The all new for '05 Splice Super delivers value and performance at a great price. All the features you'd find on a top end fork are here, including a Rapid Travel Wind Down adjuster that lets you change the travel from 100-130mm, Fluid Flow damping, and a lockout knob so you can climb and sprint with power, even in "long-travel" mode.
Submitted by
Franklynation
a Cross Country Rider
from England Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$80.00
Strengths:
Looks great. Rides well over most XC terrain
Weaknesses:
Doesn't handle anything big. Rebound adjustment doesn't do that much and could do with some more adjustments
Similar Products Used:
Some rubbish stock Suntours.
Bike Setup:
08 Giant Yukon Pretty much stock, with a few changes
Bottom Line:
A good first fork upgrade, but make sure you buy the 100-130mm version, not the 70-100mm like I did, as you will never use the lower setting. Works well for me as I am quite light (118lb), but I wouldn't reccomend for a heavier rider. Overall, works well for me. Good for XC and mild mountain trails, but do NOT buy if you ride downhill or on very rough trails, as it just isn't designed for it and it wont take it. Reasonable fork though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Key
a
from tucson,az,us Date Reviewed: February 2, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Nice color
Weaknesses:
Bottom nut came loose. creaked really bad. ended up cracking the tube. leaked. and was very stiff even with low pressure. would get stuck in the compressed position with all the lubrication in the world
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MZ1
Bike Setup:
IronHorse Azure
Bottom Line:
Dont use this shock. I hated it. The only thing i like is its color. For probably 100 dollars more you can go out and buy yourself a nice rock Shox Reba
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt schisler
a
from london ON Canada Date Reviewed: November 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
n/a
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
the shock is ok for a few months but turns to crap (you almost have to baby the shock)
Weaknesses:
plastic parts, can easly blow seals, leaks oil... do i need to continue
Bike Setup:
gary fisher bitter
Bottom Line:
if you have this shock you may want to look for a new one as a back up because when it goes it goes
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrés
a Weekend Warrior
from Santiago de Chile. Date Reviewed: July 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
San Cristobal Trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Sparta
Strengths:
Nice look, soft.
Weaknesses:
Plastic parts.
Similar Products Used:
Pbone.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 4, Deore LX, Rock Shox Bar, Bontager
Bottom Line:
Ia agree whit the people to say "this fork is for XC ride not for DH or Extreme Jumpers Riders" The fork it´s ok, i don´t have promblems wiht it. I used in a fast and technical XC trail (almost nothing of jumps 4 foot +) and it works prety good, may be the adjustment is a little lazy... i hope don´t get any troubles whit the fork. Bye and sorry for my english.. i´m improving...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robb
a Downhiller
from surrey bc canada Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
stiff..im a big guy and it holds up well
Weaknesses:
not enough external adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
dirtjam comp. pro. dj1,2,3
Bike Setup:
custom 05 norco atomik
Bottom Line:
good fork for value but i wouldnt ever buy it again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MELCHOR ACOLOLA
a Cross Country Rider
from SILAY CITY, PHILIPPINES Date Reviewed: June 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
CROSS COUNTRY
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
CYCLETOTE BACOLOD
Strengths:
slick design, just like having a expensive fork but in cheaper price.
Weaknesses:
they used plastic parts in RTWD, the knobs can easily broken.
Similar Products Used:
suntour, rst, nixon
Bike Setup:
gian yukon, shimano deore lx group sets
Bottom Line:
all you have to do is a few modification, just get rid of plastic RTWD Assemble and bring the top cap to machineshop and have it fabricate with a copper one. then add two 20MM spacer used in fox vanilla rlx. place the spacer on the end of the RTWD tubing inside and permanently screw it. and the other one after you set up the spring inside the stancion tubing and tighten the new copper top cap. i will guarantee it, The ride is just like having a FOX VANILLA RLX.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brennan clark
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland NZ Date Reviewed: June 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
big mumma
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
everything
Weaknesses:
nothing
Similar Products Used:
dirt jump 2,3 and drop offs
Bike Setup:
avanti hotdog 06 upgraded
Bottom Line:
THE WORLDS BEST FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Downhiller
from Bozeman, MT, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
The suspension works, and it hasn't blown up.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjustment doesn't really do anything, the steerer tube twists in the crown.
Similar Products Used:
Marocchi, rockshocks, suntour
Bike Setup:
2005 Giant Reign
Bottom Line:
Overall this fork has done the very basics that a suspension fork should do. It has suspesion that works. I have given this fork a pretty good beating and it hasn't blown up or anything like that but the steerer tube has come loose from the crown and now my handlebars will turn every time I hit a rock or root etc. This being said, Manitou is replacing the fork for me for free, even after the warranty is up. The rebound adjustment doesn't really do anthing on this fork and is pretty much worthless. If you do much riding on rough surfaces I would not recommend this fork. If you are riding smooth trails, taking small drops, and don't care about adjustments then this fork would be fine. But even so, I'm convinced there are better forks out there for the same price that would do a much better job.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: May 19, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
its so dam stiff, no adjustments,weak.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
trek jack 2-why the hell did they put a xc fork on a freeride bike?
Bottom Line:
im never going to use a manitou fork again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: March 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Blanket's Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa.com
Strengths:
I have the RTWD 70-100 mm version and it absorbed the small impacts such as roots and small rocks very well and overall rode great.
