Weaknesses: Would be better with a remote adjuster / lockout
Bottom Line:
Brilliant fork, massive improvement over my indy. Light, soaks up the bumps, and gives great traction. Now thinking of going full suss as my arse keeps on getting kicked by bumps that I didn't feel at the front... not to mention the fact that the front has miles better traction than the rear.
I used to love my Black, but this was a 80 mm fork and with the new Turner Flux frame i needed a 100 mm fork (sold the black to a bike friend, and he is still very happy with it). Best upgrade for this R7 Elite Absolute is the very easy adjustment of the platform via the turning lever on the leg. Very accessable (also with thick gloves on) and you notice a lot of difference between the settings. From 0 to Max. is just about 160 degree turn, so no need to re-grap and turn further than you want to. I've tried some Fox forks (tallas and terra logics), but this one is pretty much just as good, for way less money!
Bike Setup: Turner Flux, Full XTR and this great fork
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
clayj
a Cross Country Rider
from Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2008
Strengths: Smooth, easy adjustment, light weight
Weaknesses: paint quality
Bottom Line:
This shock was a huge upgrade over the elastomer Marzocchi that came on the bike. Dropped 1 1/2 pounds and rides like a dream. Easy on the fly adjustment with the machined lever on top of post. It sucks up rough downhill sections, and have yet to bottom it out. My only complaint is that the paint around the skewers has been rubbed off a little, but the rest of the white paint looks great.
Similar Products Used: Rock Shox Reba, Marzocchi Comp
Bike Setup: Kona Kikapu - Manitou R7, Fox RP23, Mavic 819, Kenda Small Block 8's, shimano xt
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
jucharlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Gallup, NM
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Strengths: Light, plush, durable
Weaknesses: Poor rebound damping, no compression damping, lacks lockout
Bottom Line:
This is for a 2007 Manitou R7 comp. It was the basic entry fork. It was a big time upgrade from my Rock Shox Dart. Immediately, I noticed the weight difference. The front end tended to wheelie on climbs. I easily compensated with body shifts. The lightweight made the bike feel so much quicker, and was noticed in both straight line acceleration & climbing!
The fork was so much more responsive & plush compared to the Dart (coil). The spring rate was linear in the initial travel, and ramped up at the end. I could bomb through sections that I previously had to pick lines. After 500+ miles, the seals are working great w/o leaks. It holds up well for racing.
The only weakness is the rebound damping & lack of lock out or compression damping. The rebound damping was not very sensitive, and felt like it was either on or off. There were no specific clicks to let you know how much damping was addeded. If the rebound was not adjusted correctly, the fork would pogo, especially if you rode aggressively over rocks/large bumps. Alternatively, too much damping lead to packing up, and numb hands. So adjusting the rebound was tedious & difficult to find the right setting. Plus, you had to stop and make the adjustments, since the knob was under the right lower leg. Also, since there was no compression damping & the initial travel is linear, the fork tended to bob with out of the saddle efforts.
Overall, a very nice fork suitable for racing & general cross country treking. I would definitely recommend this fork, especially since the new 2008 R7's have a compression damping knob, and from what I hear, improved rebound damping.
Hello all...
Wondering if anyone has used this fork or is using it yet? Can anyone tell me about it? Wanting to buy but can't find much about it yet...
Thanks 2 all
Drew Read More »
Hi guys,
where's the difference between those two? damping (snap valve spv vs. absolute damping)? which one performs better? can you tell me the features of both forks (remote l Read More »
New bike came with Manitou R7 Absolute Elites which seemed like a good light weight option for a bike which is a dedicated cross country racer (Merida FLX900 - carbon hard tail). : Read More »
Hi, I was wondering if anyone knows the difference between the Manitou R7 Elite Absolute and the Super Absolute. They are comparatively priced and Manitou has no info on the matter Read More »
Hi,
I consider picking up a second hand 2008 Manitou R7 Elite Absolute for a budget XC build. I can't seem to find any info if it is possible to rebuild the 80 mm version to 100 Read More »
