Submitted by
Philip Whitford
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: January 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Hawes
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Sierra Trading Post
Strengths:
It's a solid fork, works well for trails. Hasn't failed me yet. I weigh 160 lbs but I've tried to bottom this fork out and I haven't done it yet.
Weaknesses:
It's not good for free ride or down hill and it wasn't intended for that.
Similar Products Used:
RockShox and other Manitou
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg, XT, Manitou QRL rear, XT dual function brifters
Bottom Line:
It does well at what it was built for. If you're really heavy and/or and do some major drops or DH it's probably not going to like it and neither are you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
caleb
a Weekend Warrior
from radnor PA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
good for cross contry not good for freeride but ok for trail riding. dont upgrade. not worth the $.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marten van der Wal
a Weekend Warrior
from Heerenveen,Friesland,Netherlands Date Reviewed: November 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gorredijk
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
www.marktplaats.nl
Strengths:
Good adjustable rebound, long travel XC fork 120mm, + stifness, Adjustable travel (i used the fork for drops up to 5 meters!!!)
Weaknesses:
The Compression damping doesn't work at all, i totally dismanteld the vork and check if something was broke; i couldn't find a thing so i put some microlube and new oil into the fork.. and now it works great:)
Similar Products Used:
Manitou x-vert DC 120mm travel, Rock SHox judy 80mm travel
Bike Setup:
Be One Trial frame - Sun Ringle Double tracks met XT SCHIJFREM NAVEN - CMP DH crankset - FSA PLATINUM bracket (volgende week een NOPE BOTTOMSPINNA) - Manitou Black 120mm travel - Hayes HFX Nine HD met 203 mm custom discs - Ritchey Rizer stuur - XLC freeRide stuurpen - Cane Creek geintegreerd balhoofdsetje - NorthShore Extreme Leg Eaters pedalen met TERROR PINS(H) - Da Bomb Da Throne zadel - Michelin WildGripper DH 2.2 buitenbanden - Maxxis DH binnenbanden - Truvativ Chainguide - Shimano Deore XT achterderri.. met Deore shifter - BBB Lock on handvaten
Bottom Line:
A great fork.. who needs a lot of maintenace... and it's a cheap freeride/street/dirtjump fork you should buy a BLACK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian
a
from Asheville NC USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Trace Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Carolina Fatz Bike Shop
Strengths:
Good fork for money enough travel for aggressive trail riding to light freeride. Lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Not enough travel for bigger drops.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock except for this shock and azonic seat and more freeride stuff.
Bottom Line:
a great shock for the money and good for dirtjumping and crosscountry but just not for what I wanted it for which was freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Snellville, Ga Date Reviewed: November 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
None, as it lasted not even 3 months
Weaknesses:
Super soft and plush. Probably needed to replace the internal parts. This fork is junk. I replaced mine after 3 months of non-aggresive riding. Too much slop, I wouldn't recommend.
Similar Products Used:
My favorite fork was a Manitou Mars on my old bike, followed by RockShox.
Bike Setup:
03 Jamis Dakar Sport, Sun Single track wheels, XT hubs, RS Duke XC fork, Geax Blade tires.
Bottom Line:
This is a stock factory bike only fork, and supposedly not available new in the aftermarket. I understand why. It is cheap, and doesn't properly reflect manitou quality. (or does it?) I have since switched back to RockShox and am completely happy. I would have submitted this fork for warranty but I purchased by bike from a bankrupt bike store in NYC and got no bill. Not too worried since I paid $450.00 delivered for a new bike. Funny thing is, I sold the no good fork on evil bay for $80.00. Who cares, buy RS or a Manitou higher up the line than this POS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Orr
a Downhiller
from Litchfield, CT Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
this fork is great. very plush and pretty tough. the reverse arch serves no purpose, but is cool looking. 74mm disk mounts are stronger that 51mm
Weaknesses:
can be a little too soft. sometimes too little travel. seals collect dust like a magnet.
this is a great trail riding fork and is perfect for light urban and freeride, which is my main thing. plush enough for the small stuff, but does not bottome out as long as you know it well. ive landed up to 7 footers on this fork without too much problems. i think that i abused this fork, and it still held up very well for a 200 dollar fork. this may not be a fancy high performance fork, but is is worth at least 100 bucks more than i paid for it. buy this fork if you want to be able to do everything from xc to freeride on one fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Louisville, KY Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Waverly
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
For the Money, everything is "strong" on this fork.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Magnum R, Marzocchi EXR
Bike Setup:
2000 Spec. Rockhopper Comp with upgraded components
Bottom Line:
I'm giving this fork an excellent review because it's smooth and stiff, but plush when needed. Excellent for xc riding, racing and some freeride. The overall value does not reflect the quality, for this fork is built very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
szalony
a
from poland Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
"tylko dla alp" trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
the reverse arch technology seems to be ok. no problems with that. the steer tube and the crown are quite fine the dropouts too.