Weaknesses:
RTWD broke on second ride and rebound is too slow to effectively set up for jumping.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox: Jett, SID SL, Duke XC. Marzocchi: MZ Comp
Well, I got the fork for Christmas from Jensonusa.com. It was an OEM fork, but brand new. I was very pleased with the fork on the first ride. I didn't notice too much difference from my MZ Comp initially, but noticed that it rode better as I spent more time riding it.
Then today came around. The fork had been riding alright, but it was just a little bit more sluggish on the rebound making it harder for me to pop over roots and rocks. At the end of the ride, I decided to try a 4 foot drop (not a large drop for a fork that comes on all mountain bikes) at the end of the trail. Well, I figured I should make sure it was set at 100mm so I could have a softer landing. I turn my RTWD dial and....well....it just keeps turning....
My buddy came over and looked at it and informed me that the rebound was also screwwed up because his roommate's Splice rebounds much quicker than mine. This was even with my rebound set to the fastest adjustment.
Needless to say, the fork will be pulled off and rebuilt. Meanwhile, it will be replaced by a mid 90's Dual Crown 110mm fork...fun times.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurvz
a Cross Country Rider
from United Kingdom Date Reviewed: February 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Single Track anywhere
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Cycle Surgery
Strengths:
These forks look good and are quite light and also Post Mount.. I ride Aggressive Single Track and I have had no major worries ,
Weaknesses:
A bit soft for bigger riders , Lock out adjuster can set it self to lock whilst riding off road near bushes etc .. Bottom nut came lose , but Manitiou sent me a new one from the usa for free ..
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox J4 2006 , on my hard tail IS mounts have just fractured .. Marzocchi Gran Fondo 1 Lock up
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR XC Pro 2005 , Mavic Crossride Wheels
Bottom Line:
Ok im a 100Kg rider and these forks are IMO worth the money even tho they come stock on my bike I will run them untill they die , I have ridden with them all summer 2006 and I have done some Milage Appx 1200 and they have performed well consider , they do flex a little under heavy braking , but all in all they are reasonably responsive quite Light and have a good range of settings . Mine are the Elite TPC Lockout..
the adjustability is good and if you find a sweet spot like me they are ok ,, I wouldnt buy then as I think there are better choices around for some ppl , but for the cheaper priced forks they rate quite high , better than my Rock Shox J4 and the RST Gila T4 , not as smooth as my Marzocchi Gran fondo .. As I say I will keep em till they brake , if they last this summer 2007 Ill be happy ....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam L
a Weekend Warrior
from Rothesay, NB, Canada Date Reviewed: February 5, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Holds up to everything i do and my weight.
Weaknesses:
Too soft, not very beafy
Similar Products Used:
Only othwer product used was a Dirt Jam Comp
Bike Setup:
See for yourself: http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1169054/
Bottom Line:
Not a suggested fork for dirt jumping or drops. Al though fork is AMAZING! for cross country. I'd give it maybe 2 "Flamin' Chilis" for Jump, 5 for Cross country. So overall...about a 3
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke nagy
a
from ramona,california,united stated Date Reviewed: January 29, 2007
Submitted by
Rick
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: December 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Not too heavy, reasonably strong. I upgraded the fork seals and bottom o-rings to make them semi-bath (learned from Answer tech support) from their stock grease lube and they rock!
Weaknesses:
None for the price!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute 1, Black Sport, Stance Static
Bike Setup:
Sette Reken hard tail, Shimano crank, Deore deraileurs
Bottom Line:
Okay stock but not smooth. Upgrade to semi-bath and the feel more like my Manitou Minute 1's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bernard Lim
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
Off Vorb
Strengths:
It managed to hold my rim securely
Weaknesses:
Everything
Bottom Line:
IT LEAKS! SEALS ARE CRAP! I GIVE IT -5 STARS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jj covalesky
a Downhiller
from poway Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
off camber
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came stock on bike
Strengths:
hmm. hard to bottom out??
Weaknesses:
weak, not plush, nearly killed me
Similar Products Used:
manitou sherman, zocchi exr's, dirt jumpers, lots of other forks
Bike Setup:
2005 giant ac, raceface bashguard, azonic big drop seat, pedals, fox vanilla r propedal rear shock.
Bottom Line:
fork held up to about 25 foot gaps and 10 foot drops and downhilling for about 8 months. just other day when i landed a jump the adjuster knob fell off and the spring shot out and nailed me in the neck, if it would have hit me an inch to the right it could have killed me. DONT BUY THIS FORK ITS DEADLY. if it comes on ur bike stock change it if u have the money to somthing better before it almost kills u to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
josh lang
a Weekend Warrior
from ut Date Reviewed: October 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
everthing
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
notin
Weaknesses:
needs maintnence,the fork never works it just sucks. the the steeror tube came loose after a while now i need a new fork because its a piece of junk
Similar Products Used:
some piec of junk
Bottom Line:
dont buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Spokane Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Riverside
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with my bike.
Strengths:
Has not broke yet, provides some suspension, has held up to moderate abuse.
Weaknesses:
lack of adjustments, plastic dampening, way too soft, climbs horribly, bounces when pedaling on flats, on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
none yet.
