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Submitted by
Roger
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany
Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Transalp Munich-Gardasee | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Durable, well balanced ride, nice craftmanship, design | | Weaknesses: | no replaceable bearings, non standard damper mounting | | Similar Products Used: | Porsche FS, Votec, Rocky Element, Specialized Stumpjumper, | | Bike Setup: | Votec GS4 Air Fork, DT Air Damper, DT 240/Mavic wheels, Conti Tires, Syncros Revolution cranks, XTR | | Bottom Line: | I used this bike for over 4 years now and I am very happy with the performance. It´s still as good as any of the other top cross country FS bikes. It´s not a freeride thing, but mor a very good allround enduro type bike. If I compare it to the latest Specialized Enduro bikes I see absolutly no reason why I should buy something new.
I upgraded to a top air suspension (Votec fork/DT damper) and this bike works perfect and is now much lighter versus the stock manitou coil suspension. This upgrade requires a special CNC part available in Germany through a company called RESET. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sol Rosenberg
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, New York
Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | 5th Avenue. | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$699.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo.com | | Strengths: | Awesome craftsmanship. Beautiful welds. Excellent polished frame.Fantastic Design. Shock Location.
Relatively inexpensive.
Coil Shock. | | Weaknesses: | No Horst Link. Enough travel for XC but not enough for DH.
Stock Manitou X-vert that came with the frame needed a spring upgrade to bring it up to the quality of the rear. Pivots squeak on occasion, usually after a couple hours riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Friends FS Bike....Marins, Cannondales, ETC. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou X-Vert fork, XTR/XT, Chris King, Etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is a Gorgeous bike. Built with the love and the quality of the One-Off frame makers.
I’ve been riding it for about four years, and it has held up beautify. That’s saying a lot since I weigh 250lbs.
I do find myself wishing it had more rear wheel travel.
3 ½ inches doesn’t seam enough in this day and age of five and six inch travel XC bikes.
The stock crappy elastomers where garbage in the fork. I replaced it with a couple of Ti coil springs from an old Manitou FS-Ti, and can honostly say it the best, smoothest fork I have ever ridden.
From a pure design point of view, I wish the bike also had a Horst link, but that’s just nit picking. I would definitely recommend this bike if you can still find one around, even used. I built it up with some great but conservative parts. Totaling 28 lbs.
With some lighter wheels and components it could be easily be built up to about 25 lbs.
FIVE CHILLIES!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Drake Wohlgemuth
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico, CA
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$290.00 | | Purchased At: | Risse Racing | | Strengths: | It is a big improvement to the old stock shock. It's way smoother. You get a custom valving from Risse, tuned for your weight and riding style. It is the only available aftermarket shock for this bike. They also make a bearing upgrade kit which replaces the old bushings. Definitly helps the shock to work more smoothly. | | Weaknesses: | none. it is probably not better than comparable fox shocks, but it is the only one for the Manitou FS!
In order to get the bearing upgrade, you have to send your frame to Risse. | | Similar Products Used: | old crappy stock shock in the Manitou. some other Fox or Rock Shoxes on other bikes. | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Manitou Black, WTB, King | | Bottom Line: | Get your Frames out of your cellars, sell your Rocky Elements and Upgrade your Manitou! One of the nicest FS bikes around now works. Sealed ball bearings, up to date shock, a very good frame design. Plus, Risse Astro 5 weighs only 260 grams.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cole Miller
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Irwin, CA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Sexy; light but strong frame; comfortable | | Weaknesses: | Decals get trashed easily, funky tube sizes | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose IBOC, AMP B4 | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR, Spins, X-Vert, Race Face LP cranks, LP composite post, riser and barends, KORE stem | | Bottom Line: | Built this one myself and ride it everyday. It's gorgeous and to date has been bombproof, including several several endos on the trail and pavement. This was my first FS bike and made climbing and descending the desert hills a breeze compared to my hard tail! The rear Bazooka damper has been flawless and I've had zero bushing problems. Spend some time setting the front end up correctly - it's worth it. My bike didn't really click until I put the KORE stem on. It's been a slice of heaven since!
