Similar Products Used: Now second bike to a 69'er HT with the same geometry, albeit a corrected fork height.
Bike Setup: SweetWings 180 cranks, Speedplay Frogs, King Kog, on White Ind/DT/Mavic wheels, King headset, Avid Arch Supreme brakes, Performance house brand carbon bar, Avid SAAGO stem, Oury lock-ons and a WTB SST.98 saddle.
Strengths: Light weight frame, flawless craftsmanship and finish, beautiful welds and cool CNC machined bits
Long top tube, short chainstay. perfect, intuitive handling.
Rides like on its on a rail
Weaknesses: They dont make it anymore
Prone to denting (tho any aluminium frame is)
custom sizing (1 1/4 headtube, front der. clamp, BB width)
Bottom Line:
Best MTB frame ever.
i have a 93 model, it doesnt have the CNCd seatstay junction yet. im a lightweight (155 pounds) but very agressive BMX rider and like doing big airs. i always kinda feared the frame would break because of that, but it survived all the abuse, and there was lots. i was using it for racing, commuting and general trail riding in the local hills
its handling is amazing. with other bikes you always have to adapt to the bike, not so with the HT. it goes where you want it to go. it drifts so smoothly and predictable you just want to go sliding around every corner. its so nimble you can jump and hop on/from every obstacle. perfect for fast and agressive riding
The polished and anodized finish on the frame makes it look timeless classy, is very durable and easy to clean
Over the time the frame suffered some deep scratches from falling in the top tube, left chain and seatstay, and some at the BB CNC part from chainsuck
but it was a big dent in the bottom tube when i slid out on a trail that killed the frame. was riding it after that for about 3 months till the tube cracked at the dent. i bought a Answer Manitou FS after that, which i regret very much till this day. should have gotten me another HT :(
christ, i shed a tear or two reading the reviews and writing this one. i miss this bike so much sigh
Bike Setup: Suntour XC pro, 1st gen Answer Manitou suspension fork, CNCd
Answer stem, Cook Bros RSR Cranks, Grafton cantilevers
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
cspike
a Cross Country Rider
from Vacaville, CA
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2009
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my previous post. I am about to change the bike over to 9spd, mainly because I need to get rid of the older XTR crank. I just raced this bike again for the first time in years and it still rides great. I can't find any cracks on it anywhere, not that I want to. I am the original owner from 11/97. The polished frame is a dream to keep clean. The bike is heavy by todays standards, but it is incredibly efficient when it comes to transferring pedal power to forward momentum. I really wish I knew what the geometry was so I could find something similar. I have been strongly considering the Tomac Cortez, but this bike is still going strong. I raised my value rating because of the price I originally paid. What a deal. US made.
Submitted by
lebeter
a Weekend Warrior
from Pullman, WA
Date Reviewed: July 14, 2008
Strengths: It's been putting up with abuse for over 10 years, how can you beat that? Quality craftsmanship that has stood the test of time. They don't make them like this anymore.
Weaknesses: The aluminum frame by todays standards is probably ancient, but it was top of the line back in the day.
Bottom Line:
I wouldn't trade it for anything. I rode it to work daily for 2 years, then mostly weekends on road and some trails here in the northwest once every few months, and it just keeps taking it. I'm about 195lbs and so was the previous owner.
Similar Products Used: This was my first mountain bike, I lived next to the old Answer Products building in Valencia, CA for 23 years, and wanted one since I was a kid.
Bike Setup: Bought it from the original owner in roughly 2002. Original Hyperlite bars, Ringle neck, Fuji seat, Manitou 3 forks (just replaced the elastomers with springs through a guy on ebay) and my forks are working again!
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Iowa
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2008
Strengths: I love my 'tou!!! I bought this bike bike in 1998 from my friends dad and promptly broke the rear drop out. Manitou sent me a 1998 model on partial warranty which has beefier dropouts. I have been on this thing nearly everyday, winters included for 10 years. I ride hard, mostly commuting, some trail riding, but I like to jump everything and I weigh 200 lbs! The frame has outlasted many other components and finally developed a crack in the CNC chainstay yoke but is in a place that I can still ride with confidence. I love this thing!!!! I am searching for a replacement and cannot find much that is comparable. I want another one.