Bike Setup:
stock 05 giant ac
Bottom Line:
this is for the splice comp. after reading many reviews on this fork i feel very lucky that it has not broke on me yet. i have put it through a considerable amount of abuse and it has actually held up. not for heavy or aggressive riders, it feels cheap and it will break. the only reason i have it is because it was already on my bike(seems to be the case for a lot of people). i will be switching to a marzocchi all-mountain 1 when i can afford to, or if i am forced to when this fork decides to give out on me. until then i will continue to thrash this fork, no loss to me when it breaks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Logan M
a Weekend Warrior
from Fall River Date Reviewed: September 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sportwheels
Strengths:
It looks great, thats it.
Weaknesses:
Everything, it flexed bad right out of the shop, and the rebound was gone after 1 week of riding, i do not recommend this fork to anyone other than small, xc riders who won't abuse it in anyway. This thing is really a peice of plastic filled garbage, i had a 97 Manitou pro for years (still going strong on a friends bike) that never gave me the problem this fork has given me, this thing is junk.
Do not buy this fork, spend the few extra bucks and get somthing Italian (bombers) they are bulletproof and arn't competly made of plastic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny shoe
a Weekend Warrior
from batangas Date Reviewed: August 27, 2006
Favorite Trail:
road hehe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
i've been wronged with my previous review...honestly this is a good trail fork...its weight, travel, its mode of adjustment, etc)..it's just that i've been into jump parks lately...& ive got a wrong fork for my bike...
Weaknesses:
mine is a super w/o lockout...its a stock w/c comes in w/soft kit i guess..if i want a stiffer ride..i guess i have to replace it with a harder kit..but i dont think i have to do it coz it'll only cost me bucks & prolly void its warranty.
Similar Products Used:
rst capa, manitou 6 comp
Bike Setup:
former xc, lately its been transformed into jump bike geo...though some part like its fork arent up to the abuse of dirtjumps and parks.
Bottom Line:
well its a trail fork...enjoy your ride with it if it comes as stock fork on your bike, well its very much cheaper that the high end minute forks...if you enjoy riding some mould of dirt, singletracks 4ft drop or less then this fork is for you..but if your a competitive xc racer well look for skareb or r7, marz marathon, rs sid for that... ..if your planning to use it for freeride or downhill then, yur dumb to use it...better look for fork with the recommended use, its marz dj's or z1 dropoff's series for that or other forks of manitou like stance, goldlabel jump series guys.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denny Breese
a Downhiller
from Redlands Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Nothing really at all. It looks pretty good. thats about it
Weaknesses:
Leaks bad and the shock blew out on my first ride with it. and it was only a 20 min ride!! Very bouncy, and stiff as well.
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox
Bike Setup:
O5 Giant Reign
Bottom Line:
Definately do NOT get this shock unless it come with the bike and even then try to upgrade it at least to the Minute 2. Avoid this shock!!! Do not purchase. I am sending it in under warrant and going to try to get Manitou to replace it with the Minute 2.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cake
a Weekend Warrior
from Riverside Date Reviewed: August 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Survived Moab and mammoth. Has withstood quite a beating.
Weaknesses:
super soft. cheap. funny clicking noise.
Bike Setup:
2005 jekyll.
Bottom Line:
I have the splice super with 100-130mm travel. Some how this fork has lasted about a year and a half through trips to moab and mammoth. It was way too soft of a fork and there was just too much of a feeling of cheapness to it. Not a horrible fork, but there are definitly better forks in this category. Im gonna upgrade to a marzocchi all mountain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jon
a Weekend Warrior
from nelson B.C. canada Date Reviewed: August 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Strengths:
plush its very responsive looks good,little or no flex very sturdy.
Weaknesses:
heavy
Similar Products Used:
dirt jumper 1 and 3 ,drop off 4 rock shox pilots
Bottom Line:
this is a decent fork. but dumb people use this fork for downhill then when it breaks they blame manitou or the bike store. ITS A TRAIL FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CV van Schaik
a Cross Country Rider
from High Wycombe, UK Date Reviewed: August 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Cyclestore
Strengths:
None whatsoever. Or maybe just one, it looks almost nice.
Weaknesses:
The lockout doesnt work - brand new and it just does nothing. The rebound is also a joke and the travel adjuster feels like its a rusty crappy old spring. Riding down a bumpy slope with this fork is tempting fate.
Similar Products Used:
None yet, but soon. Rock Shox Reba Race.
Bike Setup:
Giant XtC SX with Splice Super forks, XT rear mech, LX front derailiuer and Giant MPH Disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
The bike is great - the fork sucks. I would strongly advise anyone who is thinking of buying this bike with this fork NOT to buy it online. It's not worth the major pain in the ass trying to deal with a shop that is based on the opposite side of the country. Also, STAY AWAY FROM MANITOU. How many distributors have they gone through in the last 5 years? Who knows. All I know is it is a pain to try and get some warranty support. (UK)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
casey
a Cross Country Rider
from Lafayette Co. USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
one that is steep and rocky
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Performance Bicycle
Strengths:
NONE!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
adjustments,spring stiffness is weak,oil leakes, paint wears off, and everything you could think of!!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock 2005 GT I Drive 5
Bottom Line:
THIS FORK SUCKS A...SS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave barclay
a Downhiller
from kamloops Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Steam Shovel
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Full Boar Bike Store
Strengths:
It is stiff
Weaknesses:
the adjustments suck, the stantion paint wears off, the oil leaks and it doesn't last long at all
Similar Products Used:
None that crapy
Bike Setup:
2005 Brodie Hoodlum with 888 VF2's, double track in the front, marzocchi headset, answer protaper handle bars
Bottom Line:
don't buy it unless it comes stock on a bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
johnny shoe
a Weekend Warrior
from batangas Date Reviewed: July 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anywhere i can ride my bike
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
its adjustable travel from 70mm to 100mm, nice decals, weigth is proportional...can be used for xc racing.
