Forbidden Announces Details for New Supernought DH Bike

Dec 5, 2023 at 22:01
by ForbiddenBike  

PRESS RELEASE: Forbidden

Finally, the big cat is completely out of the bag. It’s been a while since our prototype DH bike was first spotted on the WC stage under Connor Fearon. Since then we’ve been honing every detail and specification to ensure this bike is comprised purely of the material needed to deliver a fighter jet of a downhill mountain bike. There is no filler here, folks. This bike is designed and built for a single purpose: Get you down the hill faster.

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So, what happens when you ride a bike equipped with the industry’s most refined high pivot design and 205mm of rear wheel travel You remain composed and comfortable across the knottiest root balls and rowdiest rock gardens. You develop a new penchant for committing to corner speeds and line choices that old-you would never dream of. You go in over your head and get out with a shit-eating grin. You get a DH bike with zero compromises.

You get Supernought.

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No more mystery, no more prototypes, no more guessing what the name, chainstay lengths, or head tube angles are. Just the facts, tables, and graphs.

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Supernought is available in two colour options: VOL. 4 and White Noise.


Sizing and Geo
S1-4 sizes are available. Frame kits will only be available in MX wheel configuration. For now...

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One Ride
The industry's only truly scaled sizing. Our front centre and rear centre measurements grow in proportion. Every bike exhibits the intended on trail riding characteristics regardless of the size.

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Bias Adjust
Straight from the World Cup pits. By using modular dropouts we've added another level of performance tuning to your ride. Dropouts are easily swapped for different wheel sizes as well as meaningful geometry and weight bias adjustments. MX or 29 wheel configuration and 0, +10mm, and -10mm adjustments are all made via modular dropouts. Allowing riders to customize weight bias and handling to suit riding style or terrain type. 200mm direct brake mount included as standard.


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V2 Trifecta Suspension Kinematics
The V2 Trifecta Platform allows us to fine-tune kinematics for each bike. Our Factory Team wanted more sensitivity and grip. So we delivered a DH-optimized leverage curve and braking characteristics. The result is a bike that begs you to stay off the brakes a little longer and remains completely composed when the anchors are dropped.

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Frame Kit Technical Specifications

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Frame Kit Highlights

Full Custom Plastics
A quiet bike is a fast bike and a clean bike is less prone to problems. We developed a full suite of custom frame plastics to stop the bashy bits from bashing, keep the noisy parts quiet and the messy spots free from crud. Fork bump stops and clamping ports secure derailleur cable and housing to eliminate rattling. Heavy duty shuttle and frame protection as well as chain protection are all engineered to handle the abuse of DH riding. The rear brake is externally routed for fast and easy removal and replacement.

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18T Steel Idler And Next Gen Race guide
Supernought sports an 18-tooth steel idler equipped with a solid lube bearing out of the box. The optimized tooth profile and our next-gen Race Guide are built to last and limit chain drop.

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Sensible Standards
We only use what makes sense from a design and durability standpoint. 83mm BB and 148mm boost spacing optimized for modern DH cassettes. 49mm Headtube to accommodate adjustable headsets. External brake routing. 200mm direct rear brake mount.

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Supernought Frame Kits are available through our network of dealer and distributor partners across the globe.

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Forbiddenbike.com
Riders: Connor Fearon
Video: Liam Morgan Max Mcculloch
Photography: Dave Trumpore

