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Submitted by
Jimmy
a Cross Country Rider
from Texas
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$320.00 | | Strengths: | Good adjustability. Very reliable. 80mm of travel is not bad in 1996 | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy | | Bike Setup: | Trek 7000, Deore Hollowtech, Mavic 517s, | | Bottom Line: | This fork is very reliable. I have put a couple thousand miles on it and have never had a single problem. I have ridden bikes with newer Judy XC and Manitou forks and Im not that impressed. I am replacing my bike, but I am keping the fork for my Dean Ti. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a Racer
from Omaha, NE
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Any at Winter Park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | NOS | | Strengths: | 3 inches of travel. Easy to dissasemble. Oil dampening. Upgradeable. | | Weaknesses: | Little bit of lateral flex. | | Similar Products Used: | It would be easier to list the ones I haven't tried! | | Bike Setup: | 1995 Kona Cinder Cone with 95 EFC. XT Drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | Here's the deal on the creaking. If you have updated the elastomer stack to speed springs (or similiar) then these shocks will squeak and creak until you grease the springs. Be liberal with the grease. You can use a high quality synthetic or Judy Butter. Grease the skewer and grease the spring until you just about can't hang onto it anymore. Install them, adjust your preload and forget about them - they'll be good to go.
If you can find one of these forks as NOS or hardley used (especially with a spring upgrade) buy it. Don't buy one that has been ridden hard since '95 or '96. They have a tendency to bust the crowns after years of hard use. This is the most reliable part on my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yosuke Yamamoto
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, OR, USA
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Endo | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo? | | Strengths: | Looks sexy
3" of travel was a lot back in '96
pretty plush | | Weaknesses: | MCU stack system sucks
Needs lots of "fluids" to keep it going | | Similar Products Used: | Softride Stem (i know, i know)
RST fork
Tried Z3 bam '98
| | Bike Setup: | Trek 8700 ('96), XT all around except for LX cantilever brakes and cranks, Titec Hell bents | | Bottom Line: | I really loved this fork back when I got it, and it performed for a long long time. Probably longer than it should have. I'm still using it, and after a little bit of servicing, it still works great. I have purchased a new bike though with a '00 Marz Z3 flylight 100, and will see how much fork technology has progressed in the last five years. Oh by the way I dropped in Speed springs into the EFC a while back and made it nice and plush. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jameson
a Weekend Warrior
from Mercer Island
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Dirt | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo (I think) | | Strengths: | Lot's of travel for it's time
Oil Damper!! | | Weaknesses: | It breaks | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou X-vert single crown (the replacement for my EFC) | | Bike Setup: | 1996 GT Karakoram mostly LX and XT with Magura rims. Well, that's until I busted my head tube off. Now I've got a 1999 Zaskar frame with all my old parts | | Bottom Line: | This was an awesome fork when I got it but after about a year of being on my bike it started it's neverending process of dying. I went through three crowns, which all broke in one way or another. But the best part is that I went through not one, not two, but three inner legs. The first one cracked in two just below my crown in my driveway!! yes you read that right, I busted it in my driveway, I was adjusting my Maguras and slammed on the front brake and there it went. I felt something snap and pulled the boot down. Sure enough it was in two pieces. So I got another inner leg from my friend whohad the smae fork but his bike was out of commision and installed that. The next day I went riding and the fork toped out in a rut and never compresssed again. it toped out and both legs seperated from the oil damper and the other side and then I came down on the skewers but they weren't lined up anymore so they got all bent up inside the fork. Well, I guess I have to say that I loved the fork when I got it, it was awesome but it never stopped giving me troubles. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rod Munch
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, California
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney Rock, Downieville | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | Great beefy CNC'd look, even/especially compared to today's offerings. Black & silver & red. No mango, gold or yellow. | | Weaknesses: | MCU spring elements in stock form; heavy; rebound damping only | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Future Shock, Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | 1993 M2 Stump, '96 XT | | Bottom Line: | I felt I had to write a review in honor of the demise of my EFC. I bought it in 12/96 from Supergo as a replacement for the Future Shock that came on my M2 Stump. I admit I bought it because I thought it looked so cool: anodized red & black to match my bike, M2 brace to match my M2 frame & stem.
