Submitted by
The Saint
a Racer
from Sudbury Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Whitefish Falls Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
cambria bike.com
Strengths:
smooth, plush. Rebound dampening is great. great colour.Lockout is perfect.
Weaknesses:
not a maintenence freeoutfit
Similar Products Used:
Manitou skareb elite/rockshox sid
Bike Setup:
Iron horse warrior disc/sun rhynolite rims/shimano lx drive train/Hayes mx1 disc brakes/maxis hard drive dual comp tires
Bottom Line:
Great fork. Very strong--awesome rebound dampening. But--to keep this baby working right you have to keep the oil level up and the springs lubed. I wish I could get my mits on another new one to keep in stock up. This fork has been raced and ridden hard on some very tough trails and keeps answering the bell. No oil or air leaks if you KEEP THE OIL LEVEL UP AND THE SHOCK LUBED!!!!!!!!!!!! Lockout is flawless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zach O'Hare
a Cross Country Rider
from Monterey ,CA Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything that drops and climbs enough to wear someone out
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$151.00
Purchased At:
EBAY (Ebay Rules!!)
Strengths:
almost as light as sid,stiff(unlike the sid)PLUSH,PLUSH,PLUSH Did I tell you it was plush and smooth?Good seals,doesnt leak oil,doesnt leak air,looks really good(the photo at the top of the page IS NOT A MARS! )
Weaknesses:
didnt come with stickers :) other than that lame excuse for a weakness,NONE
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Trek 4100 aluminum frame,shimano Acera rear der|front der is shimano sis(an "Evil Empire" failure)XT hollowtech cranks, titec TI bar,manitou mars super('03)serfas grips,A headset,bonatrager stem,shimano shifting/braking pods,shimano brakes,KOOL STOP brake pads,shimano cassette,did I cover everything?
Bottom Line:
this is a hard find. You know why?NOBODY WANTS TO SELL THEIR MANITOU MARS SUPER!! Buy one if possible!! Its insanely plush,although it has a high preload,the lock out never fails the rebound adjustment is INCREIDBLLY awesome,an awesome XC fork,very light BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY IT IT IT IT!!!!!!!! Not a good DH fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AJ
a Racer
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Strengths:
Super plush. Super responsive Rebound damping Super light Stiffer than a RS SID
Weaknesses:
Internal Compression Damping Adjustment???????? Owners manual could use somemore technical info (i.e. Air Preload suggested settings, internal compression damping details, maybe some exploded views of the forks internals like they used to in the past manuals)
Similar Products Used:
RS SID Race/SL/XC, Marzocchi Marathon SL,
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar, Full XTR, Fox Float RC Rear shock
Bottom Line:
I put this fork on because I wanted to try something new. I usually use SID's, which i might add are a little flexy, but have great tuneability. At first I didn't like the ultra plushness of the Mars Super, as I usually set the air spring on the SID to give a harder ride, but now I really like it. It took a couple of rides to dial in my rear shock to give a balanced feel between the front and the back, but once I got it......sweet riding pleasure!!! I'm kinda tempted to try this fork on my Hardtail. The rebound adjustment works awesome. I haven't tried adjusting the compression damping yet, but I will as I'm not used to blowing through most of my travel all at once. I would recommend this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Weekend Warrior
from Tempe, Az Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very light, responsive, excellent fork!
Weaknesses:
Doesn't work with my Yakima roof rack!
Bottom Line:
Has anyone had problems getting this fork to attach to a yakima roof rack with the Q towers? The disk brake mounts are perfectly in the way. I had to turn my handlebars all the way around to mount the S.O.B. Other than that, though, the fork is terrific!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clark
a
from canada Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, stiff, plush, adjustable (what more is there?)
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rs judy, psylo, duke, sid
Bike Setup:
2002 giant nrs air, full xtr, king, thompson, etc.
