Pretty spot on review and I can relate to everything that you said on a lower riding skill level. Built mine up with a new lyrik, some lightweight components and carbon wheels and that puts it below 15kg in size S4. It climbs exceptionally well for a high pivot bike and compared to the dreadnought v1 that I still own. We do have a lot of trails in our area that are techy and loamy but not as rough and the dreadnought v1 just muted those trails. The druidv2 brings them back to life again. It does feel a lot more agile and poppy and pretty much strikes an almost perfect balance for me between a trail and enduro bike. Enough reserves for rougher stuff but still fun on flat flow trails. My only concern is the questionable room between the rear wheel and the seat / chainstays on the 29inch modell. On the mullet there is almost double the room. The tire threads keep smashing rocks into the stays. Even with protection the paint and carbon is damaged already. Any chance for you to review the v2 dread? Would be interested on your experience with it with your background in forbidden bikes. If they brought the same lifelyness into a bigger package I might be drawn to the v2 at some point for the big enduro adventures.
I put almost a year now on the Druid v2 and I have the same issues with the rocks and the seat/-chainstay on the 29er. So far it is only minor damage, but I also see this as it's weak spot. Amazing bike though. Do you have the 2023 charger 3 Lyrik ultimate? I am struggling with this fork on this bike so far. Can't seem to get it set up right, feels like a pogo stick or too soft. How is your experience so far with it?
@@Mike_Rides_Bike I have the Lyrik ultimate with the 3.1 damper. I am around 210 to 215lbs using the recommended air pressure right now and all compression dials set to "neutral",so basically stock settings. Rebound a little faster than recommended. It feels a lot better than the 2023 fox 36 factory with the grip2 damper, that I used before. That fork felt uncomfortable . Tried a lot of settings, messed with air pressure, tokens, compression and completely opened rebound. In the end even put an after market air side upgrade in, just could not find a good setting. Lyrik just works for me
@@sprousaTM Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to get some more data points before throwing more money at the problem. I am more like 150 pounds and rund 10 PSI lower than the recommended pressure HSC and LSC on full minus setting and rebound around recommended value. Feels terribly harsh on the top of the stroke, mid-stroke is ok and can never use all the travel regardless the impact. Went down with the PSI even further, upped the rebound and compression, but then it seems too wobbly and mid-stroke support is just gone. I will upgrade the damper to 3.1 soon and then send it off for professional full service, let's see. ...
@@Mike_Rides_Bike I'd recommend to fully deflate the fork. Let out all the air and fully compress the fork all the way down, while letting the air. Look as far you can get. If it does not stay down fully, push both valve on the back of the fork at the same time while pressing the fork all the way down. When it is stuck all the way down, start to put air back in and compress the fork once in a while. After reaching recommended pressure for your weight, see if you have full travel available, measuring directly at the stanchion. If not, push both valves again on the backside and pull the fork apart. Then ride again. I had the same issue with too much air in the negative chamber resulting in a harsh ride experience. This can happen while assembling the fork, basically letting too much air in while pushing in the airspring. The negative air side needs to be empty and filled in the process through cycling while pumping up and letting chambers equalize. Equalizing won't work as well, when there is already more pressure in the negative side.
Agreed, thats a huge drawback of the Druid V2 compaired to all the other Forbidden bikes. You need new chainstays on the V2 druid to swap between wheelsizes versus all the others just need a link or rear dropout swap :(
Unfortunately You end up making kinematic compromises when different links etc are used. You can always buy a Dreadnought chainstay for the Druid if you wanted the rear center adjustment.
Nice review! I love mine and agree with your evaluation of the bike, from park days to regional enduro podiums, this has been my favorite mtb Ive owned
I have owned this bike for about a year now and I can firmly say that 1) it’s hands down the best bike I’ve ever owned, and the next one down the line is the dreadnought v1 that I also currently own. 2) I agree with this review 99%. The storage door is a huge pain in the ass. I think this is an incredible trail bike with the ability to be an enduro bike and can handle the bike park or shuttle runs. Great review 👍🏻
I already own a super capable 130 bike, the Norco Optic, but the Druid is kind of my dream bike. I love the Optic, but as soon as/if it breaks, I'm definitely getting a Druid.
