If your cup of tea is sweetened with a little less travel than the Breakout, but you still savor the aroma of the lightest, best performing freeride fork on the market, the Firefly will lull you to rest with a bag full o’features such as SPV damping and a Ti main spring. Upgrade options include a onepointfive inch steerer and our Hex Lock Thru-axle
Submitted by
lebikerboy
a Weekend Warrior
from North Van Date Reviewed: May 2, 2009
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Plush/strong
Weaknesses:
The SPV function has packed it in...
Similar Products Used:
Too many to list
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon
Bottom Line:
really liked it until the SPV function has quit working. I'm going to try to get it repaired/upgraded...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevlardna
a Weekend Warrior
from santa cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
side-O (in berkeley)
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
direct from manitou
Strengths:
stiff. solid. sturdy. i got the ti spring one but it's still heavy as hell.
Weaknesses:
weight. but that's expected.
Similar Products Used:
breakout. fox 36...
Bike Setup:
in transition from a devinci bonzai to a SC chameleon. so, i'll tell you later.
Bottom Line:
excellent fork if you find it real cheap. but now, their are lighter options that are just as sturdy and plush.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from North Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 3, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong, doesn't flex much.
Weaknesses:
Standard spring is a little light for heavier folks.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Sherman Firefly plus. etc.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Tazmon, XTR, Race face, Chris King etc.
Bottom Line:
I like the SPV version better than SPV Evolve but not as much as TPC+.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marten van der Wal
a Weekend Warrior
from Heerenveen Date Reviewed: April 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jump Island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Fork looks great, 90/130 travel adjust, incredibell stiff with hex-lock
Weaknesses:
SPV damping doesn't work as well TPC+, stock the fork comes with a to soft spring.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou black sport/comp/elite, Manitou splice, Manitou x-vert DC
Bike Setup:
Be-one Trial frame
Bottom Line:
Good fork for street dirt-jump/freeride and even for downhill... You could use this fork for every discipline!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: January 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
greenfish
Strengths:
very strong, lots of travel, SPV,rebound and travel adjustments work well, matte black looks great
Weaknesses:
requires a disc brake adapter does not use normal brake disc tabs.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi EXR Pro
Bike Setup:
2005 DMR Trailstar
Bottom Line:
I recommend this fork for anyone who does dirtjumping, Freeride it can also take some pretty big drops. I find you get more features and better performance from the sherman firefly than you do from the marzocchi dj line and the sherman's are cheaper depending on where you buy them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jumpy
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: December 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
300
Strengths:
Versatile fork. Can be set great for a street session, or responsive off-road feel. Light-ish, very tough. Over 6" to flat is A-ok on this one. Not that your supposed to do that. I bought it to replace a dirt jumper. I wanted sensitive and able to take a huge hit with the same setting on the fork. This one won out, it can do it. Plus it won me over I used to hate these guys. The dorado is still lame. plastic forks are for picnics.
Weaknesses:
The SPV system, while significantly increasing efficiency of suspension, renders response slow-feeling. The travel dial bolt on mine seems funny and feels like it's loose sometimes. But I leave it in 5 mostly
light street bike, saint parts, 1speed ass kicker weapon
Bottom Line:
They DO stand behind it, it works great, fits my needs to the dime. The new nixon seems like a good current version. A fifth element in a fork. Does what the rear shock did. Also over a year and still clearly silent, no leaks and very functional
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carl
a Downhiller
from Seattle Date Reviewed: November 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$599.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Looks good. Seems to work better with TPC cartrage, but at my expense.
Weaknesses:
Spv valving is a joke, never predictable allways failing at the most inopportune time. Lock out is only good for climbing.
Similar Products Used:
Zochi, Fox, Rockshox
Bike Setup:
Hardtail
Bottom Line:
After servicing the fork twice, I've decided to junk the SPV and upgrade to the TPC cartrage. The SPV just never seemed to work well at all, locking up at random times making for a harsh and unperdicable ride. As for the lock out feature, I'm told its only for climbing and not actually ridding, would have been nice to know before buying the fork. I think after this fork I'm done with manitou products. In my opinion they're gimmicky, not well tested, poorly supported and frankly overpriced.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from Fort Collins, Colorado Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Impossible to answer...
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
The Now Defunct Rock N Road Cyclery
Strengths:
STIFF! Light for a five inch, 32mm fork. SPV works great, feels great.
