So far, Forestal has after the furious start with the Siryon light enduro exclusively built e-bikes. For 2025, the still young brand from Andorra is venturing to the other side of the force for the first time: two conventional mountain bikes, without a motor, should make purists happy and impress in racing. The new Siryon is a classic enduro bike, with the Cygnus being responsible for the disciplines with less suspension travel.
As a fast tourer and lightweight trail bike, however, the bike should cut a much better figure than in classic cross-country races. Typical Forestal: The equipment is high-quality, the prices are ambitious. The bike is intended to compete with boutique brands such as Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Transition and Co. rather than steal the thunder from brands such as Cube or Canyon.
These two bikes from Forestal are just as brand new:
The Forestal Cygnus at a glance
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 130 or 120/120 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S/M, L, XL
- Price: 6999 or 8999 euros; frame set 3999 euros
- Weight: 12.7 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Special features: Handlebar-stem unit, single-joint rear triangle, frame storage compartment
Still down-country or already trail: carbon frame with 120 mm suspension travel
At first glance, things are clear: with 120/120 millimetres of travel, the top model has just as much travel as a modern Specialised Epicthat new Cannondale Scalpel or a Scott Spark. Classic cross-country territory. However, with a storage compartment in the frame and little consideration for lightweight construction in the design of the rear triangle, the Cygnus is rather trail-orientated. Forestal also offers the bike with a 130 mm trail fork to match. The bike doesn't break any records when it comes to weight: the top model with race suspension, one-piece carbon cockpit and 120 millimetres of travel weighs 12.7 kilograms in size L.
Classically designed: The geometry of the Forestal E-Cygnus
Forestal have remained surprisingly conventional, almost conservative, with the geometry of the Cygnus. While most race and even more so trail bikes are now following the longer and slacker trend and steering angles of less than 66 degrees are becoming increasingly common even on real racing bikes, Forestal has opted for a moderate 67 degree steering angle and 76 degree seat angle. This tends to make the handling more manageable, neutral and predictable. On steep terrain and at high speeds, however, reserves may be lacking. With a reach of 445 millimetres, even the smallest frame is relatively large.
From 6999 euros: Features & price of the Forestal Cygnus
Even the "cheapest" model of the Cygnus has a high entry-level price. The reason for this is that Forestal uses Fox parts from the Performance Elite series to install top-level suspension. In contrast to the top model, the fork here provides 130 millimetres of travel. Common to both models are the XM 1700 Spline wheels from DT Swiss, which are unusually stable for the class, and the Formula brakes.
The affordable "Halo" bike shifts with a mechanical GX, while the top-of-the-range "Diode" model changes gears with an X0 transmission. The top model also comes with Forestal's own handlebar/stem unit and Rockshox Ultimate suspension. Unusual: Although the frame is prepared for this, both models come from the factory without a remote lockout for the suspension. If you're really into racing, you might miss this.
On the trail: how to ride the Forestal Cygnus
"Cygnus" means swan in Latin. Given the appearance of the top model, this makes perfect sense. So do you mount it like Nils Holgerson on Martin, the pet goose? Or do you have to be careful that the moody feathered creature doesn't bite your finger? On the contrary: the moderate angles make sitting on the Cygnus comfortable and slightly sporty. This should also be good for long tours with a lot of distance to cover. The low handlebar puts pressure on the front. However, the less aggressive seat angle helps here and softens the overall riding position.
Less successful: Without a platform, the rear end bobs a little, even when seated. The loss of efficiency should only be minimal, but XC fans might find it annoying. Especially as you actually have to reach for the shock for the platform. There is no remote lockout ex works, but it could be retrofitted.
The acceleration is also less spectacular due to the 12.7 kilogram live weight. On the other hand, the traction of the Forestal rear triangle is excellent, even in demanding terrain, and the response behaviour is extremely sensitive, even uphill. And although the rear end bobs slightly when seated, the rear triangle only crunches moderately when pedalling. In addition, the front end is low and the chainstays are not extremely short. The Forestal is therefore fully in its element on technically demanding climbs.
And what about downhill? The Forestal Cygnus also does very well here. The sensitive, plush and yet always transparent rear suspension is a particular bonus. The tyres provide a good level of grip for the bike class and, with the Supertrail carcass at the rear, also offer decent puncture protection. The brakes always have sufficient power, even with just two pistons. This means you can leave the throttle on the Forestal even on demanding trails. However, the low front end, the fork and the relatively steep steering angle become a limiting factor, especially on steep terrain. The cheaper version with a more powerful fork is probably the better choice for trail fans.
Strengths
- Good rear triangle
- Comfortable and strong for climbing
- A fun ride downhill
- Well thought-out storage compartment and robust equipment
Weaknesses
- Expensive and not super light
- No remote lockout
- Steering angle a little steep
BIKE review of the Forestal Cygnus by Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Not the ultimate lightweight, no remote lockout, but a storage compartment in the frame: The Forestal Cygnus is more of a trail bike than a race bike and does a good job as such. Decent propulsion, good climbing characteristics, fun to ride downhill. In short: a strong bike for fast trail laps. However, the high starting price is an announcement, the equipment leaves some potential for (weight) tuning. A slightly slacker head angle would certainly do more justice to the bike's DNA.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
