Descending Big wheels and a bit less travel might be the new all-mountain recipe but, as I said above, it's also that middle ground that doesn't really slot into any specific category. And that probably doesn't matter, besides underlining how "cycling journalists" always feel the need to classify bikes, including myself. But much like how Netflix has made documentaries relevant and cool, it's bikes like the Smash that are going to make not too long-travel but not too short-travel setups relevant and cool, largely because many riders will be better served with the Smash's well-sorted 140mm than they might be with an extra 20mm tacked on.
The Smash could be the 'Making a Murderer' of our dirty world, but with fun and singletrack replacing the murdering and body disposal.
The Smash proved to be just as quick over rough ground as bikes with 20mm more cushioning, but it's more tiring to ride at that pace than an enduro bike.
The Smash is able to go head-to-head with of a lot of 160mm-travel bikes, with timed laps proving that it's just as quick on most descents as anything with more travel and slacker angles. If I'm honest, I'm not a big believer in timed comparisons as there are just so many variables, and us humans want to just look at the result and use that to decide if something is better or worse. Regardless, it's something that the Smash can more than hold its own, and some of the times were put down on seriously steep, difficult trails. It just tells me that Guerrilla Gravity has wrung every bit out of the bike's suspension, and backed it up with great handling.
If there was a bike that deserved to be 'over forked,' it's probably the Smash - because the back of the bike isn't about to slow anyone down, the front-end can see a lot of pressure. If you're considering a Smash, also consider jumping up in fork travel when you're configuring your bike on Guerrilla Gravity's website - a 150mm-travel MRP Ribbon only requires an extra $50 USD.
This is a jack of all trades kinda bike that can be ridden harder than its travel and geometry might have you assume.
The ride isn't as forgiving as a 160mm bike, of course, so while the Smash can be ridden just as quickly as anything else with a bit more travel, it's going to take a bit more out of you over the long-run. But the bike's Horst Link system literally gives me nothing to moan about; it's relatively supple off the top, offers more than enough support, and there's plenty of ramp-up to keep the shock from clanging off the end of its stoke. And it's efficient to boot, which definitely adds to the Smash's ability to really cover ground on descents that are closer to being level than pointing straight down.
I'd describe the handling as being middle of the road, without the low-speed clumsiness that can sometimes come from combining longer numbers with tight trails and tight corners, but also being happy at speeds that would make a trail bike feel nervous. That said, it's not a purebred corner carver, although running 35-percent sag sure as hell helps that cause. Instead, the steering has a bit more of an on-point way about it that's just the ticket for a rider who likes technical trails that call for skill over the balls it takes to try and 'bar drag through a banked corner.
The more forgiving Plush suspension setting was the go-to for most of the test.
And while it can be ridden as quickly as a true enduro rig in a lot of settings, there are times when the slightly quicker handling will remind you that no, you're not on an EWS-focused machine. It also takes more out of your body on really rough, steep stuff, but that's to be expected as it's not all that fair to rate it directly against slacker, 160mm-travel bikes. Besides, the Smash would win as soon as we started talking about what type of bike is more fun.
The Smash's two suspension modes, referred to as 'Plush' and 'Crush,' are interesting in that there's essentially no change to the Smash's geometry between the two, which isn't usually how it's done. Not being a fan of adjustable geometry, and far preferring to get used to how a bike handles and learning how to get the most out of it, I like how Guerrilla Gravity has essentially isolated the change in suspension action.
There's a noticeable difference between the two modes, with 'Crush' offering the more supportive, firmer feel as advertised. It's best suited to berm-infested trails, or the type of terrain where pumping can trump pedaling. It delivers more 'pop' for the same reason - there's more mid-stroke support to push against. It's also not as supple on the small, high-frequency stuff, so it's not a stretch to assume that more traction will come from the 'Plush' mode, along with more forgiveness.