With the stock MCU springs, I was nonplussed. But with Speed Springs, the fork came to life and held its own against the forks coming to the market up to the present (7/00). I put over 5,000 miles on mine, probably 90% of that in the rough & rocky Martian environs of Annadel State Park. I always wished for compression damping, and always ran mine with stiff coil springs and the rebound damping full "out." It fought the good fight and never blew through its travel on steep descents or jump landings like my old FS was prone to do.
I recently got hold of a 1st generation Manitou fork, and was going to retire my EFC and frame the two as a bit of wall art. But yesterday I noticed some creaking as I was prepping for a ride. I thought it was my headset, and lubed and tightened everything I could think of, but still couldn't find the source. I set out for a ride, and jumped a curb in the street >KRANG!!
Ratings are as follows...VALUE: my fork was a year-end sale for $299 in '96. I admire mfr's that let outlets like Supergo sell below MSRP [aside: I'll never buy another Specialized bike] A bargain at the time. OVERALL: I wanted compression damping and more wetproof construction. Otherwise a true classic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Scottsdale, Az
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Honda Valley , (Hesperia), Ca | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Strengths: | easy to work on, excellent all around fork for Cross Country use. Very Adjustable, talkes all hits well. Great for jumping too. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock shocks: RS-1, Mag-21 sl, Judy, white brothers, Mars, rts, bullet brothers. | | Bike Setup: | Boulder Bicycles FS frame, efc fork, spin wheels, grafton brakes, race face cranks, ........ | | Bottom Line: | these forks rule, they jump great, and take all the hits well. Very responsive fork, answer has awesome broducts.
Great customer service too!!!
Whick I can't say for those other guys....(Rock Shox)
If you are an agressive rider and want a responsive fork these are for you and you can probably buy them from supergo for next to nothing...$100. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William Lee
a Cross-Country Rider
from Everett, Wa
Date Reviewed: April 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
light weight
good amount of travle | | Weaknesses: |
none noted | | Similar Products Used: |
cannondale-head shock
rockshock-judy | | Bike Setup: |
specialized stumpjumper- Answer manitou efc | | Bottom Line: | its a great shock that won't let you down | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Cook
a cross-country rider
from Birmingham, England
Date Reviewed: October 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had these 1.5 years and the use of speed springs increases their performance dramatically. They hardly need any maintenance and are exceptionally reponsive, they also match my Manitou Hardtail rather well (surprise surprise!). My only moan is the nasty creaking sound that the crown / leg interface makes regaularly and the difficulty in finding the right grade oil for the damping cartridge. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a cross-country rider
from Denver, Co
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been riding the '95 model for 3 years, and I am impressed with the trouble free use. The action is great - I ditched the elastomers in favor of White Brothers springs, lubed the heck out of it with Judy Butter, and havn't looked back since! I wonder if the guys who wrote the negative reviews are riding the same shock? Instead of questioning the engeneering at Manitou, perhaps we should question their Quality Control program. My oil cartrige has never leaked, the bolts have not stripped, and the pre-load knobs work like new. Yes, it does flex a little, but I weigh 190lbs, and at the time I bought it the Judy flexed every bit as much (and the Judy's rebound damping was awful.) Now, are todays offerings stiffer? Yes. Is the action better? No. So until my EFC suffers catastrophic failure, you'll be seeing red and black streaks on the trail! 5 chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chas
a cross-country rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding the EFC for about three years now, and it has been the most trouble free part on my bike. It developed some squeaks over time, but they were remedied with disassembly, grease and reassembly. I would assume this is the minumum maintenance any fork would require (except possibly the wet bath designs, which might still squeak at the crown/leg mount.) Though I don't think you can buy them anymore, I recommend this fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Batman
