Anyone who follows the magazine closely will have noticed that one of the mountain bikes I’ve liked the most recently is the Forbidden Druid V2(test here), particularly because it combines a relatively new concept, the high pivot, with a fairly unique geometry that requires some rider adjustment before being fully appreciated. It’s the kind of music that you don’t like at first glance, but the more you listen to it, the more you appreciate it.
Seeing my excitement, the Canadians at Forbidden sent me a frame with the new pink color scheme to assemble. I would like to point out that this also exists in other colors, but for me this is the most beautiful paint job, also because it really stands out because of the black components. Now I’ll show you what I put on it.
With pedals, the entire bike weighs 15.2 kg. It features 130mm rear travel, 150mm front travel, 29-inch wheels and a full carbon frame. If you would like to purchase the Fearless Streetwear T-Shirt you see in the background, Click here. There are also other graphics and colors.
The special thing about the Druid is its chain reversal kinematics. I’ve talked about it Depth here. That’s also the reason why I chose it as my long-term test bike. No, the pulley will not make any noise if you lubricate the chain well. In this case with Effetto Mariposa Flower Power Wax.
I told you about the color and graphics. Beautiful.
At the end of Visit to EXTI was given one Era V2 Fork. 150 mm, which feels very soft and can withstand a lot. With a weight of 2.48 kg, it is robust.
The rear shock is currently the stock Rock Shox Deluxe Ultimate. I know it well from other bikes and it works great, but stay tuned for possible upgrades.
Cable routing is internal and very well thought out thanks to sturdy hardware that keeps the cables in place even when they are not routed through the frame. In addition, assembly was very easy.
Also very easy thanks to the Lewis LHt Brakes, a novelty very reminiscent of the Trickstuff Direttissima, not least because of their special feature of screwing the hoses to the brake caliper and the master cylinder without dripping oil. I will explain this in detail as part of the special test. Note that you can also adjust the leverage ratio, a real treat.
Plus, black looks great on a pink frame!
Specialized gave it to me Roval Traverse HD Wheels that weigh 1700 grams and are designed to withstand abuse. I couldn’t help but put Specialized tires on it, with Grid Trail casing (1030 grams) at the front…
… and Gravity at the rear (1250 grams).
The dropper seat post is the new thing One Up Components V3da 170mm. Lightweight, smooth to operate, currently free of play.
The saddle, on the other hand, is an old friend: S’Works electric mirror, i.e. 3D printed. Most comfortable. If you have any questions about cleaning, know that it has been in use on my mountain bikes since 2021 and that a water hose is enough to remove the mud.
The drive is also an “old” friend: the wireless SRAM AXS XX1 gearshift. The best on the market, there is no argument. If you’re wondering why, Read here.
The same goes for the handlebars, recycled from the Canyon Spectral CFR. Perfect for width, height and length of the integrated stem.
This Ergon GXR At first glance, handles may seem out of place because they do not have clamps. However, they are lightweight and extremely comfortable. They had convinced me along the way Canyon Lux Trail check.
You couldn’t miss my brand new favorite pedals, Crankbrothers Mallet E. Paired with Crankbrothers shoesThey were designed specifically for these pedals and offer the best click system on the market.
You won’t be able to miss me when you meet me on the trails!