Weaknesses:
the disc mount was cracked after a 204mm Hayes disc hydra brake was applied but it was fixed. the upper seals collect dust and sand and they have to be lubricated using a liqht liquid grease to prevent the teflon wear especially when riding in wet weather conditions. if one bottoms the fork constantly just as the previous owner of my black did there is a great possibility that the interior damping system will be cracked or broken. that can be fixed easily. frequent oil changes are required because old oil causes faster tear of the inside parts of the forks. the adjust knobs are not at all bombproof - should they be?
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DropOff 03 Dirt Jumper III 03 Dirt Jumper I 03 DropOff 01 Z.1 FR 01 Z.5 02
Bike Setup:
Azonic Ds 1 24' Halo Combat FSA DaBomb Velo Sun Ringle Hayes
Bottom Line:
the ultimate dual slalom / dirt jumping and street fork for its lightness. can take a lot of hucks for a long time without any effects. if interior is brokrn or cracked can be repaired easily. frequent oil changes are a must not so robust as marzocchi. the stiffness could be better but still is fine as for a standard axle. 8' rotors shouldn't be used if you're riding hard and hydraulic brakes are mounted. plastic upper corks on the crown are a shame... when bottomed isn't so bad for the elbows and wrists - you just hear it bottom out but you don't feel it so hard! go and try it and make it your casual allaround fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Weekend Warrior
from Wyoming Date Reviewed: May 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$115.00
Purchased At:
sierra trading post
Strengths:
First of all, the price. Can't beat it. And it looks SO cool. Plenty of room for adjustment, external grease zerks, tough.
Weaknesses:
Takes a while to break in and then to tune it to the point it keeps you happy.
Similar Products Used:
RST Crappa that came on my bike.
Bike Setup:
Trek 4300, titec, Kore & Koski all over the place, plus this fork.
Bottom Line:
"The bottom line" is that if you are willing to spend a little time getting to know the fork, it can work wonders. I've hit nine step staircases with this thing, which translates into a 8" x 9 = 72" or six foot drop onto level concrete. This was after I had a chance to play with it of course. If you like hard XC, or just putzing around bunny hopping bricks and light urban riding... it's great. Probably wouldn't trust it on a DH bike, and I wouldn't reccomend for weight freaks... it's fairly advanced and keeps up with me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert P.
a
from NH Date Reviewed: February 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Secret
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Great Fork for the money, works great, looks great.
Weaknesses:
Internally convertable travel sucks, is a little to plush.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Six
Bike Setup:
Fisher-Eggbeaters, Hayes HFX-9 XC, Custom disc wheels
Bottom Line:
Great fork. Im not sure what this "Kenny" was talking about when he says he did drops that big, i have mine to 120 mm. , and with the compression as high as it can go, i bottom out on a 3 ft. drop to flat land almost every time, Landing on a decent is a different matter, but there is no possible way you can do the drops that big, and i only weigh 150. im thinking of getting a firm spring just for the drops, but i dont want to loose the small bump sensivity.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kris Allain
a Cross Country Rider
from Zachary, LA Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004
Cannondale Super V, Full XTR, Race Face Drive Train
Bottom Line:
This has been a great fork so far. It is my first fork to purchase brand new. It was extremely plush and smoother than butter when I took it out the box. I did think it was too soft at first but I had just transferred from a Rock Shox Judy SL with Xtra firm springs. The medium springs have grown on me since our trails have a bunch of rooty sections. The softness soaks them up like I were riding on the road. OK, not exactly but close enough!
Anyway, I have done some jumping and the fork hasn't bottomed out yet but has come close. Just get springs to fit your riding style and weight and you should love the fork. I weigh 195 so it works for someone my size. Great for for the money I spent. I like the extra 25 - 50mm of travel that this fork offers compared to its competitors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny M
a
from Wilmington Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush feel, adjustable
Weaknesses:
None
Bottom Line:
These forks work very well. I hit up to 14 foot drops and hit jumps that launch me as far as 18 feet and the forks work great. I really like these forks and would recommend them to any one not hardcore Freeriding or downhill but to the people who like hard xc, freeride and downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Osman
a Cross Country Rider
from Florida Date Reviewed: October 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Alafia
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Great looks, stiff and easy to adjust, dampening works very well and the fork did not bottom out although I weigh around 210. Also, travel was smooth out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Product literature and owner's manual could be improved.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy TT, Manitou XVert, Rockshox Duke
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Expert frame, LX and XT drivetrain components, Sun handlebars and rims, Titec stem and seatpost. Shimano 520 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I am not quite sure why this fork has an average rating of 2.88 while the Comp version averages almost 4.4 points as it is essentially the same fork. The only difference is that the Comp has Rapid Travel Adjustment whereas the Sport is internally convertable between either 80-100 or 100-125. For me, I don't need the adjustment on-the-fly capability, and I have found this fork to be a bargain. It is stiff, durable and plush over the nasty stuff. It is not as plush as an air fork, but for the price, it simply cannot be beat. Highly Recommended!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bjorn Borgen
a Cross Country Rider
from Horten, Norway Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Really smooth ride with this fork. Looks nice. Great to have the lookout option.
