Forbidden Bike Company

What Forbidden Bike Company does

Forbidden Bike Company is a privately held Canadian mountain bike manufacturer headquartered in Cumberland, British Columbia, founded in 2019 by CEO and design engineer Owen Pemberton. The company designs, produces, and distributes a portfolio of eight premium bicycles spanning electric mountain bikes (Dreadnought E, Druid E), trail and enduro mountain bikes (REYA, Druid, Dreadnought, Supernought), and titanium hardtails (Heathen, Puritan), with pricing from CAD 3,599 to CAD 16,199.

The company's competitive identity is built on two proprietary technology platforms: the Trifecta high-pivot 4-bar suspension system (with V2 and V3 variants across the lineup) and One Ride Geometry, a proportional sizing system that scales rear-center lengths and seat angles per frame size to deliver consistent ride characteristics. The e-MTB line leverages the Avinox M2S/M2 drive system with 600Wh or 800Wh battery options, paired with deep integration to SRAM (AXS drivetrain, UDH, Maven brakes), RockShox, Fox, Crankbrothers, Maxxis, DT Swiss, and OneUp components. Frames are packaged in-house at the Cumberland facility and shipped to 100+ authorized dealers worldwide across North America, the UK, Europe, Oceania, and Asia.

Forbidden operates a dealer-exclusive B2B2C model with no direct-to-consumer online sales, supplemented by regional storefronts for Canada, the US, the UK, Europe, Australia, and International markets. Revenue is generated through one-time complete-bike sales and framekit sales across multiple build tiers. Marketing emphasizes product technology storytelling, video content, racing sponsorships (Own The Podium program, professional rider Laurie Greenland), and a Factory Demo Program at Gravity Garage in Cumberland. The company is employee-owned by management with no disclosed external funding, parent company, or acquisition history.

Name

Forbidden Bike Company

Legal name

Forbidden Bike Company

Website

https://forbiddenbike.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2019

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Forbidden Bike Company is a privately held Canadian premium mountain bike manufacturer designing e-MTBs, trail, enduro, downhill, and titanium hardtail bikes sold through a global dealer network, differentiated by its proprietary Trifecta high-pivot suspension and One Ride proportional geometry.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mountain Bikes

NAICS

Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991)

SIC

Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751)

akta.pro primary industry

E-bikes & E-cargo Bikes Manufacturing (IMACAOAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

E-Bikes & Electric Bicycles (CRACASAA)

Keywords

• Mountain bikes
• Electric mountain bikes
• Bicycle manufacturing
• Suspension technology
• Mountain bike dealers

Headquarters

HQ city

Cumberland

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Complete Bicycle Sales: Forbidden sells complete bikes in multiple build tiers (Framekit, Tier 1-4) with varying component specifications and price points ranging from approximately $3,599 CAD to $16,199 CAD depending on model and specification level.
2. Frame and Framekit Sales: Sale of frame-only packages allowing customers to build their own bikes with custom components.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Forbidden Bike Company designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes through a global authorized dealer network. The portfolio includes e-MTBs (Dreadnought E, Druid E) featuring Avinox drive systems, traditional trail/enduro/downhill mountain bikes (REYA, Druid, Dreadnought, Supernought), and titanium hardtails (Heathen, Puritan). Bikes are sold as complete builds in tiered specifications (Tier 1–4) or as framekits, and are differentiated by proprietary Trifecta high-pivot suspension and One Ride proportional geometry.

Product overview

Forbidden Bike Company is a mountain bike manufacturer producing a portfolio of 8 distinct bicycle models across e-MTB and traditional MTB categories. The lineup includes two e-MTBs (Dreadnought E and Druid E) featuring Avinox drive systems, four trail/enduro/DH mountain bikes (REYA, Druid, Dreadnought, Supernought), and two titanium hardtail bikes (Heathen and Puritan). The company differentiates through proprietary Trifecta suspension technology (high-pivot 4-bar design) and One Ride proportional geometry, ensuring consistent ride characteristics across all frame sizes. Bikes are available as complete builds in multiple tiers or as framekits.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Dreadnought E Long-travel full-power electric mountain bike with 170mm rear and 180mm front suspension, available with Avinox M2S (130 Nm, 1300W peak) or M2 (110 Nm, 1100W peak) drive systems and 600Wh or 800Wh battery options. Built on the Trifecta V3 high-pivot 4-bar suspension platform with One Ride proportional geometry. Targeted at all-mountain riding and aggressive terrain. Pricing: $9,899–$15,399 CAD depending on tier and battery.
• Druid E Trail-focused electric mountain bike with 150mm rear and 160mm front suspension, powered by Avinox M2S or M2 motors with 600Wh or 800Wh battery options. Features Trifecta V3 suspension with mixed wheel (MX) setup. Pricing: $9,699–$16,199 CAD depending on tier and battery.
• REYA Short-travel trail bike with 120mm rear and 130mm front suspension. Features Trifecta V3 suspension (non-high-pivot), One Ride proportional geometry, and full 29" wheel setup for efficient climbing and confident descending on singletrack. Pricing: $4,199 CAD (framekit) to $12,999 CAD (Tier 1).
• Druid Short-travel trail mountain bike with 130mm rear and 150mm front suspension. Uses Trifecta V2 high-pivot 4-bar suspension with One Ride geometry for playful, traction-focused handling on technical trail terrain. Pricing: $4,899 CAD (framekit) to $9,499 CAD (Tier 1).
• Dreadnought All-mountain enduro mountain bike with 160mm rear and 170mm front travel. Features Trifecta V2 high-pivot suspension, modular dropouts for wheel size adjustment (29", MX, 27.5"), and One Ride proportional geometry. Pricing: $5,299 CAD (framekit) to $11,999 CAD (Tier 1).
• Supernought Downhill race bike with 200mm rear and 200mm front suspension. Features Trifecta V2 high-pivot 4-bar suspension, modular dropouts, and One Ride geometry optimized for maximum speed and control. Pricing: $5,099 CAD (framekit) to $11,199 CAD (Tier 1).
• Heathen Titanium hardtail mountain bike designed around a 130mm fork with slack aggressive geometry. Features One Ride proportional sizing with MX wheels on S1/S2 and full 29" on S3/S4. Built for trail riding, XC loops, and loaded backcountry adventures. Pricing: $3,599 CAD (framekit).
• Puritan Titanium all-terrain bike (ATB) with flat-bar-first design, accommodating 700c x 50mm tires. Features One Ride proportional sizing for gravel efficiency with comfort and stability on mixed terrain and loaded touring. Pricing: $4,599 CAD (framekit, includes RockShox Rudy fork).

