Juliana Joplin D

Part endurance racer, part rowdy trail bike—the Joplin is ridiculously fun. The original model redefined what people thought a 29er could be. This latest version breaks the mold all over again.

Conventional wisdom always held that a big-wheel bike like this was good for one thing—covering lots of ground quickly. We’ve never had much use for conventional wisdom. Yes, the Joplin is a fine cross-country/endurance machine. With its aluminum frame, efficient VPP™ rear suspension, and 29-inch wheel option, this bike can be an absolute race weapon—but the Joplin is more than that.

The Joplin has always been, to reduce this thing to a single word, fun. As in the uncontrollable-giggling-spontaneous-high-fiving kind of fun. We cranked the knob on that particular trait to 11 this year with a ground-up redesign that increases the bike’s composure on descents, adds a bit more small-bump suppleness to the mix and improves its handling in tight turns.

The new Joplin also gives you the option of running either 29er or 27.5+ wheels. If you’re looking for quick acceleration and a nimble feel, go 29er. If you’re wanting extra traction and a more forgiving ride over roots and babyhead rocks, go 27.5+. It’s your choice.

Is the Joplin a cross-country racer? Sure. A trail bike? Absolutely. Is it fun? Oh, hell yes.