Weaknesses:
The travel adjust never worked right but I never needed it so I didn't care.
I use the Firefly on my XL Santa Cruz Heckler, 5th Element shock with ti spring, Crossmax XL's, Thomson stem & post, Easton scandium DH bars, Avid Juicy 7's, ti hardware, Conti Vert Pro 2.3 UST tires, SRAM X.0 triggers, X-Gen front, sweet, light, rugged.
Bottom Line:
I used this fork for two seasons very happily without any maintenance or rebuild and it was starting to get slightly worked. While I was doing a basic rebuild on the fork the rebound adjuster bolt broke inside the lower leg. This bolt threads in to the bottom of the leg from inside the fork. It's reverse threaded and I initially turned it the wrong way - oops. I called Answer / Manitou and we discussed the part that was broke. The tech was helpful and we were off the phone in five minutes with a free replacement rebound assembly in the mail - THANKS. Later that day a bike rep friend said he had a Pike Team in his truck and in a weak moment I decided to go ahead and buy it - cheap. I installed the Pike and rode it for a couple of weeks. In the meantime my parts showed up from Answer exactly as promised....
To shorten what is already a long story, I greatly preferred my Sherman to the Pike and just got done rebuilding the Sherman and putting it back on the Heckler. The Pike was nice but it felt tons heavier - especially when lofting the front wheel - the Pike was also really prone to brake dive when the flood gate was open and the poploc was... unlocked - if you hit the front brake on something steep the front end would dive hard and the rear of the bike would rise up to compensate - not exactly the most confidence inspiring of feelings - that was my main complaint with the Pike.
The Sherman's SPV platform greatly reduced brake dive, the ti spring greatly reduced weight and the reverse arch made up for the lack of the thru-axle, somewhat - at least enough so that I considered it a non-issue.
Anyway, two years later the Sherman is still going strong getting 40 - 50 technical, Rocky Mountain foothill miles a week put on. I had a great experience with Manitou's customer service with regard to getting parts and the online service manuals are easy to read making rebuild / maintenance a snap (literally, in my case). For a burly fork it's light, plush and super adjustable. It's a great product and deserves to be on the mtbr hall of fame.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Ventura County California Date Reviewed: September 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
When it actually works, it works pretty good. Plush and stiff. Soaks up the tough stuff nicely
Weaknesses:
The travel reducing lock-out thingy mysteriously quit working. It was under warranty so I had them fix it (through a local shop who did the work). I have used it twice since then. On the second attemp to use this feature, it snapped, and then proceeded to make an unreal grinding noise. It has been back at Manitou for a few days and as of today they haven't even looked at it. I was told by my LBS that it would realisticly be another 2 weeks.
Similar Products Used:
Another Manitou P.O.S. The Axel (on my first MTB)
Foes (awesome)
Various others....
Bike Setup:
Doesn't matter.
Bottom Line:
Customer service seems to be unreal (in a bad way). Due to this, I'll never buy another Manitou product. It's hard to train when your fork is in the shop twice in 6 weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Poland Date Reviewed: September 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$950.00
Strengths:
Extremely stiff, strong fork, good for people who need to feel safe, and not worry whether the fork will break. Very light as well, hex lock - easy to take the wheel off.
Weaknesses:
1. Stiff SPV cartridge bushing ever since it was new (the fork has never been plush) 2. Play - over 2mm on the bushings, started having this problem 3-4 months after buying the fork. 3. SPV - doesn't work. 4. Bushings move inside the fork 5. Damping damaged (after 15 months of usage) - fork bottoms easyly. 6. Spring damaged - much weaker then when it was new 7. Pumping up the fork doesn't change SAG or force needed to bottom the fork (recent problem).
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Mr.T 100mm Marzocchi Z1 Wedge Apart from that, only DC forks
Bike Setup:
Duncon Nicolai UFO replica, 24" wheels front and rear.
Bottom Line:
This fork is no good if you want to give it a hard time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Cool, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Hole in the Ground & Downieville
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
123bikes.com
Strengths:
Reasonably light, very stiff (with 20mm through axle option).
Weaknesses:
Difficult to get exactly dialed in. Perhaps b/c of SPV?
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Psylo, Marzochi (spelling?) Bomber.
