Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol - First Look

Jul 18, 2016
by Mike Levy  




As suspension quality and geometry evolve, more and more riders are moving away from relatively long-travel bikes and towards machines that manage to do the same - or more - with less. With their brand new, 120mm-travel Trail Pistol, Colorado's Guerrilla Gravity is aiming to join the list of bikes that may be short on travel but not short on abilities.

Guerrilla Gravity says that the Trail Pistol is ready for either 27.5+ or 29'' wheels thanks to its adjustable geometry, and they've also moved away from the linkage-activated single pivot layout employed on their previous bikes to a Horst Link system.

The aluminum Trail Pistol is welded in Denver, Colorado, and a frame and shock retail for $2,195 USD; complete builds start at $2,995 and top out with the 'Race build' at $5,495.
Trail Pistol Details

• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Rear wheel travel: 120mm
• Wheel size: 27.5+ or 29''
• 66.6º head angle w/ 130mm fork
• Adjustable geometry for wheel size
• Frame material: aluminum
• Metric shock sizing
• 148mm Boost hub spacing
• Universal Syntace derailleur hanger
• Weight: 6.3lbs (frame w/ shock, claimed)
• MSRP: $2,195 USD (frame w/ Deluxe RT3), $2,995 - $5,495 USD (complete bikes)


n a

27.5+ or 29" Wheels

The latest plus-sized setups offer distinct enough performance when compared to 29" wheels that it makes sense for them to be offered as an option, and like a few other companies out there, Guerrilla Gravity has designed their new machine to accept either wheel size by way of two geometry settings. ''The idea here is that plus tires are best for less aggressive riding and therefore should be paired with a less aggressive mode,'' GC's Will Montague explained of their reasoning before going on to say, ''to be sure, both modes are still aggressive by industry standards, though.''


Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol
The Trail Pistol in 'Plush' mode with 27.5+ tires and less progressive suspension.


Guerrilla Gravity is aiming for consistency in handling between the two options: both modes are said to maintain the same bottom bracket height, and Montague also said that no fork swapping is necessary, which makes it reasonable to actually own and use both kinds of wheelsets so long as the tire clearance up front is acceptable.

'Plush Mode' is designed for wider 27.5+ tires that are going to be ridden at lower pressures, and it offers up a 1º steeper head angle (67.8º with a 120mm fork) that's paired with a less progressive suspension rate than the slacker option. So, quicker handling and a more linear (but not linear) suspension rate. Want to mix and match wheel size and geometry settings? ''Riders looking to run 29er wheels can still run Plush Mode if they'd like a slightly more linear suspension platform and slightly less aggressive geo,'' said Montague of not being locked into either setting.

'Crush Mode' combined with 29'' wheels provides a slightly slacker head angle (67.0º with a 120mm fork), but maybe more noteworthy, a suspension rate that ramps up quicker than when the bike is set to the more forgiving geometry option.


Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol
A slot just under the rocker link allows a Velcro (or ski) strap to be run through the frame to hold a tube or other supplies in place.


There is said to be loads of tire clearance regardless of if the rider is in Plush or Crush mode, with Guerrilla Gravity saying that there is room for 29'' x 2.6'' rubber and 27.5'' x 3.0'' rubber. ''Both are actual measurements,'' the company says, ''not claimed, since all tire manufacturers seem to use a different ruler.''


From Single Pivot to Horst Link

Up until now, Guerrilla Gravity's full-suspension bikes have all used a linkage-activated single pivot layout the company has referred to as a ''highly refined suspension platform that eliminates unnecessary complication.'' This was put to use on both the 150 - 160mm travel Megatrail and the 195 - 205mm travel GG/DH, but they've gone in a different direction and used a Horst Link design for the 120mm Trail Pistol. They're calling it 'Freedom Linkage,' and Montague said that the name is both a nod to their American-made ethos, as well as how their bikes are ''free from the bullshit. Our suspension designs are incredibly refined, without being complicated or gimmicky.''


Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol
Flip the chip to switch between Plush mode (27.5+ wheels) and Crush mode (29'' wheels).


Why the change in design? ''Marketing, mostly,'' Montague says in the most straightforward way possible about the way that other companies tout their own designs as being able to allow riders to go faster while curing everything from club foot to cancer. ''There's a perception perpetuated by other manufacturers that the type of platform used is what creates ride qualities, but this is smoke and mirrors at its finest. It really comes down to the execution of a platform, where the suspension points are located,'' he went on to say.

In other words, Montague is saying that it's not the suspension design used, but how the suspension design is used.

But if that's the case, why not stick with their long-proven single pivot system? ''Most platforms can be made to ride well, or ride poorly. So it came down to this: riders want a Horst Link bike. Can we make ours ride as well as our single pivot design? The answer was yes, so we rolled with it. On paper, the Freedom Linkage does brake 8% better, which is a noticeable improvement to only the most discerning of riders.''

''Our design goal for suspension layouts is this: create the best performing suspension in the least complicated package.''
Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol

Three of the four shock options will come from RockShox, with the frame or complete bikes shipping to customers with either a Deluxe R, Deluxe RT3, or a Super Deluxe RC3 bolted in place. If you have a bit more coin to spend, you can have your Trail Pistol with Push's ElevenSix, although the delivery date for the shock, which is also manufactured in Colorado, is still a ways out.



