2017 Guerrilla Gravity Trail Pistol Race with Pistola Setup

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I just can't believe how much fun I have had on this bike!

The Trail Pistol climbs really well, making easy work of ascents. The steep seat tube angle puts you over the pedals making it easy to climb incredibly steep pitches. Seated, there is no noticeable pedal bob, and the heavily damped Deluxe rear shock keeps bob to a minimum during out of the saddle assaults. Initially, I found the steeper seat tube angle in combination to feel very strange and foreign, but not uncomfortable. After having spent more time on the TP, I am unsure how we used to pedal bikes with slacker seat tubes.

Descending, the TP really outshines other bikes. At low speeds the bike delivers a ride erring on the harsher side, but as the top tube states, this bike likes going fast. With a progressive rear suspension platform (I have mine paired with a similar progressive tune on the fork as well) riders can really let go of the brakes. The progressive geometry keeps the bike stable at high speeds and the supportive rear end allows the rider to get up and over obstacles with ease. When I first got the bike, all I wanted to do was bunny hop off stuff. The progressive platform really allowed me to generate controlled pop off of nearly any trail obstacle and the landing was extra controlled and pleasantly smooth. With typical Guerrilla Gravity style geometry, the bike has plenty of room to move in the cockpit when standing for descents, and the bike handles with a healthy balance of stability and agility.

As my first 29er, I was unsure how this bike would handle in corners; I expected it to feel unwieldy. I am happy to report that I have been nothing but pleased. The bike is a touch on the longer side but I really only notice in tight switchbacks. The bike will carve through corners with reasonable radii while maintaining an astounding level of traction.

One thing I have found surprisingly good is the amount of trail feedback I get from the bike. The heavily damped progressive suspension delivers a ride that I would not describe as "plush" but I have found that I really enjoy feeling the trail a bit more. I believe it helps me know when I am on the brink of losing traction.

I purchased the ride 2 build from GG and was pleased for the most part. The Recon fork didn't have the mid stroke support that I wanted, but was more supple than I expected and I ran it for two or three months. I replaced it with the Manitou Magnum set at 140mm and have been very pleased. I also damaged the stock rear rim due to an unlucky rock strike. I replaced it with a EX 471. I run 29" wheels and use Crush mode typically, although on really long rides Plush mode helps smooth things out a bit more.

My expectations for this bike were that it would climb and descend with equal prowess, making it a good all-arounder. I found a bike that is efficient and easy going on the ascents and is ready to rage on the downhills. It's the bike of choice for ride where you have to both climb and descend (so pretty much every ride?). I hesitate to categorize this bike, as it just might be the ultimate all-arounder. I am simply blown away with the Trail Pistol.