Video: Forbidden Bike Co. Announce Complete Druid Builds & 3 New Frame Colors

Jun 3, 2020
by Daniel Sapp  

PRESS RELEASE: Forbidden Bike Co.

Forbidden Bike Co. are now offering complete bike builds of their 130mm travel Druid frame, released last year. There will be two different build options. Additionally, there are frame only options available that include new colors. While Forbidden's frames have been and will continue to be available more through their dealers, complete bikes are available online, direct from forbiddenbike.com where customers can choose to have their bikes shipped to their local Forbidden dealer for a "Pro Setup".

Druid XT Complete Build

Complete bikes are 90% built in-box and come with a ratcheting torque wrench and bits, for those choosing to assemble on their own. There are also RaceFace tubeless valves and a spare derailleur hanger. Druid XT's will also include the new Fox fork fender.

The Druid XT is available now to order for US and Canadian customers and will be shipping within two weeks. European availability will be in late August, due to the ongoing Coronavirus Pandemic. Druid SLX bikes will be available in North America and Europe by mid-September.


The Druid XT build pictured above features a 150mm Fox 36 Performance Elite Grip2 fork, DPX2 Performance Elite EVOL shock, Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain, XT 4-piston brakes, DT Swiss 350/RaceFace ARC wheels, RaceFace Aeffect seatpost, and Maxxis tires. It sells for $5,299 USD / $6,999 CAD / €5699 / £5119.


The Druid SLX build comes with a 150mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Float fork, Fox DPX2 Performance Elite EVOL shock, Shimano SLX 12-speed drivetrain, Shimano Deore 4-piston brakes, Shimano SLX/RaceFace AR wheels, RaceFace Aeffect R seatpost, and Maxxis tires. It sells for $4,599 USD / $5,999 CAD / €4899 / £4399.


Frames are updated from last year and feature a revised linkage with fewer parts and improved sealing from the elements along with a few small hardware revisions and a marginally lighter compression and rebound tune on the Fox DPX2 shock.

The Mr. Brownstone and Blue Steel colors will be shipping to dealers everywhere by late-June and the Cosmic Eggplant color in mid-July. Frame only prices are $3,099 USD, $3,999 CAD, and £2949.

Mr. Brownstone
Blue Steel

Cosmic Eggplant

Custom build on the Cosmic Eggplant frame.


For more information, visit forbiddenbike.com

@maxmccullochvisuals

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Press Releases Trail Bikes Forbidden Forbidden Druid


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204 Comments

  • 232 3
 "But honey, you said a new bike was forbidden."
  • 34 2
 Give her the blue steel stare
  • 96 0
 @sewer-rat: Or give her your cosmic eggp.... oh, nevermind that jokes too easy.
  • 27 0
 @sewer-rat: Actually most of us are worried about "her" doing the blue steel stare...lol
  • 6 1
 Mr Brownstone, that's heroine innit? Indeed forbidden in most places afaik. Makes me wonder what cosmic eggplant and blue steel stand for Wink .
  • 3 0
 @vinay: I think it means "we're gonna feel like a cosmic eggplant after she gives us that blue steel stare"...
  • 1 0
 @RowdyAirTime: No drugs? Never tried smoking an eggplant though...
  • 4 2
 @vinay: It's probably a loose reference to the Guns & Roses song, "Mr Browstone" which is a song about being hooked Heroine. Not sure if they thought this one through enough...
  • 3 4
 @vinay: Even if you think you are a "DRUID", it is "FORBIDDEN" to smoke any eggplant when riding this bike. Please consider "only" smoking God's natural gift (marijuana) before, during or after riding...
  • 2 1
 @kcy4130: orgasmic eggplant!
  • 7 0
 @vinay: If it was about heroine, surely they'd have called the song Mrs Brownstone. ;-)
  • 7 5
 It's H-E-R-O-I-N and that is what Axel was talkin about in 'Mr. Brownstone'.

