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Submitted by
geno
a Cross Country Rider
from houston
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | bluff creek ranch | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | rigidity, good dampening, durability, low maintinance | | Weaknesses: | weak fork brace | | Similar Products Used: | judy XC, mag 21, qudra | | Bike Setup: | which one, I have had this fork forever | | Bottom Line: | since I bought it and aftermy initial dissapointment ( broken brace) I have been so pleased. this poor fork has been beaten over small and large trails in all conditions. I am finaly retiring her for a lichter weight air dapened shock but i will most likely keep it as a back up. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zaskie "RoughRider"
a Cross Country Rider
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: August 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Houffalize World Cup | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Weight, looks | | Weaknesses: | F@ckin' expensive, crap plastic adjuster knobs, Manitou service, stiction, maintenance | | Similar Products Used: | RS Mag 21, Judy SL, Bomber Z2 | | Bike Setup: | Zaskar LE, SRAM/Shimano drivetrain, Magura HS33, Hugi/Mavic X-517 wheelset, Roox goodies | | Bottom Line: | Pretty good performance for about 6 weeks of intense off-road use. Then I lost the rebound adjuster assembly while riding. No problem, warranty: only did it take about 1 month to repair the fork at the Manitou service point. After their "excellent" service life was never the same. I was left with a f@ckin' expensive piece of crap which did not work the way it was supposed to.
I owned this fork for about six months. During this period this fork was turned in for service for a total period of 15 weeks... and still they didn't get it right.
Luckily I met an idiot who was desperate to get this fork and wanted to pay for it, so I sold that piece of crap. Ever since I am the happy owner of a Marzocchi Z2 Atom. This fork is a bit heavier but therefor a lot more reliable, easier to maintain/tune. And most of all Marzocchi spells service with a capital "S". | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Biggun
a Racer
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Shendagin Forest, Ithaca NY | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Excel? | | Strengths: | Durability, quality performance | | Weaknesses: | Cracked the crown after a year, but Manitou replace with heavier but stronger crown, no problems since. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox JUDY's , SIDS, MARS CL | | Bike Setup: | Currently on 4 year old Homegrown set up as single speed | | Bottom Line: | Wow! 4 years on this fork and I'm Clydesdale. Rode the bike daily for 3 years until I bought a new OCLV with a SID race. I still prefer the ride of the old alum Schwinn because the fork is so much better and still performs flawlessly. I can't really tell the difference with damping adjustment but who cares, JUST LEAVE IT AND RIDE IT! Kudos to Manitou! If you find a well cared for used one for sale cheap $50 or so, go for it, you won't be sorry. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brently
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath | | Strengths: | This fork aborbs the smallest to fairly large bumps on the trails. It is nice to adjust the rebound and dampening depending on the conditions you are riding in. It is semi- light for an oil dampened fork. And very easy to rebuild.I am really happy with my buy! | | Weaknesses: | The damper blew way to quick. I found that out when i was taking it apart to replace the stanchions/crown/steerer tube, becuase I grew and needed the steerer longer. It is really expensive to replace that assembly, because you cannot get a single piece due to it being pressed together. I also found that the adjuster nobs stuck on me, and wouldn't release very easily, but a shot Manitou Prep M fixed that!!! | | Bike Setup: | Devinci 1000 series, with XTR drivetrain, mavic cross ride wheelset, RaceFace - stem, low riser handlebars, real seal headset, and LP cranks. Ritchy Logic Comp clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent fork for the money, but needed improvements on the damper!!!! Get a Manitou if you already haven't!!! Excellent forks!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yong
a Cross Country Rider
from indianapolis
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Palos in Chicago | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeworld | | Strengths: | Light weight, looks | | Weaknesses: | Stiction, high maintenence, poor seals, frozen adjustment knobs. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy | | Bottom Line: | OK fork. It was cheap and has lasted me so far. I wouldn't say this is a plush fork at all. It doesn't work well on the smaller bumps, but takes medium ones well. I can't how I have to take this fork apart after every wet ride to relube. Also the damper leaks like a runny nose. I'm looking to get a XVert super, and hopefully Manitou has improved things a bit in the last three years. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
B
a Cross Country Rider
from Palos Hills,IL
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Stiff. Good on bigger bumps. Light weight. | | Weaknesses: | Damper?? | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC,Mag 21, Indy C | | Bike Setup: | '95 Specialized M2 w/ custom components | | Bottom Line: | I thought the shock was great. A real deal @ $150 when Colorado had a blow-out sale. It preformed flawless until