Bottom Line:
wow! you need one of these. 3 inch forks don't get any better, though i haven't tried fox yet. very light, but still stiff (unlike the scary sid). so plush, and incredibly adjustable. air preload, responsive rebound adj, flawless lockout. mini-booties work great. expensive, but this is what you're paying for. get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Semis
a Cross Country Rider
from Brno, Czech rep., Europe Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any forest trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
lokal bike shop
Strengths:
Still one of the lightest fork on the market,stiff enough even in rough trails, good looking, plush, reliable
Weaknesses:
needs some maintenance
Similar Products Used:
96´, 99´ Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works FSRxc 02´,Rolf Dolomite disc wheels, Shimano XT - disc brakes, front and rear derailleur, FSA Orbit Xtreme headset, Thomson Elite seatpost and stem, Time pedals
Bottom Line:
This fork is great. I use it in all weather conditions (muddy, rain, snow and frost) and it works - plush, stiff and reliable. Yes, it needs maintenance: 1.- Lube it with a grease once a 1600 km. 2.- to have lock out perfectly working, keep recommended oil level in right leg. 3.- It holds air preasure for weeks, but you must keep recommended oil level in left leg (when the air starts to leake, after cca 2 months of use, I just open air valve, put some oil in and thats it. It keeps air for another weeks. REALLY GREAT FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jack rawlins
a Cross Country Rider
from chico Date Reviewed: March 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
oroville
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Bottom Line:
Just a word to answer those who complain about Manitou's workmanship. I've ridden my Super every other day for two years. It has never leaked oil, never needed air (!), never needed anything but routine maintenance, which for me means a trip to the LBS every year or so for an oil change. Take that, Rock Shox!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Minneapolis Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light Weight/Highly Tuneable Ride/Laterally Stiff
Weaknesses:
Fork delivered with low oil height
Similar Products Used:
sid/white bros SC 72UL/Headshock/Judy SL/Amp F3
Bike Setup:
Gunnar Rockhound/Full xtr except American Classic Wheelset
Bottom Line:
I can't imagine why the people below have had dificulties with the lockout. Mine didn't work when delivered until I raised the oil height to the specified level. I'm guessing they either have a low oil height or they didn't replace the o-ring seal when they raised checked it. I normally check the air level monthly out of habit but it has never lost an air to date. The internal tolorances seam to be a little tighter than the sids i've used. The mars seams to remain slop free while the sid's seam to develop play within a couple of months. The sids ride very well but the free play has always bothered me a little. Bottom line learn how to maintain a fork and you should have no problems. I highly recommend the mars supe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
doubleB
a Cross Country Rider
from Blacksburg, Virginia ... USA Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the one that kicks my butt...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$1000000.00
Purchased At:
www.eastcoasters.com
Strengths:
Works good on the '01 Fuel 100. Has held its air now for almost a year.
Weaknesses:
Lockout doesn't work (AGAIN!). Air leaked constantly on my HUGE California vacation back in '01, 4 days, 4 trails, 100+ miles, and 13,800' of elevation gain. Thank God I brought my HP pump along. I almost drove to the Answer shop while in Santa Cruz and raised holy hell, but I had to catch a flight home to Virginia.
Similar Products Used:
'99? Manitou SX R (still rocking on my ol' Bonty Race Lite), Manitou 4 and I don't remember the other one.
Bike Setup:
Full-out race-ready Fuel 100 with KUJOS!!!!
Bottom Line:
Look I am not a hard core racer, just a year-round cross country rider and occasional XC racer with a penchant for gnarly, steep, sick downhills and really technical singletrack. We ride at night, we ride in the cold - we ride a lot.
This '01 Mars Air Super fork had to undergo a lot of LBS service before it finally held air with ANY consistency. Thank God the LBS guy knows what he is doing.
However - I've also had the lockout quit for the third time now. I won't bother with that anymore - I can ride w/out it. Once this fork is dead and down for the count I will be looking very closely at the Fox Forx line. The rear shock on my Fuel hasn't so much as whimpered in over 2 years.
From what I can tell Manitou has lost their desire to build the best forks in the industry. Their website SUCKS, their parts are not engineered to the same degree of quality and finish that over the years (4 Manitous since '94) I have come to expect.
They need to get over the canda$$ed crappy BLACK stickers I see all over the trails and fancy paint schemes and get back to building simple, durable, strong yet silky forks that make everyone else's look like second rate. I hope someone at Manitou reads this and gets a clue.
You guys USED to be the BEST, but I am definitely NOT seeing it anymore. I will give you props on ONE thing though, the Microlube system is money. It has kept the stanchions in pristine condition and I have never had stiction issues. Thus the two chilis instead of just one.
