@@finroddd @nic.adv I'll second this. I've been on the v1 dreadnought since April (used) and it's incredible but hard to justify upgrading the frame without a comprehensive long term review on the v2.
Great vid. I am a big proponent of supporting the independent bike manufacturers. I spent 30 years on Spesh, but I am against the industry giants and the big conglomerates now. They are why the bike industry is hurting. That's why I went w a Rocky Mountain bike now.
@@NICADV Will be interested in what you thought about Druid v2 vs Dreadnought for climbing once you've got more miles on it. Like PNW I have to do a good amount of climbing to get to the fun stuff
@@ChristopherBloom They will be back but smaller. Getting finances together ahead of looming tariffs to make it through the long haul, or they will get absorbed by a big bike conglomerate. That is my prediction.
Nice! I thinks it's cool/helpful the way you review bikes. Definitely best to just skim over specs and then go into design and how certain features will play out on the performance and ride characteristics, and then actually go out and ride the bike and tell us how it feels and then compares to other bikes in the category. Cheers!
Thanks! I try to go into specs and design a little more on these first ride impressions videos so I can do even more comparisons and reliability on the long term videos. PS. SB165 video is done in Lefthand, I don't have exact trail names.
Hey man there actually is in frame storage! You just got to unscrew that lower down tube protector. While not the most convenient it makes routing cable easier and I’ve been able to fit a decent amount of stuff in there.
Got the dreadv1 and recently bought a druidv2 as well. From what I heard, the difference between the druidv1 and v2 ist basically just more endless travel but besides that, they do feel similar. If that is true for both v2 variants as well, I might just say the v2 druid feels a lot more agile and nimble than that dreadv1, although its almost as long in S4 vs XL. While the v1 dread feels extremely plush and planted on hard descents, it lacks the livelyness. There is at least for me a huge difference in pedaling performance. I use XT/XTR on both the druidv2 and dreadv1, same stock idler pulley and same hope tech bottom braket with comparable tires. Still the Dreadv1 is noticablely harder to pedal uphill for whatever reason. Seems to be a lot of stress on the idler where the chain makes an almost 90 degree turn downwards. In comparison the druids idler is a good way further back in relation to the chainring. If the prices fall I might switch that old dreadv1 workhorse for a v2.. Would love to see a purple colour
I definitely think the new suspensions make for a more lively descent and easier to change direction. It is also a decent upgrade for climbing. Purple would be cool, I'll be excited to see the new colors.
Buddy and I traded his v2 Druid and my v2 Dread for some laps. There’s very little in it. The v2 Druid descends shockingly well for a 130 and the v2 dread climbs shockingly well for a 160. The most salient difference is that the dread has more in reserve for smashing, but until you get to that point they honestly feel like the same bike.
They are similar in suspension feel. I'm currently playing with the dropouts on the Forbidden and surprised how the suspension changes. I'm hoping to put together some more comparison videos soon.
@@topomedia_ thanks, I’ll have a better idea in a few weeks. It’s definitely more plush than the Nomad, similar to the Meta. Still lively, like both those bikes. I like the useable adjustments with the dropouts, but not sure how often it would matter.
Yo Nic, also about 3 rides in on my dreadnought V2. There is small frame storage on the down tube as there was with the V1, not much but something. With regards to wear and tear I would keep an eye on the rear triangle pivot points with the frame. After 3 rides I already have wear into the carbon (minor), whether it is frame on frame or something happened to get stuck in the pivots (2 spots show wear, one on each side) and wear into the carbon I am unsure.
I want to get some more time on it, but especially in the straight line rough the Forbidden suspension feels a bit more consistent. I'll be going more in-depth Slash vs Dreadnought vs Nomad etc in the long term review.
How do you like the Dreadnought so far in comparison to the Chainsaw (cost aside)? I'm between these two for my next bike. I mainly ride bike parks all over New England. Also, did you like the medium size on the chainsaw? I'm 5'10 and trying to decide on medium or large for that bike. I test rode a large and it didn't seem to bad. No medium available to compare though. Thanks!
I think the Dreadnought's suspension is a solid step up. After riding both sizes, I do prefer the medium for bike park riding, but I tend to like a smaller more playful bike. I could see how the large would be better if I wanted to race. The large Dreadnought has a similar reach to the Chainsaw medium when both are setup mullet but it did feel more stable at high speed. Last note, I warrantied my Devinci is July and because of the recall am still waiting.
@@NICADV Thanks for the input! I really respect Devinci for doing the recall. So many bike manufacturers with similar issues and not a peep out of them. Sucks that it's taking so long for a replacement though. I work in a bike shop and we carry Devinci. I recently got an email from our rep that they will have the new front triangles ready after Christmas and will start shipping out soon after the New Year. First wave to consumers and second/third waves to bike shops. So hopefully you should see something soon!
