Submitted by
mtnrun
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Date Reviewed: November 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
I havent observed any.
Weaknesses:
I just bought a Marin Eldridge HT with this fork on it. I haven't even ridden it on the trails yet and the fork already scares me. My observations from riding to work on roads and paved bike trails: 1) I can see one side compress before the other 2) my brakes rub during turns, even very slight ones 3)when standing and riding in a straight line, while shifting the bike from side to side the tire is rubbing quite a bit.
I weigh 190 lbs and am 6'3" but this fork seems really dangerous to me.
Bottom Line:
Its not worth a dollar. I wont ride it on the trails after having these problems and then reading the reviews on here. It seems like only a matter of time before it breaks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nealfix
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Weaknesses:
To much flex. The tire rubs on the brake pads under light load and on the fork itself under heavy loads.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic.
Bottom Line:
I am looking for a different XC fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rinmeister
a Weekend Warrior
from Mook, Limburg, Netherlands Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Mook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Arch broke
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy
Bike Setup:
Epic 2003
Bottom Line:
I read all the comments and bargained with the seller. Got the bike for a fair price, seller insisted that the fork was fine though, he just had it serviced.... Cycled on it first time and noticed that the front wheel was not aligned straight. When I hit bumps it would scrape against the fork. I inspected the arch and then I saw the crack on the right side of the arch! I took it off, it was really flex, and then it broke off in my hands. Needless to say I bought a new fork. What a piece of crap!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike fluke
a Weekend Warrior
from greensboro, nc Date Reviewed: November 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
grapevine lake texas
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
looks cool with bike it came on...a giant xtc2 2003.
Weaknesses:
mushy and weak, likes to compress quickly with no feel of control. almost fell over the bar too many times...
Similar Products Used:
marzoochi bomber
Bike Setup:
stock 2003 xtc2 w/ velociraptors
Bottom Line:
i am finally replacing this completely worn out and useless fork with a 2007 marzoochi xc600 i found on sale at blue sky cycles for $229.00. according to the specs it is 1/2 pound heavier, but is worth the extra 20mm of travel. i have a marzoochi bomber that came stock on my 2001 sugar 4 and it is really solid...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Kenan
a Downhiller
from Sunland, CA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wilson
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
150.00
Strengths:
it felt like a real shock
Weaknesses:
shock cracks in half
Similar Products Used:
sherman n1, rockshoks,and a defective parachute
Bike Setup:
hard tail home grown shwinn with juicy 7 8" rotor brakes with out steering
Bottom Line:
well yet another statistic...the shock bridge had a catastrophic crack that sent me hurling to the ground at a high rate of speed. i realized that i was heading to the ground when the bike went to the right suddenly and unexpectedly. First my left hip hit the ground and bounced onto my right shin cutting a 7" long gas into my shin. Then i went air bourne again. I spun around in mid air and bounced back onto to my left hip with an even greater impact and slid down the trail in the fetal position until i grinded to a halt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Kenan
a Downhiller
from Sunland, CA Date Reviewed: May 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Wilson
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
150.00
Strengths:
it felt like a real shock
Weaknesses:
shock cracks in half
Similar Products Used:
sherman n1, rockshoks,and a defective parachute
Bike Setup:
hard tail home grown shwinn with juicy 7 8" rotor brakes with out steering
Bottom Line:
well yet another statistic...the shock bridge had a catastrophic crack that sent me hurling to the ground at a high rate of speed. i realized that i was heading to the ground when the bike went to the right suddenly and unexpectedly. First my left hip hit the ground and bounced onto my right shin cutting a 7" long gas into my shin. Then i went air bourne again. I spun around in mid air and bounced back onto to my left hip with an even greater impact and slid down the trail in the fetal position until i grinded to a halt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mr. Lumberg
a Cross Country Rider
from Mesa, AZ Date Reviewed: January 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Cool nickname like "Mani-POO" Cheap. But...
Weaknesses:
...you get what you pay for. From day one this thing was very flexy and suffered considerable stiction. After making a hard turn I'd suddenly have brake drag on the left side because the two sides of the fork wouldn't return evenly, leaving the wheel leaning to one side. I quickly got into the habit of throwing my weight on the bars to force an even compression return after hard cornering. The adjustment knobs did nothing. And it disassembles itself before your very eyes.
Similar Products Used:
The usual suspects.
Bike Setup:
It's gettin' there...
Bottom Line:
Run, don't walk away from this thing. If you order an older bike that has this on it try to swap it out or get credit towards a different fork. Even the SID is a step up. There's a reason why it's not being made anymore. This came on the Kokopelli Race as stock equipment; the frame is unfortuneately also no longer in production despite raves but I found I new one I guess BicycleBuys.com forgot about in its basement, which is how I came to own a new '03 model late in '05. Long story short, I intended from day 1 to replace it by summer anyway with a Zoke or Fox; this has been mostly street ridden so far and I could deal with the issues for now. I found this review however and was curious to see what others were saying about it. What did I find? Time after time people were having complete failures around the arch so that the lowers would separate from each other, lock the wheel, and give the rider an assisted dismount over the bars. I ran out to check the state of mine, which in anticipation of summer has seen mostly street use, remember, and sure enough a crack about 1/4 inch deep was visible on the right lower where the arch joins to it. Manitou has been taking care of these under warranty according to others here but doing it in a very shady way; something this potentially serious should get a full recall. Imagine your front locking up on a rocky downhill or while riding along a busy street 'cause you didn't know about the issue. On a lighter note, I got the Zoke I wanted to replace this turd... I wish I could give it a zero.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a
from Houston Texas Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
ant hills, Memorial Park, Austin TX
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Dlr. in Houston
Strengths:
NONE!
Weaknesses:
Broke!
Similar Products Used:
none, my first full suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
K2, Race Face crank, xt components, etc.
Bottom Line:
What a joke. After purchasing a K2 Razor, which was equipped with this piece of crap fork, did I begin reading reviews on MTB, SCARY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I went back to the dealer and told him that this fork is going to break at the arc which I had concluded from MTB reviews. He told me not to believe everything I read on MTB.
Yesterday while riding at Memorial Park, (I have a total of 3hrs. 48 minutes on this bike) I was traveling down a steep trail while turning on one part of the trail I moved over going downhill and all of a sudden my front wheel planted in the ground, as if though I locked up the front brake.
