Here it is - the top of Manitou's new Nixon long-travel trailbike lineup - the Platinum. It offers the newest and best technologies currently available in the suspension market. First up is the new IT (infinite travel) adjust system, that lets you dial in the travel via a handlebar mounted remote. If that wasn't enough, you also get Manitou's SPV Evolve stable platform technology.
Submitted by
BlackSCRunner
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
The next one I find
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
New overstock local
Strengths:
Lighweight, cheap as long as you don't pay more than 1/3 MSRP! Rides very nice, with the right pressure it is very efficient, but still travels nicely over the big stuff, good amount of travel, beefy stantions.
Weaknesses:
Unreliable
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Splice, Marzocchi Drop Off
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign
Bottom Line:
I loved this fork when I got it, and for several years of relatively infrequent use, and no big drops or bad crashes. At the beginning of this summer on my first ride out it sunk to the bottom of the travel and wouldn't come back up. It's still holding pressure but has no compression or rebound...must be some interior seal blown or something. Knowing this (and it's unreliable rep) I wouldn't even pay $300 for it again. So here's what I did. I bought a used Marz drop off cheap and bolted it on to get back riding. It works well, I don't like the action (or the weight) as much as the Nixon, but it has a rep for being bulletproof. Then I scoured craigslist, ebay, and online closeouts for a good deal on a FOX, which I hear is the best. No such luck! Even used these things are $$$$$! So I ended up getting a nice deal on a brand new Nixon, and bought another one. I figure it would have cost me as much to send mine out for repair. So now I have the new Nixon, waiting for install, and the Zoke on there now. When I remove the zoke I will keep it as a backup (I missed a lot of riding due to this) and I will cross my fingers the Nixon lasts. Also I will attempt to rebuild my old Nixon, and in doing so learn the workings, so if/when the new one bites it I have some knowledge to take care of it quickly (I hope). Anyway, the moral of the story is, If I started off buying a more expensive, more reliable fork, I probably would have spent the same money, and less time. So if this is you, I would do this...UNLESS you can get a killer deal on one of these, then it's worth the gamble, but keep a backup...just in case. I hope this is helpful to some folks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
4barlinkage
a Weekend Warrior
from Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa Date Reviewed: December 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Local Area
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Cycle Fusion
Strengths:
Doesn't pack down under heavy braking on bumps. Rigid design structure. Handles big hits well (when set up properly). Light weight for the travel and adjustments you have.
Weaknesses:
Harsher ride compared to non-platform damped forks; so you lose small bump sensitivity. Dirt tends to get into the IT chamber of the fork leg and cause travel problems, (easy to remove and clean though and you're sorted.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Axel, Manitou Minute 2 , Pace Forks.
Bike Setup:
2004 Stumpjumper 120, Hone cranks, XTR DCL, XT front deraileur, 2009 Saint rear deraileur, Nixon platinum fork, DX pedals, XT calipers, XT Hubs laced with DT Swiss EX 5.1D rims.
Bottom Line:
Great working fork that rides smooth, soaks up big hits(Need to ride aggressively), Doesn't bob on out of the saddle efforts, with the travel all the way down you can ride up almost impossibly steep uphills without swerving around. I had initial problems with the IT adjustment packing down on normal riding, but this was quickly sorted out by the local distributer and has been perfect since. This fork is ideal for aggressive riders who like to throw their bikes around on their favourite trails. My rides comprise mostly dry, dusty and pretty rocky conditions. But these forks have seen plenty mud and water as well. For interest,I'm 160lb's. Would be 5 chilis overall if I didn't have initial IT problem, as well as if it was a little more forgiving on small bumps. Some of the complaints people voiced about these forks are easy to sort out. If your SPV pressure is too low = Harsh fork top out; If your travel packs down under normal riding = Your IT cable may not have enough slack (Holding the valve slightly open); The gear cable running from the leg to the IT lever may be too short/tight or may have drag in it causing resistance to the inner cable so that it can't close off the valve. I had this problem after a year of riding; Replaced inner and housing = Problem solved.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jbacaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Chico, ca Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
new from ebay
Strengths:
There are no shortages of ways to adjust this fork, it has fairly good small bump response and IT is a great concept. It is also stiff considering the travel and no through axle.
Weaknesses:
Poorly made, extremely unreliable, and not the easiest fork to set up. It weighs a lot for an air sprung fork and is poorly designed. I think the "tire clearance upgrade" is evidence enough of this.
Similar Products Used:
Many Fox, and Rock Shox forks and a few Marzocchi forks.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5, all XT, Mavic Cross Max XL's, RP3, and Chris King/ Thomson controls
Bottom Line:
I can't tell what Manitou was thinking here. This is a poorly made, poorly designed fork, period. It does not have the claimed travel because Manitou had to modify so the tire wouldn't hit the crown a flip you.I guess if you are a gambler you can gable that you will get a good example of this fork, but a better idea would be to stay away! Maybe if no one buys this Manitou's junk for a few years they will go out of business and the world will be better for it. It didn't cost much, unless you consider the lost time and energy spent trying to deal with this thing, in which case I would say it cost me hugely. I am switching back to Fox in spite of the cost and will never consider Manitou again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Caranza Farrell
a
from Anacortes WA, USA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
nice travel rides smooth easy to work on
Weaknesses:
bottems out on big drops
Similar Products Used:
rock shocks
Bike Setup:
2006 trek liquid 65
Bottom Line:
This is a good overall product. I have had no problems with it besides bottoming it out. It does need regular matanince like another shock and if u do that then u will be good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Roller Coaster Squamish
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
New on eBay
Strengths:
Smooth tuneable fork. When working, is amazing.
Weaknesses:
One of the poorest QC situations ever. Should have automatic replacement policy or recall.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox, Fox, Marzzochi.
Bike Setup:
Reign 1.
Bottom Line:
Piece of poo. Answer should apoligize to everyone that spent money on something so obviously flawed and then offer a new free fork. I worked for years in a bike shop and this a disaster!!! If I could give a negative flaming turd I would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry (Taz) James
a
from Sth Devon, UK Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Haldon Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand
Strengths:
Light weight at a genuine 4.1 lb & stiff for hard trail riding (I'm also 95kg kitted). Fit & forget (, for me anyhoo).
Weaknesses:
SPV, it isn't for me, so had the damping swapped for a standard cartridge at the last service. IT cable assembly isn't removable.
