DRIVE UNIT & INTEGRATION:
Drive Unit | Adding to the hype of the High Pivot Whichcraft is the DJI Avinox Drive Unit, weighing in at just 5.5llb (2.52kg) with 105Nm torque as standard and up to 120Nm when in boost for up to 60 seconds. DJI have recently released a new update that allows for the 1000W of peak power to be obtained in both Boost and Trail modes with no time restriction. While all that power is great, it does no good if you can’t turn it into traction, and with this update DJI provided a huge range of tuning options to tailor the bike to your terrain and riding style. For more on this update, check out this in-depth breakdown Drew did.
Batteries | The Avinox batteries as mentioned above come in two variants: a 600Wh and a 800Wh. The 600Wh option weighs in at just 6.33lbs (2.87kg), while the 800Wh barely tips the scales at 8.24lbs (3.74kg). The 800Wh battery can be charged from 0% to 75% in around 95 minutes thanks to the 12A, 508W charger. The batteries are not just maximum power numbers; they have an in depth battery management system which allows them to safely discharge should temperatures get too cold or hot. DJI claims after 500 cycles these batteries will remain at or above 80% of their original capacity.
Integration | The DJI top tube screen is a thing of beauty, it allows for almost endless customization of the bikes power, button layout and screens. Its touch screen has worked for us even in wet and muddy conditions. The DJI app is extensive, yet easy to navigate. The new update is a treasure-trove of customization; we could almost write a whole book on everything you can do. Outside of the phone app and touch screen, I love the fact that I can connect my DJI Action 5 to the bike and use one of the bar remote buttons to start and stop recording, it is freaking sweet.
FRAME DETAILS:
High Pivot Witchcraft | The Core and Lite feature the third evolution of Forbidden’s Trifecta suspension platform. The shock orientation changed to accommodate the motor, and they have moved to a more traditional four bar setup compared to the inverted 4 bar found on their pedal bikes. With this they have made tweaks to their three key values of the Trifecta system: Axle Path, Idler Position and Kinematics. All have been modified to account for the addition of the eBikes extra weight, without compromising the on-trail feel of their analog cousins. The axle path sees a total rearward growth of 14.5mm, with 11mm happening up until sag. Anti-squat has been tailored to provide a more supple ride, as the uphill efficiency is not as important with a powerful motor under you.
The frame’s progression has been shifted to a more linear ratio, giving a more consistent underfoot feel throughout the stroke. Forbidden believes the advancements in shock technology allows them to focus on the mid-stroke rather than overall progressivity. This is why you will see both models spec’d with shocks that feature Hydraulic Bottom Out.
Geometry | Forbidden has always had a unique geometry equation with a shorter reach and tall stack height. This is further amplified with the electrified Druid E, as uphill performance and efficiency were not as important as they were with Forbidden’s pedal bikes. While their stack height is not all that different to other major brands in the industry, they set themselves apart with longer than average chainstays to keep the riders mass centred within the bike. Forbidden gives the front center and rear center a defined ratio of 1.8 to 1, this means that as the front center grows the rear center grows at a similar rate across all sizes. Chainstays grow around 14.5mm across each size, following the 1.8 to ratio from the longer front center.
Furthermore, Forbidden considers frame size measured by the distance between the center of the bottom bracket and the top of the headtube. These numbers are actually the same between the Druid E and Analog Druid, though the final reach number is shorter due to the taller stack. Essentially, they brought the reach number back to keep these numbers in line with their riding position goals.
Forbidden offers these bikes in 4 different sizes starting at a reach of 430mm (Core) & 437mm (Lite), andv growing proportionally up to 487mm (Core) & 493mm (Lite).
Models | When it comes to build kits, Forbidden are offering three levels for each model. All models feature the same DJI Avinox drive unit, but are differentiated by price in their build specs. The Lite starts at $8,599, with the mid-tier at $9,599 and the top spec landing at $11,499. The Core sees a similar structure starting at $8,999, bumping up to $9,999, and with the highest spec coming in at $11,899. Note pricing may change depending on those lovely tariffs.
THE WOLF’S FIRST IMPRESSION
I want to preface this section with the fact that I only had one day to shake down both bikes. Yes, it’s sad, I know! I had much more time on the Lite than I did the Core during this test day, but got a good feel for the character and distinctions between both.
At 6’1 (187cm), I opted for the size large or S3 with a reach of 474mm in the Lite and 467mm on the Core. The first thing I noticed was how upright my climbing position was, something I prefer. The cockpit did not feel cramped even with my exceptionally long legs. This combination of reach and stack proved to be comfortable and very intuitive on the trail. I would not consider sizing up to a S4 for my preferred riding feel. With the longer than average rear center, you really do not sacrifice the high speed stability, but we will get into that further on. The change to the vertically positioned shock allowed the design team to include a very long and uninterrupted seat tube, giving the option to fully slam a 250mm AXS dropper on S3 or S4, or opt for a little more post between your legs if that is your thing. I am so stoked on this!