Bike Setup:
Turner 5-Spot, Romic rear shock, XT and SRAM parts mix.
Bottom Line:
The fork is durable (no bushing play after a year of hard riding), reasonably light, and fairly affordable. It tracks very well, with very little detectible flex (I weigh 225lbs and have the 20mm through axle version of the fork). The rapid travel adjustment (90 to 130) is great for long climbs.
The SPV system works as advertised, although I'm not sure I'm a fan. I am having trouble adjusting the forks so that they are responsive enough to smaller hits without losing the benefits of SPV. I guess I'm willing to trade some efficiency for small bump compliance; this isn't a knock on SPV, its just that for my style of riding I'd like the forks to be more plush.
Bottom line: works as advertised, great forks for all-mountain and aggressive XC. If you want a really responsive fork then don't waste money on SPV.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joey
a
from Yorba Linda, CA USA Date Reviewed: August 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anything thats fun...hate going up hills...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$405.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
- Very Strong -Stiff when it needs to be stiff, soft when it needs to be soft -SPV -Rapid Travel Adjustment -Look of the fork
Weaknesses:
When I first got mine when it was in the higher travel(130mm) it seemed like it used to flex towards the bottom of the headset.... I easily fixed that by wrapping a little bit of electrical tape to the outer rim of the bottom headset where the fork meets it.
Other than that nothing so far...
Similar Products Used:
My other fork sucked and we wont even mention the name of it...
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Yakuza Bakuto, Hayes Mx2, Sherman Firefly,.....
Bottom Line:
These forks are frekin awesome.... They take stairs like champs with the 130mm and with 90mm too! The 90mm are perfect for dirtjump and urban riding... well so are the 130mm, and the 130mm are great for drops and bigger gapped jumps... well once again so are the 90mm.... So basically this bike can tackle anything in its path and I look forward to riding it up at Mammoth this weekend. I highly recommend these forks...Awesome...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Westchester, NY Date Reviewed: August 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
20 mm through axle, titanium spring, 90/130 mm travel adjustment, reasonable weight
Weaknesses:
I have not found any
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas 130, Marzocchi Jr T, Marz EXR, Marz MX Comp
Bike Setup:
Was on Banshee Morphine, now on Kona Dawg with BETD linkage plates, Rhyno lites, XT drivetrain, Specialized Roller RS Pro 2.3 tires, WTB seat, Hayes HFX Mags with Bonz one finger levers, Easton Vice stem, EA 50 bars, FSA pig pro DH headset, Oury lock-on grips.
Bottom Line:
This fork came on my Banshee. I bought a Fox Talas 130 for my Kona, which felt flimsy going downhill. I loved this fork on my Banshee, but I was trying to make my Dawg perfect, so I swapped it. I might get some new wheels and tires for my Kona, but I love this fork. For the money, I would consider a Pike if I was looking at this type of fork. I don't know about all of the people who have had problems with their Manitou forks, this one has never given me a minute's trouble. Mine came with my bike. The Firefly Plus seems pretty expensive, and has a lot to compete with. (Pike, 66, 36, etc)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
milan
a Weekend Warrior
from u.k Date Reviewed: May 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
trails, street, dh and freeride on other bike
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
chainreaction in pounds
Strengths:
-good strength to weight ratio - not to heavy to effect handling but i dont see them breaking anytime soon -look lush -adjustable travel - 90mm for street and dj, 130 for double sets and big drops -nice and firm spv rocks dont move when pedalling so sweet for 4x -i got my pair half price -titanium springs -steal steerer - shouldnt randomly snap -stiff! -in my opinium best street, dirt jump and 4x forks
Weaknesses:
-not so good offroad compared to marazocchi which i have on other bike, not as plush and prob not as durable (internally) or long lasting as marazocchis -gay disk mount -doubts on long term durability
Similar Products Used:
02 psylo sl (good) 04 psylo sl (horid and unreliable!!!) 03 fox vanillas (mine broke) 01 mcr's (nice but FLEX!!) 04 zocchi freerides (lush offroad but feel bad for street, trails) 04 zocchi dj 3's (really didnt get on with this fork HEAVY)
Bike Setup:
24' wheel on-one gimp, shermans, c2, profile cranks, atomlab trailpimp rims, 24seven pro stem, pro taper bars etc etc
Bottom Line:
on my jump bike i am very picky with forks therefore i have had lots of diff pairs, some i disliked straight away and others i liked but they broke. Shermans are best so far, spv rocks and they seem well built. However they are not so good offraod as zocchis which i have on my patriot. So stick with them off road, otherwise i think shermans rule. Value rating is based on price i payed (half price new). Im rating these for what i use these forks for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Downhiller
from Santa Cruz, Ca Date Reviewed: May 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Dead Camper
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
-light -6 inches of travel -inverted arch for stiffer handling -can be switched to 4 in. -looks awesome
Weaknesses:
-hard to get dialed in -expensive
Similar Products Used:
fox vanilla 125 RLC
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon, XT, Sherman
Bottom Line:
This is the best alround fork out there. It has sweet rebound and has a nice feature of the ability to switchto 4 inches for uphilling. Also, very stiff. Can take anything you throw at it and is still reasonably light. And you have to love the looks. Sweet black or winter camo. This fork is where its at.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Smith
a Racer
from Mission Viejo Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere in Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
Greeenfish
Strengths:
Looks cool with its Neo Nazi Camo paintjob. Manitou stickers peeel off easy!!