These forks are top banana & they seemed to fit most, if not all of the criteria I require for a strong, lite & capable hard working trail fork. The SPV started to play up (topping) just before the service was due, but this is all the trouble I've had since buying them. Its a shame to here of the agro some people have had with their units. This has also been addressed with my forks by the previous owner & as mentioned elsewhere, they are now running superbly after there rough start. There are only three issues I have with these forks. 1) The SPV & Manitou's idea of the dampening req' for hard off road riding (i.e. adjustment windows too sml). 2) The IT system doesn't get used & I thought I would use it a little, but have found its not req'd. The issue being that the cable isn't removable & I'd rather it wasn't there. Finally, but only by todays standards, the weight. It is possible to loose 1/2lb off of this model today & with a little better performance thrown in from some manufacturers as well.
Come on Answer, Keep up the good work ;O)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from New Castle, CO Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Amount of travel.
Weaknesses:
Dampening. Maintaining pressure. Remote shock adjuster is just a silly feature that is not necessary if the shock and rebound are properly adjusted.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
Avoid this fork. Nothing but trouble. I have missed out on some great seasonal riding due to this fork. This is my third warranty and every time it takes a long time and I pay shipping. BS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor*Cal Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Soquel demo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light, IT, 145mm of travel.. It tracks the condition of the trail...
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
firefly
Bike Setup:
Enduro
Bottom Line:
This fork is awsome!!! went on a rocky trail today, and this fork just rolls over anything... the it adjust is sweet, you can adjust it to any travel you desire. plus with the prices on these forks now adays... cant be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
The hub in the forest
Strengths:
Does the job Light weight- same weight as my 4 inch mx pro
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MX pro, Junior t, Z4, Rock shock Judy, Mantinou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
The bike is an ex demo/ rental bike from the hub in the forest in Glentress. Its had a hard life and i guess all the initial niggles that people have had were already sorted before I got the forks.
I have had to service them, this took me about 4 hours plus traipsing about buying tools, but now its been done they are great. After 36 rides round glentress they only had mild discolouration of the semi bath oil and the spv oil was totaly fresh. Glentress is a harsh place for bikes and a hire bike is going to get thrashed there, so this is great going.
They hoover up the trail dead well. They don't quite the magic carpet ride of my mx pros, but neither do they bob like mad or bottom out on jumps. With the tire clearance upgrade (which is two little rubbery washers stuck in the bottom of the forks, very high teck!) they get about 135mm of travel and will use it very well.
Get some used (not abused) ones that have had their problems sorted and they will serve you well! They get 5 chillis for value as the bike was half price- only twice the price of the forks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GK
a
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Very tunable. The black one looks good. Lightest 6in fork out there. Great price compared to Fox or Marzocchi.
Weaknesses:
It should have worked right out of the box. Other than that, it is a great fork.
When the fork was first installed, I tested it and noticed that when the travel was reduced, it would slowly creep back to full extension. Otherwise, it worked. I rode it that way for a little while and found that keeping my weight over the front kept the fork from creeping. After about two weeks, I decided to take it back to the LBS. They shipped it out and two weeks later, it came back. Luckily, I still had my old Minute 3 to ride while it was gone.
Once it came back, I re-installed it and tested it out again. At first, it did not work at all. In fact it fell through all of its travel because it was loosing all of its air. I re-aired it a couple of times and jumped up and down on it a bunch. Turns out the seals just had to seat. It has been working as advertised since then.
All of that aside, it has been doing great. It is perfect for the person who wants something light with long legs. the tuning is not as bad as people think. Start with the main spring and set it until you sag the appropiate amount (everyone likes it a little different). Then, if you want it to be really supple, set the SPV to about 50psi. Increase PSV until it stops bobbing enough for you. Then Set rebound as fast as possible, then back it off a quarter turn. From there, you should be set.
The IT feature is great if you have an adjustable travel rear end or if your bike does not have the geometry to really compliment the long stroke.
Overall, it works great or just jammin' along tame singletrack one day where efficiecy is key and turning around the next day to take small to moderate drops with plushness.
Dropping one chili since it did not work out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Rintoule
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: February 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
redhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Manly Cycles
Strengths:
Absorb big hits. ITC (infinite travel is a boon given the steep short hills here. SPV works well with enough pressure.
Weaknesses:
ITC and SPV failed at separate times. Not super plush over small bumps.
Similar Products Used:
Mazzochi
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 2005
Bottom Line:
I got pretty close to the first production forks. At different times faults developed in both the ITC and SPV features. Manly Cycles and Manitou gave great after sales service and as quickly as possible repared/ replaced the faulty components. Haven't had trouble since. I find ITC really useful around Sydney with the short but very steep hills. It really does stop you lifting the front wheel off the ground. Sure these aren't slushy soft over small bumps but the SPV works well and and they soak up the bigger hits well. Now they have settled down I am a very happy camper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Kerrigan
a Weekend Warrior
from Midlothian Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
raw
Strengths:
Weight + stiffness
Weaknesses:
Rebound is slow and sticky no matter how you set it up , spv doesnt really work - you have to leave it at the min setting to get any kind of plushness if you put any more air in them then they lose all small bump sensitivety and feel harsh and gritty and the IT seems like a gimmick more than anything else because as soon as you touch that lever any travel that is left feels absolutely terrible and to get them to return to full length takes an eternity.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi shiver sc , rock shox , nixon super
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works 2005 , nixon platinum , full xtr , hope m4's frt and rear , hope bulbs frt and rear , flite ti , answer hyperlite carbon riser , hope headset and xtr spd's
Bottom Line:
I can honestly say that in over ten years of mountain biking that i have never had as many problems with anything as i have with these forks , after taking them back three (or is it four) times they only feel slightly better than they did to start with. I have however felt other platinums that feel ok and the supers that my friend uses seem fine but unfortunately for me mine feel absolutely shocking. I really cannot believe how bad these forks are , im going to have to swallow the cost and buy myself a new set of forks maybe a Pike or RC36 vanilla but one thing that i can say for definate is that this will be the last time i buy a Manitou fork EVER ! BUY THIS FORK AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angus
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ / UK Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Golden Birdies, North Downs, Surrey UK
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wrench Science CA
Strengths:
Long travel, light weight, plush lineah travel with SPv to stop rider input. IT adjust great for long climbs (1,500ft+)
Weaknesses:
The frok is now topping out (loud metalic 'thunk' on rebound after lifting off for hucks). As I was checking the oil level in the SPV chamber in (you need to fully remove the lowers to do this accurately) I founbd fluid leaking out of the positive air presure Schrader value in the lower left leg. All in all, not great for a product that has served me well for 6 months at that price tag. NB. My Z1's went for 2 years + with out a service, and were still plush as.
