Forbidden Druid - Avinox Powered
- Thread starter jbrown15
- Start date
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
Trailhead app for pressures and Forbiddens suggested comp/rebound then adjust to suit
EXT Storia fitted and first test ride today. Pretty spot on right out the door to be honest. I had this shock from a previous bike and hadn’t found a good use for it until I bought the Druid and realised it was the correct fitment 
Shame you can’t use the Forbidden hardware at both ends due to the shape of the shock. Fortunately my dealer where changing the travel on my Era fork so I went over to collect and they fitted standard shack hardware to the top. Also pleasantly pleased at how small the weight difference was between the Vivid and Storia, only 100g Extra!
Was lucky on the coil I had fitted as looking at the EXT spring calculator I probably should have gone for a 600-625lb but I only had a 575lb. When fitted it seemed to give me about 27% sag and whilst riding it felt pretty good.
The confidence in the bike just went up a huge notch, I had no worries letting the bike run down fast, technical chunk whilst feeling like I was in the middle of the bike and able to control it when needed. The back end was just epic and controlled.
I had a small fiddle with the clickers, sped up the rebound a little and reduced the LSC. Went back on the LSC though as that seemed to hold me over the front, or central on the bike better.
Very confidence inspiring this bike
Shame you can’t use the Forbidden hardware at both ends due to the shape of the shock. Fortunately my dealer where changing the travel on my Era fork so I went over to collect and they fitted standard shack hardware to the top. Also pleasantly pleased at how small the weight difference was between the Vivid and Storia, only 100g Extra!Was lucky on the coil I had fitted as looking at the EXT spring calculator I probably should have gone for a 600-625lb but I only had a 575lb. When fitted it seemed to give me about 27% sag and whilst riding it felt pretty good.
The confidence in the bike just went up a huge notch, I had no worries letting the bike run down fast, technical chunk whilst feeling like I was in the middle of the bike and able to control it when needed. The back end was just epic and controlled.
I had a small fiddle with the clickers, sped up the rebound a little and reduced the LSC. Went back on the LSC though as that seemed to hold me over the front, or central on the bike better.
Very confidence inspiring this bike
jcmonty
E*POWAH Master
What bike did the storia come from?EXT Storia fitted and first test ride today. Pretty spot on right out the door to be honest. I had this shock from a previous bike and hadn’t found a good use for it until I bought the Druid and realised it was the correct fitment
Was lucky on the coil I had fitted as looking at the EXT spring calculator I probably should have gone for a 600-625lb but I only had a 575lb. When fitted it seemed to give me about 27% sag and whilst riding it felt pretty good.
The confidence in the bike just went up a huge notch, I had no worries letting the bike run down fast, technical chunk whilst feeling like I was in the middle of the bike and able to control it when needed. The back end was just epic and controlled.
I had a small fiddle with the clickers, sped up the rebound a little and reduced the LSC. Went back on the LSC though as that seemed to hold me over the front, or central on the bike better.
Very confidence inspiring this bike
View attachment 173075
Previously on a LevoSL
Highland Wheels
Well-known member
Nice, I'm tempted to stick one on mine as its mega on my Deviate
Did you get it revalved to suit the Druid?
Did you get it revalved to suit the Druid?
Blownoutrides
Active member
Where are y'all getting these all black frames?
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It's the slated frame, black faded to grey towards the headtube
jcmonty
E*POWAH Master
I had the storia v3 on my original levo sl w/cascade link. Super great shock overall, but never had that “magic carpet” feeling . I sold it before I ever got it to be perfect, but tbh, it was probably more the bike kinematics than the shock . The Druid is so linear progressive that a coil just seems to make sense (especially one with HBO)
Yep that's how I felt with it on the LevoSl and Cascade link. It was nice but never special and eventually I just thought it was a waste on a bike like that so went back to the much lighter air can, then sold it for a KenevoSL.
Certainly made a bigger difference on the Druid frame.
