Submitted by
Kat
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Barbara Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
titus
Strengths:
Plush feel on smooth, run outs.
Weaknesses:
Way too much flex. I wiegh 105 and when I let loose downhill the whole front end wobbles. Switchbacks it flexes so much they are hard to make.
Bike Setup:
Titus Ti RacerX
Bottom Line:
This was my first 80mm shock and I thought it was alright at first...then after some time on the bike and going faster ...I actually stopped to check to see if my front wheel was going to come off. High speed, technical single track is not good for this shock. On real tight switchbacks it has so much play that they are downright impossible. I was better on my old Mag 21's. If your an agressive downhill rider this is not the shock for you. If your riding smooth stuff at slow speeds it will work.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shamus
a Weekend Warrior
from Roswell, GA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
Thru. Answer/Manitou
Strengths:
Light, stiff, and very plush
Weaknesses:
none that I can think of
Bike Setup:
Wolf Creek titanium hardtail, Kooka cranks, Avid Arch Rival brakes.
Bottom Line:
The fork has been an awesome fork. I bought it in October of '02 and haven't had one single problem with it. The fork is still as plush and smooth as the day I bought it. When I bought the bike back in September of '02, it had a blown Manitou Mars 00 CL fork on it. I sent it back to Manitou to be rebuilt and they said to couldn't be rebuilt, so they gave me a sweet deal on this fork. Everyone who rides my bike always comments on how smooth the fork is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frankie
a Cross Country Rider
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
i live in malaysia where manitou don't have any service centre but their online customer service had help me a lot (nothing better not even a 5 star hotel). they acknowledge the problem and sending me parts and even the necessary oil (stickers too). they send it all the way from US to malaysia by ups. they also included the service manuals. although the fork has some lock-out problem but the after sales service does worth the extra money paying for the fork.
Weaknesses:
lock-out is not very reliable, but just use it with cautions and always do the required maintenances.
Bottom Line:
the 04 has improved but the 03 is still impressive. it's basically the same as 04 skareb super except for the lock-out catridge. it's by far my best xc fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frankie
a
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
plush, good traction, lighweight and nice colour.
Weaknesses:
not really rigid and expensive.
Bottom Line:
i never expect that manitou will send me replacement parts for my troublesome lock-out. they have send me a new rebound assembly, the semi-bath oil, fork oil, manual and even new stickers for my fork. well and they send it by ups. now i know why does the fork cost so much. it's the services that they have promise to deliver.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cyklyzt
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
City Bikes in Sacramento, CA
Strengths:
Does ok job soaking up bumps.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't track well, sloppy. Unsure at speed. Lock out wont unlock, had to ship it in for service. lock out works now, but I've moved somewhere that would cost me a mint to have it serviced, so i can't use the lock out for fear it will fail again.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
singlespeed
Bottom Line:
i put a $20 rigid fork on to replace this POS. bike rides great now. it's stiff and solid. and if i see the bump coming all is good. i'm sure i'll wreck hard with it someday, but i probably would with a susp fork too. might save up the cash for a Fox, then again, might just keep it rigid.
Anyone who wants a headache should consider this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim the Toolman
a Racer
from Cape Town/ South Africa Date Reviewed: March 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Petrus se Brandt in Knysna
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Super reliability, awesomely plush, stiffness to the point of accuracey but not over stiff to point of rattling yourself off the the track. the internals are precise and simple to maintain(can be done in your kitchen-just don't do while your wife is there) and the the performance and feel is the best on the market. i will never ride another fork, even if i was sponsored anything else, i would swap it out or sell it for the best fork,MANITOU!!!!
Weaknesses:
The super comes with lockout which causes some problems with tuning your compression quickly as it requires your whipping out your 20mm spanner to pull the lockout assembly out to tune the grup screw, which in itself is maybe not a bad thing as you tend to tune it and then just get on with it and ride the bike. as a workshop manager i get to tune the forks for the customers so it's no hassle really because i pretty much get it dialled in just right and they love it.
Similar Products Used:
manitou sx r ti spring, rock shox judy race,
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500 ZR9000 tubing, XTR STi levers and brake arches. XTR rear der, front der, Coda Spider double chainset(44t-29t) White bros. ti spindle bb. XTR hubs with Mavic x717 ceramic rims, Sapim Laser spokes. Selle Italia carbon Ti slr saddle and Scud carbon handlebar. ODI lock on grips. Time atac Ti pedals Thompson elite stem.XTR cassette.