My feet went over my head, my head slammed into the dirt and then the bike slammed on top of my head taking a chunk out of my helmet and gashing my forehead. My friend who was riding behind me asked if I was OK. I got my bell rung so hard I couldn’t even talk!
What a joke. I could have easily broken my fricking NECK!!!!! I looked at the fork to see what the heck happened and lo and behold the fork broke on the right hand side of the arc. I do not jump or do anything stupid. (I’ve got 2 kids!) I am just your normal semi-aggressive weekend rider.
BUYERS BEWARE. Get rid of the fork or you too will go down flaming and burning.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil Ireland
a Cross Country Rider
from Bolton, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Albion Hills Black Loop
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Broken Arch
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC2 with Avid Mech Disc Brakes
Bottom Line:
I have ridden my bike without any issues for the past couple of years and been generally pleased with this fork. It seems to handle the bumpy stuff quite well without any issues bottoming out or being too spongey.
At the end of a recent 24 hour endurance race, I noticed one of the lowers spun on the fork as I was putting it in my trunk. Upon further investigation, I found like many of you, that the upper arch had cracked clean through the casting. This might have explained the bottoming out I was experiencing periodically over the weekend. Not to mention the three rather violent excursions over the handlebars due to the bottoming out. Unfortunately, the cause of my accidents was not realized until after I discovered the damage to the fork.
Following the race, I emailed Answer with the facts and Bobby called me within a couple of days with the reps name to address it with. I took it in to the LBS for repair. I had it back within two weeks. While this seemed long to me (I usually ride 2-3 times/week minimum), it is really pretty good. Especially considering it was almost a full year out of warranty. I guess they realized it is a manufacturing defect and didn't have an issue replacing it.
Judging by my rating, I really can't knock this fork too much. Answer's service was good and until it broke, it was a decent performing fork. The repair consists of a beefier arch and seems to work great...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Powder Springs Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Internationa; Horse Park Conyers, GA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Roswell Bike
Strengths:
Weak.... Looks nice.
Weaknesses:
I'm probably rougher than I should be on this fork, but 4 months of three days a week has killed mine. I could have used a heavier spring for my 200 lbs, but now I clunck and rattle across every bump, and compression flexs the front fork so mush, the tire is scrubbing on the left side. You can SEE it. Biggest weakness on the Epic it came on. i'm upgrading as soon as I can get some new forks
Bike Setup:
Epic w/ Avid mechanicals
Bottom Line:
Not for bigger guys who like to downhill. It just couldn't take it. I've read that they're upgrading the lowers. I just went to my LBS to get the replacements. I'll ride them again once the new lowers are on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Racer
from Morrison Date Reviewed: July 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dakota Ridge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
it's hard to list any strengths
Weaknesses:
I broke my second Skareb Comp about a month ago, same exact place on the right side of the arch. Unfortunately I jacked my wrist up during the resulting wreck and am still feeling the results of poor production.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
The bike tech. at Performance Bike said that Manitou had a bad batch of forks come out last year. Honestly I'm a little paranoid and hoping my my replacement came from the good batch. I have to give this fork an enthusiastic thumbs down at this point.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Racer
from Seattle Date Reviewed: July 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
St. Eds/Big Finn Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Relatively stiff. Plush, soaks up the bumps well (when not locking itself out automatically).
Weaknesses:
Tends to lock out automatically after 2 or 3 good compressions.
Similar Products Used:
Judy, SID.
Bike Setup:
2003 Epic
Bottom Line:
When they aren't locking out by themselves, the fork gives a nice ride. Sucks up the roots, logs and moderate jumps with ease. No noticeable flex but I'm only 140 lbs, and haven't had any arch-cracking problems (yet). They worked pretty well the first couple of rides but now the forks go into lockout mode after 2 to 3 good compressions, meaning I have to stop, twist the stupid lever to release the lockout, and try to get a bit further down the trail before I have to stop and do it again. If you plan on racing, don't buy this fork. All others, I would avoid buying this product unless you have no other options. Still waiting to hear from the Manitou folks about how to remove the lockout feature since I don't really have a need for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sergiu Petrovan
a Cross Country Rider
from Romania Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.multicycle.de
Strengths:
light, eats small and big bumps very well, not very expensive.
Weaknesses:
The fork is a little flexy, as the other reviewers observed. In my case, the front wheel (brand new) touched the left brake pad when riding, even if when off the bike, there was 1-2 mm space between the rim and the brake pad. I tried different preload & rebound & compression adjustments, but the result was the same. So what was remaining: to adjust the V-brakes so that they don't touch the rim, while riding. Still, during cornering, the wheel touches the brake pads. Also, I installed a brake booster in order to reduce the flex of the fork - which helped a bit. Now this this was not a huge problem for me, but seeing that several other people crashed ( some pretty badly) because the fork cracked, I decided to ask support from Answer. I received a new Magnesium casting for the fork, 7 days after my complaint, even if I live in the Eastern Europe. I think this is something that should be known about Answer.
The Answer customer support is very professional. I think nobody should be affraid to buy from Answer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from NC Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, worked well. Excellent support from Manitou!
Weaknesses:
Arch cracked, then broke.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Super Six Delux, Manitou Minute One
Bike Setup:
2003 NRS 2
Bottom Line:
Arch cracked going downhill resulting in a few scrapes. Fork was a month or so beyond the one year warranty - but Manitou replaced the lowers at no charge anyway. Excellent responsiveness and service from Manitou (Bobby was very professional and helpful). They treated me right which is why I've been a loyal Manitou user.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Haetinger
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia Beach Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
District Park
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Came with bike (XTC2)
Bottom Line:
Same story here..........went down pretty hard and bent my rims. Ddidn't notice my fork was cracked till after I had ridden the 4 miles out on it. Then it was done.
It's covered under warranty so we'll see how good the new lower is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Milwaukee River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Cory the Bike Fixer
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
defective!
Similar Products Used:
Older Manitou Magnum lower end shock.
Bike Setup:
2003 NRS
Bottom Line:
I can't rate performance much because it broke after 4 miles. It broke on the reverse arch (big surprise) and I went down pretty hard, no serious injury just lots of blood and bruises.
