Video: Lewis Buchanan to Ride for Forbidden Bike Company in 2020

Feb 27, 2020
by ForbiddenBike  

Vancouver Island based Forbidden sign Scottish enduro talent Lewis Buchanan to their team. Hailing from the Tweed Valley, an area renowned for its extensive trail network and strong riding scene, Lewis inevitably made his mark locally before cutting his teeth on the international circuit. A bronze medal at the 2010 downhill world championships kick-started a decade-long professional racing career that would see him jump into the hotly contested waters of the Enduro World Series in 2016. Lewis enters the 2020 season with some fast new bikes and a steadfast strategy to accomplish his goals, both on and off the racetrack.

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bigquotesTowards the end of 2019 I found myself in a position where I had to make a decision; either take a step back from competition or build my own program. Thankfully I chose the latter and began the process of going through all the [bike] frames that I would seriously consider racing on, if given the opportunity. Forbidden Bikes was right up there and after talking to Owen [Pemberton, Forbidden Founder], he was keen from the get-go. Their bikes have yet to be raced at a high level and the prospect of showcasing how capable they are, really appealed to me.— Lewis Buchanan


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bigquotes“Signing our first professional athlete is a huge deal for us and from our first conversation, I knew Lewis would be a perfect fit for Forbidden. He’s passionate about the sport and loves riding his bike, fast!”— Owen Pemberton, Founder

Lewis Buchanan s Forbidden Druid ready for the 2020 season.

bigquotesMy competition schedule for 2020 will see me miss the first two rounds of the EWS (in South America) and instead focus my energy at home in preparation for the last six rounds in Europe and North America. I will also be contesting the full TweedLove [enduro] series and the full Scottish Enduro Series, which will keep me busy.”— Lewis Buchanan

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bigquotesWe’re mountain bikers first and foremost so working with athletes like Lewis, who similarly live and breathe this sport, not only makes things easier, but fun too. Collaborating with him this off-season and seeing the work he’s been putting in, locking sponsors down, training for the EWS, while also creating insightful YouTube content, only goes to show his intent this year. Lewis is in the shape of his life, focussed and has the right people in his corner to get the job done.”— Olly Forster, Global Marketing

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bigquotesAs with past years, racing will be my primary focus in 2020, but recently I’ve been dipping my toes into the YouTube scene and have found the creative process really rewarding. It’s been a steep learning curve - shooting clips and editing - but I want to showcase elements of my life without sugar-coating anything; from fun group rides with my mates to the hard work and determination needed to train for the EWS.”— Lewis Buchanan

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bigquotesWhen I look at all the fantastic brands and companies who are backing me this year, the countless months of preparation, the late nights, it was all worth it and I can’t wait to get to work. Taking complete control over my program was a first for me, and an eye-opening experience, but to be in direct contact with all my sponsors is a cool position to be in. I now have some amazing opportunities to help develop and test new products with awesome brands and build long and lasting relationships. From Forbidden in Canada and DHaRCO in Australia, to those closer to home like Adrenalin Uplift and Cullen Kilshaw [Solicitors], I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone for believing in me and supporting my endeavors this year!”— Lewis Buchanan

Lewis Buchanan s Forbidden Druid ready for the 2020 season.
Lewis Buchanan s Forbidden Druid ready for the 2020 season.

Lewis Buchanan s Forbidden Druid ready for the 2020 season.
Lewis Buchanan s Forbidden Druid ready for the 2020 season.

Lewis is supported by: TRP Cycling, OneUp Components, Smith Optics, SDG Components, ethirteen components, DHaRCO, Maxxis, Muc-Off, Renthal, crankbrothers, Ride Concepts, Mudhugger, Adrenalin Uplift and Cullen Kilshaw.