Climbing both bikes was of course incredibly smile inducing, with the Avinox drive unit maxed out on service roads. With that said, the ability to fine tune the power curve lent to more usable power than on earlier versions I have tried. I left with a new understanding of how good this motor can be on the steep stuff. But with that said, I think a lot of that came down to how much traction these bikes developed. I was shocked at how little wheelspin and the lack of wheel lift even on some quite steep pitches. This falls back to the geo equation Forbidden implemented. I needed much less body English to position my weight in the sweet spot, it felt like I was just constantly in the right place at the right time. And when over correcting, the consequence was less abrupt.
I came into this ride just days after getting back from our 2025 eBike Shootout, and I can say with full confidence the Forbidden eBikes stand above the rest when it comes to climbing traction. Pairing that with 155mm (Lite) and 150mm (Core) cranks, pedalling through rough terrain was welcomed. There was one climb I had very little confidence in, and to my surprise the bike hooked up and winched me through it with no hint of wheelspin.
I spent most of my time climbing in Trail, and used boost on smooth open sections. The custom tunes Forbidden had installed for my ride were spot on, with predictable power management and a natural motor response. I would say the Bosch CX Gen 5 system still edges out the DJI system by a few points, but the improvements in the Avinox system were very noticeable on the trail.
Starting out with the Forbidden Druid E Lite, its overall weight was very impressive at just under 46lbs (20.8kg). That is just 4lbs heavier than my old enduro bike, which to me is mind blowing! The lack of mass on the trail gave a noticeably non-ebike feeling ride characteristic. The bike felt very active under foot and ready to change direction on a dime. It was not necessarily playful, but balanced agility and bump compliance very well. I was quite impressed with how much small bump sensitivity the bike had, and it remained smooth even under high speed chattery terrain. I would go as far to say it was the smoothest bike under 150mm of rear travel I have ever felt. It was very good. The shock tune was superb, and setting sag to 30% felt spot on with all compression clickers set to the middle range. When it came to cornering, it took me longer than usual to acclimate to where the bike wanted my body to be and how much lean angle was needed to find the sweet spot of traction. I struggled to get comfortable on the first few trails, but once it clicked it clicked very confidently. With every new blind trail we were riding, I was trusting the bike more.
This adaptation was not easy or fast, but if I were to ride this bike for a longer period, I know my technique would adapt. There was loads of traction to be had on flat high-speed corners. The Forbidden Druid E eBikes do handle differently with their longer than traditional rear end combined with the rearward axle path. By no means is it a bad thing, just different, and I applaud Forbidden for going outside the box and building the bike they wanted. The downside here is you do not get a bike that is as easy to whip around tight switchbacks with the 456mm rear end, but I found the benefits to outweigh the negatives in our test terrain.
Stepping onto the Druid E Core provided a very similar feeling. I would say there was essentially no difference on the climbs. The extra weight from the 800Wh battery, larger volume shock, bigger fork and double down tires was initially noticeable, but faded into the background as the terrain got rough and steep. The Core only weighs in at 49.8lbs (22.6kg), so is still darn light for what the bike is capable of with that big battery.
The Forbidden Druid E Core provided a much more trophy truck-like feeling on the descents. You could really feel the bike taking advantage of the Vivid out back, and once again the tune was spot on. The bike lost some of its playfulness as you would expect, but was not a handful to maneuverer. For my skill level I would say we were charging hard on some high consequence terrain, riding blind to boot. The added confidence from the additional 10mm of travel front and rear allowed me to push a bit harder and had my back when things got a bit hairy. Forbidden’s goal was to position the Core to be the winch and plummet eMTB with a DH bike riding position, and I would say they indeed have done this.
If it came down to spending my own money, I would likely go outside my norm of wanting the most travel possible and opt for the Lite, knowing I could always bump up travel if I really wanted to. For my riding zone, the Forbidden Druid E Lite is a bike that could tackle everything. The Lite proved to be the most fun for my style, and still smashed through the rough stuff with plenty of confidence while remaining light on its feet.
It has taken some time for my impressions to solidify as I was hung up on the initial feeling of understanding how the bike wanted to be handled but in the end, I do believe Forbidden has built a contender, and will prove to be a force to be reckoned with in our future eMTB Shootouts. 
Website: Forbiddenbike.com
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ABOUT THE WOLF
Cole’s den is in Spokane WA, where he relocated a few years back. Growing up in the lush, loamy playgrounds of the PNW, his soul is forever tied to steep, rooty descents and that unmistakable squish of perfect dirt. After 19 years of shredding, Cole’s been on every kind of rig out there. Once a die-hard fan of big travel bikes, he’s now on a quest for the mythical short-travel do-it-all machine. And yes, skids may be for kids, but this middle-aged manchild is here to prove they’re also for anyone who loves having a damn good time.
Rank: Professional Amateur
Size: 6’1” / 185cm | 170lbs / 77kg
Social: @adventuresbycole
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