The small brand Forestal has set itself an ambitious goal. With their light e-MTBs - and the brand from Andorra builds nothing else - they want to be the Tesla of e-mountainbikes. And the carbon speedsters with the eye-catching rear swing arm are definitely something special. Their own motor, their own software, their own control elements, plus a luxury frame hand-painted in the Pyrenees. We were correspondingly excited about the trail performance of the Forestal Siryon before our first test.
In a nutshell: the developers have done a great job with the suspension and geometry! For us, the Forestal is the epitome of a good, well-balanced enduro bike: manoeuvrable and yet safe downhill, the rear suspension is forgiving with good end progression. Not a mini downhiller that is sluggish around corners and only fun in the fall line, but a bike that is easy to throw through changing bends. Nevertheless, at high speeds, it feels stable and sails up edges with good pop. The bike is also absolutely quiet on the descent. It could hardly be better!
However, the drive would be better: the software takes a long time to boot up and many functions are not yet fully developed. The motor on the Forestal Siryon is powerful, but a little rough, quite loud and sucks so much energy from the battery that the lights go out after a good half hour at full throttle. At under 19kg, the weight is good, although heavier than advertised. The battery is permanently installed in the down tube.
Conclusion by Florentin Vesenbeckh, EMTB test editor:
The Forestal Siryon is a fantastic E-Enduro: top chassis, top handling, good power. However, the motor performance, efficiency and software are rather mediocre. Super quiet downhill! Chic system integration.
Technical data and notes on the Forestal Siryon Neon
Manufacturer information
- Price: 11,799 euros
- Sizes / seat tube / frame material: S, M, L (tested size 46 cm), XL / Carbon
Drive
- Engine: Forestal F60-S1
- Max. Torque²: 60 Nm
- Battery² / weight¹: Bafang 360 Wh, permanently integrated / 1.9 kg
- Gear system: Sram X01 (12-speed)
- Gear ratio (v/h): 32 ; 10-50
- Display / Size: Forestal, 42 x 69 mm
Equipment
- Permissible total weight²: 138.8 kg (120 kg rider weight)
- Fork / Damper: RS Lyrik Ultimate RC2 / Super Deluxe Ult. RL
- Suspension travel² (f. / h.): 170 mm / 170 mm
- Telescopic post: Crankbrothers Highline 7, 150 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Magura MT7 / 203 mm / 180 mm
- Wheels: Crankbrothers Synthesis Carbon E7
- Tyres: Maxxis M. DHF / Highr. II, EXO, 29 X 2.3
Measured values¹
- Weight¹: 18.8 kg
- Centre of gravity height: 526 mm
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor:. 165 mm / 182 mm
- Ground clearance³: 506 mm
¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
²Manufacturer information
Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
