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Submitted by
martin smith
a Cross Country Rider
from nottingham, ukDate Reviewed: November 14, 2003
Strengths: nice fork, stiff enough, never had any problems. does a good jobWeaknesses: disc mounts non standard, springs a bit soft. the oil from the lock out disappears somewhere...Bottom Line: good forks, do the job, not too heavy. i have never had to service them properly after 4 years of owning them apart from topping up the lock out oil. they once seized due to road salt but seemed to fix themselves after a time overall i would highly recommend them as long as you don't need international standard disc mounts. (beware theyt have 65mm mounts not the 74 normally found on manitous!)
i ahve seen them for less thena £100 in the uk, if you need cheap foeks these are adefinite yes as long as you don't want disc brakes! value rating is for 2003 under £100 pound rate
Favorite Trail: wharncliffe, nr sheffield uk
Duration Product Used: More than 3 years
Purchased At: hardisty's ('home of the moutain bike...'
Similar Products Used: tried several forks over the years
Bike Setup: klein attitude, xt/xtr, will be hayes discs after new forks
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Sebastian
a Cross Country Rider
from GermanyDate Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Strengths: Cheap, solid techWeaknesses: hits the tire when bottoming outBottom Line: The biggest flaw of the fork is that the travel is too much for the tire clearance. When bottoming out it would hit the tire. I found that inacceptable and I contacted Manitou Tech support. Unfortunately they wouldn't help me at all. I asked them how to reduce the travel and I made several proposes, but they would answer every time just something like: Don't modify the fork or you will void warranty.
However I disassembed the fork and added another second stage elastomere from my old Pro-C fork. Thus I lost about 20% of travel, but I'm now sure not to have a bad accident one day.
Nevertheless I like the fork so far. It's solid and firm, just the way I like it.
Favorite Trail: Black Forest
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At: Internet dealer
Similar Products Used: Manitou Pro C, Rock Shox MAG21
Bike Setup: Schwinn Moab 3
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Eckardt
a Racer
from Markle, IN USADate Reviewed: December 18, 2002
Strengths: -Light (for a '99 fork)
-Aluminum steerer
-Disc brake tabsWeaknesses: -Internal compression damping adjustment
-Plastic top capsBottom Line: This review is a follow-up to one I submitted early this spring. I have now put one complete season on this fork. It has performed well through the first year.
As I mentioned in the first review, you have to take the time to set it up CORRECTLY. It is my personal experience that many riders do not do this; they just run it as it comes from the shop or make adjustments incorrectly. I personally know riders/racers who do this. The fork should be given a few rides to "break-in" and then adjustments made in small increments under controlled conditions (over the same trail at the same speeds & same time of day if possible). I was able to get the tire to rub the crown once, after purposely weighting the front end while riding through a steep "V"-shaped ravine. I have not experienced any tire rub under normal riding/racing conditions. Also, noteworthy is that I have the fork set up slightly softer than Manitou's tuning manual recommends for a Sport rider in my weight class. The fact that the previous reviewer is considering an X-vert tells me that he is not just doing standard XC stuff; which is all this fork is designed for.
Maintenance has not been an issue, either. No oil leaks or problems with the spring/elastomer stack.
I still run V-brakes so I'm not in a position to reply to the previous reviewer's comments concerning the disc tabs. However, I would think that Manitou or someone else would have an adapter for the tabs so that you wouldn't be locked into using only one disc brake system.
I seem to have a history of good success with forks that sometimes get trashed by other reviewers. I think it goes back to the fact that you have to use common sense and good techniques when setting up a fork. Read the owners manual, download the company's tuning manual (if available) and make sure to understand how the fork works. I am a 170-175 pound Sport level racer who ususally has mid-pack finishes. I do put my equipment through a fair amount of punishment, but not anything more than what it is designed for.
