For 2004, Blacks are not only better than ever - they’re a better value too. Packed with features such as our new Rapid Travel Wind Down no spring rate change travel adjustment, our TPC Lockout damping system, and the latest generation Reverse Arch magnesium casting, the new Black Platinum has a Thoroughbred’s pedigree at a workhorse price. Elsewhere in the line, the Super offers the same high-end damping system mated to a significantly lighter air spring. Frugal and discerning riders, look no further
Submitted by
Steven S
a Cross Country Rider
from St Louis MO Date Reviewed: March 21, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Castlewood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
LIGHT, lots of adjustments, high quality fit/finish
Weaknesses:
Flexy
Similar Products Used:
Man. Axel Comp
Bike Setup:
Fisher Pirahna, XT drive, XT brakes, race lite wheels ect.
Bottom Line:
This is a whole lot of fork for your hard earned $$$$. It's not as stiff as a Fox or light as a SID, but you would spend 2x the cash on either of those choices. I have a SPV valve in my fork, it is almost infinitely adjustable (except no lockout). Air spring, rebound, hi/low speed compression they all work and work very well. My 120mm travel version has very long legs and tends to flex on hard hits, but you really can't beat this fork for the price. Oh yeah, no leaks after 1.5 years of service riding trails, XC, bike paths and urban jungles.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cole
a Weekend Warrior
from Dewey, AZ Date Reviewed: February 15, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Very tunable, plush ride, good looking, can take small and big hits. Very nice ride!!!
Weaknesses:
Stickers fall off, leaks oil easily, had many waranty problems.
Similar Products Used:
FOX float R, Manitou Axil, Manitou Minute (1,2,3), Manitou splice, Rock shox (pilot, judy, pike), Marzocchi EXR comp air.
Bike Setup:
Jamis XLT 05 frame, FOX float R rear, Mavic F217 rims, WTB wearwolf 2.5 tires, SRAM (X-9, X-Gen, X-0 gripshifts), Crank Brothers Mallet C platform pedals, Manitou Black Platinum fork.
Bottom Line:
One of the greatest riding forks ever!!! BUUUUTTTT, Ive had three major problems: the compresion dampaning had to be replaced twice and the rebound had to be replaced once. All this in two years. This was a 04 model but I bought it new in 05. Maybe its the year? Either way great buy as long as you can get your local bike shop to intervene for the waranty issues.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Edward Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Germantown, Md Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Wakefield
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Weight, adjustability/features, Rebound adjustment is a nice thing to have
Weaknesses:
the buttons are plastic
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox J1
Bike Setup:
XC Hardtail
Bottom Line:
Great shocks period.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G. Cruz
a Weekend Warrior
from Portugal Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Oporto XIX century
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Came with the bike
Strengths:
Full adjustments Sincere behaviour with any kind of set up - The rider always knows what to expect.
Weaknesses:
None so far. I was told it tends to bend along it’s axle (torque) easily! Haven’t felt it yet! The graphics do come off… a bit - Not to the extents of pealing – But Yes : They ARE just stickers! Leaking oil????? Breaking arch? Never crossed my mind! Are you guys serious? Should I be worried?!? :(
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi EXR Supra 04, Suntour XC Pro
Bike Setup:
Canyon Bikes FX4000: LX,XT group 04, Magura Julie 04, Magura Swinger 3 way 38mm, all Iridum components (seat post,etc.)
Bottom Line:
Bottom line it is “adequate”! A word I think should be used more often on MTB, and why not, on most mechanic apparatus. After all you shouldn’t buy a screwdriver to bang on nails. My bike is an “all-around”; “aggressive XC” bike. Not a race bike, a dirt bike, a DH bike or a BMX. I only have money and patience for ONE bike. So I wanted the funniest and more multi-task I could find. One has to compromise! It’s not the best 80mm XC fork on the market, nor the best 120mm Enduro fork. It’s simply a multi task, plain middle of the Manitou chart, Black fork. It’s soft and lightweight in every sense. How come that on this same thread of posts, some 200lbs guys say that the fork takes it all? When others with 140lbs, want to throw the black platinum into the trash? Do they all “land” the same way? Do they all have FS frames? Don’t think so. I consider myself lightweight. If you’re not, read the posts from the big guys, and give it some thought. I’m 154lbs, and it works a bit on the soft side!