Manitou is going to replace it, but I think I'm going to upgrade to something more heavy duty I'm 6'1" 200lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garry Siddon
a Cross Country Rider
from Leicester, England Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Looks cool, lightweight.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't work, in fear of the grim reaper- EVERY ride
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, Manitou Mars, Rond O24U, Pace pro class, girvin vector, Quadra 21R.......
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Unicoi, XTR, Thomson, etc.
Bottom Line:
What a pile of junk. They seemed fine for my first gentle setup ride on the road. First off road excursion was a nightmare, almost no travel, in spite of endless tinkering and tuning (and I'm no novice). The forks flex, and I mean FLEX, like the lowers are made of rubber. The brakes rub heavily on both sides of the rim when I'm out of the saddle (I'm 180lbs). I then read the previous reports posted here and frankly, I'm just scared of these forks now. I spend most of my ride looking for cracks (if you know what I mean). Manitou's warranty dept assure me there's nothing to worry about- too right, I'm selling them. Do yourself a favour, buy anything else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wavemag
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC Date Reviewed: April 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
Follow up to my previous post... After I noticed the crack in my Forks I contacted my LBS who called Manitou. Manitou sent out replacement lowers immediately w/ no hassles. My LBS had them installed and I was back in the saddle within a week of contacting my LBS. The new lowers look much better, and I haven't seen any complaints about them breaking (please speak up if you've had problems with the replacement lowers).
Manitou customer service: Grade A
If you have not gotten your lowers replaced, call them immediately and have your LBS swap them out. You will be able to ride more confidently after...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a
from Downingtown, PA, USA Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Hmmmmm... Looks nice.
Weaknesses:
Broke
Bike Setup:
Came on NRS2
Bottom Line:
Yup, My reverse arch broke too. Luckily without broken bones. I seem to be kind of lucky that it lasted 6 months compared to some of the other reviews. Seemed like it was kind of flexy even before the reverse arch broke. So it adds to the price of the Bike. If your bike comes with this, replace it immediately if you do any kind of technical riding. Sure I am a 200lb guy and ride technical trail. But isn't that what a mountain bike fork is for?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wavemag
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fairly nice ride at my weight...
Weaknesses:
Reverse arch cracking after just 6 months...
Bike Setup:
2003 NRS2
Bottom Line:
This fork came stock on my NRS2. I read some reviews about it after I bought and saw many complaints about these forks breaking. Since then I've checked them regularly after rides and sure enough my forks have a crack forming at the arch that is about 1/2 way through.
Given all of the reported failures of these forks and the injuries associated with many of them, I'm really shocked that Manitou/Answer hasn't recalled these forks. I don't care if they are good about replacing them, they know they have a bad product and they haven't taken the proper corrective action in my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy Royal
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Ga. Date Reviewed: January 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Stonewall Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Peddler
Strengths:
Lightweight, several adjustments (rebound, compression, lockout)
Weaknesses:
Just like all of the others, the arch broke. Before the break the fork was very flimsy.
Similar Products Used:
Duke XC air, Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
Fork came on Epic, which was clearly a choice to keep the price reasonable. Noticed the crack after only a few easy rides, nothing extreme. Would not recommend this fork even for light cross country riding. The only up side to this is that I discovered the crack before I rode again and called Answer. They were very helpful and promised a replacement lower in a week or so and possibly an upgrade (for $$ of, course).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casserole
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
on da bike
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
bloody thing breaks
Similar Products Used:
Marzocci bombers
Bike Setup:
Giant '03 XTC2 Magura Discs
Bottom Line:
Like a Kid with a new toy was out on my 2nd ride on the new bike and clean snapped the reverse arch off from the lower forks, buckled my front tyre,which locked up and sent me over the bars. Broke my collarbone, lost bark and plenty of bruises. They replaced the lower forks and the replacements are alot beefier in the reverse arch area. New forks are alot better. Check the reverse arch area for cracks!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Springs Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
Plush ride, easy to adjust, smooth, reasonably stiff
Weaknesses:
A little heavy (about 1/2 pound heavier than my very old SX-Ti)
This is not a fork for heavy riders (over 200 lb) or for large jumps. It is a plush cross country fork and serves that market well. If you are outside the weight limit or ride like there is no tomorrow, then get a different fork. If you want an inexpensive, relatively light (3.7lb) fork, this is it. the coil springs give a plush ride, the fork has virtually no stiction, and the adjusters all work as advertised. I give it a 4 as it could be about 1/2 pound lighter
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Amos
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango, CO, USA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All XC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Company quick to replace with out question, (personally I think Manitou, is trying to cover their butt.)
Weaknesses:
Flex, wobble, don't know if you're really going go the way pointed, oil leak, quality control, had to and re-aline wheel in the middle of my ride... Reverse arch broke threw me over handle bars breaking collar bone in two places and rotary cup damage!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant, NRS 2 stock
Bottom Line:
I don't have alot of exeperience with many forks,but, I have to say there has been some serious oversights in the design of this fork. I ride a 16 mile XC,loop everyday medium difficulty. It apparently appears that I got alot more miles out of my Scareb, before breaking,but, there were many times the sweat pouring off my brow wasn't from a hard ride. Skary should be its name not Skareb, (no terrifing). I would try to negotiate with the dealer for something a little more substantial if my next bike of choice was to have this installed. I can't speak for those who ride on pavement,but, I don't recommend this fork to anyone if I bought a bike with this installed I recommend having it changed before leaving the dealership.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Omaha, NE, USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
None it broke after 20 min ride
Weaknesses:
Reverse arch broke locked up front wheel and sent me over the bars. I was riding carefully on a demo bike. I have a 3rd degree separation of my shoulder and collar bone. Recall time on this fork.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox cheap model but never broke on me
Bike Setup:
Demo Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
Manitou should contact all owners of this shock and replace defective reverse arch or entire shock. No one should have to go through the pain I am going through right now. They will be hearing from me. Enough of these have broken already. Cant rate this one low enough.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Olathe, KS, USA Date Reviewed: October 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kill Creek, Perry Lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bikesource
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
reverse arch is inherently defective
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox Judy, RST180
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
This shock has felt loose from the begining, I blame it for the disc brakes on the bike for constantly making noise. The fork broke at the reverse arch and the lowers after 6 months of use, about 450 miles. Manitou needs to recall all of these and replace them with a sturdier lower. I hope the replacement lowers I get, which, to their credit Manitou is sending with no questions asked, will be an improved design that addresses this problem. Companies that continue to sell products with known defects are only hurting themselves. I will never buy another Manitou product or recommend a Manitou product to anyone. If I could give this zero flamin' chilis for both value and overall I would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Coavack
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light weight?