Bottom Line:
The fork is the best upgrade i've ever made. unequivacly the best fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoffrey Krueger
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma, WA Date Reviewed: March 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Capitol Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Plush ride, lockout, rebound controls.
Weaknesses:
weak lockout mechanism, plus plastic knob. Weak structure in the lowers.
Bike Setup:
'03 Jamis Dakar XC Pro
Bottom Line:
I'm not too impressed with this fork. I've had the bike for less than a year and so far the bike has been in the shop twice because of fork problems. First, the lockout failed and had to be rebuilt. And now the arch has BROKEN clean through. I really expected more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Hillside,Il Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
American Bicycle and Fitness
Strengths:
Light weight. Plush, smooth. Worked well.
Weaknesses:
Really muddy courses, when riding with tires non-mud specific, mudd will build up on reverse arch. If you race, have good mudders
Similar Products Used:
Upgrade for RS Judy
Bike Setup:
Part of full upgrade on 2001 Trek 8000 including XTR shift,der,hubs. Thomson setback post and Bontrager racelite stem 120mm
Bottom Line:
Worked well. Survived a vicious post season crash. I raced at 155+lbs and fork did all I asked it to do. Lock out was nice but rarely used. Looks like a new frame is in the works and I would like to take the fork with me.
It is a light weight fork meant to be raced. If you are a heavy rider who likes big hits, this may not be the fork for you. Top it off with air before your ride and it should treat you well.
Happy Trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, DC, USA Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Stock on '03 Jamis Dakar Pro
Weaknesses:
Brake arch snapped under normal xc riding coniditions.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars '00
Bike Setup:
2003 Jamis Dakar Pro
Bottom Line:
I am suprised Manitou hasn't recalled the 2003 skareb line based on the number of reports on mtbr and the usernet groups about broken brake arches (and collar bones). My brake arched snapped clean off from the lowers but fortunately the QR held the fork in place until I realized what had happened. They have beefed the arch up for 2004 so hopefully it will be able to stand up to the xc riding it was built for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shank
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Walton Beach, FL Date Reviewed: November 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hard Time in Ashville N.C.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Light and plush with a lockout feature, what more could you ask for.
Weaknesses:
Minor but plastic caps are pretty cheesey
Similar Products Used:
1999 Judy XC
Bike Setup:
03 Dean Colonel x-lite, King classic hubs on Mavic 618's, King headset, XT cranks,BB, shifters, FR and Rear derailers, cassette, Avid 7 brakes, Avid TI levers, Skareb Super Shock, Salsa QR's, Race Face prodigy seat post and stem, Easton handlebar, Egg Beater pedals, Sealle Italia genuine gel seat, Bontrager Jones tires
Bottom Line:
So far this shock has out performed any shock that I have owned or felt. All my friends are riding Rock Shox forks and none are as smooth as mine. I will post a follow up after a few hard months on it. 5's all the way around
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frankie
a
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: October 20, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
lightweight, very plush, can get most of the travel promised and nice looking too.
Weaknesses:
the decals are slightly out of quality, it came off after an oil change. lock-out seems never work. There's once i accidently lock-out the fork and after a few bumps (not jumps), the lock-out catridge spoiled.
Similar Products Used:
EXR Pro, xc400, Duke, SID, RST
Bike Setup:
JBC Pro scandium frame, Thompson stem n post, Easton Monkeylite SL bar, SRAM XO, Truvativ Stylo Team crank, Mavic 517 rims with Novatec Lite hubs, Maxxis Flyweight 330 tyres and Selle Italia SLR Gelflow seat
Bottom Line:
It's a very good XC fork, comfortable and gives u more confident with it's super plush travel. Everything seems good except for the lock-out. And they don't have technical support in Malaysia, so that may make the riders here reconsider. And they never reply the email I send to them. Value is 4 cost not much support at $400 and rating 4 coz the lock-out could be better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Bloch
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Co Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sourdough
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light Weight
Weaknesses:
Loosey-Goosey stanchion tubes.