You can have an extreme style riding if you keep in mind what you have between your legs – And by that I mean the Bike, guys! :) Don’t let the 120mm fool you! It is still XC!!!! And again, by the 120mm I mean the fork, guys!!!! But again, if what you wanted was a Sherman, a Nixon, or just even a Minute, why the hell did you buy the Black? I tell you why - $$$$ - Me to! I would go for the bike with the Minute, just by looking at the fork!!!! But again – One has to compromise! I’m 154lbs (70Kg), 5.42ft (1,67m), and ride a full suspension S frame (16,5in) – I must stick to it!
Manitou with the Black platinum gives the consumer (some of us at least) what he wants: - Lightweight, soft responsive 1st bit of the travel and progressive until the bottom; TPC keeps it real doing what he must when it suddenly gets rough. - 90mm for fast XC and "up the hill", - Lockout for urban and road parts specially climbing. The gadget is so soft (too soft actually) you can change it with one finger while riding. No need for remote! - 120mm for your back and ass health on “down the hill” trails (NO REAL DH - on your dreams pal!). Just mountain gaps and drops or urban obstacles like stairs and fat curves. - One finger on the fly adjusts (TPC/preload and lockout while riding), rebound (bottom of the leg – one must get off the bike, LOL), for the travel I’m afraid two fingers are needed (bit boring- twist, twist, twist – Now perhaps more exciting with IT 2005)
In conclusion: They give the “Prosumer” everything he wants on ONE simple, smart package. What do you want more? SPV?
Adapt your ridding style or change the fork, but don’t kill the messenger (Manitou)!
NOTE: Gave 4 for the fair price (comparing) and 5 because it is ADEQUATE. (Not the best fork ever for sure, but that’s not the point)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darrin J
a Weekend Warrior
from Irvine, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Luge
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Travel adjust, lockout
Weaknesses:
WEAK! WEAK! Weak!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy TT
Bike Setup:
The Manitou Black Platinum came stock on my 2004 Specialized Enduro Comp . . . At the time it broke, everything was stock on my bike.
Bottom Line:
I had the fork and bike for about 6 months when the fork started leaking oil everywhere. Up to that point, I was only doing some moderate cross country riding in Orange County (Santiago, Aliso-Wood, Whiting Ranch, Peters Canyon), and only going about once or twice a week. I'm only 140 pounds and don't do gnarly downhill riding, so I can't imagine this fork is good for anyone who does more than that. After I blew out the catridge, Manitou fixed it for free and I didn't even have to pay for shipping, which was cool. I have since upgraded to a 2005 Fox Talas RLC, which is 100% better. Know anyone who wants a rebuilt Manitou Black Platinum? Let me know.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael No Name
a
from Marquette, MI Date Reviewed: June 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
NONE
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING
Bottom Line:
How do you spell POS? Oil leak like all the other postings. I wish they had negative chillis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Merkley
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
West Fork
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Barries Sports
Strengths:
Light, Sweet feel, Nice and adjustable, extrememly reliable, good size stanchions, has never bottomed out(I weigh 145), I could go on........
Weaknesses:
I really don't see that there are any........
Similar Products Used:
RS Duke, several Zoke forks, Fox Vanilla R
Bike Setup:
1st Bike: Trek 04 4500 hardtail, XT FD, Kinetics Tires, Manitou Black Platinum 04. 2nd Bike: 05 Jamis Dakar XLT, Fox Vanilla R fork, Everything Stock.
Bottom Line:
I love my black platinum. To me, it feels the same as the vanilla R, but with travel adjustment, compression adjustment, rebound adjustment, and a lockout. I read in a couple other reviews that people have had problems with the knobs, but I doubt they knew what to do for sure. Initially, I had the same trouble, however, a simple tightening and realignment of the top screws was all it took. It sounds like no one else understood that you can't simply crank down on the screws, you have to align them. I have had nothing but good experiences with this fork. I ride Idaho, so you can bet it's seen some gnarly stuff. Too bad the highest rank you can give is a 5, caus I'd give it a 1 million if I could. This fork is sweet and don't believe for a second that it isn't good for racing XC. Wind it down to 90, up the compression damping and you've got one heck of a XC fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Vickerstaff
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands, Scotland Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bad na Scalaig
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
Initially very plush, great upgrade to my previous rig of Suntour fork on Diamondback hardtail
Weaknesses:
Similar to previous posting, just 5 rides use and now I have only half travel and the fork bottoms out on anything more than a small hit, independent of compression setting. Pretty scary development 4 miles from the road on the gnarliest local trail.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stock Spesh Enduro Comp 2004
Bottom Line:
Depends on Manitou's customer support response in the UK. Given this is Easter weekend I have not tried them yet. Watch this space.... Got a great deal on last year's Enduro so better value rating than overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SexyPlexi
a Weekend Warrior
from Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: January 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$480.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
*Seems like a lot of fork for the money. *The travel is excellent, plush from day 1. *The negative springs do a great job of completely eliminating top out. *Its also a very light for for the travel, and very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
*The damping cartridge has given me nothing but problems, its been repaired twice by Manitou. *I also had a crack near the arch, but this may have happened during shipping of the fork to/from Manitou. *The cheap plastic knobs would have broken off if given enough time. I dont know why they put that cheap crap on a fork like this.
