Forbidden Druid rear shock — Fox DHX2 Factory vs Öhlins TTX22m?

[gian_tav]

I ride a Fox DHX2 Factory vs Öhlins TTX22m.

Hi i have a Forbidden Druide … what is the best rear shox ?

@Greg Watts

 

[Greg Watts]

Right, the form has muddled two things together — the bike is a Forbidden Druid E, and the shock question is DHX2 Factory vs Öhlins TTX22m. I'll answer the shock question, since that's clearly what you're after.

Short answer: Öhlins TTX22m, if you're prepared to spend a bit of time on the spring rate.

Both are excellent coil shocks and on a 150mm-travel single-pivot-ish linkage bike like the Druid E (our database shows 64° HA, 160/150mm travel, ~23.4kg) either will be a clear upgrade over a stock air unit for plushness and consistency. But they have different characters:

Fox DHX2 Factory
• 4-way adjust (HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR), familiar tune options
• Strong mid-stroke support, slightly more "lively" feel
• Easier to get parts/service in the UK
• Known weak point historically has been seal life — @James_MTB had repeated X2 failures on a Levo blamed on frame sideload, and DHX2 seals on early units weren't bombproof either. Current generation is much better.

Öhlins TTX22m
• Ohlins' own DH-tier coil — they've publicly said they won't make a DH air shock because the TTX22m is the tool for the job
• Exceptional small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke composure
• @faberle's point is the key one: it only shines with the correct spring rate — get it wrong and it feels average. Budget for a second spring if your first guess is off
• Servicing in the UK via TF Tuned or Mojo — straightforward, not cheap

For the Druid E specifically
It's a high-pivot-ish, rearward-axle-path bike that already does a good job eating square edges — so the TTX22m's small-bump sensitivity pairs really well with the chassis and doesn't waste the frame's strengths. The DHX2 is the safer, more "tuneable on the trail" choice; the TTX is the one most riders end up preferring once dialled.

Two things to check before you order:
• Eye-to-eye and stroke — confirm the OE size with Forbidden (likely 205x60 or similar trunnion, but worth verifying for your model year)
• Hardware — Öhlins typically needs specific bushings/bolts; @James_MTB noted 8mm ID x 20mm top bolt + 1/2" DU on the bottom for his fitment, but Druid E hardware will differ — get the right kit with the shock

If you can tell me the model year and size of your Druid E, I can be more specific on shock size and spring rate ballpark for your weight.

 

[gian_tav]

Right, the form has muddled two things together — the bike is a Forbidden Druid E, and the shock question is DHX2 Factory vs Öhlins TTX22m. I'll answer the shock question, since that's clearly what you're after.

Short answer: Öhlins TTX22m, if you're prepared to spend a bit of time on the spring rate.

Both are excellent coil shocks and on a 150mm-travel single-pivot-ish linkage bike like the Druid E (our database shows 64° HA, 160/150mm travel, ~23.4kg) either will be a clear upgrade over a stock air unit for plushness and consistency. But they have different characters:

Fox DHX2 Factory
• 4-way adjust (HSC/LSC/HSR/LSR), familiar tune options
• Strong mid-stroke support, slightly more "lively" feel
• Easier to get parts/service in the UK
• Known weak point historically has been seal life — @James_MTB had repeated X2 failures on a Levo blamed on frame sideload, and DHX2 seals on early units weren't bombproof either. Current generation is much better.

Öhlins TTX22m
• Ohlins' own DH-tier coil — they've publicly said they won't make a DH air shock because the TTX22m is the tool for the job
• Exceptional small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke composure
• @faberle's point is the key one: it only shines with the correct spring rate — get it wrong and it feels average. Budget for a second spring if your first guess is off
• Servicing in the UK via TF Tuned or Mojo — straightforward, not cheap

For the Druid E specifically
It's a high-pivot-ish, rearward-axle-path bike that already does a good job eating square edges — so the TTX22m's small-bump sensitivity pairs really well with the chassis and doesn't waste the frame's strengths. The DHX2 is the safer, more "tuneable on the trail" choice; the TTX is the one most riders end up preferring once dialled.

Two things to check before you order:
• Eye-to-eye and stroke — confirm the OE size with Forbidden (likely 205x60 or similar trunnion, but worth verifying for your model year)
• Hardware — Öhlins typically needs specific bushings/bolts; @James_MTB noted 8mm ID x 20mm top bolt + 1/2" DU on the bottom for his fitment, but Druid E hardware will differ — get the right kit with the shock

If you can tell me the model year and size of your Druid E, I can be more specific on shock size and spring rate ballpark for your weight.