damper blew out after 2.5yrs and probably 1000miles which included everything from Moab to racing. Did the damper blowout too soon? Who knows. I still would buy another if it was available. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zach (speed master)lanoue
a Racer
from ny
Date Reviewed: July 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | hardtial bial | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | super light, grate response,stif when you want it to be scushy when you want it to be | | Weaknesses: | the knobs dont work very well | | Similar Products Used: | judy riace | | Bike Setup: | cannondall M400 with xt+lx deralers mavic crossmax rims
cannondall M400 xt lx deralers mavic crossmax wheels cool | | Bottom Line: | awsom fork this is the best fork to buy if you like to ride hard:):):):) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Cross Country Rider
from North Richland Hills, Tx.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | North Shore | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | I bought it in '98 so I got it for $250 bucks.. it was a good deal.. considering I had an Indy C at the time.. it worked great for the first year or so, pretty strong, good color | | Weaknesses: | damper leaks
adjuster knobs stick
rebuilt twice
lots of stiction
| | Similar Products Used: | Quadra 5, Indy C | | Bike Setup: | custom built '98 Trek 8900 SL | | Bottom Line: | this fork is stiff, even on the softest setting, for a heavier rider, or the rider who likes a stiffer fork. it has quite a bit of stiction. but I must say it is the best shock I have ever riden... but.. I also have only riden a p.o.s Quarda 5 and an Indy C... not saying much | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Weisenburger
a Racer
from Manchester, NH USA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Came on bike, Matches the color of my bike. | | Weaknesses: | Crap! Rebuilt 4 times once at the factory (took 4 weeks), Plastic is for soda bottles not Bikes. When the fork compresses that shaft that the rebound ajust knob screws into shoots 6" out of the bottom of the fork (shop mechanic quote: "WOW! I've never seen that before!). Come to find out this was happening because it was all striped inside.
Will never buy a answer shock again. | | Bottom Line: | Sucks! I don't have time for stuff that doesn't work!! Ever hear of Quaility Control! You charge $500 bucks for these things, get it right. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike taylor bought a zokes
a Cross Country Rider
from dallas
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | a fast trail | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | cheap, some pro is paid dough to ride one | | Weaknesses: | cheap, some pro is paid dough to ride one (wishes he was ona zokes) plastic sucks! I got shot in the mouth with one of those stupid plastic top caps on my mach 5proxc and i'm 145lb and the cap was all the way in! ugh! | | Similar Products Used: | walmart bike | | Bike Setup: | my badass carbon hardtail | | Bottom Line: | buy a zokes! give it 2 flamin dog craps because it was ok and cheap, but minuse the rest because their customer service is sorry and they won't ship to the customer when their s#!@$ breaks! thier seals suck too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl
a Racer
from Carlsbad, CA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Lightness, stifness | | Weaknesses: |
Not very plush at all, not easily adjustable, dials don't work very well and are made of plastic. | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy SL, Z1 Bam | | Bike Setup: |
Manitou FS | | Bottom Line: | Below average. Expensive to really dial in. Almost no travel. Later year models much better. Not worth time or money even at a discount. Rides bad. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
AJ
a Cross-Country Rider
from Danville, CA
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very nice fork, looks good, works good, is fairly light, adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
sometimes plastic adjusters up top get stuck | | Similar Products Used: |
indy C, indy S, Judy xc, indy sl | | Bike Setup: |
trek, fast stuff | | Bottom Line: | The best you can buy | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shawn
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Idlewild in Winter Park | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
stiff, very responsive, easy to adjust | | Weaknesses: |
elastomers wear out, defective seal | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shox judy xc | | Bike Setup: |
trek y | | Bottom Line: | it was great for the first two years. If you keep blowing seals take it to your local shop. The Spoke in Denver told me about an offer manitou had to redeem themselves on the 97 sx ti. Manitou sent me a 99 rst for $105.00. Normaly they have several to choose from, but since i sent mine in at the end of the season the rst is all they had left. I tried to handle it myself but Manitou told me I had to go through an authorized dealer. So check with your local shop! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
stiff
smooth
simple
works | | Weaknesses: |
hefty by today's standards - if you care
damper leaks | | Similar Products Used: |
99 SID SL
98 Judy SL | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I've raced on this fork a while ago and I now use it on my beaterbike. After two years
