REVIEW - Guerrilla Gravity's Smash V2

The Smash returns with more carbon, more travel, more efficiency, and more stability.

The latest and greatest from Guerrilla Gravity comes in the form of the Smash V2. The do-it-all bike has received modest geometry refinements and a small increase in travel aimed at improving stability and pedaling performance without significantly changing the bike's ride characteristics. A trail weapon optimized for fast and flowy or steep and gnarly terrain alike, we leaped at the chance to spend the past month testing the limits and capabilities of the updated Smash. 

Highlights

  • Revved carbon frame 
  • 29-inch wheels 
  • 150mm (5.9-inches) of rear wheel travel // 150mm (5.9-inches) fork travel
  • Horst Link rear suspension design 
  • 64.7-degree head tube angle 
  • Size-specific effective seat tube angle 
  • 440mm chain stay length 
  • Adjustable reach headset 
  • Internal cable routing with externally routed rear brake 
  • Boost 148 rear hub spacing 
  • Modular Frame Platform uses the same front triangle as Guerrilla Gravity's other full-suspension models 
  • Three sizes available (2, 3, 4) 
  • Measured weight (size 4, no pedals): 33 pounds 14oz (15.36 kg) 
  • MSRP: $4,995 - $6,995 USD
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The Smash V2 shown in Colorado Racing Green

Overview

Guerrilla Gravity did not set out to fully overhaul the Smash. Instead, they sought to build on the success of the first generation by improving ride characteristics, specifically cornering stability and pedaling efficiency. To achieve these goals, rear travel was bumped up to 150mm. The kinematics were refined to accommodate the 5mm increase in travel, providing 5% higher progression throughout the stroke for increased bottom-out resistance. Pedaling efficiency was improved by slightly raising the main pivot location, causing anti-squat values to increase and providing a firmer pedaling platform at sag. There is no longer a flip chip adjustment found in the rear shock eyelet, but the updated kinematics seem to land happily between the 'Crush' and 'Plush' settings previously offered. The new Smash uses the same front triangle as the first generation and enables riders to switch rear ends to create any other model within Guerrilla Gravity lineup. 

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A new carbon chainstay is one of the biggest changes made to the rear triangle

Compared to the fully aluminum rear end found on the Smash V1, the new rear triangle sees a 50% increase in stiffness and 90-gram weight reduction thanks to the carbon chainstays. There is also the addition of the UDH interface and updated cable routing. Current Smash V1 owners can also retrofit their bikes with the V2 rear end to receive the updated geometry, kinematics, and rear wheel travel. The front triangle has two bottle cage/accessory mount locations and internally routed cables along the down tube held beneath a bolt-on cover to eliminate rattling and simplify access. Molded chain slap and downtube frame protection remain the same as before, providing adequate protection and a silent ride.

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Geometry

The Smash V2 maintains the same adjustable headset cups found on all GG models, allowing for 10mm of reach adjustment. Reach numbers on our Size 4 frame were 500 or 510mm, paired with an appropriate 646mm stack height and a steer tube with room to spare. The head tube angle remains 64.7 degrees, while the bottom bracket height sees a mere 1mm drop. More notable changes happen at the rear of the bike, with a 6mm longer chainstay length added to the overall wheelbase.

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Build Kits

Build kits start at $4,995 for the Ride build kit, $6,295 for the Rally (tested), and $6,995 for the Race or Launch Edition build kits. Frames are also available starting at $3,195. Each build is available in two new colors, Colorado Racing Green and Stealth, with Terminator Grey found only on the Launch Edition build. Frame-only options include the two standard colors found across all builds and two additional colors  Picante Red and Alpine Blue.

Opting for a frame only also allows riders to fully customize a build kit. They can buy only the parts they need or build a complete bike from a wide variety of component choices. Custom build choices for the Smash V2 include rear shocks from FOX, RockShox, and PUSH, with fork options from RockShox and DVO. Choices for cockpit setup include aluminum or carbon e*thirteen handlebars, multiple stem lengths from Industry Nine, and dropper posts from SDG and BikeYoke in lengths from 125mm up to 185mm. Brake options range from SRAM Guide T all the way up to Shimano XTR as do drivetrain options, which include Box Two Prime 9, SRAM Eagle NX, GX, X01, Shimano XT 8100, and XTR 9100 with optional MRP chain guides. Wheel options from Sun Ringle, DT Swiss, Crankbrothers, and Industry Nine are paired with tires from Maxxis or Hutchinson. Our Rally test bike came with a few custom options, including SRAM Code RSC brakes instead of the standard G2 RSC spec, and a Maxxis EXO+ DHR II rear tire instead of the standard EXO Dissector.

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Ride Build in Stealth
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Rally Build in Colorado Racing Green
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Race Build in Stealth
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Launch Edition in Terminator Grey
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Picante Red
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Alpine Blue

On The Trail

We tested the Smash V2 on our local trails around Phoenix, Arizona. With plenty of rocks and loose dirt on tap, we quickly got a sense of how the bike handles over square edge hits and in places where traction is minimal. We also ventured to Sedona to ride more rolling terrain with extra grip and lower-speed compressions. 

 
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Setup

Setting up the Smash V2 was fairly straightforward. The bike showed up with the frame in one box and the wheels in another, requiring only installation of the wheels, shock, and handlebars. After pedaling the bike for a minute or two, we immediately felt stretched to reach the bars. Thankfully, this is where the GeoAdjust headset comes in handy. Flipping it to the short position trimmed the reach by 10mm, putting the bars comfortably in our hands and creating an optimal pedaling position.

