Forbidden Druid - Avinox Powered

Looks really good either way!

I have the Intend Trinity 2.0 brakes and love them. The Intend forks do look compelling, definitely would get one over a Fox Podium, but I think I'm going to try an Ohlin's fork and shock at some point. I'm mostly happy with the new Fox 36 Glide-core fork, feels slightly better than the ZEB that came on it but I'm sure Ohlin's 38 or and Intend would be better. Though I have zero complaints with the Rockshox SDU Coil with springdex, I would get an Ohlin's TTX22M.2 just to pair with the fork and I'm sure it will be great too.
 
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I was able to test the Trinity shortly. Power was fine. Pretty much like v4 and gr4. Deadstroke is almost non existent and pulling the lever feels really smooth and effortless. There was something with the lever throw that I did not like. Ergonomically the lever pull felt more intuitively on the Hopes.. in the end paying double the amount of the gr4 for Trinity just did not make any sense at all. The only bad part for me on the Hope brakes had just been the bleeding process, which now can be done with the added bleeding port on the evo lineup.. i use variants in two pedal bikes AS well.
Regarding the fork, the difference is well worth the price. It delivers so much more comfort than the Zeb on really chunky trails. Not once did I have arm pump in a total week of Finale ligure shredding last summer. It is simply amazing and i will most likely use them for a long time
 
It works well.. i actually did only briefly test the vivid. For me the intend seems to do what it should. at 97kg kitted I need to run around 440psi for 30% sag. 35% sag on the vivid did not work for me. Same on the intend. 30 seems to be the sweet spot. The off the top suppleness is still there. You can push the damper into its travel with one finger on the saddle. I think though that the difference between 2 Air dampers is not as big as with the forks. would be more of a question Air vs coil for me really.
I had a couple of friends with failing vivids in only short riding periods. The intend stuff has been almost flawless and the support of intend in Germany is really great. Had a dead on arrival damper 2 years ago. Although the could not reproduce my issues on the damper Test bench, they switched out the whole CNC machined Body, which did resolve the issue. The day it arrived at their workshop by mail they repaired it and sent it back again.
 
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IMG_0393.jpeg

Today ride with this beauty
 
bakedbun said:
feels less like a tricycle to me.
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Fair enough. To be honest I’m surprised how used to them I am already. I think its due to the bikes I been riding have been using progressively shorter cranks.

I would go slightly longer but I’m also aware just how low this bike is. However, I’m also decreasing the sag on my shock so I may find I’m back in a good place to experiment once I have that dialed.
 
andyjayh said:
Fair enough. To be honest I’m surprised how used to them I am already. I think its due to the bikes I been riding have been using progressively shorter cranks.

I would go slightly longer but I’m also aware just how low this bike is. However, I’m also decreasing the sag on my shock so I may find I’m back in a good place to experiment once I have that dialed.
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I'm curious why people say this bike's BB is low. What is a typical BB height that isn't low?

My last three analog bikes had same if not slightly lower BB height, and I was never wishing I had more pedal clearance with 165mm cranks most of time they came spec'd with 170 and 175mm cranks.
 
sprousaTM said:
It works well.. i actually did only briefly test the vivid. For me the intend seems to do what it should. at 97kg kitted I need to run around 440psi for 30% sag. 35% sag on the vivid did not work for me. Same on the intend. 30 seems to be the sweet spot. The off the top suppleness is still there. You can push the damper into its travel with one finger on the saddle. I think though that the difference between 2 Air dampers is not as big as with the forks. would be more of a question Air vs coil for me really.
I had a couple of friends with failing vivids in only short riding periods. The intend stuff has been almost flawless and the support of intend in Germany is really great. Had a dead on arrival damper 2 years ago. Although the could not reproduce my issues on the damper Test bench, they switched out the whole CNC machined Body, which did resolve the issue. The day it arrived at their workshop by mail they repaired it and sent it back again.
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Tell me more about Vivids failing please. I had always planned to go coil suspension tech have Forbidden tune but tbh the Vivid is pretty dam capable. This thing is a rocket when up to speed. Makes me feel like I am riding like Brian Cahil 😁
 
sethimus said:
head angle looks steep, how much travel does this bright fork have?
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Now setted @150mm of very very quality/capable travel… feel a LOT more maybe like a 160/170 commercial fork
Bright have a lot of antidive in her cartrige. You can set from 130 to 170 if needed
 
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My fav local Store just posted they are becoming Forbidden dealers in 2026. Will be nice to keep an eye on a Druid E 2 or 3 and compare to the Velduro Rouge.
 
