EnduroGuard Review (RRP)
Monday, March 2, 2015 at 12:37PM Permalink ;)
RRP or Rapidracerproducts is based in the UK. Being based there means mud and lots of it. Having such sloppy conditions to ride under they are in need of fenders more than most. They saw some improvements that could be made to fenders on the market and created the Enduroguard.
"We are pleased to introduce our new ENDUROGUARD mudguard which is an awesome FRONT or REAR mudguard. As a FRONT mudguard it's amazing at stopping the mud and spray that’s thrown into your eyes from the back of the front wheel. Just snap off the round holes either side of the RRP logo and it becomes an effective REAR mudguard protecting your linkages and shock from getting hammered. We have also added a neat design feature of the “Seal Guard”, this enhanced bulge is specifically designed to give additional protection to your fork seals.
| AVAILABLE IN 2 SIZES: | |
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STANDARD
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for forks from 80mm to 120mm travel
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LARGE
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for forks from 130mm to 200mm travel
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STANDARD
This STANDARD size is small enough to look right on short travel forks found on 4X and Cross Country/trail bikes, the fork brace is also usually closer to the stanchion so we have moved the holes for a more appropriate fit for smaller travel forks.
LARGE
This LARGE size offers great protection and is big enough to fit the longer travel forks found on Gravity Enduro and Downhill bikes, the fork brace on these forks are typically further away from the stanchions so we have moved the holes accordingly for a better fit.
UNIQUE DESIGN FEATURES
1. USAGE
The ENDUROGUARDTM is designed as a FRONT or REAR mudguard and has been specifically adapted to do both jobs extremely well, the holes that are correct for fitting to the front forks do not work when using them to fit as a rear mudguard (unless the bike has a dropped rear brace), our snap off holes allows you to rotate the guard forward for better tyre clearance and protection. Clean with a hose or jet wash, no chemicals are needed and may degrade the print over time.
2. SEAL GUARDTM
This additional bulge has been added and refined to offer additional protection for your seals against the relentless attack from spray and mud without affecting the fit or aesthetics, you will be grateful for this feature on those extremely wet rides prolonging the life of your fork seals.
3. FRONT MUDGUARD
The 'T' shape clamping points are designed to wrap around the fork leg providing a better and neater fit. The front of the mudguard is designed to offer slightly increased protection without spoiling the look of the mudguard. The wider curve with flat rear end offers maximum protection and frame clearance compared to a simple symmetrical curve. The main holes for the STANDARD and the LARGE are located in slightly different places, this reflects the typical differences between fork braces on long and short travel forks.
4. REAR MUDGUARD
The holes for the fork brace aren't ideally located when using it as a REAR mudguard, so we built in 2 snap-off holes to allow you to rotate the guard forward and attach it to the brace between the rear stays (NB: The snap off holes are available on both the STANDARD and the LARGE sizes). This feature creates more mud/tyre clearance and a much better fit (although you can still use the main holes for the small number of bikes that have a dropped rear brace).
Choose either the STANDARD or LARGE size depending on what rear protection you want to achieve (STANDARD would be the default size recommendation).
5. GRAPHICS
Our product displays cool looking 2 tone screen printed graphics with our awesome Evil Eyes logo on the front to finish off the look nicely. The fork travel suitability for each size is printed on the side of the mudguard for ease of purchasing.
6. MATERIAL
We took a more expensive route opting for a custom thickness of polypropylene to meet our requirements, we felt the standard "off the shelf" options were either too thick (1.2mic) or too thin (0.8mic), our custom material sits squarely in-between. This allows us to offer the best of both worlds; the durability and quality feel that a thicker material gives, combined with the fit flexibility that a thinner material delivers.
7. ZIP TIES
All sizes and colours will come with our new custom bright white zip ties made to a custom length. WHY ON EARTH?.....well the bright white zip ties simply disappear on white forks but also offer a nice colour contrast on the other coloured forks. Whilst standard black and natural / opaque colours and lengths were available, these were dull and either not long enough for large forks, or too long for the packaging. We think they look great with the white graphics and let’s face it, every mountain biker has black zip ties so if you don’t agree then they’re easily replaced.
FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
FRONT
1) Remove the 4 zip ties supplied and insert them into all the holes as shown below
2) Bend and slide mudguard into position from the front
3) Loosely fasten up the top zip ties around the fork brace first then the legs
4) Centralise and then tighten up the top zip ties REAL tight so it won't move
5) Rotate the bottom zip ties until you get the desired angle and then tighten
6) Cut off any excess from the zip ties and rotate them out of the way
REAR
1) Remove the snap-off holes either side of RRP logo as highlighted in red below
2) Loosely attach the zip ties to the rear stays and brace
3) Align to give you the correct tyre clearance
4) Now do up all the zip ties REAL tight
INSTRUCTIONS STICKER
As with all adhesive backed stickers it’s advisable to warm the sticker with a hair dryer before removal to reduce the amount of adhesive left behind, use “sticky stuff” remover or soap and water to remove any remaining residue from the mudguard or zip ties.
STANDARD 23g (ex. zip ties)
LARGE 26g (ex. zip ties)
SRP £8.99
AVAILABLE COLOURS:
BLACK, WHITE, GREEN, RED, MAGENTA, BLACK/BLUE, BLACK/ORANGE
Our ENDUROGUARD is designed, manufactured, and packed in the United Kingdom
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The EnduroGuard went onto the fork easily. It provided great great protection from gravel, sand and flying mud. Overall the EnduroGuard was a bit thinner than a MarshGuard. It allowed it to conform better to varying fork arches. So far it has done a great job of keep the downtube of our bike clean and the fork seals free from dirt.
We used it on a BOS fork and on the back of The Evil Following. The fit was very snug on the Evil and it took some cutting and fitting for it to clear the rear. Having a thicker plastci would have made this task all but impossible so the thinner material showed its benefits here.
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RRP EnduroGuard Questions
1. How long has Rapid Race Products been running?
RRP was formed in 2007 some 8 years ago, whilst racing DH with my team riders I was always annoyed about zip tying a dirty inner tube to my brand new bike each year so I thought there must be a more professional solution, the NeoGuard was born!
2. What was you first product?
The classic NeoGuard was our first product, a piece of neoprene that stretches across the front forks to stop the spray from the back of the front wheel from hitting you in the eyes, this is still the preferred choice of many a mountain biker
3. What did you feel needed improving on the current fender options on the market?
- · With the EnduroGuard we felt the main competitors had got it wrong, the main issues were:
- · Material – we felt the thickness of the material on current options were either too thin or too thick
- · Seal protection – not enough protection for the fork seals with some offering none at all
- · Size – one size doesn’t fit all fork travel, 2 sizes were needed
- · Rear fitting – the existing options wouldn’t fit the rear unless it had a dropped rear brace
- · Graphics – other options were either were either black print on white or white print on black, we felt customers wanted more colour options and cooler graphics which others have later followed
4. Did you implement all the above into the EnduroGuard?
Yes, we addressed all of the issues which is why the EnduroGuard became an instant success, more detail below:
MATERIAL
We took a more expensive route opting for a custom thickness of polypropylene to meet our requirements, we felt the standard cheaper "off the shelf" options were either too thick or too thin, our custom material sits squarely in-between. This allows us to offer the best of both worlds; the durability and quality feel that a thicker material gives, combined with the fit flexibility that a thinner material delivers.
SEAL GUARDTM
This additional bulge is unique to RRP and has been added and refined to offer additional protection for the seals against the relentless attack from spray and mud without affecting the fit or aesthetics, you will be grateful for this feature on those extremely wet rides prolonging the life of your fork seals.
STANDARD
Our STANDARD size is small enough to look right on short travel forks found on 4X and Cross Country/trail bikes, the fork brace is usually closer to the stanchion so we have moved the holes for a more appropriate fit for smaller travel forks.
LARGE
Our LARGE size offers great protection and is big enough to fit the longer travel forks found on Gravity Enduro and Downhill bikes, the fork brace on these forks are typically further away from the stanchions so we have moved the holes accordingly for a better fit.
REAR MUDGUARD
The holes for the fork brace aren't ideally located when using it as a REAR mudguard, so we built-in 2 snap-off holes to allow you to rotate the guard forward and attach it to the brace between the rear stays. The snap-off holes are available on both the STANDARD and the LARGE sizes, this is a unique RRP feature that creates more mud/tyre clearance and a much better fit, although you can still use the main holes for the small number of bikes that have a dropped rear brace. On version 2 there are another 2 sets of snap-off holes to use when there isn’t a rear brace to attach to eg: Intense. You can choose either the STANDARD or LARGE size depending on what rear protection you want to achieve, STANDARD would be the default size recommendation.
