Bike Check: 'Hometown Hero' Forbidden Druid is a Tribute to the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames

Jun 4, 2021
by Sarah Moore  

BIKE CHECK
CUSTOM "BLASTY"
FORBIDDEN DRUID


The design for Stephane Pelletier's Forbidden Druid is based on the NHL’s Calgary Flames “Blasty” Jerseys worn from 1998-2006, and recently brought back as part of the league's "reverse retro" designs.

Pelletier says he wanted to do a custom bike since seeing his good friend Stephen Mathew's Jurassic park-themed ride. Pelletier says that he wanted something to remind him of his home in Alberta and chose the Number 12 because it was worn by Team Captain Jarome Iginla.

The bike features a mix of top-spec parts from various manufactures including SRAM AXS, Ohlins, We Are One, and Hayes. Pelletier says that they were all parts he had always wanted to try out but had never had an opportunity to source and spec on a custom build until now. Needless to say, he's thrilled with how it all came together.
Rider Name // Stephane Pelletier
Age: 27
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 220lbs
Instagram: @stephanepelletierr


bigquotesYou can take the boy out of Berta, but can't take the Berta out of the boy. I had an opportunity to get a bike custom painted and took that opportunity to do something special to me. I wanted the bike to remind me of home, having moved out west last fall and having travel restricted, I found myself missing home over the winter, and would often reminisce on playing hockey at the outdoor rinks with all my buddies through the frigid winter months. I also distinctly remember the Blasty jerseys from when I first started getting into hockey watching the Flames make it to the Stanley cup final in 04' and getting hooked on the game. At the time I watched team captain Jarome Iginla bring our team so close to their second Stanley Cup, he was the man everyone loved in YYC (and still do). I’m so excited to get this puppy all built up and bring it back to ride with all my great friends in Calgary soon. Much love for #yyc and all the great friends and family over there!—Stephane Pelletier


Model Name Details
Frame: Forbidden Druid, XL
Shock: Ohlins TTX Air, 220psi
Fork: Ohlins RXF36 M.2, 120 PSI
Wheels: WeAreOne Union, Industry 9 Hydra, 29" front and rear
Tires: Maxxis Minion Assegai 2.5" front, Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.4" rear
Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 AXS, Truvativ Descendant TLD edition Cranks
Cockpit: Chromag Cutlass 800mm bar, Ranger 40mm stem
Brakes: Hayes Dominian A4, 200mm/180mm rotors
More info: forbiddenbike.com


NHL Jersey font for the downtube lettering
The Infamously polarizing Calgary Flames Blasty logo
NHL Jersey font for the downtube lettering, and the infamously polarizing Calgary Flames Blasty logo. All photographed in an ice rink, because why not take it even further over the top?

SRAM XX1 AXS takes care of shifting duties, Truvatic Descendant x TLD cranks complete the color-matched combo.

Ohlins takes care of the squishy bits, by happenchance, the colors lined up pretty nicely.

WeAreOne Union 29" rims, laced to red anodized Industry 9 hydra hubs.

Hayes Dominion A4 stoppers.

Contact points are taken care of by Chromag, plus a OneUp EDC tool for good measure

Credit where credit is due, paint and protection go hand in hand.

Paint by: Fresh Paints Whistler
Images courtesy of Jarrett Lindal
Video courtesy of Scott Bell
Ice rink courtesy of Comox Valley Regional District

Special thanks to everyone that helped make this bike a reality:
Forbidden Bike Company, Ohlins, SRAM, Hayes Performance Products, Chromag Bikes, WeAreOne Composites, RideWrap, Blacks Cycle, Beaufort Cycle

If anyone that reads this happens to be riding buddies with Jarome Iginla, please let him know Stephane says he's welcome to borrow this bike anytime...


Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Bike Checks Trail Bikes Forbidden Forbidden Druid


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154 Comments

  • 124 22
 Flames suck, we all know it.
  • 11 11
 Figured you'd be from Edmonton. Their logo rocks! And I'd rather root for the Flames than the Canucks any day.
  • 5 35
flag lastminutetech (Jun 4, 2021 at 22:50) (Below Threshold)
 You beat me to it. F the f-Lames. Garbage team. Didnt even look at the bike.
  • 17 2
 Retro Flames, wouldn't that be Atlanta?
  • 57 5
 hockey is for all guys that couldn’t cut it figure skating
  • 7 0
 @lastminutetech: you kiddin' me? Now that they got a Suter behind the bench to yell at them like some old crank of a coach from the 50's they'll be fiiiiiiiiiine. Millennials love that shit.
  • 24 1
 I am inspired. Heading out to the garage to start a Gritty theme on my bike. 1000000x cooler than Blasty.
  • 3 0
 @number44: You're backing me into a corner on this. It looks like a black and yellow Iceburgh for me. Much as I hate to admit it a Gritty themed bike would be hot.
  • 9 0
 As much as this may be true, it's still my home town! Maybe they'll turn it around one day haha!
  • 4 1
 @Lemmyschild: flames missed the boat, definitely could’ve paid homage to their roots, Colorado nailed their retro jersey this year, tres magnifique!
  • 5 4
 Go Bruins
  • 7 0
 Could be worse, could be the Leafs
  • 2 2
 @sdiz: thats right.
  • 3 5
 Bruins all the way you pussies!
  • 3 0
 When canadians start to play hockey?
  • 2 0
 '86 Flames rocked. www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0svZgk6234
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: Their third jersey for years has been the retro
  • 1 0
 @VPS13: I was referring to this years “reverse retro” not their usual retro, every team did a one-off for this season, Cgy could’ve looked deeper into their history is all I’m saying
  • 1 0
 Omg they do not!!! Your attitude sucks mister. They are the fire machine. Watch the movie, Wild Wild West, Will Smith would just be standing around jerking it, the whole time otherwise.
  • 58 4
 Without the flaming horse it's just the German flag.
  • 9 62
flag DoubleCrownAddict (Jun 4, 2021 at 23:57) (Below Threshold)
 At least they didn't go with goats.
#YTrash
  • 25 4
 @DoubleCrownAddict: STFU already. No one cares about your trolling
  • 4 8
flag HankDamage (Jun 5, 2021 at 5:21) (Below Threshold)
 @DoubleCrownAddict: Sorry, I'm new here. Why don't you like YT? There bikes are awesome!
  • 14 0
 @HankDamage: please dont get him started, you dont wanna go through the mental torture that comes whenever that guy opens his mouth
  • 3 1
 @makripper some pretty nice colors I'd say
  • 6 1
 Delete your a count @DoubleCrownAddict:
  • 6 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: what's wrong with goats? I like goats milk and goat cheese and goat pelts for keeping warm in the winter.
  • 3 0
 @makripper: goats were around when Hitler was in power so obviously yt = Nazis
  • 1 0
 @HankDamage: look at his blog. He's a f*cking maniac
  • 1 6
flag DoubleCrownAddict (Jun 6, 2021 at 15:30) (Below Threshold)
 @Rogueuniform77: There is nothing in my YT blog that you can disprove. So you just insult out of frustration.
  • 6 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: Here he goes again, making friends all over Pinkbike. Once again, delete your account and get off the internet, you absolute drop kick. I would suggest getting a job, you have far too much on your hands making shit house blogs that no one cares about. If you are genuinely 42, I feel sorry for you.
  • 1 4
 @aussiebiker13: You seem like a miserable person if this is how you communicate with people. Cheer up, mate!
  • 3 0
 @DoubleCrownAddict: From the comments I have seen from yourself and the way you handle people, that is extremely hypocritical, if your peanut brain can wrap your head around what that means...
  • 1 2
 @aussiebiker13: Cheer up mate!
  • 2 0
 Delete @DoubleCrownAddict:
  • 1 1
 @freeridejerk888: Find one sentence in my YTrash blog that is fslse and I'll consider deleting my account.
  • 1 0
 Nah just delete @DoubleCrownAddict:
  • 1 1
 @freeridejerk888: Thanks for the conformation that it is all fact based.
  • 32 0
 I went to a flames game once in Calgary. They lost.
  • 23 0
 Bikes now cursed to never win anything
  • 7 0
