Just hip, or also good?

Forbidden Druid V2 Review

The young Canadian brand Forbidden flips off the mainstream. With an extravagant high pivot suspension and unique design, the Druid V2 stands out visually from the crowd of bikes. But does it do the same on the trail?

Forbidden Druid V2 Test
Looks sexy. But is the high pivot rear suspension a game-changer on the trail?

As iconic mountain bike models like the Specialized Stumpjumper increasingly cater to the mainstream, Forbidden takes the opposite approach. With their high-pivot rear suspension, the Canadians clearly focus on the technology and performance of the rear end. In this review, we take a closer look at the bike that aims to hold its own with only 130 mm of rear travel, both in the bike park and on demanding enduro trails.

High pivot rear suspension
The high main pivot on the rear triangle is as fundamental to Forbidden as weld seams are to Nicolai.
Rocker-link
The horizontal shock is actuated via a rocker link.
Forbidden rear triangle
The rocker lever compresses the shock and consistently pushes the rear wheel backward.

What's the deal with this "High-Pivot"?

High pivots are currently in vogue, and it’s not just because of their unique looks. Primarily, the wheel trajectory can be perfected with such a system. Unlike standard suspension systems with a low main pivot, the rear wheel can move upwards and backwards throughout the entire suspension travel. Due to the high pivot location, the chainstay lengthens with compression. This gives the bike a more stable position on the trail as it gets deeper into the travel.

The rear suspension of the Forbidden Druid V2 extends by about 21 mm when compressed. For comparison: On a current Canyon Spectral, the rear suspension extends by only 2 mm. This is made possible by the rocker linkage, which constantly pushes the rear wheel backward during compression.

Kinematics: An inverted four-bar linkage

The biggest change compared to its predecessor is the new rear suspension system of the Forbidden Druid V2. While the earlier model already featured a High Pivot main pivot point, it was only equipped with a single-pivot design. The V2 of the Druid employs an inverted horst-link system, so the rear wheel does not rotate in a simple circular path around the main pivot. This allows for entirely new options in fine-tuning the kinematics, which Forbidden also utilizes.

Forbidden Druid V2 Test
The Druid V2 has only 150 mm of travel at the front and 130 mm in the rear, but it wants to rip downhill.

Rear suspension function: pedal-neutral - stabilizing when braking

Despite being geared towards downhill fun, the rear suspension remains completely calm while pedaling. Here, the developers have opted for a high anti-squat value in the suspension, which allows the rear to work neutrally across all gears. You won’t experience any annoying shock bobbing with the Forbidden Druid V2.

The developers have also set the anti-rise value very high. Around the sag area, it is significantly over 100%, ensuring that the geometry is relatively well-maintained during braking maneuvers in this suspension range. This gives a very direct riding feel on flat, flowy trails.

Forbidden Druid V2 Test
The rear suspension is highly progressive and has a high anti-rise value. This keeps the geometry well preserved on flowy trails.
Forbidden Druid V2 Experience
Due to the long wheelbase (chainstays), the bike automatically has more weight on the front wheel than other all-mountains. This is noticeable in flat, open corners.

Geometry and Handling

The geometry of the bike has a special feature. The chainstays grow disproportionately with each frame size. This ensures balanced handling across all sizes. Due to the generally long chainstays, the pressure on the front wheel increases, providing more confidence in fast, open corners. Even in challenging situations, the bike remains well-controllable. Moreover, it feels as if the bike precisely translates the rider’s inputs into steering movements at all times.

Growing chainstays with each frame size are no longer a big deal in the scene. But Forbidden lets them grow significantly more than other manufacturers. The Canadians simply follow through with their convictions.

Climbing and Efficiency: Comfort on Long Climbs

The geometry allows for an upright position on the bike, which provides a comfortable feel during leisurely pedaling. At 14.7 kilos without pedals, the bike isn’t exactly lightweight given its modest suspension travel. The Specialized Stumpjumper 15 is one kilo lighter for a similar price. Canyons Spectral CF is significantly cheaper but weighs the same. If you’re looking for a lightweight option, the Forbidden Druid V2 won’t be satisfying. The bells and whistles like the idler pulley, large rocker, and multiple pivots add extra weight.

Specialized Stumpjumper 15 weight
The Stumpjumper 15 weighs 1 kg less with the same travel and a similar price.
Canyon Spectral CF
You can get the Canyon Spectral CF for half the price, and with the same 150 mm at the fork, it weighs just as much as the Forbidden.

Maintenance and Care

The craftsmanship is top-notch, and our test showed no signs of wear. More so than with regular bikes, high-pivot bikes require regular chain maintenance. A dry chain link can quickly cause noise and added resistance, impacting performance. However, as long as the drivetrain is well-maintained, this won’t be an issue.

Forbidden idler pulley
The longer the chain, the more important maintenance becomes. Otherwise, it quickly runs a bit rough over the 18-tooth idler pulley.

Noise Level and Comfort: Quiet and Pleasant

One of the most remarkable features of the Druid V2 is its low noise level. The chain guide and the well-thought-out frame design make the bike extremely quiet, contributing to an enjoyable riding experience. Even on fast descents and steep trails, neither the chain nor the internally routed cables make a peep.

Rubber Protector Forbidden
Forbidden didn't skimp on the rubber bumpers. The rear suspension is really quiet.
Forbidden routes the cables through the main frame and rear triangle rattle-free.

Pro

  • direct ride feel
  • quiet
  • sick look
  • pedal neutral

Contra

  • teuer
  • relatively heavy
  • low travel for downhill-oriented setup

Forbidden Druid model

Honestly, a bike like a Forbidden is one most riders will want to build themselves. For those who don’t, there are different models to choose from. The frame alone is currently available for between €3000 and €4000 online or at local dealers. Also intriguing is the comparison with the Santa Cruz Hightower and the Specialized Stumpjumper. We’ve provided all models and the comparison for you.

Conclusion: The perfect all-round mountain bike?

The Forbidden Druid V2 looks extravagant and also has its own character. It feels pleasantly direct on flat trails. In rough terrain, it has more reserves than the 130 mm of travel might suggest. However, its geometry demands an active riding style to unlock its fun potential. Weight and price are relatively high. Those looking for a comfortable touring bike will be happier elsewhere. But those who want to go all out with minimal travel will find the right partner here. The combination of minimal travel and full focus on the descent appeals to enthusiastic riders.

About the author

Ludwig Döhl

... has spent more than 100,000 kilometers in the saddle of over 1000 different mountain bikes. The essence of many hours on the trail: Mountain bikes are awesome when they match your personal preferences! With this realization, he founded bike-test.com to assist cyclists in finding their very own dream bike.

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