“It’s been a long time since I’ve ridden a short-travel bike, and since then they have come a long way. Most of my youth was spent on hardcore XC rigs, and a lot of my bike skills developed because of the sketchy geometry, high seatposts, and, at best, questionable suspension. The Forbidden Reya is a stark departure from those bikes. I instantly felt comfortable on it. It was a perfect reminder of how far modern short-travel bikes have come, as well as a reflection of my evolution as a rider.

I am fully confident I could line up on any XC start line, as well as take it deep into the Chilcotins on multi-day missions. With suspension that works, BC-oriented builds, and modern proportional geometry, this bike is exactly what I’ve been waiting for.

And while I don’t see myself making any more World Champs XC appearances, I can’t wait to push my physical and mental limits on this bike. It’s going to open up a whole new world of possibilities.”

-Rhys Verner

Watch Rhys get reacquainted with the platform.

Full details on the Reya drop March 19th.