Guerrilla Gravity, new frame manufacturer in Colorado
As some people have already seen, I posted a couple pics in the 2012 Rides thread of a prototype DH bike made by Guerrilla Gravity. We want to get the word out there about what we’ve done so far and where we’re headed. I think the monkeys will be stoked on it.
What is GG?
We are a new rider-direct mountain bike frame manufacturing company. We build our frames right here in Denver, Colorado. Our focus is on the gravity-influenced side of mountain biking--park riding, downhilling, dirt jumping, the fun part of trail riding. Our first bike is the GG/DH. We finished the first two Alpha prototypes at the beginning of May.
The rider-direct model puts us one step closer to the riders. It also allows us to compete with the Asian-manufactured alternatives. Local manufacturing gives us complete control over the process from start to finish, as well as providing faster time to market.
Additionally, unlike any other manufacturer, we have the GG Rider Program. Anybody that buys a Guerrilla Gravity bike is automatically in the program. The program includes race support, referral credits, and nets 10% off products and services with many partner companies. We already have a list of partners signed up, which covers the range from tires, components, suspension service, physical therapists, and even the best hot dog stand ever, etc.
Explain the GG/DH
The GG/DH is “the downhill workhorse,” designed for the everyday rider looking for a refined design without any unnecessary complication. It's a bike for the rider that wants something that's high performance, yet easy to maintain. The geometry is low, slack, and adjustable. The suspension is progressive and the frame laterally stiff. The ride is lively, making it easy to snap around and pop over the gnar.
Who is behind GG?
Guerrilla Gravity is a three person venture at the moment, with Will being the business/branding/strategy leader, Kristy preparing the sales side of the business, and I am the engineer (Matt). All of us are avid riders and racers, which is of course crucial to developing something that works well. My experience has included designing and fabricating racecar frames & suspension systems, with additional industry experience in aerospace and industrial product manufacturing as a Sr Mechanical Design Engineer.
What’s next?
The Betas. We are making a handful of small tweaks to the design, but the overall geometry and ride characteristics of the bike will remain unchanged. For the next batch, 15 pre-production Beta frames will be available to the public. We will look to the Beta Riders to provide us with valuable feedback as we move into production. Included in the development of the next batch is continued ride testing, more behind the scenes engineering and testing, in addition to the design refinements. More info will be available soon on this front.
My signature is a link to our facebook page, which is updated often, and has moar info, such as geometry.
Looks nice. Being a short rider, I'd love to see a photo of how something sized as a "Small" would look with that design.
I'll be keeping a watch for what you come up with for the fun side of trail riding as well.
"If life was a buffet I'd go back for seconds but you just get one plate before you fly away to check in."
-Garrett Dutton
Wow, I've learned about two new startups in the past couple of weeks, this is awesome! Hats off to you for keeping everything local. I love your frame design as well. Some may disagree but single pivot with a linear rising rate curve like you've designed is all anyone will ever need and will get the most out of the awesome shocks we have these days. Simple, durable, predictable! If I wasn't happy with my current rig I would definitely be considering one your betas. I wish you guys lots of success!
Hot dog stand: hell yeah it's Brian's Dogs. For those that don't know, if you ever find yourself in Idaho Springs, CO, stop by Brian's Dogs. It's real great.
Sizing: both Alpha frames use the Long front triangle. The Short front triangle is part of the Beta program, and I'll be designing it very soon.
Thanks for the compliments, and keep the questions coming.
Hot dog stand: hell yeah it's Brian's Dogs. For those that don't know, if you ever find yourself in Idaho Springs, CO, stop by Brian's Dogs. It's real great.
Sizing: both Alpha frames use the Long front triangle. The Short front triangle is part of the Beta program, and I'll be designing it very soon.
Thanks for the compliments, and keep the questions coming.
Standover was mainly what I wanted to see with the design. I'm 5'5"
"If life was a buffet I'd go back for seconds but you just get one plate before you fly away to check in."
-Garrett Dutton
Standover: understandable. We have several girls that are 5'4" to 5'6" on the Beta list, and they all thought the Standover on the Alphas was fine. So, it'll be the same on the Betas, but that will be something we pay attention to when shorter people ride them. Off the top of my head, I think it is about 28", but I'll measure it again.
I saw one or two of your bikes up at Trestle over the weekend and checked them out while in line. Without riding I'll reserve any real opinion, but I will say nice job so far and best of luck.
Some may disagree but single pivot with a linear rising rate curve like you've designed is all anyone will ever need and will get the most out of the awesome shocks we have these days. Simple, durable, predictable! If I wasn't happy with my current rig I would definitely be considering one your betas. I wish you guys lots of success!
BINGO!
Good looking bike! Keeping the manufacturing local is awesome, and the bike looks fantastic. Keep up the good work!
"Mountain bikes ride on dirt. Not on wooden bridges." - Nathan Rennie
I love that some smaller american made companies are coming back. It seems like we lost most of them over the last 5 years. Really respect what you guys and doing and looking forward to more information
I love that some smaller american made companies are coming back. It seems like we lost most of them over the last 5 years. Really respect what you guys and doing and looking forward to more information
true, but I wish the pivot was a little higher, just a little above the top of the chainring. Otherwise I really like the idea.
Do people (non Pros) really notice small changes like that? I know I'm a bit of a hack but I can't imagine bombing down a trail and thinking to myself "Man I wish my pivot was 5mm higher."
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by mtg
Bookmarks