and almost no maintenance it has less stiction than my brandnew SID SL. It is a bunch
stiffer than the SID. By today's standards it is heavy for racing but it is purrrrfect for beating around the bush. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from IL
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
XXX | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
weight
Build
dampning | | Weaknesses: |
Plush????? | | Similar Products Used: |
'97 Manitou mach 5 pro | | Bike Setup: |
Easton Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Great racing fork. love it. dampning adjust. really works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Levi Zurcher
a Racer
from Kingman, Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Submarine Rock, Sedona | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | This is a great workhorse fork. I've raced it hard for a season and and 2,000 miles and have had absolutely no problems with it. The only reason they have been selling so cheap is because manitou made too many of them. I highly recommend this fork if you're still able to get a hold of one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EmL34
a Racer
from Minneapolis,MN
Date Reviewed: May 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
nice action, travel, weight | | Weaknesses: |
Not as plush as some 'Zokes | | Similar Products Used: |
SID XC, Atom Bomb, Z2 BAM, Girvin | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized HardTail | | Bottom Line: | I rode the first TI-SX for 1.5 years and blew it on a nasty drop. I called Manitou and they replaced all of the internals for free. Originally, I thought the fork was nice and when combined with the weight, it was great. After the hassle free service and prompt, fast turnaround I bought another one for a backup. So far, I have been very pleased with all aspects of Manitou. 4 stars on this fork (-1 because nobody's perfect). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross-Country Rider
from MPLS, MN
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
River Flats | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Nice action, Weight and Color | | Weaknesses: |
Ajustment Knobs, Materials, Customer Service. | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou 3, Zokes' Z-2 | | Bike Setup: |
Old Trek with a new Z-2,
lots of other goodies. | | Bottom Line: | I agree with others that it does provide good action, and the steering is on par with other single crowns. My problem comes from the top caps, which are impossible to take off with your bare hands, and get dammaged if you use anything else. My magnesium lowers started to corrode after I had the shock for only three weeks, 3 WEEKS! I know I am guilty of putting the shock on in the winter and test ridong it a couple times outdoors to get a feel for the shock, but My buddy who bought one at the same time, did the same tests, and his lowers were good to go. I called Manitou customer service to find out if it would be warrantied, or about buying replacement lowers. They gave me the its all your fault line, and couldn't explain the fact that my buddies fork showed no signs of corrosion. They also told me they won't sell to the customer. What's up with that. Anyway, I went to my LBS and found out a new set of lowers would cost 300 bucks. Yeah right, I only paid $200 for the fork. I give it three chilis cause of the attitude I got over the phone and those piece-o-crep adjustment knobs. Maybe its better I crashed and broke the thing in Half, cause my Zokes is the BOMB! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sutter Cane
a Racer
from Kirksville, MO
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Landahl Trail KCMO | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Tough, good looking, plush, laterally stiff. Nice preload. | | Weaknesses: |
Preload tough to adjust, top caps are breakable, dampening is so-so | | Similar Products Used: |
Quad 5, a little of everything else (Marzocchi, RS, Manitou) | | Bike Setup: |
Trek OCLV with XTR, Race Face, Chris King, Syncros. Weighs about 44 lbs. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent fork and superb service. I broke my top cap (and to think I get paid to be a mechanic) and Answer sent me one out that very day I called them. Both reps I talked to were very friendly and helpful. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Winston
a Cross-Country Rider
from Auckland NZ
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
responsive (no stiction)
light
very well-sealed | | Weaknesses: |
good not great damping (rebound)
plastic preload adjusters | | Similar Products Used: |
RockShox 95 Mag21s, 96-7 Judy XC's- both inferior to the SX ti | | Bike Setup: |
23lb hardtail | | Bottom Line: | 16 months of abusive, great performance, no failures | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Conan
a racer
from Drango
Date Reviewed: February 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this fork, I have been useing this fork for 2 gonging on 3 seasons and all I have had to do is lube it up every once and a wile. I abuse this thing alot to; leaving it out when I camp, and carring it on the roof racks for untold thasounds of miles. Not to mention the the incerdable performance, this thing steers like a rigid fork. The only thing I have had problems with this fork is the fact that the arch has broken twice, but it has been warintide quickly.