Similar Products Used:
Maveric DUC32's, Pike 454 U turn air, Marz Z1 SL
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 SPot Nixon Platinum Fox RP3 Sram X9 shifters Sram Xo rear D Sram Xgen front D XT hollow tech chainset Sram PC-99 chain Thompson 4x 90mm 5 Deg stem Thonpson elite seta post SDG Bel Air sadle Easton OS monkeylite CNT Bar Bontrager Big Earl lock on grips Hope 180mm fornt and back Mono M4 brakes Goodrich brake lines King head set King ISO Hubs (20mm fornt) Macic 819 UST rims Conti Gravity 2.3 UST tyres
Bottom Line:
This fork has served ne well so far. Unlike some people, I've had no issues with the IT adjust. One of the bike mags had a similar issue with the main air chamber spewing out fluid from the schrader valve. RAW experience seem happy to fix the fork in the UK (even though I purchased it in the US). They have been genuinly helpfull with advice so far, and I'm told by the local bike shop they turn around warranty fixes fairly quickly. ALthough the Fork is definately one of he best forks I've riden in terms of ride quality, I'm not too sure if I would go back to Manitou again in the future - especially now Rock shocks have bought out the Pike (with the cool pop lock 20mm axle).
If Fox bought out a 34" stansion thu axle version of the 130 float (with 110 to 140mm travel) - I'd be in there like a shot.
Oh - and who should buy. For a start - avoid the 05' versio like the pague. The 06' looks promising, and should have most of the forementioned issues sorted. It's agreat fork for all round trail use, with good performance on 5ft dead drops so far. The thru axle adds stiffness and confidence on those hairy downhills where your really sure that small QR is not going to hold up. I've riden Wourld Series marathons in Austria and agressive trails in the UK on this fork - as well as a bit of Fr park riding - and apart from an SPV dampening vavle and a seal - it's heald up fine. V plush when set up correctly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Briscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland, WA, USA Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Supergo in Seattle
Strengths:
Ease of adjustment and smooth opperation. This fork has a good feel for small and large bump forces. I love the ability to adjust the fork to any length and maintain the same feel. Great for my neck of the woods where you climb for a while and THEN get to enjoy the downhill.
Weaknesses:
The fork was broken right after I purchased it. The rebound adjustment is not notched so it is difficult to keep track of adjustments. The IT adjuster lever is a great idea, but if the lever were made slightly smaller and eaiser to place inbetween the grip and the brake lever with out causing it to be bumped by the hand it would be better received.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas and Float, Manitou Minute and various Rock Shox forks.
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
I purchased the bike from Supergo 7 days ago. I brought the bike home and started adjusting the suspension so it would work. I soon found that the fork was not opperating properly. I called Supergo and they asked me to bring the bike in and they would repair it. The next day at work I read some of the reviews that were on this site and I became very worried. I then emailed Manitou and let them know of my concern. I was called and emailed within 1 hour and explained my options. I was given a choice as to how I wanted to solve my problem and after 6 days I had a new fork on my bike. I rode it last night to adjust it to my riding style and it works perfectly. I am glad to say that I've not received such good customer service as I did from Supergo and Manitou. I love the way the fork feels now and I'm glad I made the decision to stay with this fork rather than switch it out for another brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Fulcher
a
from Housatonic, MA USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Broken Thumb
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike and Blade
Strengths:
I thought that it had many adjustments and it felt nice on the trail. Light weight and strong.
Weaknesses:
Not easy to put negative air, lower broke on thru axle clamp.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou minute one, fox 36
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1, crossmax wheels full xt, monkey lite handlebars, Race face carbon seat post and lizard skin lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
Overall I think that this a nice fork, it is has plenty of adjustments and is light wieght. I like the way it felt but wasn't impressed with the broken lowers. I didn't have any problems filling the neg. air but know 3 people that did have that problem. I do believe that it was just operator error. I like this fork and would recomend it to anyone not going too huge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Javan Ruark
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Henry's Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike shop
Strengths:
Everything, the fork is the stiffest, most versitile, buttery smooth fork that I have ever ridden and I think I will buy another one, so when this one wears out I will have a back up one, they will never make a fork like this again.
Weaknesses:
None, what ever anyone says in the reviews, they are full of crap. Especially that Andy kid from Tucson. He wishes he had my Nixion Platinum, it would make him fly up the hills and bomb the downhills. He's totally jealous. He needs to learn how to spell Derailleur.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z 1, Manituou SuperNova
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment, King ISO wheels, XT Brakes, Ringle Headset, XTR Cranks, shifters, derailleurs, Thompson seatpost and stem, Answer Oversized Carbon bar
Bottom Line:
From the first time that I installed the fork on my bike I knew that this was going to be one of the best forks that I have ridden. I have never had any warranty issues with the fork. The SPV technology is superb and is nice on the out of saddle climbs. The thing never flexes, even on the nastiest rocky downhills. Oil never leaks out of it, even when I let air pressure out of the main setup chamber. I havn't had to put any air in the fork since I bought it 6 montsh ago.Unlike all of the other reviews, I actually get a little more travel then the acclaimed 145 mm. I get 160 mm. I don't know if Manitou messed up on the travel or what, but I get a lot of travel. The thru axel is the quickest and simplest desings that I have tried.
I am even thinking about putting the fork on my Santa Cruz V-10 for some downhill racing. Don't believe the score that everyone gives the fork, it is the best fork ever made. I think the Pike and the 36 are no match for the Nixion and well under the performance bar of the fork. Check what mountain bike actions says about the fork in all of the bike reviews that have the Nixon on them. They love it, not a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
lb
Strengths:
Maybe the color
Weaknesses:
every thing, flexes, leaks air and oil, stiction, no rebound adjustment, IT is a horrible design.
Similar Products Used:
PIKE FOX 36
Bike Setup:
Heckler with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
This fork is the worst value on the market. Retail is almost $900.00 and it preforms worse than the PIKE which costs almost half as much and no where near the preformance of the FOX 36. Either save some money and get a PIKE or spend a little more and get the fox but be warned the NIXXON is at the bottom of the pile of the three.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Overman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shawn's-Galbraith
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
with Giant reign 1
Strengths:
Takes big hits 1'+ well once set up. Light weight, good travel.
Weaknesses:
Fork is the harshest thing I have ever ridden. Fork will work you into submission on 2 hour hard trail rides.
Similar Products Used:
Fox 36 van r, Fox float
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1-stock except for the new Fox 36 van r on front, Kenda Navengal 2.35's
Bottom Line:
Spent $3300 on a giant reign 1 with the nixon platinum. Didn't have problems with the IT system. But spent all summer trying to dial in the nixon so it could be somewhere in between a good mild drop bike and plush on the trails. Never could find plush until I dropped another $750 on my new Fox 36 van r which is oh so plush and now I have the most awesome all mountain bike on planet. P.S. Would put the nixon on e-bay but I'm to embarrassed to sell it to anyone-what a hunk of chunk!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, co, usa Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$849.00
Purchased At:
Super Go
Strengths:
Stiff, Light, easy to adjust travel.