Similar Products Used:
RS SID team
Bike Setup:
2002 Dean Duke XC XT / XTR
Bottom Line:
I expected a much stiffer fork from these guys with the reverse arch technology and all. But no! I found lotsa slop in the steering, and on tough, technical descents, not much stiffness. The Rim felt like rubber at times! Not much better than the SID Team that originally came with the bike which I rode for the first 6 months. Bike was set-up at the Dean factory and then set-up was double-checked by mechanics in town. No other mechanical issues.
I'm currently looking for a stiffer shock now. Probably gonna have to go with Fox and eat the extra weight and cost!
Good for non-technical XC rides without technical descents. And for keeping in the garage to collect dust.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Morgan Hill, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
3lbs, worked great right out of the box, smooth, great rebound dampening, very stiff, great looks, great deal on ebay!
Weaknesses:
Lock-out knob is plastic, paint is chipping easily, idiot-proof wheel retention nubs are a pain in the butt!
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2 X-fly, Judy, etc..
Bike Setup:
VooDoo Bokor hardtail with lots-O good stuff.
Bottom Line:
Got a great deal on a new Skareb Super on ebay. I'm very happy with the performance of this shock as I'm getting all 80mm of travel (my Marzocchi was only getting 50mm if I was lucky, it's sucking up the bumps sweetly and smoothly, has saved my butt on several occasions by taking some huge hits like a champ, and does all this with minimal fuss and at an honest 3lbs. Plus it looks great and steers straight and true. Now, if you weigh a million pounds and/or ride downhill/freeride style and throw yourself off of 20' cliffs for fun, then don't buy this fork. If you do and it fails, it's your own stupid fault. If, however, you're an aggressive trail/XC rider, then this is a great shock and it should serve your needs well. I'll check back in after 6 months of riding, but for now I'm very pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Romanov
a Cross Country Rider
from Davie,Florida Date Reviewed: July 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Markham Park trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Super light and love all the flexability of having air adjustability,lockout and not to mention, it looks awsome
Weaknesses:
I have only found one, the knobs are plastic, what were they thinking?
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox duke xc
Bike Setup:
K2 razorback SL w/ noleen mega air rear,shimano XT components, Easton carbonlite bars and seatpost
Bottom Line:
So far no problems, The shox is performing well
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
250Fe
a Cross Country Rider
from Russia Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with Author Introvert 03
Strengths:
weight, may be price
Weaknesses:
I broke the arch just after the first ride
Similar Products Used:
mars 01, judy c, rst
Bottom Line:
What can I say about broken fork? 450$ for 50 km. I hope "Answer" will make stronger forks next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bela
a Racer
from Budapest Date Reviewed: June 12, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Hungarobike
Strengths:
Very good damping, the lock out is cool, weight is little bit above the specification (1442g 182mm cut tube), stiff.
Weaknesses:
Plastic lock out knob.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars
Bike Setup:
Merida magnesium elite 2001
Bottom Line:
I heard a lot of bad news about broken forks at the arch. I hope my one will be ok.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C. Euston
a Cross Country Rider
from MTL, Que. Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
local
Strengths:
Stiff, reliable, lock-out, etc.
Weaknesses:
Only - plastic caps.
Similar Products Used:
Too many to remember.
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Obed, XT, XTR.
Bottom Line:
Great fork. I did too much research this time. I am strict XC and wanted light weight, lock-out, and a couple of other goodies. When it came down to the wire, the Skareb beat out the Sids and the Marathon - in price, stiffness, and reliability. Fox, except for price, is another choice.
Next year, they could add a remote lock-out but, really, if you can't take the 0.7 of a second to tune it, you don't need it.
I am pleased with the reviews here, no mis-users writing-in complaining that the fork crumbles under heavy/ freeride/ downhill abuse. Let's remeber that this is a 3lb. fork, when used for XC or related it is one of the best. It is not meant for 6' drops.
No regrets here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Logan Felder
a Racer
from Salem, OR Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything in Bend
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sponsor
Strengths:
Really stiff, TPC damping, air compression, 3 inches of travel, 3lbs.
Weaknesses:
plastic lockout, needs remote lockout
Similar Products Used:
rock shox and marzocchi
Bike Setup:
skareb super, 02/03 XTR, Carbon bar, post, and saddle, egg beaters, custom wheels, ritchey wcs stem and bar ends, maxxis tires
Bottom Line:
This fork is the best cross country racing fork currently available to public. The RockShox Sid World cup is light, but lacks a smooth ride and is not very sturdy looking.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Conway
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, GA USA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Any North GA Mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sunshine Cycles
Strengths:
An awesome shock that straightens the curves and flattens the hills. Eats up roots and and studder bumbs like mamma's corn bread and butter beans. When it WORKS!
