A new brew of high pivot witchcraft: the Forbidden Druid V2 has been refined from the top down. Running 130mm of “Trifecta” high-pivot suspension, the V2 has a more supple feel at the top of its travel, maintains a supportive mid stroke that lets you chase away your demons, and becomes more progressive at the end stroke so you can push harder than you ever thought a 130mm travel bike would let you.

It became evident early on that people were riding the V1 harder than it was originally designed for, so the V2 incorporates a half degree slacker head tube angle (now 65 degrees), a 10mm longer reach, and a ~30mm longer wheelbase. These are all distributed proportionally, thanks to Forbidden-exclusive weight-balanced frame sizing, which not only offers different seat tube angles depending on the frame size, but scales the entire rear triangle so that different size riders experience the same dialed-in weight distribution.

The attention to detail that brings us proportional sizing is given to all areas of the frame. Unlike the V1, the new suspension layout never requires more than a normal length chain, and the new swing-arm is fully protected to make it completely quiet. The new pivot in the seatstay and the new linkage design allow for reduced pedal kickback while descending and increased traction while climbing, all while gaining efficiency and avoiding a lower chain-guide. Whereas the first Druid was known for its ground-hugging characteristics and all-out speed, the V2 introduces an element of playfulness that the critics of Forbidden’s 100% rearward axle path wouldn’t have thought possible.

A bike that offers all the pop and acceleration that come from shorter travel, while offering the stability and bump-eating capacity that Forbidden’s high-pivot witchcraft offers, the new Druid is a truly revolutionary design. Build up yours custom in our bike builder, and taste Forbidden’s high-pivot witchcraft.