a weekend warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is so below the performance of a judy of a comparable year, you will laugh. I've had it on my bike for a year now, (too poor for anything else) and i have to hit it hard on the fork brace with a hammer every once in awhile too make sure the damn thing is centered. This is because the bolts have stripped. The plastic screw that you unscrew to take out the elastomer stack broke, and it's held there now with superglue. Don't ever buy this fork. It is sticky, heavy, and is a royal piece of crap. (At least it has a damping cartridge) | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this fork since 95. I am currently on my second EFC fork. The only problem I have ever had with the fork is a blown dampening cartrage and blown seals. This shock is very easy to rebuild with the exception of reinstalling the c clips. Best upgrade for these forks are an after market spring kit. If your fork squeaks, try to grease the springs and lube the legs liberally. This should cure that problem. I would give this fork 4 stars for durability and relative ease of rebuilding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
skip
a cross-country rider
from chico, ca
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just overhauled this fork. Had it for 3 years now. Never any trouble. A bit tedious to take apart and rebuild but that could be because I let it go so long. Never worry about blown seals or air pressure or oil leaks etc. Preload does nothing but I like them backed out all the way anyhoo. You need to pull a boner to ever bottom out. Nice action. I weigh 150. No need to add more weight and squeak with springs. Smokes mag 21's. Don't know about new forks but this one is basically maintenance free and that's how I like my bikes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim
a cross-country rider
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got this fork about six months ago, and installed the spring kit, at 185lbs I am running the shock with the pink bumpers and med spring combo. Havn't really had any problems exept Manitou used too much locktite on the crown bolts on one side, now stripped they are unremovable. Next upgrade will be going with the full length ti-spring. Really, after riding the 98 forks and comparing I can't yet justify replacing this fork yet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Domjan
a cross-country rider
from Portland, Oregon
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My EFC just died in a car accident, but it was a great fork. It creaks a little, a leans a little in corners, but I never had problems with blown cartridges, even on the most serious downhill that a cross country rider will encounter. Moreover, the creaky and leaning has never seemed to seriously affect the forks performance. This is probably one of the best forks Manitou ever made. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevan Yalowitz
a cross-country rider
from Issaquah, WA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have some 97 speed springs with little use that will fit the following forks:Manitou:
3
4
Mach 5 SX
EFC 2.5,
Mach 5 Comp/MagnumRock Shox:
Quadra 5
Quadra 10
Quadra 21The retail is $65 to $70 but you pick the price you want them for.
These will improve your fork ALOT!E-mail me at wbqf@juno.com ASAP with your price!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
FERNANDO
a cross-country rider
from NEVADA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Great, no problems what so ever, very smoth, I got it 10 month's ago and it's
been maintanace free so far.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nic Hamilton
a weekend warrior
from Taz-Mania ,Australia
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got my EFC from supergo mailorder the other week and am happy with the price the equivalent fork in tas. for the money was a RST 381.I only weigh about 135 pounds and find it oversprung and it creaks a bloody heap doing trials stuff
it also flexes side to side when you lean the bike over in a rocky turn
But nit makes a huge improvement in ride quality especially when it gets steep and rocky
the dampening actually does something which is handy when you do a 70km/h+ descent on sketchy fireroads | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan Smith
a racer
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I think this is a great fork. And is prbably the best three inch travel fork for the money. It's very plush and has good dampening. Great fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a racer
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had an EFC for 10 months now and think it's great. I put in speed springs so it's super plush and active. It sucks up everything. The only problem with it is that it's really noisy. It creaks a lot whenever it twists going over ruts and stuff or when I'm doing trials on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a racer
from NJ
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Excellent fork well worth the money. I bought mine new for $200. Good travel lite to my standards. I am 150lb so I did have to get blue speed springs. Excellent for cross-country use Not a down hill fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel Trubilowicz