Heroine is the female version of Hero

Heroine: A woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.
  • 10 0
 @endlessblockades: Whoosh.
  • 7 0
 @commental: 100% - Vinay spelt that way first and I thoughtlessly squeezed you in there too. Guilty as charged. I've been under a curfew for a few days and am not mentally sound.
  • 2 1
 @commental: More successful than a Space X Launch. Proper Whoosh.
  • 2 0
 @endlessblockades: I screwed that up too. Saw Vinay's 'Heroine' and wrote it the same way. My bad.
  • 1 0
 @RowdyAirTime: Life is too damn short to worry about them jealous nags. Buy what you want as long as you can afford it!!
  • 1 1
 Now kiss
  • 1 0
 @curendero: Well said and good call. I agree life is too short and we must enjoy it as much we can. Unfortunately, I've seen way too many guys who are pussy-whipped and hardly get to have fun or buy things that they want. I learned long ago, to let them do what they want and we can then do what we want, then everybody gets along and enjoys life more. I also let my wife ride my superlight XC bike when she wants to come for a ride and I always tell her how much I saved when ever I buy bikes, cars or anything to do with my home entertainment system or man cave...
  • 9 0
 @endlessblockades: thank f*ck someone here can spell their drugs.
And remember:
STAY IN DRUGS
EAT ALL YOUR SCHOOL
AND DON'T DO VEGETABLES
  • 2 0
 @dirtdiggler: LOL Pick a drug and be a dick about it, I say.
  • 3 1
 @commental: Oops, seems like I ended up in a conversation between native English speakers. Sorry for the confusion.
  • 1 0
 @vinay: Not sure why you're apologising, no need as far as I'm concerned. There wasn't any confusion, I just couldn't resist having a little fun. I'm not sure what your native tongue is, but I can guarantee you are far more proficient in my language than I am in yours.
  • 98 7
 "Shipped to their local Forbidden dealer for a 'Pro Setup,'" meaning a high school/college kid who is learning how to work on bikes will build it up.
  • 23 13
 I hate how true this is. I reccomend making a connection with a shop and make sure it gets done right. I have spent upwards of $10,000 in training making sure I can do anything at pro level without question, and quickly. Putting professional work in the hands of an ameteur devalues the countless hours and money spent a lot of us pro mechanics have invested to make sure you get world-cup quality service, every time. I hope one of your local shops can help you, because I definitely would not spend my hard-earned money on junk service, and you shouldn't either.
  • 34 0
 nailed the "high" part
  • 5 0
 I suppose there is a difference between a high-school kid building your bike, and a trained mechanic actually tuning it for the rider. Perhaps Forbidden Bike Co should reword that statement "shipped to and assembled by a local dealer."
  • 15 0
 The local forbidden dealer here in the Okanagan has the absolute best mechanics and knowledgeable service people of any bike shop I've ever been to. I fully appreciate that there are more bad bike shops than good ones, so I consider myself lucky. Nothing but love for the guys at sovereign Cycle.
  • 5 1
 who buys a brand new bike and doesn’t check it over before they ride?
  • 2 0
 @friendlyfoe: sovereign is great!
  • 15 0
 I run a shop in the National capital region and although our junior staff build bikes they don't touch anything over 1k (CAD) and it all gets gone over by senior staff anyway.
  • 5 0
 Which is why I build my own bikes, because I worked as a mechanic; I was that high school/college kid, earned my chops, so now I teach friends and family how to work on bikes.

But yeah, who works on your bike is very subjective, bummer.
  • 3 0
 @etm94: That is good for your shop, but not the rule. I won't let anyone touch one of my bikes.
  • 2 0
 @etm94: Kunstadt? Ottawa is pretty blessed with high quality shops.
  • 33 1
 Maybe if people where okay paying more for skilled mechanic work and an adult trained mechanic could make a living doing it than this wouldn’t be the case.
  • 4 0
 This is exactly the frustration that drove me to learn how to do most bike work, after having to take it back for the youngsters to redo the redo of the redo. However, a seasoned tech, well, that's a whole different story. Overall, the Druid is the best bike I've had for gnarly trail riding, ever; and it can handle much more. Solid bike. Only if I knew Cosmic Eggplant was on the way... oh man. Looks like their XT pricing is very fair for the build. I also must say that Forbidden is super responsive to questions and support. Great company.
  • 10 0
 Opposite experience at my local shop. Just did a full frame-up build and they asked me a ton of questions about bike make/model/components/preferences/cockpit setup/etc and scheduled my appointment around when their most experienced tech would have time. Top notch service.

Also, the frame and kit didn't come from their shop. They didn't care... same experience whether you bought the bike from them or not. That's how you do a bike shop.
  • 2 0
 @islandforlife: the frame I get but can I ask why you didn't buy the kit from them.