The head tube is 1.25, seat tube is 31.6, so be prepared! Don't expect much (any) help from Answer - they're only into forks and BMX these days.
Of note, I wouldn't recommend buying closeout frames from Supergo - they gave me the wrong headset, no manual, the wrong fork and some poor recommendations for component sizes. My impression was that they just wanted to get the frame out the door. Should have bought from Cambria, but I didn't know any better at the time.
Overall, this is a great bike for everything from an urban commute to modest downhilling. It's a little heavier than my AMP, but feels more solid and is more reliable. 4 chilis for value (though you can probably get one cheap at this point) because you're going to have to dole out some ducats to build it up to it's potential and you can forget about customer support, and 5 overall for it's reliability, great looks and utility. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Fitzgerald
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Brown's Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great overall ride, doesn't pogo all over the place, great craftsmanship, beautiful to look at | | Weaknesses: | Ummm...
The pivots need to be maintained properly
Early shocks weren't that great.
Suspension didn't work as well when braking over bumps and ruts | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz heckler | | Bike Setup: | XTR, Bomber, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I rode this frame for two-to three years. In the beginning I bought it for downhill racing and some trail riding. Even though not built for DH (not to mention 3.5" of travel), this bike took me to many victories against the likes of Foes and Intense and everyone else. As travel got longer, I retired it for trail use only. To my surprise, I learned to like it even more. Its an awesome technical XC bike. It doesn't compromise me on steep hills, rocky or rooty descents, or anywhere in between.
and one day I walked into my parking garage to go ride and it was gone. Stolen. So after about six months, I've picked up a slightly used one to start all over again. I guess that speaks for it as much as anything. With all the newer designs running around, I'd still buy it again. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a
from Lincoln, NE USA
Date Reviewed: March 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm riding! | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush suspension action. Very stiff laterally. Beautiful bike. Craftsmanship is incredible! | | Weaknesses: | Seems to dent a bit too easily. Bushings must be replaced at the factory. Rear dropout is not replaceable. | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn S-20, Schwinn Rocket-88, Schwinn 4-Banger, Gary Fisher Sugar, Klein Mantra, Trek STP, Trek VRX, Specialized FSR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Z-2 Atom 80, Bontrager Race wheelset, WTB Enduroraptor tires, Race Face, XT drivetrain, Bazooka shock (came with frame) | | Bottom Line: | This bike is an excellent all-around tail-bike. Even though the frame was stamped '96 and sold as a '98 model by Super-Go, it's still as good as any of the 2000 products. I am very happy with the performance of the Bazooka rear shock and suspension linkage. You just can't get this kind of smoothness from an air shock. Manitou has been great so far. They swapped out my rear spring to suit my 200lb weight. Big bonus: this bike stops traffic both on and off the trail! My only two concerns are that the rear dropout is not replaceable and the bushings must be replaced by Manitou when that time comes (hope they still have some left as this bike is no longer made). If you have a chance to buy this bike, jump on it. It is a super do-it-all bike for anyone short of a downhill bomber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy Whaley
a Cross Country Rider
from Isle of Man
Date Reviewed: March 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Sulby Snake Bite | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | light weight, excellent climber, looks the tops. Is the lightest full susser on the Isle of Man!! I just love it | | Weaknesses: | dents easily, and the aftersales service is dreadful. I have to call long distance (british isles) and end up on hold. Also the afterburner shock is a nightmare to service - but only becuase I can't get the parts | | Similar Products Used: | pro-flex, marin, muddy fox, presently a santa cruz superlight | | Bike Setup: | xtr, pace evo2 forks with hope disc brake. Pace chain rings (last forever). | | Bottom Line: | Still one of the best mountain bikes around and mine is 4 yrs old!!, if maybe a little expensive | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross-Country Rider
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Beautiful Welds
Big Stiff Tubes
Great Looks
Customer service is top-notch | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Bottom Line: | I Bought this bike used for my fiance' The workmanship is fantastic. The bike is relatively light, about 25# for a 16. This bike is to small for me but I test rode it for a little (about 15 - 20 miles) It's fast, responsive & very stiff, climbs great & descends even better. My fiance' has only ridden it once, she was totally impressed but the rear shock doesn't work with her in the saddle. It's the elastomer type off the '96 model with a medium hardness elastomer & she's to lightweight for it. I called Manitou & The customer service was better than I could have ever imagined. I bought a '98 model for myself in my size (19) & will let you know how it goes after I get it built up & put a few miles into it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jack tors
a Weekend Warrior
from New york,NY
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | I picked up a 19 Manitou FS from SuperGo for $699 a few weeks ago. Built it up with some expensive lightweight parts, (i.e. Chris king, XTR, Avid, Bontrager,White Industries, etc.)
