Sometimes you don’t need huge sends or high speeds to really tap into what makes a bike – or an island or a rider – special. Rhys Verner grew up racing cross country and, while he’s landed success racing gravity – including EWS wins – his roots are as much in pedalling up hill as in racing back down. That made him the perfect rider for Forbidden Bikes to tap to launch its first full suspension bike without a high pivot suspension layout.
Verner heads to the legendary trails of Hornby Island, the tiny little land mass two ferry rides away from Vancouver Island, to sample its dreamy singletrack. With Liam Morgan and Max McCulloch along for the ride behind the camera, the trio capture the spirit of Hornby off-season riding perfectly. Moody, a little damp, and quiet, despite perfect conditions.
And the Reya? A new cross country or trail bike from Forbidden. Mixing 120mm of rear travel with a 130mm fork. Not a race bike. Not a big bike. But designed for big rides, long miles, fast miles and, with Forbidden’s proportional sizing, a fit suited to every rider.
Settle into your weekend with the rhythms of Verner railing Forbidden’s Reya on Hornby Island.