Weaknesses:
Rebound dampening failed after first ride. It topped out with a hard clunk and bounced around like crazy. Traded it out for a Fox Talas. Lost an inch of travel but at least I can depend on Fox.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 with 4 swinger rear shock. It works great.
Bottom Line:
Would have been a great shock if it worked. Manitou really blew it with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Valley Forge, PA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
barely used
Strengths:
weight, IT system, adjustability
Weaknesses:
I don't have the TA and it could be a little stiffer for my preference.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5
Bottom Line:
I've been happy with this fork riding all year. I was surprised to see all the problems listed here on the reviews. I got a great deal on a barely used fork that already had the clearance recall performed. IT works great with no issues. It takes a little messing around to get the setup right and I found their suggested settings in the manual were a bit off. It seems like a great compromise between weight, long travel, and ability to ride various terrain. It could be a little more plush but I guess that's life with an air spring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light & stiff.
Weaknesses:
Not getting full travel.
Difficult / sometimes impossible to balance main & IT air chamber. Fork travel will creep down to 0" of travel while riding. After IT is engaged fork will not return to full travel.
Recall due to tire clearance issue. Tire would hit bottom of crown at the bottom of its travel.
Product was sent back on warranty to fix recall and other issues. Took over 8 weeks for Manitou to return it. Still not getting full travel. Still having problems with the IT & the SPV.
Similar Products Used:
Sherman Slider, Rockshox Psylo, Fox Vanilla
Bottom Line:
This is by far the most disapointing experience I have had with any cycling product I have ever purchased.
I would not recommend purchasing this product - total P.O.S. I am going to contact Manitou and try to get a refund or an exchange for a Firefly Plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
SoMo - Morman/National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, Long-travel Single Crown, Adjustable in almost every way imaginable - Plush ride.
Weaknesses:
Right out of the box, the I.T. didn't work! The fork would begin to sag into 0 travel as you ride w/o ever having to touch the IT switch - VERY DANGEROUS. Luckily I had read about this issue before I hit the trail (don't want to imagine what would have happened had I not been prepared!)
***This is my 2nd/updated post in response to my first post (5/28/05)***
I had my LBS send back the fork to Manitiou for the I.T. Switch fix... took just over 30 days to get my fork back (from the time it was sent in, to the time it arrived back at my LBS). I have ridden it 3x's since it's return, and I am very happy to say that I have not had any problems - the I.T. switch works fine (for now) and luckily, my travel doesn't seem to have been decreased like others (to 137mm) after the I.T. was fixed. Using Manitou's suggestions, set up hasn't been too much of an issue for me, although you may want to visit the various sites for suggestions on how to set-up the fork for your riding characterics... it'll probably save you some time and hassle. But, once it's dialed in, it'll finally (once repaired) do what the fork was intended to do - be the one of (if not the) most versitile, best riding forks out there.
Although my problems seem to have been fixed/addressed, I still hold Manitou responsible for my aggrevation, wasted time and doubts about their concern for the customer... putting out a ~6" travel fork for the "aggressive" rider that will collapse, is very dangerous and irresponsible! After spending $XXX.00 dollars on this fork - that didn't work, and having to pay for shipping to Manitou fix their fork that never worked to begin with (tire clearance issues, I.T. problems, travel issues after the I.T. fix), I still hold some ill will towards whoever decided to release this product... it was obvioulsy not ready for release with so many Nixon's having the same I.T. issue.
For now, my initial recommendation holds true - if you haven't grabbed a 2005 Nixon Platinum yet, DON'T!!! Wait until 2006 for this problem to go away - as they say, never by the first year version of anything... too many problems.
Taking the whole experience into consideration, my rating's are as follows: Value: 4 Chili's: Expensive for a fork that initally didn't work. (Manitou - would've given you 5 chili's if the fork worked out of the box). Overall: 4 Chili's: Fork (now) rides great, Light and strong structure, with a Plush as butter ride and endless potential to adjust this fork as you see fit. However, too many problems w/this fork in '05. Manitou... FIX the IT problems, pay for shipping, and take care of your customers!!! Too many alternatives for us, to have to put up with these things. (Manitou - would have given you 5 chili's had the fork worked, had you not made me pay for shipping, and had you not made me wait so long to have my fork returned - I've already purchased your fork... take care of me first, before the new inventory).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maxwell Cherry
a Racer
from Utah Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light.Stiff
Weaknesses:
IT Adj.
Similar Products Used:
Minute / JrT / SID / Z.1 FR
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
A very poor move by Manitou to release this product. I can't imagine that these problems didn't arise in testing. Hopefully it is a production problem and everyone who has one will be loving it, once they get their new $890.00 shock back from Answer. It came on my Giant Reign 1 ( best bike ever) and has been rebuilt by Answer twice and still does not come close to working. Luckily I have a backup Marzochi, it's heavy, but it does what a shock should do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem Date Reviewed: June 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
just got this fork back from manitou the second time, and hopefully its the last time they have it
Weaknesses:
shock lost all but 1 inch of travel, and it system never worked. added on top of that manitou had this fork in there possesion for about 2 months out of the 6 I have had this fork
Bike Setup:
giant reign 1
Bottom Line:
I've had nothinig but trouble with this fork from the start. Manitou has had it in there possesion about 2 months too long, and i lost a lot of riding time from it. But on the other side, the second time they had it, they completely removed the IT lever and all of its components in the main chamber of the fork. They replaced the parts with a titanium coil spring and a dial to adjust the travel. The right chamber has remained air for the SPV platform. I now have about 6 rides on iot since i have had it back, and it seems to be working better than ever. so much for a long travel air shock though. so basically manitou took my $800 fork and turned it into a $600 sherman. They should have field tested this thing a little longer. save yourself the hassle get a different fork, or get the nixon without the IT travel {according to manitou they dont have any trouble with that one}
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel Angel
a Weekend Warrior
from Madrid, SPAIN Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, IT travel adjust (the best feature), SPV evolve, very plush, linear, very good looking, stiff...
