FORBIDDEN DRUID V2 XO

Will the new Druid's redesigned suspension prove a wise move on the trails?

- Alan Muldoon

£8,999 29in or MX .forbiddenbike.com

One look at Forbidden's currently unnamed downhill bike tells you everything you need to know about the direction the 0 second-generation Druid would take. Well, not quite everything, as not all of the features on the DH bike have trickled down to the trail bike, and for good reason.

But let's deal with the elephant in the room first. The new Druid uses an inverted four-bar suspension design to achieve the desired 130mm travel. It's referred to as inverted, as the main pivot and Horst link form what's traditionally seen as the seatstay assembly, rather than the chainstays, like on a regular four-bar.

The fundamental reason for the shift is that the inverted four-bar allows Forbidden to retain the key features of its Trifecta suspension philosophy, while achieving a more rearward idler position. Where the new idler position instantly increases how much the chain wraps around the chainring, without the anti-rise numbers skyrocketing.

With more chain wrap, Forbidden has been able to ditch the lower chain guide to improve pedalling efficiency and reduce drivetrain noise. But has it worked? Yes, like a charm. In fact, it would be hard to tell you're actually riding an idler bike without looking down at your feet. And for trail riding, that is a massive boon.