My weight is 110 kg with all protection and my ebike is Forbidden Drude 2026 with Avinox M1

 

[gian_tav]

My weight is 110 kg with all protection and my ebike is Forbidden Druide 2026 with Avinox M1

 

[Greg Watts]

My weight is 110 kg with all protection and my ebike is Forbidden Drude 2026 with Avinox M1

@gian_tav - good, that's the key info. One correction first: your 2026 Forbidden Druid E ships with the DJI Avinox M2S, not the M1. The M1 was the original unit; the M2S is the current flagship - 130Nm continuous / 150Nm Boost, 1500W manufacturer-claimed peak. Worth knowing because it affects how the bike behaves under heavy load.

Motor note aside - on to the shock. At 110kg kitted on a 160/150mm bike with a fairly progressive leverage curve, spring rate selection matters more than usual. I need to web search the Druid E's leverage ratio and stock shock spec to give you a reliable spring rate ballpark - I won't guess that number.

What I can say confidently now: DHX2 Factory - well-supported in the UK, easy to get serviced, forgiving to tune. At your weight you'll want a heavier spring, which Fox's range covers well.

Öhlins TTX22m - better small-bump sensitivity and mid-stroke composure in most riders' experience, and it pairs well with the Druid's rearward axle path. The trade-off: if your first spring rate guess is wrong it feels ordinary. Budget for a second spring.

Before ordering either: I need to confirm the eye-to-eye and stroke for the 2026 Druid E - Forbidden have used different hardware across model years. Can you check your current shock's eye-to-eye and stroke measurements? That'll let me nail down fitment and give you a proper spring rate number rather than a guess.

 

[gian_tav]

My shox is 210x55 and I think 30% of Sag is good for this ebike. What is the spring for Öhlins and Fox?

 

[Greg Watts]

My shox is 210x55 and I think 30% of Sag is good for this ebike. What is the spring for Öhlins and Fox?

@gian_tav - good news: your 210x55mm measurement is exactly right. Shock size confirmed

The Druid E uses a 210×55mm shock. You measured it correctly.

Hardware is 8×30mm bearing, top and bottom, on all shocks. That's a standard metric eye-to-eye (not trunnion), so both the DHX2 and TTX22m are available in this size.

On sag: nudge it up slightly 30% will work, but

Forbidden themselves recommend 32 - 35% sag for the Druid E. With your weight and the Trifecta's progressive leverage curve, 30% is a touch firm - you'd be sitting near the top of the travel rather than letting the mid-stroke do its job. I'd suggest starting at 32 - 33% and adjusting from there.

Spring rates - what to order I can't pull a Forbidden-specific leverage ratio from a confirmed source, so I can't give you an exact lbs/in from first principles. What I can tell you:

Öhlins TTX22m: There is no single spring for any travel - spring series depends on bike travel and spring length. The Öhlins Performance Guide at ohlins.com will calculate the right spring for your weight and bike.

For 55mm stroke you'd use series 18075 (57mm stroke) or the 18076. At 110kg kitted, you'll land in the heavy end of their range - roughly 600 - 650 lbs/in is a reasonable expectation, but run the Öhlins Performance Guide with "Forbidden Druid E" selected to get the confirmed figure. Budget for a spare spring one step softer in case your first guess is slightly off.

Fox DHX2 Factory: Fox springs are labelled by max travel length, not stroke directly. For a 55mm (2.17") stroke shock, you'd use a 2.35" or 2.38" travel Fox spring - at your weight, likely in the 550 - 600 lbs/in region. Your Fox dealer or TF Tuned can confirm via their calculator.

For the UK, two reliable places to get the right spring and confirm the rate: • TF Tuned spring calculator - covers both Fox and Öhlins

• Mojo Suspension - Öhlins specialists, very helpful on the phone Contact them with: bike = Forbidden Druid E, shock stroke = 55mm, rider weight = 110kg. They'll nail the spring first time.

 

[gian_tav]

And for the fork of this bike is Better Öhlins 38 m3 vs Fox 38 2027 or Fox Podium?

 

[Greg Watts]

And for the fork of this bike is Better Öhlins 38 m3 vs Fox 38 2027 or Fox Podium?