I am in the same boat, ordered a frame from a different shop from where I get service because I wanted a specific brand. I could have saved about 150 dollars buying parts from the shop where I got my frame as they offered me a 15% discount. Despite being broke I still bought the parts at no discount from the shop I get service from. My justification for this was that the reason I get my suspension/bike serviced there is that it's the only shop that has the experience and knowledge that I trust them to work on my bike, so I feel it would be wrong to take advantage of that when I need service and not support them the rest of the time.
  • 3 0
 @friendlyfoe: Should have explained... I bought a Knolly and you buy the frame and kit from them and they then send it all to your shop of choice, they to support shops by encouraging buyers to use your local shop for the build (so they don't pre-build any part of it). I had it all sent to me directly because I was doing a RideWrap and tweaking a few things, but then dropped it all at my local for the final full build.
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: so you have to pay separately for the build up of the bike? or is that included in the purchase price?
  • 3 0
 @buildstuf: I once met a guy who'd recently bought a new bike. He was telling me how he kept falling off and couldn't understand it because he hadn't had any trouble with his old ride. When I looked at his bike the fork was on backwards.
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: Was that shop in Victoria?
  • 8 0
 @erminator excuse me, but just because they’re younger than you doesn’t mean they don’t know how to put a bike together. Some of the best bike mechanics I’ve ever met are college students.
  • 2 0
 @arrowheadrush: You pay. Don't have to do that, you can build it yourself it you want to or find a bike through one of their dealers. Knolly dealers are pretty few and far between and you lose the customization of the kit... Knolly lets you customize quite a bit and utilize their oem pricing.
  • 1 0
 @Skooks: Yes.
  • 2 0
 @islandforlife: that makes more sense. It sounded like you walked into a shop with a pile of parts you bought online.
  • 3 0
 Any employee of a bigger shop knows of those coworkers that the boss loves cuz they knock out the most bikes per day. And that the real mechanics have to spend X amount of time rebuilding in order to make it safe for the floor.
  • 2 0
 Any bike shop worth anything (and those are going to be pretty much the only ones who will have forbidden as a brand_ would put their top mechanic on a forbidden build. They know the customer and their expectations. High schoolers get to build run bikes.
  • 2 0
 @friendlyfoe: Nope... but even if I did, my shop wouldn't care... they'd put the same attention to detail and care into building your bike no matter where you got your frame and/or parts. As any shop should.
  • 6 0
 @thetruejb: Very true. The other thing to consider is that building a bike is relatively straightforward. It’s the fine adjustments that really take a skilled mechanic. As a high school mechanic with relatively little professional experience, I can still be trusted to put together most bikes that come in a box, but it’s the higher level stuff like brake troubleshooting, custom suspension parts, and final QC check that take a skilled mechanic with a lot of experience. HS mechanics are what make many shops keep up with demand, especially with the gargantuan upsurge in bike sales.
  • 3 0
 @KeeganPelton: that was incredibly well said on your part. it's probably unfair to use the label "high school kids" to describe people who don't know what they're doing. Someone younger who is newer to working on bikes is more likely to know their limitations. I've had way more issues dealing with guys in their 30s who have no idea how to do basic service work.
  • 1 0
 @NWuntilirest: I totally agree. Bike shops offer one of very few opportunities young people have of learning a skilled trade. My kid has worked in one since he was 14, and is now a very experienced bike mechanic.
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: Will you tell us which shop?
  • 1 0
 @Skooks: ha, ya I guess I should mention the shop!! Oak Bay Bikes.... best shop I’ve worked with so far.
  • 1 0
 @buildstuf: they are not here to comment. In hospital recovering in a coma...
  • 90 6
 Shimano builds. See, these guys get it.
  • 20 0
 It seems like almost everyone on PB loves Shimano drivetrains. Not that I disagree or anything. The new Shimano stuff looks outstanding and it would be great to see their kits on more bikes.
  • 23 1
 @NWBasser: Smart move to not disagree. With no mention of SRAM spec, the PB Shimano mob have only just rested their keyboard pitchforks & torches.
  • 15 1
 still, I find the 6k cad build with deore brakes and a z1 fork qui steep for what you have. The commencal meta tr signature is 5.8k and full fox factory with xt brakes.

