Forbidden Launches the Druid V2 4

The latest iteration of our genre-melting trail bike has arrived. We've called upon sacred wisdom to deliver a bike that truly defies convention.
The Druid is a trail bike through and through. The new Druid sees a ground-up frame re-imagination that reaffirms its position at the top of the trail bike class. Every trait and characteristic you know and love about the existing Druid is at the core of the new version. It just looks a little different and rides even better.

Druid is the modern wolf in sheep’s clothing. Its high pivot Trifecta suspension platform defies logic, simultaneously generating predictable traction and playful pop while offering an otherworldly ability to devour chunky terrain. With geometry that effortlessly balances stability and agility, it is equally at home hammering out trail rides after work, crushing epic alpine traverses, and blasting weekend shuttle laps. A bike that delivers pedal-all-day efficiency when you want it and tech-descent-tackling confidence you need it. A short travel trail bike by definition but a kilometer-crushing, chunder-devouring, fun machine by any other description. All over the mountain, the more you ask of the Druid, the more you get.

The first build spec available on the new platform is Druid X0. The world’s most advanced MTB groupset meets the most capable trail bike we’ve ever made.

Evolution, Not Revolution

The new Druid may look a little different than its predecessor but this new iteration is 100% born of the same DNA. This humble(on paper) trail bike boasts on-trail characteristics that don’t just punch above their class they defy classification altogether. So, what's new?

Inverted Four-Bar Layout - See yah later lower guide

The most obvious change to the Druid is the shift to an inverted four-bar suspension design. This change was born from our goal to increase chain wrap around the chainring and eliminate the need for a lower chain guide. The change in layout was necessary to achieve this goal and retain the ride characteristics Forbidden riders know and love.

V2 Trifecta Suspension Kinematic - A good thing made better

A repositioned idler and new V2 Rate Control Linkage allow subtle improvements to all aspects of the suspension system while keeping the soul of the bike 100% pure Druid. The result of these improvements is increased small bump sensitivity and grip, more mid-stroke support, improved bottom-out control, and optimized pedalling and braking characteristics. Don't worry, the graphs are coming.

One-Ride & S-Sizing - The right trail experience for every body

One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to providing truly proportional sizes. Our bikes are the only ones in the market with rear centers that grow truly in proportion to the front center. The Druid’s geometry delivers a ride feel that keeps the rider’s weight balanced across both wheels providing unparalleled control and confidence. Our proportional sizing allows all riders to experience this same ride characteristic regardless of rider size.

Our bikes have always been built to allow riders options to pick a size that suits their riding style. Low stand-over heights and low seat tubes across the range mean a rider can choose a fit based on their body dimensions, preferred reach, and desired trail performance. The only real change here is what we’re calling it. No more S, M, L, XL, just S1 - 4.

Refined Idler and Modular Mount System - Chainline choice? Check

The Druid now sports an 18-tooth steel idler equipped with a solid lube bearing as standard. These changes, along with a refined tooth profile increase the idler’s longevity and ensure compatibility with the latest drivetrains. Our new idler along with its modular mounting system is compatible and optimized for use with both 52mm and 55mm chain lines. 

Bearings and Hardware - Volvo-esque sexy practicality

While we saved a few grams on the new Druid frame, we decided to reinvest those grams in reliability and practicality. The bearing-in-rocker design of our new forged Rate Control Linkage allows us to use locking collet axles and oversized bearings for easy maintenance and dependability. This option isn’t the lightest, but trading a few grams for a long-lasting easily serviced linkage was the practical choice.

Cable Routing - You’re always right

Front to rear internally routed cable, housing, and brake hose management is simple and secure. Our bikes are equipped with adaptable cable routing so you can run your brakes on whatever side you think is the “right one”. Cable port covers and guides on the front triangle and seatstays keep the hoses & cable housings in place for a rattle-free ride. P.s. Say no to headset cable routing. 

Frame Protection- A quiet bike is a fast bike

Extensive chain slap protection on the seatstay and chainstay keeps your paintwork clean and makes for a silent ride. Rubberized upper and lower downtube protection deflects trail projectiles and tailgate punishment. Our downtube stash and snack compartment is still without a clever acronym, however, it now sports toolless entry for easy access to your essential trailside stuff. 

Mixed Wheel or 29er: Business or pleasure

The new Druid accommodates riders no matter what hairstyle they prefer. Mixed wheels offer more maneuverability, while the full 29er delivers mile-eating efficiency. Whichever way you look at the trail, the Druid is your perfect tool for the job. MX/Mixed/Mullet setup is achieved via a chainstay swap. A bold strategy, we know, but it pays off.

Lifetime Warranty - As it sounds

Along with updating our platform, we’re updating our warranty policy. Our Crash replacement program remains unchanged.

Forbidden Limited Lifetime Frame Warranty

Forbidden Bike Co. warrants each new Forbidden bicycle frame against defects in workmanship and materials it determines to be defective in materials or workmanship. The warranty will be in effect for the lifetime of the frame and is available only to the original owner. Forbidden Lifetime Frame Warranty applies to UDH-compatible Forbidden bicycle frames assembled in Cumberland BC from October 1, 2022 onward. All other frames are covered under the previously-existing warranty for five years from the original date of purchase. 

Alright, hit ‘em with the graphs and tables.

V2 Trifecta Suspension Kinematic Details:

Leverage Curve - For V2 we have increased the average leverage rate to better suit a larger range of rider weights. Similar to V1 Druid, our compact rocker link sees a dramatic change in velocity and lets us independently tune the critical stages of the shock’s compression.

• Supple off the top - We sought to improve grip compared to V1 by straightening this segment of the curve.
• Supportive mid-stroke that remains open enough to absorb repetitive hits with no harshness.
• A further increase in the rate of change at the end of the stroke provides adequate bottom-out resistance and a bottomless feeling.
• The result is a trail bike that punches way above bikes with more millimeters on their spec sheet. 

Anti-Rise - This is where we have optimized the Druid's braking characteristics.

• Early in the stroke, there is sufficient anti-rise to maintain the geometry of the chassis under braking.
• As the bike moves deeper into its travel the anti-rise drops off significantly. Allowing for a more active rear-end deep in the travel, resulting in more rear-wheel grip during harsh braking events. The best of both worlds 

Idler Position - The size and position of our idler pulley is critical in giving the Druid its efficient pedalling ability.

• By carefully positioning the pulley, offset from the main pivot, we were able to fine-tune the anti-squat characteristics.
• The Druid exhibits the ideal amount of anti-squat at sag to deliver a very stable pedalling response.
• Unlike traditional, non-idler-equipped designs, we achieve these levels of anti-squat with dramatically reduced chain influence. Compared to V1 the steeper drop in anti-squat delivers less pedal feedback when the bike is deep in the stroke.
• The result of all this is an incredibly efficient bike with suspension that remains fully active during pedalling efforts and gives the Druid precise traction on technical climbs. 

Druid is available in three complete build options and as a frameset. The X0 build (featuring Sram's new X0 T-Type groupset), is available now and shipping immediately! The other price points will be available in the coming months, further information on the availability of these builds will follow. So, hit up your local dealer or reach out to our customer service team to get your bike moving.

DRUID MSRP 

For more information, please visit forbiddenbike.com

View key specs, compare bikes, and rate the new Forbidden Druid V2 in the Vital MTB Product Guide.