a weekend warrior
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It has been good for overall riding but don't try and race with it I broke the arch when i was racing DH. At least I got a free replacement though. I wi was less flexy. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nelso
a cross-country rider
from Bunghole Island
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these shocks from supergo for $200 and when i got them they were kind of stiff (i'm 150 pounds). After trading an elastomer for a speed spring and getting wipers instead of fork boots, they work much better. and for all you who don't like the noise, it comes from the fork boots so you might want to try making a hole somewhere in the boot. it helps. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Forget
a weekend warrior
from quebec .CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
VERY GOOD FORK BUT MORE TRAVEL WOULD BE BETTER(5 inches) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mikes
a downhiller
from B'ham, WA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got an EFC 3 weeks ago and it's sweet compared to my old Marzocchi. This fork is smooth over all kinds of terrain and the 3 travel is a definite plus. I hardly feel a thing. I'll see how it holds up over time, but so far I'm stoked on this fork | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a downhiller
from Bay Area Calif
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It's been a love / hate relationship. The forks, when new, where great. Smooth, stiff, great damping, good rebound controls, good preload adjusters. With age however, these forks have had many problems. 1) the oil cartridge is not designed right. Mine started leaky after a few months. Once they start leaking, forget it. The oil gets in with the bushings and basically locks up the leg. Manitou sent a rebuild kit the first time. The second time, it was out of warrenty. Now, I need to replace the whole cartridge. And these parts are getting hard to come by now. So I would have to order them. 2) The elastomers have blown up many times. 3) The legs are wearing and getting loose. These forks have never been right after the first 4 months. I have since bought a Judy XC. My EFC is for sale....cheap. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bender
a downhiller
from FL
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Certainly a step up from Manitou 2's in the rigidity dept.. not quite up to Mtn Cycle stds, though... B+
Al Stancions are brittle, and will shear quite easily though and impossible to reinforce with sleeves because of the threaded caps... check for cracks... C
Also, remove cartridge(s) and replace with hardware from non- active side.
Crown is AWFUL. Too much CNC here! Steer tubes pull out, clamps loosen, cracks nucleate near radii, and the whole thing is too malleable. Designed by a guy without engineering degree, apparently. Mach crown is EVEN WORSE! F-AC aftermarket crowns are a good choice IF you can get one without AL steerer
Lower section is very good overall, and crown is DANGER. Don't jump this fork if you are 120# + without mods! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Thomas
a cross-country rider
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tried these shocks out on my friends bike, and I didn't like them. I am a light rider (120 lbs) and I can't get much travel out of them going over large bumps on the softest setting. They also don't look that good (in my opinion) with seperate caps at the end of the fork instead of one piece. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a downhiller
from South Australia
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
For a fork that you can pick up for half the price of a Judy DH it kicks ass. The rebound damping actually has an effect and they look cool. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i'm thinking of picking this fork up from supergo for $189 + free springs. anybody have any opinions on what i can expect from this fork? I'm a fairly light rider (about 120) and this is gonna be my 1st fork. any tips (upgrades??) would be greatly appreciated!!
thanks | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nasir
a weekend warrior
from Cheyenne, WY
Date Reviewed: April 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought this fork 6 weeks ago, and haven't looked back since. I've ridden the Mach 5's, Judy XC, Indy XC, and must say that these forks are da bomb! They flex very little (i only weigh 150) and are very adjustable. I'd buy these forks again in a second. These definitely get 5 peppas | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a weekend warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The EFC is the fourth suspension fork I have had in 4 years. I started with
a Scott, which was cool, but very flexy and no damping. I tried a Future
Shock (Rock Shox) for 6 months but it had very annoying top out problems.
Next was the Manitou2. A good fork, but again no damping and limited travel.