GRAPHICS
Our product displays cool looking 2 tone screen printed graphics with our awesome Evil Eyes on the front to finish off the look nicely. The size and fork travel suitability for each size is written on the mudguard for ease of purchasing.
5. Any future plans for more products?
Way too many to mention but here’s a couple…
FATGUARD - We currently have the FatGuard in production which is a mudguard for Fat Bikes (see attached), this is designed to work on both the rigid and suspension fork options currently available and offers incredible protection
CX-GUARD – We currently have the CX-Guard in production which is a mudguard for Cylco-cross bikes, this can be used on both disc or canti-lever brake bikes, it stops the lower bearing from getting hammered and significantly reduces the spray and mud thrown into your face (see attached)
REARGUARD – We are currently working on a new RearGuard XL whilst refining the current standard RearGuard. Our standard will become the ‘road only’ option and will have only one Velcro strap making it much easier and quicker to fit. The new XL version being designed with be for MTB, CX (not race), and Commuters offering massive protection and a clean back, it’s also suitable as a WINTER mudguard on road bikes for those wanting their whole back to remain spotlessly dry and clean.
6. What is the difference between V1 and V2 of the EnduroGuard?
We made some small design changes from V1 to V2, the most notable are the Seal Guards were made a little larger and additional snap-off holes were added on the main arms to allow you to fit the mudguard to the rear of bikes with no rear brace at all eg: Intense (this gives two secure clamping points). We are currently working on a new version 3 due out later this year that has loads of changes, both sizes are larger and wider at the front and rear (to help cope better with the new breed of larger wheels), the seal guard has increased in size again for even more protection, we have designed in a new indent/relief section that allows the front end to flatten out giving even more protection, longer arms have been added for better fit around larger fork bushes, the graphics are changing and we’re getting rid of the coloured plastics in favour of coloured inks on black plastic (white plastic option will remain), our new coloured inks include: Red, Yellow, Blue, Cyan, Green, Orange along with a standard Black (example picture of v3 in red ink attached). Though most may not have thought there was anything wrong with the V2, we are continually looking at improving our design to give value for money and respond to the design changes in forks and wheel sizes
7. If you had to choose a trail would it be rock or jump filled?
Definitely rocks for me, I never looked pretty on the big jumps.
8. Do you prefer going up or going down?
DOWN DOWN DOWN all the way, up is for the skinny tin ribs……
9. Does the bike industry need anymore Hub, BB, or Headset standards?
Dear lord please stop the relentless standards! Some companies clearly need their heads bashing together as the differences can be so small it can only be intentional to undermine their competition, great for company sales but massively frustrating for both bike shops and customers. There should be an international law clearly defining what constitutes ‘STANDARD’ that all companies have to apply for, it would require manufacturers to seek agreement from a min number of other companies before submission, I mean……how can any company just decide it’s a new standard?
10. Who is the better bike rider Nico or Tomac?
Both are absolute legends for different reasons, but for me it’s Nico. His emotionless metronomic style impressed, there was no fuss or fanfare, he was just relentlessly fast and super consistent
11. What do you feel is the best invention for Mountain Bikes in the past 20 years?
It has to be disc brakes for me, that first time when you made the swop was incredible, I have no idea why the road market is taking so long to realise the benefits, have you ever tried braking in the wet on carbon rims (how is that legal?).
12. What will need to change to bring more sponsorship money into MTB racing?
I’m pretty positive about the sport, it’s going in the right direction and becoming widely known and understood. Cool videos and events along with as much TV as we can muster is the way forward to reach the masses, if you look at how cool DH is right now thanks to the action camera market and awesome tracks then I think greater sponsorship and events will only follow. The new rougher DH tracks that are appearing on the calendar are truly challenging the best elite riders in the world and their equipment and I believe this is the best thing that has happed to DH, we need to keep a close eye on safety though as riders must be protected from themselves.
On the flip side I think XC needs a bit of a sexier image and a re-vamp maybe in the type of tracks and race format, these guys murder themselves on the bike at a pace that’s hard to imagine holding but it’s not that interesting to watch. The courses are sometimes to blame, my absolute rule would be that the bike for which the event is intended MUST be the fastest bike option, some of the XC courses are so smooth and boring that the XC bikes have less and less travel and could sometimes be done quicker on a CX bike. Some races look like road racing off road, you must require a min of 100mm of travel front and rear because the course demands it to set a fast time, that would be my starting point.