First thing is this bike is heavy, after assembly it feals like its 30 pounds with very expensive lightweight parts.
For the price you get the frame, a 98 Manitou X-vert fork, XTR front derailler, bontrager seatpost, and a headset reducer. Good deal!!!
First ride was unremarkable. The rear end felt stiff and smooth. The fork was very stiff though. I'll be swaping out the springs in the fork for a plusher ride.
Adjusting the rebound damper's on the Bazooka shock seemed inaffectual. Couldn't even rotate the compression knob.
Over all the frame is gorgeous.
Use it with standard chainrings or the all ready too high pivot location will result in a non-active ride.
Stil cant figger out wgere the weight is comming from.Well see how the durability is in the long term. Its seems like an old frame. It says manufactured in 96 in the bottom bracket shell even though it comes with a brand new bazooka rear shock and a 98 X-Vert fork. Go figure
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from San Francisco, CA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mt.Tam! | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Very Plush ride. | | Weaknesses: |
Dents too easily | | Similar Products Used: |
GT STS
Trek Y50
Santa Cruz Heckler
Original Manitou FS | | Bike Setup: |
Full XT
Manitou X-vert R | | Bottom Line: | Very comfortable ride. Doesn't bottom out like the GT STS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Theo
a Weekend Warrior
from Stockholm
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Beautiful frame,very good design,high bb so you can climb stairs and clear the worst terrain possible,simply the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: |
a bit pricy | | Similar Products Used: |
sintesi bromont FS,AMP B-4 | | Bike Setup: |
FS-97,X-vert-98,XT | | Bottom Line: | Beautiful bike ,a silver beast in the woods,a no nonsens trailbike,low hassel.For the entusiast.
THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
donovan power
a racer
from missoula mt
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Th 97 FS rides well but brakes more than electric boogaloo. In the year that I have owned it I have gone through 5 rear shocks, 2 front shocks, and had the pivots replaced. Warranty thus far has been helpfull, but extremely slow. Interusted to see what the knew rear shock will look like but still thinking that I'm going to sell the bike and be done with manitou all togeather. If anyone wants to buy a 20 inch it's almost completely reconditioned! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Fialkowski
a cross-country rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These frames SUCK... I know this from experience. Anyone thinking about purchasing on of these overpriced pop cans, can forget it! I've broke one
in half and wonder when the second frame is going to bust. I continue to wonder why ANSWER charged me over $300 to replace the front triangle.
What a JOKE!! Any other frame builder would stand behind what they build, these guys BLOW!
Tell your friends that MANITOU rips people off!!!!!!!!!!
| Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh
a weekend warrior
from So. Cal.
Date Reviewed: July 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I own the dual suspension frame. This bike is beautiful! The lightweight Easton Aluminum makes it easy for riders my size (210 lbs.) to climb steep hills. The frame only has about 2 inches of travel in the back fork, but thats all I need. Answer also has a great website and great customer service!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
peter malecki
a cross-country rider
from jupiter, fl
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
got the new afterburner shock on the bike last week. Big improvement over the elastomer version that came on the bike. Infinitly adjustable for compresssion and rebound damping and you can really feel the difference between adjustment clicks. A lot plusher on the softer setting, firm but plush on the higher compression settings. the shock itself is a fine piece of work, well built and looks good. Good upgrade for our rooty, log ridden trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Popst
a cross-country rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
If it was possible to rate this piece of crap a zero, I would have. In less than a year, I have gone through two rear shocks and bent the seat-stay twice. These defects have meant over three months of down time due to the warranty process. To top the whole thing off, they made me pay $254 dollars for the second bent seat-stay, while they warrantied the first for free. Both broke or bent in identical places, so go figure. Overall, the ManitouFS is the worst investment I have ever made in my entire life and I am not exaggerating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
p malecki
a cross-country rider
from Jupiter, fl
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just found out about the upgrade offer on rear shocks for the manitoufs.