Author Info:
mikelevy avatar

Member since Oct 18, 2005
2,032 articles

221 Comments
  • 152 36
 I don't think you can rename the Horst Link 'Freedom Linkage' and then in the next breath declare that your bikes are "free from bullshit"...
  • 89 15
 You can if in your third breath you state the reason for the change is 100% marketing and your old single pivot design was every bit as good but didn't sell because riders want Horst. Then in your fourth breath, you state the only advantage to your new design is 8% gain in braking, but will only be felt by a tiny fraction of riders good enough for this to make a difference. You can also read this as 'buy one of our old bikes used', it is every but as good as our new bike with fancy marketing names attached to it."
  • 9 11
 Or sell a 27.5 + bike either.
  • 12 5
 @headshot: Since there really is such a thing as a 'beginner' in mtb, Plus is a valid design for a bike.
  • 72 21
 It is sad to see small or even some medium companies falling into a cliche of: "we offer no bullsht company". That is a BS on it's own, you design bikes and sell them to people, it is that simple. IT needs to ride well, be manufactured at a price that can bring you revenue so that you can sell it afterwards at a revenue allowing you to stay in business. In technical terms that bike is no less BS than a Norco or Spec. All those companies are run by passionate people who are doing their best to make best designs, it is a function of human brain. It's a bike, you made a different bike. Super cool that you make it in house. Stay off that "no bullshit company, by riders for riders" bullshit because you make cool bikes! They speak for themselves.
  • 120 7
 Guys i really dont know why some pb users constantly search for negatives in articles on here. If you read this run down on a small bike brand coming out with a new product that on paper and in pictures looks to have been researched and designed with care and thought and all you can come up with is an out of context negative comment then really why bother. If there actually is either a form or function fault or problem that you can see or have prior knowledge about then by all means share it in a constructive informative manner so that all readers, including said bike company, can learn from/take on board. Ive said it before that im not on pb to argue with anyone or to be negative unless i think i have a valid point. Please can we give some of the blatant negativity a miss.
  • 19 5
 @slowrider73: I suspect that some pb users are just dry, cynical a*sholes... I doubt the proportion is any higher or lower than the general population. I'm guilty, and completely at ease with it. You should maybe try embracing it before writing it off completely? You might be pleasantly surprised how satisfying a cathartic string of full stops can feel!

As an aside, I also think I had a valid point. Commentary isn't necessarily invalid because it's negative...
  • 13 1
 @slowrider73: I stopped using MTBR cause I got tired of all the negative banter..
  • 12 1
 @slowrider73: bike looks interesting, I'd give that a spin for sure. Agree with on the overwhelming negative comments. ..very MTBRish
  • 12 0
 @PedalShopLLC: What's MTBR?
  • 17 11
 @slowrider73: I agree with what you're saying, but calling your exactly-the-same-as-two-dozen-other-copmanies suspension design the "freedom linkage" is kind of putting a huge douchebag target on your back.
  • 53 1
 but...make suspension great again...
  • 10 1
 Its actually the "Freedom from BS Linkage". I wonder how they measured the "8% better braking"?
  • 3 3
 @Rubberelli: 8% is a surprising choice and based on the vertical orientation of the shock driving link. a more horizontal link of a typical fsr would have 30-50% "better" (more active) braking that their single pivots. though lately I'm feeling like a little brake induced squat might be nice to stabilize the chassis.
  • 12 13
 "Free from bullshit", and it has boost spacing. Ok.
  • 5 11
flag WAKIdesigns (Jul 18, 2016 at 6:32) (Below Threshold)
 @jzPV: not a good person
  • 6 3
 Don't forget it's not "gimmicky". Just renaming a design to put their name on. ...but it's not "gimmicky".....and I'm Santa Claus.....
  • 16 11
 @EastCoastDHer: I don't condone comments like yours but that is what I meant with my rant. Pushing such under-dog sales pitch where you try to downgrade what big companies are doing, is just going to cause you trouble... Transiton bikes made the same mistake recently, by trying to appear as some keep it real company, while their bikes are designed and made in the same way as big companies they were poking.
  • 6 1
 I think it looks like a nice bike. I like the admission of doing what sells, instead of making up some bullshit deliberately misspelled word for a design feature which everyone else is also using. I like it. Looking at the flip chip though, it looks to me like it will change the travel, not just the spring curve.
  • 5 1
 @WAKIdesigns: "Big" companies still make bikes that are sized for smurfs. G/G was never really about a suspension design. Instead they where about Geometry and frame sizing changes. I can ride any suspension design and typically like SP or various DW designs most. But if a bike is too small it doesn't matter.

I had the LG Megatrail and it fit very well.
  • 8 6
 @schwaaa31:
Boost spacing is not bullshit at all. Especially with 29" wheels.

Don't worry. I'm sure your old bike still works just fine for your needs and you never ever have to buy a new bike if you are happy with it.
  • 1 3
 If they really want to cut the bullshit, yet keep the "proprietary" linkage then they should all start calling them "Horse Links" Am I right?

I would buy and ride this bike. I think it looks better than all their previous models and is more in line with my local trails and old guy mellow cruise until the downhills riding style. The price range is pretty good too.
  • 5 19
flag duzzi (Jul 18, 2016 at 8:14) (Below Threshold)
 It is kind of disgusting actually, especially with the reference to "the land of the free". What's the next model: "make bikes great again"?
  • 9 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I am not sure Transition did the same - they said their bikes are made using the same methods as the bigboys but they just wont spout the same amount of hyped up crap that the bigboys do, their videos are quite funny.