I LOVE THIS THING | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
spooky
a cross-country rider
from UTAH
Date Reviewed: February 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been really quite happy with the fork. The cartridge has been rebuilt once. I also installed the WB wipers. The company has been easy to deal with perhaps that is because I am a shop employee, but even when customers go through us for warranty matters it is always a posistve experience. Sopke with an inside rep todat to ask about my damping adjustment knob. (I lost it on some ride some where) He said it would be warranteed. Apparenly the problem is due to too much grease in the legs which pools up in the are just above the knob, and upon a big hit the grease thakes the path of least resistance out, which happens to be through the port which holds the adjuster knob. Manitou has done a good job with this fork, and is a great company to deal with if you are honest, patient, and not an imbecile. 5 habaneros | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Perrry
a racer
from Utah
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great fork. At speeds less than jogging this is not the plushest fork on the planet, but as the speeds increase it starts to become much smoother. It defenitely doesn't blow through its travel like a judy, but it absorbs the bumps just as well. The advantage of this arragement is that it sprints much better than other forks because it is less affected by pedaling.oh and for those of you who think the rebound adjuster makes no difference you're wrong. The adjuster covers only a specific range, the range of settings that will be most useful. Turn the adjuster all the way slow and then ride down something really rocky and and fast annd you will feel the fork pack up. Since the newer forks are lighter and better I give this one 4 chillis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARK
a weekend warrior
from FT LAUDERDALE
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I PURCHASED MY 99 SX TI 2 MONTHS AGO AND I LOVE IT.SUPER ADJUSTABLE AND SMOOTH ON ALL OF THE ROCKS AND ROOTS THAT PLAUGE OUR LANDSCAPE DOWN HERE.SO FAR NO RELIABILITY CONCERNS.THE PRICE WAS STEEP,BUT YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE RIGHT!? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Zane
a weekend warrior
from ID
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked these forks up for a song from my LBS about 18 months ago, and replaced my Judys. The Judys are good forks, but the ones I received on my M2 had the plastic dampening cartridge, and it lasted on average about 3 months before the oil was leaking out of the bottom of the fork alerting me to another blown dampener. The SX's give me more travel, better control and I have not had any problems with them what so ever. I would suggest these to anyone looking at purchasing a shock, if you can still get them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The performance of this fork is only average. The adjuster spool and aduster screws are made of plastic. The tabs on the sides of the adjuster spools will break making the adjustment knobs on the crown very difficult to turn, if at all.
I called Answer Products trying to purchase replacement parts and I was told I have to go through a local bike dealer to do that. When I gave the customer service rep my zip code, he couldn't even tell me what dealer to use. He said there wasn't one listed for my area. I told him that I merely wanted to purchase some replacement parts and would like to order them from the company, he replied, We basically never deal with the costumer directly. That was a direct quote. I then said, Thank you, that's all I needed to know, and exactly what NOT to buy next time. I then hung up the phone. This is terrible customer relations. I sincerely hope that these reviews are being read by Answer Products management team. I feel their management is in dire need of customer relations training. When you tell the customer you never deal with them directly, that tells me a lot about your company.
So, I am giving this fork only a one chili pepper rating because I can't go any lower than that. Performance is average, you will have to replace parts, and customer service is horrible. Absolutely, the worst company I have ever dealt with when trying to order a replacement part. My advice, call Chris at Speedgoat and order a MODZilla fork with Englund Total Air Cartridges, a real fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carl Hyndman
a downhiller
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: December 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Not a bad fork. It took a little while to dial in; it came almost dry, and very stiff. Now I have it set as soft as it goes (I weigh about 165 lbs.) and lubed like a cross-country racer's legs and it seems to work pretty well. Not quite as plush as my old Judy SL, but seems to handle the hits a little more confidently.I'll keep it on for a while. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Rhodes
a racer
from Manchester, NH
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a 97 SX ti and have had only one problem with it. The catridge leaded oil, but that is not that tuff to fix, and It took a lot longer to happen then with my old Judy. This fork was easy to set up for my weight, 135lbs. and the people who don't feel any change with the dampning must be crazy. I also have no idea the one guy bent his? the fork is not super plush, but I don't like plush anyways. It takes all the hits that a typical race course throws at it and the only thing you have to do is lube it everyonce in a while. I would give it 4 chilis, I won't knock the oil lead, because it happens to every catridge for out there, and can be fixed easily. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Havekost
a weekend warrior
from Mpls, MN
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I liked the SX-ti for the first year that I owned it. It was fairly stiff and I didn't notice much for damping adjustability, but overall worked well. The second season of riding, everything began to fall apart. Stuck preload knobs, stripped preload knobs, blown damping, flexy legs all hit at once. The shocker was when the price dropped so drastically- no wonder! Since then I replaced it with an Atom Bomb at a screaming deal. I was concerned about the weight at first...until I rode it. WOW, there is absolutely no comparison. Check it out if you havn't already. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Isaac Williamson