Weaknesses:
its not an allrounder...there is some play at the rubber seal due some couple of jumps and drops i made in our local moto race track
Submitted by
Luigi
a Downhiller
from Malta Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Seminarju
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
It absorbed light bumps
Weaknesses:
It doesnt have the rebound it is supposed to have, its cheap, leaks , and the metal tube attached to the top of it may bring very serious problems
Bike Setup:
Haro escape
Bottom Line:
the fork was at the least possible level accepting my abuse until I began doing some street riding with it,...doing a sidehop on a bench, my front tire got impaled in a crevice in the bench and with a little force to get it out ,the tube got loose in the fork and the tube (which is attached at the bottom to the fork, and at the top to the bars) moved separately , causing the bars to move alone without turning the front wheel...this sent me to send the fork to manitou ...still waiting for a reply...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan Nickell
a Downhiller
from Redding,ca,usa Date Reviewed: June 14, 2006
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, CT Date Reviewed: May 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
BicycleBuys.com
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Broken out of box. Lack of adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
2006 GT I-Drive 5 3.0
Bottom Line:
This fork came with my new GT and I read the other reviews on here that said it was bad. So I figured I would ride it till it broke then get a better fork.
Didnt have to wait that long it was broken out of the box. The damper leaked internally and made the fork super stiff with almost zero travel.
Good news is Manitou is sending me a Minute :02 to replace it.
For the record this is an OEM splice with rebound and travel adjust only.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dermot Brennan
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, WA, Australia Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle Entrepreneur Belmont
Strengths:
130mm travel
Weaknesses:
Very dangerous. Very low quality. Poor response from Answer Products
Bike Setup:
05 Giant Reign 3
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Splice Elite rather than the Super. Sorry but they are very similar and the problem likely exist across the line. These forks are extremely dangerous and anyone riding them should check the top cap (LHS) for looseness. I took my bike over a small jump and the top cap came off and the spring hit me in the shoulder leaving a large bruise and bloody welt. If it had hit me in the throat or eye it would have been a different story. I have only ridden the bike for 4 months around trails near where I live. The bike shop have been *excellent* and have provided an alternative for me - I thoroughly recommend them (TBE Belmont - ask for David). However, I will never ride on Answer Products again. Extremely poor quality and poor service. Their service manual states that 'the spring must be relieved of its preload prior to servicing. Failure to do so could result in injury or possible death.' Shame that they don't think that the spring bursting out during a ride and hitting the rider could be dangerous!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Vasile
a Cross Country Rider
from Ruffs Dale, PA, USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
OEM on 05 Jamis Dakar Sport
Strengths:
N/A
Weaknesses:
Lots of plastic, breaks quickly.
Bike Setup:
Stock 05 Jamis Dakar Sport
Bottom Line:
This is my wife's bike. She's small, it's a 13" frame. She's not aggressive by any means, picks her way through the rock gardens slowly and never jumps, ever. I thought this fork would last for her fine...I was wrong. Like the previous poster, in less than 3 weeks and about only 30 miles the fork has only 1.5" of travel now. I'll let Manipoo rebuild it, but I'm selling it (or the replacement) and getting her a good Marzocchi or Fox fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Anastasio
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO, USA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Weaknesses:
It doesn't work...After very little riding my 4" of travel was quickly reduced to about 1.5"
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla, Fox Talas, Marzocchi Marathon SL
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80 2005, Hayes Nine, XT, Fox Vanilla
Bottom Line:
This is a good fork for someone who doesn't do alot of riding and when they do ride they're pretty easy and not too agressive. I only rode this fork twice for a total of under 30 miles on easy single track, yes I am an agressive rider, but I don't ride to destroy my bike. The fork came on my bike, and I've heard bad things about Manitou forks, but hey I thought I'd give it a try. After the little riding I did on it I had about 1.5" of travel and the rebound of peanut butter. Manitou did "fix" it, but it still didn't perform when I got it back. Instead of the headaches I replaced it with a Fox Vanilla, which is a nice, very plush fork. If a fork doesn't work the way a fork should and to the specs it claims, it's not a good product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Ventura, CA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Ahhhhhh! Good for light use I suppose.
Weaknesses:
It came stock on my bike and it seized up inside of a year.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
Good for light use, I do beat the crap out of my bike and just purchased a Marzocchi MX Comp ETA to hold me over till my next bike. The Splice is a cheap shock that served a purpose until it broke. I was using it beyond its abilities so I can't blame the shock 100%. The bike shop tells me they use many plastic parts in that shock and there is not much else to say other than if Manitou replaces it and you are interested in a deal send me an email. Good for light/moderate use!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from Abbotsford BC Canada Date Reviewed: April 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ledgeview
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wentings
Strengths:
Really cheap- I guess. Mine was OE.