Author Info:
ForbiddenBike avatar

Member since Aug 13, 2018
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161 Comments
  • 163 2
 You guys didn't call it the Fearnought? So disappointed
  • 88 3
 To that I raise you: “juggernaut”
  • 20 0
 Oooh Fearnought is brilliant!
  • 4 2
 @AidenGordon: This was the correct answer
  • 10 4
 There were rumors last year about it being called the Megalodon, I wish they would have used that name instead!
  • 9 1
 I was absolutely expecting it to be called the "Juggernaut".
  • 33 0
 As much as these names are great... Naming it after a Black Sabbath song is also great.
  • 9 0
 That's not the name of one of the best Sabbath songs ever...
  • 22 1
 Or the Readyornought?
  • 48 0
 Ebike = Doughnaught
  • 4 0
 Brought to the front of my mind Dragonaut by Sleep.
  • 2 0
 @dfbland: And only the tiniest snippet of it in the vid? The big opening riff would fit perfectly with a bit of Fearon corner smashing
  • 4 0
 Psychonaught.... do you even trip bro
  • 1 5
flag polarflux (Dec 7, 2023 at 19:18) (Below Threshold)
 Dreadnaught!
  • 6 0
 Garlic Nought with Vampire graphics
  • 3 0
 all-for-naught
  • 13 0
 The lack of Sabbath fans here making me sad
  • 2 0
 @Chickenwithshovel: Ya, perfect song for shreddin... Very missed opportunity.
  • 1 0
 @ForbiddenBike why are the photos private so that we can't fave them!? Come on guys!!
  • 3 0
 Maybe the “Dread-more”
  • 1 0
 @warrenmtb: Maybenaught Smile
  • 65 1
 That white noise is hot

I’ll save everyone the google, they’re very proud of it..
$4300 frameset
  • 26 1
 White noise paired with a 24 red BoXXer, the dream.
  • 1 0
 @rick26: my thoughts exactly
  • 44 0
 Always impressive to see small/med brands invest so much money into multiple size carbon molds for a DH frame. For low a low volume category, it truly shows a commitment to DH.
  • 40 1
 So many good looking bikes nowadays!! Too bad I live in Florida
  • 161 16
 Lack of elevation is the least of your worries in Florida
  • 15 0
 @FloridaHasMTBToo, this is where you come in
  • 1 0
 Santos/Alafia!
  • 29 0
 At least you got GTA 6 before everyone else by just going outside.
  • 1 1
 @kilgore-trout: lol.. it’s actually my only worry. The beach gets old real quick
  • 2 0
 @thenotoriousmic: underrated comment
  • 34 1
 Good looking frame, I'm sure it's great. But please, marketing folks. Stop saying anything in any frame design has zero compromises. MTB frame design is all about balancing compromises. Every decision is a compromise.
  • 18 0
 Geezus - what a name.. what a (1970's) song! But seriously.. why not use the actual song in the video? That iconic Black Sabbath faded out shot... +10 for the nostalgia.. VOL4 was / is an all time metal album bar none.
  • 6 0
 Probably for copyright reasons. Although it is a shame the song chosen wasn't a bit more Sabbath-esque.
  • 4 0
 @danprisk: Ty has some other work that's Sabbath-esque. Check out one of his side projects, band is called Fuzz. I'd recommend their album "Fuzz II".
  • 1 0
 @rocky-x: Fuzz rules! Plus a fun fact: Ty actually has a "VOL 4" tattoo which brings it all together haha
  • 17 0
 This is way off in the outskirts of things I should care about in this article, but I like the anti-squat graph that shows a "field" with the gear ranges. Wish more companies did that.
  • 23 4
 Have to be the son or daughter of BC landlord to be able to afford this one.
  • 3 0
 Or an actual BC landlord who still feels the warm breeze of youth, even if it is only that, a feeling. (Disclaimer, I'm not a landlord but am a middle aged DH bike owner)
  • 2 0
 Or descendant of First Sea Lord John Fisher
  • 18 1
 No front derailleur mount? I'm out.
  • 1 1
 There’s not even a rear derailleur mount…
  • 22 12
 So Dreadnought means 'fear nothing'. Cool name for a bike that gives you confidence to ride everything.

