Forbidden Dreadnought Mountain Bike [Rider Review]

As you probably have seen, the High Pivot suspension design has been a massive trend within the industry. Some of our employees swear by it, but if you don't want to take our word, see what one of our customers thinks about the Forbidden Dreadnought! 

Overview

So, I built a Forbidden Dreadnought. I’ve been on this bike for a couple of months and I’d like to share my thoughts with those who may want one. I’ll cover three main topics, and then share my final thoughts.

1.) Why I chose the Dreadnought

I can compare buying this bike to purchasing small batch coffee or grabbing those IPAs that come in four tall cans with cool graphics - and cost half the grocery bill. It’s not necessary, and people may judge you for not making the “sensible” purchase. I chose the Dreadnought because Forbidden presents it as the punk rock choice and backs it up with an awesome product and thoughtful engineering. From the high single pivot (we’ll get to that later) to the thick seat tube and aggressive styling, the Dreadnought in its YouTube digestions and internet photos fed my appetite for heavy guitar riffs and steezy laps. I’m sorry to say that I don’t give the bike what it deserves when it comes to steez, but the bike makes me feel like I can throw bigger whips than the 14-year-olds at the park.

2.) The build

When I picked up my package from a drop-off location, the box seemed way too small and light to hold a bicycle frame. My previous frame was a Meta Sx, and that box was a bit heavier. The whole way home I wondered if I was sent the wrong thing, but don’t worry! The frame comes with the front and rear triangle separate, and it’s not difficult to assemble. When I unboxed it, everything was designed and finished very nicely. My initial build was slightly different from the photos, so for simplicity I’ll cover its current build. Some of the parts are identical to full builds you can get from Forbidden, but I love building my own bikes. I started by installing a Ziggy Link, pressing in a Cane Creek Hellbender headset, and inserting a new RockShox ZEB. I decided to keep it matching with the included Super Deluxe for the rear squish. I already had my trusty Reverb AXS dropper and matched it with the XO transmission. I get along with the drivetrain and seat post very well. For stopping, I chose Magura MT7, which is a first for me, because…you know…pink caliper covers. The chosen hoops are my Synthesis Enduro alloys that have survived many of my mistakes, including backing over the front wheel with my car. Those are laced to Hydra hubs. I transferred my Renthal cockpit, and I’m very happy with the final product.

3.) How does it ride???

After spending some time on a few other trail and enduro bikes such as the Capra 29, Capra MX, Stumpjumper, and Meta SX, I can say with confidence that the high pivot performs as advertised. When I can’t get away to the park, I have to ride my local flat and rooty trails in eastern North Carolina. The Dreadnought eats up roots so well that I don’t even think about them. My only disagreement with rumors is that I don’t think it feels like a longer travel bike. Big hits cause full compression sooner, but I’ve yet to hard bottom. I’m not disappointed, but I like to be honest with myself even if I want it to feel like my old 170 bikes. I may install a Cascade link, but for now I’d have no reservations putting this bike through Windrock or similar.

Sizing: I’m 5’9” so I always end up choosing a medium. Medium feels good to me with a 50mm stem. I tried a 40, and it just felt too close to me. If you want geo numbers, they’re very easy to find. On that note, Forbidden provides excellent resources and customer service in general, so look through their website or shoot them an email if you have questions. Moving onto pedaling/climbing, it pedals great (for a high pivot enduro bike). Keep in mind that the drivetrain has an extra couple of bends. If you keep it clean, then it runs very smoothly. Even when dirty it’s not too bad, but I can feel the drag when my legs get tired. This is currently my only bike, and it pedals well enough that I don’t dream about XC or trail bikes. Lastly, I’ll cover manuals and wheelies. I don’t ride manuals like Fabio, but BOY is this thing hard to pull up! It’s not impossible, though - and that’s the trade off for a planted bike that lengthens when compressed. At the lift park, gravity runs let it reach full potential, and I didn’t notice it being harder to pop around at speed. That’s also the thing…going fast is key with the Dreadnought and it wants speed to come alive.

Final thoughts

To wrap it up, I’d suggest this bike to anyone who is curious about high pivot or loves what Forbidden stands for. I don’t think it’s the end of bicycle experimentation, but I love riding it! The high pivot really does smooth out chatter and create stability at speed. I’ve also had zero mechanical or durability issues so far, so go grab one if it’s calling you! Thanks for reading \m/