EDIT :

The druid is carbon so in retrospec, the pricing is quite decent although I think that the 7k XT build is definitely worth the 1k more.
  • 2 0
 @maxgod: that's the premium you pay for carbon frame
  • 2 0
 @maxgod: agreed. Nice bike and all but there are better builds for that price range out there. 6k for slx and deore is steep
  • 10 4
 I've got the new SLX (drivetrain and brakes) on my full-boing bike and it's incredible. I have NX on my hardtail and it's janky. Every bike company should be trying to figure out how to spec the new Shimano stuff.
  • 6 31
flag thenotoriousmic (Jun 3, 2020 at 11:02) (Below Threshold)
 @rickybobby18: really? You’d like to see shimano’s dropper post on your bike instead of a reverb? A set of XT brakes over some codes? Shimano fork over some lyriks? No I didn’t think so.
  • 4 0
 It's like they've been reading the PB comments Wink
  • 8 1
 @thenotoriousmic: have you heard of fox suspension??
  • 5 1
 @Norse: I try to keep things in perspective. I guess my main gripe with SRAM drivetrains is that I really prefer the finger upshift of Shimano over the thumb push. While I'm sure that they're both reliable, I've had nothing but great experiences with XT over the decades.
  • 8 2
 @thenotoriousmic:
Come on... As if that are the only choices to be made...

No one wants a reverb anymore. What a disaster piece... Bikeyoke or oneup. Same wet brakes. Neither in my bike Razz
  • 6 1
 @thenotoriousmic: haha reverbs blow goats dude...
  • 3 0
 @maxgod: yeah, I honestly can't think of a bike that isn't giant offering better spec for dollar. Also, function wise, gx really isn't equivalent to slx, which makes dollar for dollar comps difficult. No way you're finding a full xo bike for 7k or a gx/xo bike for 6. I realize this isn't an appropriate comparison re respective component levels or weight, but function wise slx destroys sram.
  • 2 0
 It’s not that other brands don’t get it, it’s a matter of building the best bike for less money - or in this case - building a bike where the price has no limit. I mean, only the frame on this thing cost more than a full build capable trail bike.
  • 1 1
 In fact I think the price is okay! This is a carbon frame and frame only is 4000cad which is too much for me but with a nice build (shimano) like that, I could buy the whole bike and be happy with it!! I would not pay that money for a specialized or Trek but for a Forbidden, I could! 6000 cad and you just need an xt shifter! Then maybe do some magic with the fork...could put a smashpot coil kit in it or something if you don't like the feel.
  • 2 10
flag thenotoriousmic (Jun 3, 2020 at 14:36) (Below Threshold)
 @danimaniac: nobody’s going around the houses when they can just go to sram and have pretty much the best of everything in a nice discounted oem deal.
  • 3 1
 @thenotoriousmic: The best? LOL!
  • 4 0
 @thenotoriousmic:
It’s always good to have experience with everything out there. Glad you’ve found that Sram and RockShox products work well for you. Some riders looking for difference performance or ride characteristics may prefer other brands. All the high end stuff is pretty good nowadays.
  • 2 0
 @maxgod: also Commencal is a direct sale brand so that should be kept in mind while comparing prices.

Compare it to say, Santa Cruz and it looks like much better value.
  • 1 0
 @thenotoriousmic: If you'd had left out "pretty much the best" I'd be totally with you. It's not like SRAM/RS is a total shitshow.. but if you want pretty much the best. You look elsewhere?

I'm totally fine with my GX Setup. Even though that's not the best. But I really didn't like Reverbs. And from what I've seen I'm happy tenfold to have a bikeyoke instead of a always service needy reverb that doesn't drop or rise when I want to.
  • 35 1
 Legendary build kits and price spec. Brilliant experience showing through from the crew at Forbidden. Ready to cop an XT rig, now to choose a color....
  • 27 0
 @chrismac Cosmic Eggplant!
  • 4 0
 @endlessblockades: yeah it's gotta be cosmic eggplant.
  • 4 0
 I don't usually go for "purple" but cosmic eggplant would be my pick. I bet that color sells out first.
  • 26 1
 Those are some very reasonable prices in CAD. Especially since they include a digital shock pump, torque wrench, and spare derailleur hanger.
  • 7 1
 Ya, I gotta say, I came in here to mock the prices - but leaving impressed. It's really not unreasonable for what you get.
  • 2 0
 Exactly! The frame only is really expensive but complete build are not that bad for quality carbon bikes!! Yeti and Santa Cruz seems to have cheaper spec for the same price... well I think, didn't really look for it but they always seems sooo expensive! lol
  • 2 0
 @Timo82: Even the Frame only is reasonable when you compare it to other bikes in the same category, its cheaper than a good chunk of them and has free shipping
  • 1 0
 @LAM: Underground frames from Europe or big names like Yeti, Santa Cruz etc that are over 4000$ ??