13. Anything you want to let the readers know about or explain?
NB: Don’t worry what people or the industry tells you about wheel sizes, just choose the one that suits you and you like to ride, you don’t need to justify the purchase with facts and figures you only need a big smile……
RRP WEB PAGE: http://www.rapidracerproducts.com/
RRP FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/pages/RapidRacerProductscom/164956666850593
Overall the EnduroGuard proved to be a very easy to fit and forget product. We used it on the front fork of a YT Tuesday and also on the rear of an Evil Following. The Evil is a very snug fit between the 2.3 tire and the frame. Lucky for us the EnduroGuard is very easy to manipulate into tight spots. Having so many zip tie holes in the guard made it a snap to secure to a variety of different bikes. We would have no problem reccomending these to a friend.
EnduroGuard, Front Fender, Mud Guard, RPR |
Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail Review
Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 12:00AM Permalink
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Guerrilla Gravity is a small mountain bike company located in Denver Colorado. They were sick of frame prices shooting through the roof while production moved overseas with little, if any, performance increase from year to year. All this while many bike companies grew in size and became more distant from their customers and what they really wanted in geometry and suspension designs. Who wants to buy a frame for $3500 and have part of it go to subsidize some road racers salary anyhow?
"The MEGATRAIL is leading the revolution in trail bike freedom.
As a highly refined and extremely versatile trail bike, the MEGATRAIL is built for everything from conquering high-alpine adventures to getting after it at your local enduro race,or just slaying your after-work rides. And when it’s time to turn the Rad up to 11, Gravity Mode™ provides a 30-second, one-bolt geometry toggle that transforms the bike into a downhill dominator.
The MEGATRAIL isn’t purely focused on downhill domination, though. Extremely well-tuned anti-squat characteristics and mid-stroke support create a very efficient pedalling platform.
The modern geometry utilizes a roomy cockpit designed for short stems and wide bars, with slack head angle and low bottom bracket. Both front and rear frame triangles are optimized for each specific wheelsize (26" or 27.5"), giving you the choice to run whatever you want; 27.5" front/26" rear is also possible. Building on the lively ride qualities of the GG/DH downhill frame, this design achieves best-in-class pedaling, next-level cornering, and downhill authority. The MEGATRAIL suspension was developed in collaboration with Cane Creek for the DBair CS. It's optimized for air shocks and provides support while pedaling, small bump sensitivity, and progression for hard bottom-out resistance.
Geometry Benefits
- Security in steep areas
The front axle is more advanced than in a conventional geometry making it almost impossible to go over the bars in steep sections. It feels more secure and confident due to a slacker angle perception.
- Confidence at high speed
The longer wheelbase makes the bike much more stable over any terrain.
- Direct steering
The really short 10 mm, 30 mm or 50 mm stems mean much less handlebar movement to get the same front wheel angle, thus improving steering precision and making the bike extremely reactive.
- Uphill precision
The front wheel keeps the contact on the ground avoiding wheelies due the longer front-center length.
- Stability on rough sections
The FG defends a new weight balance between front and rear wheels making possible to load the front wheel a lot more than with a classic geometry. This possibility changes your handling as it allows for more grip in cornering and better control."
Guerrilla gravity Megatrail Geometry And Sizing
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We ordered the Megatrail in a size LG. This was right on the edge of what our 6 foot test riders could ride. The bike is huge and a large will fit someone up to 6' 4" tall. They will be offering an XL in very short order as well. No bike comes close so if you are near 6'8" this would be the frame you should look at. Having such a long TT we opted for a 35mm stem and it ending up working very well. The bike has a threaded BB (thank you) because nobody needs to hear random noises so a manufacturer can save some cash on build costs. They also have the ability to run a stealth post or by using the clamps on the TT a standard dropper post can be used. It also has a 1.5 HT, 142 by 12mm rear axle and the post size is 30.9 as well. Our LG frame had room for a larger water bottle. Guerrilla states that the small sized Megatrail will accept a water bottle under the top tube only if using a non piggy back shock.
