The Forestal Siryon Diōde – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

The Forestal Siryon Diōde is the oddball amongst oddballs. With its 60 Nm EonDrive motor developed in close cooperation with BAFANG, the small 360 Wh battery, and innovative operation via touch display, the Andorran Light-eMTB is truly unique. Can it stand out from the crowd with its riding performance too?

**Forestal** Siryon Diōde | BAFANG EonDrive/360 Wh | 170/170 mm (f/r)
19.24 kg in size L | € 14,899 | Manufacturer’s website

We’ve been waiting for almost four years, but now it’s finally here! Forestal honoured our group test with their flagship Siryon Diōde model. The performance that Forestal’s 19.2 kg Light-eMTB delivered during this test is truly mind-boggling, reminding us that nothing is what it seems. What looks at first glance like a light-footed singletrack rig, turns out to be a capable high-tech bullet. However, stealthiness comes at a price – € 14,899 to be precise – which makes the Forestal the second most expensive bike in this test right behind the SCOTT Lumen. Was the Siryon Diōde able to legitimise its price on the trail or are you just paying for exclusivity?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

What sets the Forestal Siryon Diōde apart from the competition?

In short, almost everything! In a nutshell, Forestal’s Light-eMTB is like nothing you’ve seen before. Starting with the EonDrive motor, which was developed in close co-operation with BAFANG and tweaked specifically for Forestal’s bikes. Power is supplied by a fixed, internal 360 Wh battery. Although the motor and battery are both integrated neatly into the slim frame silhouette, this totally falls into the background against the extravagant design. The top tube runs parallel to the shock and merges seamlessly into the moto-style swingarm, while the carbon frame glistens in the sun with its elegant, metallic paint finish. A wide gap in the top tube makes it easy to read the sag on the shock, while a waterproof, scratch-resistant 3.2″ touch display sits flush with the top tube. Under the screen hides plenty of technology, so it’s hardly surprising that the Siryon bursts with connectivity features. In our huge 2023 group test eMTB test, it’s the only contestant with a map display, which is connected to a GPS antenna hidden under the stem. The Siryon tracks jumps and G-forces, and can connect to external devices and accessories such as a heart rate monitor – and even enables 4G mobile phone connection! Together with the KTM Prowler, it’s the only bike in the entire test field that can be located in case of theft. If you’re overwhelmed by the display’s huge range of functions, you can simply use the handlebar remote with its slightly spongy buttons and coloured LEDs to operate the basic functions of the motor. Especially with heavy rain and mud, the display’s touch function stops working, forcing you to use the remote.

The 3.2″ touch display is integrated into the top tube just as neatly as a diamond in its setting. According to the manufacturer, it’s scratch- and water-resistant even without the protective film we got on our test bike. However, our touch screen stopped working properly when dirty.

The charging port is neatly integrated into the frame and positioned just above the motor housing. However, connecting the big plug becomes a fiddly job with a water bottle or the range extender in the bottle cage.

The handlebar remote fails to match the overall high-quality impression and doesn’t do the Smart Trigger remote justice.

Don’t go br(e)aking my heart! Be careful, Braking’s two-pot stoppers generate a surprising amount of braking torque. That said, adjusting lever reach is a fiddly task and the180 mm rear rotor is simply too small for heavy riders.

In our 2023 eMTB group test, the Andorran development team also set the tone when it comes to the choice of components. Alongside Mondraker, Forestal are the only manufacturer in this test to rely on a fancy Öhlins suspension, which on the Syrion generates 170 mm of travel front and rear. Italian component manufacturer Braking supplies the, errr… brakes, with braided hoses. Despite being the only two-pot stoppers in the entire test field, they pack a mighty punch, making you fly straight over the bars if you’re not careful the first time you use them. SRAM provide the wireless AXS drivetrain and dropper post, which both deliver a tremendous performance on the trail. For the tires, Forestal rely on Taiwanese brand MAXXIS, combining a 2.3” Minion DHF and HighRoller II, both in the hard MaxxTerra rubber compound and puncture-prone EXO casing. However, this combo is rather weak, not because they’re the narrowest tires in test, but because the paper-thin casing and hard rubber compound don’t do justice to the potent character of the bike. If you’re actually planning to take your Siryon off the tarmac and onto the trails, we recommend upgrading both tires.

The EonDrive motor was developed in close cooperation with BAFANG. For a motor of this size, it’s a real powerhouse and as such would cut a fine figure on many other Light-eMTBs.

SAG reading made easy. With its two separately fillable air chambers, the Öhlins fork is a little more complex to set up than others. On the other hand, the big gap in the frame of the Forestal makes it easier to read the sag on the shock.

The hard, puncture prone tires unnecessarily waste a lot of the Siryon’s potential, preventing the suspension from doing its job to the full.

The elaborate design with the split top tube comes at the expense of the seat tube length, which, in combination with the short-travel, 150 mm dropper post, restricts freedom of movement on steep descents.