Weaknesses:
Too soft when it's hot. Stiffens up in cold weather. Locks out in mud. In other words, it's way too susceptible to weather conditions. Really really cheap. Not very laterally stiff. Rebound not adjustable, and too slow.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Drop-Off, RST Capa
Bike Setup:
Stock Brodie Hellion
Bottom Line:
It's not a good idea to buy this fork, as it wouldn't be an upgrade over almost anything. Save up just a little bit more for a Rockshox Tora or similar.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis Petersen
a Downhiller
from Plano, Texas Date Reviewed: April 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Rowlett Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Super Go
Strengths:
It good for light to moderate riding and small jumps. It is pretty good for weekend trail riding and stuff like that.
Weaknesses:
It cant handle any large jumps or hard riding. I broke the crown on it when i went off a 5 foot ledge and there was no way to fix it.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas, Manitou Black, Manitou Minute III
Bike Setup:
I changed out the fork with Manitou Minute III, put Loco rims on, upgaded the rear derailer to SRAM 7.0, and SRAM X.7 Impulse trigger shifter 9-spd, put 2.4 WTB TimberWolf Freeride tires on, and SRAM PC-991 9-spd Chain.
Bottom Line:
if you want to do some hard riding i wouldnt recomend it, but its fine if your just want to get out and ride some trails on the weekends
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: April 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Diamond Cycle
Strengths:
Good travel for all-mountain riding; rarely bottoms on me. Absorbs some pretty big hits at speed. Great experience with warranty work (and lots of it!)
Weaknesses:
Poor quality, can't handle hard riding. I've had it for a year and broke it three times (I'm not a big guy, at 145lbs). Each time it was fixed under warranty, but Manitou finally agreed to replace it with a Minute 2. The sticktion is pretty bad, too.
This fork is definitely the weak link in my setup. Every other part is built for the abuse it receives. At this price point, I'd look elsewhere for a fork. If you insist on manitou, do yourself a favor and put down a few extra bucks and buy a better fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tal hod
a Downhiller
from san jose, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
carlmont
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
pretty much none, i geuss it looks ok, rebound adjustment
Weaknesses:
the thing snapped on me on a pretty small jump and i didnt even pack it, landed perfect. very skinny.
Bike Setup:
giant ac (05)
Bottom Line:
DONT GET IT unless you are just going to use it for cross country or not so hardcore stuff, dont use it to dirtjump or anything lkike that
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from C.P. , OR Date Reviewed: April 13, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
stock
Strengths:
Keeps the handlebars off the ground.
Weaknesses:
Weak, not very plush. Leaks bad.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute One
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll w/ upgrades
Bottom Line:
This was the stock fork on my bike. It only lasted 2 months and then it broke in Whistler, Canada. I love the fork that Manitou sent to replace it though, Minute One.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a
from Inverness, Scotland Date Reviewed: April 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Learnie Red Rock!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
Square Wheels
Strengths:
*Note this review is for Manitou Splice Comps, 2005*
Seems strong, looks good, good travel, works well for jumping
Weaknesses:
Bottoms out easily, stantions colour wears away, no adjustment, weak looking crown
Bottom Line:
Forks work well, although sometimes in cold weather, they can go stiff. I've used it for dj, street + a little freeride and I've bottomed them out 3 or 4 times, but haven't affected them atall.
They are good if you want a long travel xc fork, and okay for jumping, but if you want them for anything more, you will have to invest more. Good for price, however.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LittleRay
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: March 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Looks. Very smooth ride, especially on bumpy, rocky, AZ trails.
Weaknesses:
No compression adjustment. Rebound adjust range.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi All Mountain 1
Bottom Line:
This fork came with my bike, and unlike many of the reviews here, mine does NOT have compression adjustment or a lock-out.
That Manitou made a 130mm shock with no compression adjustment just baffles my thinker. Unless you weigh the specific weight for which the fork was designed, it's not going to work for you. I only weigh 170 pounds and I was hitting the stoppers on this thing just goofing around on Fantasy Island (for those of you in AZ, you'll understand that this means I wasn't hitting this thing hard at all). It was an un-nearving feeling, riding into a slight dip, and feeling a pronounced THUD as it bottomed out.
The rebound range of adjustment doesn't allow the shock to be very quick to rebound. In the lightest setting, I was still having problems with it 'packing up' as I went over repeating bumps because the shock couldn't extend fast enough.
The fork worked fine just riding along normal rocks and bumps. I probably would have kept it if it had the compression adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin cunningham
a Downhiller
from niagara falls,ont,canada Date Reviewed: March 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
blue MT
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
my bike shop
Strengths:
wiked i am 250 and if you set it up right it will not bottum out. strong fork!!! wiked on a giant AC. alot ofTravel 100mm or 130mm that is good. love the TPC Lockout. it is a light fork only 4.6 lbs!!! the Wing-Shaped Aluminum with Cathedral Arch looks wiked.
Weaknesses:
BOGUS REVIEWS BY FOOLS no Weaknesses yet
Similar Products Used:
rockshok it sucks
Bottom Line:
go get it you will thank me never gave me a problum
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from memphis TN Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
on with lots of climbing
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Jehlebike.de
Strengths:
It looks really nice.