I do agree thought that many small companies fall into the trap of marketing themselves by saying they dont market themselves and giving the big companies a big of a verbal bashing in the process.

The bike industry is full of absolute tosh though, at least GG has the transparency to say they designed the bike in this way because you lot wanted it and were too stupid / hyped up that you couldnt realise our single pivot design was 92% as good......
  • 14 0
 @M1nt5auce: MTBR - It's when you need another beer. Say it out loud - Empty Beer.

It's not a good thing.
  • 1 0
 double post
  • 8 7
 First, there's a lot of people on this comment thread that need to re-adjust their sarcasm/butt hurt meter. Rubberelli clearly gets it, as Will's comments are being made with tongue firmly in cheek. And the comment that big companies like Spesh and Trek have people that are passionate about bikes is LOL-worthy. Sure, they have designers and engineers that all about bad ass mountain bikes, but corporately they are all about making proprietary shocks, magic marketing tripe and keeping lawyers busy.
  • 7 3
 @WAKIdesigns isn't wrong. The "rider owned" "no bs" angle is exactly that. It's an angle. I don't doubt that they are really good down to earth guys but it's a bit transparent to me. They also talk a bit out both sides of their mount here.....they accuse other companies of "smoke and mirrors" in regards to suspension platforms. Followed by admitting to changing to horst link for no other reason than to sell bikes. Of course bike companies tout their design the best- you HAVE to believe that if you are doing it right. I want the people building my bikes to believe in what they are selling. This looks like a fine bike by fine people, but knocking the industry that gives you life in the first place is a fine line to walk. Too far and it's you that is "gimmicky".....
  • 7 1
 @jackalope: There are plenty of ways for smart people to make big money and selling bicycles is not at the very top of that list. Yes, even people working for Specialized like bikes.
  • 4 1
 I don't think all this hate is warranted. Small company and easy for their message to get lost or be less refined than the big boys. If they were a bit more clever in the marketing, I have a feeling you'd be loving them..
  • 3 0
 @PedalShopLLC: ...and you came to Pinkbike...??
  • 10 0
 I think GG is being pretty honest here. And I like honest people. And I like the looks of that bike.
  • 1 0
 @scary1: ha...MTBR was good in the early days but quickly became a rant / bitch fest somewhere a long the way. I dipped out, never looked back
  • 4 3
 @PedalShopLLC: but deeeight keeps on saying that people on mtbr are better informed, more friendly and less sexist. Mtbr does not hype Emily Batty and Mike Levy is not there to endorse college rape by encouraging girls to drink alcohol.

Aah, BTW, that looks like a great bike Big Grin
  • 4 2
 @DARKSTAR63: You don't say? Let me put it this way - there are people who own/run bike and bike component companies that don't give a flying phuck about bikes (especially about mountain bikes), they're just selling "widgets" to make money. The guy who owned Iron Horse comes to mind. Not that they're all like that, but some are. GG is not one of them.

But as I've told the guy who designs GG bikes, if they keep it up and continue to grow, perhaps he too can become a souless corporate schmuck and start suing people from his jacuzzi in a private jet. That's real "freedom" right there.
  • 3 0
 @jackalope: Didn't say they were, just saying - assuming all the rest ARE is most likely incorrect.
  • 1 0
 @PedalShopLLC: Where are all the pictures...? looks boring!
  • 8 3
 What a bummer of a first comment. Missing the bigger picture I think.
  • 4 2
 @WAKIdesigns:

I swear, some times I want to spit in your salad. Other times I want to buy you dinner because you pointed out what others are failing to see. Today it's dinner!
  • 5 0
 Satire, brought to you by the hard working folks at GG.
  • 1 0
 @headshot: haha I was thinking the same thing. What would constitute "better braking" anyway? If they really wanted to continue the "Freedom Linkage" theme then they should say "Beterrer Braking."
  • 4 6
 Clearly, the Horst link is a superior design and they were just waiting for the specialized patent to run out before they could sell it. In the meantime, they just used a single pivot design and marketed it as being simple.
  • 4 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Transition isn't afraid of making fun of themselves as well as the big boys. Humor trumps BS!
  • 2 1
 thank you... I was hoping they were calling it freedom link er whatever because they didn't have to pay to use the horst link now. That would at least have been honest...
  • 1 2
 @railin: no, it was still bull shit. Mostly it was bullshit how everyone that had been hating on horst link bikes because Specialized was defending their patent suddenly decided that a Transition horst link was the best suspension system on the planet... BS
  • 8 0
 @jzPV: #allsuspensionmatters
  • 1 2
 And to prove that #allsuspensionsmatter we'll kill all other suspensions.
  • 1 2
 @lccomz they give you 28 spokes and 148 hubs...when we had 36 spokes and 142 or 135.. find the difference (nothing)
  • 7 0
 I think you guys missed the sarcasm. Those guys are about as free from bullshit as you can get...
  • 1 2
 @cauboi:
Boost hubs support rims at a more advantageous angle and yield a stiffer wheel build. It's not my opinion, but simple geometry. I understand new standards can be frustrating, especially if you've recently spent money on what is now outdated technology. My current trail bike is not Boost, but I have ridden Boost bikes and can concede that the wheels are stiffer. 142x12 was only marginally better than 135x12 and it is unfortunate the industry didn't think about moving hub flanges outboard more at the time it was introduced. 142x12 was a temporary pit stop on the way to Boost. Not to mention, a Boost wheel with 32 or 28 spokes will weigh less than a 142 or 135x12 wheel with 36 spokes.
  • 2 2
 @lccomz: 142x12 had same flanges as 135, the point was to make a wider insert to make wheel installation easier. It was great. Boost is a good idea. Not taken far enough. I remember talking to my friend 3 years ago when Fatbikes started popping up - I wonder how long will it take that industry will mount fatbike hubs for 29ers.

