All new for 2004, the Axel family is designed to provide new levels of high performance and high value. Features include 28.6 mm stanchions, convertible travel, hydraulic damping and a Manitou RA casting for ultimate stiffness without extra weight.
Submitted by
tru biker
a Cross Country Rider
from Poland Date Reviewed: October 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
medium distance journeys
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
general sport shop
Strengths:
No problems still after a year+, riding in bad weather and winter, daily use. No leaks, nice sound when rebounding ;) Makes the job done. Things like riding down the steps a bit difficult but possible.
Weaknesses:
I'm 75 kgs and feel it to be way too hard with no chance of softening the fork. Eats bumps okay, does not "fill the gaps" however, often it's unpleasant. I often do the stoppie and the fork starts to get tired of it :) so it's not very stiff down there. Shortening travel from 100 to 80 should not affect the stiffness, but it does. Due to internals fork gets uncomfortably hard in cold.
Similar Products Used:
none to speak of
Bike Setup:
Cube entry-line full suspension, almost everything still stock
Bottom Line:
This OEM fork has driven over 7 000 km by now, all kinds of weather were approached. Always serviced on time, lubricating etc. and the fork does not seem to be decreasing its performance. Always revitalized after fresh lube.
Do not expect too much and it won't fail. Well, I could recommend it... but, you know, better save some money and get some better stuff... especially in my quite a good bike Axel Comp is definitely the weak point. I'm replacing it soon with a kick-ass 66 or similar one.
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Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks OK at first
Weaknesses:
Locks out in cold weather. Does not have the full 100mm travel when warmed up either
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox J2 on a friends bike, Some comfort forks on a hybrid bike
Bike Setup:
Avanti Montari 2006 model - good, light, strong frame and quality components - the forks let it down.
Bottom Line:
Avoid the Axel Comp 100mm - If buying the Avanti Montari Mtn bike get them to fit a better quality fork, particularly if you ride in cold weather.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a Downhiller
from usa Date Reviewed: March 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great ride, soothing sound, and doesnt top out. period.
Weaknesses:
not enough travel
Similar Products Used:
fox float r
Bike Setup:
full suspension, 18 inch frame, raleigh ram 4.0
Bottom Line:
the [erfect shock all around but needs more travel that's why im upgrading to the manitou black super rtwd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodrigo Stefoni
a Weekend Warrior
from Santiago, Chile Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lagunillas
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$12000.00
Purchased At:
Falabella
Strengths:
Looks Good
Weaknesses:
Its too soft,
Similar Products Used:
RST Mozo Pro
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 2005
Bottom Line:
The fort is definitelly too soft. I ride the weekend on normal MTB trails and this fork is driving me nuts. It bounces all around. I am definitelly going to try to upgrade to 100mm or to harder spring, but i dont think I should start fidling with a fork just after few weeks of purchase. Hope it gets better after the upgrade.
Just one flamin chilli.
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Submitted by
phxrider
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az, usa Date Reviewed: December 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
trail 100
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
orig equip on Jamis Dakar
Strengths:
smooth travel, fluid damped, 100mm travel
Weaknesses:
fluid leaked at top cap
Similar Products Used:
rock shok, k2, marzocchi
Bike Setup:
mostly stock Jamis Dakar
Bottom Line:
I like this fork. I've read some of the other reviews and it seems like heavier riders and those using the 80mm setting don't like them. I'm only 130 lbs and have the 100mm version and they're really nice forks. The only problem was they leaked, and Performance Bike in Scottsdale AZ didn't want to deal with it. They kept telling me it was normal. I called Answer products [parent company of Manitou] and asked them if it's normal. Of course they said no, told me to send them back, they [answer] fixed for free (except shipping to them) and now they don't leak and work fine. I've owned and used other forks, from really crummy Element racing crap to Marzocchi Jr T, and for recreational cross-country the manitou axel comp is a very nice 100mm fork for lighter weight riders, and Manitou fixed the leak under warranty.
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Submitted by
jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Netti atom
Strengths:
Oil Dampening, 80 or 100 mm travel, not to soft (i'm around 65 kgs)soaks up bumps well
Weaknesses:
keep having to grease stanchions, adjustments don't work too well
Similar Products Used:
some sr suntour things (way too soft)
Bike Setup:
Stock 03 Diamondback Sorrento with these forks aftermarket
Bottom Line:
Great replacement fork when you don't have a lot of money to spend. Performs well for me but with more money may have gone elswhere
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Submitted by
N.B.GAS
a Cross Country Rider
from LAS VEGAS, NV. Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
NASHBAR .com
Strengths:
This is for the AXEL COMP 100mm...has'nt bottom'd out... Didnt have to add kit...Price was right...A little flex with V's, but a booster took care of that! Travel adjuster works!
Weaknesses:
NO LOCK-OUT...
Similar Products Used:
ROCK-SHOX: JETT, JUDY...RST OMEGA SL 100mm...