It's not like the softer of the two settings steals the bike's playfulness, either, and it's a sporty feeling ride to begin with, so the very large majority of the time on the Smash was spent in the 'Plush' setting.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iefJf609Tkg
DAMN! Thanks for that. Fantastic!
Having an initial hardtail feel on roads and smooth fireroads until the stiction breaks free?
And I don’t know why you’d want that but sure have this climb switch. Haha
Much recommend.
It's going to be a long 6 weeks until I get mine but I couldn't be any happier about my decision to pick up a Smash.
I literally scoured every single bike out there, tested Intense, Stumpies and SC's and THIS is the bike that I always came back to.
I wanna SBG this thing. It'd be a Sentinel minus 2 or 3 pounds and made in 'merica
They are a cool company, they do lots of fundraising for local trail builders and build burly alu frames in house. When you factor in the modern geo, fully customisable build no nonsense bikes that fit a water bottle and have a threaded BB, it seems like they based their business model from a pinkbike comments section. Happy to give them my money!
I love your ethos and clear devotion to giving the customer what they want! I hope you're ready for an influx of demand... cuz this bike looks sweet.
the coffee is standard cheap coffee, but it also doesnt help that in most canadian cities (at least the smaller ones) youre never really more than 5 minutes drive from one. in my city of about 100k, we have 12 tim hortons, and you can expect to wait in a line inside or in the drive thru at most times of the day.
And on top of it, you have to keep an eye open for people flinging excrement.
Then roll into Deep Cove and have a Honey maple icing topped donut. Not the best value, but.....
Then just go and nap.
@woofer2609: Safeway doughnuts? Oh hell no. If you haven't had one of these:
www.sluyspoulsbobakery.com
you don't know doughnuts. I've had the Top Pots and King Doughnuts and they are good, but nothing compares to Sluys.
Also, they do have options to go custom, it just increases cost and lead time, which is pretty f*cking cool.
Main thing is the comparison of Reach and Standover height with the ETT for me. I am considered a disproportionate rider as I am 6' tall, 31" inseam but an Ape Index of 1.5" to 2". All that means is that when I threw a leg over the Medium with a 50mm stem I felt a bit cramped on it, standover was spot on but I just felt a bit too upright. Moving to the Large would be better reach number with a short stubb stem, thinking the 40-50mm range. But here is the kicker, talking with GG about this, they said "Well, you are right. You really are right in-between because of your measurements. For a little bit of an up charge, we can do you an Extra Medium. Basically we put the Mediums Head-tube and Seat-tube on the Top-tube and Down-tube of a Large. This will give you the reach numbers of the Large but the standover height of the Medium."
Seriously, what company do you know that would talk number with you and then offer up a semi-custom ride for a very small fee ($195!). Hell I will give up going with a custom color that costs as much to go with something like that! Hence why they will be having my money shortly for my 40th Bday bike!!!
I am going to go shake the piggy bank again and see what falls out.
Dude you and me both!!!! I have to say that GG's customer service has been stellar. Been going back and forth with one of their guys about my build and what not, he has been giving me honest opinions on what I want and really you can have them build up your "dream" bike with whatever components you want, sometimes it an extra charge and sometimes not. Just depends on what they "stock" regularly.
For me the same is happening, shaking the piggybank, and I was looking for a quote as to what I would be looking at price-wise with an intent to purchase around the beginning of the calendar year. The rep (Bobby) gave me the lowdown on everything, custom Extra Medium will be a 10-12wk lead time vs. normal sizes 6-8wks, and then other custom bits they normally don't stock could possibly add extra time. He quoted me with everything that I wanted and then another with the stuff they stock with a few of the components I REALLY wanted as custom. Price blew me away.
Seriously, this is why we need to support these smaller builders and local companies!!!!
What I liked about the bike was that the thing just ripped! It’s one of those bikes that feels so safe and comfortable going very fast. Some bikes are twitchy and feel unsettled at high speeds; these bikes don’t. They really do like to go fast lol. And at the same time, you could toss the back around so easily when going slow or fast. It rode just about as fun as any bike I’ve ever ridden.
