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Looks like Soma finally released their updated boost version of the Juice. They've added some features that bikepackers should find appealing. What do people here think? $700 seems like a pretty decent price.


The latest Juice 29er hardtail frame feature practical updates to its feature set and geometry without diving too deep into progressive geometry. Seat tube angle is slightly steeper for easier climbing, but it isn't super slack and low. It is a bike you can still ride with "old-school" techniques, but also can be ridden with a modern technique if you pick the right size and parts.

On this lively steel frame, you'll find lots of braze-ons and bosses for utility, sliding dropouts for versatility, and industry standards like 148mm Boost hub spacing and English threaded bottom bracket shell.

We wanted this to excel at flowy trails, singletrack, and long days in the saddle exploring or bike packing. Not everybody wants or needs a bike optimized for descending black diamond trails.

– Tange Prestige heat-treated butted CrMo steel; butted CrMo rear end

– Geometry is optimized for 100mm travel 29″ forks and will handle 120mm forks great, too

– IRD Broski Sliding Dropouts allows geared and single-speed builds with easy wheel removal

– Latest update adopts Boost 12 x 148 thru-axle hub standard

– 3 pack mount and water bottle mounts on down tube. (LG and XL size have a set of water bottle mounts on the seat tube as well. Seat tube bosses are left off the MD and SM to better fit long dropper posts)

– Top tube bag mount

– S-bend seatstays and chainstays

– Rear rack and fender eyelets

– CNC-machined 44mm headtube: Will take 1-1/8″ steerers with a ZeroStack 44 headset or tapered steerers with a ZS44 upper assembly and external cup (EC44) lower assembly

– 31.6mm post size/34.9mm frt. der. size/34.9mm seat collar/73mm bottom bracket (English threads); 400mm+ post(rigid) recommended

– ED coating under the paint and inside tubes to resist rust

– Recommended tire size: 29″ x 2.4″ (or 27.5 x 2.8”)

– Color: Pumpkin Orange or Desert Metallic

– Wt: 6.2lbs. (MD)

– Sizes: SM(39cm), MD(42cm), LG(46cm), XL(51cm)
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I am almost done assembling my Soma Juice. So far no issues with bottom bracket or headset. Been able to ride up and down the street and enjoy the handling. Roval wheel set, GX eagle groupset, Rockshock SID 120MM travel. I'm 5'10" with a medium frame. I'm waiting on a dropper post and dry trails.
 
First ride with my Juice. ten miles on a washed out urban trail. I'm happy. This bike is replacing a 2016 27.5 Specialized alloy FSR, I'm over 65 and 214 lbs. and don't need a tank for this type of riding. I wanted a comfortable capable build that was soft riding. The Roval wheel set and Pana racer tires at 25 psi provided a plush ride with out squirming on me. I'm looking forward to some single track when the local mountain trails dry out. Steering is nice and does not flop when climbing out of the saddle.
Soma Juice is a size medium and fits my 5'10" fine. I'm running a 90mm stem which puts my view through the bars even with the front axle. Plenty of room for 180 rear rotor with a Zeno adapter.
 
First ride with my Juice. ten miles on a washed out urban trail. I'm happy. This bike is replacing a 2016 27.5 Specialized alloy FSR, I'm over 65 and 214 lbs. and don't need a tank for this type of riding. I wanted a comfortable capable build that was soft riding. The Roval wheel set and Pana racer tires at 25 psi provided a plush ride with out squirming on me. I'm looking forward to some single track when the local mountain trails dry out. Steering is nice and does not flop when climbing out of the saddle.
Soma Juice is a size medium and fits my 5'10" fine. I'm running a 90mm stem which puts my view through the bars even with the front axle. Plenty of room for 180 rear rotor with a Zeno adapter.
Looks like a fun and versatile build. Is this your only bike?
 
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