Then they come up with Supernought? 'Super nothing'? I get that it is a very similar bike to the Dread, but sometime I think names need to be considered a bit more.
  • 9 1
 If you think deep, it means... Super-Dreadnought.
  • 1 2
 @coloradohaze: This would have been a better name.
  • 4 2
 @coloradohaze: You’re thinking to much about it. They just fumble the branding…such a shame.
  • 14 1
 I see the problem. You're reading the words like a basic literate person reads words. Instead, parse supernought as a homophone for supernaut and then remember that that's a song recorded in 1972 but substituting 'nought' evokes the related bike. Meaning, phui, the internet is about references.
  • 4 0
 It is spelt a bit differently, but Supernaut is a Black Sabbath song.
  • 2 0
 @Snfoilhat: If it was named in tribute to the Black Sabbath song, I assume there might be some reference to that in their unveiling video? If there is, I dont see it.
  • 3 2
 Hightower is to Megatower as Dreadnought is to Supernought.
  • 5 0
 @Stredda: These guys love metal, in particular drone metal, just look at their shirt prints. So them naming a bike after a Sabbath song but adjusting it to have some of that Dreadnought nomenclature baked in is kind of perfect.
  • 9 0
 @shoreboy1866:There are a few actually. VOL 4 the Colour way, is the name of the album Supernaut is on. And the song that plays on the radio at the start is Supernaut. Couple clever easter eggs for those that can pick up on them.
  • 2 6
flag Snfoilhat (Dec 7, 2023 at 15:41) (Below Threshold)
 @shoreboy1866: I would have to ask my dad, he's the sabbath fan. He's 67
  • 2 0
 @coloradohaze: Super-Deluxe-Ultimate-Dreadnought+ (with sucker-cups).
  • 1 0
 @marrrty: Oh cool! I stand corrected then. I missed the tune on the radio at the start.
  • 2 0
 Dreadnaught was also the first modern battleship build in the early 20th century with the idea to be able to punch through everything. But as the other comments said, name seems the weakest thing about this bike where you have the obvious choice of juggernaut (fictional unstoppable force), could be copyrighted though
  • 2 4
 @winko: why bother with a nought theme at all though? Just give the bike its own distinct name. They fumbled this one.
  • 2 0
 @marrrty: the font is also the Vol. 4 font!
  • 1 0
 They're just setting themselves up for future models.

Supernaught
Deluxenaught
Ultimatenaught

Also, gotta say I'm blown away by the Dreadnaught GX team build. $3750 for ultimate everything, axs, i9 hubs. How.
  • 2 1
 @pinkbert: Great clear-out deal... because V2 is coming soon and only size small left.
  • 1 0
 @winko: Close, Dreadnought ships were the first "all big gun", removing smaller intermediate weapons to make space for more, larger barrels.

Superdreadnought was an evolution with much larger guns.
  • 1 2
 well I didn't expect to see my dad who is 67 and is a black sabbath fan getting downvoted, so here's something you can vote on. That trilly guitar solo in supernaut is corny af Big Grin
  • 1 0
 @alexsin: if they were so into metal they would have made the bike from actually....metal
  • 1 1
 A dreadnought is a battleship you dingus, doesn’t mean “fear nothing” in this case
  • 9 0
 Don’t care that it’s too much I want it. Just about perfect geo and sizing (for me atleast). If the ride quality is like a Dreadnaught with 50 more travel I can’t imagine how insane this will be.
  • 14 3
 Wondering how many younger people know what black Sabbath is
  • 4 2
 Based on the comments... None
  • 9 0
 I wanted to raise my hand but then realized my geriatric shoulder would play up again if I did.
  • 1 0
 @hubertje-ryu: that’s hilarious, same
  • 1 0
 You know you’re old when you start saying stuff like this. Maybe it’s me
  • 8 0
 Just a few letters away from being a Black Sabbath song (or the excellent Ministry/1000 DJs cover).
  • 12 0
 There's a reason one of the colours is called Vol4 and the font choice is what it is ;-)
  • 5 0
 @podderz: wild that ppl are missing this... was immediate blast from the past of listening to my dad's old vinyl records in the basement volume at 11..
  • 7 0
 Full review and DH bike group test asap please. I'll probably never buy another DH bike but I'll read the shit out of every single one.
  • 7 0
 The Black Sabbath of downhill mountain bikes, loving this name.
  • 6 0
 I can't wait till the new dreadnought comes out with new revised suspension layout like this and druid
  • 3 0
 Same. I'm waiting for it to upgrade my dread.
  • 1 0
 @Matturalistic: is coooommmminnnngggggg
  • 5 1
 Those Forbidden bikes seem to want to stay on the ground and be generally planted, this seems like the perfect application for the susp. design. Looks hot too, esp that white one
  • 9 0
 I've only got a few rides on my Druid V2 but I've found it to have plenty of will to pop so far.
  • 1 0
 @PhoS: Interesting! What rear shock are you using?
  • 3 0
 @PhoS: gotta agree with you there! Only had my Druid v2 for a week and what an overly capable fun bike it is!
  • 2 0
 @j-p-i: FloatX
  • 2 0
 No problem getting my V2 off the ground. Pop comes from the legs.
  • 1 0
 I coiled mine to make it more planted. I prefer riding chunk over jumps.
  • 1 0
 @PhoS: dreadnought is way more grounded, that thing is a total ground hugger
  • 1 0
 My Druid v1 with EXT is mega playful !
  • 4 0
 Looks rad!