Weaknesses:
The second day I rode it, in a race, just before the most treterous part of the course, the cheap plastic lock out mechanism broke and I have had a $400.00 shock that doesn't work for the last month. As you may know, Manitou lost all common sense when they decided to put plastic in a front shock and thought it would actually work. Duh Huh! The bike shop has been waiting on the aluminum replacement part for almost a month now that has been on back order because of all the unsuspecting MTBERS that have to have that stupid plastic piece replaced. Yeah Manitou I bet you think you're pretty damn smart now having to send all those extra aluminum parts to make up for all those frickin plastic parts you thought would save you so much money. CHEAP BAS@#$S!!
Similar Products Used:
Nothing. I rode a rigid frame Trek 930 for the last 12 years. Rember those things?
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS2. I upgraded to this fork from the Comp that Giant puts on this bike.
Bottom Line:
Like I said, it's actually a great fork but I warn you to ask your retailer if they will replace the damn plastic piece with alimunum and save yourself the frustration. I will give this shock a good rating because it was a wonderful shock the first day I rode on it and it will be a great shock when the damn thing gets fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Miller
a Racer
from Nazareth, PA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
still looking for it
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Curt's Cyclery
Strengths:
weight, feel, looks, air, lockout, price
Weaknesses:
umm..the stickers scratch
Similar Products Used:
a few marzocchis, a couple of rock shox,
Bike Setup:
custom Giant XtC with mostly xtr except stylo team cranks
Bottom Line:
I got this fork from my shop as a sponsorship. I was thinking SID, but every one says they're too stiff and i know they don't have very good damping. This fork helps me on the decents (my weakpoint), and doesn't hold me back at all on the climbs. Even though I don't use the lockout, because I don't stand while climbing, it still looks cool and is cool to have. If you race XC and need help on the decents, but don' want a heavy fork, look into the skareb, I really love mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walter Guan
a
from Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
stiff,
Weaknesses:
the lockout stopped working
Similar Products Used:
judy race total air
Bottom Line:
IMO this is a good fork but it has issues. The lockout stopped working and i think this is kinda lousy. it is also not as plush as my judy(ttl air) but a whole lot stiffer. Manitou needs to look at its lockout design.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LANCE STEPHENSON
a Cross Country Rider
from CAPE TOWN /RSA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
TO SET THE FORK UP TAKES A WHILE ON THE COMPRESSION DAMPING BECAUSE THE LOCKOUT IS ON TOP, WHICH REQUIRES YOU TO TAKE THE COMPRESSION ASSEMBLY OUT OF THE FORK TO TUNE IT, IT TAKES YOU ABOUT 4 ATTEMPTS TO GET YOUR TUNING RIGHT
Similar Products Used:
MANITOU SX R ROCK SHOX JUDY RACE
Bike Setup:
GT ZASKAR, FULL XTR EXCEPT CRANKS, THOMPSON STEM, RITCHEY SEATPOST, XTR HUBS WITH WHEELSMITH SPOKES AND MUSTANG RIMS.
Bottom Line:
BEING INTO OUR RACING SCENE DOWN HERE, WE NEED SUPER PERFORMANCE BUT RELIABILTY. THIS FORK HAS THE PERFORMANCE YOU PAY FOR, NO OTHER FORK COULD POSSIBLY WORK AS WELL AS THIS ONE. IT HAS THE ABILTY TO SAVE YOU WHEN YOUR TIRED AND MAKING A MISTAKE AND LANDING ON THE FRONT WHEEL, IT KEEPS YOU BEHIND THE BARS AND OFF THE TURF. CORNERING IS BETTER THAN ANY OTHER FORK ON THE MARKET, STEERING IS LIKE LASER PRECISE AND CONFIDENT. THIS FORK ABSORBS SMALL, MEDIUM AND LARGE BUMPS. THE FORK FEELS TO SOFT WHEN STATIONARY BECAUSE ITS SO PLUSH, THE PROGRESSIVE NATURE OF THIS FORK IS SOOOOO GOOD. I LOVE IT, I LEFT MY GIRLFRIEND FOR THIS FORK, I DON'T MISS HER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Misha
a Weekend Warrior
from Malaysia Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$395.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Lightweight, very stiff, plush, no air leak & safety feature for unintentional QR open.