Weaknesses: None. One small ding in the top tube(been riding with it for 5 years), and a crack in the chainstay yolk after 9 years of use(been riding like that for a year now).
Bottom Line:
I LOVE MY MANITOU HT!!! I have replaced everything except the derailleurs, crank arms, fork, stem, headset, and handle bar over time. 99% of my riding has been on this frame though. It has made it through thick and thin, crap weather and good, hops, jumps, trails, crashes(shattered my leg on the last one, still healing), you name it. I took good care of it and as a result it is still going strong, need to retire it though. I need to find either a brand new one or something nearly exactly the same.
Similar Products Used: nothing is comparable. used to have a KHS though and a Schwinn or two.
Bike Setup: Originally purchased with gripshift and XTR brake levers and brakes, promptly replaced with XT rapidfire and v-brakes. Has original XT grouppo except the cassette has been replaced twice and am running FSA rings. Control tech seatpost finally bent and replaced with Thompson Elite this last year along with Vuelta wheels after dinging the original Mavic 217's on XT hubs. Original Control Tech stem, Aheadset and Manitou EFC fork(dead). Sella Italia saddle, Onza Raw 110 barends, Onza Porcupaws grips, Ritchey Logic pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Chad
a Cross Country Rider
from Vacaville, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2007
Strengths: Light, quick, well balanced and predictable handling, and very easy to clean.
Weaknesses: Proprietary front derailleur clamp made by Answer that more than likely can no longer be found. Over sized seat tube and head tube diameter, but only in terms of todays component compatibility.
Bottom Line:
I am sure there are still a few out there, and I had set my sights on the Tomac version if and when the Manitou broke, but the bike is still kicking. I had the comp version before this one, and broke it back at the chain and seat stay junction on the drive side. That was easy to predict as they had machined out the pieces of aluminum to save weight. I am very impressed by the handling of this bike, especially at speed on tight twisty trails. When the bike needs to go straight, it does, and when you need to turn in a hurry, no problem, and when you have to stand to climb, the rear tire digs in and the frame is very solid. After 10 years, I imagine I am very familiar with the bike as a whole, so why change a good thing. Chris King saved me with their de-evolution headset as the HT has a 1 1/4" head tube. The only thing I am locked into at this point, besides not being able to use disc brakes, is the front derailluer. The oversized seat tube requires a special clamp for the front derailleur that Answer used to supply with the frame. So far no problems with the good old reliable XTR front derailleur. Bike is very quick and agile, and probably best suited to someone who likes to race, or simply ride fast. I personally hate exploration type mtn. bike rides. I like to know my route, or at least know there will be nice trails to ride fast on. When the day comes to replace it, I will try my best to mimic the geometry.
Favorite Trail: Sagebrush Safari course through Corral Canyon ORV park
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At: Answer Manitou
Similar Products Used: Older Trek 7000, Manitou HT comp.
Bike Setup: Manitous SXR fork, Chris King headset, sram X0 gripshift shifters, Avid Tri Align brakes and levers (simply the best cantilevers), XTR crank (older grey model) with 46/34/34 rings, XTR front derailleur, Sram X9 rear derailleur, and Chis King hubs build up with Mavic rims.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: November 30, 2004
Strengths: Scroll down to April, 2002...I stand by my words
Bottom Line:
The longer fork is no good for climbing, seated, but since that doesn't really happen on the SS, it's great. The old HT lives on and is an absolute hot rod as a 21lb singlespeed, even with a 4.5lb fork and fat tires!
Bike Setup: SINGLESPEED, now! Spot rings on the SweetWing cranks, and a King Kog on the White Industries hubs. Swapped to a Manitou Black coil fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Axel
a Cross Country Rider
from Liège, Belgium
Date Reviewed: August 8, 2003
Strengths: Pure artwork, this 96' model is the most beautiful frame ever! Very effective, stiff,... the biker's best friend!!
Weaknesses: Cracks! Mine is cracked near the bottom bracket and makes an awful noise!! Sad, but I will always keep it even if it is now hung on the wall... as an artwork!