Boost doesn't improve stiffness of a 29er wheel by any good margin, it makes it possible at all to build wheels rims with 40mm internal width, for PLUS bikes, where spoke holes have bigger offset for improved rim structure. Stiffness increase for all wheels IS there, it's just that it should be at least 154mm wide. Finally for 29ers the spoke angle can be fixed in much better way by creating asymmetric chainstay like in Cannondales.

I am affraid your weight argument is way off since, it's been several years now without 36 spoke wheels.

The "funniest" bit about Boost is that both SRAM and TREK mentioned wheel stiffness increase as the 3rd benefit of the new standard. They said that it increases tyre clearance and shortens chainstay, which is absolute bollocks since Spec made Enduro 29 4 years ago and it has 430 stays. It is also questionable why would you make stays that short.
  • 1 1
 @WAKIdesigns:
Sounds like we are essentially in agreement. Yes, I know the flanges were not moved outboard when hubs moved from 135 to 142, I'm sorry if that was confusing to you. I also know 36 spokes haven't been used for most purposes in quite some time and only mentioned that because the person I was responding to did. You are incorrect however (regardless of how often you post on Pinkbike and how you think that makes you an authority on all matters,) plus wheel compatibility is a byproduct of Boost spacing and its benefits to wheel stiffness in larger diameter hoops, not the other way around. Boost spacing does in fact yield a stiffer 29" wheel.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Not as early as the E29... but the Canfield Riot has 29 inch wheels, 414mm stays, room for a 2.5 tire and 142x12 rear spacing.
  • 2 0
 @schwaaa31: Whats wrong with boost?
  • 1 1
 @beerandbikes: I guess I can answer that with a question. What was wrong with 150mm? Why another unnecessary standard when there was already one that does the exact same thing as 148mm? To sell more wheels and frames, of course.
  • 3 2
 @schwaaa31: 150 is what 135 was to 142. Yes I do appreciate the ability to slide the rear wheel into slots in the frame, that's why I think both 142 and 157 are awesome. So you should be either comparing 148 to 157 or the non-existing 141 to 150.

DH spacing is retarded anyways, since it wastes a hell of hub width. Just like with Boost, the answer is the asymmetric swingarm, placing the rim almost right in the middle between flanges. Also 157 and 150 should be dead anyways. DH bikes never needed more than 6 speeds so a Boost hub with a new, narrower Freehub body to accomodate only 6 cogs would be just fine.
  • 2 1
 @WAKIdesigns: I agree with that. Aboard on boost. I think it's all we need.
  • 2 2
 @DARKSTAR63: I appreciate your comment. Pssst... Time for secret handshakes Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @WAKIdesigns: Haha, yeah I just think it's one of these new standards that gets shot down only because it's new. It actually makes sense. I can agree that not everything that comes out is "needed", but we should be careful not become jaded and miss something worthwhile.
  • 3 0
 @WAKIdesigns: I have test ridden aproximately 15 different bikes this year at inter/outerbike, as I am ready for something different. I know I want the option of 29 or 27+, as that is the wheel size I have the most fun on. Almost everything I got to demo rode really well, but when the dust settled, this one (Trail Pistol) was hands down the raddest machine I have been on! Climbed like a hard tail, without having to flip any switches, and descended like a beast with either wheel set. I used all of the travel, but never noticed bottoming out or feeling to squishy. My next full suss for sure!
  • 4 2
 Everyone sounds like a bunch of pathetic babies - I actually rode this bike and it is sick / negative prop me - I give zero f*cks!!!!
  • 55 8
 I love Pinkbike so much. A small company comes out with a domestically manufactured frame that checks all the right boxes and people are getting butt-hurt about the silly name they gave their horst-link to go along with all of the other silly names companies give horst links, WHILE ADMITTING IT'S PURELY MARKETING. Oh, and apparently "freedom," "pistol,", and "guerilla," are all triggering to the Euro, and Euro-wannabe set who apparently have had their sense of humor surgically removed.

Y'all bunch of whiny commies need to ride more and bitch less.

Awesome bike GG, on the shortlist for my next ride.
  • 14 32
flag blackthorne (Jul 18, 2016 at 12:26) (Below Threshold)
 Clearly their marketing worked on you. Commies? Euro-bashing? Are you still in the cold war? Keep your guns and bibles and don't vote, please.
  • 25 9
 @blackthorne: Keep your snooty sense of self-righteousness off the trail. Road biking might be right for you.
  • 9 2
 Have you ever tried to tell a joke to a German?
  • 5 1
 Germans don't joke, they scientifically test shit on a non real world computer proving that some products (schwalbe, magura) work much better in a lab than on the trail. Because we all rip shit up in a lab. Slaying blackboard corners and such.
  • 34 0
 I love the bikes that Guerilla Gravity have been putting out, so much so that I've been riding a Megatrail for two seasons now and have ordered one of their hardtail steel Pedalheads as well. The guys at the shop are cool and have always taken the time to work with me on what I want, show me the designs they're working on, talk with me about what I think customers are looking for, et cetera. I've also seen them doing the same thing up in Winterpark and out on the trails in Buffalo Creek. Matt is super enthusiastic about his design work and really seems to love hearing about his customers experiences on the bikes he designs. As for Will's "marketing" comment, you gotta know that he's got a pretty dry sense of humor, for example, this from an interview a few years ago when asked about updating the Megatrail: "We’re considering some new acronyms to attach to our marketing collateral for 2016 that will render the previous models obsolete." I haven't heard anything but good about their bikes or their customer service.
  • 37 10
 Freedom Linkage. Agressive and less aggressive (but STILL aggressive) geometry. Guerilla. Pistol.

