THE NEWLY-UNVEILED BIKES & KIT GETTING US EXCITED THIS MONTH
FORBIDDEN SUMMON UP A NEW DRUID
V2 trail bike has a revised high-pivot suspension design
NEED TO KNOW
Forbidden have updated their 130mm-travel Druid, keeping the original design’s high main pivot, but moving to an ‘upside-down’ four-bar linkage system, to give greater control over the suspension behaviour. Tweaks to the front and rear triangles have streamlined its silhouette, and the idler wheel has been redesigned, too. Frame hardware has been updated with durability in mind, and full-length chainstay protection comes as standard. Like its predecessor, the V2 bike can be run as a 29er or mullet bike (29in front, 650b rear). Chainstay length is size-specific, to keep weight distribution the same on all frames, and the geometry has been tweaked.
WHO’S IT FOR?
Those wanting a trail bike with the capability of a longer-travel rig, thanks to its 100 per cent rearward axle path.
KEY STATS
Travel: 150mm front, 130mm rear (via high-pivot four-bar linkage)
Wheels: 29in or 29in/650b
Frame: Carbon fibre, sizes S1-S4 Geometry (29in, S2): 65-degree head angle, 77-degree seat tube angle, 460mm reach, 1,218mm wheelbase
Price: £3,599 (frame kit)/from £6,299 (complete bikes)
More info: https://forbidden bike.com Available: Now!
STRIVING FOR E-BIKE PERFECTION
Canyon bring motor assistance to their Strive enduro rig
NEED TO KNOW
The Strive:ON CFR is built from Canyon’s premium ‘CFR’ carbon fibre. Unlike its non-assisted counterpart, it uses a horizontally-positioned shock and loses the brand’s ‘Shapeshifter’ adjustment system. This frees up space for the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and a single bottle cage. The bike features a mullet wheel set-up and 160mm of rear-wheel travel, and is aimed at UCI E-EDR racing. Canyon offer the bike with two battery options – 625Wh or 750Wh – with the top-end LTD model featuring a CX Race motor with an extended overrun function.
WHO’S IT FOR?
E-enduro racers or anyone looking for a fast e-bike to take them up and down trails.
KEY STATS
Travel: 170mm front, 160mm rear (via four-bar linkage)
Wheels: 29in/650b
Frame: ‘CFR’ carbon fibre, sizes S-XL
Geometry: 63.5-degree head angle, 78-degree seat tube angle, 475mm reach (medium size)
Price: Three builds, £5,499 to £8,999 + £200 for 750Wh battery (+ shipping)
More info: www.canyon.com Available: Now!
ROADIE BRANDS TARGET THE XC CIRCUIT
New MTBs from drop-bar diehards Cervélo, Pinarello and Wilier
NEED TO KNOW
Road and cross-country bikes have a lot in common, from a focus on light weight and efficiency to more upright angles. So, it’s no surprise when roadie brands