Weaknesses:
None yet. Just loss of travel with the tire clearance upgrade
Similar Products Used:
Manitou X-vert R, 2003 Fox Talas RLC
Bike Setup:
98 GT-STS with Fox RL propedal, XTR, Race Face, syncros,...11,7Kg long travel enduro bike
Bottom Line:
I changed from my Talas to the Nixon Platinum one month ago for two reasons: I was always playing with the travel dial (with the risk riding with one hand involves) and with the dive problem when downhilling. In spite of first unit’s problems, I bought it (that helped to lower the price of this model). The first impression has been great, much more plush than the Talas, stays up when downhilling or breaking, what makes feel it has more travel than really used. and SPV evolve works fine although in low pressure setup. IT is the best feature, adjusting the geometry of the bike to the terrain from the handlebar. I’m using it continuously. Hope it does not failure like other units. I set one turn of the linear dial, to avoid bottoming. It is a QR version, and still stiffer than the Fox. Is the air fork most similar to coil forks I’ve ever tried. Just I would like to get the promised travel (I only get 137mm) with the longer rods upgrade Manitou should do soon. Will make another review in case of problems or if still pleasured with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ Date Reviewed: May 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
SoMo - Morman/National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, long travel Single Crown, adjustable in almost every way imaginable - Plush ride.
Weaknesses:
I.T. doesn't work! The fork will begin to sag into 0 travel as you ride w/o you ever having touched the IT switch - VERY DANGEROUS. Luckily I read about this issue before I hit the trail (don't want to imagine what would have happened had I not been prepared!)
The 05 Nixon Platinum fork has great potential, but that's the problem... it was obvioulsy not ready for release with so many Nixon's having the same IT issue. Manitou released this fork either w/o fully testing the production models, or knowing they had this problem and released them regardless - hoping for the best. This Nixon has great all around adjustability for every rider to maximize his/her preferences (firm, soft, trail riding, hucking, etc.) along with the theoritical travel adjustability for climbing, then decending. I rode my twice before I ran into the sag problem. The first day, the fork performed wonderfully! I had mine adjusted to my requirements, and it performed above my expectations. However, at the beginning of my second ride, the IT sag problem became an immediate issue. During the entire ride, I had to stop and return the fork to full travel (about every 5 minutes). I went so far as to remove the IT switch from my bar (just in case the switch was inadvertently being pulled), but still had the problem. As of today, I am going to contact Manitou at the beginning of the week and have them fix this (I bought mine aftermarket). Once I hear from them, I will update as to how they treated me, how long it took to fix and how the fork performs. I must say, I am very disappointed that Manitou would prematurely release the Nixon and that John Tomac would directly tie his name to this a fork w/o having perfection being obtained in the production models, since 1) the Nixon has tire clearence issues (make sure you have the sticker on the leg that states "tire clearence kit installed") and 2) DOESN'T WORK! Wonder how many people have been unpleasantly surprised on the trail. For now, it you haven't grabbed one, DON'T!!! Wait until 2006 for this problem to go away - as they say, never by the first year version of anything... too many problems. Value: 2 Chili's: Expensive for a fork that doesn't work. Overall: 3 Chili's: Potentail is there - Manitou... FIX the IT problems!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ANDREW SPRUNT
a Weekend Warrior
from SCOTLAND Date Reviewed: May 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
AS LONG AS IT'S SCOTTISH IT'S THE DOGS...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$699.00
Purchased At:
BEYONDBIKES
Strengths:
LIGHT SHOCK,GOOD LOOKING AND GOOD FEATURES, ESPECIALLY I.T.(INFINITE TRAVEL) FOR THE CLIMBS (WHEN IT'S WORKING!!!!)
Weaknesses:
I.T. RARELY SEEMS TO WORK YET! IT JUST GOES FLAT ON YOU. MAYBE NOT AS PLUSH ON SMALL DUMPS, BUT I HAVE NOT HAD ENOUGH TIME WITH THE FORK ON THE BIKE TO SET IT UP FULLY!!!
Similar Products Used:
ROCKSHOX SID'S, PACE
Bike Setup:
INTENSE 5.5 EVP, AVID JUICY 7'S, SRAM XO, THOMSON STEM AND POST, CHRIS KING HUBS ON MAVIC 518'S
Bottom Line:
MANITOU HAVE A GOOD ALL ROUND FORK HERE! IF THEY COULD GET THR I.T. TO WORK. IN SHORT IT IS CRIMINAL THAT THEY HAVE LET THIS I.T. VERSION OUT. MY FIRST FITTED SHOCK NEVER MADE IT OUT THE SHOP BEFORE IT SAGGED. MY SECOND SHOCK LASTED 20 MILES THEN GAVE UP THE GHOST AND SAGGED AT WILL. JUST GOT IT BACK FROM MANITOU SO WILL FIX IT ON AND HOPE IT LASTS THIS TIME IF NOT I WILL WANT MY MONEY BACK AND IT IS HELLO FOX 36 RC2.( I WILL SUFFER THE 3MM CLICKS ON ITS I.T.) SO IN SHORT UNLESS MANITOU COME OUT WITH A STATEMENT SAYING THEY HAVE THE PROBLEM 100% SORTED DO NOT TOUCH THIS VERSION WITH A BARGE POLE. I DO HAVE FRIENDS WITH MINUTE SHOCKS WITHOUT THE REMOTE I.T. AND THEY SEEM TO BE OKAY SO IS PROBABLY JUST THE REMOTES LINK UP WITH THE I.T. CARTRIDGE. OTHERWISE BEING ABLE TO DROP THE RIDE HEIGHT HAS GREATLY INCREASED MY CLIMBING ABILITY. BUT MANITOU I DON'T CLIMB HILLS ALL THE TIME!!! IF THE FIX HAS WORKED I WILL POST ANOTHER MESSAGE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Weekend Warrior
from Fairfax Station, VA Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
foun
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock on bike
Strengths:
Adjustable travel, SPV damping, very tunable to rider and conditions. Plush.
Weaknesses:
Yeah, I had the same IT problems as many others had at first. first ride it sank to less than an inch of travel. Sent it back to Manitou, got it back in a couple weeks, has worked fine since then.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
IT (Infinite Travel) is a great innovation from Manitou, especially added to their SPV damping. Drop the front end for the long extended climbs. It does take a pretty good wheelie to extend the fork, which is sometimes difficult on the trail, which then requires a stop to extend it, but not that big a deal.
Mine had the problem many others below faced, but Manitou customer service took care of it quickly for me. Mine has the bumper installed, limiting the travel, but as I type, Manitou is sending me the kit to get full travel back. Since the fix, the fork has been plush and been able to absorb hits both big and small.