a weekend warrior
from MI, USA
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my Manitou 97 SX ti for a year now. I paid $200.00 for it and I don't have any complaints. I race down hill and Cross-crountry with it and it stood up to both of them with no problem. Over all it is pretty good. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a cross-country rider
a
from rapid city sd
Date Reviewed: October 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this fork is a rip off at $150 let alone $500. it may be light but at the cost of strength. I bent the steerer tube and lowers from hitting a rut. the fork squeeks unless it is overhauled after every ride which is a scary endeavor give the delicate plastic parts that make up this toy fork. the damping adjustment doesn't seem to do anything and the fork makes clunking noises frequently. I am really disapointed w/ the lack of quality in this and other manitou forks. they seem to be desighned only for sponsered racers who can replace them after every ride definately a throw away fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skye
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is HOT! I've ridden alot of forks out there and this should be categorized with the best. Yes, it's stiff (Terrance, wear your padded panties if you don't like it), but it makes it all the better. The travel is great, it's light, strong, and quilted to be super-absorbant. Yes, it's cheap, but it's because it's a '97, not 'cause it sucks. If you need an upgrade, get an sx-ti. I'd take it over most of the '98 models for more than double the price! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terrance Walters
a cross-country rider
from Chicago, Illinois
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is absolutely horrible. The ti springs a far to stiff and speed spring upgrades are not designed for this fork and malfunction frequently. I have already blown the dampener twice. The only fork I have ridden I liked less then this recently is the Judy XC (which is so bad it isn't even funny). I do like the way this fork looks, however, and the steering is decent, altough not half as crisp as its linkage competitors. I therefore give this fork a one, and recommend it only to posers who don't bike. I can see why Manitou dropped its price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shop Employee X
a cross-country rider
from BOSTON
Date Reviewed: August 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hmmm.... Manitou sold us these shocks for $60!!! Why? Because they suck. Many, many forks came through our shop for warranty. 90% of our warrantied forks are Manitous - no lie. Fork is rather stiff, not as plush as the competition and there is noticable spring rub.... The only plusses are the dirt cheap prices available and the fork itself is rather stiff due to oversize stanchions. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jerome
a cross-country rider
from Quebec City, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding my SX Ti for almost 1 year and I should say that I love this fork. It is stiff (especially w/a stiff suspension specific hub like my 19 mm axle Specialized Stout), dependable, flashy - yes, I admit that I'm slave to cosmetics... One thing to check though is the lubrication : when you buy it new, there is generally no more than a thin film of grease on the bushings, so it could feel harsh at first. That was the case for mine, but, after opening it and greasing generously the internals, it was a NEW fork - no more stiction ! Another - small - gripe should be that the space between the legs is on the narrow side, meaning that riding in mud can sometimes cause clogging around the front wheel. I give it 4 chillies, 'cause it can still be enhanced. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lun
a racer
from Norway
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is a good fork. not many complaints its relitevly light very stiff and not very expensive i would say this is a great x-country fork.the judy xc is less stiff and not as much travel, unles it has long travel,and is more expensive. WHY???????? what a rip its good but not for the money and also the sx ti is a standard race fork the xc is for elite racers.go for the sx ti
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darko Andreevski -okraD
a cross-country rider
from Skopje, Macedonia
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got Manitou SX '97 for 129$... It's my first fork, but i'm really suprised.. Before this fork i was really slow on DownHill, but with this one i feel my self really safe.. I just don't like plastic buttons for adjustments..
i was thinking what to buy TI or normal SX, but for me (i'm 66kg), i think SX is good enough.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Harrison
a weekend warrior
from Durham, N.C.
Date Reviewed: August 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got a new Kona that came with a rigid forks so the sx ti is the first sock I've had, but I think it's just about unreal, I also got what seems to be a pretty good deal. I weigh 155- 160 and I'm 6'0', should I switch to the softer elastomer, the fork seems sort of too stiff compared to my brother's Judy XC | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Worth, Texas
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had an Indy C on my Trek when I got it, but it bent so the guys at the shop gave me this aweome deal on this shock for 240! so i ahd to take it, I'll tell ya what, I loved teh indy being soft but I love this fork more, ONE: it's as light as teh Indy C
TWO: I love the beffiness of it, and the color
THREE: I've never riden anything so plush, or had so precise steering in a long time, except for my old rigid fork
FOUR: It's an AWESOME FORK!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a racer
from Pa
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought for $200 on closeout from pricepoint. Stiffer, plusher
and more user serviceable than the JudyXC it replaced. If
you dont think the damping adjustments do much, try removing the
springs, and working the fork by hand with the damping in
different settings.....So why does a fork with Ti springs and an alloy steerer sell for
less than a judy XC?.....Had 2 problems:
1) fork hisses on compression. Turned out to be air sucked/blown
thru the holes in the bottom of the boots.
2) After a couple of weeks, fork started creaking on big hits.