Weaknesses:
I dont like the metallic maroon color.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Giant
Bottom Line:
I particularly like the safety feature where when you release the QR you cant remove your wheels, you need to really unscrew it near max b4 your wheels will come off. I'm really happy with this fork and would buy them again if given a chance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from Edwards, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Benchmark to Two Elk/ Vail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
The Kind Cyclist, Edwards, CO
Strengths:
Light, no stiction, very little flex, lockout, easy setup, balanced package, low maintanance, price
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars, Rock Shock Sid, Judy, Mag 21 SL
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight X
Bottom Line:
This fork has made my bike feel very balanced and controled. The fork is as plush as my Fox Float in the rear, which allows me to attack with confidence, as well as feel less fatiged on long epic rides.
This fork has so much stiction free action that the lockout is a must when climbing out of the saddle. The lockout also feels great on the occasional stretch of pavement. I don't feel the need for the remote lever on the bars. My Mars did not bob as noticably because it was kind of cooked and had a lot of stiction.
I have a motocross background, and now my bike feels moto plush and responsive. Resistance to bottoming is great when set up as recomended, which is air pressure to 75% of your body wieght.
This fork would be excellent for novice through expert/pro XC racers and trail riders. It almost has a freeride quality feel.
Worth the $450. I got a deal because I race for the shop where the fork was purchased, The Kind Cyclist, Edwards,CO. The shop owner is racing/riding the same fork and loves it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
terry shirley
a Cross Country Rider
from oregon Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
applegate lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
bikes 101
Strengths:
light-stiff-plush
Weaknesses:
color choice-only 80mm..
Similar Products Used:
sid
Bike Setup:
97' hei hei, full XTR,easton,time
Bottom Line:
wore out a 98 sid,(didnt take to long)loved the 2.6 lbs. wanted a world cup. but nothing in stock, normal. have had this puppy on for about 200 miles and i love it. not as sexy as a sid or marathon, but one thing is for sure, you dont notice the fork while riding, and i guess thats what you want.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane Jansen van Vuruen
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: April 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Stellenbosch Area
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bowmans Cycle Inn
Strengths:
Light, incredibly stiff torsionally, more plush thanks to semi-bath system, more progressive than previous Mars Super
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars Super, Manitou SX Ti, Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Sugar frame with carbon stays, Race Face Turbine ISIS, XTR, Fox Vanilla rear shock, Ringlé hubs, Wheelsmith spokes, Easton Bar
Bottom Line:
After having had so many different forks over the years, this one finally stands out from the word "GO". It has so much more torsional rigidity thanks to the Reverse Arch system that it will have the Rock Shox and Marzocchi riders weeping in despair at their limp forks. Tracks through off camber turns and diagonal ruts without so much as a momentary flinch. Definitely for more plush than the old Mars forks, the new Semi-bath system works well and my fork isn't even broken in yet. Evil Genius seals a welcome relief after having to frequently strip and service the Mars after wet rides. What more can I say, BUY THIS FORK, NO OTHER. Manitou really got this fork right. Ideal for any XC racer or enthusiast with the capital to buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrell
a Racer
from Round Mountain, NV Date Reviewed: March 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Thunder Mtn, Utah
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
T-Rix Mtn Bikes, Elko, NV
Strengths:
Strong and stiff, lightweight, plush, great damping.
Weaknesses:
Post mount for disc brakes instead of IS (international standard). No remote lockout for the handlebars (yet).
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox, Marzocchi, RST
Bike Setup:
2003 Titus Racer X with full XTR dual control disc package.
Bottom Line:
Great fork. If I hadn't put the air in it myself I wouldn't believe it's an air fork. It's as plush as my Marzocchi Z1 Bam and that's saying a lot. I've only had it for a couple of weeks but I've already put 150 hard miles on it. I just got back from 3 days of riding in Boulder City and Las Vegas at Bootleg Canyon and Blue Diamond / Cottonwood. Bootleg offers the gnarliest, rough, twisty singletrack with tight switchbacks, exposed lava rock and lots of rollers and g-outs. This put the fork through a serious workout and it performed flawlessly. I'm 195lbs and there is no lateral flex that I can detect. Front to rear flex is very minimal and can only be seen on severe stutter bumps. The rebound damping is great with a huge noticeable difference in settings. I'd recommend this as the ultimate race fork on the market right now. I'm just waiting for a remote lockout.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Racer Z
a Racer
from Federal Way, WA USA Date Reviewed: March 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Victor Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
Phils South Side Cyclery
Strengths:
Light but very stiff for a race fork. There are simply no other forks at this weight that are this plush and strong. The ride quality will leave you shaking your head and wondering how they did it!