Forestal Siryon Diōde

€ 14,899

Specifications

Motor BAFANG EonDrive 60 Nm
Battery Aurora 360 Wh
Display Smart Dashboard
Fork Öhlins RXF36 M.2 170 mm
Rear Shock Öhlins TTX Air 170 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 150 mm
Brakes Braking INCAS 200/180 mm
Drivetrain SRAM AXS Eagle X01 1x12
Stem Forestal 50 mm
Handlebar Forestal Oxydon C 780 mm
Wheelset Crankbrothers Synthesis 29"
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra EXO/MAXXIS Highroller II 3C MaxxTerra EXO 2.3/2.3

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 19.24 kg
Perm. total weight 135 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 115 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

Specific Features

Range-Extender

Tuning tips: More robust tires, with tougher casing and softer rubber compound | Bigger rotor at the rear

What is the Forestal Siryon Diōde capable of on the trail?

After pressing the power button, the Siryon’s operating system takes half a minute to boot, but the motor starts assisting after only a few seconds. Embarking on epic backcountry adventures with the Siryon makes about as much sense as taping an ashtray to the handlebars. The EonDrive pushes surprisingly hard for a Light-eMTB motor, taking the edge off steep fire roads. In the highest Nitro support mode, the battery level drops faster than with any eMTB in this test. Moreover, the motor hums loudly, spoiling the peaceful sound of nature. If you want to enjoy the birdsong, the only thing you can do is to turn down the assistance and do the hard work yourself. For longer rides, you can replace your water bottle with the optional 250 Wh range extender. Alternatively, you can carry the big quick charger in your backpack, which charges the battery from empty to 80 % in under 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the charging port above the bottom bracket is a little finicky to use, especially with a water bottle blocking the big charge port cover.

With the light-footed Siryon, you wouldn’t even need a kicker. The poppy suspension makes it easy to pop off the smallest of ledges.

First! With its lively motor and efficient suspension, the Forestal Siryon out-climbs most Light-eMTBs in this test.

On technical climbs, the motor delivers tons of power even at low cadences, allowing the Siryon to keep up with a couple of full-fat eMTB allrounders while clearly leaving behind the Light-eMTBs with FAZUA and TQ motors – only the Orbea Rise can keep up with the Forestal. The efficient suspension strikes a great balance between traction and support, but only ensures a high-fun factor when you drop into a trail. Here the Forestal places you in a central, well-integrated riding position and implements direction changes quickly and willingly, while at the same time enabling plenty of airtime, even when popping off smaller ledges. The potent suspension has plenty of reserves, bailing you out when you get yourself into a pickle. On flowing trails, the Siryon isn’t as much fun as the Pivot Shuttle SL, but still one of the real party animals in this test. The Siryon also runs at the front of the pack on fast, technical trails, where it’s reassuringly composed and easy to handle. When idling, the motor’s as quiet as a mouse, making for a quiet ride downhill. With a set of more robust tires and a softer, grippier rubber compound at the front, the Forestal could easily hold up with the top dog of the Light-eMTBs, the SIMPLON. Only on loose terrain, you’ll find you have to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. On long, steep descents, two more spec blemishes arise: the small 180 mm rear rotor, which makes for a vague bite point and sub-par modulation, and the relatively long seat tube, which restricts freedom of movement, especially in combination with the short-travel, 150 mm dropper post.

The light that burns twice as bright only burns half as long. The EonDrive pushes harder than other Light-eMTBs drives like the TQ. Needless to say, this also makes for a shorter battery life.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	579 mm	609 mm	648 mm	673 mm
Seat tube	420 mm	430 mm	465 mm	500 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	110 mm	125 mm
Head angle	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°	64.0°
Seat angle	77.0°	77.0°	77.0°	77.0°
Chainstays	436 mm	436 mm	446 mm	446 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1,208 mm	1,238 mm	1,284 mm	1,311 mm
Reach	428 mm	458 mm	488 mm	508 mm
Stack	612 mm	612 mm	625 mm	639 mm

**Helmet** Sweet Protection Trailblazer | **Glasses** Oakley Sutro | **Backpack** CamelBak Chase Bike Vest
**Jersey** DHaRCO 3/4 Jersey Ocean Tide | **Shorts** DHaRCO Shorts Forest
**Kneepad** 100% Teratec+ | **Shoes** Specialized 2FO Cliplite | **Socks** DHaRCO

Who should take a closer look at the Forestal Siryon Diōde and who should look elsewhere?

Despite its predictable, beginner-friendly handling, the Forestal Syrion is a real hard hitter and only comes to life with experienced riders on demanding trails. Connectivity fans and eccentric individualists also get their money’s worth with the Forestal. Tourers, on the other hand, should look elsewhere.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the Forestal Siryon Diōde

With its exciting high-tech concept and extraordinary riding performance, the Forestal Siryon Diōde shakes up the Light-eMTB segment. The lively EonDrive motor is a perfect match for such a fun eMTB, both on flowing singletrack and gnarly descents. The unique design is extremely captivating too, so the eye-watering price is totally justified. The low battery range remains the biggest setback and prevents the Siryon from keeping up with the best all-rounders in this group test.

Tops

Excellent motor system integration with a wide range of connectivity functions
Top suspension performance
Quiet downhill

Flops

Finicky charging port and handlebar remote
Puncture prone tires with hard rubber compound
Loud motor in the highest support level

You can find out more about at forestal.com

The test field