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Assembly was a snap with no issues. Everything went together as it should. We ordered our Megatrail with the ISCG05 chain guide adapter the frames shipping now include them. It clamps down onto the BB shell. So our bike is very much on the gravity side as far as a build goes. We are running SRAM X01 11 spd, Derby 40mm DH hoops laced to Profile Elite hubs. We have Specialized Grid 2Bliss tires F/R on the bike. We used Race Face SIXC parts. The BB in gravity mode is 12.7" high! We got 175mm arms and now realize we should have waited for the 170mm to come into stock. They scrape sometimes on the way up as well as on the descents if you are not being careful. For a fork we are now using the Fox 36 Talas Float. The frame, wheel combo are so stiff that we decided that having a front fork act as a noodle on the rougher stuff was not a good idea.
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Our large frame weighed just over 8LBS with a CCDB Air CS shock. The tubing they use is the same wall thickness as their DH bike. You know this will be a durable frame, combine that with its oversized tubes and giant bearings and you are left with one of the stiffest chassis in the MTB game. Not only that but it is made to be abused. This isn't an Enduro or Freeride bike for the 40 year old XC rider. This is an Enduro bike for the gravity racer meant to be hammered on and ridden on rough terrain and at bike parks. The Megatrail is the Downhiller's Trail Bike!
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The Megatral has very aggressive geometry in Gravity Mode with a 65.5 HA, 12.7" BB and a wheelbase that is almost 48.5" in length, it rewards those that carry speed and ride on the edge. But it can also save your bacon and make a ride that many call rough on a standard trail bike seems much smoother. It rides a fair bit like a DH bike and requires some front weighting in corners at times.
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www.ijwphotography.com
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Frame Features
- Trail Mode and Gravity Mode™
- Optimized for 26" or 27.5" wheel options
- Chainstay length for 26": 16.8"
- Chainstay length for 27.5": 17.3"
- 1.5" head tube (49 SHIS) is compatible with all steerer tubes and Cane Creek Angleset
- Optional, replaceable ISCG05 chainguide mount
- Universal Syntace rear axle and derailleur hanger
- Premium Enduro Maxx cartridge bearings last longer (they have more balls)
- Threaded bottom bracket greatly reduces creaking and loosening (vs press fit)
- Stealth cable routing for adjustable-height seatpost
- 7 lbs. (3,175g) frame with hardware (size Medium, no shock)
Frames Specs
- 30.9mm seatpost (34.9mm clamp)
- 142 mm rear wheel spacing
- 73 mm BB spacing
- 200x57 mm shock
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"Gravity Mode
Head angle: 65.5°Rear Travel: 160mm
BB Height: 12.7"
Suspension platform: grip & rip
Leverage curve is tuned for more bump compliance and grip... all out ripping. This mode was developed to feel like a mini-DH bike that can still pedal. Bottom bracket height is set to the same sagged height as the GG/DH, along with the leverage curve tuned to feel like a shorter travel GG/DH.
Trail Mode
Head Angle: 66.5°
Rear Travel: 150mm
BB Height: 13.2"
Suspension Platform: pedal & pop
Leverage curve is tuned with more mid-stroke support for increased pedaling performance, creating an amazingly efficient platform. Want the poppy suspension platform of Trail Mode, but the geometry and travel of Gravity Mode? SUPER GRAVITY mode is accessed by putting the shock in both lower mount holes.
Megatrail Owner Info
Megatrail Setup
Suspension Setup
Proper suspension set-up is critical for optimum performance. Due to variance in shock pump readings, we suggest using a ruler and a friend to help set sag.
Recommended front fork sag is 15%. Recommended shock sag is 13 mm for a healthy mix or Trail and Gravity Mode™, 14 mm for mostly Trail Mode riding, and 12 mm for mostly Gravity Mode™ riding.
To set sag:
- Step 1: Compress the suspension several times to break the seal and get oil flowing
- Step 2: Have a friend hold the bike while you sit on it in the climbing position, both feet on the pedals
- Step 3: Have said friend move the fork o-ring down to the seal and the shock o-ring to the front of the air can
- Step 4: Gently step off the bike and measure the distance between the o-ring and the seal and air can. This is your sag
- Step 5: Adjust the air pressure using your shock pump to achieve the recommended sag setting (listed above). It may take a few times.
Shock specific setup info:
- Cane Creek DBair CS: Cane Creek shocks purchased with a frame come preset with the base tune--you just need to set sag and tweak the damping settings to your weight, with gear weight taken into account. The base tune is dialed in for a rider weight of 175 lbs (find the base tune here). Adjust +/- 2 clicks of low speed settings and 1/4 turn of high speed settings for every 20 lb increment of rider weight difference from 175 lbs. Email us to talk further about shock settings for your unique riding style and terrain.