JP-NZ said:
My fav local Store just posted they are becoming Forbidden dealers in 2026. Will be nice to keep an eye on a Druid E 2 or 3 and compare to the Velduro Rouge.
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Is was looking at the Velduro but the chain stay length was what I was after from the Forbidden. The numbers didn’t stand out as anything special on the Velduro, almost safe and maybe unbalanced front/rear. Relying on the choice of motor and high pivot to sell It…..
 
elvendawn said:
Looks really good either way!

I have the Intend Trinity 2.0 brakes and love them. The Intend forks do look compelling, definitely would get one over a Fox Podium, but I think I'm going to try an Ohlin's fork and shock at some point. I'm mostly happy with the new Fox 36 Glide-core fork, feels slightly better than the ZEB that came on it but I'm sure Ohlin's 38 or and Intend would be better. Though I have zero complaints with the Rockshox SDU Coil with springdex, I would get an Ohlin's TTX22M.2 just to pair with the fork and I'm sure it will be great too.
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I'd not get too juiced up about the ohlins fork. They're good, like a little better than a zeb 3.1, on par with a 38x2, but still a good bit behind something like an avalanche hybrid, or intend.
Same for the ttxm2 coil shock, it's decent, but an ext or push are better, in my experience.
 
Loving my Druid Core. Has anyone put a bigger chainring on theirs to say 36 or 38? Manual says the max chainring is 38 on an S3. Curious if anyone has bumped it up and had any issues? Part of my motivation is seeing how it may affect when the motor cuts out at around 28-30 mph (since mine is derestricted since I'm in Hong Kong and all... ;)). Zero clue if that will impact the speed at which point the motor cuts out, which still happens a lot on the trails I ride. Also curious if anyone has put Shimano Di2 11 speed Linkglide on theirs? I have Di2 on my analog and love it. Far more than SRAM transmission and Linkglide is supposed to be far more durable.
 
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ntm95 said:
I'd not get too juiced up about the ohlins fork. They're good, like a little better than a zeb 3.1, on par with a 38x2, but still a good bit behind something like an avalanche hybrid, or intend.
Same for the ttxm2 coil shock, it's decent, but an ext or push are better, in my experience.
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Better how? I'm curious about your experience. 🤔


I put a Smashpot in a 2021 Pike and converted it to 160mm of travel and loved it, rode it for a few seasons, still best fork I've every ridden... except that it flexed a bit too much on the big hits. I like the new Fox 36 and ZEB I've tried since the Pike in that the chassis feel more solid, but they are no where near as good as that coil fork in feel. The Pike is definitely not up for the duties of my DruidE and current riding style as I learn, get better and progress to bigger stuff. I don't mind the weight (actually prefer it) of the full power bike and could definitely put a coil in a more solid chassis fork but I'd rather try to keep the front weight down and experiment with other brands, and worst case I can just get the coil kit for the RFX38 (or another smashpot). Inverted forks I'm sure preform very well and could save weight over a coil kit, so it's still an option but mudguard/fender options aren't great which I prefer to have. I also like the idea of the two positive air chamber system of the RFX38, I think that will fit me well, and with the M.3 already having the spacer removed from the negative air chamber it will likely suit my weight better out of the box. Also every time I see someone with an Ohlins fork/shock on the trails I ask what they think of them and I always hear good things, I rarely find used ones for sale, so I suspect people are keeping them. Worst case I'm not impressed and I move on. 😊


I have a friend with a Push elevensix and he loves it, he says the damper is worlds better than his previous shocks (SDU coil, etc), I have no doubt it's a good shock, but with the DruidE and an SDU coil I have no complaints, I would only get TTX22 M.2 to match the fork and I'm sure the damper is better than my SDU, maybe I'll find it great in unexpected ways 🤷‍♂️. I'm sure it's great, but I have zero interest in an EXT, zero.
 