Weaknesses:
Plastic lock-out control looks cheap on an otherwise high quality fork. Since this is competing with the RockShox Sids, how about a handlebar lockout kit Answer?
While not made for free riding and big drops at 80mm of travel, this fork is great for racing xc, and all around trail riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from St Paul, MN Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$246.00
Purchased At:
Answer Manitou prodeal
Strengths:
Lateral Rigidity (due to Reverse Arch) Smooth throughout travel Shipped ready to ride... excellent quality control Easy to set up Not to mention the vanity factor... the thing's gorgeous!
Weaknesses:
So far, so good... will post if I notice anything
Similar Products Used:
RS SID XC (2001), Judy Race (2001), SID Carbon (2002), SID Race (2003- 1 week demo), SID WC w rmt lockout (2003- demo only), Duke XC (2002, demo only); Marz. Marathon S (2003) Manitou Mars Super (2002), Mars Coil (2002), Black (2002) Fox (2002, demo only)
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn Homegrown Comp, King classic/x515 wheels, XT fd, cassette and crank/bb, XTR rd, Avid Black-ops levers and rim-brakes, Egg beater S, rest is stock as sold except for the star of the show, my candy-red Skareb
Bottom Line:
I've been looking at forks since I bought my homegrown in 2001. It came with a Judy Race, which worked, but was flexy and had poor adjustments. I've ridden many RS forks and all had one thing in common: FLEX!! With the exception of the Duke, all of RS's XC oriented forks flex like noodles in ruts and corners. Marzocchi's, while stiffer and smooth as hell (especially the coil models), suffer from their ancestors in motorcycle suspension, and as a result are very heavy.
I got a pro-deal from Manitou as soon as the new Skarab came out in November. Wow!! While it definitely has the feel of an air shock, and is not as smooth as Marzocchi's forks, it sucks up bumps as well as most any other. The lockout is easy to operate, and, while not as convenient as remote, it does the job well and works every time. So far, good but nothing special...
The Skareb starts to stand out in its rebound damping ability, which is easily micro-adjusted with the turn of a dial. Manitou's TPC continues to be (in my opinion) among the best systems available for rebound damping (Fox may be close). It's been the smoothest overall ride I've had on an air shock, ever.
However, you forget all this when it comes to really rutted or rocky terrain, when your front end is getting jack-hammered into the trail and suddenly it's time to turn. Then the real strength of this shock becomes clear: This is without a doubt the most latterally stiff lightweight fork I've tried. Period. I don't usually buy into marketing hype, but Manitou's reverse-arch delivers in a big way. While RS has improved the SID WC for this year, it's still nowhere near as stiff as the Skareb. Yes, it's light and fancy, but why spend twice as much cash, when all you get is a slightly lighter shock with less adjustment (RS rebound seems to stick to being either on, off or middle) and way more flex? The blackbox steerer/crown may help, but reverse arch leaves it in the dust.
In my opinion, the Skareb Super is the best XC racing fork available. It's lightweight (mine came in at a hair under 3lbs cut), smooth as butter, and stiffer than, well, me thinking about it. It's so stiff it revealed flex in my front wheel I'd never noticed. It was so dramatic I bought a new wheelset for a more uniform feel up front.
Bottom line: If you're more concerned with handling and suspension performance than shaving each and every gram (and spending mega bux to do so), you will find no fork more worthy than the new Skareb. I'd have gladly payed full retail if I had to, even if I could still prodeal the best from RS or Marzocchi. 5 hot condiments for value, and I'd give it 6 for overall performance if I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wall gecko
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
great ride, smooth. light.