All it needs is a bible verse and a special "Ted Nugent" edition and this'll be the perfect bike for the modern day conservative. But that "Go Team 'Murrica Blue" sure is a nice color.
  • 3 1
 @uphill-blues: Now that's funny. It's not every day you see that name pop up on PB. But you're right, it sounds a bit over the top.
  • 4 0
 @kingsx: Love how clean it looks without neon graphics all over the rims and fork. I like mine clean.
  • 10 9
 They could do a D Trump signature edition?
  • 7 13
flag headshot (Jul 18, 2016 at 6:02) (Below Threshold)
 Okay, how about a "Hilary C Special Edition" ? :-)
  • 19 0
 @headshot: That would require a super boost rear end and a not so secret compartment to hide classified documents.
  • 2 0
 @richierocket: Yep, completely agree. In fact, I just finished peeling off the decals from the new Flows MK3's I just had laced up.
  • 7 5
 Please tell me these guys are using the whole Freedom thing as tongue in cheek and its not serious, if its serious it is about one of the most odd things I have ever seen named in the cycle industry.......Muuurrriiicaaaaa...... you guys are nuts.
  • 2 0
 @headshot: then if the bike exploded they could blame it on a youtube video showing a rider demonstrating poor line choices, causing many more to do the same.
  • 4 1
 @headshot: The Trump edition will activate "Crazy Mofo Aggro Geo" settings when the bike senses immigrants on the trail. It'll slacken the head angle to 30 degrees and turn the handlebars into monkey bars. The Hillary version is the female-specific bike. It's very twitchy and unpredictable.
  • 2 0
 @uphill-blues: twitchy and unpredictable lol
  • 24 1
 she's a looker. i think they've nailed it(numbers, cs, standover, clean lines and even space for a bottle). decent price too
  • 21 5
 She's a looker?wheres me jam jar glasses...ahh yes she's gorgeous,real gorgeousWink
  • 2 0
 Sweet, I'd like to try her....
  • 18 0
 GG is the real deal. Just a solid group of people making bikes that are fun to ride. Looks awesome!
  • 17 1
 Don`t you just love to see a nice bit of alloy with great welds and jigged for both wheel sizes??? Gorgeous!!!
  • 13 1
 MRP getting no love this week. First, it was the chainguide with the scratched-off logo and now a fork with the logos removed - from a fellow CO company.
  • 8 2
 Looks better without the logos
  • 2 3
 It's probably to make Photoshop easier.
  • 8 2
 @wetbed0: I take all the stickers off my bikes as I can. I prefer the stealth look and I'm not a paid sponsor for anyone so no need for me to advertise, which is what all the company logos are all over these bikes. Trouble is I have and Ibis and it's painted on the frame, but I may cover that real soon as I have enough scratches to sand down the clear coat and paint the frame a solid color. I think everyone should do this after a year or two of chipping away at the finish. Unless you don't give a crap, which most people don't.
  • 17 0
 @TheFunkyMonkey we have lots of love for MRP, we just tone down the branding on build kit components for the website photos to put the focus more on the frame, and due to the fact that the build kits are customizable, we wanted the build kit in the pictures to look more universal.
  • 3 0
 @ChampionP:

Pinkbike to create a fad of spay-painting over the logo without prep or care of longevity of the paint. Because logos all over are dumb.

Also looking at you, mtb Jersey makers!
  • 14 4
 I own a 120mm 26" bike that I was looking to replace... I think I'll keep it because by next year, that'll be the bike to have, judging by what I'm seeing now with reversing trends...
  • 6 1
 How is 29"/27+" with progressive geometry a reversing trend?
  • 11 3
 Wow. That came out of left field! Looks like a very well thought out and designed bike. Always great when smaller independent company's like this push things a bit. Very nice! Loving the new(ish) breed of 29er/27.5+ mid/short travel trail weapons. Seeing a few more 29ers in the enduro ranks is interesting too. Is 29 the future for all but 200mm+ dh rigs?? I know my 29er hardtail rolls over stuff like a steamroller and with a good geo still handles pretty darn well too!
  • 9 0
 American-made, horst link, modern geometry; I've been waiting for a Turner 2.0. Can't front, the slot for the velcro strap is my favorite detail.
  • 11 0
 3 for 3 on bikes that double as works of art.
  • 2 0
 Some may even say 4 for 4
  • 6 0
 Looks sweet... I've demoed a few of their mega trails and thought they rode great. BB was a little low, but bike handled awesome. Suspension hardware looks super clean. Being a big wheel fan, this is just I wanted... Nice work
  • 6 0
 I really like good manufactured aluminium frames, and love raw finish. Geometry is spot on for me. I like the possibility of having two mode settings, thats a good amount of versatility (3 different geometry setups). Frame weight is spot on. Build kits are well thought an you are allowed to upgrade crucial components. In my case I tried a basic build kit and upgraded almost everithing endin in a 4200USD bike with a high quality spec. So I think that marketing or bullshit aside is a great product. I love this bike!
  • 6 0
 Sick bike. Love the designated gear strap spot, probably gonna see this on more bikes in the future... Or I would at least like to see it on bikes in the future lol