What I didn’t like about the bike was how the top tube gets in your way when riding wheelies. I know it’s shaped higher than many to accommodate the water bottle, but if your really like riding wheelies, it’s just not as easy on this bike from my experience, because your restricted on how far you can move your knees of the top tube side to side.
Really great bike and awesome that it’s aluminum and it seemed to be made rock solid as well.
I will definitely look st guerilla gravity for a downhill bike in the future should one arise. Their suspension just rocks.
What the hell? The climbing photo clearly shows roots in your way. You must have just balanced on the bike for that shot, right? I didn't think there was such a thing as technical single track climbing any more. Thought it was all uplift, shuttle, or fire road!
The first time I heard that term I got really excited, until I realized they meant the opposite of what I first assumed.
So if you ship to Canada, the price I pay online is the final price? No surprises from the Canadian courier wanting another pile of money?
You will have to pay shipping and GST on top of the advertised price. There is no duty on MOST bike parts, US made or not. Dont forget the US/CAN exchange rate too, thats a bit of a killer right now.
I've got a Quebec handmade frame (xprezo) but someone really want to buy it and I guess I'll sell it but they don't exist anymore so I have to find something else. Wanted a Knolly but won't happen so maybe I'll just finish up with an 29er YT capra. Oh boy, I'll feel bad to ride with an internet bike!!
I was talking about 15% + exchange rate that made it more pricey over here. It ain't thaaatt bad but just not as good as it is for americans + we can't demo one.
Like everything else, it pays to do it yourself.
borderbee.com/2014/01/13/how-to-self-clear-your-parcel-with-customs
But check out that bike with the blue paint job and 11-6 shock. Intimidating how awesome it looks......
nice review.
What confuses me is your take that your long torso doesn't get along with new school geo - having average legs, long torso and super ape arms, I find the new, longer bikes sooo much comfier!
Then again, we're all different with different preferences and different trails so there is no "right or wrong" answer here.
Reiterates everything I’ve herd of this bike. Have been torn between a YT Jeffsy and The Smash for some time. This makes it even harder. Haha I’ve ridden both Jeffsy 27 and 29, absolutely love the XL29 CF Pro, haven’t had the opportunity to ride The Smash yet. Looks like I’ll need to prior to pulling the trigger.
Here ya go.
www.pinkbike.com/forum/guerrilla-gravity
www.pinkbike.com/forum/yt-industries
On thing of note is popping on the front end for a manual takes much for effort than my extra large HD3 or large kona explosif. Curious it would have been easier if I went with the large head tube( a little more stack)? Currently I am 6'1 with a 40mm stem. Could shorten the stem or just get some bars with a little more rise. I had an Ibis ripley ls before. That was easier to manual and bunny hop. I like the steeper seattube angle vs the ripley for seated climbs though.
Max dropper insertion: 240 mm
Was looking at the specs this morning and came across the stats ridegg.com/thesmash
And what length dropper post? (Also, article says BikeYoke dropper, but spec chart says KS LEV...)
Pretty sure they list the current lead time on their website for each frame/size.
Maybe @paulaston could do a review of Damper 29?
@mtbikeaddict: you know what else is essential, heat and shelter, yet I don't see an integrated heater in the saddle or a pop-up tent hidden in the bottom bracket
Why would you bend my lovely tubes to make my bike into a water-dispenser!?
I'd estimate that if you removed about 10 paragraphs altogether, the review would lose nothing.
I hesitate to use it the word "waffling", but you see what I mean?
Up smooth:
Up tech:
Down flow:
Down chunk:
Traverse:
Thanks, Mike for giving us something to read.
I just want reviews to NOT be like the reviews Dirt Mountain Bike write - where you get your the end of the waffle article and can't even tell if they liked it or not because they just talked about nothing
You don’t know me, don’t know my trails, you don’t know a thing.To make such a sweeping generalisation from the other side of the world about what bike size I may ride with your permission and to assume I don’t know myself what kind of bike I prefer to ride is insulting.