Favorite Trail: Winona Lake
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At: Universal Cycles - sale
Similar Products Used: Giant Zorbers - Rockshox Quadra 21R - RST 381R
Bike Setup: Giant alum hardtail - Manitou SX fork - SRAM 9.0 drivetrain - Avid brakes - RaceFace BB, headset, stem & bar - Truvativ crank - Ritchey pedals - Sun RPM lite wheels
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario, CanadaDate Reviewed: May 12, 2002
Strengths: -absorbs bumbs
-lockout
-semi plush
-light weightWeaknesses: -disc tabs are junk because the only disc brake that will work on it is a Hayes Hydro (the spacing is 68mm instead of 74mm)
-bottoms very easily
-requires lots of maitenance
-broken preload adjuster
-rebound adjuster does nothingBottom Line: This fork is ok at best. It blows through its travel just going down stairs!!!! Adjuster knobs either broke or didn't do much. IT did have lockout though so I could climb without the bobbing b/s. Don't buy this fork cause it sux. I'm thinking of a '01 X-Vert or '02 Black Comp to replace it.
Favorite Trail: Fire Trails
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Purchased At: Came stock on '99 Mantra
Similar Products Used: Rock Shox Jett, ridged forks, Judy TT, others
Bike Setup: '99 Mantra Comp, LX/XT/XTR, Avid, Titec, Bontrager, Fox
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Eckardt
a Racer
from Markle, IN USADate Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Strengths: Light (3.4 lbs) - Disk brake mounting tabs (good for a '99 fork) - Overall construction is good - External rebound damping adjustmentWeaknesses: Plastic knobs - internal compression damping adjustmentBottom Line: I bought this fork over the winter from a web retailer's blowout page. Overall the construction is good for a fork at this level. I would like to see aluminum adjuster knobs, but for this price I can live with plastic (my other forks have had plastic and they all survived). The same holds true for the internal compression damping adjustment. It's not a big deal to take the piston out and turn the set screw, but a top-cap adjustment would be nicer. The aluminum steerer is a nice touch, too.
So far I have had no trouble with the fork being too soft/flexy/damping not working. I downloaded Manitou's MRD fork tuning manual for '99 forks and that provided some good information. The big issue initially is making sure the MCU/coil combination is right for your weight. This is done by setting the correct amount of sag. I have now ridden this fork off-road several times and I am now dialing in the compression/rebound damping. Some trial-and-error my be in order here to find what is right for you. I am a 165-lb sport level racer and so far I have had no problems with this fork. It seems that if you take the time to set it up CORRECTLY it should work. I will post another review at the end of the season - we'll see if I'm still happy with it then. For now, it seems like a decent piece of hardware.
Favorite Trail: Winona Lake
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At: Universal Cycles Blowout web page
Similar Products Used: Giant Zorber fork (my first one) - Rock Shox Quadra 21R - RST 381R
Bike Setup: Giant alum hardtail - SRAM drivetrain - Sun RPM lite wheels - Manitou SX fork - Avid brakes - Misc Race Face stuff
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. CanadaDate Reviewed: September 9, 2001
Strengths: -Was plush when new, that went ot the window...
-CheapWeaknesses: -Almost everything;
-Bottoms out on tire, poor ajustment, poor durability, feels like a wet noodle even under moderate braking, ect...Bottom Line: This is an update -- only 1.5 years later . . :
When this fork was brand new it was super nice. Plush, relatively stiff, and the rebound and preload knobs worked. After a year of use it was beginning to break down terribly. Don't get me wrong though, I overhauled it and took good care of it, (although I can be a hard rider) but it just went all downhill from then on. Today it's a good three years that I've had this fork and it sucks. It's not plush anymore, the stiction is driving me nuts, the preload knob is stripped, the rebound knob doesn't even turn, and it's so unbelievably flexy that It feels like it's going to break if I hit a stick.
But don't get me wrong, if you only want to buy and use this fork for under a year, be my guest. But be warned, for after the first year has rolled by, all hell shall break loose and that fork that was so good to you in that first year will be the center of all your problems, and witout a doubt is the root of all evil.
PS-- I've replaced the preload knob many times, and it keeps on getting stripped. WHY?!?!