Weaknesses:
none
Bottom Line:
get it. the best feel for weight and performance
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Cochran
a Cross Country Rider
from Barnesville, Ga Date Reviewed: February 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Dauset Trail, Jackson, Ga
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
Bike Center, Stockbridge Georgia
Strengths:
Smooth and light. A lot cheaper than the Rock Shox SID, plus a lockout.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi EXR
Bike Setup:
2003 Giant XTC frame, XTR Drive train thoughout, Thompson post and stem, Terry Fly Gel Saddle, Easton monkey light bar, Avid Hayes Disk Breaks
Bottom Line:
I have only ridden with this fork a couple of times but it is really smooth and responsive. A lot better than my Marzocchi EXR. The fork is a great buy with the weight of 3.1lbs and a lockout. Also the guys at the Bike Center were great. If anything changes with the fork I will put in another review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Beeson
a Racer
from Bluff City, TN, USA Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Steeles Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Employee Purchase from Answer
Strengths:
Fantastic improvements in rigidity from the previous Mars models. Slippery travel compression and very effective lockout. My fork(disc-only model) weighs in below 3lbs with a cut steerer tube. The is THE fork to buy if you race cross-country in addition to all-round trail riding. Easy maintaince and superb support from Answer.
Weaknesses:
The plastic lockout is kinda cheesy. A metal or carbon cap would be a much better subsitute.
Similar Products Used:
01' Manitou Mars Super, 01' Rockshox SID CC(Hated it), 02' Marzocchi Atom Race 100(not bad, but heavy!)
Bike Setup:
2001 Yeti ARC, full XTR, Hope Mini's, Bontrager Race Mod. Wheelset, Smattering of Ti, and the marvelous Skareb Super
Bottom Line:
Again, an excellent fork for racing and cross-country riding. There simply are no downsides to this fork: Low weight, stiff handling, excellent seals, maximum adjustability(except for damping...you have to remove the lockout to adjust that), semi-oil bath smoothness, and great service from Answer/Manitou. After about three months of flogging in a wide range of conditions, I am thourghly(sp) satified.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, Or. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: December 11, 2002
So far a great fork. Seems as stiff as the Atom 80 it replaced but substantially lighter. Looks like routine maintenance will be higher going by the manual. In some vague way it doesn't feel quite as solid as the Atom 80 but it's not a stiffness issue and it's a very slight and vague impression. Probably just the lighter weight of the fork itself showing up in a slightly different feel but all in all if this fork turns out to be reliable, it's a real winner. Mine came in at 3.2 lbs according to Universal. That was uncut and I can't vouch for the accuracy of their scale. Also, Manitou talks about a break in period but there is less stiction on this fork new than there is on my Z-1 well broken in. It travels seemingly without effort. With normal discounting [substantial already], this is a great fork for the money. Good for racers that want to save weight or all around trail use. Only small quibble. Would like a different design lockout knob as it's caught my gloves a couple of times. They are knit type glove liners and most other gloves wouldn't have this problem. No big deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Racer
from mission viejo, ca, USA Date Reviewed: December 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
gabrielino (pasadena, ca)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
WAY stiffer than the Rock Shox SID. This fork is also light and plush (two words that usually don't go together). The lock out is awesome and Manitou's new evil genious seals make for a totally cushy and stiction-free ride.
Weaknesses:
weaknesses? Well, maybe they could make the lock out knob something else besides plastic. Then it would look a little better.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID team and world cup(flexy as hell) marzocchi marathon (air sux but new coil S should be nice)
Bike Setup:
Dean steel singlespeed frame with eccentric BB and cool stuff. Set up for fun riding and racing.
Bottom Line:
Great fork for racing or riding. Both of my Skarebs (i have them on my SS and hardtail) weigh in at 2.8 lbs with the steer tube cut. I initially got one for my race bike knowing it was close to the SID in weight but hoping it was a little stiffer with the reverse arch and all. It ended up being a million times nicer than the SID for racing, riding or anything. My opinion: the skareb super is one of the best forks out for '03 when you take everything (weight, performance, lateral stiffness, maintenance and especially price) into consideration.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Meof
a
from AL Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff, lockout, light.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rock shox duke xc, lefty DLR, lefty carbon, headshock
Bike Setup:
XT/LX specialized M4, thomson stem & seatpost, chris king headset
Bottom Line:
Great fork. feels plush. If you race and want a skareb, GET LOCKOUT(super model), youll die from all the bobbing on climbs. Plus its a great price for a quality fork with lockout!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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