Weaknesses:
It looked up after 3 months of use. It's been ridden hard at times but this fork should be able to take some beating!
Similar Products Used:
RST Aerosa HT, other RST and Manitou forks
Bike Setup:
Marvil Fury (complete XTR hardtail)
Bottom Line:
I really like this fork, but when it locks up after 3 months of use I really don't think it's worth the money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTB Freak
a Downhiller
from Toronto Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: August 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Looks Killer, Plush, Easy to add microlube.
Weaknesses:
Right shock leg leaks, Plastic components, stickers peal too easy, Bottoms out on a 3 foot jump.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 FR, Rock Shox s10
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Hollowpoint Sport XC, kept the origional frame and upgrade all the components into a team xc racer. Avid Disc, XTR shifters and derailers, Progressive 5th, 2003 Marz SL front fork.
Bottom Line:
This shock came standard on the Hollowpoint Sport 2003 edition and it worked greafor the first few days of riding. But then after the right frok leg started to leak the microlube all over the place. I had not use the bike on any jumps ~ strikly street riding to work. I recently returned to fork to Manitou and they are going to replace it...but I have already put my order in for the Marx Z1 SL. This fork is not very stiff and the stiffness adjustment dial does not appear to work. I would not buy this fork..lucky for you it only comes OEM.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris villeneuve
a Racer
from calgary alberta canada Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
canada olympic park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
front absobtion great. lightweight. tunable
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
marzochi bombers
Bike Setup:
specialized hard rock pro manitou black sport front shox hayes hydraulic disk brakes 27 speed
Bottom Line:
great shox great price definatly worth the money. good advanced rider shox. good for beginners but maybe want to wait before dishing out the money. this is my fifth pair of shox and by far the best pair ive owned never have any problems and they look great
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Rebound, Stiff, Perfect for my weight
Weaknesses:
Expensive to service. Gun+grease costs 30$, Boots suck
Similar Products Used:
Six Comp, Suntour crap
Bike Setup:
'03 Kona Stuff <- Stock everything but fork
Bottom Line:
Love the fork. Extreamly Glad I bought it. I do alot of Trails and this sucks up everything I have thrown at it. Biggest drop so far = 6 ft -> Did not bottom out. I do 20km a day road riding to and from work. In the evening: Trails, and urban = as much as I am able to.
Someone heavier may want stiffer springs but for me (160lbs) its perfect. I do not like the Boots, I found that they actually trapped dirt, I replaced with Lizardskins. Perfect for intermeadite rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Acs
a Weekend Warrior
from Budapest, Hungary Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
very little oil leaking from right leg, expensive grease gun
Similar Products Used:
SR Suntour 8300, Manitou Six Sport 2003
Bike Setup:
Author Sovereign Sport 2003 Fullsusp, Shimano LX, Hayes discs, agressive XC
Bottom Line:
Bought this (dealer allows to buy OEM forks too) to replace the SIX Sport, and it was the best choice. Plush movement, ideal for my weight (60kg), I only bottomed it down once, altough my riding style is quite agressive. Damping is nicely adjustable, and very good stiff for the disc brakes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, MN, USA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Eastwood Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
on line
Strengths:
plush, soaks up small-medium size bumps well, good repound adjustment
Weaknesses:
The fork is too soft for big drops and heavier riders
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shocks, other manitou
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Sinister Hard Tail
Bottom Line:
Good plush fork for riding in the woods, soaks up rocks, and logs well; May need stiffer springs for large drops, or dirt jumping. Not a bad fork, but not awsome. I thought it was way too soft at first, but it has grown on me. This fork can only be bought on a complete bike. Overall its a decent fork, that could be improved with some stiffer springs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fer Lira
a Weekend Warrior
from Mex City Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Los Remedios
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$19000.00
Purchased At:
Los Enanos
Strengths:
Is good that you can adjust your fork for large and re bound
Weaknesses:
The problem is many adjustments means “you can have many problems”
Similar Products Used:
Duke, Judy
Bottom Line:
I bought a K2 Tirade 4.0 and it comes with this fork, this is a freeride bike, this means I can Jump, Fly, droops, ride and everything….. the problem was, after one month of use, the fork was getting strong until appear a 0mm fork…. I already sent the fork to Manitou and I haven’t had and answer…. I promise to my self never have a Manitou again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Potts
a Cross Country Rider
from Livermore CA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any thing out of town
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
NONE!
Weaknesses:
Every thing this is th softest shock i have ever riden. It came stock with my cannondale jekyll. when i first got the bike i bottomd the fork out when i sat on it. I orderd a new beefier sping from manitou and it took three months to come in, and it turned out to be the wrong size so i had to send it back and get the correct one. Not one person i talked to at manitou had a clue what they were doing. The people at manitou didn't even know the size and travel options of my fork.
Similar Products Used:
Rock shock judy (piece)
Bottom Line:
Dont waste your hard earned $$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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