For 97.00 answer will upgrade your rear shock to the new afterburnerR coil
spring, remote reservoir shock. Ordered mine and should be able to try it
this weekend. I'll let you know how it works. since I need 50 words I'll
just add some more here. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Malecki
a cross-country rider
from Jupiter, Fla.
Date Reviewed: May 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ive got a fs frame with '97 manitou fs fork, sweetwings, xtr/xt and I love it. Climbs the short steeps like a rocket. Pretty light at 25.5 for a 20 frame. Handles great in the woods and is really plush. Notice that Tomac is riding one in cross country with his new bike logo on it. Make sense since Doug Bradbury is designing his new bikes and the Manitou was designed by him. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B.J.Nicholson
a cross-country rider
from Manchester. ENGLAND
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding mountain bikes for over ten years, and regularily do over 150 miles a week. My previous bikes have been; a Muddy fox (frame snap), Rocky Mountain Blizzard (stolen), Rock Lobster (exhausted) and now a Manitou FS double rear shock. In my experience nothing skips over terrain like this bike. Uphill speed is greatly enhanced, maybe just because of sitting on such a steed, but probably more to do with the superb relaxed angles of the frame. Anyone with the opportunity of owning one of these bikes, whether it be brand new or second hand , should jump at the chance, if not for the improved ride qualities but for the headturning abilities that it possesses. I know what your thinking, one and a half inch suspension is not going to compete with the super 8 monsters available. Not true, It is not the length that matters (the actress said to the Bishop) it the riding style a bike creates for you, and the confidence instilled in you, knowing that the steed under you is the best bike available to the human race, (which on a Manitou, YOU WILL WIN) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UPCC
a cross-country rider
from Nepean, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I got myself a '95 Manitou FS-DH frameset used a few weeks ago, and have enjoyed it immensely. The rear travel is only 3.25 (not competitive for DH anymore but great for XC), and the frame is huge. For a size that's called a 19
its more like a 21. Answer measures from the center of BB to the top of the seattube. But the Seattube ends at the top-tube junction, and the TT is VERY sloped (more than on a Kona). I've got a bike that requires at least a 8 steerer tube (threaded) and 9.5 threadless. Effective horizontal TT length is
24. I would reccommend the bike for people my height (6'6), but not for people
used to 19 frames from other brands. Setup for XC/Enduro riding with generally light parts, the whole bike is just under 25.5 Ibs. Cost to me to build it this
way, counting buying the frameset used, and a new fork, was less than $1K canadian. Well worth the money. Oh, one other thing, the tubeset is slightly heavier than the normal (5.6
Ibs vs 4.7 Ibs) '95 FS frame, and the chainstays are longer (17 3/8 vs. 16
3/8) as well. But the tubing is also very dent prone (there are 3 in the
toptube from a handlebar whipping around). I checked Manitou's frame warranty
the other day, only 3 years and its very limited. People expecting to keep their
bikes for more than 1 year (unless they want to shell out of pocket for warranty
work in the 2nd or 3rd year) should probably look at another brand. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel S.
a weekend warrior
from Richmond, CA United States
Date Reviewed: March 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Manitou FS is the best full-suspension bike I've ridden so far (I own the'96 model). The bike excels at speed and just cruises over bumps. However, the rear elastomer shock leaks oil from the rear. Can anyone tell me the differences between the newer model (geometry, welds, alloy, etc.) and the'96 model?
