Forbidden Druid - Avinox Powered

Didn't manage to get my bearings changed for today but flipped the idler round as it was only the outer bearing that felt super rough.


Zero noise today 😂


Will still change them out but maybe only the one for now

Was in at my suspension guy today though, Was set on Storia V4 but think I'm going to do a FAST Fenix 2.0 instead now, Price is about the same for both so keen to see how it compares to the Storia I had on my Deviate.
 
⚡ EMTB Pro Go Pro — exclusive discounts & ad-free Peaty's 25% off & more · Ad-free browsing · Pro badge See the deals →
orangeknuckles said:
I am already familiar with the Fast Fenix shock from my previous bike and I really like it very much. It is tuned for my weight an the Druid E kinematics. For me, it is one of the best shocks currently available on the market. In the Forbidden, I didn't notice too many advantages over the Vivid shock. That's why I opted for the Vivid because of its adjustability and weight advantage. Overall, however, the Fenix 2.0 has incredibly good sensitivity and also has more counterforce in the middle suspension range than my Vivid shock absorber, as it is currently set up. So if you do not mind the additional weight (+200g with 500 LBS spring) and want more mid stroke support, go for it.
Click to expand...
What Sag are you running with the Fenix?
 
Highland Wheels said:
What Sag are you running with the Fenix?
Click to expand...
Highland Wheels said:
Didn't manage to get my bearings changed for today but flipped the idler round as it was only the outer bearing that felt super rough.


Zero noise today 😂


Will still change them out but maybe only the one for now

Was in at my suspension guy today though, Was set on Storia V4 but think I'm going to do a FAST Fenix 2.0 instead now, Price is about the same for both so keen to see how it compares to the Storia I had on my Deviate.
Click to expand...
I’ve had vorsprung Telum for a couple months on mine. It is the best shock I’ve ever had. The lack of stiction is hilarious.
 
Personally, 150mm of rear wheel travel on a 55mm stroke shock is starting to ‘push’ the leverage ratio, when you layer in the intentions of the bike, usually riding rowdier terrain, etc.

The Vivid Air is a great shock, but I do think you need to run a reasonable amount of compression to keep the bike balanced & if you are the higher side than 30% sag I would suggest running all the HBO. I’ve overshot a couple of jumps on ours & it’s definitely got a noticeable bottom out if you run it open.

What you gain in the mid stroke you will lose on the bottom out progressivity if you choose a coil.
 
I don't think you'd loose out on the bottom out progression if you choose the correct coil that has good HBO control.
 
Idler bearings changed to non solid lube Enduro ones. Doesn't feel as tight/stiff when all torqued up so promising. Didn't get a chance to measure the bearing seat of the idley unfortunately as I couldn't find my calipers


Will see how it is after my next ride and see what longevity is gonna be like. For £10 each it's not awful though vs £40 each for the solid lube versions.
 
Dirkniblet said:
I’ve had vorsprung Telum for a couple months on mine. It is the best shock I’ve ever had. The lack of stiction is hilarious.
Click to expand...
Great news - installed a Telum on mine as well right as winter set in - hoping the next few weeks I can finally get it back on some dirt!
 
Highland Wheels said:
How do you find it compared to the stock Vivid?

I dont think the OE Vivid is bad, it feels good but having to run less sag to keep some midstroke support isn't ideal. It rides well but I'm still gonna change it
Click to expand...
For the kind of riding I do most of the time, the Vivid is pretty much perfect. I don’t do big jumps that often and tend to stick to natural trails with lots of roots and rocks.

One thing the Fenix definitely does better is the mid-stroke support (and, naturally, it’s easier to adjust than the Vivid). The T3 Druid doesn’t have the Vivid Ultimate fitted either. So you don’t have the full range of adjustment options with it.

The Fenix feels like it has even more grip; especially on the climbs, the rear wheel practically sticks to the ground. I’d say, though, that the Vivid feels a bit livelier to ride.

In terms of responsiveness, they’re on a par for me.

As I mentioned earlier, I’m currently riding the Vivid more often because I don’t find the difference very pronounced on the majority of my rides.

However, the Fenix definitely has its advantages on bigger jumps or in really rough terrain, or when tackling technically demanding climbs.

It’s also a personal choice as to which feel you prefer on the trails.

If you’re going for a coil, then definitely go for the Fenix – partly because Fast Suspension can tailor it perfectly to the Druid.

I’m curious to hear what you think once you’ve had a chance to ride it for a while.
 
Db1234 said:
Thanks for the reply. You've confirmed my confusion on the spec options!

Heard the same on the Dreadnaught and was tempted as its seems like a direct replacement for the Kenevo SL with updated modern geo. I tend to do winch and plummet type riding around North West UK, couple of Scotland trips a year and there is nothing too chunky that the Druid couldn't handle.