I'd probably end up only riding it with a 29er setup but swap it to a 140 fork up front... It will end up a little more slacked out than I like for the tight climbing we have here but I'm sure I can make it work Wink
  • 6 0
 It's great so see such a practical and well executed bike from a US manufacturer that is priced to compete in the current market. It's also lighter than many carbon bikes in this category. Geometry looks great as well. I will definitely try to get a ride on one of these before I consider buying my next bike. And it's quite a looker! Not plastered with logos and decals... just nicely shaped tubes and quality welds.
  • 9 5
 "more and more riders are moving away from relatively long-travel bikes and towards machines that manage to do the same - or more - with less"

--- aka we managed to make 160mm bikes so good people wouldn't need to buy a new bike so our new marketing tactic is to convince them that they have "too much bike".
  • 10 1
 Let's be real.... There's a good chunk of riders out there on 160-170 rigs and it's more bike than they need...
  • 4 0
 I think its really more about selling bikes to another "customer demographic" than it is about selling another bike to current Megatrail owners. There's plenty of people out there that do think 150/160 is too much, and would prefer something with less travel - like the Trail Pistol. There also seems to be an expanding market for aggressively geo'd 29ers now (Following, SB5.5c, etc...) so this makes sense from that perspective too. Heck, GG only has 2 full squish models in the "trail/AM" category versus some companies that have 4 offerings in that flavor.
  • 5 0
 As a very happy megatrail owner I'm stoked to see these guys crushing it. Awesome guys really helpful, supporting local business, sweet bikes what's not to like. Keep up the good work guys
  • 4 0
 Hey GG,

Megatrail owner, and freaking loving it! Question, can I buy that Horst rear end and slap it on my Megatrail Medium? Smile Please say yes, I would love to run bigger tires.

Thanks kindly,
Bryan
  • 4 0
 Bryan, we haven't actually looked into that, but the pivot point locations are all a bit different, so the resultant geo and kinematics would likely be pretty funky, and the main pivot is wider on the Trail Pistol.
  • 1 0
 @m-t-g: Heyo, are there any plans on possibly upgrading the rear of the Megatrail to fit wider tires? AKA Ibis boost rear?

I would happily be your crash test dummy for it. Smile

Bryan
  • 1 0
 @bryan46: Haven't thought too much about that, we've been flat out getting the Trail Pistol going!
  • 4 1
 This is the pr GG needs! I've Been Rippin the GG megatrail for a little while now. It is one of the most active suspension designs I've even ridden. I'd love to test ride this one but for now I'll stick with the megatrail. It blows some of the big names out of the water....
  • 12 5
 And people slag the orange look..sweet Jesus.
  • 2 0
 Despite all the BS which doesn't bother me, its beautiful. A note about BS, everyone is full of it, maybe it would be nice if someone tried harder not to be, but thats likely pandering. Embrace the BS, its only an issue if you don't see it for what it is.
  • 3 0
 I had the privilege of riding a Trail Pistol through Lil' Scraggy in Buffalo Creek, CO. That bike is quite possibly the most fun 29er I've ever ridden, hands down. It's like an F-15 made sweet, savage love to a semi-truck!
  • 4 0
 Anyone else think the shape/design of the bike is beautiful but the graphics and typeface are hideous? The graphics seem to cheapify the bike IMO.
  • 3 0
 I really want to get a bike like this and put a 29er in the front and a 27.5+ in the rear for a moto styled mountain bike and see how that works. I think it would be pretty dope.
  • 5 0
 That's doable.
  • 2 0
 I never thought I'd agree with something WAKI wrote. Hell, I often can't even decide if I agree OR disagree with him because I can't really understand what is he's trying to say most of the time. But here, in regards to this supreme piece of anti-marketing yet hyper-marketing BS, you are spot on WAKadoodle!
  • 5 0
 This looks so fun to ride!
  • 6 1
 Freedom... from patent royalties
  • 5 0
 Awesome bike by an awesome group of riders! Keep killing it guys!
  • 3 0
 Loving the reasonable BB height with a slack HT. So many of the progressive geo bikes can't be pedaled through corners up or down
  • 4 0
 At last a company which understands that the seat tube angle (actual AND effective) has to be as steep as possible.
  • 6 1
 Called them once with some questions and I was super impressed.
  • 5 0
 And if you search through some MTBR forums about their bikes, you will find that Matt and Will answer questions on there with the utmost intelligence
  • 5 0
 I like it.
  • 3 0
 the blue one, I love it! its time to break my piggybank...and find a few cents Big Grin
  • 4 0
 Damn, thats one sweet ride!
  • 1 0
 Why the external headset cup and the quite high stack? No way that at 5'9.5" I'm going to get a fit that I like on this otherwise nice frame. My Warden with a 160mm for has a stack of 587mm which is ideal for me.
  • 13 0
 Stack height was something that we scrutinized pretty heavily on this design. I hit up quite a few of our riders on what they were running, kept an eye on how demo bikes were being adjusted, and had a number of people adjust stack height up and down a bit and report back on the results. Results: most people prefer a little taller than typical.

