[Closed] Forbidden Druid

Jeez. Thought I'd been banned.

Again.

Sounds like a strong IPA

🍺

I had to click on the post just to see what a Forbidden Druid was. Thought it might be a film or maybe a new whisky.

Size up, I'm a shade over 6ft and demo'd a large and found it too small compared to the large V1 Ibis Ripmo I was riding at the time. It had a 35mm stem which was part of the problem.

If you’re expecting it to be “different”, don’t. I’d say in rude terms they’ll feel similar. Different in how they do their business yes, but as a bike to go alongside a Jeffsy? Not different enough, don’t let the shorter travel fool you, the Druid rides and handles like a longer travel bike. If you wanted to replace the Jeffsy, it’d be a cracking option, but for something more lively than it, not the right option for me. Something like a Tallboy, Spur, Izzy or Ripley would be more along the lines I’d be looking if I found myself wanting something more agile than a Jeffsy.

I looked at getting one but the thing that put me off most was the "crush zone" where stones debris get lodged between seat tube/swingarm.

Its caused some significant damage to some frames, and Forbidden haven't really offered a solution or acknowledge its a design fault. Its a feature.

Some owners have come up withh all sorts of solutions such as moto/aquarium foam home made mudguards etc but nothing from Forbidden

Wow, that looks funnel shaped, can see that causing havoc with the mud and dirt I ride through.

Interesting reply lawman91. A lot to think about there. Lotsa options to consider. I do want something that rides differently to the Jeffsy. I feel that the Jeffsy corners like a boat on our tight, twisty trails. I'd thought that a mulletted Druid would be the go. I guess that I'm hoping without a hope to replicate the feel of my Jones SWB in a dually that can handle 3 ft drops etc.
The "crush zone" alert pretty much rights off the Druid.

that mud trap could easily be cured with a wee bit of inner tube and a couple of zipties.

i`d love a go on one. i recon it would be a rad little bike.

Wow what a gorgeous looking bike!! The high idler really appeals to the 90’s MTBer in me too!!

I’d not seen these before but I really like them!

Sure is a great looking bike. Better looking than the Deviate Highlander. I would be interested to hear a comparison of the two.

you could always look at the https://www.deviatecycles.com/highlander as another option.

I'm a massive fan of the high pivot layout (I own one) and the deviate team are spot on to deal with too.

I have a Druid and its a great bike. I came off a Evil Calling and its not quite so playful but far better on the bigger stuff and bigger hits. Still playful and jumps better than expected. The idler doesn’t seem to cause any problems and its a really clean set up. Forbidden are a nice company to deal with.

I’m 184cm and find the large spot on with a 42mm stem.

my buddy has a Druid and really likes it. (his other bike is a megatower).

Although he did say that the top idler wears out very quickly (being made of alloy, no surprise there) and it goes through chains equally as fast. And you do need to buy two initially, then take from the second as and when the main one needs replacing.

But otherwise, he likes it and its something i wouldnt mind having a go or two on!

Ive got the mullet link but I’m enjoying the bike so much I’ve not bothered to fit it yet.

I have a medium and I’m 5’9”. I love it. Best bike I’ve ever had by far and my last bike was a SC Bronson v2.

You need to keep the chain oiled. And keep an eye on the idler, grease and torque it once a month. The parts are cheap and easy to replace.

It’s not super lls so you might want to size up if that’s your thing. But I find it fits me perfectly. You really need to sit in the middle of the bike as the chain stays lengthen on hits, so I think too long a bike would be a disadvantage.

It is so capable both up and down as the rearward travel of the rear wheel makes the bike roll over stuff.