currently riding and loving a salsa timberjack but I keep looking at the Furtado for her. She goes out for the fun but has always been unsure of herself on the bike, she never has gotten comfortable and I think the 27.5 with the extra width has been very helpful for her. I think the full suspension might help her realize she is actually a very capable rider. Nice review, thanks!