 @mxmtb it do be like that
  • 24 2
 94 Canucks
  • 10 0
 Totally the first thing I thought as well...old Canucks Jersey.
  • 13 0
 Should put that Bure #10 on there.
  • 2 0
 Every time flames wore their reverse retro this year I thought “oh hey Canucks are wearing their old skate jers… nope jus the flames”
  • 7 0
 @schlayer I wasn't born yet give me a break. Now it's perfect for if I need to jump band wagons at least.
  • 2 0
 @stephanepelletier: kids these days
  • 3 0
 Canucks on a Canfield Riot frame. You know why.
  • 2 0
 @ratedgg13: it would also need flames on it..
  • 15 0
 36T chainring, chain guide, high idler, 52T cassette...wondering if you have to buy 2 chains to set this up. Love the candy red I9's.
  • 6 0
 yep need a minimum of 136 links for a XL
  • 4 0
 I'm guessing that's why there are about 8 oil slick links stuck into the gold chain.
  • 1 0
 I had two local guys buy Druid frames and they had to use two chains to get them going.
  • 3 1
 Yeah you need like, 1.2 chains. You could average down over the lif3 of the bike by changing the chain five times which would need six chains in total - it's not so bad when you look at it like that.
  • 15 0
 2chainz
  • 1 0
 On an XL yes you need two chains. You can make 126 links work on a L if you lose the lower roller and replace it with an MRP sxg.
  • 3 0
 @PTyliszczak: you don’t need a lower guide at all on a Druid. Helps reduce chain drag too.
  • 2 0
 @nickkozak: the XL druid I have runs 132 links, the extra 6 links are pretty worth it I'd say!
  • 1 0
 @stephanepelletier: By the time I realized my typo it was past the two minute window Pinkbike gives you to edit comments -_-
  • 2 0
 @jaame: Didn’t mean to downvote you but I misjudged the distance and missed the tiny green square. @pb The props given should be possible to amend within at least a minute imo…
  • 18 0
 Radness, iggy rules!!
  • 6 0
 Yea I have a ton of respect for him, told everyone to stay on the ice at the end of Linden’s last game, classy for sure
  • 1 0
 I would get out of the trail quickly if he came rippin through.
  • 7 0
 Kudos for not taking the easy route and just going all SRAM. Really interested in those Dominion brakes. Read great thinks about them, never been impressed with SRAM brakes and Shimano seems to have been dropping the ball in the reliability/consistency department. Also, Crosshair adjustment is genius in its simplicity.
  • 4 0
 They blow my XT brakes away with power and feel. They equal my Formula R0 in power and modulation but the feel is just a touch smoother. I wouldn't hesitate putting them on another bike.
  • 2 0
 @lifeofloon: sounds great. A bit expensive in Europe, but probably worth it. These are on the top of my list if/when my Zee's ever crap out or need replacement for other reasons.
How's availability of pads?
  • 3 0
 @Mac1987: they ship with a set of organics and sintered so you're good for a little while! Just make sure you get the right brake adapters; the caliper doesn't clear sram/Shimano/magura ones. New NSB or the hayes ones are the best bet.
And yeah they're phenomenal. The trp dhr evos may be something to look at if you're a Clydesdale as they run 2.3mm rotors and there is a 223 rotor if you wanted. But for the average sized rider hayes will blow you away.
  • 3 0
 @Mac1987: yeah I was trying to get some Formula Cura 4's but the wait time was ridiculous so I went with the Hayes based off of reviews. They were easy to set up and bleed. As Average Adventurers they come with two sets of pads in the box so you should be good for a season or two.
  • 5 0
 @Mac1987 thanks! Those brakes had been on my radar for a while but were kinda weird to get, harder than sram and shimano before this year anyways. I've been so impressed with them, such light lever feel but tons of power and modulation. I have ridden them for a few weeks now and would highly recommend them.
  • 5 0
 Why does PB still post the air pressures in the fork and shock. Why not just the amount of sag they run? Because at least sag would give us an idea on how they set up their bikes
  • 5 0
 35% in the rear and 24% roughly in the front!
  • 2 3
 @stephanepelletier: Because measuring front sag is a silly way to setup front suspension. Manufacturer recommended setting will put you within a few psi and then you just go 2-3 psi up and down (or up 5-10 psi if you're a pro rider).

