FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E SPECS OVERVIEW
The carbon fiber and mixed wheel-only Forbidden Dreadnought E uses a high-pivot Horst Link suspension system to deliver a whopping 170mm of progressive rear travel, with a 180mm fork leading the charge. This hard-hitting enduro eBike has a steel 18t idler pulley and carbon rocker link, with a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
Powering the Dreadnought E up the hill are either the Avinox M2 or M2S drive unit, depending on the spec level selected.
AVINOX M2 AND M2S EBIKE SYSTEM SPECS
The Forbidden Dreadnought E in Tier 1 or Tier 2 build kits is equipped with the Avinox M2S drive unit, whereas the Tier 3 and Tier 4 build kits receive the more price-conscious Avinox M2.
The Avinox M2 weighs in at 2.65kg (5.84 lbs), and produces 1100W Peak Power with 125Nm maximum torque. The Avinox M2S is slightly lighter at 2.59kg (5.71 lbs), yet produces 1300W Peak Power and 150Nm maximum torque.
Fixed inside the downtube of the Forbidden Dreadnought E is a choice of a 600Wh or 800Wh battery, allowing the rider to select their preference of maximum range or lighter weight and more agile handling. These are charged with either the standard 4A charger, or the 12A fast charger (only supplied with Tier 1 build) that can recharge the battery from empty to 80% in around 90 minutes. There is currently no range extender on offer for the Avinox system.
The touchscreen display nestled in the Forbidden’s top tube is customizable to show the desired ride data, and can be used to tune the power modes. Recently, Avinox also added the navigation feature, which can give turn-by-turn directions for a pre-loaded route map. The Avinox Ride app allows users to apply updates over-the-air, tune the power modes extensively, and perform security functions.
FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E GEOMETRY
The Forbidden Dreadnought E has a very unique geometry package that produces a notably different weight bias and body position from typical enduro eBikes. With a short reach, tall stack, and long chainstays that increase progressively through the size range to retain a genuinely proportional front center to rear center ratio, the result is a notably centered and upright stance. The low bottom bracket suited some of our testers, but proved to make technical climbing in the chunkiest terrain more susceptible to pedal strikes.
Our 5’10” to 6’2” (178cm to 189cm) crew tested the size S3, which took some adjustment but proved to offer a comfortable and confident position both up and down the hill.
FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E BUILD OPTIONS
Forbidden offers the Dreadnought E in a choice of four builds, with retail prices from $7,699 (Tier 4 w/600Wh) to $12,399 for the Tier 1 with 800Wh battery. We tested the Tier 2 with 800Wh battery, which retailed for $10,999.
Fox supplied the highly adjustable suspension package, with a 38 Factory Grip X2 180mm fork and Float X2 Factory air rear shock. SRAM’s GX T-Type AXS drivetrain was wired into the Avinox system to obtain the SmoothShift functionality. And the burly SRAM Maven Silver brakes slowed the ship down.
Forbidden spec’d the excellent OneUp alloy cockpit, and a TransX dropper post in reasonable lengths – 210mm for our size S3.
Rounding out the specs, there was a Crankbrothers Alloy 2.0 rim on Crankbrothers hub wheelset, which was wrapped in a Maxxis High Roller 3 and DHR 2 tire combination with DH casings as standard. As with all of the bikes in our 2026 eMTB Shootout, these were replaced with a Schwalbe Tacky Chan Gravity Pro and Magic Mary Gravity Pro tire combination to deliver consistent testing across bikes.
The Forbidden Dreadnought E Tier 2 in size S3 weighed 52.5lbs (23.8kg) with our Schwalbe control tires.
AVINOX M2S DRIVE UNIT PERFORMANCE
- Pure Power: Simply put, it’s unmatched in the category.
- Control: Avinox have done a lot to improve the control and power delivery of their unit, however some power modes and tunes are just simply too much for certain scenarios. Tuning is extremely easy however and makes the system a great asset for varying terrain.
- Perceived Efficiency: Greatly dependent on the power you are pulling. It can either drain battery in 30 minutes or can take you out for an epic day.
- Noise Up and down: Very quiet compared to other units. The M2S does make a little bit of a whine when loaded up in higher power modes, but it’s still likely the quietest system in the shootout.
