2026 Forbidden Dreadnought E 3

Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 – 2026

 

The Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 is where the Dreadnought E platform steps up in a meaningful way — better suspension, better brakes, and a more sophisticated drivetrain, all wrapped around the same full-carbon Trifecta high-pivot frame and Avinox M2 drive system that make the Dreadnought E one of the most capable full-power e-MTBs available. If you’re serious about riding rowdy terrain and want a bike that won’t hold you back, the T3 is the build to consider.

 

At outset.bike, we stock bikes that are genuinely worth their price tag. The Dreadnought E T3 earns every dollar.

 

AVINOX M2 DRIVE SYSTEM

 

Like the T4, the T3 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. The motor is paired with an 800 Wh integrated battery that gives you range for the biggest days out. Power is delivered across ECO, TRAIL, TURBO, and BOOST assist modes, all controlled via the intuitive Avinox wireless handlebar controls and the 2-inch full-colour OLED display.

 

The Avinox Ride app connects to the drive system via Bluetooth, letting you customise each assist mode, monitor battery and performance data, and navigate routes via GPX/FIT/TCX files or integrated navigation apps. Fast charging support gets you from 0–75% in approximately 3 hours and 3 minutes with the included 168W charger.

 

ROCKSHOX ZEB SELECT+ FORK

 

The T3 steps up to the RockShox ZEB Select+ fork — a meaningful upgrade over the base ZEB found on the T4. The Select+ spec adds ChargerX RC2 damper internals with independent high-speed and low-speed compression adjustment, plus LSC Adjust for a broader tuning range. Combined with 180mm of travel, the ZEB Select+ delivers exceptional front-end control on steep, technical descents and absorbs big hits with authority. Running a 44mm offset, it enhances the Dreadnought E’s already-impressive straight-line stability at speed.

 

ROCKSHOX VIVID AIR SELECT+ REAR SHOCK

 

At the rear, the T3 runs the RockShox Vivid Air Select+ coil-mimic air shock — a significant step up from the Super Deluxe found on the T4. The Vivid Air Select+ is tuned to work with high-pivot suspension linkages like the Trifecta V3, offering a more progressive, supportive feel through the mid-stroke while still blowing through to full travel when needed. The LSC Adjust and 2-Position Threshold Lever add on-the-fly tunability for riders who want to dial in their suspension to specific trail conditions. Tune: R55 C26, 230x65mm.

 

SRAM MAVEN BRAKES

 

The T3 gets a notable brake upgrade — SRAM Maven front and SRAM Maven Base rear. The Maven is SRAM’s current flagship trail brake, offering outstanding modulation, power, and heat management thanks to its Stealth Body, organic pads, and Reach Adjustment. This is a genuine performance upgrade over the DB4 spec on the T4, and makes a real difference when you’re repeatedly hauling off steep terrain with a full-power e-MTB under you. Both use 200mm SRAM Centerline rotors.

 

SRAM EAGLE 90 T-TYPE DRIVETRAIN

 

The drivetrain steps up to SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type — a hangerless, wireless-ready groupset that offers a refined shift feel and improved reliability over the Eagle 70 found on the T4. The Eagle 90 rear derailleur features a Hangerless Interface and Replaceable Skid Plates for resilience in the field. The Praxis Alloy E-Cranks run a 150mm length with a 34T chainring at 55mm chainline, optimised for the Dreadnought E’s geometry and idler drivetrain. The FBC idler pulley with V2 18T steel idler and Forbidden Race Guide keep the chain controlled through the full suspension travel.

 

TRIFECTA HIGH-PIVOT SUSPENSION PLATFORM

 

At the heart of the Dreadnought E is Forbidden’s Trifecta V3 high-pivot four-bar suspension with 170mm of rear travel. The rearward axle path ploughs through rock gardens, roots, and square-edged hits with composure that inspires confidence — and the vertical shock position maximises dropper post length across all frame sizes, including a 180mm dropper in the S1. The geometry is unapologetically downhill-focused: slack head angles, a tall front end, and short 150mm cranks place you in a centred, upright position built for control on steep terrain.

 

MULLET WHEEL SETUP

 

The Dreadnought E T3 runs a mullet wheel setup — 29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear — on Crankbrothers Alloy 1.0 rims built with Sapim E-Light/Strong spokes on Crankbrothers Synthesis hubs. Front rubber is the Maxxis High Roller 3 in 3C MaxxGrip DH Casing; rear is the Maxxis DHRII in 3C MaxxGrip DH Casing. Both are tubeless ready, and Stan’s sealant is included. The T3 also ships with a Fidlock TWIST Bike Base bottle mount, so you can carry a full 26 oz water bottle on any frame size.

 

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 OneRide proportional geometry across four sizes (S1–S4). Each size is independently scaled for consistent handling feel across the range. The frame ships with a full suite of in-house custom protection — chainstay, seatstay, downtube, and motor guard — plus RideWrap installed at the factory in high-wear zones. The Dreadnought E carries Forbidden’s lifetime carbon frame warranty.