I still find 4000 to be too much for a frame but well, everyone's going there so one day I guess I'll have to say that 4000 is a reasonnable price! lol

Anyway, that's one of the better looking bike we can have, especially with those new colors!!!!
  • 2 0
 Totally agree. The fact that some upgades are already done makes it more attractive like it already has grips, decent seat, chainguide, and comes with the spares you menitoned.

For comparison, my 2019 Intense Carbine Pro has msrp of 7,450 CAD and I had to buy a chainguide, grips, seat, and derailleur hanger = ~$250. The shock pump that came with it broke the very first time I tried to use it. But the torque wrench is decent.

I would have never bought it if I didn't get it for half price.
  • 18 0
 Cue 10’000 comments about shimano builds.
That said, these full builds look great. Dead sexy bikes.
  • 4 11
flag Waldon83 (Jun 3, 2020 at 13:33) (Below Threshold)
 Pffffffft, Shimano sucks after you ride Box Components
  • 7 0
 @Waldon83: I rode box components I broke two derailers and the shifting wasn’t that smooth
  • 2 0
 @nlibot33:It was tongue in cheek..... there is no debate here.
"Choose a wheel size, and be a dick about it" is the whole SRAM/Shimano debate.
  • 14 1
 "Complete bikes are 90% built in-box and come with a ratcheting torque wrench and bits, for those choosing to assemble on their own."

That's pretty awesome. High end carbon bike comes with a torque wrench. Points!
  • 8 0
 Is it draggggy? I really want to love this bike.
Can we have a back to back with the Deviate? Didn't Levy have a ride on that?
  • 4 0
 I dont feel more drag when climbing, although I hear it
  • 7 9
 I sold mine due to too much drag. It was only noticeable to me in 1st and 2nd gear, but more than I wanted to deal with.
  • 4 0
 @bbmj: Really? I’m genuinely surprised at that. Naturally there is drag (although in use, it’s so small I can’t really quantify it) but with the main pivot and idler puller proximity remaining consistent, I’d be willing to bet that for typical trail use, the gain in efficiency significantly outweighs the drag.

IMO.
  • 3 1
 My experience: the drag has never been noticeable and I'm cleaning more climbs than on any previous bike.
  • 8 1
 @bbmj: Solution: Stronger legs so that you stay in third gear. Wink
  • 1 0
 It's marginally noticeable on the stand. Not while pedaling. Lube is key. I've had more issues with the little pulley-wheel inside the lower guide. It requires a light torque to not jam up. It's a banger bike, no regrets about it.
  • 1 0
 @senorbanana: Is this bike as poppy as all the videos show it as? If so, I'm in.
  • 3 0
 @jclnv: I can confirm this. It is so incredibly efficient on anything techy. I haven't done any fire road on it yet but I expect it'll be fine there too. That said, I have been religious with drivetrain maintenance (substantially more so than on any previous bike).
  • 1 0
 @bbmj: I've read that sometimes the idler bearings go, but think they have something new there now. And really? That much more drag than a dirty cassette and stale BB? I can't see it...
  • 5 5
 I only had 110 miles on it. If you don't notice the drag that's great, for me the bike felt a little short on reach, and the idler drag were enough for me to sell it. The bike was a lot of fun otherwise and dead quiet which was rad, just not for me. As far as leg strength goes I ride a geometron g1 with a 36t chainring, dual crown fork and dh tires that weighs 43lbs as my daily ride and raced it like this at the trans bc and have done 10k feet climbing in a ride, to me the druid in easy gears was more difficult to pedal than the G1, and I don't think it does anything else so much better than similar bikes in this category. But if you're stoked on yours more power to you.
  • 1 3
 Drag is noticeable. Likely due to chain tension under load and not bearing friction. Pedaling platform is fantastic in open and climb modes.
  • 1 4
 Two more chain contact points=more drag. Elevated chain=less chain wrap on both the cassette and chain ring.
Engineered to be less efficient and wear faster???? Why?
  • 4 0
 @CyclingThe425: cus rearward axle path
  • 1 0
 @zerort: Yeah its awesome, It seems to hop out of corners super easy. the only downside I notice about the bike is more routine chain cleaning and lubing to keep it quiet.
  • 1 0
 @CyclingThe425: I'm not sure less chain wrap means faster wear (if that's what you implied).
That's something Pinkbike could investigate on with some tech article with input from drive manufacturers with FEA or whatever, but it seems like mostly the 1st and 2nd engaged teeth/links bear the load, maybe that's why your chain may jump when your chainring starts to wear out, even if you have 50% chain wrap.
Also on the Druid you have a chainguide underneath which wraps the chain around the chainring a bit more than without.