Similar Products Used:
1997 Z2 bomber - which is STILL going strong on my hardtail! A 2004 Float rlt 100
Bottom Line:
I went from riding a 1997 Kona Explosif with a Z2 bomber for the last 7 years, to a new Kona Bear with the Black Platinum. Apart from normal oil seal issues, I've never had a problem with my old Z2, and its still going strong on the old hardtail.
The Black has been a real pain in comparison. About 4 or 5 rides after I bought the bike, the fork was bottoming out at half travel and the compression adjustment didn't work at all. I sent the fork back to Manitou, and got new all new lowers, presumably the cartridge failed.
Once the fork was repaired, a couple rides later oil started leaking from the rebound adjustment on the bottom of the fork. So the bikeshop sent it back to Manitou again. The cartridge was replaced for a second time.
My riding style is pretty smooth, and these problems are certainly not from abuse. I don't do stunts or large drops or anything, I ride agressive xc and enjoy the occasional epic, which this fork should easily handle. I'm also under 200 pounds, so that shouldn't be an issue.
I've always liked the smoothness of the fork (when its working), but its just not reliable. I'll probably buy a Marzocchi fork to replace this one. Too bad, the Black seemed like a great lightweight 5 inch fork.
I checked the reviews on this page before buying the fork, and I didn't see any problems like I've experienced.
At least Manitou customer service seems to work quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Katerba
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarkdale, Arizona, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Submarine Rock Loop in Sedona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Absolute Bikes, Sedona AZ
Strengths:
Hey, its all better than a Rock Shox Judy TT. I like the lock out and travel adjustment.
Weaknesses:
I bought it on a rental bike so the stickers were thrashed and the fork leaked a whee bit o oil on my first ride. Spring felt a little soft and im only 130 lbs.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Comp
Bottom Line:
Sweet compared to anything else ive tried. If you weigh more youll probably want a more stiff spring. Good for rough XC. Too much travel for racing XC
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: October 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Blue Hills
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
On my enduro
Strengths:
Plush ride on the downhills without much bob on the uphill. Awesomely adjustable
Weaknesses:
The lockout & rebound plastic handle thingies are way too easy to turn: twice the lockout has engaged without me touching it(must have brushed it against something?) and once the rebound moved to the highest setting and my hands were shaking at the bottom of the run!
Sweet fork, awesomely adjustable, too bad tightening the allen screws on the controls doesn't make them harder to turn(I tried).
Small stuff aside, I couldn't be more pleased uphill or down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ralph Ralph
a Racer
from Brookfield Date Reviewed: September 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
flowbee
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
cycle loft
Strengths:
-quality for the price -lockout -RTWD -Travel
Weaknesses:
-stickers -to soft -flexes to much
Similar Products Used:
marz drop off 2, marz z1 fr, judy tt(crap), sherman firefly
Bike Setup:
04 Specialized Enduro to many extra to list
Bottom Line:
This is a good fork for the money. It could use a little more tavel only 120mm mainly because im more into freeriding. A very solid XC fork if thats all you use it for. Im selling this fork to get the 05 sherman firefly because that fork kicks ass. I wouldnt spend your money on this fork but if your a light XC rider it would be a good fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Trail 100
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
- 120 mm travel, coil spring (air is fine, but nothing beats the feel of a coil), RTWD - Weight - not bad for a 120mmm coil with TPC and lockout
Weaknesses:
- Comes with soft spring (Cust Service says its a Medium, but it is not). Maybe they put the soft in to keep the weight down. Soft is worthless for most riders, especially me at 220lbs I am getting the firm kit, hope it is enought since the x-firm is not available for the Platinum. - Stickers (ruined when instlling a cyclometer) - read reviews of the 03 and 02 models - same thing - wake up Manitou!!! - RTWD(I would prefer the Rapid Travel Adjust II (top mount) - Lock out/ compression adjustment - I have only riden a few times put this knob is cheap plastic and once moved into the lockout position, but did not lockout.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou XSR, RoxkShox Duke XC 100 air
Bike Setup:
2002 Stumpjumper, lots of upgrades, including BETD long travel rear link
Bottom Line:
Not bad so far. If money was not a factor I would have opted for a Marzocchi MX Pro or Marathon 120 SL or a Manitou Minute 1 or 3.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pookie
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything on dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Packed full of features, great design, love the rapid travel wind down and lock out feature. and fairly cheap.