Favorite Trail: Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Similar Products Used: -Bombers
-Rock Shox
Bike Setup: Santa Cruz Chameleon, Race Face, XT, King,
Manitou SX <- worst component on bike
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cam
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria BCDate Reviewed: July 21, 2001
Strengths: I guess its fairly light, only for light duty xcWeaknesses: This thing is like a wet noodle, I dont even know how i put up with it. I guess i just didnt know betterBottom Line: I guess this fork would be good for a smaller rider but it was to flimzy for me. if you have aything more than a begginers skill, i reccomend a marzocchi product
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Similar Products Used: most everything else
Bike Setup: trek 8000 set up for urban assult/ downhill. replced SX with Z1.... much better!
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Cathy
a Cross Country Rider
from PhoenixDate Reviewed: April 17, 2001
Strengths: Was plush when new. But even with regular maintenance it went downhill after 1 year.Weaknesses: This fork's adjustments are weak at best. The rebound knob is completely frozen up, can't get it to move. Therefore, climbing anything remotely technical is like trying to ride a goat with ADD. Have taken it to LBS and was told to contact Marzocchi for a fix.Bottom Line: I wouldn't have chosen this fork if it didn't come stock with the ride, but I got a screaming deal. I'm not a heavy rider, but on drop-offs it compresses so much it feels like I'm gonna go OTB. The rebound adjustment is a cheap piece of plastic that strips easily, as are the innerds. You can buy it pretty cheap now, but you get what you pay for. Wouldn't recommend this shock for heavy duty riding. Now I'm waiting for my SID XC.
Favorite Trail: Trail 100
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Similar Products Used: Rock Shox Indy XC
Bike Setup: Stock FSR Comp Stumpjumper
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Elliott
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlotte NCDate Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Strengths: Very plush if u like that. I do. I weight about 160 and it is very very plush. Not for heavy riders. Cool color and graphics and o.k. adjusting.Weaknesses: Bottoms out on tire occasionaly when bunny hopping off cliffs.Bottom Line: This fork is good if u like to have a fun time riding. im in school now so i can only ride trails on the weekends and this fork serves its purpose. i like plush forks while some people dont. the only downfall is the botoming out on tire. it doesnt throw me out of control but it is annoying. people have complained the oil leaks. hasnt happened to me yet but if it does i will raise hell with manitou. and remember the #1 reason for a fork is to keep the wheel on and it does that, lol, NICE FORK :)
Favorite Trail: Beech Springs
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$169.00
Purchased At: Ultimate:(
Similar Products Used: RST, Suntor:(, rock Shox, manitou
Bike Setup: Specialized Hardrock Sport, manitou fork, bontrager mustang race wheels, xt hubs, profile bars and ends, trek grips, assortment of tires, rock shox seat post
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matt F
a Racer
from San DiegoDate Reviewed: November 14, 2000
Strengths: Very durable shock with an available lock out. Most often the shock will work best if you take the time to set it up properly and maintain it. The thing is you must take the time to really dial this shock in and tune it for your riding ability and weight. Once doing this the shock works very well in all capacities from xc use to light free riding. Take the initiative and look at the shock specs and make sure to upgrade your elastomers and springs to your weight class also be sure to use the microlube feature about every six rides or so to get the best performance out of the shock and it will work very well for you!!!Weaknesses: The biggest weakness of this shock is that out of the box and bone dry stock the elastomers and springs are set up for very light riders. This shock works best for riders well under 150lbs. or lighter women riders that is straight out of the box wise. However if you take the time to tune this shock it will and can work very well for you in all conditions. The unfortunate thing is that more often than not a mechanic will charge you around $60.00 to order the upgrade kit and rebuild the shock. It however is not as difficult as it sounds and with the right tools and patience almost anyone can learn to rebuild this or any other shock just ask Manitou for a spec sheet and directions and they will be happy to help you out! Always support your local bike shop and chances are the mechanic will also clue you in to the knowledge. It is not that difficult trust me I have been doing it for 13 years and it is not as difficult as it sounds!! So smile and learn and have some fun!!!!!Bottom Line: Great beginner shock that can be tuned to you the rider if you take the time to learn about the equipment. Take the time and have fun! If you pay attention to knowing your equipment it will better your performance and make you a gar better rider! Have fun ride safe and respect the trails and nature or we will lose all rights to ride the trails we love! sorry for being a self righteous preachy rider!