Weaknesses:
Not very adjustable, Fork came from Greenfish with a Blown SPV valve, replaced with an 05 SPV system, Does not handle the small bumps well or the big ones either!
Similar Products Used:
2003 Sherman Firefly, a much better fork. Manitou, why did you ruin a great fork with SPV valving?
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 spot all blinged out except for the Manitou Sherman firefly.
Bottom Line:
The 2004 Sherman Firefly is a lousy improvement from the 2003 Sherman Firefly that did not have SPV valving. The SPV valving makes the fork very spikey, to where it really has a harsh feel over bumps small or large. There is also alot of flex in this fork, but in all fairness, a quick release fork is not going to work as stiff as a 20mm thru-axle. My fork was shipped from Greenfish with a blown SPV valve. Manitou replaced my SPV valve with a 2005 cartridge and I must say that the strength of this fork is that Manitou is very good with their customer service at least from my experience. The bottom line is that this fork reminds me of the way forks were 3-5 years ago. After a hard ride, you feel it. If you are really after a manitou with the cool Camo paint, try to find a Pre-SPV valve Sherman Firefly.(2003) That fork was one of the most plush forks I have ever ridden. I miss it!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Tuomi
a Weekend Warrior
from st.albert, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$293.00
Purchased At:
ebay lol
Strengths:
Freeride machine, dirtjump queen
Weaknesses:
umm can't think of any
Similar Products Used:
none this is one of a kind
Bike Setup:
2004 one25 with 2004 sherman flick 6", with hope m4's, 24" sun bfr's and axiom cranks
Bottom Line:
It is the best fork i ahev ever rideen in my life. And im hopin that it will stay that way which it will. they should just make it so u can ride hardwith it at 4.5" without sumthing breaking cause there is a little bracket thing that sumtimes brakes. BUT ITS ALL GOODD!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lance Lowry
a Downhiller
from La Habra, CA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Santiago Oaks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Burly, plush as can be, and killer lookin!
Weaknesses:
Sorry, can't find any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi EXR, crappy RST.
Bike Setup:
'05 Weyless 67- stock
Bottom Line:
This fork came with my Weyless 67 Freeride bike. I've taken it off up to 6 foot drops and it was like....PALEEEEASE!
Downhill, this things just soaks up anything, no problem. I was sold on Marzocchi before after I rode a couple of other people's bike with them, but this Sherman has sold me on Manitou. It is laterally stiff, especially with the through axle and I haven't found anything yet that it can't handle. Just a plush, plush fork. Beautiful piece of equipment also. You will NOT regret buying this thing.
The SPV is also just amazing. Pedalling under normal circumstances, I can't even see the fork move any, which makes climbing a breeze(well as much as a breeze as a 45 lb bike can be). But then here come the bumps on the trail and... Ahhhh. Yes, it soaks up everything with ease.
Highly recommend. Good work Manitou!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Schultz
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville, TN Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Very stiff, mean looks, versitile and quality performance.
Weaknesses:
Lighter weight would be nice but I don't expect this kind of stiffness from a light fork.