Weaknesses:
Decals.. Decals.. Don't know why they even put them on in the first place, they just peel off so easy. When turning the rapid travel knob the numbers move when you turn it so it's out of whack.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox forks
Bottom Line:
Since I have owned the forks for such a short time, time will tell if I have any problems but judging from everyone elses reviews these forks will last me awhile. Happy riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Norm H
a Cross Country Rider
from Kalamazoo Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Ridge Sports
Strengths:
Everything! Very light...easy lock-out
Weaknesses:
stickers...took them off. No big deal.
Similar Products Used:
RS DukeSL/Race, MarzMX
Bike Setup:
Tomak Thrasher
Bottom Line:
Very solid fork that eats up roots, rocks, 4foot drops and I even took it downhill a few times with no problems. I did get the firm springs put in. Easy to use lock-out and adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett Hunt
a Racer
from Richmond, Virginia, USA Date Reviewed: August 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All of 'em!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$260.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike with coupon
Strengths:
TPC Lockout, easy spring swaps, 74mm post mount system, rapid travel wind down, cheap!
Weaknesses:
Stickers come off easily, lockout can break if you are a moron like me and turn the knob too far. Don't turn it past the point where it gets hard, or else you may break the lockout!
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Hardtail XC, mostly XT components with some RaceFace thrown in the mix...
Bottom Line:
I had a lockout problem when I first got the fork, but that was solely because of my stupidity. I turned the lockout knob too far (after the knob started to get stiff). As always, Performance RMA procedure was great, sent me a new one free of charge and reimbursed me for shipping. New fork lockout work s perfectly!!
The RTWD knowb worked fine for me. However, you do need to read the manual in order to know how to read it.
Spring swaps are a neccessity for people who aren't 130-150 lbs. I am upgrading to the Firm ride springs because I weigh 185 lbs.
Awesome fork overall!
5 chili's because of the low price ($260), 4 flamin chili's because Manitou installs the soft springs as stock instead of the medium ones.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason W
a Weekend Warrior
from winthro Date Reviewed: August 2, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
JD Sports
Strengths:
Everything! Lock out is awesome and easy...springs easy to change.
Weaknesses:
Stickers. Stock Springs.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas
Bike Setup:
Kona Cinder
Bottom Line:
Very solid and reliable fork. I don't know about the guy who posted below me, but it seems most of us agree that the only thing thats sucks are the stickers. I've taken 5ft drops and I'm 220lbs! No problems at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Racer
from mountain view, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$349.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
not very heavy...thats about it
Weaknesses:
everything..loackout, knobs, springs....EVERYTHING SUCKS... ive had this fork for less than a month and the first day i got it the rapid travel windown crap knob broke..so i callled manitou and they sent me a new one...a week later its leaking oil out of the bottom of the fork i add more oil in tigten the bolt and keep on riding...another week later i took it off a small little 3 foot ramp a few times and smashed the springs and got it stuck on lock out then i neede to take it to the bike shop and turns out the fork needs a major over haul after only about a month of weak riding... wich was going to cost me 100 bucks so i call manitou there going to fix it and after that im selling the piece of crap for a new one
Similar Products Used:
dirt jumper 2, z1 drop off 2 (great forks)
Bike Setup:
giant iguana disk. LX shifters..XT drivetrain...BLCK platinum fork... bulletproff platform pedals.ODI lockjawgrips..NEW tires soon to come race face progidy DH cranks and sun rims
Bottom Line:
this fork sucks dont buy it! go with a sherman or skarab or a marzocchi
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Kraner
a Weekend Warrior
from Floders, Main Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All and many!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
B&B Bikes
Strengths:
Evrything except the decals
Weaknesses:
decals and stock spring is soft
Similar Products Used:
Marz MX, RS Psylo
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS
Bottom Line:
Great fork...very solid and firm. Handles 5ft dropes with no problems. recommend to heavier spring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Speedüb Nate
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Bay Area, CA Date Reviewed: July 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$309.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Blowout dot kaum
Strengths:
* Really like the semi-bath lube system over microlube (I suspect it'll take some time to prove itself long-term, but for now it's good'n smooth)
* Spring swaps are super simple
* On this model they use a "booster spring" that fits inside of the main coil. It allows the ride to be firmed up (or softened) in finer increments than as with only a main coil swap.