The EFC has been great. It flexes a little and I did have a leaking
cartridge initially (replaced by warranty). Since that time, it has been
fantastic. Using the SX MCUs and a 2-inch spring is the way to go. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Misha Sakellaropoulo
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently road my friend's brand new 1996 EFC (3). Didn't like it very much... flimsy, flexy cartridge... doesn't soak up multiple small bumps. Need improvement... I prefer my DD60, but then again, you have to own a Cannondale to use it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Stephens
a cross-country rider
from North Bay, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I purchased a 95 EFC at the beginning of the 96 season. From previously riding a Mag 21, I appreciated the 3 of travel. I then soon ran into trouble with a leaky oil cartridge. I went through three rebuild kits which manitou gave me and the on the 4th leak they gave me a cartridge leg from the 96 model. First, the new leg was 1/4 of an inch longer than the 95 but the Manitou technician asured me that it wouldn't be proble. Guess what, It LEAKED. All I can say is that after spending some major coin on what was supposed to be a quality component is a piece of SH#T!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cam Mitchell
a cross-country rider
from Agassiz, BC Canada
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I rode my EFC for the first time today. It is the 96 1/2 model, I understand the earlier ones had a terrible flex problem. It is my first suspension fork, so I don't have much to compare it to besides the ones I've ridden on my friends' bikes. I've compared it to a Quadra21R, Judy XC, Girvin Vector, and Headshok DD50/DD60's. I would have to say it is as good or better than any of the others I have ridden. I am a clydesdale, 6'4 and 265lbs, and it does flex, but the ride makes up for it and a whole lot more. When I lean the bike to one side the brakes rub, but it only seems to when I have the suspension adjustments turned soft, and what does a guy my weight have any business running the adjustments soft anyhow! I noticed it pogoing when I mash, but only when the suspension is set to the softest positions. I love the rebound control, it makes much more difference than on the Rock Shox forks. It is the most adjustable fork I have ever ridden as well! I have the Manitou Spring Kit installed, and I love the feel of the travel, all the way through. I was only able to bottom the fork by having it set to the softest position and doing a 1ft dropoff. With all that adjustability, I am content with the medium elastomers, it is more than stiff enough for trail riding when I set it stiffest! I would give it 4 stars, but that would be cruel and unfair. I love the looks it has too, this fork looks great on ANY bike! Superb finish, and easy to work on, I give it 5 stars! With the great deals they are going for at Supergo, I would give it 10 stars if I could! If I had to pay full retail price for it I would still give it 5 stars, I like it more than any other fork. I can probably get rid of the flex when I put on my Maguras with brake boosters, and replace the thin-axled LX front hub I'm running right now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a racer
a
from Newton, MA
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is a noisy peice of flexy crap. The travel feels like crap and it feels like a peice of sand paper. It doesn't go where it's aimed and I have to overhaul it way too many times per season. I only like 1 thing about it; I think it looks nice. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spike
a cross-country rider
from Colorado
Date Reviewed: November 11, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding this fork for almost a year, have had absolutely no problem with it, and I LIKE it. A tad flexy, but I just got a Chris King hub which helps stiffen the front end a bit. The ride is quite plush, and the (almost) three inches of travel is perfect. It will affect the geometry of your bike with that much travel, but fortunately I was able to adjust the rear shock of my AMP to compensate.
I have to say that I haven't ridden any of the newest forks from Manitou or RS, they are supposed to be noticeably stiffer, with as good ride quality as the EFC. But if you can still find one of these, and the price is right, I don't think you'll be disappointed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a cross-country rider
from PA
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
If you can still find an EFC, get it!Basically, the EFC is Mach 5 guts in an M4 body. If you
can handle the weight hit, I'd recommend coil springs.
The stock elastomers ramp badly in the last half inch of
travel, limiting the fork's full potential.One of the best things about the EFC is the full 3in.