I picked up the 24 optic in alloy. I know some druid owners and I think the bike is very similar but more agile and less stable. I've been riding it in ridiculous terrain with confidence. Last weekend shuttled with guys that had dh rigs out. One commented on not being able to drop me until the terrain got really chunky. Most optic owners think the 24 was ruined going high pivot but haven't ridden it. The fact that they went alloy, new kinematics with no difference between rear wheels and only a small difference in rear wheel growth or static. I definitely wanted a druid and still sorta do but wanted to play to my weaknesses and the optic can corner anything. Grip is great and it will side hit anything.
@@aaronblonden6774 Obviously, I'm very tempted by the 24 alloy Optic as well. I am a bit concerned about the super short stay, but on the other hand, whatever does replace my current Optic won't have to put up with a lot of bike park work, the way the current one does, as I'm going to be getting a downhill bike before next season.
@billydeewilliams8909 I'd for sure do a hardtail, 24 optic and a dh rig haha. Good trio. Or a dh and optic 24 or druid. I just love my hardtails for simplicity and pedaling.
Thanks for this terrific review Brian. It was enough for me to seal the deal and opened the wallet for a Druid frame S2 Stardust. I'm 5.11 and a bit but more of the height I have is in the legs, so the shorter reach of the S2 will fit me better I think.
Thanks for the great video. How would you rate the Druid V2 compared to the Nicolai G1. Yes I know they are different bikes but people say the G1 is also an excellent all rounder.
Another honest down and dirty review 👌. Whats your take on the MX vs 29 for this bike? I know you didn't ride the 29 but was there any thoughts or wish u had a 29 out back etc.
Been on mullet bikes lately but after riding the stumpy in full 29 the added roll over is definitely noticeable. I’d say it would make this bike even more capable but given the longer chainstay I like the smaller wheel to bring a little bit more maneuverability into the picture.
@briancahal you read my mind for follow-up question. I have an S4 on order in 29 but was wondering if that mx would bring back the snap of that long chain stay. Guess I'm bying the extra rear tri and experiment alittle.
Great review sir I appreciate that you caveat your review being highly skilled. In your opinion for lower skilled and low skill riders such as myself, being 6’4” do you consider this a suitable choice? I’m getting the vibe that this is an awesome bike that will allow the skills to grow into it. Keep the great content coming
Great analysis and comparison with the older version. Not sure a HP would suit me, but if I did take a chance the Druid would be at the top of my list.
Hey so how's that RXF35 fork feeling on that bike at 150mm? I've got a V2 myself and have been Ohlins-curious. Looks like it served you well during your trip to Whistler and at a race or two!
I bought one of the last few V1 dreadnoughts after I watched your extensive video review on the bike. I absolutely love the bike and I wonder if the V2 dreadnought mirrors the V2 druid improvements.
@@livefreeandshred9818 Yea I love the Dreadnought V1 so much I have been thinking about getting the V2 Frame and the Druid V2 even though I own other bikes in the same travel range already.
What tire set up (compound and casing) have you found to work well on this bike? I noticed you’ve been running a wide assortment and curious on your thoughts of what works best.
Really enjoying your reviews and content. Have a V2 and love it, but am running a full 29 and am wondering about the MX setup. Did you get a chance to compare the two setups at all?
I never rode the 29. I think it would go good in both modes but I personally appreciated the snappier handling of the mullet at the sacrifice of some roll over efficiency.
Anyone have problems with a vibrating rear end? As soon as I touch the break it vibrates so much that the bike is unrideable. Can't find a solution for it, tried everything.
Hi! Are you ever planning to try out a Deviate Highlander 2? I've been looking at the Druid and the Highlander and I'm very curious what the differences are!
I ride a Deviate Highlander 2 - the biggest difference is the suspension design and travel compared to the Druid. With 160/145mm its definitely more capable and less snappy than the Druid. I think the Druid V1 suspension design was more similar to the Deviate Highlander. The long reach (490 in L) of the Highlander would not be Brian's choice as he just stated he prefers shorter 475mm reach.