*TPC compression, lockout within easy reach, smooth lever throw over approximately 1/3 turn of the lever.
* I've always been a fan of the 74mm Post Mount disc brake mounting system. _
Weaknesses:
*Yep, confirmed, the decals are *pretty* crappy and come off easily.
* Not a deal breaker, but the Rapid Travel Wind Down (RTWD) takes more than a few turns and the "guage" on the top cap that shows what setting the fork is dialed in at is out-of-whack. But heck, it works, and pretty well at that.
* In most Manitou forks, the "medium" spring is stock. But Manitou installs the "Soft" spring (p/n 85-5847) in this fork as the stock spring. In fact, they tell me this is the case with all their RTWD forks. So big guys, don't regret that an "X-Firm" spring isn't available because you've still got Medium (p/n 85-5850) & Firm (p/n 85-5853)to choose from. And gals, don't go out and order a "Soft" if your ride is too harsh, 'cause that's what you've already got. Get "X-Soft" (p/n 85-4468). See! I just saved you $20 and two extra days of hassle.
* The service guide is a little unclear on the correct semi-bath oil to use. Manitou confirmed that the correct stuff is 10w-40 synthetic motor oil. Eww, yeah, *motor oil*. I located a liter of this stuff in a motorcycle shop under the Bombardier label, injected 16cc's in each leg and it's been great. _
2001 Marin Mount Vision single pivot; original spec was an 80mm Mars fork.
Bottom Line:
This was ordered expressly for my wife's Mount Vision. I was keen on the RTWD because her '01 bike was based around an 80mm fork, and I didn't want to jack the front end and cause ruin her geometry, which seemed to be working pretty well. The RTWD at least guaranteed I could get close to the intended geometry (90mm setting) but get her an extra propping up for a little confidence boost on the steep downhills (120mm).
I fully expected she would find one travel setting in the middle that worked for her and stick with it, but no, she makes a couple of fork adjustments on any given ride.
The compression adjust/lockout has turned out to be of little use to her, though. But whatever... it's there if she ever wants it, even if only for that one occasion. SPV would have been a nice addition to this fork in place of the TPC lockout. It's possible to upgrade to that off of Manitou's parts list.
Bottom line? Fork is much plusher and responsive than the Marzocchi Z4 air it replaced, and my wife notices the difference. She's become a little more comfortable on the downhills with her slightly higher 120mm perch. The fork is oh-so-smooth and really gives the feeling that it's working, on everything from the washboards to the rougher stuff. Sure, she'll probably never use this fork to its full potential, but it's so compliant up front she'll be pushing it a little more than she would have otherwise.
5 chilis for value because they've thrown a lot of goodies in and I got it for a great price; 4 chilis for overall because of RTWD knob discomboobulation and for scaley graphics.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnny Chan
a Cross Country Rider
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: June 18, 2004
watermark stickers wore off easily. over 4lbs, glad i am not weight weenie.
Similar Products Used:
RS judy
Bike Setup:
NRS with sram xo drivetrain, sram 7.0 v-brakes.
Bottom Line:
i wanted to buy a MX pro initially. but i dropped off to my LBS one day and found out this good deal. the travel adjustment is useful enough from 90mm-120mm which matchs with my NRS rocker perfectly. the fork is smooth and plush and compression can be adjusted, my judy is really a junk. however, i am a big guy, near 200lbs, the fork is easily bottom out when the compression is set to the lowest and the travel is 90mm. however, it is all right, when the compression is set correctly. i've been used this fork with 7 months. i am so happy to ride with it and gain more convidence when going down the stairs. i would like to recommend this fork to those who ride aggressive xc and weight between 150-180lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Harrison
a Cross Country Rider
from Powhatan, Virginia Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pocahontas State Park (single track)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
JensenUSA
Strengths:
Where do I start? Great fork. Can dial in for just about anything I can throw at them.