But, if that's the only thing holding you back, we do offer semi-custom options. For example, you could get a size medium with the head tube from a size small and run your preferred stack.
  • 5 2
 Plus tyres are for less aggressive riding so it's not about the extra grip but extra comfort?
  • 3 5
 Plus size tires have potential for be amazing aggressive riding platforms. The compliance part of the equation means a lot more grip but they to really need to focus on sidewall design with slower rebound. That's not going to be easy.
  • 16 4
 Plus tires are for less experienced riders who are looking for security on the trail more than speed. This guy is just the first bike manufacturer to come right out and say that.
  • 3 1
 Plus tires could be great for aggressive riding... if tire MFGS would actually sell those tires. Maxxis, I'd like to buy some Rekon +, not just see them on bikes on PB.
  • 5 7
 @Rubberelli: The only reason they are going to say that now is because they have no answer on how to deal with the extra rebound from the sidewalls themselves. So as usual, the marketing metro's come up with some smoke and mirrors and pull an entire new genre from their bottoms: "Less Experienced Riders".

I personally don't like the taste of 5h1t!

That said, anyone that knows something about what facilitates traction will realize that the extra compliance a plus size tire can provide has HUGE benefit. Neg propping this is just a display of ignorance.
  • 5 0
 Sure, plus size tires help less-experienced riders, but they also create a bigger envelope for experienced riders to push the limits of. Anything that makes a bike faster is for experienced riders too. I remember when suspension forks were considered only for the rich or incompetent.
  • 2 1
 It's just another 'mid' size so you're meant to believe it's the best of all worlds but it's a pointless fashion fad.
If you want to ride fast copy the dh lot, they seem to be happy on 2.3"-2.5" tyres and they'd rip + tyres to bits.
  • 2 0
 @turbohippy: well, I can't dispute your final point. Reconsidering my position...
  • 1 0
 I have no interest in what bike radar think, 29" makes sense, oversized tyres don't.
I ride 26" or 24" wheels and I don't plan on changing, unless I feel the need for a xc race bike but I'm not interested in xc, that would be 29"
  • 4 0
 @turbohippy: And there you have it folks! The terminal and brutish simplicity of someone that would change the efforts and scholarship of someone into "what they think" in an effort to quell the cognitive dissonance raging inside when presented with facts other then what they believe.

BTW, the earth is flat and "Heavier than air machine flying machines are impossible" "made sense" to the ignorant of the time.
  • 4 0
 Looks well done to me. Alloy!
  • 2 0
 American made race build under 6g. That almost sound impossible, considering that similar Asian made bikes are going for more$$$.
  • 3 0
 Looks like an awesome rig! I just have to wait a few years for a used frame!
  • 6 4
 6.3lbs with shock? Come on GG. You guys are great, but that's carbon weight. Otherwise, super sexy bike.
  • 2 1
 it's 6.9 on their site, with just hardware
  • 2 3
 @ PHeller: Yeah, that seems a bit too light to believe for alloy. Wonder if it's strong.
  • 2 0
 Exactly my thoughts! My XL Ibis Ripley LS comes in @ 5.98 lbs. I know the Evil Following is around 6.5 lbs. So 6.3 lbs for an aluminum trail rig? Cool bike though... really like the anodized and raw finishes.
  • 8 0
 The Megatrail frame is 6.9lbs. The Trail Pistol is 6.5lbs.
  • 1 0
 @m-t-g: is that with or without shock? GG site claims 6.5lbs for medium with "hardware" whatever that means. Super Deluxe RC3 probably weighs around a pound, so if the frame weighs 6.8lbs for a size large plus another pound for a shock...Scales are cheap and numbers are small, unfortunately I think manufactures are hestitant to release weight information because they are worried consumers will avoid a product because its heavier than its competition, so they don't list "real world" weights. This isn't confined to GG either, lots of companies won't post weights of frames across all sizes or shock options.
  • 4 0
 @m-t-g: On another note,the crew at GG is awesome and I can't wait to demo a Trail Pistol, 6.5lbs or not!
  • 8 0
 @PHeller: We list weights without shock, since there are multiple shock options. Hit us up to see about lining up a demo. You are correct about the conundrum of listing weights, but we try to be as transparent as possible and give folks plenty of info.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: If you wanna demo a GG, I've got just the place: torca.org/2016/07/05/2016-pachanga

Come hang out with us in Tucson & demo a GG! Loved the Mega Trail last year. It's in the top 3 bikes I've ever thrown a leg over.
  • 2 1
 @groghunter: holy amaze balls, am I down for a "this is a fun ride, shhh not an enduro race" on Lemmon.
  • 2 0
 @dthomp325: We'll be glad to have ya! Though don't come expecting a BME stop: it really is more of a fun ride, just with a clock on the downhills so we can give out prizes to the "average Joe" (or average Jolene?) which is the riders that are closest to the average of all times.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: There should be a BME stop on Eldo or Lemmon...
  • 1 0
 @dthomp325: As someone who's interfaced with the Forest Service on advocacy, I'll just point out that many/all of the BME stops are at resorts, not on public lands, & leave you to form your own opinion on why.

Neither Flagstaff or Tucson has a resort that is open to bikes in the summer, sadly. & despite our efforts to change that, I don't see it changing anytime soon.
  • 1 0
 @groghunter: It's my understanding the Snowbowl has a better chance of getting lift served MTB now that its under ownership of James Coleman as he has experience with doing that at his resorts Sipapu and Purgatory. Additionally, I've always heard that competitive events on Forest Service Land is always forest-by-forest. I'm curious how the folks at Epic Rides manage to avoid those conflicts.
  • 2 0
 @PHeller: It is forest by forest, but it's also year by year, as FS personnel tend to move around a lot. It makes it a lot easier to have an event when you know the people you're working with will be consistent, instead of coming back the next year & finding they've completely changed their view on biking, especially with races that thrive on repeat racers.