My dream bike. I think it’s just such a sexy bike & you’re dead on with it being quiet. My friend (he’s an actual dentist) has one and other than the hub. You don’t hear it. I mean nothing. No cable slap, chain slap nothing. Just don’t think I’m ready to part with a kidney to own one. One day………one day.
Brian, question... If you built up a lightweight Banshee Titan, does it pedal well enough to be a good trail/all mnt bike? I heard that it climbs well but I'm not trying to be a great climber, but I don't mind the ride to the top🫡👊👍
@ShapeThings Thanks for the info, brother. I bought a Prime, and the non-drive side BB threads were bad, and I had to send it back. It's been over a week, and nobody has heard anything back from Banshee. The shop has XL Titan, so I was wondering if I should just get that one. I'm over 6 ft and 215 lbs...
@@lilblaster22 Oh that sucks to hear. I thought my Titan was made well and they responded when I had questions. I had a L Titan at under 5'11". Big jump from the 470 reach to the 495 of the XL. I've ridden bikes with 485 of reach thought, and it was fine, so the XL should work.
How do you think running a 160 Zeb would change things? Overkill? What about adding a little more travel in the rear, I think they can be overstroked a tiny bit, and Cascade has a new link coming out for a longer shock.
Overfork and overstock would propel this thing into an even more capable territory. Maybe wouldn’t even give up that much on the other end. I’d ride it.
I used a bathroom scale to measure the front weight ratio, turns out there's only 4% of my body weight difference between no weight on handlebar to fully pressed onto the bar.
Super interesting, I might give that a go. Hard to account for how that changes at speed under braking and sinking further into forks travel. Especially when descending as the downwards angle would increase weight on front
They make these not far from my house... so we wanted to like the druids. The last gen we just couldnt even take serious... it wasnt for us (me or anyone i rode with). I really hope they fixed it. And they need to understand we dont need a 130 to try and be a 150. We would buy a 150. And that almost goes for the dreadnaught as well.
I'm currently riding a V1 Druid - do you think the V2 is better/more refined to be worthy of upgrading? I mainly ride Port Gamble (shout out to Hot Laps!). I'm not sure I need the longer wheelbase and slacker head angle...
Its just incredible how you slam that bike into the corners. As an average rider I put now 3.000km on my Druid and made a little vid on the long-term 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/13DF3G5HUQA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rECwqrkeUiXxcwUU
Love putting the length in the rear end
Pretty spot on review and I can relate to everything that you said on a lower riding skill level. Built mine up with a new lyrik, some lightweight components and carbon wheels and that puts it below 15kg in size S4. It climbs exceptionally well for a high pivot bike and compared to the dreadnought v1 that I still own. We do have a lot of trails in our area that are techy and loamy but not as rough and the dreadnought v1 just muted those trails. The druidv2 brings them back to life again. It does feel a lot more agile and poppy and pretty much strikes an almost perfect balance for me between a trail and enduro bike. Enough reserves for rougher stuff but still fun on flat flow trails. My only concern is the questionable room between the rear wheel and the seat / chainstays on the 29inch modell. On the mullet there is almost double the room. The tire threads keep smashing rocks into the stays. Even with protection the paint and carbon is damaged already.
Any chance for you to review the v2 dread? Would be interested on your experience with it with your background in forbidden bikes. If they brought the same lifelyness into a bigger package I might be drawn to the v2 at some point for the big enduro adventures.
I’ll get on a dreadnought v2 later this fall.
I put almost a year now on the Druid v2 and I have the same issues with the rocks and the seat/-chainstay on the 29er. So far it is only minor damage, but I also see this as it's weak spot. Amazing bike though. Do you have the 2023 charger 3 Lyrik ultimate? I am struggling with this fork on this bike so far. Can't seem to get it set up right, feels like a pogo stick or too soft. How is your experience so far with it?