@ My point is the prices are too high. Although I said I would not get an e-bike at this time, I decided to get into the market because who knows what the future holds. It’s a Pivot LT team Shimano, full XTR, full FOX factory and it was a steal for the price and what it came specked with. I’m sure the Forbidden is a great bike and design, but as a peddle bike is the technology really worth it❓This applies to all brands.
Great looking bike, and I'm sure it rides amazing but imo Forbidden is way off in how they have spec'd their lineup. Having lower end suspension and brakes but then adding SRAM Transmission on the lower builds makes zero sense to me
I can't argue with that, I'd love to see some Shimano builds but I understand based on the company's size. The mid tier build though is pretty killer. The differences between Select+ suspension and Ultimate is minimal.
Completely agree. Their builds are suboptimal. Maybe you could sell the gx transmission and put on a x01 cassette, gx derailleur and some cranks for a $200-$300 savings but that's a lot of work for a new bike. *work in terms of selling stuff, not the actual work of swapping parts - that's easy
very good move by Forbidden to provide you with the bike. I will be really glad when the long term review is ready.
@@finroddd thanks, 🤞I can stretch my time with this one!
@@NICADV pls, do so! There are not so many reviews of this bike - neither first impressions, nor long terms. So your reviews are needed.
@@finroddd @nic.adv I'll second this. I've been on the v1 dreadnought since April (used) and it's incredible but hard to justify upgrading the frame without a comprehensive long term review on the v2.
@@applicablerobot I am very much interested with Dreadnought v1 - so please, share some highlights, pls! Will be very grateful! Thanks!
Can't wait to see this on the trail! Sick meeting you that one time at Raging!
@@terr256 nice meeting you as well, may hit up raging today. Soon in any case!
Great vid. I am a big proponent of supporting the independent bike manufacturers. I spent 30 years on Spesh, but I am against the industry giants and the big conglomerates now. They are why the bike industry is hurting. That's why I went w a Rocky Mountain bike now.
Wow that's a long time. I agree, competition is good for the industry.
@@NICADV Will be interested in what you thought about Druid v2 vs Dreadnought for climbing once you've got more miles on it. Like PNW I have to do a good amount of climbing to get to the fun stuff
@@r.handerlie9607 I'll let you know, but so far so good.
RIP Rocky Mountain :(
@@ChristopherBloom They will be back but smaller. Getting finances together ahead of looming tariffs to make it through the long haul, or they will get absorbed by a big bike conglomerate. That is my prediction.
Nice! I thinks it's cool/helpful the way you review bikes. Definitely best to just skim over specs and then go into design and how certain features will play out on the performance and ride characteristics, and then actually go out and ride the bike and tell us how it feels and then compares to other bikes in the category. Cheers!
Thanks! I try to go into specs and design a little more on these first ride impressions videos so I can do even more comparisons and reliability on the long term videos.
PS. SB165 video is done in Lefthand, I don't have exact trail names.
Such a good looking bike. Love that color way. 🤩
Yeah, pretty big fan
Hey man there actually is in frame storage! You just got to unscrew that lower down tube protector. While not the most convenient it makes routing cable easier and I’ve been able to fit a decent amount of stuff in there.
@@ethanrevitch 😂found it, 35 pictures on their sight and no mention.
@ yeah always found it weird they didn’t advertise it at all because it’s pretty cool.
I am thinking about getting a Forbidden Dreadnought from fanatik
I don't think you'll be disappointed. What are you on now?
@@NICADV a polygon collosus n7
@@rat-rq5qv Nice, I think you'll be stoked. Let me know how it goes.
@@NICADV mum said no 😭😭😭
@@rat-rq5qv 🤣
Nice bike👍
Got the dreadv1 and recently bought a druidv2 as well. From what I heard, the difference between the druidv1 and v2 ist basically just more endless travel but besides that, they do feel similar. If that is true for both v2 variants as well, I might just say the v2 druid feels a lot more agile and nimble than that dreadv1, although its almost as long in S4 vs XL. While the v1 dread feels extremely plush and planted on hard descents, it lacks the livelyness. There is at least for me a huge difference in pedaling performance. I use XT/XTR on both the druidv2 and dreadv1, same stock idler pulley and same hope tech bottom braket with comparable tires. Still the Dreadv1 is noticablely harder to pedal uphill for whatever reason. Seems to be a lot of stress on the idler where the chain makes an almost 90 degree turn downwards. In comparison the druids idler is a good way further back in relation to the chainring.
If the prices fall I might switch that old dreadv1 workhorse for a v2.. Would love to see a purple colour
I definitely think the new suspensions make for a more lively descent and easier to change direction. It is also a decent upgrade for climbing. Purple would be cool, I'll be excited to see the new colors.
Buddy and I traded his v2 Druid and my v2 Dread for some laps. There’s very little in it. The v2 Druid descends shockingly well for a 130 and the v2 dread climbs shockingly well for a 160. The most salient difference is that the dread has more in reserve for smashing, but until you get to that point they honestly feel like the same bike.