Fork came stock on my bike, so value-wise it was a lot better deal than buying it aftermarket-it is quite expensive compared to other forks on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry Ek
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany, NY, USA Date Reviewed: April 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The Stables/Daniels Road/Devils Den
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes
Strengths:
Stiff w/ the 20mm axle option; IT switch works great; SPV dampening keeps the fork riding up in the travel and limits brake dive; SPV Evolve dampening is more supple than previous SPV system
Weaknesses:
One more inch of travel would be nice; no need for travel to drop down to 0mm with the IT switch; expensive
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute 1:00, Fox Float 100 RLC
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 totally decked out
Bottom Line:
I didn't experience any of the negative issues with the IT switch that others are complaining about. In fact, the IT is one of my favorite features on the fork. I ride in an area that doesn't really have an uphill and a downhill, but rolling trails with a mingling of ups and downs. Thus, the IT switch is nice because you can adjust the travel on the fly. It is easy to lock the fork down into the travel for a steep uphill, then wheelie and drop it back down into full travel afterwards. It is easy to lower the fork about an inch down into its travel as well (at appx. 5 inches), which is probably the best setting for my bike.
All in all, I have found that I use the travel adjustment a lot more with the IT switch. My old fork, a Minute 1:00, also had adjustable travel, but I didn't use it much because you have to stop and really crank on the Rapid Travel Wind Down knob. The IT is easy to use, and thus, I end up using it a lot more. Why have features on a fork if you aren't going to take advantage of them?
Regarding the SPV system, the new Evolve SPV is a lot more supple than the earlier SPV in my Minute 1:00. It is a lot more plush, but it still limits brake dive. I like Fox forks a lot as well, but I was annoyed with the brake dive that is common with them. The SPV dampening keeps the fork up in its travel, which makes the fork seem like it has more travel when you do hit something. The SPV is easy to adjust, and you can tune how the dampening ramps up.
I got the fork with the 20mm axle option, and really recommend it. The fork is really light, but it is still stiff and track well. With normal QR dropouts, I think that it could get flexy.
In summary: the problems with the IT system are apparently solved, because I have had no issues with it; the IT switch works really well, and is a nice feature if you like to tinker with your forks travel a lot; the 20mm axle is a must; the fork is light, stiff, and performs well. I would recommend this fork to anyone who has a bike with 5-7 inches of travel and wants to strike a nice balance between stiffness, light weight, and mega-adjustability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Strengths:
Plush, stiff, adjustable, SPV Evolve works seamlessly
Weaknesses:
Takes a bit of time to get set up just right
Bike Setup:
Tomac Eli with Answer Swinger SPV 4-way
Bottom Line:
I've read a lot of really negative reviews below, and it looks like there are a lot of people having bad Nixon experiences. My personal experience has been all good. I've measured it, and I get every last millimeter of travel available (145mm... not sure what this is about "137mm"). If I lower the IT right down, and leave the bike for a period of time it tends to gradually raise back up. I've had no issues with it packing down or losing travel while riding. I'll post another review if I do have issues in the future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from nor cal Date Reviewed: April 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
slide
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
beyond
Strengths:
it travel works well for climbing . spv works well for keeping fork from diving through all its travel on steep down hill braking
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
z150 sl
Bike Setup:
yeti 575
Bottom Line:
i am writing a review after reading all the negative ones . I have had no problems with this fork ,it haS THE TIRE CLEARANCE UPGRADE? I HAD SEVERAL PROBLEMS WITH OIL HEIGHT ON MY MARZOCCHI Z150 SL . I GOT TIRED OF IT(THE MARZOCCHI) AND GOT A NIXON . THE NIXON IS A MUCH BETTER FORK UPHILL AND DOWNHILL . STIFF , LIGHT AND IF YOU SET THE SPV RIGHT IT NEVER BOTTOMS OUT , I.T. WORKS GREAT ON MINE. TAKES SOME SKILL TO SET THE PRESSURES FOR THE BEST RIDE . BY FAR THE BEST FORK I HAVE EVER RIDDEN (MARZOCHI QR20 , FOX TALAS , Z150SL , BOXXER , SHERMAN .)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg matthews
a Weekend Warrior
from boulder, co Date Reviewed: March 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
It's a great one inch travel fork that weighs 4+ lbs and cost over $800.
Weaknesses:
It's a great one inch travel fork that weighs 4+ lbs and cost over $800.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talus, Rock Shock SID
Bike Setup:
VT 1
Bottom Line:
The fork shipped from the company somehow slipping past Manitou's quality control process and to me already broken. This gem collapses in travel as you use it so you end up with maybe an inch of travel after a few minutes of riding. Besides that, it's not plush and any trace of workable SPV has disappeared with the cash I paid for this Tonka toy version of a workable product. Over two weeks after my shop sent it back, I'm still without a bike. Manitou didn't bother to reply to my inquiries about getting it back and they lied to my shop saying they were going to send it at least two days before they did. After reading some of the other posts my concern is that Manitou will just keep sending me broken shocks or perhaps the neutered version with only 137 mm of travel. Manitou has some work to do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Switerland Date Reviewed: March 27, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anyone outside Switerland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
AEbikes
Strengths:
I like the idea of IT adjust in a long traval fork. Once it does work (even with the rubber bumper limiter)it works great. Cool looks.
Weaknesses:
My first Nixon I recieved was defective, so I sent it back to the Swiss Distb.for repair and came back in the same condition. Which was, the fork was sinking in its traval and locking down only after a minute of riding. I would then have to press the IT almost every other min. to get back up again. (same problem as Chuck)They did send me a new Nixon but this one has the bumper in it to limit the traval to about 133 mm so I don't kill myself. So now I have to send it back AGAIN to get this problem fixed. Also, the IT bar mounted lever can be for some riders a bit of a problem to find place on your bars.
Similar Products Used:
Lefty, Zocchi, Rockshox
Bike Setup:
Intense 5point5 Evp
Bottom Line:
I just can't recomend this product to anyone! I never had so much trouble with one product in my 9 years of riding untill this Nixon came along.Manitou is having big QC problems and it doesn't look like it's getting better. Look elsewhere if you want a long traval for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Qld Australia Date Reviewed: March 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
A great concept with IT adjustment on the handlebar.
Weaknesses:
It just doesn't work!!! Manitou's poor level of service
Similar Products Used:
Minute 3
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 Spot
Bottom Line:
This fork came OEM on a Giant VT1. From the first day the fork did not work correctly and almost was intent on trying to kill me. The fork continually "leaked" down so that 5 minutes into a trail it was down to almost nil travel and was not rebounding at all. Not a great situation when you are assuming you have 145mm of travel under you.
Returned via LBS and Manitou informed they could not fix the fault of leaking quad seals so they sent me a brand new non OEM fork. Happily, this fork worked well for a good 2 - 3 weeks before the rot started to set in with similar problems to the original fork.