I wrote this review because I was asked to recommend a new fork to my buddy who is looking to replace a Rock Shox and I quickly realised that I couldn't recommend him to Manitou. How sad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FrankenBike
a Racer
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: January 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dv or -H
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
spec'd for my RacerX
Strengths:
pretty color
Weaknesses:
works great for the first 50 miles...I had a 01' Mars Super, it sucked. LBS rebuilt it a times. Finally they sent it to Manitou. It got lost (great!) or so i thought.
They (LBS) replaced it with an 02' Mars Super (great) or so i thought. I had less than 80 miles on it and it started compressing slowly and rode like a rock. Sent it back...rode nice again i.e.for about the same amount of time :<(
I hate this fork...It is useless. It is now going back again. In the meantime i have borrowed my friends old sub-80mm SID and kicked butt (2nd place 1st Sport race).
I can't wait to get it back so i can dump it and get a decent fork!!!
Similar Products Used:
I've ridden several SID equipped rides as well as longer travel Fox Forks.
Bike Setup:
01' Titus RacerX, all XTR, tubeless, all the good stuff.
Bottom Line:
this product (both I've struggled with) SUCKS!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Smith
a Racer
from Bellevue, WA, USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Bike World online
Bottom Line:
I just ordered it and I don't even have it yet! BUT FOR $180, FREE OVERNIGHT SHIPPING, AND NO SALES TAX, AND 3LB I CAN TELL YOU NOW I LOVE IT. This was just what I was looking for to replace a worn out RockShox Indy (97), which is also lightweight, but flexy, and not very durable. I am a top NORBA Expert, but I only weight 134lb. Still, with 3 years on it, it still took me to 2nd place in the Washington/Idaho/Montana regional series, Expert 30-40.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bizario
a Cross Country Rider
from Rexford, MT Date Reviewed: November 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Web Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Kootenai Konnection
Strengths:
Color, rides nice for about an hour.
Weaknesses:
Workmanship.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Indy C, White Bros SC-90
Bike Setup:
2002 Marin Mount Vision Pro
Bottom Line:
You have heard the saying: Never buy a car built on a Monday or a Friday. I truely believe this fork was built just after the 4:20 break on a Friday. This fork has been a pain from the start. This fork came as OEM on my 02 Marin MVP & has been a problem from the start. For starters the rebound piston assy was laying ine the bottom of the Damping chamber & the fork wouldn't hold air for more than a day. After getting the OPC converted back to a TPC the fork was worked on for the air leak problem as well. I am still battling this problem & my bike has spent more time (Are you reading this Manitou?) at the LBS then my place. I have tried to get Manitou to take it bake for warranty but they keep puhing me off onto my LBS who is not happy with this situation. As of now it will haold air long enough for a short (2Hr) ride so I have to take my shock pump with me. Bottom line... DON'T BUY A MANITOU FORK!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dan kotwicki
a Cross Country Rider
from ann arbor, mi, usa Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
flank trail whistler b.c.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
tracks well, lock out, no service required
Weaknesses:
average weight
Similar Products Used:
all previous manitou top xc forks
Bike Setup:
8xtr, crossmax, easton carbon, control tech stem
Bottom Line:
manitout makes forks that don't require service and ones that don't break. made in USA.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Semis
a Cross Country Rider
from Brno, Czech rep., Europe Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any forest trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
lokal bike shop
Strengths:
one of the lightest fork on the market (real 1390g if ready to use), stiff enough even in rough terrain, good looking, plush
Weaknesses:
can be smoother in small bumps
Similar Products Used:
96´,99´Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works FSRxc M5, Rolf Dolomite Disc wheelset, Shimano XT -disc brakes, -cranks,-rear and front derailleurs, FSA headset, Time Atac pedals, Thomson stem and seatpost, Fizik saddle
Bottom Line:
This fork is till now great. Looks good, design and quality of manufacturing is in the top. Before I ride it for the first time, I was afraid of 80 mm of travel. Sometimes I ride NO-Roads terrain, but this fork handle it without problems (suspension is progressive- more travel=more hardness). Riding this fork is plush, can´t hear any noises, can´t feel any play. When I compare my front and rear (Fox Float RL) suspension, rear seems to be more smooth in small bumps. I have some experience with coil forks whitch are generally smoother, but also heavier than air forks. It is up to us to decide what do you prefer. Totally plush "coil" (0.5 kg heavier) or little harder "air". However Mars Super is very, very smooth air fork. We will see. Later I write my other experience.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MT
a Racer
from Califon,NJ Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Allumuchy
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
LOCK-OUT LIGHT WEIGHT THE STRENGTH usually SIDs flex no flex Only 3 pounds COLOR is sweet THE Adjustment of he fork is also great
TREK STP 300, MARS SUPER, SRAM 9.0sl gripshift, Rolf Urroca wheels, the bike kicks ass
Bottom Line:
Buy the fork if you can. It is everything i expected + more. It reacts to small chatter bumbs but will hold up to bigger things. THe air adjustment is easy to use, and the lock-out lever is small but still easy to use. I thought it was but JT did not so it is your preference. THE BEST FORK OUT THERE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J T
a Cross Country Rider
from NY,NY Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
White Trail Loop Ringwood NJ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Phenomenal low Weight/High Strength Ratio. Lockout on the Fly Feature
Weaknesses:
Lockout lever is fairly small to maneuver when riding. Answer should double or triple the lever to make it easier to twist when riding. Or make the lever a little larger.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars1 00' model 3lbs no Lockout New MARS Super 3lbs WITH lockout!