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SXR
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
This fork is brand new, came on my bike. I haven't experienced any flex as others have mentioned. The fork, however, leaves a lot to be desired in the plushness department. I've inspected it, adjusted rebound, compression etc etc and it rides like a rigid fork. I ride cross-country, weigh 185 lbs. Rides average about 15-20 miles. By 10 miles my wrists are blown out. Took it to my LBS and they agreed, it performs like a pogo stick. They're checking the internals more closely to see what can be done to rectify the situation; possibly a send-back to Manitou.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: September 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$268.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles
Strengths:
lightweight, price
Weaknesses:
weak, flexy
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Magnum, Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
things that matter to this review are Giant ATX 860 frame, Manitou Skareb Comp Forks, XT Hubs, DT Champion Spokes, Mavic X222 rims
Bottom Line:
I paid $400 australian with a trade in of my '99 Judy Forks, totally stuffed but served me well. They were a bargain buy, nothing else like them for the price around (1.5kgs, 3.4lbs). I though I was getting a good deal. I weigh 63kgs, 140lbs, and race XC. When first installed they were perfect, no breaking in at all. I got on and they rode beautifully for about 3 months. In the last 2-3 months whenever I put the power down and crank the bike side to side my wheel hits the pads, could be wheel flex but I don't think so, these wheels were perfect with old forks and first 3 months with these forks. I also find that when the fork is reaching the bottom of its travel my wheel rubs again meaning the forks are bent. They have bent without too much stress and while i'm yet to break them I've seen about six pairs of '03 forks with this casting snap where the 'Reverse Arch' meets the lowers. All on hire bikes from the shop I work in the middle of Melbourne, no rough riding around here. Bottom line, bargain buy, if you don't have much money they're awesome, just hope for the best. Five chillis for value. Overall two chillis because they just don't go the distance, really not acceptable for a fork to be sold and bend so easy. Keep saving and buy Rock Shox Duke or Sid for XC, anything Marzocci if you don't mind the extra weight.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince
a Weekend Warrior
from Tooele, UT,USA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
None Now
Weaknesses:
Guess What!! Broke the %$#^ thing on the lower right fork. Crashed. Scraped the elbows, knees, hips etc. I love my helmet. It passed the crash test.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first shock
Bike Setup:
2003 stumpjumper hard tail. mostly stock
Bottom Line:
Fork is at the LSB right now. Answer will send a replacement casting as a warrenty. I asked about upgrading to a Black fork. They said no problem as long as I pay $200.00. That is what I can get a new one for thru Price Point. Thanks for nothing! I guess I will ride the repaired one until it cracks then send it back again. Anyone that wants to crash test a helment should be riding this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Epicurean
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Erwin Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Richardson Bike Mart
Strengths:
Lockout feature.
Weaknesses:
Coil only. No air.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float 80RL
Bike Setup:
2003 Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
After reading the previous reviews about this fork, I was a little hesitant to purchase a bike with this fork. However, I really wanted the Epic so I was able to work out a deal. For the same price, my LBS swapped out this fork with the Fox Float 80RL. At the time, they did not have any Fox forks in stock, so I was able to ride for about a month with this one.
When compressed under hard conditions, e.g., double dips, the fork makes a strained noise. I can't describe it, but you'll know what I mean when you hear it. Because you cannot air tune the fork, the coil is a little too soft and it dives a lot when accelerating out of the saddle unless you lock it out.
After a month of pretty hard riding, it did not appear to have any cracks, but I do believe that the fork was flexing to the point where the front tire was rubbing the crossbrace. I should've put masking tape around the crossbrace to see if the tire did indeed hit it on those dips, but I didn't think of that until just now. Maybe one of y'all can try that and report back?
I've only ridden once with the Fox Float 80RL, but I can already tell that that fork is a lot better. I don't get the strained noise I mentioned above even though I rode the same portion of the course harder.
In summary I didn't think it was a bad fork, but then again I've only had it for a month. I can say with certainty that my new Fox fork is better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keith cave
a Cross Country Rider
from new zealand Date Reviewed: August 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
tin bum
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
hedgehog
Strengths:
smooth action
Weaknesses:
after reading the reveiws checked my fork and found cracks in both brake arch sides. Not a happy lad. it has not had a thrashing at all. Manitou needs to do something quick.
Similar Products Used:
ridden lots of forks
Bike Setup:
oem on a giant nrs 2
Bottom Line:
dont acceppt this fork as standard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeramie Prine
a Cross Country Rider
from Lander, Wyoming, USA Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
cliff ride...secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
ummmmmm...Answer is good at sending a new product to replace broken fork.
Weaknesses:
The fork broke at the arch...thank Jah...not while riding. How does a friggin' fork break at the arch? I would think that Answer is concerned with a lawsuit when someone gets badly hurt because of this product.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Grizzly (grrrrrrr)
Bottom Line:
Do NOT purchase this fork. It sucks. When I first saw it I thought something smelled funny, and then when it broke I knew it was crap.
Answer is sending me a new lower, but I will replace this fork with a Marzocchi next season, or until it breaks again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Toowoomba, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lefty
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
$225US
Strengths:
Light weight
Weaknesses:
Flex, Flex, Flex. Just discovered a crack on the right leg where the reverse arch meets.
Similar Products Used:
Marzochi Z3.5
Bike Setup:
Giant Rainier stock
Bottom Line:
Dont buy em. Save your money and put it towards something a bit better. Steer clear.
Way to much flex and when they flex so much your tire hits the arch it gets dangerous. Not safe at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Roebuck, SC Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything XC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came stock on my Epic
Strengths:
Hmmmm...gimme a minute.
Weaknesses:
You don't have enuf time for the list of weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
Wanna re-emphasize a few points. This fork is the Gumby of mtn bike forks - VERY flexible. I can agree with NOT expecting more from a product than what it was intended for.
But EVEN IF you say this shock is intended for lighter XC riders who ride fairly tamely, this shock flexes under any conditions.