- Cane Creek DBinline CS: Cane Creek shocks purchased with a frame come preset with the base tune--you just need to set sag and tweak the damping settings to your weight, with gear weight taken into account. The base tune is dialed in for a rider weight of 175 lbs (find the base tune here). Adjust +/- 2 clicks of low speed settings and 1/4 turn of high speed settings for every 20 lb increment of rider weight difference from 175 lbs. Email us to talk further about shock settings for your unique riding style and terrain.
Note: This shock is not recommended for riders heavier than 220 lbs. - Rock Shox Monarch Plus RC3 - Debonair: This shock has three compression settings. The Mid setting is great for more general climbing and descending. The Soft setting is ideal for chunky, but not high speed trails. The Hard setting is ideal for smooth climbs.
- Rock Shox Monarch R - Debonair: This shock does not have compression adjustments, you just need to set sag and ensure rebound adjustment provides fast enough rebound to not pack up, while not feeling "bucky."
- Trail Mode: Both top shock mount positions
- Gravity Mode™: The lower rear mount and upper front mount
- Super Gravity: Both lower shock mount positions
- Super Trail: The top rear shock mount and lower front shock mount
- A note about tightening and loosening the bolts: It is recommended that you loosen both shock bolts when installing or changing the modes. Do not tighten the shock mount bolts beyond the hard bottom out. Over tightening will result in a bad time."
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- Trail Mode: All mountain geometry with more mid-stroke support that provides a very efficient pedaling platform with a slightly taller BB setting. This mode is ideal for sustained climbing, technical climbing, and all-around descending.
- Gravtiy Mode™: More aggressive, DH-inspired geometry and suspension feel, with a softer mid-stroke that is best suited for downhill domination. The pedaling platform is still perfectly adequate for mild climbs, such as fire roads.
- Super Gravity: The geometry and travel of Gravity Mode™ with the leverage curve of Trail Mode. This mode is designed for going mach-stupid, carrying speed over the rough and hitting big jumps.
- Super Trail: The geometry and travel of Trail Mode with an extra stiff mid-stroke and a lot of progression. This mode would be best for long, smooth climbs or pedal sections."
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Trevor Roland
Having four different modes to choose from on the bike can seem like overkill but trust us it surely is not. These modes alter the way the bike rides in very dramatic fashion. The rear hole affects the Geometry and travel of the bike; the low hole is Gravity Mode and top hole is Trail Mode. Up front there are also two holes, the top hole offers a more linear shock rate while the bottom adds mid stroke shock support and boosts the bikes pedaling ability and makes it more lively. This is especially noticeable in Gravity Mode! Although the bike is geared towards the more aggressive rider it's pedaling ability is outstanding and many claim it is one of the best 6" bikes out there for climbing!
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Trevor Roland
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Gravity Mode on the Megatrail gives 160mm of travel with a 65.5 degree HA and a 12.7" BB. This mode gives you a very capable trail bike. It rides very much like a Downhill bike in this setting. Everything slows down, the bike moves just a hair slower as the rate of speed increases. It does its best to stay glued to the ground and offers increased traction over Trail Mode. The lower BB gives the bike incredible stability at speeds and makes high speed turns just that much easier. It doesn't have the increased pedal platform like Trail Mode does and this can be obvious when climbing or hard sprinting. It bobs a bit more but the suspension itself is more forgiving and linear in nature. Sometimes a rider may want the lower/slacker geometry offered by Gravity Mode but with a more lively feel that is where Super Gravity Mode comes in.
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Trevor Roland
Super Gravity Mode was used a bunch on some of the faster rockier trails in our area. It made the bike pop off obstacles more and made getting airborne that much easier. It also alters the bikes leverage curve and makes it the same as Trail Mode so the bike pedals better as well. It becomes apparent on the rockier terrain that the Super Gravity mode offers a much more lively feel. Popping off jump faces in this mode gives the hack in us that little bit of extra boost to help clear sections. Riding a trail like A-Line in Whistler would be the perfect spot for the Megatrail to be used in Super Gravity. Sometimes there is a climb ahead that is brutally long and gains massive amounts of elevation. In that instance the Megatrail has fourth mode called Super Trail.
