Those who follow the mag assiduously will have noticed that one of the mountain bikes I have most enjoyed lately is the Forbidden Druid V2(test here), particularly because it combines a relatively new concept, the high pivot, with a rather unique geometry that requires some rider adaptation before it is fully appreciated. It’s kind of like that music that you don’t like at first glance, but the more you listen to it, the more you appreciate it.
Seeing my enthusiasm, the Canadian guys at Forbidden sent me a frame with the new pink color scheme to assemble. I point out that it also exists in other colors, but for me this is the prettiest paint job, partly because it really stands out with the black components. Now I’ll show you what I put on it.
With pedals, the complete bike weighs 15.2kg. It has 130mm of travel at the rear, 150mm at the front, 29-inch wheels and an all-carbon frame. If you want to buy the Fearless Streetwear T-shirt you see in the background, click here. There are other graphics and colors as well.
The special feature of the Druid is its chain-reverse kinematics. I talked about it in depth here. It is also the reason why I chose it as my long term test bike. No, the pulley does not make noise if you lubricate the chain well. In this case with Effetto Mariposa Flower Power wax.
I was telling you about the color and the graphics. Gorgeous.
At the end of the visit to EXT, I was given an Era V2 fork. 150mm that feels very plush and ready to take a lot of beating. Sturdy it is, as it weighs 2.48 kg.
For now, the rear shock is the stock Rock Shox Deluxe Ultimate. I know it well from other bikes, and it works great, but stay tuned for possible upgrades.
The cable routing is internal and very well thought out, thanks to sturdy hardware that keeps the cables in place even when not routed through the frame. In addition, assembly was very easy.
Easy, too, thanks to the Lewis LHt brakes, a novelty that is very reminiscent of the Trickstuff Direttissima, not least because of their special feature of screwing the hoses to the caliper and the master cylinder, without dripping oil. I will explain this in detail during the dedicated test. Know that you can also adjust the lever ratio, a real treat.
Plus, black on a pink frame looks great!
Specialized gave me its Roval Traverse HD wheels, weighing 1700 grams and designed to be abused. I couldn’t help but put Specialized tires on them, with Grid Trail casing on the front (1030 grams) …
… and Gravity on the rear (1250 grams).
The dropper seatpost is the new One Up Components V3da 170mm. Lightweight, smooth in its operation, currently free of play.
The saddle, on the other hand, is an old acquaintance: S’Works Power Mirror, that is, 3D printed. Most comfortable. If you have questions about how to clean it, know that it has been in use on my mountain bikes since 2021 and that a water hose is all it takes to get the mud off.
The drivetrain is also an “old” acquaintance: the SRAM AXS XX1 wireless transmission. The best on the market, no argument there. If you wonder why, read here.
Ditto for the handlebar, recycled from the Canyon Spectral CFR. Perfect for width, rise and length of integrated stem.
These Ergon GXR grips may look out of place at first glance, since they are without lock-on collars. They are lightweight and ultra-comfortable, though. They had convinced me during the Canyon Lux Trail test.
They couldn’t miss my favorite brand-new pedals, Crankbrothers Mallet E. Paired with Crankbrothers shoes, designed specifically for these pedals, they offer the best clipless system on the market.
You won’t be able to miss me if you meet me on the trails!