Apply the front brake while standing BESIDE the bike and push the bike frontward and backward. You can literally see it flex under even that light weight. Its incredible (incredibly disappointing)
Also, my local shop has been unable to eliminate the creaking in the headset with this fork.
Plastic lockout and rebound adjustment levers / knobs?? Please.
I'm a little disappointed with Specialized for putting this fork on a $2,000 bike.
Bottom line? This fork makes a pretty wall hanger.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Omaha, NE Date Reviewed: July 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lewis and Clark Monument
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No frills coil fork. Easy to adjust. Smooth action.
Weaknesses:
As stated in many other reviews, the arch broke off the right lower.
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized 03 Stumpjumper. Upgraded fork with extra firm spring.
Bottom Line:
There's an obvious design or manufacturing problem with the arch/lower interface on this fork. However, the guys at Answer Products worked with my shop and I had new lowers in less than one week.
Despite the breakage, the fork works well for it's intended purpose (intermediate level cross country). No fork is bullet-proof, especially at $250.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from USA Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cross country
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Seems to be a good shock as far as weight and rebound for the type of riding I do.
Weaknesses:
It broke at the cross brace on the right sid.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC2, stock
Bottom Line:
I was enjoying my bike (and fork), when after a day of riding, I relized the front fork had cracked at the brace. I am an aggressive intermediate trail rider, and enjoy a variety of terrain. However, mainly due to skill level, I do not jump the bike off anything more than a foot, and can't begin to think how I broke it, when I did not even have a good crash the day it broke. I am thinking about upgrading (before my skill level improves) while I have the chance after reading other reviews and noting simmilar problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry
a Weekend Warrior
from NYC Date Reviewed: July 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lake Minnewaska
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
light, nice adjustments when they work!
Weaknesses:
locks out on its own during a ride
Bike Setup:
came stock with my Epic
Bottom Line:
responds well just not all the time. it locks out on its own. NOT a happy camper with this fork. my first complaint was it wasnt plush .... of course not because i later realized the lock out kept on moving on its own. NOT COOL when you are speeding down a rocky trial and its going from off to on. when the shock was working i was very happy with it .. but a shock shouldnt work part time! i havent experienced the weakness and breaking problems as most have, and i hope not to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zach
a Racer
from port hope,on,canada Date Reviewed: July 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
hard wood hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
proform cycle
Strengths:
it's light
Weaknesses:
i cracked the arch on the right side where it connects to the lowers and my dad did the exact same thing to
Similar Products Used:
manitou magnum
Bike Setup:
giant xtc 2
Bottom Line:
it was a good fork untill i cracked the arch on the right side
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evan Mackenzie
a Weekend Warrior
from brisbane, australia Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
uses all ov available travel
Weaknesses:
forx flare under any weight, bad flex, reverse arch is weak, creeks in headset
Similar Products Used:
breakouts mars super air blacker super air
Bike Setup:
2003 NRS 2 standard except with conti explorers
Bottom Line:
these forxs are the worst product from manitou ever, if i was an executive from answer id quit....the forx flex, and flare out, "i thought the whole idea of reverse arch was to stop that..." these forks are poor.
the rear arch on my skarebs just snapped and after only six months of relative light riding for me. I thought the noise i was hearing was from the hub, but my luck it was the arch and it had snapped clean through. i hope they have good service and i get it under waranty, coz if not im never trying their shody products again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Brighton, UK Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Rayment Cycles
Strengths:
Seems fairly stiff and lightweight, lockout handy on longer climbs
Have only had them a few months and they seem to be fairly stiff and responsive at the moment!! I am not a light rider coming in at just over 200lbs and I'm not gentle on XC trails, I have given them a quite few knocks/small drop offs, etc.. The seem to be handling it.
I am thinking about ug'ing to disc brakes so the comment about the additional stresses this places on the forks is slightly concerning if these aren't the strongest/most reliable forks in the world!!
The came stock with my Stumpjumper so i didn't choose them directly, I dont think i would have paid the £240 the cost retail and I will eventually look to replace them out with a fork that has a bit more travel and can handle my load + discs without any worries.
Money is money and i'd like to get what i paid for so i'll keep my fingers crossed for now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Hull, Yorkshire, England Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the next one!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1000.00
Purchased At:
ken elleker cycles
Strengths:
super smooth action, this fork has (had) absolutely no "stiction".
Weaknesses:
it broke.
Similar Products Used:
none - first suspension fork.
Bike Setup:
standard giant xtc2
Bottom Line:
During a section of not too steep single track i hit a rock giving me a pinch puncture and buckling my wheel slightly.
As the bike was reletively new i took it in for its fisrt service and to get the wheel fixed. On my return to the shop they had discovered a crack where the brace joins the fork leg.
As i only weigh 10 stone i would not expect this to happen. I cannot recommend this fork to anyone who wants it to do more than "absorb a few bumps"
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Dawson
a Cross Country Rider
from Hobart,TAS,AUS Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
Light weight, stiff for a race fork, plush and great reabound control
Weaknesses:
needs a compression lockout like rockshox
Similar Products Used:
rockshox jett, duke xc
Bike Setup:
2003 giant xtc 2, full xt, race face cranks, michilin race tyres, mavic 221 rims, getting lockout on forks
Bottom Line:
This is a gerat fork, it is a light weight cross country race fork (NOT A HEAVY TRAIL RIDE FORK FOR HEAVY RIDERS) if you use this fork for it's intended purpose it will do you proud. i don't know why everyone is wreaking this fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill, MD
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
wooden wheels-came on bike
Strengths:
light, comfortable and durable. Has taken plenty of abuse so far. Lockout works well and fork handles small drops and jumps well.
Weaknesses:
This fork is made for cross-country riders under 200lbs. I weigh 150, so no weaknesses for me. Could be a tad plusher.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy Race, Fox Float, Fatty Headshock
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic, stock.
Bottom Line:
If used as intended (lighter riders who ride cross-country or race) than this fork is very good. Not recommended for heavier riders or big drops or jumps. I weigh 150 and have taken small to medium jumps, logs and drops with no problem. Has a comfortable feel and is lightweight. Handles rocks and roots failry well also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
c me
a
from arizona Date Reviewed: May 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
plush travel
Weaknesses:
design
Bottom Line:
i will never ever recommend this fork. only buy it if you want to waste your money on something that will break.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MTBIKER
a Racer
from banff, alberta Date Reviewed: May 19, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very plush, very good damping, stiff for a race fork.