@@Mike_Rides_Bike I have the Lyrik ultimate with the 3.1 damper. I am around 210 to 215lbs using the recommended air pressure right now and all compression dials set to "neutral",so basically stock settings. Rebound a little faster than recommended. It feels a lot better than the 2023 fox 36 factory with the grip2 damper, that I used before. That fork felt uncomfortable . Tried a lot of settings, messed with air pressure, tokens, compression and completely opened rebound. In the end even put an after market air side upgrade in, just could not find a good setting. Lyrik just works for me
@@sprousaTM Thanks for sharing. It's always nice to get some more data points before throwing more money at the problem. I am more like 150 pounds and rund 10 PSI lower than the recommended pressure HSC and LSC on full minus setting and rebound around recommended value. Feels terribly harsh on the top of the stroke, mid-stroke is ok and can never use all the travel regardless the impact. Went down with the PSI even further, upped the rebound and compression, but then it seems too wobbly and mid-stroke support is just gone. I will upgrade the damper to 3.1 soon and then send it off for professional full service, let's see. ...
@@Mike_Rides_Bike I'd recommend to fully deflate the fork. Let out all the air and fully compress the fork all the way down, while letting the air. Look as far you can get. If it does not stay down fully, push both valve on the back of the fork at the same time while pressing the fork all the way down. When it is stuck all the way down, start to put air back in and compress the fork once in a while. After reaching recommended pressure for your weight, see if you have full travel available, measuring directly at the stanchion. If not, push both valves again on the backside and pull the fork apart. Then ride again.
I had the same issue with too much air in the negative chamber resulting in a harsh ride experience. This can happen while assembling the fork, basically letting too much air in while pushing in the airspring. The negative air side needs to be empty and filled in the process through cycling while pumping up and letting chambers equalize. Equalizing won't work as well, when there is already more pressure in the negative side.
The limp wristed waves on the podium at the enduro HAHAHA
Another great review. I wish Forbidden had included the adjustable rear dropouts from the Dreadnought v2.
Agreed, thats a huge drawback of the Druid V2 compaired to all the other Forbidden bikes. You need new chainstays on the V2 druid to swap between wheelsizes versus all the others just need a link or rear dropout swap :(
I feel this way about just about every frame. Chainstay and reach adjust, everywhere, always.
Unfortunately You end up making kinematic compromises when different links etc are used. You can always buy a Dreadnought chainstay for the Druid if you wanted the rear center adjustment.
I'm really enjoying the content on this channel recently, keep it up Brian!
Love how good the front/rear center ratio is! It’s what made the GG bikes great.
Nice review! I love mine and agree with your evaluation of the bike, from park days to regional enduro podiums, this has been my favorite mtb Ive owned
I have owned this bike for about a year now and I can firmly say that 1) it’s hands down the best bike I’ve ever owned, and the next one down the line is the dreadnought v1 that I also currently own. 2) I agree with this review 99%. The storage door is a huge pain in the ass.
I think this is an incredible trail bike with the ability to be an enduro bike and can handle the bike park or shuttle runs. Great review 👍🏻
V3 Banshee Prime is my current do it all rig and seems pretty similar - the Druid looks sick!
Got to ride a V2 recently.. So impressive! Rocky climbs, rough descent.. No problem
Great review. On my screen the front rotor is "glitched" not sure why :D
BANGER
I already own a super capable 130 bike, the Norco Optic, but the Druid is kind of my dream bike. I love the Optic, but as soon as/if it breaks, I'm definitely getting a Druid.
I picked up the 24 optic in alloy. I know some druid owners and I think the bike is very similar but more agile and less stable. I've been riding it in ridiculous terrain with confidence. Last weekend shuttled with guys that had dh rigs out. One commented on not being able to drop me until the terrain got really chunky. Most optic owners think the 24 was ruined going high pivot but haven't ridden it. The fact that they went alloy, new kinematics with no difference between rear wheels and only a small difference in rear wheel growth or static. I definitely wanted a druid and still sorta do but wanted to play to my weaknesses and the optic can corner anything. Grip is great and it will side hit anything.
@@aaronblonden6774 Obviously, I'm very tempted by the 24 alloy Optic as well. I am a bit concerned about the super short stay, but on the other hand, whatever does replace my current Optic won't have to put up with a lot of bike park work, the way the current one does, as I'm going to be getting a downhill bike before next season.