In the case of the Druid, and though it seems awesome, I would question the lack of outward support for the high idler axle, and prefere the solution of the Deviate Highlander on this matter.
The gearbox option of the Guide would be really cool as it keeps the chainline totally straight (probably much less wear), but then you have the gearbox drag.
  • 1 0
 @bbmj: Damn!
  • 1 0
 No its not, especially if you keep the drivetrain/chain clean you cant tell. It climbs & descends SO well that i could live with 10 times more drag.
  • 7 0
 That purple is sexy. Only issue is that seat tube... any reason they couldn't taper that thing a little bit more? I think this bike is a 9/10, fix that seat tube and its a dime.
  • 8 0
 There’s no such thing as too much cosmic eggplant
  • 3 0
 That's what she said
  • 2 0
 It's the greatest colour ever. I want it!
  • 6 0
 Those builds and the pricing is ON POINT! Forbidden keep amazing me, definitely thinking of ordering one next year!
  • 6 1
 This thing is sick. i want one. It really solves a lot of problems. It also looks rad!
  • 7 1
 These look sick but my next new bike needs to be made of metal.
  • 1 2
 I think you'll find according to the periodic table, carbon is in fact a metal
  • 1 0
 @harleymcdmarg:

Carbon is a non-metal element. If it was a metal, humans would be a metal-based life form. That would conform with my musical tastes, but......
  • 6 0
 Best bike out right now...
  • 2 0
 And there was me ready to have a rant at the price but when I clicked on the UK site and scrolled to the punchline of an XT build my eyebrows went up in surprise. £5200 isn't actually that bad for such a boutique low volume full build, I was expecting the first two digits to be 6 and maybe even 5 after.

Hats off Forbidden, good job.
  • 6 1
 I know beauty is subjective but come on, that's gotta be top 5 best looking bikes ever made
  • 4 0
 @forbbidenbikes can you get the build with the link and as a mullet straight away? Or do you have to purchase the extra bits later?
  • 1 0
 Also curious on this as well.
  • 3 0
 all the rumors and teasing on instagram had us thinking a longer travel model was coming, or at least a revised linkage that allows for longer travel with this frame.
  • 1 0
 I think I've read somewhere that a longer travel bike was coming....not sure anymore...maybe it is someone else?! haha I know you can now mullet your forbidden though.
  • 2 0
 The big bike is coming around Christmas according to a one off instagram comment from Forbidden.
  • 2 0
 It states that a revised linkage is part of the minor update. Any word on what that change to the linkage is?
  • 2 1
 Lately I've been considering buying a bike from Propain and discovered their configurator. Choose one build (entry level, mid-range, high-end) and then you can modify pretty much everything according to your budget and what matters most to you (at what seems to be OEM prices).
I'm not sure how many brands do that, but it makes *so* much sense and is so much more consumer-friendly than a full custom build that it makes traditional buying options (the entry level, mid-range, high-end builds) look so last decade.
  • 1 0
 Yeah I discovered that this past winter and wanted one so bad!! lol Didn't take one but yeah, really like their prices with the builds we can choose, really like a real custom build!
  • 1 0
 Norco does custom builds. Next year's Range is going to be a high pivot, and they're revamping the lineup again apparently.
  • 1 0
 @jonser: Yeah but not the same price as Propain though!! And not real custom build like Propain...you can change everything not just Fox for Sram...
  • 3 0
 Really want to try a mullet setup on this bike, might need to make a trip over to Cumberland when COVID settles down a bit more.
  • 2 1
 These bikes just can’t get much better than they are right now . Most of the “ better “ bikes are just splitting hairs when it comes to being “ better “ than their competitor .
I think the real innovations will come in e bike development , because there is huge potential in battery tech on the horizon and new stronger and lighter motors , etc. .
In regular bikes there are no new materials for frames being talked about and the components are already superb .
The only thing that might happen is that the Super Bikes come down in price . ???? yeah, right.
  • 4 0
 Oh lawd I need a 150mm version in cosmic eggplant
  • 4 0
 What a time to be alive, all these Rad Bike companies making sick shit!
  • 3 0
 Druid rolled a nat 20. There goes everyone else's bike sales for the summer.
  • 2 0
 Damn, should I cancel my Offering order? These look rad, although it seems like some pedal efficiency would be lost with that high pivot, no?
  • 1 0
 Hmmm.. Druid is sick.. but... Offering is magic.. then again... I am super bias'd. Can't go wrong with either really.. very similar in intent. Depends if you want to deal with the high pivot - for me -> I sided with the DELTA.. and happy with that.
  • 1 0
 I want to try a Druid, they look sick. But I can say that the Offering is a sick bike, and has made my short list... need to demo a Ripmo and Hightower too.
  • 6 0
 @robcartwheel: Rode a Ripmo all last summer, and the Druid is a better climber and descender. Truth.
  • 1 0
 @pinkrobe: It climbs better than a ripmo?!?! You mean because is has more traction? I thought a high pivot would bob a bit...no?
  • 4 0
 Can you buy it complete with the ziggy link and a small wheel in the back?
  • 1 0
 I'd like to know as well!
  • 1 0
 @joewlo not right now. We've been blown away with the response to the Ziggy Link to be honest, I mean we always knew it was good but we weren't sure how well everyone else would take to it. Like I say the response has been hugely positive so we may look to offer a Ziggy edition Druid in the future. If that's what people want?