Weaknesses:
Ok, i found no weaknesses. However ive noticed many others have. However these people obviously used the fork for something other than its intended purpose. This fork is a race fork. NOT a trail riding fork. It is marketed for people under 190lbs who do not trail ride. Big people over 200 lbs will find this fork flexy just like any other race fork. However for the 175 pound rider who races and sticks to 2 foot drops or less this fork very much fulfills its intended purpose. If you ride aggresive XC with 2-3foot drops a regular occurence on your route then this fork is not for you. This is a race fork.
Similar Products Used:
SID XC
Bike Setup:
Trek fuel 90
Bottom Line:
Great fork...very light and responsive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Payne
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio Date Reviewed: May 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Cave Run Lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on the bike
Strengths:
Feel, weight. Very light for a coil fork. Easy to change the spring.
Weaknesses:
strength, very flexy, rebound knob fairly useless. Plastic used in the wrong places. Arch clearance seems problematic if the trail turns muddy with a 2.1 tire mounted.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Atom Bomb, Marzocchi Atom Race, Psylo SL, Judy Race, Judy
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic bone stock except for grips, saddle and bar.
Bottom Line:
This fork seemed ok at first. The action is pretty smooth with no clunking like so many coil forks seem to have. I mounted up some Avid discs and then became very afraid of this fork. The force that a disc puts on the fork makes it seem possible that the fork could sheer off. On one long(30+mile) ride the lockout lever kept coming on all by itself. The worst part about this problem was the lockout always engaged during hard hits potentially causing a crash. My LBS got the fork repaired under warranty, but the mental damage is done. As a 200lb rider I cannot trust this fork, and you shouldn't either.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Weekend Warrior
from WA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Weaknesses:
More problems
Bottom Line:
This is another update on my fork. I have had numerous problems with this fork just recently noticing the arch was cracked were it joined the lowers, that was my last review. Any way my bike shop rung me to say they were putting the new lowers on and noticed that the rebound and compression bolts inside the fork had SNAPPED. The fork was basically buggered. i mean fully WHAT MORE CAN GO WRONG WITH THIS FORK!!!! Manitou finally realsied that this fork is stuffed and are sending me a new one asap. I just thought i would let everyone know, and maybe im having a whinge but bloody hell, any way must go before i get too annoyed. Oh by the way its been over ten weeks i ve been without my fork, hence not able to ride my new bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a
from Western australia Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came stock with bike
Strengths:
Umm nice smooth travel
Weaknesses:
see comments below
Bike Setup:
stock giant XTC 2
Bottom Line:
This is to update on my previous review on the 12/3/2002. When i got my fork back it still had the same problems (no rebound damping) so it had to get sent back over east to the manitou distributors, they had for a few more weeks meaning a total of about 8 weeks without my fork. Any way when i got it i recently checked it out and noticed that the fork had cracked where the reverse arch connects onto the lowers. What more can bloody go wrong with this fork. sorry rating plummets.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Donald
a Racer
from Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lake Parramatta
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles
Strengths:
Light weight, price, good compression, reverse arch looks cool, customer service
This is arguably the best value light weight XC fork on the market, and price out weighs lack of air, particularly for average weight riders. There have been some arches cracking. I heard this was not due to manufacturing quality, but transport damage. The elite and super models have identical arches with no probs. Also, concerns about the adjustment dials.. I found top adjustment cap broke but Manitou replaced it no prob. Sure if you have 2x - 3x the money and want full race kit or are extremely light or heavy, buy a SID Race, Pilot, Skareb Super or Marzocchi with more positive & or negative air adjustment. Otherwise this fork is perfect for XC riding and even racing. For most terrain it functions very smooth like my Sid SL, I don't notice any flex or oil leakage, and it seems as strong as a SID SL or SID Race. The Rock Shox Pilot has +ve air, but much heavier, buy it instead if you're very heavy, but the Skareb coil is still fairly stiff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Louis-Philippe
a Cross Country Rider
from Québec, Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mont St-Anne
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Price, beautiful fork!
Weaknesses:
the construction is very questionable! The rebund control at the bottom of the fork is so weird... and it mades with plastic! They make it to break it!
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi z4, Rock Shox Pilot, Rock Shox Duke
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
You can keep this fork if it come with the original setup of your bike but don't buy this product, other manifacturer can give you a better fork for the price... like the Rock Shox Pilot -> Really better than the skareb comp!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Afan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Good smooth ride, light and adjustable.
Weaknesses:
The crown sheered through at the W/E when doing normal x/c riding. Not very impressed as seems from other reviews to be a common theme. Other than that the NRS 2 is spot on.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
Can't recommend. I'm only 12 stone and wouldn't expect to sheer through a pair of forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a
from Macon, GA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thomson Company Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tech of Macon
Strengths:
Smooth travel, good adjustability, and light weight.
Weaknesses:
A little hard to get the rebound adjustment just right. The stock spring will be too weak for folks over 180 pounds if they want to run full compression without running through all the travel on every little bump. Maybe not the stiffest thing in corners.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett, Duke C.
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude with XT/LX parts blah blah blah.
Bottom Line:
I like this fork so much. The travel is much less sticky than my Duke C, and therefore it reacts to small bumps really well. It's super smooth. It's all coil, so the compression and rebound adjustments can be done with the turn of dials, no shock pump needed. It is noticeably less stiff in corners than the Duke was, but I don't think that has slowed me down much. It definitely isn't scary. Just something to know if a mildly flexy fork bugs you. For the features, I can't argue with the price. Give it a shot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Preston
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight, increased stiffness (over Mars or SX-R), Good dampening, Price
Weaknesses:
Bushing play, lowers appear to be fragile, not smooth
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-R (2000 model) and Mars Elite (2001 model)
Bike Setup:
KHS Steel frame
Bottom Line:
The increased stiffness over previous Manitou XC forks is nice but this fork lacks the refinement and smoothness that the Mars and SX-R had. I have already tweeked one set of lowers, Manitou as always was quick to send me a new set with new bushings. The new splash bath oil system seems to have created a bushing play problem that was never noticed on the SX-R or Mars. This fork needs some more development before it can live up to its previous models reliability and smooth oporation.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Liu
a Weekend Warrior
from Hongkong Date Reviewed: March 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Kam Ma luen trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Hung wan bike store
Strengths:
Light, stiff, easy to adjust and smooth.
