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 light-yet-stiff carbon 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.
This CC-level carbon frame is every bit as stiff and strong as our C-level frames, but weighs about 280 grams less, due to the use of some lighter, stronger, and more expensive carbon fiber. Using this material in key places allowed us to use less material overall, which is what shaves off more than half a pound from the frame.
