Forbidden have announced their first e-bike launch with two full-powered, mixed-wheel, carbon bikes; the Druid LitE and Druid CorE. Based around the popular Druid platform, the new bikes have been redesigned from the ground up to facilitate a balanced, enjoyable ride with the capacity of a motor.
The Forbidden Druid LitE
The Druid LitE is their full-powered, lightweight e-bike, weighing in at around 20.8kg. Based around 140mm rear travel with a 150mm fork, the Druid LitE is built around a 600Wh battery and features the award winning DJI Avinox motor. The Druid LitE will be released in three build kits.
The Forbidden Druid CorE
The Druid Core features an 800Wh battery and DJI Avinox motor, alongside 150mm rear travel married up with a 160mm RockShox Zeb up front. The Druid CorE is the brand’s brawler, all mountain e-bike weighing in around 22.6kg, once again offered in three build kits.
Key Features of the Druid LitE and CorE
Choosing the DJI Avinox motor means that both bikes are equipped with 105Nm torque and 850W peak power, in a lightweight 2.5kg package. We tested the DJI Avinox motor in the Amflow PL Pro recently, and were impressed with its otherworldly output and battery capacity.
The Forbidden Druid E sports a new suspension platform, required in order to fit both the motor and long dropper post, meaning the smallest ‘S1’ size frame will still fit a 180mm dropper. While it’s still a high-pivot, 4-bar linkage scenario, longtime Forbidden fans will note the vertical shock deviates from the original Druid’s shock positioning. As a nice side-effect, all frame sizes can facilitate a full-sized waterbottle in the main triangle.
Geometry-wise, the Druid has embraced a higher stack with a shorter reach to facilitate a natural, upright position for better control of the bike, adjusted to enable a balanced feel with the weight of a motor. Together with a mullet set-up, the Druid claims to retain a lively feel without reducing its capacity to take big hits on the descent.
The new e-bikes feature a carbon rocker link, and ability for AXS users to run their drivetrains from the main battery using SRAM’s extension cord.
Some other nice-to-have’s on the new bikes include integrated frame protection on the chainstay, seatstay and downtube, including motor cover protection.
The Forbidden Druid CorE and LitE will be covered by a lifetime warranty.
So what would you choose?