Weaknesses:
If it come with a rubber boot for protection, I can imagine it will last a lot longer.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou sx, Rock shox Q21
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent front suspension for a weekend worrier. It is a lot stiffer and smoother than the SX suspension of the same manufacturer. The TCP (compression/rebound) are a lot easiler to adjust. The spring rate should not be affect by the extreme temperature change. It do perform a lot smoother than sx models. The new semi-bath seems works better than the Micro-lub structure before. I am 160 lbs. and the folk simply works perfect for me. Don't use it for down hill purpose because it is not designed for that. Never abuse your equipment. I would like to say it is perfect to most cross country bikers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve
a Cross Country Rider
from poros, cali Date Reviewed: March 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Schortmans Cyclery
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
It breaks really easily
Similar Products Used:
several now....currently found a winner Marzocchi Marathon 02
Bike Setup:
03 Specialized Epic - read review below for rest of specs
Bottom Line:
if you look at my review a few notches below, you see i was not really pissed at having to buy another fork. Today I took the fork off and much to my surprise, the arch was completely fractured at the union on the right stanchon. The only thing really holding things together was my wheel! My friend who is also a professional mechanic at the local bike shop said this should not have happened....just shotty manufacturing. He then called up Answer products to see what could be done. After a series of specific questions, including the bikes' serial #, answer products agreed to warranty the one piece lower only. I can live with that. It really seemed they knew of the casting problem enough to redesign the casting lowers on the newer forks, thus the warranted lowers. DON'T BUY THIS FORK IT IS A PIECE OF CRAP!.............it is not safe.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Oklahoma Date Reviewed: March 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
It's customer service
Weaknesses:
It came broken out of the package
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi EXR
Bike Setup:
Giant 2003 NRS 2
Bottom Line:
I can't talk about the fork's performance yet because I have yet to use it, but I will say that I bought it brand new from a friend and it came out of the box unusuable. The dropouts did not line up and the left side was bent out a bit. When I called Answer products they were totally cool with it and said that they would honor the warranty, eventhough I didn't by it directly from a dealer. NOW THAT IS CUSTOMER SERVICE!! I am waiting for them to return it and I will post when I get the end product and get to use it a few months. Thank you Bobby from Answer Products - you made and will keep this customer! 5 chili's for customer service !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan Campbell
a
from Toowoomba, Qld, Australia Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Suspension Bridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles (Internet)
Bottom Line:
Just updating a review from a while back and i seem to be having the same problem as a few other people.
The fork seems to flex pretty bad some times to the point where the arch rubs on the tyre. The rest of the fork is working ok still but this flexing business is really pissing me off, for a fork that i paid $225US ($450AUS) for. Yeh probably only use for light trail riding and cross country.
For this i will have to downgrade my rateing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allan Seelk
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Nice looking
Weaknesses:
Not correctly aligned in the crown
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox SID
Bike Setup:
Specialized M2 Stumpjumper
Bottom Line:
Cannot recommend this fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robenne
a Cross Country Rider
from Holiday, FL - USA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
UBC of Tampa
Bottom Line:
This is an update to my posting from the 25th. I was able to get in touch with Answer's Warranty Dept. and they have since made things right. I want to thank Bobby from Answer and Carlos from UBC of Tampa for getting this problem resolved. I am upgrading to a 4/5 Chilis. The 4 is because there was a problem and the 5 is for Answer's OUTSTANDING customer (Warranty Dept.) service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Poros, Cali Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003
Up until I bent it, this fork worked well. It performs better than I expected for light cross country riding. This was the first fork I have owned with a lockout so i thought that was pretty cool. It (had) a very smooth feel, and it got the job done. Light as well. I must warn you though, USE THIS FOR LIGHT CROSS - COUNTRY. I bent the crap out of it! One good thing is it did not leave me stranded on the hill but proceeded to continue for the rest of the burly ride, so it's not all bad. It's the perfect excuse to upgrade to a 100mm Marathon. SPECIALIZED EPICS KICK @SS!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robenne
a Cross Country Rider
from Holiday, FL - USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
UBC of Tampa
Bike Setup:
Specialized Epic
Bottom Line:
Just over three months and the fork locks during the ride. After riding a bumpy section I have to cycle the lock out knob to unlock the fork. This makes for a very uncomfortable ride. I've called Answer and they said they are aware of the problem and the parts are on back order. Also, there is nothing I can do about it until I replace the parts. The LBS is working with me to get this problem resolved and I hope we do. I asked about the problem with the forks cracking as the guy mentioned in an earlier review (Read Down) and was informed there was a problem with the way they were being packed that was causing a problem. The tech also said, "If you have a problem, you'll know about it." DUH! So, if anyone else is having any problems please post them. I am giving a low rating because of this problem and their Tech support. This is not a posting to BASH Answer, but informing other bikers know what is going on and this in no way reflects my opinion about Specialized's Epic, this bike kicks A$$. Read my reviews under 2003 Full Suspension- Specialized Epic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a
from Maastricht, Holland Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff (my weight: 70kg), good fork for XC-riding where I live (no real mountains, but a lot of hills, Zuid-Limburg).
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Manitoux six.
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper '03 stock, Conti Escape tires.
Bottom Line:
Very nice product! Damping, rebound and lock out all function very well. Easy to adjust. For a comfortable and fast ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walter Buis
a Cross Country Rider
from Helmond Date Reviewed: January 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Smooth
Weaknesses:
Damping. Bounces like a pogo stick. Flexes like my good oold Mag21, wich had way better rebound damping.
Similar Products Used:
Rond/Magura O24U. RS Mag21.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
The fork goes back to the shop. The design sucks in general or my fork has a serious malfunction. Can I chose "0 chili's" please?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Racer
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
everyone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Somewhat good dampning
Weaknesses:
flexy, one side of the fork doesn't work with the other
Bike Setup:
EPIC, Marzocchi marathon SL, the only bike.....
