The trend is clear: more and more manufacturers are consistently focussing on e-MTBs. The small bike brand Forestal from Andorra - founded just a few years ago - has been particularly consistent. From the very beginning, the company has been committed to light e-MTBs and has not built any bikes other than those with small motors and batteries. Until now: With the new Cygnus and the Siryon, Forestal ventures into the world without an engine.
The Enduro Siryon resembles its motorised namesake even in small details. Same rear triangle concept, almost the same geometry, similar look. Instead of a battery, there is a storage compartment with a practical Fidlock fastener in the down tube, and the look of the bike has also been slightly revised. The straighter lines compared to the E-MTB are intended to create a more modern design language. The top tube is no longer perforated, allowing for a contemporary short seat tube.
These two bikes from Forestal are just as brand new:
The Forestal Siryon at a glance
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 170/170 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S/M, L, XL
- Price: 6999 or 8999 euros; frame set 3999 euros
- Weight: 16.1 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
- Special features: Single-joint rear suspension, frame storage compartment
Forestal sees the Siryon without motor as the adventure and racing version of the already well-known Light E-MTB. After all, in many enduro races you can only compete without a motor. The Siryon is also designed for bigger adventures where you are travelling by plane or don't have a power socket everywhere.
However, it is surprising that Forestal has slightly moderated the geometry of the Siryon compared to the Light E-MTB presented four years ago, especially against the racing background. The head and seat angles are half a degree steeper. This is intended to favour the bike's uphill performance. The reach is modern and long. With at least 458 millimetres in S/M, the bike is likely to be a little tall for many riders under 1.70 metres.
From 6999 euros: The model variants of the Forestal Siryon
The Forestal Siryon will be available as a frameset (3999 euros) and in two different equipment variants. However, both are explicitly equipped to a high standard and therefore appeal to a more exclusive clientele. The most important difference between the two variants: The cheaper Siryon Halo comes with Rockshox Select+ suspension and mechanical Sram GX gears. The more expensive Siryon Diode relies on Fox Factory Parts and a Sram X0 transmission. The aluminium enduro wheels from Crankbrothers and Formula Cura 4 brakes as well as Schwalbe's Albert Gravity radial tyres can be found on both bikes.
On the trail: how the Siryon Diode rides
You won't break any best times on the Siryon uphill. So far, that's to be expected. Fat enduro bikes with 170 millimetres of travel and Schwalbe's grip monster Albert Gravity are simply not predestined for uphill riding. However, the Siryon is comfortable to sit on. The rather steep seat angle is a good compromise for touring and places the rider in a pedalling-efficient position, especially on steeper climbs. The rear suspension bobs only slightly on the climbs. If you want, you can also use the climb switch to ensure complete composure. This allows you to climb many metres in one go in a relaxed manner. Just don't be in too much of a hurry. Despite the 32 t cassette and 52 t sprocket, we would have liked the smallest gear to be even smaller.
All in all, the uphill is fine. But it's the downhill that puts a big grin on your face on the Forestal. Despite the long reach, you immediately feel at home on the bike, which is probably also due to the otherwise quite conventional geometry. You are well integrated behind the high handlebars. As with the E-MTB Siryon, the suspension impresses with its sensitive sensitivity and good absorption capacity with transparent feedback. The bike also takes flat landings and rough bumps in its stride. There are certainly more playful enduro bikes out there and the Siryon doesn't set any new standards in terms of smoothness with its 64.5 degree steering angle. But it is precisely this balance that makes the Forestal so exciting.
Strengths
- Comfortable yet poppy rear triangle
- A fun ride downhill
- Well thought-out storage compartment and robust equipment
Weaknesses
- Rather leisurely on the way uphill
- Expensive and not exactly light
BIKE summary of the Forestal Siryon
The Siryon is almost a copy of the Light E-MTB, just without the motor. That sounds banal, but in practice it makes a surprising amount of sense. Thanks to the great rear suspension, the bike doesn't need extreme geometry. A high feel-good factor and downhill fun are pre-programmed. Unfortunately, even the cheaper model is quite expensive. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