Weaknesses:
This fork was a disappointment. 130mm travel? Seems like much less.I have a Manitou Black Super Air on my other bike and it is far superior to the Splice Super. There is so much stiction and the rebound is barely noticeable. Air/oil forks just work so much smoother. Also the twist down travel adjustment seems cheap.
Similar Products Used:
None because all the other forks worked much better.
Bike Setup:
2005 Gt i-Drive 3.0
Bottom Line:
This is the european model where they skipped out on the TPC lockout. You have to purchase the lockout seperate. If you want a good xc-freeride fork look elsewhere. It is a nice looking fork but dont be fooled its all show.This is an entry level fork. I guess its true that you get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gregg
a Downhiller
from deal nj usa Date Reviewed: March 2, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
umm none. . . at all, this is the most miserable fork ever, i have given up on manitou.
Weaknesses:
i had a broken hand when i got it so i didn't ride aggressively at all for about 2 months, at which point the rebound dissapeared and i was left with a puddle of oil... great. here's a fun game, go to your local bike shop and feel the bottoms of all the manitou forks. my money says like half of em are already leaking oil.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi 888 rc
Bike Setup:
05 ironhorse yakuza ojiki
Bottom Line:
LAME, if your bike came with it, DITCH IT, upgrade, you willl be much happier.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MAtthew Vos
a Weekend Warrior
from Guelph, Ont, Can Date Reviewed: January 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glen Eden
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
bits bikes and boards
Strengths:
Awsome ive never had a problem with it, love the adjustable travel and the lock out. Works fine. Great price!!
Weaknesses:
Nothing, i just think most of you are to fat for this fork maybe you shouldnt be so cheap. buy a good fork and stop complaining.
Similar Products Used:
Bomber marzzochi flylight air.
Bike Setup:
Norco charger
Bottom Line:
Awsome fork, great for southern ontario riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marten van der Wal
a Weekend Warrior
from Heerenveen,Friesland,Netherlands Date Reviewed: January 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
kikkereilandje
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
www.marktplaats.nl
Strengths:
None so ever!!!
Weaknesses:
everything the fork bottomed out when you drove of a sidewalk.. cheap plastic parts. i just got the fork 1 day and 5 hours later the fork exploded!!! the plastic caps broke of.. NEVER BUY A SPLICE!!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou: x-vert DC, Black sport&comp, XLC fork, Dirt jump fork
Bike Setup:
Be 0ne trial
Bottom Line:
NEVER BUY A SPLICE!! IT WILL COST YOU A LOT OF MONEY FOR PLASTIC PARTS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K Swan
a Cross Country Rider
from Sugar Hill GA USA Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Chicopee
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Mama's Board n Bike
Strengths:
Super Splice. Solid. No flex, great travel. Locks Out
Weaknesses:
TBD
Similar Products Used:
Manitou OEM
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Pro.
Bottom Line:
I am a 275lbs clydesdale when geared up for a ride. I upgraded from an 80mm fork to a 130mm fork with lock out. So far so good. I have hit some hard sprints, a couple of drops and enjoyed every moment of it. Good price and godd value.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JD
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneola, FL Date Reviewed: December 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Keeps front wheel attached
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2006 Trek Fuel 80
Bottom Line:
10 minutes into the first ride, it breaks. I'm not a big guy (150 lbs), nor abusive. I'm old school. Been using rigid forks & frames since the beginning, 1983. I figured its time to give this suspension thing a shot. What a piece of junk. Do yourself a favor and don't buy this fork or a bike that comes with it. You'll thank me later.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake shoup
a Cross Country Rider
from virginia, charlottesville Date Reviewed: December 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
o' hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
300
Strengths:
preety plush, can handle 3 1/2 foot drop without bottoming out. seems solid enough
Weaknesses:
no travle adjust. no lockout. air assist seems to loose air sometimes. Not very responsive. HEAVY
Similar Products Used:
Duke XC
Bike Setup:
costimized sette bike. carbon handle bars and stem, shimano LX front and rear deralure, sugimo XD crank, avid discs, Tiny sette seat, Bright red michelin tires.
Bottom Line:
not bad. just bought a manitou minute 3:00, excited to see how that works out. I would suggest this fork to XC riders who arnt doing anything to intence. I'd say it was nice for what was paid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
N.B.GAS
a Cross Country Rider
from LAS VEAS, NV. Date Reviewed: November 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
EMPTY ONES...
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
bike NASHBAR .com
Strengths:
AJUSTABILITY...TPC LOCK-OUT...Iam writing about the SPLICE SUPER 130-100mm...NOTICE THAT MOST OF THE REVIEWS IN THIS COLUMN ARE IN REFFERANCE TO THE SPLICE COMP...INTURN GIVING THE SPLICE SUPER A $HIT RATING...THE COMP WAS DUMPED ON ALOT OF BIKES...YOU'LL FINE WITH ALITTLE RESEARCH THAT THE SUPER WITH TPC LOCK-OUT IS AN AFTER-MARKET SHOCK..................