Posted Q on techtalk page-dirt gets in between the crwon and
the stanchions. Remove stanchions, clean both mating surfaces,
re-install. Creaking gone. Happy camper.For the money the 97 forks are going for, it has to 5 chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
faster
a cross-country rider
from ffast town
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this fork is for real riders not just posers writing about there friends fork. there are no better xc forks besides the sid. this giives you every thing its plusk enough travel for big hits and it looks great.
there are no forks stiffer than this besides the fs ti which has bulge legs but that does not count because we are talking about cross country.
this fork has a great dampener great prelode and best of all ITS 1 OF THE 4 forks including the x-vert ti, fs ti, fs ti/shaun palmer special edition,and the SX TI and there all made by answer manitou!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!this diserves a 10 star but thre is not one so 5 red hot chilie peppa's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a cross-country rider
from La Crosse, WI
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I was going to get an Indy XC until I found out I could get this fork for $30 less. When I first rode the SX Ti, I was disappointed because I was not getting much travel. Later, I found out that this was because the elastomers were freezing up in the cold. I now have speedsprings which don't freeze and are better suited to my weight. It's still not as plush as some forks, but the rebound damping is good and makes a big difference over junk like RockShox because it tracks the ground very well and keeps you in control. I give it a 4 because it is good but could be plusher. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a racer
from Perth, Western Australia
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've only had this fork on my bike for 1 day now, but already i would
have to agree that it is the best XC fork around, for price and perfomance.
It handles corners well, and it can take the big hits. My only complaint
is that i'm not getting the full travel out of it, but i'm hoping that it'll
wear in, in time.5 flaming red ones for these awsome red forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rider
a cross-country rider
from rider
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this is very very nice fork. it has 70 mm of plush travel a great dampener looks great feels greet works great and is great. its the best x-country fork out i got one a while ago and it peformes like a charm id recomend it to anyone! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha note: the ha's were because i need 50 words or more and i have nothing more to say because there is nothing bad about it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a cross-country rider
from virginia
Date Reviewed: May 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
White Bros, Marc?! If you spend the money on a White Bros, YOU are the poser. While White Bros makes a great fork, they are way too expensive, unless of course you are getting them free. RST?!!! Was Marc kidding?!!! I just blew Coke out my nose from laughing so hard at that one! That's a good one, Marc! If you spend any money on an RST, you are CRAZY! I have ridden bikes with an RST fork, and my old Manitou 3 feels stiffer and more active.ZOKES? While ZOKES are plush, put one on and your bike lumbers through corners like a sick cow.As everyone knows, most forks have their positive and negative attributes. The only exception maybe RST of which I cannot think of a single positive. (Thanks once again Marc, I needed a good laugh.) You just have to decide which fork is best for you and suits your riding style. Even at full price the Manitou is a fantastic fork. Stiff, relatively light, and just like about all forks, performs well when set up properly. If you are only getting one half-inch of travel out of this fork then it is not set up right. Combine its performance with the fact that you can get a great deal right now, and you have a winning package. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richie-Rich
a cross-country rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I replaced the stock Mach 5 Pro XC that came equipped with my '96 Paragon with the SX-TI after the guy in my local bike shop talked me out of going with the upgrade to Air Cartridges for my old fork. I got the SX-TI for $200 including free maintainence for the life of the fork. At first I was very impressed. I decided to swap elastomers (Red Stock for Blue) thinking maybe it wasn't the fork itself but my lack of setting the think up properly (for my 6'1 155lb body size). This turned out to be the single greatest up-grade I've ever made. The fork is light. The bike is lighter and best of all. I don't feel all beat up after riding all day. I can't comment on durability since I don't break parts and take good care of my bike. I can comment on how the decals are low budget and starting to curl at the edges and I just got the fork new in Feb.Overall a good buy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Svetik
a weekend warrior
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This review is for the SX' 97. After 300 miles in the mud this winter, no problems, no leaking, on flex, just a great, plush fork for 160 bucks. If anyone needs one, get one for 129 bucks. Awsome if it holds up for a couple of years, but even if it does not, it is a great deal. Five chillies until I have to fix it before next winter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Overall, I give this shock 5 flamin' peppers. I was skeptical at first, but the 5 1/2 inch titanium spring, oil dampening, and the weight (3.2 lbs) puts this shock at the top of my list. It gives an incredible ride......plush, but it will never bottom out. I have only had one problem, but Answer immediatly sent me a new preload adjuster at no cost to me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a cross-country rider
from Los Angeles, CA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've put about thirty hours on this fork- so far so good. I used to run a
Manitou EFC. The SX ti is stiffer laterally, no doubt about it. The internals
are not a whole lot different. Still too much plastic in there, unfortunately.
