One of Forbidden core philosophies is that everyone who rides our bikes should experience a similar ride characteristic, regardless of their size or stature. To this end, we have put extra effort into our geometry and sizing, and one of the major contributing factors behind a bike’s overall ride feel is its weight balance. The term ‘weight balance’ refers to the relationship between the rear centre and the front centre, and the resultant position of the rider’s centre of gravity between the tire contact patches. How each tire is weighted, directly affects the grip characteristics of the bike. 

This weight distribution will also have a profound effect on both the [bike’s] agility and its stability. Many brands talk about their bikes having “balanced geometry”, yet they only use a single rear centre (chainstay) measurement across all frame sizes. If the rear-centre remains constant with each size while front-centre change, then it stands to reason that each size [of bike] will see a different weight distribution and therefore a different ride characteristic. At Forbidden, in an effort to ensure a consistent ride experience across all sizes, we employ a scaled rear-centre measurement for each individual frame size.

Their commitment to geometry and the dynamic ride characteristics of our bikes doesn’t end with scaled rear-centre lengths.  A challenge for all modern bikes, especially those with 29” wheels, is the relationship between effective and actual seat angle. We are extremely proud of the fact that our actual seat angles change with each size getting progressively steeper as frame size increases, thus, ensuring taller riders have a better-seated position than that of our competitors. 

Their commitment to a better fit for all riders also led them to larger than normal increases in head tube lengths that better suit each end of the size range. They feel that these small but extremely important details ensure that you, the rider, will feel instantly at home on their bikes.