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra Comp- XT Drivetrain,XTR Brakes,CK headset, Easton Monkey lite bar/EA 70 Stem, Thomson Seatpost, Shimano 535 wheel set, Scott Pedals, Fox 5R Air shox, etc...
Bottom Line:
Just completed my first real ride with this Fork. It has been everything I expected so far. First Rate quality and Performance. I am a XC rider and have always uses Answers Fork products.
I have had nothing but excellent results with my previous Mars1 However I wanted to use a lockout and decided it was better to purchase a new MARS Super for a bargain price of $299 than to partially dissasemble a perfectly good MARS1 and install a lockout Mechanism and possibly give myself potential problems down the road (literally). I believe I chose wisely...
Purchased the fork in a stealthy Black. Received clean. No leaking oil. packed professionally, Installed no problem by me! While starting to ride on the trail and attacking hills I actually forgot about the lockout! At my last hill I remembered i had the lockout and immediately noticed the difference. The bike tends to move forward more when locked out is very efficient. However I find it a little awkward reaching for that little tab when there is so much to concentrate on. Ringwood where I ride is rough and totally challenging and not for the faint of heart. Moreover I did not baby this new fork. I rode hard and it pulled through.
Answer says that the fork will be stiff in the beginning. They were not lying. My downhill descents were rough on my hands up to my shoulders and I had to shake the tension off. I am greatly anticipating BREAK IN..
One Important note. Manitou says very clearly in the manual that this fork will require Maintenance. If you are using this product without maintaining it, you will have performance problems eventually. Answer also supports this mandate with online maintenance information to educate the product user.
I do anticipate some sort of maintenance procedure and have purchased the Maxima Racing Oil 5wt (Answer Recommendation) and some Maxima Grease in anticipation of this procedure. The Instructions were very clear on what should be attended to after a while.
On a side note I had some pleasant correspondence with a Manitou Rep via email Before I purchased this fork and he gave me some real world experience and tips that I wil share with you. The Email is as follows:
Maxima 5 wt. fork oil is the exact stuff we use.
Here are some future tips for you:
If your fork has an air leak make sure, your valve core is tight. Then let the air out and remove the black cap containing the valve. Inside you will see a cupped out piston. It should be full until it just over flows with 20/50-weight synthetic gear lube (Motor oil). That should fix it.
If your Anti-Bob is not working, first check your oil level. Then check to make sure that the small port on the side of the shaft opens and closes when you operate the lever. If both of those things are fine then you probably just have a bad o-ring. If this is the case let me know and I’ll see if I can have some sent out.
Furthermore, checking oil height is relatively painless, so don't worry about it being difficult.
******* End of email
Nice to know that some one took the time to give me a few things to look out for if I notice a degardation in performance.
So far so good. Nice work Answer... I'll post again down the road and the next post will not be this long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Basalt Co Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
replacement
Strengths:
good smooth travel, light weight, pretty stiff
Weaknesses:
lock out leaks oil. Then again so did my previous Mars CL- this appears to be a mars trait, however it does not really appear to compromise performance
Similar Products Used:
mars CL
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 FSR
Bottom Line:
Its a lovely shock, love the color, it works a treat im just getting tired of taking it to the shop for maintenance, its there at the moment getting the lock out replaced (Mantiou came to the party very quickly)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gator
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tsali (NC), China Camp (CA)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Pasadena Cyclery
Strengths:
Smooooooth. Strong. A really nice air fork. Stiffer than the Mars I used a few years ago. Handles great on rough terrain, and doesn't bob too much when pounding out of the saddle. Even with only 80mm, it's all you really need for XC. Also, nice and light.