Weaknesses:
Sticker's are pretty weak. Started peeling off as soon as I took the forks out of the box
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 6
Bike Setup:
04 Rockhopper, Avid Disks, Manitou Black Platinum, Mavic 717's
Bottom Line:
At first I didn't know what to adjust (many adjustments) but once I got the feeling for the forks they were a piece of cake to dial in. Great fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Ackerman
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clarita Ca. Date Reviewed: April 30, 2004
Favorite Trail:
I'd have to ride all first
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Performance, Santa Clarita
Strengths:
This shock has handeled some pretty tough trails,as far as deep ruts,rocks and some drops.
Weaknesses:
As far as I know Manitou doesn't have an extra firm spring kit for this shock.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2004 Specialized enduro comp (stock)
Bottom Line:
I love this shock so far,I weigh 225 lbs. and I ride some pretty rough trails(as far as I know) I ride 3 times a week and bottomed out once. I already have the firm springs installed, wish they had xtra firm available. Other than that...Im sold!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thor T
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO. Date Reviewed: March 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
ALL!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$410.00
Purchased At:
LBS in Boulder
Strengths:
Solid feel, no flex, lockout, 120mm
Weaknesses:
stickers! stickers! stickers!
Similar Products Used:
Marz ETA, RS DRace & SID
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900. Carbon bars, cranks, seatpost, all XTR.
Bottom Line:
Very solid fork, I'm very pleased with the lockout feature. Doesn't flex. Also, I went off a 4ft drop 'unexpectedly' with the lockout engaged, I thought I was going to blow the fork out but it held up with no problems. ME= 180lbs!
I took the stickers off...since they were coming off...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe 'The Man'
a Cross Country Rider
from Venton, MA Date Reviewed: February 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Kuschings Straight...ALL!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Wenings St. Bike Chalet
Strengths:
Fairly light, lightest all coil I think....anything lighter would be Air-Spring. Sturdy, responsive.
Weaknesses:
Stickers started coming off...I just took them all off.
Similar Products Used:
RS SID, Marz MX, Duke Race
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 Stumpjumper.
Bottom Line:
I don't like AirSpring forks...just had some bad luck with them. The Fox that came with the Specialized started to leak air and make a funny 'clanking' sound. Anyway, I was skeptical about the Platinum since it is new, however, it has held up to 4ft drops and I'm 215lbs. I really like the lockout feature...awesome when climbing. Great fork so far...no complaints, except the stickers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from Seoul, Korea Date Reviewed: February 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Able to customize to one's geometry within a second. Light weight. Perfect combination with my 8 inch hydro. rotor
Weaknesses:
Sticker comes off easily.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox psylo
Bike Setup:
'04 Specialized Enduro comp stock
Bottom Line:
It came with stock. I've been used for 6 months, it never fail me even in cold winter weather. (for your infomation, my country is very cold in winter) It fits perfectly with my hydro. powered 8 inch rotor (Adapter required as you see). Few months ago, Specialized announced recall for '04 enduro, I was worried since I own one. Luckily, it is only for enduro with Fox's....(Now they offer 6 inch rotor for high model with Fox's...Plz. don't get me wrong...I personally, like Fox's product...my rear shock is Fox float RL which I love) Anyway, it does do what it supposed to... Maybe, Another satisfied customer.... Pleasant riding, guys... :-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jose Leanez
a Cross Country Rider
from Sothen Port, OR Date Reviewed: February 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fellus Bend
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
DnG Bicycles
Strengths:
Solid! light weight for a coil fork. Mucho adjustablity. Bad'arse looks...not that looks have anuthing to do with performance : )
Weaknesses:
Stickers are cheap and come off easy!
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla, MarzMX, RShox Duke
Bike Setup:
Kona CinderCone, all stock except the fork.
Bottom Line:
After much research and needing a serious upgrade from the stock TT that came with the Kona...I opted for the Black since a few of my friends have had hadd good luck with them. I did here that Blacks come soft as per spring, however, the stock springs on the Platinum are more then perfect...I weigh 190lbs. The lockout is awesome and so is the rebound adjust. 90mm to 120mm is great. Haven't had the fork long but so far I'm very impressed! I will update in a few months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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