@billydeewilliams8909 I'd for sure do a hardtail, 24 optic and a dh rig haha. Good trio. Or a dh and optic 24 or druid. I just love my hardtails for simplicity and pedaling.
Eagerly awaiting stumpy update vid
Great insight.. About to build a Druid V2.. Would you suggest a 150 or 160mm fork for general trail riding, mainly rooty single track, steep drops..
Thanks for this terrific review Brian. It was enough for me to seal the deal and opened the wallet for a Druid frame S2 Stardust. I'm 5.11 and a bit but more of the height I have is in the legs, so the shorter reach of the S2 will fit me better I think.
Driveline maintenance.. for chain replacement, do you need (2ea) chains, join and cut to length, because of idler high pivot design here?? Thx.
Thanks for the great video. How would you rate the Druid V2 compared to the Nicolai G1. Yes I know they are different bikes but people say the G1 is also an excellent all rounder.
Great review. Have you tried the Deviate Highlander II?
Another honest down and dirty review 👌.
Whats your take on the MX vs 29 for this bike? I know you didn't ride the 29 but was there any thoughts or wish u had a 29 out back etc.
Been on mullet bikes lately but after riding the stumpy in full 29 the added roll over is definitely noticeable. I’d say it would make this bike even more capable but given the longer chainstay I like the smaller wheel to bring a little bit more maneuverability into the picture.
@briancahal you read my mind for follow-up question. I have an S4 on order in 29 but was wondering if that mx would bring back the snap of that long chain stay. Guess I'm bying the extra rear tri and experiment alittle.
Great review sir
I appreciate that you caveat your review being highly skilled.
In your opinion for lower skilled and low skill riders such as myself, being 6’4” do you consider this a suitable choice? I’m getting the vibe that this is an awesome bike that will allow the skills to grow into it. Keep the great content coming
Great analysis and comparison with the older version. Not sure a HP would suit me, but if I did take a chance the Druid would be at the top of my list.
Great review. Do you think the V2 benefits from having a more damped fork like the Ohlins?
Yes I do, I think it’s a good fit for the bike.
100% bona fide review. Your reviews are super good. Review the Banshee Prime. 135mm aluminum for those of us that don't want carbonium😮🫡👊
Hey so how's that RXF35 fork feeling on that bike at 150mm? I've got a V2 myself and have been Ohlins-curious. Looks like it served you well during your trip to Whistler and at a race or two!
I bought one of the last few V1 dreadnoughts after I watched your extensive video review on the bike. I absolutely love the bike and I wonder if the V2 dreadnought mirrors the V2 druid improvements.
Awesome! I would expect it does. I’ll be doing a review on one later this fall.
I also bought a v1 dread based on Brian’s review. Even after owning the Druid v2
@@livefreeandshred9818 Yea I love the Dreadnought V1 so much I have been thinking about getting the V2 Frame and the Druid V2 even though I own other bikes in the same travel range already.
Great review.. Likely next bike
“Putting it in the rear end” 😂
What tire set up (compound and casing) have you found to work well on this bike?
I noticed you’ve been running a wide assortment and curious on your thoughts of what works best.
Really enjoying your reviews and content. Have a V2 and love it, but am running a full 29 and am wondering about the MX setup. Did you get a chance to compare the two setups at all?
I never rode the 29. I think it would go good in both modes but I personally appreciated the snappier handling of the mullet at the sacrifice of some roll over efficiency.
Anyone have problems with a vibrating rear end? As soon as I touch the break it vibrates so much that the bike is unrideable. Can't find a solution for it, tried everything.
Hi! Are you ever planning to try out a Deviate Highlander 2? I've been looking at the Druid and the Highlander and I'm very curious what the differences are!
I ride a Deviate Highlander 2 - the biggest difference is the suspension design and travel compared to the Druid. With 160/145mm its definitely more capable and less snappy than the Druid. I think the Druid V1 suspension design was more similar to the Deviate Highlander. The long reach (490 in L) of the Highlander would not be Brian's choice as he just stated he prefers shorter 475mm reach.