At least the manual is good and when I eventually need to work on these, I'll
be halfway familiar since I worked on the EFC a lot. NB to those overhauling
this fork and the EFC- you really DO need to take the leg off the crown to
change the oil, or somehow insure that the bleed hole in the oil cap stays
upright as you screw it on... otherwise the damping doesn't work, even though
you think you have filled up the oil chamber OK. Air still gets in. Here's my
question to you people. Anybody running this sx ti fork have a problem with
wheel clearance? Has anybody actually gone over the bars due to the tire
catching on the fork crown? I weigh about 165 and run the medium spring
and softer elastomers. I haven't had any problem yet with my Z-max 2.35
tires, but am afraid that after a REALLY big bump I might be regretting
running tires taller than Manitou says you should run. I like the extra
float, though. Should I get a narrower tire, or assume that with the
medium (rather than soft) spring I'm losing that last bit of travel that
would maybe wedge the tire against the crown. It SEEMS like I'm getting
full travel, since on the big bumps it sounds and feels like it is bottoming
out. Anyway, good fork. Starts out pretty tight, but the action loosens up
nicely after a few weeks. Got mine at my LBS for $150. The lawyer tabs are
pretty easy to file off so the front qr works. The damping adjustment doesn't
seem to affect things much... I guess you have to go for a bomber if you
want that. Factoring in the price, I give it five chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bryan
a cross-country rider
from berkeley, ca
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i bought this fork back in january 98. a little stiff at first but. i put in the stiffer elastomers for a little stiffer ride for commuting purposes. after 3-4 offroad rides the fork was broken in. very nice travel with the preload all the way out. the damper needed some break in time as well. seems liek a solid fork and i've been happy with all the manitou forks i'veowned. several things to do if you buy one. pull out the stantions and grease the seals and bushings really well. as well as the springs and elastomer. lightly go over the stantions with 000 steel wool. i did this and whammo...no stiction at all. one complaint about this fork...the crappy plastic top caps...come on...get some aluminum ones answer like the older manitous. they get dirty and are hard to turn. all in all this fork in a great cross-country fork. i like it alot. i'd give it 5 but the top caps suck and the damper could work a little better (i'm going to rebuild it...) so 4. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a cross-country rider
from Marin county, California
Date Reviewed: February 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought this fork for $200 from price point after previously owning a Mach 5 pro that I bought last year for $198. I couldnt resist it's a much better fork. I've only riden it 4 times but it rules. The handling is awesome. My friend just got a Judy XC with speed springs and even with the speed springs my fork out performs his. An awesome deal for an awesome fork. The color is good too. I give it five chilies. THIS FORK RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: February 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Its a nice try, but it doesn't hit the standard reached by other (italian) fork
manufacturers. Problems are: Stick...shun, adjustment doesn't seem to do anything (well, not much anyway), gotta do maintenance too often to keep it
at its peak. Starting w/ 5 and subtracting one for every flaw, gives this shock
a 2. Its better than most, but I gotta compare it to the new standard
set by that company across the atlantic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hill Pig
a cross-country rider
from La Crosse, WI
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork just before they nosed below $300, but I don't regret it at all. They steer almost as good as a linkage fork. The dampener has a very useable range, but I don't think there is any compression damping. It seems sturdier than any Judy I have ridden as far as independent leg travel, and if you lube it with the right stuff, it moves on pretty small bumps. The one thing that bugs me about them is that they bob like Uncle Buck's Buick when you stand and climb.
One statement of advice for owners of these forks: keep them clean!!! They work so much better when they're clean. I suggest cleaning them every 100 miles of trail use, and maybe greasing them (just lift the boots) a little more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blazer
a cross-country rider
from Charlottesville, Virginia
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a very nice fork. Plush. Very smooth thru it's travel. The compression damping allows you to run a softer set of springs without a big risk of bottoming out. It's fairly straight foward to chang the damping with the dial or a change of ol weight. Dirt fills the nooks and cranies behind the brake bridge. Before this fork I had a Marzocchi XCR, Judy XC, Mag 21, Specialized future shock, Manitou II, Trek DDS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hans Nyström
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I really like this fork, but - it doesn't work THAT good when it's cold outside, I mean really freezing. Otherwise this is a kewl fork (goes fine with Konas bomber red.... not)hejhopp
//hansx x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x x | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Ratner
a weekend warrior
from Maryland
Date Reviewed: January 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
DO NOT BUY THIS FORK, NO MATTER HOW LOW THE PRICE!!!
My best friend got one for $150, and it broke in two weeks after a casual ride off-road. The legs were bent! And Manitou won't refund, they claimed rider error.Which was B.S!!!
