How we tune wheel size, rear centre, and ride feel without changing frames

At Forbidden, we obsess over the relationship between front centre and rear centre because that balance is a major driver of how a bike feels on trail. Our modular dropout system is one of the most practical ways we give riders and racers meaningful control over that balance across different rider sizes, tracks, and wheel configurations.

You will find these features on our Supernought and Dreadnought, because they are race intended bikes and we want the platform to be something you can fine tune for different venues, conditions, and rider preferences.

On these platforms, the modular dropout system does two jobs:

1. Enables 29 or MX configurations
2. Gives you rear centre and weight bias adjustments

What is a modular dropout

A dropout is the interface at the back of the frame where the rear axle and brake mount locate. It is a high load point while also being a precision point that influences balance and handling.

Why bias adjust matters, especially on race bikes

Adjusting the rear-centre bias is about fine tuning how the rider’s weight sits between the contact patches. That directly affects:

• Traction and calmness when speeds are high and the track is rough
• Agility and movement when you are changing direction or riding tighter tracks
• How consistent the bike feels across different rider sizes

This is exactly why we use it on Supernought and Dreadnought. Race weekends are not static, and neither are riders. Modular dropouts give you a simple, repeatable way to tune the bike to the track.

A simple framework for choosing settings

Use this as a starting point, then validate with timing, comfort, and traction.

Go longer when you want:

• More high speed stability
• More composed grip in rough braking bumps
• A calmer bike when you are deep into a run

Go shorter when you want:

• Faster direction changes
• A more playful rear end
• Quicker line corrections on tight or jump heavy tracks

The point is not that one setting is best. The point is you can tune the platform.

Why this matters for different rider sizes

Different rider sizes change the relationship between body position and contact patches. That is why our sizing philosophy is focused on maintaining intended ride characteristics across sizes and why having another lever, rear centre adjustment, is so valuable for dialling in feel rider by rider, trail by trail, day by day.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, Supernought and Dreadnought were built with performance in mind, and true performance is never one setting forever. Tracks change, speeds change, conditions change, and riders want different things out of the same platform depending on the day. Modular dropouts give you a simple, repeatable way to fine tune rear centre, wheel setup, and overall ride feel so the bike matches the job every time. Check with your local dealers for stock, or our website if you’re looking to tune in your ride.