For the time being you would need to get a little creative to source a new rear wheel or rebuild it with a new rim.
  • 1 0
 @ForbiddenBike: That’s true. Or maybe just have a frame only option that includes the Ziggy instead of the regular linkage - that way you don’t have to stock 27.5 wheels - and prospective buyers don’t have to buy the Ziggy separate!
  • 2 0
 Ibis already gave the color Blue Steel to the Ripley. The color on these look nothing alike. I'm guessing they didn't grab the color from the Pantone color guide. Lol
  • 5 1
 Forbbiden Druid vs. Deviate Highlander would be interesting
  • 4 0
 Mmmm Cosmic Eggplant
  • 1 0
 that must have added 500 to the total but its catchy
  • 3 3
 With the sweet colours and interesting look you made a sepia tone video and it is not flattering its more like you are hiding something the bike looks like an e-bike from afar..
  • 5 0
 Hi @madmon, that's a fair comment and there is some truth there. The bike Thomas is riding in the video is a pre-production colourway that didn't make the final production cut, but it was close nonetheless. We had delays getting the frame we needed/ wanted in time thanks to the spiralling COVID situation in Asia and we also knew BC could be put into lockdown any day so time was of the essence. We, therefore, made the decision to go down this aesthetic route, which would allow us to offset the fact that Thomas is riding a colourway that wouldn't be available. But an e-bike?
  • 4 3
 Is 27.5 totally dead? A bike release with no mention of wheel size. We just supposed to assume on these that it is 29er only at this point?
  • 4 0
 If you look closely at the Cosmic Eggplant photo you'll see its (very likely) running a mullet 27.5 rear. Unless my eyes are deceiving me. These are deadly bikes - a few friends have them - we're local & ride Forbidden Plateau all the time - this 130mm can handle everything there easily.
  • 2 1
 @CDT77: hmmm... still seems like you’d mention what wheel size or combinations there of that it works with. At least for us lame-o’s like me that don’t stay up to date on the trends
  • 3 0
 @iantmcg: Their approach is pretty cool. They don't just say "it can be run as a mullet." Instead, they sell a modified linkage piece that allows it to run as a mullet with geometry closer to the full 29 build. Check out the Ziggy Link on their site.
  • 2 0
 @big-red: I don’t doubt it is a cool bike. But as someone that isn’t dialed into the latest trends it is annoying to have to dig through links to figure out the wheel size. Maybe I am in the minority here and everyone already knew this bike was a 29er.
  • 1 0
 @iantmcg: Agreed. I think it's funny when you go to a manufacturers website and you can't find find the rear travel listed. Fork travel is almost always there as part of the fork spec. But more than once I've run into no rear travel info. OR it's not in the frame spec and you have to go dig through their marketing copy,etc.

funny....
  • 1 0
 Hmmmm, what to complain about?