Similar Products Used:
02' Rock Shox Pslo SL, 03' Marzocchi Z1 Freeride
Bike Setup:
04'Giant VT2. 5.7" of Manitou SPV rear travel, Sherman Firefly with 5" front travel, Easton carbon DH bar, Thomson seatpost, Hayes hydraulic brakes 8" front rotor 6" rear. Weirwolf 2.3 front tire Mythos 2.1 rear tire.
Bottom Line:
My Giant originally came equipped with a Manitou Minute 1.00 front fork. It was a solid perfomer but felt a little wimpy under my 220 lb. frame. I considered a Nixon but the price was off the scale. THe Sherman was on closeout for $379.00 at Performance. It had all the features I was looking for: SPV, ti coil spring, 5" of travel and Rapid TRavel adjust. My fork has standard dropouts which is what I prefer as I typically ride aggressive xc trails.
So far this fork has been outstanding! It really turned my bike into exactly what I've always been looking for. I now have a stiff bike front and rear with long travel that can handle high speed impacts. The bike steers so much better now that it did with the Minute and I still have the SPV performance that I had gotten used to.
Prior to this bike I was riding a 03' Marz Freeride with ETA. I really liked the ETA on long climbs but if you forgot to disengage it you would pay. The bike performed awful with the ETA switched on. However, the Manitou Rapid Travel seems to work fine if you forget. I have bombed some big downhills and didn't notice that the fork was in the short travel mode. It still performed well and didn't damage the fork. I can't say the same about the Z1. This fork also seems much more advanced in performance compared to the Z1. It doesn't fly through he travel and the SPV works quite well when hammering the flats.
As previously stated, I am 220 lbs and seem to go through travel quickly with stock spring rates. When I bought this fork I immediately ordered a firm ride kit. I am still experimenting with the setup. With the firm kit there's no need to use the red volume adjuster as the heavy spring doesn't bottom very often. I run 60 lbs of SPV pressure and keep the spring rate on the linear side.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
neil richards
a Weekend Warrior
from canberra, australia Date Reviewed: February 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
majura pines
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
the bike shed
Strengths:
They are a good solid pair of forks, the lock down is good for getting up hill.
Weaknesses:
I have had one warranty re-build that took 8 weeks on forks a haven't ridden much, they are no where near as plush as my old Z1 bombers there isn't enough adjustment and no pre load is an oversight many forks have now including these...
Similar Products Used:
rockshox, Mazocci, fox.
Bike Setup:
AC2
Bottom Line:
If I had a choice when buying I would have gone with another brand, I prefer a full oil bath fork for something with this travel, keeps everything well lubed. Not bad but there are definately better forks around. And as for other comments about these not bottoming out even on big drops, it is good for your forks to use their full travel on occasions, it means your getting all the travel out of them!! Not much point only getting 3 1/2' out of a 5' fork...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PJAM
a
from DE Date Reviewed: September 5, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very adjustable, versatile, and strong!
Weaknesses:
I have had none so far. No problems with the bolts that hold the axle. I was told that they now have taken care of that problem.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 with ETA (130mm) and MX PRO with ETA (100mm)
Bike Setup:
Specialized P.3 with Sherman, Avid mech's 6", mavic 321's with Marzocchi front hub (20mm) and Cannondale Fire rear (got them from a friend of mine who parted the Aaron Chase bike). Truvative Hussfelt cranks, and Hotlzfeller pedals. E13 chain guide.
Bottom Line:
A great fork! Everything I thought it would be. I have used this for DJing (3-4X/wk), Urban and Free Riding (I always hate using that term). For DJing and Urban I run it at 4" (firm/locked out setting) and works perfectly. When you over shoot a landing or take a bigger than expected wall drop, you go through the travel. As for the trails, I just got back from Vancouver and rode the thing on Mt. Fromme and Seymour and of course Whistler. We rode all the favorites like CBC, Pingor, Pangor, Ladies, Oil Can, Air Supply, Clown Shoes etc.. It performed great! BTW's if anyone says you cant ride and survive on a hardtail with 5" there is crazy. The adjusting is heavy in trial and error but its worth it to play around. Two of my friends also have one and we all use the same spring which comes with it. With gear for FR Im 165lbs, my other friends are 185lbs and 215lbs. With the SPV valve and air volume, you can adjust the rates such that the fork really accommodates many different body weights, within reason, and preferences. I would highly recommend trying the stock spring first before ordering a firmer one. My one friend (185lbs) did so and realized that it was too firm. If anyone has any questions about trying to set it up let me know, I could offer up my experiences. It was well worth the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Haggis
a Downhiller
from Daegu Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
bikesale.com
Strengths:
Phat; Light given the performance.