Bike parks also have the added advantage of soliciting for the event, rather than being asked for permission. Things run a lot smoother when the land managers are actively seeking the event, rather than granting permission for something they're not personally invested in.

I haven't heard anything about Snow Bowl, but I've always been given the impression that the problem is the Native Americans objecting due to their considering the land it's on to be sacred.

As for Epics Rides, I'll note that they're based in Tucson, but their only local race is on Arizona State Trust land, not FS, & again let people come to their own conclusions.
  • 1 0
 @PHeller: Sipapu has no lift served mountain biking. Purgatory lift-served mountain biking has one very short, uneventful "DH trail" and the rest of their trails are merely xc type trails that include climbs that are lift-served.
The same company that manages Sipapu and Purgatory ski areas now manages Pajarito ski area, in Los Alamos, NM (which is the best steep, knarly, freeride-featured DH area I've ridden except for Whistler) all rider/enthusiast built, by the way (Search for videos, it's amazing - lots of elevated & wooden features, big drops, sick rock gardens, above average steeps and sick natural features).
Sipapu is currently considering starting a bike park, though. Pajarito will be adding some machine-built intermediate trails for the first time, which should make it more accommodating to intermediate and beginner riders.
Purgatory has "lift-served" mountain biking, but it's definitely not a bike park or DH venue. It's more of a family novelty for tourists.
I'm hoping Sipapu gets a bike park, as the terrain there is incredible. It would be great to have Sipapu, Angel Fire and Pajarito all in my area! I bet Snowbowl could be a fantastic bike park as well! I love Flagstaff.
  • 1 1
 nice to see something come stock with 1X, no chainguide, and a non-spinning skid guard. way ive had all my bikes setup for years
  • 3 1
 Why do I have to pay an extra 195$ USD for an XL frame?
  • 9 1
 cuz freedom ain't free
  • 3 0
 so want
  • 1 0
 Wait, push is making elevensix for smaller than 140 travel now? I didn't think they would, when did this happen?
  • 4 2
 Ouch. I guess you shouldn't ever post a new bike up on a Monday.
  • 1 3
 Another PB review or first look that doesn't tell us if it takes an FD. From the looks of it, it does not.


I almost didn't click on another short travel 29'er review, these things are coming out from so many different places.

Where are the long travel 29'ers ?
  • 1 0
 Off topic...something I have wondered about....why are some comments in a pink background, some are not?
  • 2 0
 the pink ones are new since you last viewed the article.
  • 1 3
 All their silly marketing aside and poor excuses for the real reason they upgraded their suspension design. Looks like a really great bike that's reasonably light, competitively priced and built in the US. Nice job! Now do one in the 150mm range with 27.5 please...
  • 6 0
 The bike your asking for sounds like one they already produce; the Megatrail when set up in "trail" mode (150mm travel). I have been on mine for a year and a half and love the thing.

Also, an 8% decrease in brake-squat and/or decrease in rear suspension firming under braking force is a decent return on their investment since the patent rights are up; and if the redesign results in a platform that is more marketable to the unknowing masses then I do not see a problem or reason to complain.
  • 1 3
 @shizzon: My experience on SP/leverage activated SP bikes are that they are more likely to hang up in really chunky/rocky sections, the dreaded square edge hit during a climb, etc. Seat of the pants tells me wheel path does matter at least a some. And the braking sure feels like more than an 8% increase in control/chassis stability if not actual braking efficiency. It's one of those things that "if" you can buy a horst for the same price as a SP/LASP than why wouldn't you?

Also the Megatrail is heavy. Course it looks like the weights listed above for the trail pistol might be some of that marketing BS??? bummer...
  • 5 0
 @stiingya: And there you have the reason we switched to the Freedom Linkage. It's not about the suspension platform nearly as much as it is about the execution. The Megatrail rides awesome and doesn't have the issues that older poorly executed suspension designs had that happened to also be a single pivot. But there are enough riders that wanted us to make a Horst link that we did, once we made sure it could be done and still ride like a GG.
That was the whole idea of the free from the BS aspect, we're telling it like it is, with a dash of sarcasm and humor. Apparently that last part didn't translate very well here on Pinkbike, though.
  • 5 0
 @stiingya:
Re: weight. I posted them above where somebody asked. The 6.3lbs that was listed in the article was a number we sent to Pinkbike, and some time before they posted this, we sent an updated weight of 6.5lbs, but the update didn't make it into the article.

As far as how that comes together in the real world, most people that pick up a Megatrail have the reaction of "that's lighter than I thought". Again, ride one, then form an opinion.
  • 1 2
 I cannot stand bikes with rainbow-shaped top tubes. The bike seems great, but the darned arched top tube instantly makes it a dud for me.
  • 2 1
 Uh oh. The swoopy top tube police will be coming for you...
  • 7 0
 The swoopy tube police are far less ferocious than the water bottle police that the swoop fended off.
  • 2 0
 gotta have that water bottle!
  • 1 2
 Ain't plus size same as fat size?
  • 1 2
 Cool bike but those graphics need some serious work.......
  • 1 4
 Mal nombre para una marca de bicicletas....y para cualquier cosa en general.
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