Someone, anyone, tell me why DH bikes have shorter reaches than enduro bikes? Is it to avoid the rocking horse effect from so much travel and a longer front end?
  • 5 1
 Enduro bikes need more weight over the front to hold traction going uphill Downhill bikes are going to be mostly pointed downhill, so your weight is already on the front end and needs to be more evenly distributed
  • 1 0
 @luckynugget: I do acknowledge that an enduro bike does need to be designed to climb but I think the biggest part of that has been a steeper seat angle. A steeper seat angle does mean that the top tube will shrink so that does mean growing reach would grow the cockpit. Counterpoint to that is many of the full on enduro bikes are really designed and optimized for descending and so I'd have expected more convergence on geometry than I feel we've seen between DH and enduro bikes.
  • 4 0
 @heatproofgenie: Interesting point, most EWS racers size down relative to what their sponsor's sizing chart recommends. I think it's more about how steep your trails are and what percentage of your time you're riding very steep trails. I think if you're spending most of your time on steep trails (like on a DH bike), there's a real downside to having a sprawling reach number.
  • 5 0
 Chainstays that may be the same length as the reach when sagged? That is a level of bizarre I want to at least experience...
  • 4 0
 Holy chainstay length, Batman
  • 1 0
 Same. Would really like to spend some time with that kind of setup.
  • 4 0
 short(er) riders run this type of geometry every day (ie, most size small frames have this type of front/rear balance, if not even more so offset). let's ask them! maybe we taller riders are off the back (literally) in regards to chassis balance.
  • 1 0
 @xy9ine: we are
  • 5 0
 SuperNaughty boi - Congrats on the launch!
  • 4 2
 Being a huge Forbidden fan (without having actually I owned one) I would have a very hard time picking between this and the new V10 because the frameset is within $500 CAD of eachother. Both these colours are hot!
  • 5 0
 With a name like that you'd think it's april first already
  • 4 0
 What's up with the sizing? The average north-american male is 5'10", which would fall somewhere in between S2 - S3.
  • 1 0
 I loved my V1 Druid, I love my Dreadnought... this thing has to be amazing! It sure looks it. I will say though, the frame pricing is pretty high. I normally ride a Demo Race DH bike, which is amazing, I know it's not carbon but the frame is like $1300 less...
  • 2 1
 What a miss with that name. Dreadnought was the first of a new style of battleship, a revolution, creating a whole naming scheme after it (being the first of its kind). The "Super Dreadnought" was basically an evolution of the Dreadnought type battleship.