Rear sag can be all over the place depending on the shock. Even an identical rockshox superdeluxe will have different sag numbers with or without megneg, so sag doesn't tell you much. At least with PSI if you're running the same suspension you can vaguely compare to the pro riders setup. Just my .02

EDIT: Actually I think even different chainstay lengths or seat position would affect how you record rear sag (granted probably only by 1-2%) because of how it would move your center of gravity. Everyone also measures sag slightly differently so it's really only a useful number relative to the same rider on the same bike.
  • 6 2
 Beauty, Go Flames Go!!! From the ice to the top of the dome Go Flames Go!!! This looks awesome, well done sir. Of note is the trailmaster saddle, in .......saddle leather
  • 4 0
 I know nothing of hockey, but those racing stripes on the downtube through the linkage pivots onto the swing kick donkey knuts!
  • 9 4
 Yeah Alberta! Boo Flames!
  • 3 0
 @Mngnt dang it
  • 2 0
 I have had the misfortune of working for the flames. It's no wonder a talented team continually comes up short and the coach/staff turnover is always high. Terrible organizational culture.
  • 1 0
 Hockey in general still has such an old-boys, new-ideas-are-bad, this-is-the-way-its-always-been-done attitude within the league and within organizations. Don't get me wrong, loving hockey is in my blood, but it's the reason the NHL feels so backwards and bush-league compared to other leagues that are actually growing and improving.
  • 3 0
 This bike won the same number of playoffs games this year as the Flames, Oilers, and Canucks combined. Regardless of where your loyalties lie, it's an awesome looking rig!
  • 1 0
 Cool to see the rig of (a) a person over 6 foot / 200 lbs and (b) a guy who absolutely rips on a bike. @stephanepelletier don't worry about the digs for supporting the Flames, a true fan backs the home team even when they suck and the Flames have given us a lot of opportunities since these jerseys were originally released!
  • 3 0
 Nice bike. I have and love that saddle. It adds such a nice touch of organic character to most any bike.
  • 3 0
 Sweet build and pretty cool to be able to get a paint scheme to remind you of your roots.
  • 3 0
 Let's see a video review of the handling on the ice rink, so we can watch some slap shots. Then bring out the zamboni.
  • 3 0
 @tacklingdummy shoot missed opportunity there...
  • 1 0
 Is it just me or does it look like the derailleur is set up weird? There’s much less chain wrap than normal. Looking through other images of Druids that look fine, it doesn’t seem like it’s a thing with the frame.
  • 1 0
 @melanthius good catch, I actually did miss count the links for the photos and didn't notice until after we took them. Took a few out and back to normal!
  • 3 0
 Being from Edmonton, I am required to post the following:

“Flames suck”... and therefore any tribute bike also sucks
  • 2 0
 @RyanAsL5Yr I don't blame you, I'd do the same if the roles were reversed, it's the battle of Alberta way.
  • 2 0
 If it wasn't for logo on the top tube I thought it was reminiscent of old Vancouver Canucks jersey, not Calgary.
  • 1 0
 This is a kind of weird thing I’ve been selling all my bikes to pay for my son who plays travel ice hockey. I do love his bike though.
  • 1 0
 i know that all to well my friend. My son has been on a nice break from hockey for the last year....and it has been glorious. Its weird having extra cash again.
  • 3 1
 This is for getting behind Germany in the upcoming Euro's right?
Wait whats NHL?
  • 2 0
 He's rooting for the German team at the IIHF hockey world championship for actively helping Canada to advance into the quarter finals
  • 2 0
 FYI- those colours could also be seen as 1980 Canuck colours..remove flames logo and insert canucks!
  • 1 0
 I got to meet Stephane back in 2014 while working at a bike shop in Vernon. Super awesome dude! Stoked to see him on the front page of PB!
  • 7 5
 Will be better as a habs theme but still a good looking bike.
  • 6 1
 ^^Angry Leafs fans, submit your downvotes here^^
  • 2 0
 Atlanta Flames forever...
  • 2 0
 Holy shit it’s beautiful
  • 3 1
 I live in Calgary...the Flames are terrible...that bike looks awesome.
  • 2 0
 @singelton that may be true, but it's still the hometown and gotta cheer for the boys, even though sometimes it hurts... haha, thanks!
  • 3 0
 Ah, yes, ze german flag
  • 2 0
 I cannot see anything than a german or Belgium themed build
  • 1 0
 If you have to wear spikes on your shoes to walk on ice, are you even Canadian? That’s a tough look
  • 2 0
 @the11firm hahaha good point, the ice rink had a pretty strict ice spikes rule, if only I had brought my skates...
  • 1 0
 @stephanepelletier: 6’4” 220, if you can make a crispy break out pass, the flames could use some help
  • 1 0
 If I was going to "throw back" to my time growing up in Calgary, I'd have to run #9 on my bike...
  • 1 0
 Opposite we are one stickers.... nice touch!
  • 2 0
 @blighty777 very astute observation, but actually, the stickers are the right way to account for the offset on the union rims being different orientations front and rear!
  • 2 0
 Where’s the video?
  • 1 0
 A link to an Instagram post of a link to YouTube post to a link to a pornhub video?
  • 1 0
 Here's the video of the build for those looking for some biking building ASMR youtu.be/gWVRcIwhR7I
  • 1 0
 YES YES YES LETS GO ISLANDERS!!!!!!!!!
  • 2 2
 It's it just me or does that bike have minimal rear travel? That rear tire damn near touching the downtube.
  • 1 0
 Lol it looks that way but it’s a hsp bike. Rear wheel moves up and backwards. Rides amazingly well.
  • 1 0
 @shredddr: never seen a bike like this before with that chain going up so high. Looks like an accident waiting to happen. Is this a European style setup? Never seen this in the states
  • 1 0
 @chrisingrassia: never saw a balfa back in the day? Brooklyn Machine Works? More recently, Amaury Pierron has won a ton of WC DH races for Commencal on this design. Norco's DH bike is also similar. Devinci's bikes are allegedly going this way. Trek is rumoured as well...
  • 1 0
 Who proof reads this stuff?
  • 2 0
 Dominion all the things
  • 1 0
 Cute ice pick shoe straps
  • 1 0
 Looks great but won't be winning any cups anytime soon.
  • 1 0
 Ok, why it is in german colors?
  • 1 0
 Is Jarome Iginla getting one? Do you ride Jarome?
  • 1 0
 Sick bike! I'll be in Squamish this July if you're around.
  • 1 0
 Cool looking bike but that Jurassic park one, WOW!
  • 1 0
 Need a video of Iggy shredding it!
  • 1 0
 Beautiful!
  • 2 2
 That was a horrible jersey, and I live in Calgary
  • 1 0
 It's also a current alternate jersey.
  • 2 1
 yes lets go berta
  • 1 0
 So sweet.
  • 1 0
 figure
  • 3 3
 Yawn..... waiting for a Maple Laughs inspired bike.....
  • 27 0
 A bike that completely falls apart on the 7th ride?
  • 11 0
 @DizzyNinja: A bike that rides nice all season long, then breaks on race day
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: oh shit, well played!
  • 1 0
 wow this comment thread wins.
  • 1 0
 @DizzyNinja: hahaha, boom roasted.
  • 1 0
 OH CANADA!
  • 1 0
 Go habs go!
  • 1 0
 #longlivechainsaw
  • 1 3
 You youngsters might need to do some research to get it.
  • 2 0
  Just to be clear - I'm referring on the Steve Smith own-goal of 1986. Also I just wanted to make reference to Chainsaw. Because we miss him.
  • 1 0
 2 Chain.....
  • 1 0
 Minion assegay?
  • 1 0
 Is this for sale?!?!?
  • 1 1
 "Siri, show me the most Canadian bike ever."
  • 1 2
 Sick bike! Who cares about hockey!
  • 7 10
 Nice! It's a beautiful paintjob. Although my first thought when reading the components list: "Hayes still makes brakes?"
  • 9 1
 Dominions are the best brakes ever.
  • 4 0
 Yes, and good brakes too apparently: m.pinkbike.com/news/review-hayes-dominion-a4-brake.html
  • 5 0
 You're not paying attention if you haven't hear (let alone tried) Dominions yet. Hands down the best brakes in the game right now.
  • 1 5
flag taskmgr (Jun 4, 2021 at 21:43) (Below Threshold)
 @Trudeez: better than arch rival? Doubt
  • 3 0
 @superman-4 shocking I know, and the hayes name gives me a bit of PTSD thinking back to the old 9 and sole days I grew up riding in... but trust, these brakes are nothing like the old ones and I mean that in the best way possible.





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