Added to the leaking travel is the fact that I can only acheive 120mm of travel at the max, and this is with air pressure right at bottom of recommended settings. Using the IT adjuster and jumping on the front forks will result in total travel of 127 mm max. Manitou tell me it is unrealistic to expect travel at a full 145mm due to negative spring pressure?????. What the........
I don't recall seeing negative spring pressure mentioned in the sales catalogue, funny that.
Yes the factory recall fix has been applied, technically reducing the travel to 137 mm.
So in summary, if your looking to purchase a fork that automatically adjusts travel with no rider input, gives you 4' of travel when you have paid for 5.75, and feel you would enjoy spending time arguing with Manitou, I strongly recommend that you do you self a favour and rush down to your LBS to grab one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem, PA Date Reviewed: March 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Specs on fork sound great, but see below...
Weaknesses:
I've only riden on this fork about 6 times, and have had nothing but trouble with it. It bottoms out, hitting even the smallest bumps and doesnt rebound back.. Very Dangerous. I have just noticed oil leaking from the main valve when I was playing around with the air pressure, the one the infinte travel is attatched to.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
Not very impressed with this fork. I have a 5yr old manitou fork with 3" travel on a hard tail that performs better than this one. And unfortunately Im off to the bike shop again with to see what they can do for me
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Kempf
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Date Reviewed: March 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Lysterfield
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Ringwood
Strengths:
Long progressive travel. Rigidity. Tracks very well. Stable platform. Nice looking. Infinate adjust (but see below)
Weaknesses:
Apparent design fault. Fork collapses in it's travel but does not recover so after a small number of bumps it has zero travel. This alone makes the fork near useless despite all the other good features.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute one, Rockshox Pilot
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant VT1
Bottom Line:
Very dissapointed in both Giant and Manitou as the forks have been "repaired" four times and failed within the first five minutes of riding each time. Both companies are putting the responsibility onto each other which means that my LBS has had to provide other forks for most of the last 4 months. Note that I don't do any big hit riding. Forks collapse even over ripple bumps... Until Manitou genuinely fix the problem I would ask your LBS to supply different forks.
Despite haveing had fantastic experiences with Manitou forks in the past I have to give both the product (for failing to work) and the manufacturer (for failing to provide customer service) the lowest score possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesper Welling
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark Date Reviewed: March 15, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Sjælland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Light, stiff,
Weaknesses:
"stalls" at ruts, meaning that it feels sticky. construcktion to complicated, and should have been testet for a longer period by M.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, sherman, minute
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth ID, chris king, Roox, WTB -bling bling etc
Bottom Line:
The whole idea behind the fork is brillant, that you can lower the front for climbing, works superwell, but the fork is acting like a 1988 model, regarding damping, stickyness, harshness, i took a major chrash, because the fork "stalled" on a bigger rut, going downhill, returned it to my dealer, and got my money back. Also the airpressure was very hard to set up, and did even not feel right while playing with it a lot. It had just been rated a some bigger German bike mags, and they give it a very low score, because they had similar problems with it. I will wait a couple of year at then look again towards the nixon, when the hopefully have sorted it well out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shannon
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, OR, USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
Plush as can be with awesome anti-bob function.
Weaknesses:
LEAKS DOWN TO NO TRAVEL BY ITSELF. THIS IS DANGEROUS TO SAY THE LEAST. My fork did not center the wheel in the reverse arch causing the tire to rub severely.
Similar Products Used:
Fox,Marzocchi and older Manitou
Bike Setup:
Yeti 575 w/ top shelf parts
Bottom Line:
I have never been disapointed with any fork until this one. Manitou did not stand behind the defective fork. They will keep working on it but won't give you a new fork. When mine came back it still had the problem of the wheel not centering in the arch. Luckaly for me I was able to exchange it for a Fox because I deal with a really great shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chuck
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh Date Reviewed: March 5, 2005
I see nothing but good reviews on this fork but no negative comments. What's the deal? It took 2 different forks from Manitou before I could get it out of the shop, there was always some problem with them and they had to be returned. The shop also has another Reign in stock that is on it 5th fork before it hit the floor. Then I've now gone through 2 forks on 2 rides.
1st Ride: The infinite travel keeps locking out the fork and taking away 3/4 of the travel. The first one I rode was horrible once on the trail and after just a couple logs (not even stacks) the fork would lock out on its own and I would bottom out on a simple log crossing. I was disgusted, constantley poping the front up to release the fork. Manituo argued with the shop praising thier fork but sent out yet another promptley.
2nd Ride: Ride started good, starting playing around hitting some small jumps, then here we go again. I thought maybe it was me and I was hitting the infinite travel switch by accident so I rode with bar ends only, same problem. What's the use of a 6 inch travel fork that locks out to 1 inch of travel while riding.
I just can't believe I'm the only one having this problem. The other bike they have at the shop (the one on it's 5th fork) has the same problem, so I guess it will going on #6.
Dealing with Manitou is difficult, they first argued and later admitted to having a few problems. They just keep sending new forks out but won't give an explaination or a solution. They just see all the great reviews and awards they are apparently are getting.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 16, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$675.00
Purchased At:
Privately
Strengths:
Plush, stiff, adjustable, SPV Evolve works seamlessly
Weaknesses:
Finding it difficult to use the IT to drop to "just the right height" on the fly
Similar Products Used:
2004 Psylos (different league)
Bike Setup:
Tomac Eli - has 5.5" via Answer Swinger SPV 4-way
Bottom Line:
Matches my SPV rear shock beautifully (145mm front, 140mm rear). Incredibly light for the amount of travel at your disposal. Can set your SPV threshold (mine is set very low, but still works perfectly), sag, rebound, and how progressive the travel is in the final 50% of travel. No bob when climbing (no matter what the travel is set at) yet never feels locked out - reacts instantaneously even on small stutter sections and sharp bumps. Would be great if you could set the height the IT drops down to - I'm never going to ride at 60mm, and can be tricky to "find" the 100mm or so I normally want for a steep climb (any lower, and it feels all wrong - actually feels slow). Value based on NZ$950 - bought s/h but unused
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: January 4, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Butterfly Trail (Catalina Mtns)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Alfred E Bikes
Strengths:
More adjustability than any fork ever. Lightweight (4.4 lbs with a 20mm THROUGH AXEL!). STIFF. BUTTERY smooth. Minimal BOB even with running sag.