USS Texas is the last remaining Dreadnought in existence, and an active museum.
  • 4 0
 Ministry does a great cover of Supernaut
  • 1 0
 There's a version out there as well with Trent Reznor on vocals instead of Al. It's an early demo for the 1000 Homo DJs project. Since that was a one-off, Al stuck to covering it with Ministry in roughly the same form, and we get to enjoy it to this day. woo!
  • 4 0
 Thou’s cover is epic.
  • 1 0
 @monkeynaut: yeah, that version is great too but figured less people would get 1000 Homo DJ's reference vs Ministry. They played Supernaut (plus several Pailhead songs) the last tour and it was awesome. I saw that they were going to be playing at Cruel World and it says they'll be doing songs from With Sympathy and Twitch
  • 2 0
 I have been waiting for this bike and love almost everything forbidden did with it except for the colors. I am very not into this color scheme...
  • 1 1
 My beef with variable chain stay length bikes is knowing which size has the listed travel. Which of these frame sizes actually has 205 mm of travel? What is the travel of the other frame sizes? Also, there is a higher lever ratio acting on the shock for heavier riders, which is the opposite of what you want…
  • 3 0
 Upon further inspection, I take back my comment with regards to this bike. It looks like they retain the suspension kinematic of all the sizes by shifting all of the pivots and shock mounts backwards along with the chainstay. I hope this is how other brands have achieved variable chain stay length as well
  • 1 0
 Sooo, what’s the deal with the 83mm BB/12x148mm rear hub combo? Usually others combine this BB with superboost, some have even went with a 73mm BB and superboost, but Forbidden are doing it the other way around…
  • 3 0
 Finally I can post a positive comment!
  • 3 0
 F*ck yes Forbidden, F*ck yes.
  • 2 0
 wow, this is beautiful. From what I have heard about their other bikes, I can only imagine how this thing rides!
  • 1 0
 I was hoping they were going to keep going with the witchcraft theme and call it either the Mage or Sage. Or go with a Simpsons reference and call it the Donut.
  • 8 0
 doughnought?
  • 4 0
 Was Astro taken?
  • 2 0
 I was more then a little disappointed I didn't here some Black Sabath.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xFc86tzFG4
  • 1 0
 Saw them testing this bike at highland this summer! Super cool looking in person too!
  • 2 0
 Well. Looks like a Forbidden.
  • 2 0
 Give us a Dreadnought or give us nothing!
  • 3 0
 Juggernaut
  • 2 0
 SUPER NUT
  • 2 1
 Size specific everything is awesome.
  • 2 0
 Superhot
  • 1 0
 I recognize that old theatre
  • 1 0
 10/10 just for the paint scheme.
  • 1 0
 That video fucking ruled!
  • 1 0
 That downtube protector needs to extend another 5cm over the BB shell.
  • 1 0
 Wow, in before the “you don’t need a dh bike at Trestle” comments
  • 1 0
 That is one Supernaughty Forbidden
  • 1 0
 Shoulda named it the Juggernought
  • 1 0
 Best looking high pivot on sale. And those paint jobs are fantastic!
  • 1 1
 Not so sure about those short reach numbers for the S3. They seem a little short.
  • 3 0
 The high stack would make that feel bigger than it looks on paper
  • 1 0
 I like the stickers............
(not even sarcasm)
  • 1 0
 Nice video. Love the concept. Conor is rad - Bike rips!
  • 1 0
 BB drop -10mm. In linkage x3 this is above the wheelaxles.
  • 1 0
 475mm chainstays. Must be some kind of a record.
  • 1 0
 That white though….dayyyyyyyummmm
  • 1 0
 How is it off drops in Andorra?
  • 1 0
 ah yes, this is the new Devinci Wilson without a split pivot........ ?
  • 2 2
 I’m drooling over this. And hellllll yeah, it’s not super boost!
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome Drool
  • 4 5
 Will these be available in grown up sizes? 488mm reach for an XL?
  • 2 0
 This. I know that short kings love their bikes, but please, once people catch on and start running a 18mm bar clamp, 488 is like a Large at best.
  • 1 0
 @lukemech: I ride a s3 druid v2 but my supreme v5 in large has 488 reach. So yeah I would be a s4 on this.
  • 2 0
 @Austink: yeah, I'm 6'2" with a long torso, and ride an XL Transition with a Rulezman 18mm bar clamp. I don't ride tight trails, just dh track or really steep fall line, and it works wonders. I'm no racer, I don't need a tight playfull bike, I need something to help me survive and the long TT and wheelbase do just that
  • 1 0
 @lukemech: the long torso is what does it. Im 6 foot but with short legs and long torso. Very few bikes are sized for our body type.
  • 1 2
 At 185cm/6 feet and 0.84 inches, I am too tall for this bike.
  • 2 4
 Just make it a 203mm rear mount. It’s Sram that needs to change. Not everyone else.
  • 1 3
 Kids bikes next please!
  • 3 5
 Supernought gunna buy it
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