Weaknesses:
Finicky double bolt tighteners where one 5mm bolt would do. 4/5 malfunctions straight outta the box.
Similar Products Used:
SuperT; many marz forks
Bike Setup:
AC1
Bottom Line:
Nice fork all told but the bells and whistles need tuning. Not as user-adjustable as one would expect for the $$$. Absorbs the bumps and jumps good though...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam--I-Am
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Oz Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Red Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
* SPV works! - Plush or hard: you decide. * Light, strong and responsive. * Perfect "agressive trail riding" tire
Weaknesses:
* None really
Bike Setup:
2004 AC2
Bottom Line:
These forks are great. I rode them for 4 months before upgrading my ac2 to a ac1. They are perfect forks for an agressive trail rider who will do the odd downhill course.
I highly recommend them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Crest California Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
that is a secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
greenfishactionsports.com
Strengths:
Buttery smooth, svp really works, bottumless feel, very well built, has handeled allot of abuse in the short amount of time i have had it.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi
Bike Setup:
1999 specialized fsr pro with risse hex link rear end and a risse jupiter 7r shock giving me 5.5" in the rear and now 5 in the front hayes, shimano, sunrhynolite, wtb weirwolf 2.1rear 2.5front
Bottom Line:
this shock is worth every penny and i love it It has allot of added weight over the rock shox that was on my bike before, but the spv and travel adjustment make up for it, once your going downhill and you can run over volkswagens with this thing, you really forget about the weight issue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
diablox
a Downhiller
from Lebork/Poland Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$780.00
Purchased At:
Wigwam
Weaknesses:
If you (US) mean it is expensive look at the polish price above :(
Similar Products Used:
diff.
Bike Setup:
Grand Marqius frame, manitou 4-way SPV rear
Bottom Line:
First impression (got it 2 days ago): massive look, fits my bike. It takes curbs very well (but i have not realy ridden yet, need postmount adapter). Weight (selv checked) 2,40kg. It is heavier than in catalogs. Rebound knob has a soft mounting, hope it stays a time. The alu steerer tube looks fragile. Travel adjust similar to Marz. ETA but it needs pushing on the fork for to be switched from 90 to 130mm. But generally -awesome fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sol
a Downhiller
from new zealand Date Reviewed: April 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
it would b rude not to
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
te puke
Strengths:
stiff strong and reasonably light, the spv is awesome and the adjustibility is nearly limitless, the rapid travel adjust is a life saver when dirt jumping, riding uphill or when your wanting a steaper head angle fore the real technical single track.
Weaknesses:
out of the box the rapid travel II dident work but no biggie jst pulled it apart and i was rollin again within 5min
Similar Products Used:
rock shox duke (now with snapped sancions) hav ridden psylos (they felt weaker than the dukes) so unless rock shox up their game i aint never going back
these forks look and feel the part if your lookin for a very capable freeride fork look no further
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dennisd
a Cross Country Rider
from Eastern Ontario Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-Bigger, Badder, Superbad! -Torsionally, laterally very stiff -Very smooth travel -SPV isn't just a gimmick -Ti spring -Rapid travel adjust system actually useable -rides like a dream -32mm stanchions -Chicks dig it
Weaknesses:
-Relatively expensive -It ain't light
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1 FR, Rock Shox Psylo SL, etc.
Bike Setup:
'03 Santa Cruz Bullit
Bottom Line:
To be honest, I was skeptical about this fork.. I was actually planning on buying a newer Marzocchi Z1 FR which to be fair is also a pretty decent shock. Also Manitou's reputation with some of their other forks wasn't that great. What changed my mind frankly was the technology of the Manitou. The Z1 does not have SPV this year, the Sherman does. Also trying out both forks on my buddies bikes convinced me that the Sherman Firefly is indeed stiffer.
The first impression I had when riding this fork for the first time was how dialed in it is, how bad-ass it looks and the beefiness of its construction. It feels stiff, both torsionally and laterally. In fact it's the stiffest single crown fork I've ever tried. Absolutely no slop. Also the steering on the bike is much more precise than a Psylo or a Z1 and this is the version with standard drop-outs! All this gives you the confidence to take on some really serious drops and stunts, stuff that I never would have attempted before. The fork really does its job right out of the box..