Suspension setup was simple thanks to the FOX Performance Float X shock only having rebound and lockout adjustments, and we set sag to the recommended 30%. The Charger 3 damper on the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate fork was also quick to dial in. With compression adjustments starting in the middle, using + and - clicks for tuning, we set sag to around 20% with low-speed compression in the middle and high-speed compression at -1. We did play around with compression clicks out on the trail but always ended up right back where we started. We also experimented with our usual narrower/higher rise bars but surprisingly felt most comfortable with the stock e*thirteen cockpit. 

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Descending Performance

As the name would suggest, the Smash V2 routinely encouraged us to find out how late we could brake into rough terrain and how fast we could exit turns. The slack and long geometry promoted pushing the bike with the intensity and aggression we usually reserve for our enduro bike. The front end of the Smash was long, creating a planted front wheel that was great for slashing turns or staying off the brakes into rough sections. A high level of frame stiffness contributed to this confidence as it handled load transfer exceptionally well. The rear suspension's firm mid-stroke support provided the occasional reminder that the Smash was still a trail-focused bike, however, in exceptionally choppy situations. We had no problem generating speed on flatter trails, and the progressive kinematic offered plenty of support for jumps of all sizes. We also experienced zero cable rattle and were impressed by how silent the entire bike remained throughout testing. Overall, the Smash V2 is ideal for riders more focused on descending stability and control instead of popping side hits or dicing up straightaways. For those who would rather have a playful bike versus a planted bike, we'd recommend sizing down the Smash V2.

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Climbing Performance

The Smash V2 offered a comfortable, upright pedaling position with excellent power transfer. We had no issue spinning at a lower cadence up challenging sections or dropping the hammer at a moment's notice. The front wheel stayed planted and never wandered at lower speeds but was light enough to get up ledges when seated. Both attributes legitimize the claimed benefits of the updated anti-squat values. There was some pedal-induced bobbing, but it wasn't overwhelming and never interrupted our cadence. And even though our test bike weighed nearly 34lbs, which isn't that light for a 150mm bike, the geometry package of the Smash V2 made up for the extra weight and slight suspension movement, creating an efficient bike that could spin uphill as fast as any other trail bike.

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Build Kit

Guerrilla Gravity did a good job offering build kits with thought-out component choices that match the intended use of the Smash V2. While $6,295 for a SRAM GX level build kit is a bit steep, the full-carbon frame is made in USA, and it's awesome to see a Lyrik Ultimate fork specced on a mid-tier build paired with a Performance Float X shock. Besides performing well, the minimal adjustments found on the Float X also helped eliminate improper setup since there are fewer knobs to turn the wrong way. For those seeking more adjustability and cost savings, a 2022 Super Deluxe Ultimate rear shock is available for $245 less than the stock FOX shock. 

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The DT Swiss M1900 wheelset has traditionally used a standard 3 pawl freehub body, but with the newer 370 hubs, it is possible to upgrade from the pawl drive ring to the star ratchet interface. We were happy to find The Smash specced with the star ratchet option, so we swapped the 18t star ratchet out for a 36t ratchet to gain some engagement and make the sound just a little bit sweeter. SRAM G2 and Code RSC brakes are another applaudable spec choice giving riders the pad contact adjustment to keep bite point in check over the life of brake pads and rotors. Guerrilla Gravity made brake and tire spec changes when building our test bike, and the additional stopping power from the Code brakes provided plenty of bite for our 225-pound test rider. Swapping from the EXO casing Maxxis Dissector rear tire to an EXO+ Minion DHRII provided a higher level of sidewall support and a much more suitable tread pattern that doesn't squirm as easily in very rocky terrain.

Long Term Durability

We did manage to put a decent rock chip in the down tube during the test, which is a relatively regular occurrence when riding the trails in Phoenix. Upon further inspection, there was no movement out of the chip when pressing on it, and it appeared to only be a cosmetic chip in the paint. With primer and paint thick enough to mistake for a structural chip out of the frame, most riders will likely have no issue with the durability of the frame or the paint. Like most brands, Guerrilla Gravity does not cover wear and tear from regular use, so riders in particularly rocky areas may want to consider a frame protection kit or additional molded rubber protection to cover the down tube. Should riders experience structural or manufacturer defects with their Smash V2, Guerrilla Gravity offers a lifetime frame warranty. While our test period was too short to determine any component durability concerns, we did not experience any during testing. 

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What's The Bottom Line?

With the Smash V2, Guerrilla Gravity successfully maintained the do-it-all mentality of its lively trail bike while improving its stability and pedaling performance. Going faster than expected into the nastiest of sections was a recurring theme during our time on the Smash, thanks to its slightly longer chainstay and front-center combined with its increased rear wheel travel, making higher trail speeds more attainable. Rider input was rewarded with quick speed generation, and the forward pedaling position kept the front wheel planted, making it easy to power up technical sections. Like many bikes in the all-mountain category, the Smash V2 is suitable for those looking to ride a bit of everything. From aggressive trail riding to occasional bike park days, the Smash V2 is a well-rounded bike that will perform in just about any situation. 

 For more information on the Smash V2, please visit ridegg.com 


About The Tester

Jonathon Simonetti - Age: 27 // Years Riding MTB: 18 // Height: 6’4” (1.93m) // Weight: 215-pounds (97.5kg)

Jonny started mountain biking in 2003 after a trip to Northstar showed him how much more could be ridden on 26” wheels than on a BMX bike. He began racing downhill in 2004 and raced for 12 years until ultimately deciding having fun on a bike was more important than race results. After working as a mechanic in the industry for a few years and developing a deeper understanding of bikes inside and out, he has an aptitude for pairing his riding ability with the analysis of bikes and breaking down what makes them work well. He spends most of his time between trail rides and skatepark sessions with occasional days on the downhill bike. 

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