The Manitou FS is overall a great bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a weekend warrior
from Scotland
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great bike, although it's not as popular as it should be. If you own one of these you have one of the best crafted rides out there. The quality of the welds and the machining is some of the best I've seen; a real work of art. With a FS you are an individual with a great bike not just a clone with the same bike as thousands of others. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a downhiller
from Las Vegas
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Having ridden many in the same class as far as Full Suspension is concerned, I can honestly say this bike, the Manitou FS, 1997, is by far and away the best bike I have stepped onto. Tight handling with the speed on; Smooth rebound dampening on the downhill speed bumps; consistantly bio-mechanically correct frame geometry coupled with error free welds and materials that set this bike on the top of the hill. Answer....you have outdone yourself. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a weekend warrior
from KC
Date Reviewed: June 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Awesome!! Very light and responsive. I blow by my freinds all the time and also not nearly as tired after a long ride. Best bike I've ridden. The only problem is that the rear linkage seems to squeak, maybe because it's too tight. Can anyone help me with this minor problem? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a cross-country rider
from Sebastopol, CA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Manitou FS 97 framesetAfter reading all the reviews everyone has placed you gotta switch to the new 97 setup! It rips. To be critical, the lateral flex is a little soft but very manageable. A little slow accelerating but once up to speed ...moto! Warranty was very helpful (hi Pat) when I blew up the rear seal. They replaced it the next day! The suspension is very active on rocky vertical climbs (especially single track) The thing sticks, climbs over everything. Soaks up a lot of bumps. Check it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Senator
a cross-country rider
from Alhambra, CA
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The best. Had the old twin shock and loved that all the way up to January. Now have this which is so much better. Very plush rear end. I did have a seal leak in the beginning which was immediately solved by retrofitting the 97 seal and rod free of charge. Now it dampens great. It also it's much stiffer than the old design. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have just taken delivery of the 97 FS. I previously owned a GT Zaskar, there is no comparision. I wanted a full suspension and I got what I wanted. A problem I have had are that the gears can not be all used. Front XTR derailer doesn't have much room to move therefore I can't reach as many gears as I could on the Zaskar. Frame finish is perfect, weight is great and suspension is just to my liking. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MW
a downhiller
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 95 Manitou twin rear suspension. I recently developed cracks in the head tube after about a year of riding. Answer replaced the frame free of charge in just a few days. The bike rides great, but rebound dampening of the rear suspension would greatly improve the ride. I am in search of an after market rebound dampening kit for the rear suspension. If anyone knows of where I can get one, please e-mail me at erdocmw@mail.idt.net | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos Alfaro
a downhiller
from San Jose, Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: October 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I own a twin shock Manitou FS, which I broke after a year of use.
The people at Answer Products are the best, especially Shane, who sent
a replacement in about 15 days. The bike is a featherweight (Less than
24 pounds with no titanium parts), and climbs very well. The bike is stunning to look at and if you ride at cross country pace it is O.K. But at downhill racing speeds it leaves you wishing for more suspension. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DanK
a racer
from truckee
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
After extensively testing many other bikes from Moots, Turner, AMP, C'dale, Trek, GT, Marin, Diamondback, Fisher, Voodoo, and Pro-Flex, I decided on the best combo of all of them: The Manitou FS!!
It's lightweight frame of 4.7 honest lbs for an 18 inch is just as light as any fs frame. The rear is easily tuned with the turning of the preload knob or the whole shock body. It's clean welds and great customer service are what led me to buy this frame.
The suspension action is great and the bike is light. With my 96xtr/frog pedals/cronometro wheels/etc. my bike got weighed in at 24.9 lbs. And it didn't cost that much. Answer is havinga sale on everything before the prices skyrocket. The frame/fork was purchased for $1400 and I sold the fork back to the dealer for a King headset, post, stem, xtr front derailleur, and alloy crown.
For a fully active bike this is one of the top 2 or 3 made. How good is it? Answer isn't changing the frame at all, just adding a new coil and a big chunk of money to the price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A.D. Mullins
a racer
from Utah
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I love the bike. In fact I wouldnt know what to do without the bike, my life would be out of cosmic balance. The angles on the bike make it corner like it was on rails. When the trail points downhill the thing begs you to go fast, in fact the faster you go the more stable the bike feels. As you may have guessed this was my dream bike, and I score it a perfect 10. | | Overall Rating: |
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