The rapid travel adjust is great for climbing and the SPV damping adjustment (you need a 16mm socket wrench) works very well. This is one awesome trail/big-hit fork and works really well with longer travel bikes like the Bullit.
However, all of this technology and monster-kill metal comes at a cost: a hefty price tag and more than enough bulk and weight. I realize weight shouldn't be an issue with this fork. It is a free-ride oriented shock but it IS heavier than a Psylo. This doesn't bother me, but for someone considering the Firefly where weight is an issue, be forewarned.
This is a first impression review. I'll post again at the end of the Summer to see how well it holds up. But there's no question that the Firefly is one monster metal machine. If your looking for a long travel single crown, you need to check out this monster-kill fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob O'Bryan
a Weekend Warrior
from Logan, WV USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Cliffside (Chief Logan State Park)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
UniveralCycles.com
Strengths:
1. The SPV actually performs as advertised. 2. Soaks up big hits like a Hoover Vacuum. 3. Incredibly stiff. 4. Changing travel takes the better part of two seconds. 5. This fork (I got the black one) can make any bike look like a total badass.
Weaknesses:
A little on the expensive side, but hey... you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Psylo XC w/Tullio (total crap... the crown actually cracked on me, hence the new fork), Manitou Black, Marzocchi Z150FR, blah blah blah...
I am simply amazed at what this thing can do. I could not believe how well my bike pedals now! I'm a firm believer in SPV front and rear now. As for its' ability to soak up big hits, it will amaze you. It is practically bottomless, and super plush in the 5.1 setting. It is super firm in the 4.1 setting, so you can climb a tree without much problem. I'm sold. This fork is the smartest upgrade I've made to my bike. If you're after performance, save your pennies and get one. I guarantee you'll not be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Kincaid
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skookum
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Actually Performs as advertised. Soaks up big bumps and is pretty damn stable when pedaling in the saddle. Dropping from 130mil to 90mil is simply great. You just cant beat that kind of tune while on the trail.
Weaknesses:
small hex on rebound knob. Weight (basis for comparison was 03 psylo)? Decals came off after two weeks of riding in Seattle weather.
Similar Products Used:
03 Psylo U-Turn
Bike Setup:
03 Epic FSR, hayes HFX, Thompson everything, CK-HS,
Bottom Line:
It was a toss up. Buy a close-out Marz Z-1 for $300 or an 04 Firefly for $450. I went for the Firefly.
Well, buyers remorse lasted for about 1.5 minutes. Once i got the thing on the trail, i couldn't wipe the damn smile off my face. It shipped with 30 PSI which was fine, but after the first ride i boosted it to 45 and am happy with that. I think my roomate is jealous.
I ride a lot of tight/twisty stuff, so dropping to 90mm is perfect, when Marz (and a couple other forks) only dropped to about 110. Then on stuff a little less technical, i always unleash the full 130. The travel adjusts way faster then the Rock Shox U-turn stuff, which i used to swear by. The stiffness of the reverse arc is sweet and I can honestly tell a huge difference in stiffness compared to last years psylo. No side to side flex.
I used to think Manitou products were crap, casue honestly, they were. But now, the 04 firefly has made me re-evaluate my thinking. Stiffness, adjustable height, stable platform, travel length(both compressed and extended), tweakability, looks. This fork has them all. The legs extend below the axle (quick release) slightly which is cool cause it still allows the 130mm of travel while keeping the front end at a resonable height. Look at it in the shop and you'll see what i mean.
This fork has given me the confidence to try new jumps and drops. I know it will hold the line and not bottom (me=175 lbs) on drops I do (which are typically <5 ft).
I haven't used the rebound knob much so I can't comment on its perfomrance there. I'm sure this will come from more trail time, but for now i set it in the middle.
My value rating is based on the price i paid and my overall rating is based on shock performance over the past month. This is the first shock i have purchased that i plan to keep when I end up selling the bike.
email me if you think of any questions that I may not have addressed here. Bottom line..this shock kicks @$$!
kevin@bbtc.org www.bbtc.org
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: March 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Katmandu Whistler
Strengths:
Light weight with endless plush travle. Super stiff, strong as hell.