Bottom Line:
I saw the bike for the first time in an ad in MBA. I fel in love and when I came back from holidays, I searched for one in second hand. I found one almost immediately (which is rare for such a product) for half the original price. I've been riding it for almost 8 years. It's been a close friend ;-) for so long, and now it is dissasembled and placed in my living room. Respect!I wouldn't sell it at any price!
Favorite Trail: Pays de Herve, for those who know...
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At: second hand
Similar Products Used: No one can be compared the HT !!
Bike Setup: Magura HS22 Race Line, XT, Roox, Control Tech, Mavic Ceramic, Stout, DT, Specialized saddle, Sachs, X-Lite...
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from TN,,USA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003
Strengths: Light,welds are perfect,perfect geometry!lifetime warranty
Weaknesses: none ?
Bottom Line:
It really does handle great..The lightweight is awesome....it's stiff & Easton aluminum should last a long while. I am going to maybe convert it to a singlespeed & do a race,because it seems like with triple chainrings-i always get that Chain Suck & have to stop! I hope it lasts a long time;but if not, Manitiou will warranty it or do something i'm sure..I would recommend buying a used one anyday,because it really does ride sweet!
Similar Products Used: Azonic DS-1...Mongoose Zero-G....Litespeed Unicoi...GT Palomar.....
Bike Setup: Judy fork....etc.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Vogel
a Cross Country Rider
from Harlow , England
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003
Strengths: Pin sharp handling , Great power transfer to rear wheels. Beautiful finish ,lovely bits of CNC maching and those welds are out of this world. Spot on geometry. It ooozes class and always draws a crowd
Weaknesses: Fragile , tubes can get dented easily , I've broken two , one around seat post clamp/ seat stay area another in the Chainstay / bottom bracket area. Both replaced under warranty. The original seat post broke this week but it was 7 years old and did a complete season of racing so thats being picky
Bottom Line:
I run mine with Pace RC31 rigid forks ,, it handles single track like its on rails , its superb as long as things dont get too rough. Those dried out horse hoof holes are a complete nightmare , eyes rattle round your sockets. For road use I run it on Fatboys and it goes as good as a road bike. Racers dream bike.
Similar Products Used: Litespeed Unicoi..Azonic DS-2...
Bike Setup: 4" Judy Race--Rhino light wheels---King headset---2.1 DH tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Gerald
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Strengths: Lightweight & Stiff
Weaknesses: None, until now.....
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike in 1996 and used it for about 3 years with no problems. The bike was left unused until now, and last weekend, when I brought it out for a ride, I noticed a 2 inch crack on the headstem. Bike has never been ridden hard or brought to any nasty trails.
I thought Easton frames are famed for their strength and build quality....
I am now looking for a new FS bike. Any suggestions?
Strengths: weight, strength, and looks. C'mon it's a Manitou.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
OH BOY! This is by far and away the best handling hardtail that I have ever set my a$$ on. I am not the spring chicken or athlete that I was 10 years ago, but this bike gives me the confidence to ride like a madman. To be an aluminum frame, I am extremely surprised at how forgiving it is. It doesn't beat the hell out of you like so many other frames that I have owned. I just wished that I had sucked it up a long time ago and shelled out the bucks for this work of art. Just take a look at the machined rear triangle (beautiful). I always wanted one, and now I have it. This will be the last hardtail I ever buy, period! Seriously, if you can get a hold of this frame, BUY IT!
Similar Products Used: Cannondale Delta V1500, Univega, Muddy Fox, Specialized
Bike Setup: XTR/XT, Ringlé, Titec
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mel macgregor
a Cross Country Rider
from kapolei
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2002
Strengths: this frame is made for the pure cross country rider.climbs like a goat.handles technical terrain with mean intension.best hardtail ever.hay its beautiful to look at...
Weaknesses: they stop making it.and also 1 1/4 headset.i used the tamer headset reducer to fix that.very expensive too.but worth every cent.
Bottom Line:
no promblems since 1993.frames have come and gone.this one is a keeper forever!!!
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