@gian_tav - good question to round out the build. Let me be straight about what I can and can't confirm here.

The Druid E ships with a Fox 38 (on the standard model) or Fox Podium 38 (on the Pro spec). You haven't said which model you have, so I'll cover all three options you asked about.

Fox 38 Factory (2026/2027) The benchmark 38mm chassis. Stiff, reliable, well-supported in the UK. GRIP2/GRIP X damper depending on spec. For a 110kg rider on a 160mm travel eMTB, this is the sensible baseline - it handles the load without drama. Not the plushest fork in the world, but consistent.

Fox Podium 38 Inverted (upside-down) design - stanchions at the wheel end. The inversion reduces unsprung mass in theory. Rob Rides EMTB noted it weighs roughly the same as the Öhlins RXF 38 coil, with a slight edge on flat-out square-edge hits but less small-bump sensitivity. At your weight, the Podium's stiffer character makes more sense than it would for a lighter rider - but for most riders the standard Fox 38 is the better all-rounder. The Podium earns its keep at bike park/heavy use; on trail riding it's not a clear win.

Öhlins RXF 38 M3 I need to be honest: the M3 variant specifications aren't confirmed in my current data. The RXF 38 as a platform is Öhlins' answer to the Fox 38 - coil-sprung option, excellent small-bump, same chassis stiffness class. The M3 designation refers to a specific damper tune; I'd need to confirm exact internals and travel options before giving you numbers. TF Tuned or Öhlins UK can confirm fitment and spring rate for your weight in about two minutes.

Honest recommendation at 110kg: • Best value/support: Fox 38 Factory - proven, easy to service anywhere in the UK

• Best feel if you tune it properly: Öhlins RXF 38 - pairs well with the TTX22m if you go that route on the shock, and the small-bump sensitivity is genuinely better

• Podium: Only worth it if you're doing serious bike park work - for trail riding the standard 38 is the better choice at your weight

One thing to check: what spec is your Druid E exactly - standard or Pro? That tells us what you're replacing.

 

[gian_tav]

Sulla mia Forbidden Druide modello 2025 ho la Rockshox Zeb in questo monento.

 

[Greg Watts]

Sulla mia Forbidden Druide modello 2025 ho la Rockshox Zeb in questo monento.

@gian_tav - importante, grazie per averlo precisato. Quindi hai un Forbidden Druid 2025 (non 2026) con una RockShox Zeb di serie. Questo cambia leggermente il contesto.

Il tuo ammortizzatore è 210×55mm come hai già confermato - quindi la compatibilità con DHX2 e TTX22m rimane valida.

Una nota sul motore: Il Druid E 2025 usa il DJI Avinox M1 (105Nm continui / 120Nm Boost) - non l'M2S come avevo detto in precedenza per il modello 2026. Mi scuso per la confusione.

Sul fork - Zeb vs Fox 38 vs Öhlins RXF 38: A 110kg, la Zeb è una base solida. Non è necessariamente inferiore al Fox 38 - è una questione di carattere:

• RockShox Zeb: eccellente small-bump, morbida a bassa velocità. @Astro66 preferisce la Zeb al Fox 38 per uso enduro - → view post • Fox 38 Factory: più rigido, più preciso in curva, più prevedibile ad alta velocità

• Öhlins RXF 38: il migliore small-bump dei tre, ma richiede messa a punto della molla - stesso discorso del TTX22m Se sei già soddisfatto della Zeb, potresti non aver bisogno di cambiarla. La priorità vera per il tuo peso è l'ammortizzatore posteriore.

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@gian_tav - important correction, thank you for clarifying.

You have a 2025 Forbidden Druid (not 2026) with a stock RockShox Zeb fork. Your shock size of 210×55mm is confirmed correct - DHX2 and TTX22m fitment still valid.

Motor correction: The 2025 Druid E uses the DJI Avinox M1 (105Nm continuous / 120Nm Boost) - not the M2S I mentioned earlier, which applies to the 2026 model. Apologies for that error.

On your fork: At 110kg the Zeb is actually a decent platform - it's not obviously inferior to a Fox 38. The RXF 38 has the best small-bump feel of the three options but needs a correctly-spec'd coil spring. If you're happy with the Zeb's feel, the rear shock upgrade (DHX2 vs TTX22m) is the higher-priority change for your weight. The fork is a "nice to have"; the shock is where you'll notice the biggest difference.