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Trevor Roland
Super Trail Mode on the bike offers a very stiff leverage curve on the shock. You can tell when you hit rocks on the way up. This mode is great for long drawn out climbs that are smooth. Using the Climb Switch in Super Trail Mode the shock literally has no bob even when making strong strokes to clears obstacles. We only used this a small number of times since most of the climbs in the area are pretty rocky.
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Trevor Roland
Guerrilla Gravity has basically created a 4 in 1 bike with the Megatrail. The differences between each mode is very dramatic. In Gravity setting the bike is as close to a Downhill bike as you can get with an Enduro machine. The Trail Mode makes it a very capable climber that can keep up with the best of them. Being able to alter the frames leverage curve gives the ability to alter the two distinct geometry settings to match the trail. Whether the rider is looking for better pedaling characteristics of more traction the Megatrail has both covered with the changing of a bolt.
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Trevor Roland
The ride the Megatrail offers is stiff! We have ridden many Downhill bikes in the past and a fair number of trail bikes. About the only bike we can think of that felt this stiff was an Evil Imperial! Essentially there is no detectable give in the frame under hard cornering or braking. They actually use the same gauge tubing on the Megatrail as they do on their Downhill bike. Having such a rigid chassis will transmit a bit more trail into the handlebars than a more forgiving chassis. Another thing very much worth noting about the frame was their decision to use a threaded BB and a 1.5 steer tube. Thanks GG for making our bike assembly easier and also helping to keep it quite for a very long time. Looking at the bike and its use of large bearings, high grade hardware, and avoiding the latest in cycling standards it becomes apparent it was designed with the input of experienced mechanics.
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Trevor Roland
Ian W
Guerilla Gravity has certainly succeed in creating a Downhillers trail bike with the Megatrail. This bike is very capable at descending steep and rough terrain. It's something all the manufactures claimed to have achieved but after you spend some saddle time on many of their bikes it becomes apparent that their target market is former XC riders, Dentists or Attorneys. Its seems as if GG came at it from the Gravity side and it shows when riding the Megatrail.
The bike does many things well. It is very stable at speed having such a long WB and low BB the bike is very much like a Downhill bike in this regard. The traction it offers in Gravity mode is also very good. This setting makers the bike track the ground and hover atop the rocks and chunder. If that isn't lively enough throw it into Super Gravity and pop off the rocks instead. Having so many variants in one bike is a great feature. They all work well and do truly turn it from a Enduro bike into a mini Downhill bike.
Guerrilla Gravity delivered a very high quality frame. That is the nice thing about aluminum you can see the welds and any issues or mistakes made by the welder. Something plastic bike owners don't get the benefit of these days. Their use of sensible standards make for a solid build on the frame with little trouble. We did have one small issue where the rear wheel rubbed a few times on the rear stay on the bikes left side. We ran 2.3-2.4 tires from both Specialized and Geax. It didn't happen often in the 5 months of riding,
Overall the Megatrail is a confidence inspiring Trail bike that is built like and rides like a Downhill bike. This is a trail bike that can last for years of trail riding without issue. Having a bike that lasts more than a few seasons under serious riding is a rarity these days. If you are looking for a park capable trail bike that you can ride just about anywhere that will stand the test of time and not hold you back in anyway the Megatrail is a bike you should take a serious look at. We would gladly recommend the Guerilla Gravity Megatrail to a friend it has been a blast to ride.
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Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail Questions
3. Break down your team for us and what they do?
4. How did the idea for the Megatrail begin?
5. What where some of the main features you guys wanted in the Megatrail when you were laying it out on paper (computer)?
6. How was reception been on the Megatrail so far?
7. Do you weep when you see guys that are 6' 4” and above on a “XL” bike and they look like Spud Webb on a 16” BMX bike?
8. It sounds like you guys are going to be doing an XL frame soon. Tell us a bit about the new frame size?
On top of that, we can do semi-custom sizing for riders who may be proportioned slightly different (e.g. long legs, shorter torse).
9. Any updates you guys are looking to do to the Megatrail in the near future?
10. Care to elaborate on Geometry used on the Megatrail?
11. Rocks or jumps? How about jumps in rocks?
12. Who is the best Mountain Biker ever?
13. What do you think about all the new standards that have popped up in the last 3 years?
14. What would make the bike industry better?
15. Anything else you want to get across to the readers?
Thanks
Guerrilla Gravity releases the MEGATRAIL, the Big Mountain Liberator.
Highlighting the Guerrilla Gravity Megatrail.
Megatrail Owner's Manual
