Forbidden Druid: Core vs. Lite - Which is Right for You?

Here at Pro Bike Supply, we get stoked on bikes that allow us as riders to push the limits of what's possible. And let me tell you, the Forbidden Druid E-bikes are some of the most exciting bikes we've thrown a leg over in a long time. Forbidden has unleashed two flavors of their high-pivot monster, the Druid Core and the Druid Lite. Both are incredible machines, but they're tailored for different riders and different styles of shredding. So, which one is right for you? Let's break it down.

The Secret Sauce: Trifecta Suspension and DJI Avinox Power

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of Core vs. Lite, we have to talk about what makes these bikes so special. It all starts with Forbidden's Trifecta suspension platform. This high-pivot design allows the rear wheel to move backward as it soaks up bumps, which means it doesn't get hung up on square-edged hits and carries incredible speed through the rough stuff. It's that "magic carpet" feel that has made Forbidden a household name for riders in the know and has had some world cup racing presence to back this.

But the real game-changer here is the partnership with DJI. DJI has entered the e-bike world with their Avinox drive system, and it's a beast. We’ve already seen this motor on the Crestlin RS181 as well as the Amflow PL, and it's a powerhouse. This motor is not only powerful, but it's also incredibly intuitive and delivers power smoothly. It's the perfect complement to the Trifecta suspension, creating a bike that climbs like a goat and descends like a missile.

The Forbidden Druid Core: For the Enduro Smasher

If you're the kind of rider who lives for steep, technical descents and bike park laps, the Druid Core is your weapon of choice. This bike is a bruiser, with 150mm of rear travel and a 160mm fork. It's slacker and more planted than its sibling, begging you to let off the brakes and charge through the chunder.

The Core also comes with a bigger 800Wh battery, so you can squeeze in more laps and longer rides without worrying about running out of juice. It’s a bike that inspires confidence and will have you hitting lines you never thought possible.

The Forbidden Druid Lite: The All-Mountain Ripper

Don't let the "Lite" name fool you; this bike is no slouch. The Druid Lite is for the rider who wants a more "natural" feeling e-bike experience. With 140mm of rear travel and a 150mm fork, it's a bit more nimble and playful than the Core. It's the perfect all-rounder for long days in the saddle, technical climbs, and flowy descents.

The Lite comes with a 600Wh battery, which makes for a lighter and more agile bike. If you're looking for an e-bike that feels more like your analog trail bike, but with the added bonus of a motor to get you to the top of your favorite descents, the Druid Lite is the ticket.

The Pro Bike Supply Advantage: Your Dream Build Awaits

So, you've read all this and you're thinking, "The Core sounds great, but I'd love to have a lighter battery," or "The Lite is perfect, but I want a bit more travel." Well, you're in luck. Here at Pro Bike Supply, we're all about making your dream bike a reality.

We can create any custom build you can imagine. Want to put a bigger fork on a Lite? No problem. Want to swap the battery from a Core to a Lite? We can do that too. We can even do a full parts swap and build a Core up with a Lite build kit, or vice versa. The possibilities are endless, and our team of expert mechanics is here to help you create the perfect bike for your riding style.

The Bottom Line

The Forbidden Druid Core and Lite are two of the most capable and exciting e-bikes on the market. The Core is a burly, enduro-ready machine that will have you hunting for the gnarliest lines, while the Lite is a nimble and playful all-mountain rig that's perfect for long days of exploration.

No matter which one you choose, you're getting a bike with a top-tier suspension platform and a game-changing motor. And when you buy from Pro Bike Supply, you're not just getting a bike in a box; you're getting a custom-built machine that's tailored to your exact needs. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call or stop by the shop, and let's build your dream Forbidden Druid.

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