 

FAQs – Forbidden Dreadnought E T3

 

What size Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 do I need?

 

The Dreadnought E comes in four sizes: S1, S2, S3, and S4. As a general guide, S1 suits riders approximately 158–170cm; S2 suits 168–180cm; S3 suits 177–189cm; and S4 suits 186–198cm. Forbidden’s OneRide proportional geometry means every size is independently scaled, so the handling characteristics are consistent no matter what size you’re on. If you’re between sizes or unsure, reach out to us at outset.bike — we’ll help you find the right fit based on your height, inseam, and riding style.

 

What type of riding is the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 designed for?

 

The Dreadnought E T3 is a full-power, long-travel enduro e-MTB built for aggressive, demanding terrain. With 170mm of rear travel, a 180mm RockShox ZEB Select+ fork, slack DH-focused geometry, and DH-spec tyres, it’s at home on steep technical descents, bike park laps, and the hardest natural trails. Its Avinox M2-powered drivetrain and high-pivot suspension platform make it equally capable on the climbs, turning big days in the mountains into something genuinely achievable.

 

What is the difference between the T3 and T4 builds?

 

Both the T3 and T4 share the same full-carbon Dreadnought E frame, Avinox M2 motor, 800 Wh battery, and mullet wheel setup. The T3 upgrades to a RockShox ZEB Select+ fork (vs base ZEB on the T4), RockShox Vivid Air Select+ rear shock (vs Super Deluxe), SRAM Maven brakes (vs DB4), and SRAM Eagle 90 T-Type drivetrain (vs Eagle 70 T-Type). The T3 also includes a Fidlock TWIST bottle mount. These upgrades translate to better suspension tunability, more braking power and modulation, and a more refined shifting experience.

 

What is the range of the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3?

 

The T3 is fitted with an Avinox 800 Wh integrated battery. Actual range varies based on terrain, rider weight, elevation, and assist mode. In ECO mode on moderate trails, you can expect approximately 4–5 hours of riding. Charge time is approximately 4 hours 45 minutes from flat to full with the included Avinox 168W charger, or around 3 hours and 3 minutes to reach 75%.

 

What warranty does the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 come with?

 

The Dreadnought E full-carbon frame is covered by Forbidden’s lifetime warranty for the original owner — consistent with all Forbidden carbon bikes. Components carry their respective manufacturer warranties (typically 2 years for drivetrain, brakes, and suspension). The Avinox motor and battery are covered under Avinox’s warranty terms. Contact us at outset.bike for specific warranty queries.

 

Is the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 waterproof?

 

Yes. The Avinox M2 motor and battery system carry an IP56 water resistance rating, meaning the bike is built for wet, muddy, and demanding trail conditions. Heavy rain, stream crossings, and deep mud pose no issue. As with any precision e-MTB, we recommend avoiding direct pressure washing aimed at the motor, battery port, bearings, and suspension pivots to maximise longevity.

 

Can the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3 be set up tubeless?

 

Yes. The Crankbrothers Alloy 1.0 rims are tubeless ready, and the Maxxis DH Casing tyres are fully compatible with a tubeless setup. You’ll need to add tubeless valves — Stan’s Sealant is included. Running tubeless on this bike makes a genuine difference, reducing flat risk and allowing you to run lower pressures for improved grip and traction on the demanding terrain it’s built for.

 

How does the RockShox ZEB Select+ compare to the base ZEB on the T4?

 

The RockShox ZEB Select+ features the ChargerX RC2 damper, which adds independent high-speed compression (HSC) and low-speed compression (LSC) adjustment over the base ZEB’s single-click compression. This gives you significantly more tuning range to dial the fork in for your weight, riding style, and trail conditions. For riders who want to set up their suspension precisely — or who ride a wide variety of terrain — the ZEB Select+ is a meaningful upgrade that translates into tangible on-trail performance.

 

How should I store and care for the Forbidden Dreadnought E T3?

 

Store the bike clean and dry in a stable environment, away from extreme heat or cold. For the battery, maintain a charge level between 30–60% during extended storage. Clean with a soft brush and low-pressure water, avoiding pressure washing around motor, battery port, headset, suspension pivots, and bearing interfaces. Lubricate the chain and check pivot bearings regularly. Given the additional torque loads on an e-MTB drivetrain, inspect the idler pulley, chainring, and cassette for wear more frequently than you would on a conventional bike.

 

Is the Dreadnought E T3 a good choice for an experienced enduro rider stepping into full-power e-MTBs?

 

Yes — the Dreadnought E T3 is an excellent choice for an experienced enduro rider making the move to a full-power e-MTB. The platform is purpose-built for performance rather than accessibility, which means it rewards confident, skilled riding. The T3’s upgraded suspension, Maven brakes, and Eagle 90 drivetrain give you the tools to ride harder and longer without compromise. If you’re coming from a high-end analogue bike and want a full-power e-MTB that doesn’t ask you to ride any differently, the Dreadnought E T3 is exactly that.

 

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