Weaknesses:
The lockout knob seems to be a decoration, and not much else. Maybe a bit high priced?
Similar Products Used:
Mars 2000 (or 2001), Xvert Air, and Manitou Black Elite Diva 80/100.
Bike Setup:
Big Sur GS with XT/XTR mix, RF cranks, and Mars Super.
Bottom Line:
It's nice to see that Manitou improved and did not discontinue the Mars line. IMHO, it's the best air fork I've ridden--you can't feel the coils, and that makes it even better :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Racer
from UK Date Reviewed: May 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
End to End Trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Very stiff, smooth action, very easy to maintain and clean, lockout is superb (little tip: when you get movement in the fork when locked out just top up the oil level and it's good as new), light weight, incredibly reliable.
This fork is not the lightest out there although it's not far off, but it has the best performance, it ROCKS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John N
a Cross Country Rider
from Dillon, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jacob's Ladder
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Plush feel, light weight, ease of asjustment.
Weaknesses:
Tempermental to get properly set up, air shock requires periodic reinflation.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 3, Marzocchi Atom Bomb.
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar Pro, XT XTR
Bottom Line:
This shock has impressed me with its smooth stroke and small bump sensitivity. It's not as plush as the Atom Bomb on my hard tail, but it's about 3/4 lbs lighter. The shock is very sensitive to oil level. Without enough oil in either leg, the shock will not perform its best, but the set up is pretty easy. The lock out works great - if - you have the correct oil levels. Complaints about the lock out moving are due to not enough oil. Also, use care when checking the oil level, I accidently pinched the O-ring seal on the TPC cartridge and that killed the lock out. It's easy to replace, but still had to wait for Manitou to send it to my LBS. Overall a really good air shock for supple XC riding. It is pricey though compared to old model Marzocchis. Thus only 3 chiles for value but 5 for performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson,az,usaa Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
*****customer SERVICE*****
Strengths:
SUPER SMOOTH,STIFF AAND LIGHT
Weaknesses:
NONE YET
Similar Products Used:
SID SL,DUKE SL,SID 100
Bike Setup:
2000 S-WORKS FSR
Bottom Line:
MANITOU REPLACED MY BLOWN - OUT MARS CL IMMEDIATELY. ROB IN CUSTOMER SERVICE WAS AWESOME.THANKS ROB,YOU SAID YOU WOULD SET ME UP AAND YOU DID.(I COULDN'T GET A REBUILD KIT FOR MY SID SL FROM ROCK SHOX)
tHE MARS SUPER HANDLES GREAT ON TURNS IT NEVER FADES. IT ROLLS OVER ROCK SECTIONS LIKE A DREAM. BY FAR THE BEST FORK i'VE RIDDEN. KILLER XC RACE FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ben hankley
a Cross Country Rider
from portland OR Date Reviewed: February 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
good fast technical trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
-Plush -Light -Stiff -Sweet Fork
Weaknesses:
-Loses air after a few rides -Lock out still gets about 30mm of travel
Similar Products Used:
sid
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
love the fork! im not sure why my fork loses air from ride to ride, maybe oil needed. also the lock out does not work that effectivly. if anyone has answers to these problems reply thanks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Upland, CA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sedona, AZ
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
Bumstead's, Ontario CA
Strengths:
Lightwieght, plush, stiff for an XC fork. Nice paint job. Lockout and damping control a plus.
Weaknesses:
The "Mars" decals dont't look like they'll stay on long.
