In introducing the updated Joplin for 2017, Juliana, Santa Cruz’s sister brand, have used the word “rowdy” a lot. It’s a good sign; I’m a cowgirl, on a rowdy bike I ride.
First, my stats: 5’2”, 65 kg, better at going downhill than up, partial to Craigieburn-style rooty singletrack, once spent a long time in Utah, like lots of rocky bits too.
The Joplin frame is the same as the Santa Cruz Tallboy, but with an anatomical women’s saddle (mmm, anatomical) and a new “light” suspension tune for less-weighty riders. Geometry-wise, there’s now a lower standover height (by 10mm to 30mm depending on size), shorter chainstays, a head angle that, at a groovy 68 degrees, is slacker by 2.2 degrees, and a steeper seat angle (73 degrees, if you’re wondering).…