News Roundup - Thursday April 10th

Forbidden Forays Into E-Bikes With the Druid LitE and CorE

Introducing Druid E. The proportionally sized, full-power e-MTB lineup we’ve all been waiting for. Available in two styles: Druid LitE and Druid CorE. Both equipped with the revolutionary Avinox drive system. A 2.52 kg (5.5 lbs) package that delivers 105 Nm of max continuous torque (120 Nm on boost), 800 W peak power (1,000 W on boost), the ability to run 600 Wh or 800 Wh batteries, and the fastest charging available on the market.

Avinox Drive System

We’ve had plenty of time to get a lay of the land and test numerous motor systems, but ever since our first test ride of the Avinox, it was an absolute no-brainer for us. And it’s not only for the reasons you might first think. Yes, it’s fast. Yes, it’s the most powerful. But it’s when things get grim and technical that this motor really starts to shine. Thanks to its advanced hardware and software, it allows you to finesse each pedal stroke to ensure you're always getting traction. Combine that with our low pedal kickback—thanks to the idler position—and you’ve got yourself a mountain goat of a bike.

Spec-wise, you’ve got 105 Nm of torque in a 2.5 kg package, a touchscreen display, intuitive controls, and a well-thought-out app. From the information displayed on the screen to fine-tuning every aspect of each assist mode. And it doesn’t stop there. There’s even an option for fast charging: zero to 75% in just one and a half hours.

E-bike Specific Geo & Spec

Druid E gets the full OneRide proportional sizing treatment and is the world’s first truly proportionally sized e-bike. Thanks to motor assistance, the bike’s geometry and ride position can be more downhill-oriented, where control and composure matter most. This is why you’ll find a taller front end, slack angles, a mixed-wheel platform, and short cranks.

That 467mm reach on an S3 might have you scratching your head, but hear us out. While the industry often associates shorter reach with outdated geometry, in this case, when combined with taller stack, it’s a functional adjustment to ensure good fit. Increased stack, combined with shorter cranks, lifts your head up and squares off your stance, putting you in a more natural-feeling, upright position. From this position, you’re better equipped to control and manoeuvre the bike, allowing you to flick it around as if the extra system weight isn’t even there. Continuing in the vein of DH-focused handling, we’ve chosen to go with a mullet setup.

Head over to Forbiddenbike.com for full details. Available Now.

RaceFace Debuts the Era 55mm Handlebar

High-rise handlebars are popping up everywhere, from the DH World Cup circuit to the bikes of core riders looking for better control on steep descents and improved pedaling comfort. For 2025, Race Face introduces the Era 55mm Rise Handlebar, expanding our Era GL Tuned carbon handlebar lineup with a confidence-inspiring, fatigue-reducing high-rise option. This makes Era 55mm bars the only high-rise compliance-tuned carbon bars on the market.

A higher bar positions riders in a way that better absorbs impacts, maintains control in steep terrain, and allows them to adopt a more ergonomic posture on long climbs. Until now, high-rise options with premium ride quality were limited—but that changes with the Era 55mm Rise Handlebar.

What's new with the Era 55mm Rise Handlebar?

Better Climbing Comfort

• Higher bars promote a more upright posture, reducing strain on the lower back and improving long-ride comfort.

Race Face GL Tune Carbon Construction

• Engineered to reduce arm fatigue while maintaining stiffness and control.
• A balance of vibration damping and responsiveness for aggressive riding.

More Options, More Control

• With the Era (carbon) and Turbine (aluminum) handlebar lines, riders now have 14 width, rise, and material options to fine-tune their cockpit.

Key Features:

• Rise: 55mm
• Material: GL Tuned Carbon
• Fatigue-reducing GL Tune for improved ride feel
• 6 colour options
• 2 width options: 780 and 800mm Widths – trimmable to 760
• eMTB Ready: Designed for the abuse of All-Mountain and Enduro riding, even on full-power e-bikes.

Era 55mm Rise Handlebar MSRP: 169 USD / 210 CAD / 170 EU / 249 AUD

Available now through RaceFace.com or your local RaceFace Dealer.

Continental Expands MTB Tire Lineup with Three New Models

Continental has launched three all-new MTB tires in April 2025, designed to provide riders with increased performance, durability, and ultimate grip on every trail. These tires—Dubnital, Trinotal, and Magnotal—sit alongside the acclaimed Gravity range, ensuring that every rider, from XC racers to trail enthusiasts, finds the perfect tire for their chosen terrain. The new tires replace the iconic Race King, Cross King, and Mountain King ProTection models, delivering significant upgrades for XC, downcountry, and all-mountain riders

The New MTB Lineup:

Continental’s expanded MTB range now spans eight models, with the three new tires joining the existing five models from the Gravity range to complete the MTB family. Each Gravity tire is designed to optimize performance across different conditions:

• Xynotal: Unrivaled control over rock and hardpack terrain
• Kryptotal Front and Rear: The perfect balance of stability, traction, and rolling resistance for mixed terrain
• Argotal: Cornering stability and enhanced side grip for loose conditions
• Hydrotal: Maximum grip and self-cleaning performance for wet and muddy trails

The new Continental MTB tires are launching on April 10 2025, with Dubnital and Trinotal available immediately and Magnotal following soon. Pricing starts at 66,95 EUR RRP per tire, subject to model and variant.

SCOTT welcomes freeride powerhouse Vaea Verbeeck to the team!

The Queen of Send joins our freeride crew, and she’s wasting no time—already sending it huge at Darkfest this weekend on her new SCOTT Gambler RC.

SCOTT is proud to announce the signing of Canadian freeride icon Vaea Verbeeck as the latest addition to the SCOTT freeride crew. With her powerful style, inspiring personality, and consistent presence at the forefront of the sport, Vaea has firmly established herself as a role model for the next generation of riders.

Beyond her impressive results, Vaea continues to drive the progression of women’s freeriding, pushing boundaries and opening doors for others to follow. Whether she’s sending massive lines at Darkfest or lighting up Crankworx Whistler, she brings a unique energy to the scene—on and off the bike.

Based in North America, Vaea will play a key role in representing SCOTT across the region while continuing to compete at the highest level. She’ll kick things off aboard the SCOTT Gambler RC, with more bikes from the SCOTT line-up to follow as the season unfolds.

Welcome to the team, Vaea!