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Photos: Innes Graham
Video: Tommy Caldwell


Posted In:
Racing and Events Racing Rumours Forbidden Lewis Buchanan


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108 Comments
  • 68 5
 Top boy, top looking bike! Ill be rooting for you bud.
  • 9 2
 Agreed, nice riding and such a beautiful machine, if only it was more affordable... dreamy sigh.
  • 19 1
 @landscapeben: it's a "forbidden" bike bro... Frown
  • 3 1
 @landscapeben: I would say that the frame only option, £2900, is on par with other so-called boutique brands, plus you won't just blend in with the crowd.
  • 1 0
 @Gavalar66: true that, I didn't translate to GBP, rookie error!
  • 1 0
 @landscapeben: If you go to the UK site all details are there along with the other colour option, Gloss Moss.
  • 1 0
 @landscapeben: it's spendy, but on this side of the pond it's a bit less than the Santa Yeti Evils of the world. It's less than that newTransition too actually...
  • 20 2
 That is a sweet looking bike Lewis Buchanan, what a tease it has been in releasing this bike / ride set-up. From the video it looks like the bike absolutely rips. All the best for the upcoming season.
  • 3 0
 Lucky enough to have one - it rips!
  • 3 21
flag funkzander (Feb 27, 2020 at 12:25) (Below Threshold)
 beautiful bike but unrideable with that oldschool geo...slack st and steep ht angle
  • 1 1
 Russell - get yourself ready for an SES and you can riding with him!!
  • 6 0
 @funkzander: ...if you have limited bike handling skills. Guys are winning EWS events on bikes w/geo from 2016. You'd be surprised how little the industry knows about kinematics and geometry. A little guy named Chris Porter revolutionized the industry single handed. Slack HT angle is 'safe' and 'easy' but not necessarily fast...though, maybe for you. Most trails are not kamikaze trails or steep shoots, but technical, twisty, turns and require maneuvering. The kinematics and rear center on the Druid improves handling and stability through the travel. It is also, responsive quick and and wildly compliant at dynamic sag.
  • 1 0
 @funkzander: i dunno - the claimed STA is a real (actual!) one as opposed the claimed effective or virtual STAs of most other manufacturers which are often in the high 60s. I might prefer 77 or 78, but an actual angle of 76 should work for most people.
  • 1 0
 @funkzander: have you ridden one? No. Please shhhh
  • 3 1
 @downcountry: my comment was to be meant ironic and i knew some rednecks would not get it without an emoji. if i had the money for a druid i would be all over it. so long i have to ride my unrideable 5010 with 66,5 hta and 75 sta.
  • 3 0
 @funkzander: why are you targeting rednecks? I smoke weed and eat lentils.
  • 11 0
 My buddy just got it and has a few rides under his belt - its incredible in person and he's super comfy on it already.
  • 9 1
 Love those trails, going to miss them a lot. Too rider, Lew. Good luck mate for this season. Angry sheep style ...
  • 3 2
 Top rider, (typo)
Good soul too. Hope to see lots of videos on Yuotebu , Ahahahah
  • 8 1
 Bike looks ace and Lewis will take it to new levels for sure. Check out his youtube channel.
  • 7 0
 Coming soon in the Classified page, Ibis Ripley, lightly ridden on weekends
  • 7 2
 Having seen Lewis' Bike in the flesh all I can say is that it looks unbelievable and the pictures do not do it justice. All the Best this year Lad know your gonna smash it!!
  • 2 1
 Wicked video! Makes me rethink me take view on slacker / more travel. Maybe I need some lessons????

Oh! And amazing tunes that actually gel with the riding! ! What’s with the cheesy music the accompanies ibis videos :p

