2026 Forbidden Dreadnought E 4

Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 – 2026

The Forbidden Dreadnought E is the electrified evolution of Forbidden’s most capable high-pivot enduro platform — and it doesn’t just meet expectations, it obliterates them. Built from the ground up as a full-power e-MTB, the Dreadnought E pairs Forbidden’s proven Trifecta high-pivot four-bar suspension with the Avinox M2 drive system to deliver a bike that climbs with intent and descends with the kind of composed, no-nonsense aggression that has made the Dreadnought name legendary.

At outset.bike, we stock bikes that deliver on their promises. The Dreadnought E T4 is exactly that kind of bike — an entry point into the Dreadnought E range that doesn’t compromise on the things that matter most.

AVINOX M2 DRIVE SYSTEM

The T4 is powered by the Avinox M2 motor — delivering 110 Nm of continuous torque (125 Nm in Boost mode) and 1,100 W of peak power. That’s more than enough grunt to tackle the steepest, most technical climbs, while still offering the precise, nuanced power delivery that makes the Avinox platform the benchmark for mid-power e-MTB systems. The motor is paired with an 800 Wh integrated battery for extended range on your biggest days out.

Power delivery across ECO, TRAIL, TURBO, and BOOST modes is controlled via the intuitive Avinox controls, with seamless transitions between modes and no unwanted motor kick. The result is a drive system that feels natural — like a direct extension of your own effort — rather than a motor bolted onto a bike.

TRIFECTA HIGH-PIVOT SUSPENSION

The heart of the Dreadnought E’s ride quality is its Trifecta V3 high-pivot four-bar suspension platform. With 170mm of rear travel paired with a 180mm RockShox ZEB fork, this is a bike built for the rowdiest, most demanding lines on the mountain. The suspension kinematics deliver a predictable, rearward axle path that ploughs through rock gardens and root sections with confidence, while still offering the pop and support you need to generate speed and get airborne.

The shock is positioned vertically inside the frame, maximising room for long dropper posts and packaging the motor and battery cleanly. On the T4, a RockShox Super Deluxe 230x65mm handles the rear end, delivering tune-able performance right out of the box.

GEOMETRY & SIZING

The Dreadnought E’s geometry is unapologetically downhill-focused. It runs slack head angles, a tall front end, and short 150mm cranks — all of which combine to put you in a centred, upright, and controlled riding position. This is a stance previously reserved for full downhill race bikes, and it shows in the confidence the bike inspires on steep, consequential terrain.

The bike uses Forbidden’s full OneRide proportional sizing, meaning each size (S1 through S4) is scaled specifically to the rider — not just stretched or compressed. This produces consistent handling feel across all sizes, and ensures that riders at opposite ends of the size range both get a bike that fits and handles the way it was intended.

MULLET WHEEL SETUP

The Dreadnought E runs a mullet wheel configuration — 29-inch front and 27.5-inch rear — exclusively. This setup gives the rider more influence over the chassis, making it easier to initiate and maintain direction changes while still benefitting from the rollover ability of a larger front wheel. Front rubber is the Maxxis High Roller 3 in 3C MaxxGrip DH Casing; rear rubber is the Maxxis DHRII in 3C MaxxGrip DH Casing. Wheels are Crank Brothers Alloy 1.0, built on Crankbrothers Synthesis hubs with Sapim E-Light / Strong spokes.

AVINOX DISPLAY & CONNECTIVITY

The Avinox system includes a 2-inch full-colour OLED Control Display, integrated into the cockpit and connected to the Avinox Ride app. From the display you can monitor speed, battery level, estimated range, and change ride modes. The Avinox app goes further, offering full customisation of each assist mode, route navigation via GPX/FIT/TCX import, and integration with third-party navigation apps. Wireless handlebar controls and a left-side Avinox controller round out the package.

FRAME CONSTRUCTION & PROTECTION

The Dreadnought E frame is built from high-modulus carbon fibre with Forbidden’s Trifecta V2 high-pivot four-bar architecture and One Ride proportional geometry. It ships with a full suite of in-house custom frame protection — chainstay, seatstay, downtube, and motor guard — all designed to keep the bike quiet and clean through demanding terrain. RideWrap protection is installed from the factory in all high-wear areas. Every frame size can accommodate a full 26 oz water bottle, and the Dreadnought E is backed by Forbidden’s lifetime carbon frame warranty.

DRIVETRAIN

The T4 runs SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type shifting via a SRAM Eagle 70 rear derailleur, SRAM XS-1270 cassette, and SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type chain. Cranks are Praxis Alloy Type 7 E-Cranks at 150mm with a 34T chainring and 55mm chainline. The FBC idler pulley and Forbidden Race Guide manage chain tension and keep the drivetrain quiet and efficient through the bike’s significant suspension travel. SRAM AXS Extension Cord comes fitted on T-Type builds, enabling Avinox Smooth Shift — gear changes without pedalling, reducing drivetrain wear and making transitions on technical climbs seamless.

BRAKES

Stopping power on the T4 comes courtesy of SRAM DB4 brakes front and rear, paired with SRAM Centerline 200mm rotors. The DB4’s Stealth Body, organic pads, and reach adjustment give solid, consistent performance in all conditions.

FAQs – Forbidden Dreadnought E T4

What size Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 do I need?