Bike Setup:
05"LEADER 516H: SRAM X-7...RACE-FACE PRODIGY...NO shimano! ALEX RIMS...MICHELIN's...AVID...WTB...PLANET-X...OURY!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This fork works! Maybe the 80mm version SUCKS! But the 100mm worked just fine and only gets better after brake-in period. SO SHUT-UP and BUY ONE!!!
TIME TO RIDE! ...PEACE...
5 FOR COST........4 CAUSE IT IS WHAT IT IS!.................
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Submitted by
Jay
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura Date Reviewed: July 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
It allowed my front tire to roll on the ground. It also allowed me to steer left or right.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, weak, and too soft. I bottomed out quite a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett,
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000 with some major upgrades such as XT front and XTR rear derailleurs. Stem, handlebar, seatpost are all bontrager. Mavic crossmax wheelset.
Bottom Line:
I replaced this fork after a few rides on the trail and around town because I didnt feel comfortable ridin such a spongy fork. I bottomed just tryin to pre load to pull the front wheel to onto something. On the trails i'd hit a rut and would almost go over the handle bars or fly forward and smack my "boys" on the stem. This is a good fork for those who don't do much trail riding and arent concerned with having a good quality fork. I knew what i was buying and wasn't too terribly surprised of the performance. I was surprised at weak they were on trails though. If you anywhere near 180 don't buy this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: July 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sportchek
Strengths:
Preload adjust works...absorbs bumps...works...
Weaknesses:
Break in period can cause some oil to get pulled up after a compression
Fork came stock with my new bike. i don't do drops or any of that crazy stuff. But I've run down a flight of ~70 stairs almost nonstop, hit roots and other small obstacles through the city and beginner-intermediate mtb trails, and seems to work fine. Don't think i've been able to bottom out the shocks yet, although i've jumped up and down and bounced the bike, never made it all the black disappear. During the first month compressions seemed to drag some fluid up, but since then its stopped. Doesn't seem to be spectacular, but its probably round 100bucks, but sure isn't a piece of crap.
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Submitted by
Al
a Cross Country Rider
from Garden City, MI Date Reviewed: November 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
yes
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Looks good, gives a place for the front wheel to go
Weaknesses:
Bouncy, bottoms out easily
Bike Setup:
K2 hardtail w/ some upgrades
Bottom Line:
What a disappointing fork! It bounces all over the place and bottoms out easily. Heaven forbid you take the thing out on the trail because any rock or root will have you fighting to keep control of your bike, or flying off of it. I compare it to putting a pogo stick on the front.
Sure, I've read the other reviews that suggest that a fork change or the 80-100 conversion make a difference, which I do intend to try, but that won't affect my scores. I simply feel that I should not have to open up my fork and spend a bunch of time working on it to get good performance, period. Dealing with adjustments and dials, yes. Open heart surgury, no.
Oh, and I forgot that it leaks a bit now, too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nate
a Cross Country Rider
from Gardnerville, NV Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
big daddy's LBS
Strengths:
cheap.
Weaknesses:
Leaks like a fifty cent squirtgun. The first one was leaking on the showroom floor, second one leaked after a 5 mile ride on a bike path.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID - vastly better and more $$
Bike Setup:
stock trek fuel 70 - OEM Fork
Bottom Line:
Don't go anywhere near this fork if you can help it. It leaks and is way soft. There is also not much adjustment potential. This is a good product for folks that buy bikes but don't actually ride. 1 chili
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Karl Yik
a Cross Country Rider
from London, UK Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
good value for money, looks cool
Weaknesses:
Lots of plastic inside, not easy to convert to 100mm
Bottom Line:
Came with my bike, initial impressions are its very bouncy, but then again this is my first mtb! Tried to convert it to 100mm but stopped halfway as I realised I didnt have some huge great big allen key required.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Gaithersburg, MD Date Reviewed: April 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Schaffer Farm
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$109.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Great value for the price; dependable product; sturdy; easy to follow instructions for installation
Weaknesses:
a little soft
Similar Products Used:
first set of suspension forks
Bike Setup:
Trek 920
Bottom Line:
For me the product has been great. This is my first set of suspension forks. I have an older bike and I did not want to invest a lot of money. I mainly ride on the weekends. I am not hitting major drop offs. Mainly, I am hitting a lot of roots, logs, rocks, etc. I am 6'2" and 200 lbs and the bottom line is that they are great suspension forks for the price. I am completely satisfied with the product and would recommend it to anyone in need of a solid entry level set of suspension forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guido Del Giudice
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
After increasing the travel to 100mm: plush, comfy ride plenty of adjustment options
Weaknesses:
lots of plasticky bits
Similar Products Used:
RoxShox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Scott Racing Comp hard tail
Bottom Line:
As per the comment above I was very unhappy with this fork at first. I weigh 175 lbs and the fork would bottom out often and felt notchy and bounced all over the place. My instruction manual was for the 2003 model and I had to email Manitou to get the right instructions. Aftre easily changing the travel to 100mm the fork is transformed...plush ride, no more bouncing around, tracks well and no more bottoming out . I thought I would need a firmer spring with the travel increased to 100mm but it is working really well. Overall I am happy with this fork...I hope it lasts. Email me if u need instructions on how to change the travel on the 2004 fork at gdg@iafrica.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Lincoln, Nebraska Date Reviewed: March 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Mopac-Murdock
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Looks and price
Weaknesses:
Spring installed from factory to weak. Checked on firmer spring with Answer Products, did not list extra firm spring for this fork, called me back with a ride kit number that would work. Had to order it through local dealer. Could not use 80mm to 100mm adjuster after installing an extra firm spring, had to use the metal cap supplied with the $30 kit. (top of spring to small in diameter to use adjuster, alot smaller). After changing the spring I noticed my fork had a lot of dead space at the top of its rebound travel and made a banging noise. Had to have my local dealer add a shim for $15 (Spring was to short), still makes banging noise but not as loud.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
2002 Norco Nitro - Shimano XT Drive Train and Derailleurs, Avid 7 Brakes, Scram Rocket Shifters, Rhyno Lite XL Rims
Bottom Line:
Spent $135 total on this fork. Should have saved my money and purchased the better fork I had looked at,cost on it was $185. It is a good fork for the weekend rider under 170 lbs. Not so good for myself, a daily year around cross country rider at 6'1" 205 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Susuk
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Smooth and bottomless after 100mm conversion, available firm spring kit is just right for a 185-pounder like me, rebound damping works pretty well
Weaknesses:
Factory springs are way too soft, notchy and easy to bottom out at the 80mm setting, no rebound damping adjustment except by oil weight, internals are mostly soft, cheesy plastic, no available documentation for 80->100mm conversion (the instructions for the 2003 version aren't the same)
Bike Setup:
'04 Rockhopper, stock except for WTB Velociraptors front and rear
Bottom Line:
I was ready to chuck this fork out in favor of something different ... it came with my Rockhopper, and a few runs on some rooty singletrack made me curse at its penchant for bouncing and bottoming out at the slightest drop. Its extreme softness also made the front end of my bike exceptionally unstable.
However, the Internet came to my rescue once again, and saved my wallet the pain of forking out (pun intended) for new front suspension. Upon learning that the shock was easily converted to a longer 100mm travel and that there were firm spring kits available, I decided that $20 and a bit of elbow grease wasn't too steep a price a pay for a little experimentation.
The firm spring went in easily enough. However, my frustration began when I discovered that the 80 to 100mm conversion procedure Answer gives on their website is only applicable to the 2003 Axel. I ended up ripping the entire damn thing apart to get at the adjustment clips, only to be greeted by fragile plastic bits that could only be pried off by brute force applied with a pair of pliers. All I can say to the folks willing to go through with this mess is to be the hell careful - one false move, and the whole thing is toast. Two hours of cursing and grease-slinging later, it was done.
The results were spectacular. All of things that drove me nuts about the fork were no longer problems - if the fork lasts, I'd be happy to use it until the bike fell apart. It's now smooth, well damped, nearly bottomless, and pleasantly firm even with a porker like me sitting on top of it.
Anyway, if you're finding your Axel Comp to be a little less than spectacular, try doing the conversion and replacing the spring before spending beaucoup bux0rs on something different. Just be gentle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from S. Florida Date Reviewed: January 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Great Value. Easy to switch spring. Easy to maintain. Can adjust rebound externally. Stiff.
Weaknesses:
Stock springs were way too soft. I weigh 195lbs. Within first week I switched to the firm spring. Very easy to do though and made the fork lose its mushy feel.
No lockout, then again sub $100
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Quadra 10, Judy XC, Manitou Spyder
Bike Setup:
94 Raleigh MT400
Bottom Line:
For the price this is a great fork. I can't expect more from a < $100 fork. I did have to spend an extra 25 on a firm spring (that's why the 4 for value). Fork makers should realize that not all riders are not all 160 pounds and start to offer forks with different springs. Yet, it was extremely easy to install the new spring.
I always judge a product by weather or not I would buy it again given the opportunity. In this case, for the same price, I would purchase it.
Overall a 4, no lockout and things can always get better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Ramero Canyon, SB
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$129.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
It looks like a big boy shock with great stickers.
Weaknesses:
It's mushy like a marshmallow and makes my bike ride like a Winabego.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock Judy XC and other Manitou forks.
Bike Setup:
Cross country Schwinn S-10 from 1997. (Don't Laugh, it's fast and light!)
Bottom Line:
I weight 175 and this is absolutely the worst fork ever. It is too soft. When I ride my bike bobs up and down with each stroke and my lizard skins squeak. I am going to put my 6 year old Rock Shock Judy back on. I'd return it if I hadn't cut the stem. I've e-mailed Answer products to find out where I can get stronger springs....we'll see! If they are smart they will have a post purchase crisis team assembled for this problem. They've lost this customer. I should have read the reviews for the 2003s.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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