Congrats
  • 2 0
 E*thirteen must be hitting the bike companies with aggression! Seems like every complete is spec'd with their parts. I'm not complaining whatsoever. My YT with E*thirteen spec hasn't disappointed yet.
  • 5 1
 Its a sick looking bike, but isnt rear travel a bit short for EWS tho?
  • 13 0
 These things ride like a 150+ bike. It’s quite surreal.
  • 6 0
 I've heard they may be working on a longer travel beast.
  • 4 0
 I'm pretty sure hanks to the racing experience they will launch 150mm travel, or they have already just need to be tested on fields Smile
  • 3 0
 Travel isn't everything, it's what you do with it that counts.
  • 1 0
 @glasvagas: makes sense and I've heard that as well.... All the guys at WeAreOne are on this bike.
  • 1 0
 @jaydawg69: not all but most ????
  • 1 0
 @tricyclerider: yes...
  • 1 0
 @jaydawg69: sorry mate those weren’t supposed to be ???? It was an sunglasses face from my phone.
  • 4 0
 That's a nice looking push iron
  • 5 1
 Great bike, great rider!!! Good luck this season!
  • 3 0
 that thing is a ripper, i love the sound of how it works...good luck in the 2020 season!
  • 3 0
 I haven't seen a video where the bike really looks like it is doing something different. Looks amazing!
  • 6 1
 that was a lovely video
  • 4 0
 That must be the best edit I´ve seen in a while, pure shredding!
  • 2 0
 I've said it before and I'll say it again... that Druid is the best looking bike out there and it's awesome to see it get ridden the way it should
  • 3 0
 It may not be the best paying brand, but at least it is the best looking bike.
  • 4 1
 been training on a short travel all winter.....he'll be fine!
  • 4 0
 Rad video and rad bike.
  • 4 1
 Is LB21 who I think it is?
  • 3 0
 Sick Video Lew DOG! @LB21
  • 2 3
 Sick bike, sick rider. Good to see Forbidden moving forward in a good direction.

For everyone saying, I wish that there was a longer travel, alloy 27.5 HSP bike available out there, check out the www.craftworkscycles.com
  • 3 1
 Lost count of the times I've eyed that double at 2:00 and thought "Lewis... How?!"
  • 3 0
 That bike looks rapid! looking forward to see more of this!
  • 3 0
 The Forbidden Druid is hot!!
  • 3 1
 Forbidden Bikes and Dharco! I SAY YEAAAAAHHHHHHHH have a great season Lewis!
  • 3 2
 So excited for this news. Been a long time coming. Top rider & a top human. #respect
  • 1 0
 High pivot bikes will be the next big thing in the smaller travel world....
  • 2 0
 those new lever blades tho
  • 2 0
 Can’t wait to see how a 130 travel 29’r does on the EWS trails!
  • 1 0
 150+ version that pedals like new enduro
  • 1 0
 @jrocksdh: 150mm 29er would be dope!
  • 2 0
 Dude that vid was sick... he'll rip the series.
  • 1 1
 Epic edit - Bike looks insane, slight itch in my brain was the song choice though, sound was down for me on second watch.......soz
  • 1 0
 Doesn't look comfortable on that at all does he! Oooooooh those foot out turns, awesome
  • 1 0
 Not seen a 130mm bike on the EWS circuit in a while so it will be interesting to see how it gets on. Good luck Lewis!
  • 3 2
 Sweet vid, sweet rig for sure.
  • 1 0
 Great move from both of them!!
  • 1 0
 Photographer named "Innes Graham".. too appropriate.
  • 1 0
 Brakes un-needed. Great sign Owen, proper rider!
  • 1 0
 F*$k going slow. Thats how you ride a bike. Great stuff
  • 1 0
 LUCKY BASTARD
  • 1 0
 SIck riding!
  • 1 0
 that was very fast
  • 3 4
 I almost forgot about the GRIM DONUT.., then theres this....
  • 26 27
 Shame. It's a stunning bike...
  • 5 3
 Care to elaborate?
  • 10 10
 @Crossmaxx: www.instagram.com/p/B8_3E_PHL7i/?igshid=1t1hyxrjiir2q
  • 21 13
 @Crossmaxx: hey man, trolls will be trolls. As you can see the link to that profile is a trolling page & has made up that story and it did not occur is anyway shape or form like that. Very unfair to make a story that is completely not true. But I hope you enjoyed the edit man. Just clearing that up, I always put my best foot forward and represent my sponsors in a professional way on and off the track.

