Forbidden Druid - Deviate Highlander
Discussion
Ive been riding my current SC Blur since buying it in 2003. Its done me well but its old tech with a few creaks and groans now.
Im now starting to look around at options, that will be purchased under one of the cycle to work type schemes, so set a budget around £5k.
My eye has been taken by the Forbidden Druid but i wonder how much of a gimic the high pivot is, especially the use of an idler pulley. The chain route is especially interesting!
I'm out of touch with current trends in mountain biking and have only seen the deviate highlander with a similar construction. Is this the way forward or a bit of a white elephant?
Im now starting to look around at options, that will be purchased under one of the cycle to work type schemes, so set a budget around £5k.
My eye has been taken by the Forbidden Druid but i wonder how much of a gimic the high pivot is, especially the use of an idler pulley. The chain route is especially interesting!
I'm out of touch with current trends in mountain biking and have only seen the deviate highlander with a similar construction. Is this the way forward or a bit of a white elephant?
I've got a 2019 Jeffsy CF Pro Race which is awesome and it won't need replacing any time soon, but... I really want one of the 2 frames you've posted about.
High pivot point isn't a gimmick, it's bloody awesome.
It's all to do with the rear wheel path - riding forwards, hitting an obstacle with the rear wheel, with a low pivot point, the wheel is travelling forwards as the suspension compresses, along with the bike moving forward, which means the wheel is being pushed further 'into' the obstacle.
With a HPP, the axle path is rearward, which means the rear wheel is moving backwards, away from the obstacle while the bike is moving forward, which basically means it's getting out of the way of the obstacle.
Because of this, they feel much more capable and like they have more travel, and smoother than a low pivot point bike - especially on chunk and rocky stuff.
The deviate guys made thier bikes for riding Scottish mountains which is why both thier bikes have HPP.
The chain routing is required with the idler as with the large rearward axle path, it results in a longer chainstay as the suspension compresses, with a normal routing that would result in lots of pedal kickback, which is generally bad.
If you can get a test ride, do so.
A forbidden druid in the cosmic eggplant colour, yes please!!
High pivot point isn't a gimmick, it's bloody awesome.
It's all to do with the rear wheel path - riding forwards, hitting an obstacle with the rear wheel, with a low pivot point, the wheel is travelling forwards as the suspension compresses, along with the bike moving forward, which means the wheel is being pushed further 'into' the obstacle.
With a HPP, the axle path is rearward, which means the rear wheel is moving backwards, away from the obstacle while the bike is moving forward, which basically means it's getting out of the way of the obstacle.
Because of this, they feel much more capable and like they have more travel, and smoother than a low pivot point bike - especially on chunk and rocky stuff.
The deviate guys made thier bikes for riding Scottish mountains which is why both thier bikes have HPP.
The chain routing is required with the idler as with the large rearward axle path, it results in a longer chainstay as the suspension compresses, with a normal routing that would result in lots of pedal kickback, which is generally bad.
If you can get a test ride, do so.
A forbidden druid in the cosmic eggplant colour, yes please!!
Edited by Tall_Paul on Saturday 15th August 13:51
There's a good article here about all the different types of suspension, pros & cons of each and what all the different terms mean.
The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems.
Bike looks nice btw.
The ultimate guide to mountain bike rear suspension systems.
Bike looks nice btw.
Not a gimmick but not a panacea either. If it was the answer, every DH bike on the WC circuit would have a high piv point.
For example, best bike I've ever owned for speed and fun... Single pivot Evil insurgent. And on timed tests they often come out fastest or top 3.
Now have a spesh Kenevo, which is more efficient and likely faster... But not as much fun... By a long way.
For 5k, I'd also be looking at Geometon and Pole due to the rear shock (Ext. Coil).
For example, best bike I've ever owned for speed and fun... Single pivot Evil insurgent. And on timed tests they often come out fastest or top 3.
Now have a spesh Kenevo, which is more efficient and likely faster... But not as much fun... By a long way.
For 5k, I'd also be looking at Geometon and Pole due to the rear shock (Ext. Coil).
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