Weaknesses:
Until Answer comes out with their replacement internal elastomer bumper, the trael isn't as long as advertised - I was told by end of Jan they'd have the self-service parts ready to ship. Some dust collecting on stanchions from oil (?) - maybe just part of the break-in period for the EvilGenius seals.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy, RS SID RACE, RS DUKE RACE
Bike Setup:
2004 Tomac Eli (Lg), Race Face Atlas X-Type Cranks, SRAM drivetrain, Shimano 959s, Hayes HFX9 Carbon Discs, WTB Stealth V Saddle, Thomson Stem, Race Face Next Carbon Riser Bar, ODI Rogue lock on grips.... King Headset and Mavic CrossMax XL wheels... my dreambike indeed.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic and quiet and smooth and stiff and mega-adjustable fork. Even running an inch of sad I get a quite stable platform for riding the fire roads or the dirt sections out to the ride. It has a great feel on cross country - especially if I drop it down an inch or two with the infinite travel. It absolutely hammers down the steep rock gardens with the 20mm axel. Such a dream fork - such a steep price. If you're addicted to gadgets and mountain biking ... get this. Gearheads rejoice!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Chapman
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV, USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Wandering Moses to Portal in Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes in Zephyr Cove
Strengths:
Strong and Light. Stiff. Stable Platform. Hex Thru Axle is sweet. Infinite Travel Adjust lever is easy to operate.
Weaknesses:
Infinite Travel Adjust is hard to adjust to a desired level. It tends to drop down below a practical level when compressing, requiring you to try to fine tune it a little. It would be nice if it just stopped compressing at around 100mm.
Similar Products Used:
Marz Marathon SL, Fox TALAS RLC
Bike Setup:
Titus Supermoto with Manitou Swinger 4-way Air set at 7" travel. Nixon Platinum Thru Axle. King Hubs on 819's. King Head. Thomson & Thomson. Full XTR (Yes, the new shifters.)
Bottom Line:
This fork seems to be in the middle of some controversy in the message boards, stemming from some early production problems with tire clearance when fully compressed. Mine came with the fix, so no problems yet. When you talk to the bike shop guys, they either say that it's the coolest fork they've ever seen, or that it's a piece of junk. All I can say about that is, if you haven't ridden it hard, please just say so, and don't go around voicing strong opinions.
Overall, this fork IS the coolest fork that I have ever ridden. I weigh in at 151 lbs. naked. It makes my old TALAS seem like a flimsy toy. I had it out in Moab all last week, and after riding Porcupine Rim at warp speed (even on the climbs) I was soon convinced that this fork can do anything. It has an insane appetite for gnarly terrain. It eats up bumps like nothing I've ever seen. It tracks the ground like glue on fly-paper. I have never felt more like I was riding one of those Star Wars Hover Cycles than with this fork up front. It handles huge drops with ease, and is still light enough to pull two-foot step ups all day long. 'Effin-A Phenomenal!
As for the IT Adjust feature, I found that I was not using it as much as I had anticipated. Overall, it's nice to have at the end of a long climb when you get to the steep part, and are starting to weave a little. I'm not sure I like the fact that it will compress all the way down to 60 mm or so. Strangely, when I do that, it feels like the wheels start dragging, so I usually try to bring it up to about 100 mm as a comprimise. Also, you don't want to forget to raise the fork back up after a climb, for obvious reasons. Having done this, however, I can tell you that this fork will not bottom out even when compressed. Also, when compressed, the fork does feel a lot stiffer than when fully extended, but that's just Physics.
As for the SPV, this fork makes climbing just seem easier. In conjunction with the SPV in the rear shock, this bike climbs with the feel of a hard-tail (only heavier). Bumps, however, are still absorbed, but in a way that doesn't seem to consume your energy. I think it's the best of all possible solutions to the suspension problem. Even my friends who at first did not like the feel, had to admit that my bike does climb better than yours. Ha Ha!
I think everyone should ridethis fork, provided they have the frame to support it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: October 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
www.forkhouse.com
Strengths:
Adjustibility, adjustibility. No more knobs, only a flick of a switch and you have got instant adjustment. Damping is superb as always with Manitou.
Weaknesses:
Not designed for riders in my weight class; over 200lbs. Will "pack up" in washboard sections.
Similar Products Used:
Shermans, Z1, All Mountain
Bike Setup:
Currently a P.1 with a Super T., single speed.
Bottom Line:
Get it if you are a techno junky or just someone who likes adjustments. Don't get it if you weigh over 200 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy Geniec
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Clarita, CA, USA Date Reviewed: September 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
wildwood park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycles, Santa Clarita
Strengths:
Bar mounted infinite travel adjustment. Air fork allows infinite tuning and super light weight for a fork of this purpose.Good for anyone wanting one bike to do everything!
Weaknesses:
I had a small problem with the original fork as it was one of the first production units- answer products immediately replaced the fork for me with a new one no questions asked!
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanilla 125 rlc/minute one (all in the last year) The nixon is the fork i will be sticking with!-FINALLY!
Bike Setup:
2004 Santa Cruz Heckler with progressive 5th element on the rear.
Bottom Line:
Fork is great for anyone who climbs varied terrain. It allows me to make all the tight switchbacks on any climb. I used to have to manipulate my body but now the bike does the work by dropping the front end down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MICHAEL LAPKA
a Weekend Warrior
from BEL AIR, MARYLAND Date Reviewed: September 13, 2004
Favorite Trail:
TROYBILT IN FRUITA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
BLACK CAT BICYCLES
Strengths:
EASY TO SET UP AND TUNE, IT-INFINITE TRAVEL FEATURE, VERY, VERY LIGHT FOR A 145MM FORK (4.1 LBS)
Weaknesses:
PRICE, ALL OF THE TECHNICAL FEATURES COME AT A PREMIUM.
Similar Products Used:
FOX TALAS, MANITOU MINUTE 3, MANITOU SHERMAN
Bike Setup:
AZONIC SABER (5-6 " TRAVEL)VIA ROMIC TWIN TUBE SHOCK,SRAM XO AND SHIMANO XT DRIVETRAIN, MAVIC 3.1 UST DICS WHEELS.
Bottom Line:
THIS IN ONE AWESOME FORK! ITS POSSIBLE TO BUILD UP A CROSS-COUNTRY/SEMI FREE RIDE BIKE AT 30LBS. THE 'IT' WORKS FROM A REMOTE SWITCH ON THE H-BAR, AND THIS ALLOWS YOU TO 'DROP' THE FORK/FRONT END DOWN FOR CLIMING AND BACK UP TO 90-145 MM. THE SPV ALLOWS THE FORK TO HAMMER ALMOST BOB FREE, AND BECAUSE ITS AIR ADJUSTABLE; IT SOOOOO LIGHT! DEFINATELY RECOMMEND FOR THE PERSON WHO WANTS "THE ONE" BIKE. BUILD UP WITH A SPV REAR SHOCK AND RIDE ALL DAY, OR HIT THE FREE RIDE PARK AND SHRED IT UP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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