Cheers

Lew
  • 10 11
 @LB21
Shut up.
  • 12 7
 @LB21: The link in your profile, about a month ago, that you claimed to donate to Australian fire fighters, but actually went to your Patreon account? I saw and screenshotted it myself. Your story that was screenshotted and the Strava log from the hill in question? I pride myself on my honesty.
  • 8 4
 @getonyourbike: didn't know you could buy Pinkbike downvotes as well as insta likes... #thetruthwillbeheard
  • 17 16
 @getonyourbike: Hey man, look I had a link up to a facebook page for the Aussi fires while the post was running for few days. Once I began posting and the post got older after making further bike related stuff I then stuck up my own link for my patreon. You must have caught it at the wrong time and then jumped to conclusions and are twisting it. Quit hating and just mind your own business dude.
  • 14 5
 @LB21: Okay then. Lets see a proof of the donation?
  • 9 4
 @LB21: you sell broken bikes to children
  • 10 8
 @LB21: Now, now, what has your mum told you about lying? All taken on the same day. Get some balls www.pinkbike.com/u/lewisa10/album/Scummer
  • 13 8
 @lewisa10: What was he supposed to do? Keep the link there forever? At some point you have to put your link back in. It doesn't take a rocket science to see what link you're donating to.
  • 8 5
 @chriskneeland: there's forever and then there's more than two days ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
  • 3 11
flag connorwmtb (Feb 27, 2020 at 7:00) (Below Threshold)
 @lewisa10: Dude, you need to chill... why you hating?
  • 2 9
flag TheBearDen FL (Feb 27, 2020 at 8:18) (Below Threshold)
 @piersgritten: How many children can afford a bike?
  • 9 2
 @TheBearDen: idk but I wouldn't sell them a broken one, would you?
  • 4 8
flag TheBearDen FL (Feb 27, 2020 at 8:26) (Below Threshold)
 @piersgritten: I have sold a bike that 3 weeks later developed a inner head tube crack.
Nothing I could have seen coming or would of known about, so shit does happen.

You cant just make a comment like that without any other information.... Kinda sounds like the story in full wouldn't really play to your narrative so instead you just make some vague comment...
  • 9 3
 @TheBearDen: pretty vague reply, you don't play to anyone's narrative do you...
  • 5 8
 @LB21: Thanks, basically nothing to see here. All the best for your new chapter with Forbidden, the Druid would be my #1 pick if I had to get a new bike today.
  • 8 11
 @LB21: mate, good to see you sticking your hand up and doing sharing the link to the Aussie fires. The donation page that went up got a shit load of donations. People will read into what they read becayse whats on social media is 100% truth (apparently). Changing to your patreon page link was just caught by people at the wrong time, f*ck what they think mate! Good to see Aussie brand DHaRCO getting more and more wears out there away from Oz, they also supply MTB jerseys for the Defence Cycling club, so proof Mandi and Mathew are pushing their wears hard, I still remember them selking out of their van at local and regional races! Good luck this year bud!!
  • 7 0
 @constantly-broken: looks like lb21 deleted his profile.......
  • 4 8
flag tracy22 (Feb 28, 2020 at 6:16) (Below Threshold)
 Pathetic
  • 7 10
 @LB21: don’t let the haters bother you . Pathetic people lying because they’re a Jealous . Pretty disgusting but rise above it .
  • 6 9
 @piersgritten: think you need to stop with the lying .
  • 5 1
 @tracy22: he's not bothered - has deleted any accounts that may or may not have incriminating evidence.
  • 8 8
 @tracy22: agreed. So I change links to my insta page quite a bit, goes from my main sponsor, to other things I am doing, such as supporting veteran charities, changes frequently and is always something I am passionate about. just a shame so many keyboard warriors out there want to bully and troll people from behind their keyboards. Keyboard warriors and trolls should have their comments reviewed by pinkbike and deleted where it seems that one person is pushing hate speech. Down vote me, dont care. Until you get out and support charities yourselves, STFU you toilet sheds. Rise above Lewis, screw the haters in the rectum with a cactus.
  • 3 5
 @piersgritten:
So you gonna tell us the rest of your story about the broken bike he sold?
  • 4 6
 Minion DHF on the front and Assegai rear.... yeah ok
  • 4 0
 I saw recently many riders using that combo : DHF front / Assegai rear
  • 6 1
 Fairly common setup
  • 1 4
 @meathooker:
@enduro29jeff:
So Richie Rude must be doing it wrong?
Surely you would want that grip monster (Assegai) on the front?
  • 3 0
 @sambobcat: no wrong or right, if it works for them in the conditions they ride in, why not?
  • 6 9
 CONGRATULATIONS, top rider, top YouTube content, racing season around the corner, LET'S AVE IT !!
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