Maklooce said:
Loving my Druid Core. Has anyone put a bigger chainring on theirs to say 36 or 38? Manual says the max chainring is 38 on an S3. Curious if anyone has bumped it up and had any issues? Part of my motivation is seeing how it may affect when the motor cuts out at around 28-30 mph (since mine is derestricted since I'm in Hong Kong and all... ;)). Zero clue if that will impact the speed at which the motor cuts out, which still happens a lot on the trails I ride. Also curious if anyone has put Shimano Di2 11 speed Linkglide on theirs? I have Di2 on my analog and love it. Far more than SRAM transmission and Linkglide is supposed to be far more durable.
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In the app I only see up to 36T CR setting or if you don't change it at all, not sure how that would affect the experience with a 38T CR. I'm curious about Linkglide Di2 as well, but having just got the SRAM accessory cable for the derailleur power, I probably wouldn't look at it till this drivetrain wears out, works great so far.
 
elvendawn said:
Better how? I'm curious about your experience. 🤔


I put a Smashpot in a 2021 Pike and converted it to 160mm of travel and loved it, rode it for a few seasons, still best fork I've every ridden... except that it flexed a bit too much on the big hits. I like the new Fox 36 and ZEB I've tried since the Pike in that the chassis feel more solid, but they are no where near as good as that coil fork in feel. The Pike is definitely not up for the duties of my DruidE and current riding style as I learn, get better and progress to bigger stuff. I don't mind the weight (actually prefer it) of the full power bike and could definitely put a coil in a more solid chassis fork but I'd rather try to keep the front weight down and experiment with other brands, and worst case I can just get the coil kit for the RFX38 (or another smashpot). Inverted forks I'm sure preform very well and could save weight over a coil kit, so it's still an option but mudguard/fender options aren't great which I prefer to have. I also like the idea of the two positive air chamber system of the RFX38, I think that will fit me well, and with the M.3 already having the spacer removed from the negative air chamber it will likely suit my weight better out of the box. Also every time I see someone with an Ohlins fork/shock on the trails I ask what they think of them and I always hear good things, I rarely find used ones for sale, so I suspect people are keeping them. Worst case I'm not impressed and I move on. 😊


I have a friend with a Push elevensix and he loves it, he says the damper is worlds better than his previous shocks (SDU coil, etc), I have no doubt it's a good shock, but with the DruidE and an SDU coil I have no complaints, I would only get TTX22 M.2 to match the fork and I'm sure the damper is better than my SDU, maybe I'll find it great in unexpected ways 🤷‍♂️. I'm sure it's great, but I have zero interest in an EXT, zero.
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People misinterpret how the ohlins air spring works. The "ramp" chamber actually provides more initial support and creates a less progressive air chamber. it does not "ramp" like a token would. Which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the type of riding/rider.
It has less compliance at low speeds, so does not suit the casual rider. It's good on e-bikes due to that nature. Long story short, the damper is good, the air spring is "meh". Spacer in, it will have good mid stroke support, but not track chatter really well. Spacer out, it'll track small stuff better, but lack support. It's better with the ohlins coil conversion, but can have some clangs on bottom out. The smashpot v2 would be great with it I think.

11-6 is really good, great adjustability, but lacks a bit of support in most of the tunes I've used. The ext is the gold standard there. The aftermarket vivid coil's tune is pretty close to the tune forbidden uses on the vivid air. I'd probably do that. Hydraulic bottom out is going to be what you want for the druid's kinematics.
 
ntm95 said:
People misinterpret how the ohlins air spring works. The "ramp" chamber actually provides more initial support and creates a less progressive air chamber. it does not "ramp" like a token would. Which can be a good or bad thing, depending on the type of riding/rider.
It has less compliance at low speeds, so does not suit the casual rider. It's good on e-bikes due to that nature. Long story short, the damper is good, the air spring is "meh". Spacer in, it will have good mid stroke support, but not track chatter really well. Spacer out, it'll track small stuff better, but lack support. It's better with the ohlins coil conversion, but can have some clangs on bottom out. The smashpot v2 would be great with it I think.