Oh, that steep tube is really straight, I think.

This machine tickles the right nooks and crannies.
  • 1 0
 Attn: Owen & F.Team I continue to love the doomy/psych vibes. And figgin Cosmic Eggplant? Sounds like the new company jam band name.
  • 1 0
 The bike to shred while listening to some king gizzard and kyuss
  • 3 0
 You guys get it! Love it!
  • 2 1
 how about a 160 mm frame? the bike was designed for forbidden plateau after all
  • 4 0
 Since when you need a 160 to ride forbidden plateau? That bike is more capable than my 150.
  • 1 0
 longer travel Forbidden coming xmas
  • 2 0
 I'm very happy with my Ripmo but I keep looking at these...
  • 2 0
 would a 126 link chain fit on this bike?
  • 4 0
 Depends on the size, I have a XL frame and I had to add 4 links.
  • 2 0
 Medium yes up to 32t chain ring
  • 1 0
 I was getting ready for a sweet Metal beat down after a minute of build up.Teaser indeed.
  • 3 0
 @redhit If you haven't already you should check out Dead Quiet, awesome dudes who make sweet, groovy, heavy tunes.
  • 1 0
 Such a good bike! Be sure to order the Ziggylink and an extra 27.5" wheel for this sweet-piece. Worth every penny
  • 1 0
 No comment arguing it should be Cosmic "Aubergine" from a Brit? Wow...I'm impressed.
  • 1 0
 Do wish they did an aluminium version tho...
  • 3 3
 This is one bike I would love to test ride! @forbiddenbikes how about a bike with more squishy in the back??
  • 1 0
 they said xmas new model likely
  • 1 0
 So much more expensive to get in the UK.
  • 1 0
 UK prices are inclusive of VAT.
  • 1 0
 That bike looks sick, I understand the later availability in EU.
  • 1 0
 F***ing gorgeous frame, price isn't terrible either
  • 1 0
 Same.
  • 1 0
 Ziggy link for mullet set up.
  • 1 0
 Anyone know if there are any demo bikes in the UK?
  • 1 0
 We don't have anything official yet to support the complete bikes @chix1 but we are working on it - UK stock is some way off. Our dealers, however, do have demo bikes. Biketreks in Cumbria has a Medium, Large and X-Large and Ace Bikes in Surrey has a Medium and a Large for example, but please double-check with them if you're planning a trip. These two (as do our other dealers) have new frame stock coming very soon and we'd wholeheartedly recommend getting an order in if you're after a custom build. The demand has been extremely high.
  • 1 0
 Like the new colours, gloss Moss is gone now?
  • 1 0
 It has @machaut, but we have retained and will continue to retain the decal graphics, adding new colours and finishes when the opportunity presents itself. If you had your heart set on a Gloss Moss, you might get lucky checking in with our dealers.
  • 1 0
 I love that they have marzocchi built
  • 1 0
 Can i get that xt build with the ziggy link?
  • 1 0
 You can purchase a Ziggy Link with a Druid XT @Rube305, but we're not shipping bikes with mixed-wheel sizes at the moment. If you opt for the 'Pro Setup' a dealer could probably facilitate swapping rims and tires for you at a more economical rate than buying a second wheel and tire. On the flip side, having two rear wheels (one 29 and 27.5in) and the two links at your disposal, you could have two bikes in one. A big wheeled all-day 29in shred machine and a mullet sporting corner slayer that loves to manual for miles.
  • 1 0
 Cosmic eggplant ???? got the win
  • 2 0
 Great video Max!!
  • 1 0
 That SLX build is....reasonable?
  • 1 0
 How many links has this chain ?
  • 1 0
 Size Medium Druids have a full length (126-links) chain and we add two additional links for a size Large and four for the X-Large. This is based on a 12-speed groupset and a 32 Tooth chainring.
  • 2 1
 Can this be ridden on trails without ferns?
  • 1 0
 Love when a company launches their products and has zero stock available.
  • 1 0
 "Just what we need, a Druish princess..." -Lone Star
  • 1 0
 Any info on a crash replacement program or bearing or bearing replacement?
  • 1 0
 these look too good...i can't resist!!
  • 1 0
 Mine arrives on Friday! Hells yeah
  • 1 1
 Ben Stiller approves Blue Steel
  • 1 0
 Take ma money
  • 1 0
 Dat Eggplant! #purple
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