Favorite Trail: Wont tell you
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At: With Trek 8000
Similar Products Used: I have switched over to a Mars fork also with a lock out and have been very happy! However I have also ridden the judy series by rockshock and found that they are most agreeable too if upgraded with a Englund air kit!!
Bike Setup: Trek 8000 with many upgrades: Cross Links, Full XT package along with Kore front end and easton riser bars, USE seatpost and a easton carbon seatpost switched out intermitently with Flite saddles on top of them.
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NYDate Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Strengths: -it's still in one peiceWeaknesses: -Bottoms out on Tire
-compression to soft
-poor adjustmentBottom Line: Noticed it was bottoming out after the first few times riding it, that didn't last to long, soon it was bottoming out on the tire. Like a fool I rode like that for a few months. Took it apart and found the bottom-outs were in pieces. Got a firm bottom out kit from Downhill Dave. It works now but has less travel, and slams against the bottom outs all the time with the preload cranked up (which is also stripped). It's a hurting unit!
My friends SX-R is a sweet fork though, can't beleive they are made by the same company. I like how it doesn't bob like a RS. If you like to feel the trail under you the Manitou's are the way to go. If super-plush is you style don't go with the SX family. It is much stiffer then a '95 Indy XC which I had to switch back to for a few weeks.
Favorite Trail: Finger Lakes Trail
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Purchased At: came on FSR-unfortunately
Similar Products Used: old Indy XC
Bike Setup: Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp - a few upgrades
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
cad
a Cross Country Rider
from gDate Reviewed: October 27, 2000
Strengths: Microlube stiffWeaknesses: the preload caps busted got a new one the rebound adjuster dosent work think i blew the valvingBottom Line: good fork for money get a bomber or rs
Favorite Trail: all
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$159.00
Similar Products Used: judy xc
Bike Setup: coston frontier
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Elkridge,Md,UsaDate Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Strengths: -stiff
-microlube
-plushWeaknesses: the rebound is very slowBottom Line: This fork is vary nice. I use it for trials as well as trail riding.It holds up very well, stiff, and plush enough for me. If you can buy this fork for less than $200 than I sugest that you buy it.The fork that I got had reboung that was very slow.
Favorite Trail: Avalon,urban riding
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$239.00
Purchased At: Princeton sports
Similar Products Used: rock shox judy xc '99
marzocchi z2 atom bomb
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from T.O. CanadaDate Reviewed: September 16, 2000
Strengths: -Durable
-Microlube
-SmoothWeaknesses: -Bottoms-out by hitting tire
-steel steer tubeBottom Line: This is a nice fork if you don't ride to crazily. Believe me I've tried it, and flew over my handlebars because this fork bottoms-out by landing righ on your tire! Either you stop, or really slow down. But other than that, smooth performance, still works like a charm, and the MicroLube is a god send!
Favorite Trail: Seaton / Whitevale
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Purchased At: Boyd's
Similar Products Used: -Rock Shox
-Marzocchi
Bike Setup: '99 Trek 8000, Full Race Face, Full XT
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Nah
a Racer
from BalitmoreDate Reviewed: September 10, 2000
Strengths: smooth
fairly stiff
Weaknesses: I'm too heavy for the setup
Bottoms out hitting the tire!!!!Bottom Line: Good fork for easy going cross country but don't take any big hits or you will be stopping extremely fast. The fork bottoms out hitting my panaracers and stopping or slowing the tire. I found this one out the hard way. Maybe if i slow the compression it will fix the problem.
I'll go back to my SX-E for now
Favorite Trail: Greenbrier's trails
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At: used
Similar Products Used: Manitou SX-E '99, '96 quadra 5
Bike Setup: '99 Giant XTC Se-2 with almost nothing stock
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