11-6 is really good, great adjustability, but lacks a bit of support in most of the tunes I've used. The ext is the gold standard there. The aftermarket vivid coil's tune is pretty close to the tune forbidden uses on the vivid air. I'd probably do that. Hydraulic bottom out is going to be what you want for the druid's kinematics.
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So far all air springs are "meh" in my experience, so maybe I'd be pleasantly surprised. But good info about the second air chamber, I'll have to play around with it to see what works

I am a bit worried about losing HBO, but I currently have it set to -1 clicks without issues even with pretty bad over clears and bad landings, I could probably go -2, more testing is needed. I tend to prefer high spring rate (25% sag) on the HP bikes so maybe that helps. Could always get the fork first and see how balanced it is with the SDU and just leave it on there, but I'm guessing the TTX22m.2 will be just fine. 🤷‍♂️
 
elvendawn said:
In the app I only see up to 36T CR setting or if you don't change it at all, not sure how that would affect the experience with a 38T CR. I'm curious about Linkglide Di2 as well, but having just got the SRAM accessory cable for the derailleur power, I probably wouldn't look at it till this drivetrain wears out, works great so far.
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You're right - app caps out at 36, which really makes sense when you consider chain size. 34 uses 124 links, so a 36, I'd assume, would use all 126 links on a chain.
 
Thought I'd do an update photo for some new bits!

My friend works in a bike shop and got a set of Ultimates when they came out. They don't match his new bike so he sent them to me on 'long term loan' - it's like they're made for the CorE - he's not getting them back! He was also good enough to source me a set of Roval Traverse HD's. The front (on there) was half price on Black Friday, but they had no rears. Happily, he could build one up for me with a 32 hole DT Swiss 240. (should arrive tomorrow).
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Absolutely loving the bike (still). So much fun and is encouraging me to ride faster and more gnarly stuff than I was on my V1 Druid.
 
jcmonty said:
How’s the hover (sorry if you posted thoughts before)? How does it compare to the vivid? I am still leaning telum coil, but going full intend is also interesting
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I have just put a Hover Monocoque on mine and I really love it. I’ve tried the stock Vivid air Select+, a Vivid Ultimate coil and now the Hover, which is my definite preference. The weight reduction vs the coil is noticeable and there’s more midstroke support vs the Vivids.

On the Hover I’m running 485psi for my 95kg kitted weight. Works well for my style of riding. Big fan.
 
ntm95 said:
I'd not get too juiced up about the ohlins fork. They're good, like a little better than a zeb 3.1, on par with a 38x2, but still a good bit behind something like an avalanche hybrid, or intend.
Same for the ttxm2 coil shock, it's decent, but an ext or push are better, in my experience.
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I agree that the rear shock is nothing special compared to push, rockshox or fox It's very damp and I have no complaints. I do like the 38 m.3 fork. It's the best fork IMO off the shelf with the ablility to adjust the ramp up. I do know some heavier folks have issues not getting enough support, but for lighter folks like me, it really does wonders. A good tuned zeb or fox fork makes all the difference. However, from a price perspective it's almost a wash.
 