Quantifiable outcome

• Estimated range: 800Wh battery provides 157 km, 600Wh provides 117 km for e-MTBs

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, standard and strategic.

• AvinoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationMotor system partner for e-MTB line. Provides M2S (130 Nm, 1300W) and M2 (110 Nm, 1100W) drive systems with integrated battery options (600Wh/800Wh). Features OLED touchscreen, wireless controls, and smartphone app integration. Fast charging capability (508W charger for Tier 1).
• SRAMcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary drivetrain supplier. Provides Eagle AXS wireless transmission, Maven brakes, Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), and AXS Extension Cord compatible with Avinox system for direct drivetrain power from bike battery.
• RockShoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationPrimary suspension supplier. Provides Zeb forks (Enduro), Lyrik (Trail), Pike (XC/Trail), Boxxer (DH), Vivid shocks, and Super Deluxe shocks across various build tiers.
• FoxcoreTechnology or IntegrationAlternative suspension supplier. Provides 36, 38, and 40 forks, Float X2 shocks, and Grip X2 technology across build tiers.
• CrankbrothersstandardTechnology or IntegrationHub and pedal supplier. Provides Synthesis ratchet hubs, alloy and carbon rims, and platform pedals across various builds.
• MaxxisstandardTechnology or IntegrationTire supplier. Provides High Roller 3, DHRII, Minion DHF, Dissector, and Rekon tires with MaxxGrip, MaxxTerra compounds and DH, EXO+, EXO casings.
• DT SwissstandardTechnology or IntegrationWheel and hub supplier for trail bikes. Provides 240, 350, and 370 hubs, and 1500/1700/1900 rims.
• OneUp ComponentsstandardTechnology or IntegrationCockpit component supplier. Provides dropper posts, stems, handlebars, and accessories across multiple build tiers.
• Gravity GaragestrategicChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCumberland, BC-based demo center partner for Factory Demo Program. Provides demo bike experiences from Gravity Garage with access to Cumberland Forest trail network.
• Laurie GreenlandstrategicOthersProfessional mountain bike rider who joined Forbidden in 2026. Testing early ideas and product development with the brand.

Scale indicators1 record

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights2 records

Direct peers

• Pivot Cycles: Premium MTB manufacturer with proprietary dw-link suspension and a full e-MTB line. Directly comparable to Forbidden in suspension engineering focus, premium tiered pricing, and rider-segment targeting.
• Commencal: Premium MTB-only brand with deep enduro/DH heritage and a growing e-MTB lineup. Comparable to Forbidden in category focus, gravity-led product DNA, and global dealer distribution.
• Specialized Bicycle Components: Premium global bicycle manufacturer with a leading e-MTB lineup (Turbo Levo, Kenevo) and proprietary suspension technology. Competes with Forbidden directly in trail, enduro, and e-MTB segments targeting similar high-performance riders.
• Santa Cruz Bicycles: Premium MTB manufacturer known for proprietary VPP suspension and a full e-MTB range (Heckler, Bullit). Closely comparable to Forbidden in product positioning, premium pricing, and proprietary suspension philosophy.
• Nukeproof: Premium MTB brand focused on enduro, DH, and e-MTB with proprietary products and strong racing ties. Comparable to Forbidden in gravity-bike orientation and racing-driven brand identity.
• Yeti Cycles: Premium MTB-only brand with proprietary Switch Infinity suspension and a strong enduro/DH focus (SB130, SB160, SB170). Comparable to Forbidden in premium pricing, rider-development focus, and technology-led brand narrative.
• Canyon Bicycles: Premium MTB and e-MTB manufacturer (Spectral, Neuron, Torque) operating primarily via direct-to-consumer model. Comparable to Forbidden in premium positioning and category focus, though it competes on a fundamentally different distribution model.
• Orbea: European premium bicycle manufacturer with a strong MTB and e-MTB lineup (Rise, Wild). Comparable to Forbidden in premium pricing, technology emphasis, and global dealer distribution.
• Ibis Cycles: Premium MTB manufacturer focused on trail and enduro with proprietary suspension designs. Similar to Forbidden in size, premium positioning, and emphasis on ride-quality technology.

Broad incumbents

• Trek Bicycle Corporation: Largest premium bicycle manufacturer globally with broad portfolio including MTB (Slash, Remedy) and e-MTB (Rail) lines. Competes with Forbidden across multiple segments but at vastly greater scale and broader category coverage.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/forbiddenbikecompany

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Forbidden Bike Company