Given the updates to the Druid V2 trail bike and the recently launched Supernought DH bike, it should come as no surprise that version two of Forbidden’s enduro platform – the Dreadnought – also makes the switch from a single-pivot suspension layout to an inverted four-bar design. I’ll get to why that’s important in a minute. And while the latest Dreadnought looks pretty different compared to the original Dreadnought that I tested in 2022, at its core, it’s a surprisingly similar bike. Albeit a better version of itself. So let’s break down the updates to one of the best enduro bikes I’ve ridden. Geometry and Sizing Looking at the front end of the Dreadnought, the reach measurement on the size S3 (L) has shrunk a little. The front centre and head angle haven’t changed though, but the stack has increased, which has impacted the reach, shortening it. This a good move on Forbidden’s part, as the front end was too low on the original Dreadnought. It’s also why each size of complete bike has a size-specific handlebar rise. Moving rearward, the chainstay lengths have increased. Yes, that’s chainstay lengths, because each of the four frame sizes, S1 to S4, has genuinely size-specific rear centre measurements. The size L bike that I rode had a 460mm static chainstay that grew more at sag. That puts it squarely in old-school e-bike territory, albeit without the battery and motor loading the front end. Forbidden Dreadnought V2: Need to Know Version two of the cutting-edge high-pivot idler enduro bike New inverted 4-bar suspension layout delivers true 160mm rear travel Full 29in or MX option, with interchangeable dropouts Geometry designed around 170mm fork travel Increased stack height and size-specific handlebar rises Proportional geometry and frame feel Weight bias adjustment with aftermarket dropouts Improved idler design; quieter and more durable SRAM’s latest AXS T-Type transmission Three builds and a frame-only option GX Select+ build is £7,299, GX Select is £6,599 Colours: Bloody Sabbath and Fatty T Same frame for MX or 29in The new Dreadnought borrows the interchangeable dropout design from the Supernought DH bike, and their function is twofold. They allow Forbidden to offer a full 29in Dreadnought and a MX version with the exact same frame – no Ziggy link or secondary “chainstay” assembly required. Just swap the dropouts and the weight distribution remains the same for both configurations. The MX version does have a slightly lower BB height and short reach though, as the dropouts do not correct the geometry 100% when swapping from full 29in to MX. That’s not to say you can’t change the weight distribution of the new Dreadnought though. Forbidden is offering two aftermarket MX dropout options for going shorter or longer with a 27.5in rear wheel, and a longer option for the 29in build. The jump between each dropout option is 10mm. Upside-down suspension layout The Dreadnought still uses a high-pivot idler design, but frame travel has increased to 160mm. And Forbidden now measures it vertically, rather than …Continue reading »

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Like their Druid trail and Supernought downhill bikes, the Dreadnought takes on a multi-link rear triangle but remains a high-pivot suspension design.

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“Pedals like an XC bike, descends like a DH bike” is a cliche as badly worn as the back tyre on a bike park rental in September. It’s a promise that often stinks as badly as a rental full-face helmet too. However the latest version of Forbidden’s Druid (V2) can genuinely hustle super hard through the pedals while still unleashing unholy speeds across the jankiest terrain. Throw in excellent proportional geometry and frame feel, plus a sweet spot build and the Druid GX FX is a truly outstanding trail bike.  Yes, the high-pivot design adds weight, complexity and a distinctive ride vibe so it won’t be for everyone, but if you crave short-travel trail speed up there with the best full-suspension bikes on the market, read on. Forbidden Druid V2 need to know Version two of the seminal high-pivot idler trail bike New inverted 4-bar suspension layout delivers 130mm rear travel New geometry and sizing, same 150mm fork travel Fox Performance Elite suspension for ultimate tunability MX (tested) or full 29in wheel options Truly proportional geometry and frame feel SRAM’s latest GX AXS T-Type transmission And I chose the word ‘outstanding’ deliberately in the intro, because in a world of superbly competent but very similar mid-travel bikes the Druid V2 literally hits differently. In fact, if you’re used to a conventional 130mm travel bike the first couple of rides on the Druid are likely to require a significant reset. Not only in how quickly you exit sections you’re used to stalling in, but also how direct yet traction-rich the pedalling is. The way the Druid V2 syncs these three generally contradictory characteristics so well, just emphasises the standout ride experience even more. Is it really “witchcraft” that makes the Druid V2 so special? What exactly is the ‘High Pivot Witchcraft’ Forbidden says is in play here, and is it a spell that will work on you? The rearward axle path, chain-pull isolation of the idler and the 30-35% recommended sag on the Fox Float X shock certainly aren’t unique to Forbidden. Even Trek has climbed back onto the high-pivot bandwagon with its latest Slash enduro bike. Balfa was doing it last century, and Owen Pemberton, the man behind Forbidden, cut his idler teeth on Norco’s high pivot bikes.  It feels very different the original Druid that mbr reviewed, so what has changed? The key difference with the Druid V2 is that it uses a flipped version of a classic four-bar suspension layout, rather than a single pivot design like on the original Druid. This means Forbidden has been able to fine tune the wheel path and anti-rise (how much the suspension resists extension under braking) for a less weird but still wonderfully different ride result. How does it compare to the Druid V1? For example, compared to the Druid V1 it still squats and extends as you load the suspension in turns or when applying the rear brake. But the effect is much less pronounced. So while it’s really easy …Continue reading »

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