Weaknesses:
None come to mind
Similar Products Used:
Every damn fork there is to use
Bike Setup:
2004 ORYX spitfire 99
Bottom Line:
Honestly the best single crown fork I've ever ridden. I would take (and did) this fork over any junior/super t. The only fork I would consider to replace this would be a durado.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grizz
a Weekend Warrior
from USA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM
Strengths:
Everything!!
Weaknesses:
I can find none
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi, Fox, RS, Stratos
Bike Setup:
04 Haro Werks EXT
Bottom Line:
I loved my 99 Z1 BAM But this fork is stiffer,lighter, and works better! The SPV is great! It is like riding a short travel XC fork until you need a DH fork then, bam it feels bottomless!!! If you are looking for a new fork then look no more, you have found your next fork. I also just got a Slider+ but have not been on it yet. If it rides like this Firefly then it will put the Boxxer out of business.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Annandale Va USA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything downhill, or jumps, or urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
direct from manitou ep
Strengths:
super plush in 5 inch mode 4 inch mode is great for urban (I ride this mode most of the time) durable light (relative to marzocchi equivalents) pedals pretty well practically bottomless spv system maited with the ti spring reacts to bumps beautifully
Weaknesses:
a bit expensive even if you do work at a shop (but worth every penny) stupid 3 mm hex pinch bolts (could easily be 4) hard to find any real weakness
Similar Products Used:
z1 fr, 99 z1, psylo (eughhh), sherman break out
Bike Setup:
brooklyn park bike w/ all the goodies
Bottom Line:
This fork is simply amazing. I have a breakout on my freeride bike and it doesn't match this performance. I think this is due to 2 reasons: the firefly's spv damping is actually plusher, and the ti spring makes a large difference. I have to admit that I'm somewhat upset with the performance of the breakout not matching up to that of the firefly. I believe that the 04 break out has become a great deal plusher with the addition of spv along with another inch of travel. If you are looking for a plush 5 inch single crown fork or a nice stiff urban fork w/ 4 inches of travel (which can be achieved through the travel adjust), or even both, look no further. This is the best 5 and 4 inch single crown fork available.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh Yatras
a Downhiller
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Oxford Falls
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
St Ives Cycles
Strengths:
Adjustments, travel, the fact that they appear to be unbreakable, SPV, and of course they look so good
Weaknesses:
Expensive
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black Comp, Manitou Axel Super, Marzocchi Dirt Jumper
Bottom Line:
I don't class myself as a great rider but I know a good fork when I ride one and these forks are the best I have ridden or seen. I have dropped six foot landing flat and they didn't even come close to the bottom and I weigh close to 200, I may complain about the price but like they say you get what you pay for. If you are in the market for a single crown freeride fork, you can't go wrong with the 04 Firefly if you want more then 130mm you might want to look at the 04 Breakout
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
julian
a Weekend Warrior
from toronto, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: December 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the streets
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$769.00
Purchased At:
www.mtbpartsatcost.com
Strengths:
-looks nice (black, thru axel) -burly -light weight (Ti spring) -stiff -nice dampining -spv is hella easy to setup u can do it in under a minute if u can pump fast or have c02 -rapid travel 2 is really nice
Weaknesses:
ive only had it a day and nothings gone wrong except it was covered in oil when it came outta the box but hey who cares
'03 kona stuff size small with manitou firefly spv and thru axel 26/24 mag 30's on formula hubs the rest is stock
Bottom Line:
this fork seems great even after having it only one day it looks nice is stiff as hell and is just a plain old pimpin fork its for sure the best single crown out there (yes, even better than the z-150) it just feels so juicy and plush but while still risisting bottom outs but thats just how mines set up, u can set it up to be as stiff as a board or any way u want this fork can match the progressiveness of any other fork. another really strong point of the fork is the rapid travell u just flip the switch and push down and it locks down and becomes REALLY stiff and to get out of it u just flip the switch and push down and it pops back up. my bottom line is BUY THIS FORK u will love it and i think if u really play with the spv it will be just as good as any other dual crown out there but nearly half the weight BUY IT BUY IT BUY IT and oh yeah if u go to www.mtbpartsatcost.com u can get one for $769.33 CAD i ordered the fork on monday and it came on friday even for people in the states it will be cheeper to go here PROPS to mtb parts at cost they rock
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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