Save your money for a Judy XC or a Marzocchi, and don't be sorry! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from S.E. Mass
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
In response to the MANY e-mail requests I've had over the past few days because of my previously posted review of the 97SXti, here it is......Colorado Cyclist is currently advertising this very fork for the bargain basement price of $149.99. I hope that everyone who I responded to individualy got this message, and if by some chance you didn't hopefully you'll see it here. Good luck in your quest to get the deal of the year! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a weekend warrior
from S.E. Mass
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Want to get $500 worth of technology for $150? Now you can. This is a good fork and Answer must have made a billion of 'em because now they're selling them for $150..... really! I consider the ride and adjustability to be excellent, and the customer service to be second to none. I had a small problem with damper leakage and Answer couldn't get me the parts fast enough (they arrived on a Sunday, priority mail), and they even offered to do any work necessary if I wanted to send out the fork. Thank goodness for technological progress because now the '97 sxti is considered junk in the eyes of the marketing sector and anybody who knows better can pick up a fantastic fork for pennies on the dollar. The actual weight of the unit is exactly 3lbs6oz...that's 3.4lbs for those of you who compare products for weight competetiveness. It's also a rugged unit as I've witnessed some pretty scary noseplants that pushed the wheel back to the downtube only to have those easton legs rebound right back to perfect straightness. For anyone who wants a worldclass product and like support at a recreational price, this it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from Hartford, CT
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
OK folks, now that the price has come waaay down, I bought one too. It is a nice fork and a substantial improvement over my 3 year old Mach4. My only complaints are in the tracking and dampening departments. The front wheel deflection is greater than the '97 SL or Z2. I am also not entirely happy with the degree of external dampening adjustability available. I don't mind cracking open a fork to service it, but I really don't want to rip the thing open when its only a couple of weeks old. All in all...good fork, well worth the money (now). I'd rate it a 3.5 of 5. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Orbon
a cross-country rider
from Hillbilly NC
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
You guys better be right. I have just traded a RS Judy DH that came with NO hanger for one of these babies WITH hanger. The price is now $149. Thank the gods for marketing geeks who make last year's model look cheap. This fork is upgradeable, monocoque (hopefully stiffer than my 1993 Zoke xc-500) and has both rebound and compression damping. That's like World Class and such a Deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a racer
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think that this is a great fork for the price that it is selling for right now: $199!!! It's a great thing when the newest forks come out and last year's are no longer in fashion!! I've tried it on almost every type of terrain, and it simply works great. Best fork I've ever ridden by far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay
a racer
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: December 17, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I race a bit in the summer and am a weekend warrior in the winter. In the winter I ride on a Z2 (easy to maintain), but when it is race day I pop that Z@ of and put on the SX Ti. It is at least a 1 1/2' lighter than the heavy Z2. Please don't give me that weight is relative stuff. A light bike goes faster; it is the law of physics. The Z2 is stiffer, easier to maintain, and much plusher; but it is still a tank compared to this fork. By the way, this fork kicks RS SL tail. I don't care what the weenies from those MB magazines say. Do they have adolescents running those magazines? Application is the issue here. Don't give me the guff about that Atom Bomb being 3.4lbs (maybe without a steerer and oil?). Good option nonetheless, but who needs the front bob when hammering? There, the world is a better place since I gave my opinion on this incredibly important topic. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a real good fork. Way better than the SID or Judy, but not
quite as good as the Z2. The only thing I was displeased with was the
attitude from the Answer guy I spoke with. He seemed like I was
bothering him with my questions. I ended up getting the Z2 , but would have save a bit of money w/ the SX. Oh well, Shut up and ride. (right?)
Due to the snotty guy on the phone and the fact that it didn't ride as
well as the Z2 I rode, 3 flaming whatchamadoogies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan
a weekend warrior
from Orange County, CA
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I wasn't that happy with it until I exchanged the springs for the firmer ones that were intended for my fat ass. Now I am love it. Really plush and smooth. I haven't ridden that many forks, but this one kicks ass. Be sure and get the right spirngs for your weight. It made a huge difference for me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a racer
from PA
Date Reviewed: December 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is just an awsome shock. I have ridden many in my day and I think that this shock is top of the line quality. Sucks up bumps and handles like a dream in all types of conditions. The best thing is the Ti springs. You gotta love Ti. If you are looking for an excellent shock this is the one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spring Boingson
a racer
from CA
Date Reviewed: December 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This was the closest competition to the Zokes A-Bomb
that I have ridden (see my review of the A-Bomb)
Its quite a good value if you can't shell out the
big bucks for the greenie.
Solid second place in my own fork shootout | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
patrick crosby
a cross-country rider
from tehachapi CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The fork is the best i have ridden on in a long time i do not have the Ti spring but hey who needs to lose .0001 of an once still it is the best fork for your money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tenn
a cross-country rider
from over yonder
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It' a very nice shock- I love the way you can adjust the compression and rebound damping to you needs. Nice, light, simple, easy. I've tried it out once before and really liked it. It was very responsive and soaked up the bumps very well. I like it- I like it a lot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
pat & ben
a cross-country rider
from pa
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
pats never rode it before but ben says this is THE shock hes going to buy so it must be good... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wile E Coyote
a cross-country rider
from PEI, Canada
Date Reviewed: November 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is one hot deal at the going prices of $299. Very lite and alot better
looking than that damn yellow. I think everyone should be ridin' red! I only
give it 4 peppers, because it still costs $299. | | Overall Rating: |
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