Submitted by
dean
a Weekend Warrior
from europe Date Reviewed: November 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
soaks up everything very very much better than my old rst fork this is my first "better" fork, it has preload great for climbing yes and very important it looks nice
Weaknesses:
i have splice comp 130 mm version it would be much better if it had travel adjustment for climbing but for that price its great
Bottom Line:
For that price is ok but in future i will buy marzocchi mx eta fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jig Hat
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
me
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
with bike
Strengths:
looks cool
Weaknesses:
everything else, after a week, the steerer tube snap the crown when i was braking on my driveway, and it flexes soo much that it seems that when you corner, the front wheel has a ten degree difference than the frame
Similar Products Used:
rst
Bike Setup:
2005 giant a.c.
Bottom Line:
avoid if possible!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Ventura County Date Reviewed: November 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This review is for the Manitou Splice Comp but I didn't see it listed....
Holds the front wheel to the frame
Weaknesses:
I told myself that buying a bike for my wife with a Manitou fork on it was a bad idea. I mean, with the problems that I had with the fork on my bike (a Firefly), I would have to be crazy. I thought to myself "hey, sure this is a low end fork but it's not like she is doing drops of jumping or anything".....After two short rides I dropped the bike off at its place of purchase because the fork was leaking...
Similar Products Used:
Doesn't matter....
Bike Setup:
Stock '05 Giant AC
Bottom Line:
The fork is leaking after two rides. It has never been off a drop more than 6 inches, never been jumped, never been abused, etc., etc.,
When I warranteed the fork on my bike, it took weeks to get it back (and it had to be warranteed twice in 6 weeks). I hope that is not the case with this fork...
Draw your own conclusion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Framingham Ma USA Date Reviewed: October 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
vietnam, milford
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with Cannondale Jekyll
Strengths:
* cheap * will handle 3 foot drops * travel is adjustable * works but nothing fancy
Weaknesses:
* wont handle a six foot drop bottems out fork works fine still
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2005 cannondale jekyll with full avid mech disk setup cables and handles (sweet)
Bottom Line:
a great budget trail fork. strong, durable and reliable. soaks up bumps nicely but not as good as a cannondale prophet. However, it is unable to take 5-6 drops which causes it to bottem out not for riding hardcore. but still works fine . I'm only 125 pounds so it works well for a lighter rider i guess havent experience any of the problems mentioned by others. For its purpose as a trail fork it works perfectly for lighter people as long as your dropoff are'nt in the 6ft range
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lewis White
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, AL Date Reviewed: October 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All single track
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Cahaba Cycles
Strengths:
For the first 3 months it worked pretty good..... The rebound adjuster does nothing. That crazy dial for travel is also for show only.
Weaknesses:
It bottems out and makes more noise than a stick in the spokes. I am calling Answer today....
Similar Products Used:
AMP F-3 Rock Shox Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Jekyl with XT/XTR And a lot of good stuff.
Bottom Line:
CRAP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick
a Racer
from Atlanta, Georgia Date Reviewed: September 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Conyers 1996 olympic
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$210.00
Purchased At:
manitou - warranty trade
Strengths:
great feature value. the lockout works great so does the rebound adjustment and travel. Variable compression doesnt really do much but lockout worked so it was ok.
Weaknesses:
broke after 6 months use. somewhere around 1000 miles of trail riding. im 200 pounds and ride fast but i would have never expected it to break. the compression completely failed, bottoms out immediately and clicks along the way. Manitou is great they traded me a minute two for the broken splice! great customer support.
Great fork when it worked, i really loved it. The breaking wasnt such a big deal the warranty covers that kind of stuff. The fork was on my training bike and i had no intention of switching it out it was working perfectly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tin
a Downhiller
from Monterey Park, CA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
peformance bike
Strengths:
HAHA, No strength at all.
Weaknesses:
Crappy weak sauce fork. Only 2 inchech of travel. LOFL.
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Warrior Elite. Fork came with bike.
Bottom Line:
Bought the Iron Horse Elite as a gift. Had it sitting in the garage for 3 weeks. The day before delivery, I rode it on the street. It keeps on bottoming out on the curb launches. To my surprise, the fork got only 2 inches of travel. I cranked the travel adjustment back and forth. At some point, there was no travel. 5 inches of travel just took a dump on curb jumps. HAHA. Now I gotta take it back to the bike shop. Luckly it wasnt on the trail. Oh yeah, it feels loke a pogo stick, sticks when it tries to travel up and down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David LaRue
a Cross Country Rider
from Central Coast, CA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
They look kinda cool. They also make a nice toilet paper holder when mounted on a Bike-Tight
Weaknesses:
Pre-Load adjuster kept breaking and was replaced but broke again
Similar Products Used:
many
Bottom Line:
These forks are complete junk. At least Answer backs up there products and sent me a different fork. Inexpensive forks are a good thing to have availabe, but they have got to be at least functional. These break as soon as you use them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Racer
from Devon, England Date Reviewed: July 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
cant remember
Strengths:
Looks nice
Weaknesses:
Performs pitifully, bottoms out at every opportunity, makes snapping noises on every stroke and pogos up the road as soon as I pedal
Similar Products Used:
Early manitou (polymer) Marzocchi bomber Rockshox judy
Bike Setup:
Handsome dog frame, Rohloff rear, Avid juicy brakes, Easton tube etc.