Bottom Line:
I used this fork for about three months. It seemed to work quite well, besides being a little flexy. Then when the first race came and I was going at race pace, the tire, started rubbing on the reverse arch. Had to run in the lockout mode the whole race. I looked down, and there was more tire on one side then the other. Lowers BENT a little. This fork also when used alot, the lowers don"t seem to work in sync with each other. One side moves before the other. I think this is why they bent. This fork is made for light crosscountry, and not trailriding at ALL!!! And not for anyone over 165LBS....
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Submitted by
Nathan Campbell
a Weekend Warrior
from Toowoomba, Qld, Australia Date Reviewed: January 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Suspension Bridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles (Internet)
Strengths:
Feels Great, Nice smothe travel, So much better than an air fork, stif and strong. Price, at only $450 Australian dollars they are great value.
Weaknesses:
Oil seems to be comming out the bottom of the right leg at the rebound adjuster. Have tightened a few things up but still seems to be happening.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi (EXR 80mm air 2002) and (Z3.5 100mm 2000)
Bike Setup:
Giant rainier 2002 stock except for Skareb Comp
Bottom Line:
Only had one long ride on these forks so far and they seem to be working well have gone down a few downhill tracks also and they seem to be holding up well.
Except the oil comming out of the bottom of the right leg. I dont know what the go is here. It happened even before i went for my first ride on them. I hope it fixes its self up for me.
I would recomened these forks to anyone who is into a bit of cross country or just weenend riding around the tracks. They feel so much better than my EXR air forks and that is only on the first ride so its only going to get better.
My weight is 80kg and on the softer setting these forks are great.
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Submitted by
Radium
a Cross Country Rider
from Northumberland, England Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Glentress Red/Black
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Smooth Stiff Strong
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
DNM 80A
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2
Bottom Line:
These forks are very stiff and smooth and react to bumps well, just like a fork in 2002/3 should. The Coil spring that is supplied with the forks is for a heavier person than myself, so very long rocky decents do become tiring, but with the softer spring im sure i'll love this fork even more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakville Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
Stiffer than a sid, the plushness of coil at a very light weight, unlimited adjustments. upgradable to a lockout
Weaknesses:
hmmm...
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi Z5, sid's , judy race and a mars comp
Bike Setup:
trek 8000 , conti explorer tires, rolf satellite wheels
Bottom Line:
Buy this if you are an aspiring racer who likes light bikes yet wants a bike that can take a beating. This fork is also coil, a coil fork at a 3.3lb weight is very rare. Coil is so much better than air, none of those 'stiction' problems.
this fork is the best investment ive ever made on my bike other than the 8000 frame i bought.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a
from Ontario Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiffer than a SID, Smoother, stronger plusher coil
Weaknesses:
i bit weightier
Bottom Line:
So much better that a sid, buy this if you want a fork that can take a beating. sids are for road bikes not mountainbikes. Only the OEM forks are havuing trouble buy from manitou and yoiu got one helluva fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Novak
a Weekend Warrior
from Bunbury, Western Australia, Australia Date Reviewed: December 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any i can get on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Fleet cycles
Strengths:
really nice smooth travel, light as a feather, stiff, looks cool
Weaknesses:
well, none until the rebound damping went, and i had a fork that was like a pogo stick
Similar Products Used:
a old crappy suntour fork on my raleigh rs4000
Bike Setup:
stock 2003 giant XTC 2
Bottom Line:
This is to comment on what the other bloke said, whos fork broke. Well the fork was bloody unreal, super smooth, stiff, just worked really well. Untill on day i jumped on my bike and something was wrong. The fork was boucing around like a cocker spaniel. It had absolutely no rebound damping. Took it back to bike shop next day. They then sent it of to Manitou over east somewhere (in WA everything has to go over east). Ends up that the whole compression and rebound set up is stuffed and needs to be replaced, but manitou doesnt have them yet and needs to get shipped from the factory and i will have to wait another 2 weeks to get my fork back (it has already been 3 weeks). This problem has actually be thought to happen on a number of these forks Australia wide, but apparently the problem is getting sorted so other people who buy them in the near future should not have this problem. It was a really good fork and im sure it will be when i finally get it back. I will update this when i get my bike back. However dont let this put you of getting a Giant XTC 2 because it is a sick bike i just want to ride it. have to take a bit of score of for what happened
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
madboy
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA Date Reviewed: December 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Relatively light, adjustable, reasonable stiff relative to weight
Weaknesses:
only 80mm of travel is insufficient for technical downhill
Similar Products Used:
RockShox SID Team
Bike Setup:
03 Giant NRS2
Bottom Line:
It came stock with the 2003 Giant NRS2. I had read several reviews slamming the Black fork on the 2002 Giant NRS2 so I was concerned that there may be similar problems with the Scareb... but it's worked well thus far. I find the fork lacks sufficient travel for some of the more technical downhill trails in the California Mountains, but on rolling single track it performs well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Smiley
a
from Somewhere, USA Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
reasonable weight, smooth travel
Weaknesses:
umm, it broke... I'd say that's a weakness. Also, it came with a stiffer spring than was needed for my weight (about 170 lbs w/ gear).
Well... all was well for the first 2 months or so. Then, it broke. Right where the "reverse arch" molds into the right-hand fork leg. Now, as you can probably guess, this resulted in quite the accident.
End result...
Bike: front wheel now looks more like some kind of abstract sculpture than a wheel (brake rotor is bent as well), miraculously the frame seems to have survived.
Me: Concussion (knocked unconscious for about 30 min.), cervical strain (read: f'd up my neck), compression fracture of the T8 vertebrae. Amazingly, I got up and walked away from this (thank you Bell Helmets!).
Conclusion: Manitou has agreed to replace the fork for me. They claim that there was some kind of "casting problem" and "packaging problem" with the skareb forks that are shipping OEM on new bicycles. If anyone else has an OEM Skareb on their bicycle, I would suggest that you contact Manitou. Also, if anyone has had a similar experience, please share it here. Now if I can just hurry up and heal...
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Submitted by
scott Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fair Hill, MD
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
wooden wheels
Strengths:
This fork came with my Specialized Epic and it is performing quite well. Has rebound adjust and lockout. It feels nice and stiff and so far is reacting well to all sorts of terrain.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy Race and XC, Marchozzi Bomber, Sid
Bike Setup:
Specialozed Epic, Trek 8000.
Bottom Line:
Seems sturdy and light and is performing well over all types of terrain. Will post a follow up after I've used it more. Seems to be taking small drops and jumps no problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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