Forbidden Puritan and Heathen: Titanium ATB + MTB

After seeing prototypes in person at Sea Otter last year, we knew it was only a matter of time before the Canadian brand Forbidden officially announced two new models. Better known for their unconventional chain-routed full-suspension bikes, the new Puritan and Heathen don’t employ an idler or a high-pivot layout, but Forbidden promises that they’re “all metal and all Forbidden.” Both models are available in limited quantities for a limited time, so let’s get right into it before they’re gone. But first, play Iron Swan by The Sword, which is the official launch song for the new bikes, according to Forbidden.

Forbidden Puritan: A Titanium ATB

The Forbidden Puritan caught Logan’s eye at Sea Otter as a capable ATB-style flat-bar gravel bike. Forbidden describes it as an “ATB built for loaded up long hauls, serendipitous mid-commute singletrack sessions, and whatever else you think you shouldn’t be doing on a 700c bike.”

The Puritan is designed around a titanium frame with the new 50mm travel RockShox Rudy XL fork, has clearance for 700C x 50mm (2.0″) tires, and is suited for a 60mm stem and a flat bar. It uses external cable routing, a 73mm threaded bottom bracket, non-boost thru-axles, and the main triangle has room for two 750ml+ bottles. The frame uses a 27.2mm seatpost with dropper post routing and 160mm flat-mount brakes.

For carrying extra gear, there are threaded bosses above and below the top tube, and it has dedicated fender mounts for all-weather riding. There are upper rack mounts on the seat stays, and lower rack mounts tucked above the rear axle, which is great to see from a bike promising dual-duty capability.

Forbidden Puritan Geometry

The Puritan is available as a frameset with the Rudy XL fork for $4,599 CAD ($4,199 USD incl. tariffs). Complete builds aren’t offered at this time, and, being a limited-run item, stock is limited. Learn more at ForbiddenBike.com.

Forbidden Heathen: A Titanium MTB

The Heathen aligns a little more closely with Forbidden’s trail-charging ethos, as a slack short-travel titanium hardtail designed around a 130mm fork. The two smaller sizes are designed for mixed wheel sizes (27.5″ rear, 29″ front), and the two larger sizes are full 29er. According to Forbidden, the split allowed them to maintain their front-center-to-rear-center ratio and preserve the intended ride characteristics across sizes.

The Heathen features a titanium frame, external cable routing, a 73mm threaded bottom bracket, and nearly unlimited seatpost insertion thanks to a straight seat tube. All sizes sport a slack 64° head tube angle, a 50mm or 62mm bottom bracket drop, and a chainstay length ranging from 399mm (S1) to 441mm (S4). The S1/S2 sizes have a max tire size of 27.5 x 2.5″, and the S3/S4 sizes can fit 29 x 2.5″.

The Heathen uses boost hub spacing, a SRAM UDH rear dropout, a 31.6mm seatpost, and a 180mm post-mount brake (with an included adapter). The frame features upper and lower ISCG-05 tabs for bashguards, accessory mounts under the top tube, and a single set of three-pack mounts on the downtube.

Forbidden Heathen Geometry

Like the Puritan, the Heathen is only available as a frame, so building up a complete bike will be up to you and your local bike shop. The Heathen frame costs $3,599 CAD ($3,399 USD incl. tariffs) and is available in limited quantities. See more at ForbiddenBike.com.

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