This was a fantastic upgrade over the stock Judy C. I was looking to upgrade and the LBS suggested this fork, based on my input about my riding style, as well as his experience with Manitou's customer service. I had considered a Psylo XC due to the adjustable 80 - 125 mm travel, but it was just as heavy as what I had, and the bike is not really made for 5 drops, nor do I have the inclination or talent to do so anyway. This put me back in SID/Mars territory and the Mars felt stiffer, albeit a bit heavier. The adjustability feature of the air allows you to tailor the ride to suit your needs, even if they change. The lockout is easy to use, even when on the bike. The damping really works, unlike the Judy. The bike also lost about 1 1/4 lbs in the process, which really improves the agility of the front end. My rear Fox Float felt pretty plush before, but not now. I guess I need to upgrade that next.....maybe a Stratos XC Pro? If you're looking for a lightweight XC fork, this fits the bill nicely. If you're into freeride or DH, look elswhere, like a Psylo XC or Marzocchi. I give it 5 flaming turds across the board!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles
a Cross Country Rider
from OK Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oachita
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Replacement
Strengths:
plush, compliant, smooth, absorbent, allows front tire to maintain traction in rough stuff. Does exactly what you expect a high end fork to do. Looks good with a nice finish.
Weaknesses:
lockout doesn't do much
Similar Products Used:
Mars CL, Cannondale Headshok
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR M4
Bottom Line:
The dropout on the Mars CL, broke and Manitou replaced it with the Super. The Super is by far the best fork I've ridden...Superior to the Mars CL which was better than the Cannondale Headshok DDL. Its incredibly plush and smooth over roots and rocks. Now the front is plusher than the Fox Float RC rear suspension. With the Mars CL, the rear was suspended better than the front. My only complaint is the lockout doesn't really work on the Super...contrary to most CL owners, the lockout on the CL worked pretty good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Janine
a Cross Country Rider
from Klagenfurt, Austria Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mountainbiker Klagenfurt
Strengths:
-it works soooooo smooth...incredible!!! -to find the right setting is very easy... -lockout, which is working very well -the design and colour is great! -not too much weight -disc only version
Weaknesses:
- none so far
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Sid Carbon, Sl and Duke (they aren`t stiff enough) Marzocchi Marathon (function is ok, but the weight is the problem...)
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel WSD
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork I`ve ever tried- it works so smooth and the setup is perfect!! I`ve combinated the fork with disk brakes and the fork hasn´t any problem with too less stiffness!! The fork works well in combination with my fox float on the back!!! Great fork with great design...-buy it!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Racer
from Freiburg, Germany Date Reviewed: November 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kandeltrail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
S-tec
Strengths:
Stiffness, Quality Beautiful Fork, Microlube, Mini Forkboots
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
SID SL 2000, Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Atom Race, Z2 Atom Bomb, Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Rotwild RCC 04, XTR, Tune wheels, King Headset, Syntace Stem and Handlebar
Bottom Line:
I'm a Marathon racer and compete in 6-7 Bike Marathons a Year. I tried out a lot of Forks in the past years but the Manitou Mars super 2002 is the best air Fork I've ever ridden. It's plush, stiff has a very effective Lock Out System and comes along with very good Quality. The air valve is no plastik type like on SID's it's really metal and you don't have the feeling that air you just pumped in moves away after removing the pump. The rebound is very effective too and good to reach on the bottom of the right stanchion. The weight it slightly over SID SL level but I prefer the better function of Manitous Mars. You can't compare it with a steel spring Fork like Marzocchis Z2 this is far more plush and more sensitive even for small bumps. So I use the Marzocchi for all time ridin during winter time and for training because this Fork needs absolutely no service and mount the Manitou for Racing and summertime. I Won't buy any SID Fork again. Troube began after the first few rides oil leaks, poor mechanical Quality, made very bad noise while braking in front. Servic took long! They changed nearly everything inside and also the Fork Crown. There is no leakage any more but the bad noise is there again. I fear that It will brake on the black forest trails. So have fun with this Fork. Order it in black the red colour looks very bad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Racer
from Florida Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Carter Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Replacement
Strengths:
The technology and seals have been changed over previous model years.
Weaknesses:
You may need a heavier spring if are over 170lbs, not a big deal.
Similar Products Used:
Mars CL, SID, Judy
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dragon, Hartail (steel is real), XT cranks, Sram 9.0 Drivetrain, Cane Creek Thudbuster, Selle Italia seat, Michelin Comp S tires.
Bottom Line:
I had a Mars CL that was just garbage (sorry Manitou), due to the trouble that I had with this fork Manitou replaced it with the 2002 Super (cust. service from Manitou and my LBS was awesome). This new fork is much stiffer, more tuneable and the lockout is a wonderful feature. Bottom line, it rides great!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