The Dreadnought E is available in four sizes: S1, S2, S3, and S4. As a guide, S1 suits riders approximately 158–170cm; S2 suits 168–180cm; S3 suits 177–189cm; and S4 suits 186–198cm. Because Forbidden uses OneRide proportional geometry, each size is independently scaled — not just stretched — so the handling characteristics remain consistent across all sizes. If you’re between sizes, reach out to us at outset.bike and we’ll help you dial in the right fit based on your height, inseam, and riding style.

What type of riding is the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 designed for?

The Dreadnought E T4 is a full-power, long-travel enduro e-MTB built for the most demanding terrain on the mountain. With 170mm of rear travel, a 180mm fork, slack geometry, and DH-spec rubber, it’s at home on steep technical descents, bike park laps, black-grade trails, and rowdy natural terrain. It climbs with authority thanks to the Avinox M2 motor and proportional seat angles, making it a genuine all-day weapon on technical trail centres.

How does the Avinox M2 motor compare to the M2S on higher-tier builds?

The T4 and T3 builds use the Avinox M2 motor, which delivers 110 Nm of continuous torque (125 Nm in Boost mode) and 1,100 W of peak power — more than enough for most riders and most terrain. The T1 and T2 builds step up to the Avinox M2S, which delivers 130 Nm continuous (150 Nm in Boost mode) and 1,300 W of peak power. Both motors share the same intuitive Avinox control interface and Ride app connectivity, and both weigh 2.6 kg. For most trail and enduro riding, the M2 will feel more than adequate.

What is the range of the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4?

The T4 is fitted with an Avinox 800 Wh integrated battery, providing substantial range for full-day adventures. Actual range depends on terrain, rider weight, assist mode, and elevation gain. In ECO mode on moderate trails, you can expect approximately 4–5 hours of riding. The battery charges from 0–100% in approximately 4 hours 45 minutes with the included Avinox 168W charger (approx. 3 hours and 3 minutes to reach 75%).

What warranty does the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 come with?

The full-carbon Dreadnought E frame is covered by Forbidden’s lifetime warranty for the original owner — the same warranty that applies to all Forbidden carbon bikes. Components carry their respective manufacturer’s warranty (typically 2 years for drivetrain, brakes, and suspension). The Avinox motor and battery are covered by Avinox’s warranty — refer to Avinox documentation for current terms. Contact us at outset.bike if you have specific warranty questions.

Is the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 waterproof?

Yes. The Avinox M2 motor and battery carry an IP56 water resistance rating, making the system well-suited to wet, muddy, and demanding trail conditions. Rain, creek crossings, and heavy mud are no issue. As with any quality mountain bike component, we recommend avoiding prolonged submersion and pressure washing directed at motor, battery, and bearing interfaces.

Can the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4 be set up tubeless?

Yes. The Crank Brothers Alloy 1.0 rims are tubeless ready, and the Maxxis DH Casing tyres can be run tubeless. You’ll need to add tubeless valves and sealant — Stan’s Sealant is included with the bike. Tubeless setup reduces the risk of pinch flats and allows you to run lower tyre pressures for improved grip and compliance, both of which make a meaningful difference on the terrain this bike is built for.

How should I store and care for the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4?

Store the bike clean and dry in a cool, stable environment. For the battery, keep charge level between 30–60% for long-term storage and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or cold. Use a soft brush and low-pressure water for cleaning — avoid pressure washers, especially around motor, battery port, headset, and suspension bearings. Re-lubricate the chain and pivot bearings regularly, and inspect the idler pulley and drivetrain components periodically given the additional load an e-MTB drivetrain experiences.

Can I upgrade components on the Forbidden Dreadnought E T4?

Most contact and cockpit components — grips, saddle, bars, stem, and dropper post — can be upgraded straightforwardly. Fork and shock upgrades are possible within the frame’s compatibility parameters. Drivetrain upgrades should maintain the same chainline and be compatible with the e-MTB-specific idler system. Any changes to motor programming or battery should be handled by an authorised Avinox service centre. The T4’s SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type drivetrain is already a strong performer, so upgrades in this area are typically cosmetic or preference-driven rather than performance-driven.

How does the Dreadnought E T4 compare to the other build levels?

The Dreadnought E is available in four build tiers — T1 through T4 — all sharing the same full-carbon frame, Trifecta V3 suspension, and Avinox drive system with an 800 Wh battery. The T4 is the entry-level build, featuring the Avinox M2 motor, SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type drivetrain, SRAM DB4 brakes, RockShox ZEB fork, and RockShox Super Deluxe shock. As you move up to T3, T2, and T1, the builds upgrade to higher-spec suspension (RockShox ZEB Select+/Ultimate, Fox), better brakes (SRAM Maven), more sophisticated drivetrains (SRAM Eagle 90 and XO1), and ultimately the more powerful Avinox M2S motor on T1 and T2. The T4 delivers the complete Dreadnought E experience at the most accessible price point.

Is the Dreadnought E T4 a good first full-power e-MTB?

The Dreadnought E T4 is an exceptional choice if you’re ready to step into a serious, capable full-power e-MTB — but it’s worth being clear that this is a performance machine designed for intermediate to advanced riders on challenging terrain. Its DH-focused geometry, long travel, and powerful Avinox M2 motor reward confident, skilled riding. If you’re newer to e-MTBs, reach out to us at outset.bike and we can help you decide whether the Dreadnought E T4 is the right match for your current skill level and intended riding.

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