Lighter the ebike the better for me. The SL currently is more than enough power for me but i do fancy having a go with a full fat as those Scotland trips i have to manage my legs and battery a lot more. I'd imagine the Dread tipping the 26kg mark with it' burlier build kit. Hence me ruling it out.
Click to expand...
I am coming from (well still have it but haven’t ridden it recently lol) a KSL. I am comfortable pushing the edruid as hard or hard than the KSL on my local trails. There may be one or two tracks that are proper DH where the KSL has an advantage, but I vastly prefer the geo to the Druid.

The high pivot is miles above the KSL in terms of small bump (another level was unlocked when I went with the Telum coil).

The bike (at least with a 600wh battery) feels much more playful as well even being a few lbs heavier. Outside of lifting it into the bike rack, the Druid feels lighter when actually riding. The long front end relatively of the KSL makes it more ground hugging ime. Though I never fully tried the extreme ends of the geo adjust

Climbing /motor performance is obviously a different world. KSL has an advantage when motor power is off though.
 
Highland Wheels said:
Didn't manage to get my bearings changed for today but flipped the idler round as it was only the outer bearing that felt super rough.


Zero noise today 😂


Will still change them out but maybe only the one for now

Was in at my suspension guy today though, Was set on Storia V4 but think I'm going to do a FAST Fenix 2.0 instead now, Price is about the same for both so keen to see how it compares to the Storia I had on my Deviate.
Click to expand...
do it, i was very happy with mine. just sent it off to get it fitted for the velduro. i‘d get it in stealth black
 
Just had a chat to the Forbidden support team regarding what will be available in Oz. They are obviously coy about talking about models that have not yet been released.

However they made it clear that all 2026 models and orders have been allocated, particularly in Australia. So if your LBS has ordered (it appears they may sight over stuff we don't) then you may be lucky.

I'm back in Oz next week and will touch base with my LBS about what they have. If they have allocated all stock, I'll get my money back on the failed Druid Core purchase and move on. I've already reached out to Atherton to determine when they will open pre-orders to the rest of the world (currently only UK and EU). Otherwise I'll look at the Velduro Rogue that's getting good reviews as well.
 
Red Peekay said:
Just had a chat to the Forbidden support team regarding what will be available in Oz. They are obviously coy about talking about models that have not yet been released.

However they made it clear that all 2026 models and orders have been allocated, particularly in Australia. So if your LBS has ordered (it appears they may sight over stuff we don't) then you may be lucky.

I'm back in Oz next week and will touch base with my LBS about what they have. If they have allocated all stock, I'll get my money back on the failed Druid Core purchase and move on. I've already reached out to Atherton to determine when they will open pre-orders to the rest of the world (currently only UK and EU). Otherwise I'll look at the Velduro Rogue that's getting good reviews as well.
Click to expand...
You have less than a month till Sea Otter, rumors are pointing to a lot of releases/choices.
 
Red Peekay said:
Just had a chat to the Forbidden support team regarding what will be available in Oz. They are obviously coy about talking about models that have not yet been released.

However they made it clear that all 2026 models and orders have been allocated, particularly in Australia. So if your LBS has ordered (it appears they may sight over stuff we don't) then you may be lucky.

I'm back in Oz next week and will touch base with my LBS about what they have. If they have allocated all stock, I'll get my money back on the failed Druid Core purchase and move on. I've already reached out to Atherton to determine when they will open pre-orders to the rest of the world (currently only UK and EU). Otherwise I'll look at the Velduro Rogue that's getting good reviews as well.
Click to expand...
Where do you travel to? USA and Canada might have better availability.
 
doochenozzle said:
Where do you travel to? USA and Canada might have better availability.
Click to expand...
I hang out in Canada for the Northern winter and am heading home shortly.
The issue will be taking the bike back. If have to disassemble, remove the battery and buy another downunder. PITA
I'll just see what's available when I get home to Oz.
 
Red Peekay said:
I hang out in Canada for the Northern winter and am heading home shortly.
The issue will be taking the bike back. If have to disassemble, remove the battery and buy another downunder. PITA
I'll just see what's available when I get home to Oz.
Click to expand...
FYI i think you can order a battery direct from Amflow AU now :)
 
Finally gave up with the Maxxis, just never felt totally confident or happy with them no matter what pressures I tried

1000055964.webp


I'd normally run Kryptotals all round but the front tends to pack up and isn't great when it gets wet and sloppy so tried the argotal as a front this time. From my ride yesterday in various conditions from slippy mud to hard pack I definitely made the right choice. They just seem to bite no matter the conditions and I set several PBs 😂

Need to play about with rear shock pressures again, lowered it a bit but had a few fairly heavy bottom outs 🙄 Coil will come eventually

1000055997.webp


Enduro casing, Super soft front and soft rear.

Works lovely for me
 
Highland Wheels said:
Finally gave up with the Maxxis, just never felt totally confident or happy with them no matter what pressures I tried

View attachment 179862

I'd normally run Kryptotals all round but the front tends to pack up and isn't great when it gets wet and sloppy so tried the argotal as a front this time. From my ride yesterday in various conditions from slippy mud to hard pack I definitely made the right choice. They just seem to bite no matter the conditions and I set several PBs 😂

Need to play about with rear shock pressures again, lowered it a bit but had a few fairly heavy bottom outs 🙄 Coil will come eventually

View attachment 179863

Enduro casing, Super soft front and soft rear.

