2021 Forbidden

Dreadnought SLX

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price

$5,349
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 154 / 170mm
ForkRockShox ZEB Select+
ShockFox Float X2 Performance
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetSLX
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Dreadnought SLX
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

28 mph

Dreadnought SLX

26 mph

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Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Dreadnought model range

View Comparison
Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes
  • 5'10", size M, Just right
Reviews
Bikerumor
Forbidden’s Dreadnought GX LTD Team Edition Offers a ‘Factory Pro’ Look to Anyone

Dec 2022

Forbidden Bike Co. offers you the chance to look like a factory pro with the limited-run Dreadnought LTD Team Edition.

Read Review

MBR
Forbidden Dreadnought XT review - MBR

Apr 2022 · Alan Muldoon

Forbidden now has a big gun but who needs the Forbidden Dreadnought XT when the Druid is already billed as capable? In short... everyone. Let me explain.

Highs
  • Unique ride quality. Great sizing with balanced weight distribution across all sizes. Buttery-smooth suspension with good range of adjustment and plenty of support for smashing bigger hits. Steep seat angle means you simply sit down and spin and the Dreadnought climbs with the best of them. It’s better than the Druid.

Lows
  • Needs a high-rise bar. End-stroke progression makes it harder to get full travel, so maybe a coil shock would make this bike better still. Idler is noisy when it’s muddy. Longer chainstay and rearward axle path means you have to put more effort into lifting the front end.

Read Review

Pinkbike
Review: Forbidden Dreadnought

Aug 2021 · Seb Stott

The Dreadnought has the manners of a bigger bike, but its 151mm of travel doesn't quite deliver the same performance as longer travel options.

Highs
  • Superb suspension tracking over small and mid-sized bumps.

  • Balanced weight distribution provides excellent cornering composure in flat, loose turns.

  • Stable and confident on fast, bike-park style terrain.

  • Comfortable and easy to manage traction on technical climbs.

Lows
  • The XL's long chainstay (which grows through the travel) makes manuals, hops, or steep and tight trails trickier.

  • Though supple for the travel, suspension isn't as forgiving as longer travel bikes in the same intended use category.

  • Though idler drag is minimal, it's not the sprightliest climber even compared to longer travel bikes.

  • Our bike had a shock bolt repeatedly work loose and two hard-to-explain snapped derailleurs.

Read Review

NSMB
The Forbidden Dreadnought Fears Nothing – Interview w/ Owen Pemberton

Mar 2021

A global pandemic can't keep the new Forbidden Dreadnought chained down. Owen Pemberton shares some of the challenges during the bike's development.

Read Review

Beta
First Ride: Forbidden Dreadnought - Video

Feb 2021 · Travis Engel

Calling the Forbidden Dreadnought a high-pivot bike misses the point. The 154/170mm 29er will redefine what you thought were your limits.

Highs
  • Supple over large high-speed chatter

  • Stability increases the moment you need it

  • Optimal balance and traction between the wheels

  • Smooth climber in rough sections

Lows
  • Not playful, in the traditional sense

  • Feels slightly sluggish on long, smooth climbs

  • Idler pulley brings extra friction, demands extra cleaning

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon Fiber

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Fork

RockShox ZEB Select+, Charger 2.1 damper, DebonAir spring, low-speed compression adjust, low-speed rebound adjust, 44mm offset, Maxle Stealth thru-axle

Travel170mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX FLOAT X2 Performance, low-speed compression adjust, low-speed rebound adjust, EVOL air can, custom size-specific tunes, trunnion mount, 205mm x 65mm

Travel154mm

Bottom Bracket

Shimano BB52, HOLLOWTECH II, 24mm spindle, 73mm English/BSA threaded

Headset

ACROS AZX-203, stainless steel bearings, ZS44/28.6 upper, ZS56/40 lower

Stem

e*thirteen Base, 40mm length, 35mm bar clamp

Handlebar

e*thirteen Base, 800mm width, 20mm rise, 35mm clamp diameter

Saddle

SDG Radar, chromoly rails

Seatpost

e*thirteen Vario dropper, Drop: 120-150mm (SM/MD), 150-180mm (LG/XL), Remote Lever: Shimano MT500, I-SPEC EV bracket

TypeDropper

Pedals

None

Grips

Forbidden Tapered, single lock-on

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed, SHADOW RD+

Front Derailleur

None

Crank

Shimano SLX M7100, 170mm length

Shifters

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed, I-SPEC EV bracket

Cassette

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed, 10-51 tooth

Chain

Shimano SLX M7100, 12-speed

Chain Guide

Forbidden integraged idler pulley; e*thirteen TRS Plus custom chainguide (upper slider plus lower pully with bashguard)

Brakes

Shimano Deore M6120, 4-piston, metal pads, Shimano MT64 180mm CENTER LOCK rotors

TypeHydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

Shimano Deore M6100

Wheels
Rims

e*thirteen LG1 EN Plus, 30mm internal width, 32 hole, tubeless ready

Spokes

Stainless steel, 2.0/1.8/2.0mm double butted, ED coated, with 14mm brass nipples

Front Hub

Shimano SLX H7100, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear with MICRO SPLINE driver

Rear Hub

Shimano SLX H7100, 110x15mm Boost front, 148x12mm Boost rear with MICRO SPLINE driver

Tires

Front: Maxxis Assegai, 3C MaxxTerra, EXO+, TR, 120 TPI, folding, 29" x 2.5", Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 3C MaxxTerra, Double Down (DD) casing, TR, 2x 120 TPI, folding, 29" x 2.4"

Rider Notes
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Last updated May 4
Not listed for 1,151 days