mrtrinh said:
I agree that the rear shock is nothing special compared to push, rockshox or fox It's very damp and I have no complaints. I do like the 38 m.3 fork. It's the best fork IMO off the shelf with the ablility to adjust the ramp up. I do know some heavier folks have issues not getting enough support, but for lighter folks like me, it really does wonders. A good tuned zeb or fox fork makes all the difference. However, from a price perspective it's almost a wash.
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The ohlins 38 is a really good option on e-bikes. What it lacks compared to the typical 38 or zeb is slower speed comfort, or high speed tracking on chatter. Both of those issues are drastically mitigated on e-bikes due to the extra sprung mass.
I believe the m3 is shipping without the negative spacer in the air spring. If yours came without it installed, I'd highly recommend doing so in an e application. You will lose a bit of comfort at slow speeds, but it's a big improvement in support if you're riding aggressively on a full fat e-bike.
E-bike applications, I would agree that it is the best off the shelf option. But we are talking about very small performance differences really, and e-bikes are fairly tolerant of suspension. If you want to see a large performance difference in a single crown, it requires an aftermarket damper and a coil. Or in the ohlins case, stock damper and a smashpot v2. That gets pretty close to an avalanche hybrid, though a bit heavier.
Comparing something like the hybrid zeb/coil 38m2 to a stock 38m2, of which I've had several, the hybrid/coil m2 is notably better everywhere, particularly in off camber, fast, chattery stuff. Just tracks the ground better, and still provides as good or better big hit support. Much more substantial performance delta than the difference between a stock 38m2, 38x2, or zeb 3.1.
Not tried an m3, but from what buddies that have them say, it's a slight improvement in seal drag, same damper performance with one tune lighter compression value to allow full use of the hsc dial, and the removal of the negative spacer as delivered. So ohlins took the complaints of initial harshness seriously and addressed the issue.
 
Lightme said:
I have just put a Hover Monocoque on mine and I really love it. I’ve tried the stock Vivid air Select+, a Vivid Ultimate coil and now the Hover, which is my definite preference. The weight reduction vs the coil is noticeable and there’s more midstroke support vs the Vivids.

On the Hover I’m running 485psi for my 95kg kitted weight. Works well for my style of riding. Big fan.
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Can you please speak more about monocoque and some pics too?
 
mrtrinh said:
I agree that the rear shock is nothing special compared to push, rockshox or fox It's very damp and I have no complaints. I do like the 38 m.3 fork. It's the best fork IMO off the shelf with the ablility to adjust the ramp up. I do know some heavier folks have issues not getting enough support, but for lighter folks like me, it really does wonders. A good tuned zeb or fox fork makes all the difference. However, from a price perspective it's almost a wash.
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I'm also a lightweight rider, 145lbs geared, system weight is under 200lbs even on the Druid CorE.
ntm95 said:
The ohlins 38 is a really good option on e-bikes. What it lacks compared to the typical 38 or zeb is slower speed comfort, or high speed tracking on chatter. Both of those issues are drastically mitigated on e-bikes due to the extra sprung mass.
I believe the m3 is shipping without the negative spacer in the air spring. If yours came without it installed, I'd highly recommend doing so in an e application. You will lose a bit of comfort at slow speeds, but it's a big improvement in support if you're riding aggressively on a full fat e-bike.
E-bike applications, I would agree that it is the best off the shelf option. But we are talking about very small performance differences really, and e-bikes are fairly tolerant of suspension. If you want to see a large performance difference in a single crown, it requires an aftermarket damper and a coil. Or in the ohlins case, stock damper and a smashpot v2. That gets pretty close to an avalanche hybrid, though a bit heavier.
Comparing something like the hybrid zeb/coil 38m2 to a stock 38m2, of which I've had several, the hybrid/coil m2 is notably better everywhere, particularly in off camber, fast, chattery stuff. Just tracks the ground better, and still provides as good or better big hit support. Much more substantial performance delta than the difference between a stock 38m2, 38x2, or zeb 3.1.
Not tried an m3, but from what buddies that have them say, it's a slight improvement in seal drag, same damper performance with one tune lighter compression value to allow full use of the hsc dial, and the removal of the negative spacer as delivered. So ohlins took the complaints of initial harshness seriously and addressed the issue.
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Based on what I've heard and what you are saying seems like changes to the M.3 are good for me, and likely it's going to be either the best out of the box (non inverted) air fork I've tried, or I'm just converting it to a coil. :)
 
I see a lot of folk changing forks and shocks which is fine but at the same time I reckon the zeb and Vivid come with a really good albeit aggressive tune and once dialed to personal preference with pressure reducers and a wee bit of clicker fine tuning. It is this fine tuning I would be interested in hearing about from folks if possible. Don't get me wrong I do think all the upgrades being made are great but i am keen to max out the standard before I venture into potential upgrades
 
I went from 1 to 3 volume reducers in the fork, with a 170mm airspring, I’m pretty happy with it.
 
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