@@BenSch100 thanks for the insight
Got the v1 great bike!
My dream bike. I think it’s just such a sexy bike & you’re dead on with it being quiet. My friend (he’s an actual dentist) has one and other than the hub. You don’t hear it. I mean nothing. No cable slap, chain slap nothing.
Just don’t think I’m ready to part with a kidney to own one. One day………one day.
I wonder how a similarly specc’d 5010 would stack up.
51mm offset on the fork? Thoughts on higher offset forks for bikes that struggle with front end weight (I.e. enduro)?
Shout out to the shirt! 👨🎨 🎨 🏞️ 💫
Have you thought about the Cascade link for it?
The forbidden supernought would be cool to review.
Do you think a S3 Mullet would still fit for someone being 6'2? Or would that be too cramped and an S4 Mullet is the ticket?
Brian, question... If you built up a lightweight Banshee Titan, does it pedal well enough to be a good trail/all mnt bike? I heard that it climbs well but I'm not trying to be a great climber, but I don't mind the ride to the top🫡👊👍
I had a titan, pedaled great, never used the lockout. Weight was as good as some carbon bikes I’ve had. Plus, it’s a banshee.
@ShapeThings Thanks for the info, brother. I bought a Prime, and the non-drive side BB threads were bad, and I had to send it back. It's been over a week, and nobody has heard anything back from Banshee. The shop has XL Titan, so I was wondering if I should just get that one. I'm over 6 ft and 215 lbs...
@@lilblaster22 Oh that sucks to hear. I thought my Titan was made well and they responded when I had questions. I had a L Titan at under 5'11". Big jump from the 470 reach to the 495 of the XL. I've ridden bikes with 485 of reach thought, and it was fine, so the XL should work.
So what made you sell it then? Great content BTW.
How do you think running a 160 Zeb would change things? Overkill?
What about adding a little more travel in the rear, I think they can be overstroked a tiny bit, and Cascade has a new link coming out for a longer shock.
Overfork and overstock would propel this thing into an even more capable territory. Maybe wouldn’t even give up that much on the other end. I’d ride it.
You mentioned how quiet it is but did you have Any issues with chain slap in high speed bumps? Was the noise at the end you mentioned creaking?
Couldn’t really nail it down. Didn’t creak. Just attributed it to general bike clappage maybe a bit of chain slap.
Dude sweet geo on that bike man
Any issues keeping the drivetrain/idler lubed up on longer rides?
Yes. I like to keep a small dose of chain lube on me for longer rides
I used a bathroom scale to measure the front weight ratio, turns out there's only 4% of my body weight difference between no weight on handlebar to fully pressed onto the bar.
Yep. It’s all BB position relative to the axles.
Super interesting, I might give that a go. Hard to account for how that changes at speed under braking and sinking further into forks travel. Especially when descending as the downwards angle would increase weight on front
Any plans to review the Dread V2?
Hoping to get on it this winter
Wen dreadnought v2? I have one and like it so far 👍
They make these not far from my house... so we wanted to like the druids. The last gen we just couldnt even take serious... it wasnt for us (me or anyone i rode with). I really hope they fixed it. And they need to understand we dont need a 130 to try and be a 150. We would buy a 150. And that almost goes for the dreadnaught as well.
Any updates on the Reign E?
Yeah been riding it quite a bit. Not my top priority but will have more content with it soon
bronson vs druid?
SICK
3800 for frame alone. it better be good.
6:16 Jesus...
first view first comment :)...broken shoulder endless time :D
I'm currently riding a V1 Druid - do you think the V2 is better/more refined to be worthy of upgrading? I mainly ride Port Gamble (shout out to Hot Laps!). I'm not sure I need the longer wheelbase and slacker head angle...
Honestly Brian’s summary of the differences in bang on.
Its just incredible how you slam that bike into the corners. As an average rider I put now 3.000km on my Druid and made a little vid on the long-term 👉🏽 th-cam.com/video/13DF3G5HUQA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=rECwqrkeUiXxcwUU
There’s not a snowballs chance in fucking hell that any high pivot bike could be quiver killer. They all pedal like fucking garbage.