Hauling it straight down a rough trail is always a good time, but bouncing through tight corners can be a real blast too. Recognizing that every rider has their own style, Forbidden Bike Co. decided to create the Ziggy Link, a replacement link that allows Druid owners to convert their bikes to a mixed wheel size setup, or ‘mullet bike’ if you prefer.
The Ziggy Link replaces the lower link on the Druid’s Rate Control Linkage, and compensates for the differences when you slap a 27.5” wheel in the back end. What’s really cool is that it doesn’t just keep the bike’s original geometry; Forbidden went a step further and tuned the link to work best with the mixed wheel size setup.
The crew at Forbidden has had some interest in the mullet concept since early last year, so they’ve been playing with it out on the trails. Their three-step testing went like this: First, a 27.5” rear wheel was tossed onto a stock Druid. They say it was fun, but the BB dropped way too low. They then created a prototype link that matched the Druid’s geometry with its usual 29” wheels; it was better, but still didn’t quite hit the mark. Step three was tuning the link to work best with the mixed wheel sizes.
To emphasize the mixed wheel setup’s aggressive tendencies, the Ziggy Link will drop the Druid’s BB by 6mm and slacken the head tube angle by 0.5°. The bike’s kinematics were retained in the Ziggy Link’s design, so your mulleted Druid’s suspension will behave just as it does with its stock 29” wheels. See the above chart for full geo specs with the Ziggy Link in place.
If you’re still unsure of why Forbidden decided to release the Ziggy Link, I thought the explanation in their press release was brilliant;
“We all know that 29” wheels are fast, but hitting corners and linking turns on a Ziggy Link equipped Druid is a feeling that needs to be experienced. Delivering increased reaction times and a heightened ability to change direction and adapt to the trail ahead. Opening the Druid up and letting things get rowdy while remaining relaxed and composed is eye-wateringly fun.”
Installing the Ziggy Link is something home mechanics can handle, so long as you have a torque wrench (up to 14Nm) and know how to use it properly. Correctly tensioning the link bolts is a crucial step, so if you have any doubts Forbidden recommends taking the bike to a professional mechanic. If you’re equipped to do this at home, the only other tools you’ll need are 5mm and 6mm allen keys, lithium grease, and 5mm and 6mm torque bits.
Please note that Forbidden Bike Co. does not intend for people to run 27.5” front wheels on the Druids, and doing so will void your warranty! The Ziggy Link costs $139.99 and comes in anodized red only. It will be available online and through Forbidden dealers in late May.