Works lovely for me
Click to expand...
Love that combo - ran that exact setup on my Wild. What size are you running the 2.4 or 2.6s on your CorE? Hows rear tire clearance if you have the 2.6 (which seem to run small and are more like a 2.5)?
 
Ordered a Druid today with local dealer in U.K. Tier 2, S2. Sept for delivery is current timeframes... Fingers crossed it comes in stock a little sooner than that and I can get a little summer riding in!

See lots of folks on here recommending or liking the coil on the rear, does it not lose its ‘pop’ with the coil? Last time I had a coil on a bike it was great but more of a stuck to the ground feeling than playful.
 
GravityDT said:
Love that combo - ran that exact setup on my Wild. What size are you running the 2.4 or 2.6s on your CorE? Hows rear tire clearance if you have the 2.6 (which seem to run small and are more like a 2.5)?
Click to expand...
Just went 2.4s all round this time. Would normally run wider rear but feel the 2.4s are spot on
 
Db1234 said:
Ordered a Druid today with local dealer in U.K. Tier 2, S2. Sept for delivery is current timeframes... Fingers crossed it comes in stock a little sooner than that and I can get a little summer riding in!

See lots of folks on here recommending or liking the coil on the rear, does it not lose its ‘pop’ with the coil? Last time I had a coil on a bike it was great but more of a stuck to the ground feeling than playful.
Click to expand...
Not the poppiest bike in the first place. Takes a bit of getting used to as wheel base gets longer and timing jumps is the tiniest bit different thab other bikes I’ve had. Still it’s plenty playful out back.
Db1234 said:
Ordered a Druid today with local dealer in U.K. Tier 2, S2. Sept for delivery is current timeframes... Fingers crossed it comes in stock a little sooner than that and I can get a little summer riding in!

See lots of folks on here recommending or liking the coil on the rear, does it not lose its ‘pop’ with the coil? Last time I had a coil on a bike it was great but more of a stuck to the ground feeling than playful.
Click to expand...
stock shock wasn’t all that poppy to start with imo. Takes a bit of getting used to timing jumps after other bikes I’ve owned. The lengthening of rear end throws off timing just a hair. The coil shock needs a lot firmer spring because of short shock length so you get some good progression. Supple top end then lots to push against and load backnend for jumps!
 
GravityDT said:
Love that combo - ran that exact setup on my Wild. What size are you running the 2.4 or 2.6s on your CorE? Hows rear tire clearance if you have the 2.6 (which seem to run small and are more like a 2.5)?
Click to expand...
I'm running the the 2.6 Kryptotal RE on my CorE with a RRP mudguard back there and there is still plenty of clearance for me. It measures 64.5mm at 23psi with i40 rim.


I've been running Conti's for a few seasons on other bikes I really like the Kryptotal RE soft enduro, its fast rolling and has good enough traction\braking but they tend to wear really slow making for a good rear tire imo. But I didn't like the Kryptotal up front as much, it just feels very stiff even at low psi like 16-18, I've since switched to a Radial MM ultra-soft and I've been very happy with it, front feels more calm and my hands get beat up less, and so far it's been predictable and grippy. Run it at 23pi (+5 from my usual 18psi) - I'm 145lbs geared.
 
Last edited:
Db1234 said:
Ordered a Druid today with local dealer in U.K. Tier 2, S2. Sept for delivery is current timeframes... Fingers crossed it comes in stock a little sooner than that and I can get a little summer riding in!

See lots of folks on here recommending or liking the coil on the rear, does it not lose its ‘pop’ with the coil? Last time I had a coil on a bike it was great but more of a stuck to the ground feeling than playful.
Click to expand...
The stock Vivid for me never felt that great for jumps or popping, but this bike absolutely can be a great jumping bike and it's plenty poppy for me. I run a Rockshox SDU Coil at 25% sag, and it so much easier to jump (more air, land farther with less effort) and pump than my previous bikes with this same coil, med Deviate Higherlander 2 and a S4 Stumpjumper Evo (long CS, -1HA). It could be b/c its 18lbs lbs heaver and carries more speed, or that one crank and I'm up to speed quicker, but also definitely helpful that the rear is very lively due to the high spring rate for my weight, and since it's a coil, it's comfortable all day long on chunk. I've had similar comments from others who've I've let take it down some trails.

EDIT: It also has bit shorter reach and higher stack than those bikes so that could be helping too. By far one of the best bikes I've ever owned.
 
Last edited:
Ribinrobin said:
Will def watch this later i love ryans motorbike content
Click to expand...
He has an odd take on the geo at around 4:20.
I suspect he is more of a motorbike guy than a mtb guy, because his comments suggest a lack of knowledge.
Great production value there though.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Keep reading
    Browse all

    Similar Threads

    Community Stats

    Since 2018
    668K
    Messages
    40,739
    Members
    Join 30,000+ Riders, it's free!
    Back
    Top