Not yet. I spoke to the guys at Mojo, who are the main importers for EXT in the UK. They advised to stick it on how it is and see how it feels. Once I've got used to it I can then take the bike over to them and they will tune as needed.
jcmonty
E*POWAH Master
Funny that was my progression as well: levo sl -> KSL -> Druid. KSL is still my backup / Loan-an-Ebike
Good to hear that the coil made a bigger difference ! I am still surprised how good the super deluxe feels on the lite, but once the intend flash comes, I imagine that feeling may change in terms of balance
Blownoutrides
Active member
KSL was my gateway drug
jcmonty
E*POWAH Master
It’s really good , especially for the steeper trails. But the Druid is just more fun everywhere and hasn’t given up much in the steeps
First post here so Hi!
Curious what big bike park trails are you guys riding on the Druid CorE's you own. Considering buying one but not sure whether it's capable for some of the bigger lines at the likes of Bike Park Wales and Dyfi..... I'll be swapping all components out for upgrades, but this is a bit concerning.
In the manual I have attached here also, it suggests the Forbidden E are intended for jumps smaller than 120cm!
Curious what big bike park trails are you guys riding on the Druid CorE's you own. Considering buying one but not sure whether it's capable for some of the bigger lines at the likes of Bike Park Wales and Dyfi..... I'll be swapping all components out for upgrades, but this is a bit concerning.
In the manual I have attached here also, it suggests the Forbidden E are intended for jumps smaller than 120cm!
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sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
it will fall apart as soon as it sees any decent jumps
You would fall apart the second you stepped onto stage at Kill Tony, well protected behind your keyboard though
It is not a park bike, not sure why you would think it were in the first place.
The amount of travel is more close to middle enduro 150mm Rear / 160mm Front, there is no magic here.
Yes you can go to a bike park, if you have pristine technique even a trail bike can be used but fair to say that the druid was never built for huge impact and will not be as forgiving if you mess up - I would stick to max light red ones honestly.
Remember also that taking a such heavy bike where it should could lead to catastrophic event, even if you could land or do heavy park for weeks/days, it might be only a matter of time before it crack.
Fair comments, might hold out for the Crestline.... also presumably the Dread E would be Bike Park suited... not sure how relevant the weight is considering it's only a few kg more than some DH bikes especially considering rider weight varies so much.
So this is trash written by someone with no idea. Have a look at some of the review videos and Forbidden’s own marketing. Unless you’re doing Hardline, it will be fine. I’m punishing mine.
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
exactly, my kenevo sl is also „just“ astm 4, most ebikes are.
This is the feedback I was looking for, what stuff you riding?
I just find the manual text odd to say the least! Almost like warranty ass covering... especially -
Forbidden e-bikes are NOT intended for hardcore freeride / DH / hucking / big jumps
…and are intended for “all mountain trail + uphill” with “small jumps”.
Yeah that does seem weird but at the same time I don't think bike park would be it's strong point. Hard as enduro yes no problem but consistent big hucks would be out of its comfort zone I would say. Mine certainly let's me know when it runs out of travel on the biggest hits of which there have been very few. It is not a full blown DH bike
Hmm, I'm moving from a Kenevo SL which has taken everything including big days at Leogang Bike Park which is quite savage, sounds like the Crestline Spectre or Dread E would be more suited...
jcmonty
E*POWAH Master
I think it depends on what you classify as bike park. The Druid jumps and corners great . However, the KSL probably has an edge and at the absolute edge of fast descents and bigger jumps do to the geo and travel. Personally, I think the KSL takes more effort to jump well , so if you are doing more technical , lower speed jump (ie not A Line 100% of the time) , the Druid wins
The Druid is flat out the best cornering bike I have ridden . It rails , and I am way excited to try it at my local parks next year. But it does find the bottom of the travel frequently (at least on the lite super deluxe with stock spacers). My take is if you go to the park a handful of times a season , it could be a decent option. If you go everyday, you may want to look at something more purpose built.
sethimus
😠 Donald Duck 😠
Interesting reply thanks.
Did you own a KSL before the Druid CorE? Your feedback is super positive, the reviews looks great. I will running a coil and 170mm upfront.
Currently, yes mainly doing Bike Parks, some uplifted some not (hence ebike is useful) in the UK. Lots of jumps good example here -
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