Short Travel Done the Forbidden Way: Introducing the New Reya

If your first look at Forbidden’s new trail bike, the “Reya” has you a bit confused, you aren’t alone. Forbidden is known for high-pivot, big-hitting bikes that smash descents, but their newest bike breaks that mould completely. What happens when they strip back the tech they’re known for to focus on something entirely different? Let’s dig into Forbidden’s foray into climbing efficiency below.

Key Points:

• No idler or high-pivot
• 120mm rear and 130mm front travel
• Full 29er
• Proportional sizing
• Head Tube Angle: 65°
• Seat Tube Angle: 77°

Geometry

Forbidden’s OneRide geometry makes use of proportional rear centres across all four sizes (S1–S4), with the rear triangle growing at the same rate as the front. This is something we love to see with bike sizing, and it's not something you typically find on short-travel bikes. This geometry helps distribute weight across the frame more evenly, giving the rider more consistent front-to-rear grip.

Suspension Design

You may have noticed the distinct lack of a high-pivot idler on this bike, something that has become synonymous with Forbidden bikes from the very start. The traditional Trifecta kinematics that Forbidden has been known for were completely reimagined for the 120mm rear travel Reya.

The focus that they normally put on optimizing the rearward axle-path for big hits was instead pivoted to maximizing climbing efficiency. Diverting from traditional XC frames, they opted out of using flexstays and went with a Horst-link 4-bar pivot design with a shock that’s mounted vertically. With the pivot points, they made sure to use beefed up bearings, choosing to trim weight in other areas. This design still keeps descending capability in mind, while also maintaining climbing efficiency.

Leverage Curve & Pedal Kickback

The Reya’s leverage curve is progressive, and the larger volume air cans on the shock complement the progressivity of the linkage to deliver sensitivity and traction where it matters.

No idler, no problem! The folks at Forbidden have made sure to fine-tune chain feedback to make up for the changes in their suspension design. Providing more tension in the easier gears and less in the harder gears to give a calm feeling while climbing, and a smoother ride while descending.

Anti-Squat & Anti-Rise

• Anti-Squat: keeps your bike from bobbing when you pedal
• Anti-Rise: keeps your suspension working when you brake

The Reya’s anti-squat is around 110% at sag in the climbing gears to combat the dreaded pedal bob, and ramps up as you move into the harder gears to resist diving into its travel. This helps keep your momentum moving forward as you put more power down.

A consistent anti-rise of around 80% keeps you moving predictably as things get technical.

Fine Details

• A full-size bottle fits inside all frame sizes — the vertically mounted shock means there isn't room for a second bottle, which adds stiffness and reduces torsional loads on the shock, extending its life and improving performance.
• No headset routing — the Reya features Forbidden's own versatile cable routing system, with the option for a cable-actuated suspension lockout.
• An ISCG mount for chainguides.
• Tons of customized rubber protection to help minimize chain slap and general wear and tear on the frame.
• No frame storage — intentional to save weight, though there are a couple of frame bosses for accessory mounts on the bottom of the top tube.

Available Builds

The Reya comes in three unique build specs, four sizes (S1 / S2 / S3 / S4), and only comes with 29” wheels.

Build 1

Colour: Golden Brown
Fork: Fox Factory 34SL
Shock: Fox Factory Float
Drivetrain: SRAM XXSL T-Type
Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate
Wheels: DT 1500 Carbon w 240 Hubs
Cockpit: OneUp / BikeYoke / Fizik
Weight: 25.88lbs (11.73kg)

$12,999 CAD / $10,499 USD

Build 2

Colour: Grey Chapter
Fork: RockShox Pike Ultimate
Shock: RockShox Deluxe Ultimate
Drivetrain: SRAM GX T-type
Brakes: SRAM Motive Silver
Wheels: DT 1700 w 350 Hubs
Cockpit: OneUp / BikeYoke / Fizik
Weight: 28.70lbs (13.01kg)

$9,899 CAD / $7,699 USD

Build 3

Colour: Grey Chapter
Fork: RockShox Pike Select+
Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
Drivetrain: SRAM Eagle 90 T-type
Brakes: SRAM Motive Bronze
Wheels: DT 1900 w 370 Hubs
Cockpit: Forbidden Components
Weight: 29.40lbs (13.33kg)

$7,699 CAD / $6,299 USD

Final Thoughts

The Forbidden Reya proves that less can be more. By ditching the high-pivot and idler, the team has crafted a short-travel 29er that climbs efficiently, descends confidently, and still carries that signature Forbidden bloodline.

If you're looking to hit up some local XC races, break into some more serious backcountry sufferfests, or if you just want a bike that is lighter, more playful and efficient... The new Reya is worth a serious look.