Forbidden Bike Company is a specialist bicycle brand focused primarily on aggressive mountain bikes. Its range covers short-travel trail riding, enduro, downhill, and full-power e-MTBs, with a smaller selection of titanium hardtails and all-terrain frames.
The company is closely associated with high-pivot suspension, rearward axle paths, and idler-equipped drivetrains. Those features make Forbidden particularly relevant to riders who prioritize control in rough, fast terrain. The catalog is relatively focused and sits toward the premium end of the market, so these are purpose-driven bikes rather than broadly affordable options for casual trail riding.
What Forbidden Makes
Forbidden sells complete bicycles and frame kits, although availability and build choices vary by model and region.
- Reya short-travel, full-suspension trail bikes with 120mm of rear travel and 29-inch wheels
- Druid high-pivot trail and all-mountain bikes in full-29 and mixed-wheel configurations
- Dreadnought high-pivot enduro and bike-park bikes
- Supernought downhill race bikes with full-29 and mixed-wheel options
- Druid E full-power all-mountain e-bikes using the Avinox drive system
- Dreadnought E long-travel, full-power e-MTBs intended for steep and demanding terrain
- Limited-run titanium frames, including the Heathen aggressive hardtail and Puritan all-terrain bike
Proportional Sizing, With and Without an Idler
Forbidden’s OneRide sizing system changes the rear-center measurement between frame sizes rather than using one chainstay length across the entire range. Larger sizes receive progressively longer rear centers, along with other size-specific geometry changes. The intent is to keep the rider’s position and front-to-rear weight distribution more consistent as frame size increases.
This matters because a Forbidden should be sized using more than reach alone. The longer rear center on a larger frame can create a more centered position and additional stability, but it can also require more effort to lift or reposition the rear wheel. Riders who prefer a short, highly maneuverable back end should compare the complete geometry chart and arrange a test ride if possible.
Many of the brand’s full-suspension bikes use its Trifecta high-pivot layout. As the suspension compresses, the rear axle moves backward and the effective wheelbase grows. An idler redirects the chain near the main pivot, allowing Forbidden to control pedaling behavior and reduce the pedal feedback that would otherwise accompany substantial chain growth.
That system brings additional hardware into the drivetrain. The idler is a wear item, and the chain, pulley, guide, and surrounding hardware need to remain clean and correctly adjusted. Independent testing has also identified some additional drivetrain noise or resistance, particularly when the chain is dry or on models using a lower guide pulley. Riders seeking the simplest possible drivetrain may prefer the non-idler Reya or one of the titanium hardtails.
What to Know Before Buying
Wheel configuration deserves careful attention. A Forbidden offered in both 29-inch and mixed-wheel form may require specific dropouts, chainstays, or other model-dependent hardware; changing only the rear wheel can alter bottom-bracket height, tire clearance, and handling. Follow the approved configuration for the exact frame generation.
Suspension components also need to match Forbidden’s limits for shock dimensions, stroke, mounting hardware, fork travel, and axle-to-crown length. The company publishes detailed technical information, but specifications differ across Druid, Dreadnought, Supernought, and their respective generations.
Check replacement-part access before buying, especially for an older frame. Idler pulleys, guides, frame hardware, modular dropouts, protectors, and suspension links are more specialized than ordinary drivetrain components. A local shop can service the conventional components, but model-specific frame parts may need to come from Forbidden or an authorized dealer.
For an electric model, confirm that local support is available for its specific Avinox drive-system generation. Battery choice, firmware, diagnostics, controls, and replacement electrical components add considerations beyond normal suspension and drivetrain service.
Forbidden will make the most sense to an aggressive trail, enduro, or downhill rider who values a centered riding position and is willing to maintain a more specialized chassis. Someone prioritizing low cost, minimal drivetrain complexity, or easy parts substitution may be better served by a more conventional suspension platform from a larger dealer-supported brand.
Verified brand information
Forbidden at a glance
Company, ownership, warranty, and support details collected from official brand sources.
Last reviewed
August 17, 2026
Company
Identity & ownership
- Headquarters
- Canada
- Operating status
- Active
Ownership support
Warranty, service & dealers
Share support experience- Support region
- US
- Warranty region
- US
- Original owner required
- Yes
- Transferable
- No
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