Please talk about any noise from the high pivot over the long term
@@ark530abe 👍
Would love to see it compared to the rocky altitude
They are similar in suspension feel. I'm currently playing with the dropouts on the Forbidden and surprised how the suspension changes. I'm hoping to put together some more comparison videos soon.
Great vid, I just want to ask how does it compare to the Nomad and V5 SX?
@@topomedia_ thanks, I’ll have a better idea in a few weeks. It’s definitely more plush than the Nomad, similar to the Meta. Still lively, like both those bikes. I like the useable adjustments with the dropouts, but not sure how often it would matter.
Yo Nic, also about 3 rides in on my dreadnought V2. There is small frame storage on the down tube as there was with the V1, not much but something. With regards to wear and tear I would keep an eye on the rear triangle pivot points with the frame. After 3 rides I already have wear into the carbon (minor), whether it is frame on frame or something happened to get stuck in the pivots (2 spots show wear, one on each side) and wear into the carbon I am unsure.
@@macwashik2685 thanks, I just found it under all the cakes on mud. Good to know, I’ll keep an eye out for it.
There is in-frame storage. Just from the underside and a little tight
@@jawzzy3 🤣I found it, it’s just covered in mud
It has in frame storage - it's behind and under the bottom bracket.
@@mrsith1402 😅interesting I almost couldn’t see the thumb screw under the mud
I'd be curious what you think about the long chainstay. Do you find you have to ride it differently than say a 440 stay? Pros and cons?
@@certainperfectratio riding them today, I’ll let you know
thoughts between this bike and the Gen 6 Slash ? ... I'm LOVIN my Gen 6
I want to get some more time on it, but especially in the straight line rough the Forbidden suspension feels a bit more consistent. I'll be going more in-depth Slash vs Dreadnought vs Nomad etc in the long term review.
What would you put the added liveliness over the Druid down to?
I think it could be the tuning of Vivid air shock.
How do you like the Dreadnought so far in comparison to the Chainsaw (cost aside)? I'm between these two for my next bike. I mainly ride bike parks all over New England. Also, did you like the medium size on the chainsaw? I'm 5'10 and trying to decide on medium or large for that bike. I test rode a large and it didn't seem to bad. No medium available to compare though. Thanks!
I think the Dreadnought's suspension is a solid step up. After riding both sizes, I do prefer the medium for bike park riding, but I tend to like a smaller more playful bike. I could see how the large would be better if I wanted to race. The large Dreadnought has a similar reach to the Chainsaw medium when both are setup mullet but it did feel more stable at high speed. Last note, I warrantied my Devinci is July and because of the recall am still waiting.
@@NICADV Thanks for the input! I really respect Devinci for doing the recall. So many bike manufacturers with similar issues and not a peep out of them. Sucks that it's taking so long for a replacement though. I work in a bike shop and we carry Devinci. I recently got an email from our rep that they will have the new front triangles ready after Christmas and will start shipping out soon after the New Year. First wave to consumers and second/third waves to bike shops. So hopefully you should see something soon!
Wait a moment was the build the mullet version with the 471 reach?
Yes. I geo in the video is for the neutral dropouts, but I have all three to tryout.
Are you testing the 29er or the mullet?
@@chrisarmstrong7622 mullet
Have you reviewed the Ibis HD6? That may be a good comparison to these other bikes on your list
@ I have not. I would really love to swing a leg over one, but have not been able to yet…
There’s a Demo available at Full Cycle Bikes in Boulder 👍
@@chrisarmstrong7622 I may have to check it out next time I'm in CO. You know anyone there?
The lower spec bike for in the 5+g. price range. 😂 I just purchased a top spec e-bike for that same price. What makes more so sense ?
It really depends on the e-bike and if you want an e-bike. Currently the mid spec bike is just over 5 and the base is mid 4.
@ My point is the prices are too high. Although I said I would not get an e-bike at this time, I decided to get into the market because who knows what the future holds. It’s a Pivot LT team Shimano, full XTR, full FOX factory and it was a steal for the price and what it came specked with. I’m sure the Forbidden is a great bike and design, but as a peddle bike is the technology really worth it❓This applies to all brands.
Great looking bike, and I'm sure it rides amazing but imo Forbidden is way off in how they have spec'd their lineup. Having lower end suspension and brakes but then adding SRAM Transmission on the lower builds makes zero sense to me
I can't argue with that, I'd love to see some Shimano builds but I understand based on the company's size. The mid tier build though is pretty killer. The differences between Select+ suspension and Ultimate is minimal.
Unfortunately Shimano pricing is not competitive in the volumes Forbidden orders. However, they will have a non-AXS option available in 2025.
Completely agree. Their builds are suboptimal. Maybe you could sell the gx transmission and put on a x01 cassette, gx derailleur and some cranks for a $200-$300 savings but that's a lot of work for a new bike.
*work in terms of selling stuff, not the actual work of swapping parts - that's easy
@@applicablerobot Their drivetrain spec is the same as most other brands. I wouldn't want a GX RD as they have a battery contact issue.