I wasn’t attacking you, simply pointing out that it’s getting quite hilarious when a guy can’t find a bike that is small enough anymore. 440mm reach and a 66°HA on a small - Like Ralph Fiennes said “...that’s going overboard mate”. I would be understeering on every corner while I struggle to manoeuvre it.
Perhaps you’ll be thinking “test one, you’ll find it a pleasant surprise”? I won’t mate. I wouldn’t have said anything if I wasn’t so sure that bike is too big for me. I am 5’6.5”
It’s not about recommending bike sizes. It’s about being a patronising ass that offensive.
Holy sheet, Tommy-D. Take it down a notch. I know it's Monday but please untwist your panties.
What about the Shredd Doggy? There's an XS with shorter reach. I saw a SD at the TH earlier in the year and it looked awesome, the guy said he loved his. I picked it up and it was plenty light too!
Looking forward to throwin a leg over the Smash and SD this fall.
I’m actually not interested in buying GG at all, I’ve checked em out in the past but they’re way to pricey for me and don’t really come up second hand here.
It was more a comment about all bikes in general and I’m not super worried I’ll run out of small bikes to find, it was meant in jest. Then some big boy came to tell me I’m wrong cus bigger is better or something like that. Silly small people just need to get on board.
- Your fellow vertically challenged (not short!)
6'4" Lighthearted Internet Troll (call me lit, see what i did there? )
But on a serious note. The reason I was offended is cus I was simply remarking that this bike (and others) are now too big FOR ME. Like, me. Not anyone else. I was then told I was wrong when you can’t really be wrong about a personal opinion about your personal preference. That’s some bullshit.
But if you wanna go genaral then I’d say GGS response also shows a lack of consideration for riders of all sizes and a willingness to simply jump on a bandwagon without a hint of conviction. And fundemantlly a misunderstanding and short sighted view of bike geometry design.
Hahaha! No worries!
#littlepeopleoftheworldunite
#smallpeoplebigissues
I reckon there’s a good amount of people who would just stand on GGs side of the line because they’re GG and I’m just a prick from England. They’d be Americans most likely which I can almost understand but whenever any of the brands show up in the comments people begin trying to crawl up their ass and it’s kinda cringey. I had a very similar interaction with Joe McEwan aka Starling Bikes and I’ll disagree with anyone that thinks making bikes so big they’re unrideable is anything more than gimmick. Sure taller riders will benefit, of course they will. But the problem has been that large and xl sized riders were on bikes that were too small. On the shorter end of the spectrum there is less of an issue, and shorter riders have always had the option to size up if they really wanted. Shorter riders don’t need their bikes to grow well over a size in length unless all you ride is XC. Maybe that’s where I’m getting confused, cus a stupidly long bike isn’t gonna ride good for gravity/ adrenaline fuelled riding.
With a lot of the brands who’re doing this there is now the option to size down if you like, which is great. If there’s a smaller size to go to.
What I mean to say is that I’ve thought about this stuff - a lot. And in doing so I’ve tried a lot of bikes in different sizes. And I know how far away the front wheel can go before it’s starts to slide, where the bars can go in relation to the chainstays before I can’t manual it, etc, etc.
I don’t like being treated as a clueless consumer because I’m not one (neither clueless nor consumer) I’m an enthusiast. A tiny bit of respect in that regard would go a long way for me with brands.
Longest post I’ve ever written I think. Good job it’s down here!
Even with our little tit for tat trade war going on right now I'd would purchase from GG over the others as they are hand made by nice dudes. If the $$ is going to an American Company get the best value! The only other true option that would be equivalent for us would be an aluminum Devinci.
Salty sadmon
Damn straight. Basing one's opinion of an entire nation of millions of people on the personal attributes of a few political leaders is both overly simplistic and completely ridiculous.