of travel. No other fork in its class comes close except
for the Judy DH. The EFC is still better, IMHO, because
the damping unit DOES NOT LEAK. If you really want to,
it's dirt simple to service it, change oil, etc. Like all
Manitou products, the EFC is user-friendly and has great
parts availability. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grand Pooh Bear
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
As of 7/96 I am currently riding an EFC. I have mixed emotions about this baby. It does perform nicely on the trails. It eats up bumps and rebounds nicely. I have yet to bottom it out. Maintaining it has been quite contrary, however. Yes, I've had it for a year, maintaining it minimally, but my riding in the last year has been equally minimal. One of my preload adjusters froze completely. I totally chewed up my fingers trying to free it. Disassembly and lube proved fruitless. Replacement was $30. When the replacement arrived, the skewer for the elastomer stack was too short. It did not go all the way through all the elastomers. Which brings me to my next gripe. The blue, soft elastomers stink. I've had two split and fall in to pieces. For a bike shock that costs approximately what you'd pay for new car shocks, it's not totally worth it. Bottom line, rides nicely, but requires too much fiddling. I'm switching to a Girvin Vector, the thermoplastic 0ne. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jay clem
a racer
from atlanta ga usa
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I believe that the EFC could be the best fork out with a few small modifications like replacing the elastomer stacks with speed springs and adding a much stronger fork brace since their is a great deal of flex even with a susp. hud . the only prob. that I have had with mine is that I broke it on a jump. The thing snaped off at the sliders so if you like doing jumps and tricks then this fork is not for you but if you like to raise hell on a trail then it is what you need. I must mention how nice answer was in repairing the fork for me they really do care about the customer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick
a cross-country rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one Sveeeeeeeet fork. Lotsa travel and full adjustability. These forks have only one fault and that is a tiny bit of flex but the performance of the rest of the fork more than makes up for this. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott (Treeboy) Schlachter
a cross-country rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Rock Shox Quadra (adjustable) for about 3 years, and then got the EFC
about a year ago. Pretty BIG difference. The EFC took a little getting used to
at first, as it raised the front end up about 1 (I could have lowered it back a
little by putting in the shortening-kit, but I opted to keep the 3 travel
instead). The EFC is laterally stiffer (less brake rub when hammering), it
eats both small and (especially) BIG bumps better, and is less effected by cold weather.
While the I barely used to be able to notice the adjustability of the Quadra,
the EFC's elastomer adjustment is very noticable, in addition to also having the
adjustable dampening (which is really nice). My only complaint: it still has
a little more lateral flex than I would like, but I can live... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Parrish a cross-country rider
a
from Boise, ID
Date Reviewed: June 1, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Finally broke down and upgraded my Rock Shox Mag 20, after numerous rebuilds, and have to say that this new fork is great !! I have ridden the Judy's and find that the only other fork that even comes close would be the Judy FSX. However, nothing with 2-2.5 comes close to having a 3 travel fork.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miles Pederson
a downhiller
from Mill valley
Date Reviewed: April 5, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Man This thing rocks It eats up every bump I can dish out. If you have the money buy it. Pop some speed springs in there You will be haulin' down the hill just like your buddy Miles. I have only bottomed it out one time. The only bad thing is that it flexes a littles but not a lot. Rock Shox suck. EFC's rule
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rory Hayostek
a weekend warrior
from CLANCY, MT
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I have tried many front suspensions in the past 5 years but the combo of the efc cartridge and the Speed Springs is incredible. My shock is converted to the short travel and has a great feel of confidence without being too stiff. The springs seem to utilize the whole range of travel more effectively. I would recommend this combo to anyone. You should order the springs one weight heavier than the recommended since they are a bit too soft. Also, the rebound control is about 5 times better than the Judy.
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Submitted by
Chris Funkhouser
a cross-country rider
from Seattle, Wa
Date Reviewed: April 3, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I used the EFC all last year until I bought a Judy. The reason was not
performance related exactly. I noticed after I had installed the fork
that I needed 2 1mm washers to make up for the dropout spacing. I called
Manitou about this and their tech dept. said just to snug down the
fork, the extra 2mm was within accepable limits. My local bike shop
supported my opinion that this was not correct and that the washers
that I put in were a bandage for mis-spaced dropouts. I wrote Manitou
again to ask what they would do for me but they never answered back.
I don't recommend this fork to anyone nor do I recommend a company that
will not stand behind their product and ingnores customers with valid
complaints. I set up the Judy with White Bros srings and a Risse Gem
cartridge. If you know anyone with this setup, don't ride it until you
can afford the money for the upgrade!
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Submitted by
Mitch Ikemoto a cross-country rider
a
from torrance, ca
Date Reviewed: March 16, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
i've had the forks for 4 months now and they are suuuwheat! the only fork i kave to compare it to is the RS mag 21 and the ride of the efc
is much mo'beta! the ride is plusher throughout the travel though the efc is a little flexy but the ride more than makes up for it. don't bother
installing the reduced travel kit included with the forks, it only makes the fork harsh.
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$ 474.00