- Ecosystem: Avinox have what we think is the best system in this year’s shootout. The touch screen is easy to navigate and the fact we can make all the tunes and adjustments without the need of an app is really awesome. It made tuning the bikes for various riders and terrain inviting rather than a dreaded step.
FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E CLIMBING PERFORMANCE
Getting the Dreadnought up the trail is a pleasant experience overall. All riders praised the bike’s comfort both in the saddle and in its ride position. It’s an easy bike to just hop on and pedal away. The suspension performance further aids in the comfort of this bike’s climbing and riding experience.
Where some riders, namely Drew, started to get a bit more critical of the Dreadnought E was the tall stack height and shorter reach. The tall front end meant that the front wheel was more susceptible to lifting off the ground on very steep pitches. Similarly, if you were navigating a steep switchback and needed front wheel traction or were pedaling up a very steep climb with fist-size impacts, the front end could get a touch unwieldy. If you’re willing to drop the saddle 10-20mm and slide your chest over the bars, you’ll be able to navigate anything your heart desires, it just requires a bit more focus.
All that to say, this was the first bike that made it up Drew’s heinous hill-climb challenge, which was the Jagged Axe DH track’s rock bowl. The longer rear end, supple suspension and impressive control from the Avinox drive unit helped get the bike up a bit of trail all testers thought impossible…Until it wasn’t.
On our bigger backcountry epics and hot lap climbs, the Dreadnought was regularly the bike our testers picked. It really is a strong package in most every scenario.
FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E DESCENDING PERFORMANCE
No doubt about it, the Dreadnought is built to go downhill fast. While the characteristics did offer some polarizing moments, everyone agreed that when it came to flat out speed, composure and confidence, the Forbidden sits comfortably amongst those at the top of the pack.
What were the polarizing traits? Well, the one that turned Sourpatch Sean off most was the lengthening rear end and how it made him feel in slower, technical corners. It was even more notable when those corners had a compression or small drop in the turn. In other words, if the turns were weird enough to where the bike couldn’t be tipped or leaned over, that was when riders felt the least confident aboard the Dreadnought E. Other riders felt so confident aboard the bike, however, that they simply attacked those same corners from different lines or angles and felt the momentary sensation was well worth the trade off.
Looking at other aspects of the descent, our testers were all blown away after reading the geo charts post-ride. None would have guessed how short the reach was and how the bike still managed to remain so stable and confidence-inspiring.
The combination of the tall front end, long rear end and incredible suspension actuation gave our testers a very confident position over the bike. This combined with the buttery smooth rear end just gave a feeling of courage as the trails seemed so much smoother and mellower beneath us. We likened this bike to the devil on your shoulder, urging you to keep those fingers off the brakes a little longer as the bike felt so at home at speed. If you’re a rider who has a tendency to yank for stuff over blind ledges, this bike could become your best friend or worst ally. Once again, the bike encourages reckless decisions as the rider feels that nothing will bother this bike, and begs you just to send it.
The Wolf’s Last Word
Without a doubt, the Forbidden Dreadnought E is a standout bike from this year’s shootout. While it wasn’t everyone’s top pick due to its somewhat pointed use case, it certainly was #1 for a couple of the testers.
If you’re a rider who wants a buttery smooth and unphased suspension platform, tall stack and confidence-inspiring eMTB that rides more like a lightweight DH bike than a plow, the Forbidden Dreadnought E is certainly a worthy offering.
WHO SHOULD BUY THE FORBIDDEN DREADNOUGHT E?
Riders who have more DH or gravity-inspired ride aspirations. It will let you push your limits, remain comfortable in terrain about your skill-level or help you progress and push to attain the next level of shred.
Price: $10,999
Weight: 52.5 lbs / 23.8 kg (As Tested)
Website: Forbiddenbike.com
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2026 eMTB SHOOTOUT SPONSORS
Without the support from the City of Santa Fe, Santa Fe County Tourism and Economi Development, Fox Racing, Schwalbe Tires and Glorieta Adventure Camps, this year’s shootout would not have been possible. If you’re in the market for new gear, new tires, a place to visit or a way to get your bikes to the trail, consider showing these guys some love.
