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As a change for spring / summer 2024, I’m toying with the idea of swapping my Sonder Evol frame for a high pivot - Forbidden Druid or Deviate Highlander most likely.
I'm not unhappy with the Evol, it’s a great frame that rides really well … I’m just in the mood for something different.
What’s the collective STW experience on high pivot frames, particularly switching from a very traditional 4 bar suspension mid travel setup?
Passionate unqualified opinions and random suggestions of other suspension styles, whilst not required, are obviously expected! 😁
In amongst this I suppose is also a stealth classifieds wanted advert on the off chance someone is thinking of selling a great condition medium or large frame.
What’s the collective STW experience on a high pivot frames, particularly switching from a standard 4 bar suspension mid travel setup?
I'll tell you soon: I'm currently building up a Highlander 140 as a trail bike, replacing a 130mm Horst link bike. I've only had limited experience riding a high pivot - I've ridden Mrs a11y's Highlander 140 despite being too small for me, and a mate's XL-sized Highlander 150. Generally felt planted and soaked up more than my 130mm Horst link bike on descents, but hard to say with only limited experience.
If you're not bothered about the latest 145mm Highlander 2 model, Deviate are clearing out the remaining original Highlander frames with £1k off: https://store.deviatecycles.com/collections/sale-23/products/deviate-highlander-frame. Geometry is very similar to the newer one if you stick a -1deg headset in the 140, although reach is a bit less.
I believe Lowey off here had his Highlander frame in the classifieds.
What’s the collective STW experience on high pivot frames, particularly switching from a very traditional 4 bar suspension mid travel setup?
I would suggest riding one first, they definitely feel & ride different to other things out there. Also depends on the particular bike as well. The mid pivot stuff like Cannondale, GT, Hope, etc absolutely do not have the ‘magic carpet’ feel of something like the Claymore (shock dependent) / Range / Dreadnought.
Some quite simply, don’t like them, which is fine others love them.
Personally, I am a fan. I have ridden a fair few, my other half has a Claymore, I have had a Dreadnought & a HB.916 & spent quite a bit of time on the Druid V1 & V2. I actually prefer the ride of the V1 Druid over the V2, but the V2 is a decent step up in terms of build quality. I haven’t tried either Highlander, although on paper the sizing of the large of both is more what I would go for. I am kind of in between the L & XL Druid V2.
If I didn’t already have a really good trail bike, I would probably have the Forbidden. I think between the two it’s so close you have to pick the one that makes you want to ride. The Deviate has some minging colours & I really don’t like the massive logo they wedge onto the downtube. Probably says enough that I am down to minor details like that to chose between.
Apparently Norco are about to release their new Optic as a HP bike too, so might be worth waiting for that one.
The Druid V2 looks mint but I haven't ridden one. I was having a poke around one in a shop yesterday and it's a lovely thing. Possible replacement for my Norco Sight frame.
Interested to hear any owners experiences.
Sent you a PM with my thoughts and an option to consider.
The Deviate has some minging colours
Buy from JMJ designs and he’ll do you a deal on custom paint (warranty unaffected).
I really like my Highlander I (not for sale), feels like a much bigger bike than it is on descents, but still rides like a trail bike.
Anyone who wants a go in Leeds, they’re welcome
I have a forbidden Druid v1. Best bike I’ve had and I’ve been riding since 1986!!
I would suggest riding one first, they definitely feel & ride different to other things out there.
Heard this a few places from reviewers and owners, some just don't get on with them. For example the chainstay will grow about 10mm at sag and another 10mm to bottom out. Curious to try one though.
Apparently Norco are about to release their new Optic as a HP bike too
Wonder if they've given it more travel than the current 125mm.