Bottom Line:
AWFUL, Bought 3 months ago as part of a slow build, only three minutes use and shock hits the bottom. 1/2 hour later and RTWD adjuster spins round forever. As soon as I find the reciept its going back
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lawrence harding
a
from derbyshire, england Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
macclesfield forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
leisurelakesbikes
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
This fork came with my new Cannondale SL 500 - great bike, cr*p fork. The fork's travel adjustment failed while riding in the car park at shop. The shop replaced it, but the compression was way soft for an XC bike. Worse, the compression and travel adjustment failed on my first decent XC ride. I'm left with a cracking new bike I cannot ride - the fork has virtually no compression and no travel adjustment.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale SL 500
Bottom Line:
Avoid. Will be looking for a decent replacement, not Manitou.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Duluth,GA,USA Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
All
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shocx Judy
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Warrior DS Limited
Bottom Line:
Well I bought a new bike with this fork and rode it on PAVEMENT and managed to break this fork before I even hit the trail. THe bike shop has contacted Manitou and they said its a problem with the dampining and Manitou was supposed to ship the part 2 day air. Well now its been over a week, shop still has no part in. Apparently this is a really horrible company b/c first off I couldnt get ahold of them before I went to the LBS and they said that the company doesnt respond to consumers (they never answered my emails guess that explains it) If it didnt come with my bike Id never of bought such a crappy product and next time i upgrade will deff not buy one of their products. Buyer Beware!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Knight
a Weekend Warrior
from Pontypool Date Reviewed: June 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
mountain air
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Gateway
Strengths:
Plush, lockout, compression and rebound adjusters, travel adjust. Felt smooth but flexy on test ride round town streets
Weaknesses:
Damping failed on first ride, even before I hit the trail proper.Lockout function disappeared then forks gradually locked out until left with 15mm and travel! Now back from repair but confidence is not high
Similar Products Used:
Pace RC36 EVO 1999, Rockshox Judy XC 1997, Lawwill Leader, original Manitou forks!
Bike Setup:
Stock '06 Giant XTC SX
Bottom Line:
Came as stock with the bike. Forks felt real Plush compared to my old Pace's but they were a xc race fork Manitou have obviously got some real problems with quality after reading some other reviews, and turnaround for the repair was pretty slow (2 1/2 weeks) Still got an open mind though as they retail for £200 and are feature packed. They feel stiffer and more responsive since repair, so we'll see how they fair over some big rocks and drops
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff
a
from rimersburg Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
trails end
Strengths:
nothing
Weaknesses:
everthing about it
Bottom Line:
I have three rides on it(20 miles) blew out the seals today.....I new at the time of my pick up of the bike I should of said no thanks....but I thought I would give it a chance....oo boy.. Will not be replaced with same fork!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
skiis and biikes
Strengths:
well it has a good appearence but thats about it
Weaknesses:
lets start with i bottomed it out while demoing in the stores parking lot, no i didnt hit a jump and land on the front i bunny hopped maybe 1 foot. it is the softest fork i have ever tested maybe it was due to the fact that i could not find the travel/stiffness adjustment but i couldnt find if there was one suposedly this is a dirt jumping fork if you wiegh any more then 130 lbs and you dirt jump you will destroy this fork
Similar Products Used:
i dunno maybe like a RST craptacular fork
Bike Setup:
gary fisher mullet 2005 dirtjumper / urban riding
Bottom Line:
what a pieces of s**t like i said alreadyif you wiegh any more then 130 lbs and you dirt jump you will destroy this fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Berlin Pa. US Date Reviewed: April 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Included on bike
Strengths:
Absolutely nothing strong on this piece of crap
Weaknesses:
Manitou greatly dissapointed me. Everything is a weakness. The forks came on my Cannondale, within 5 minutes riding(maybe 15 max) they lost all compression. The Splice Super on the stock cannondale doesnt have the compression adjustemnt. I returned the bike and they replaced the forks with the compression adjustable Splice Super. Maybe 45 minutes riding IN TOWN these lost oil and no lock-out. Returned them and i am currently waiting for my Rock Shox to be put on in place of this piece of crap. The LBS said on the second set the bottom cartridge and top cartridge went at the same time for no reason other than lack of quality.
Bike Setup:
2005 Cannondale Jekyll. Great all-around fun bike, bashgaurd and platform pedals with THE fenders
Bottom Line:
Manitou is in need of quality control, because there was no quality in these forks. Maybe I am cursed with bad luck, but twice in a row these forks crapped out on me, no thanks, i like RockShox!!!! Im glad some like these forks, but they were way too soft before they "broke" i could compress them atleast 100MM standing next to the bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Aust Date Reviewed: April 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fork feels stiff and reliable, good adjustability, price
Weaknesses:
bit on the heavy side, compression adjuster can get re-adjusted by passing undergrowth.
Similar Products Used:
RS Duke SL, Axel, marz EXR, some RST piece of crap
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 70 with some upgrades
Bottom Line:
Basically it's what Manitou says it is, a good trail fork on a budget. Travel adjust works fine, hard riding uses all travel without topping on all travel settings. Rebound and compression damping adjustments work fine so far, don't know how cheesy plastic knobs will hold up in the long term but so far so good. The compression adjuster is REALLY light in action, good for changing on the fly, but at the halfway settings the lever sticks out in the path of passing bushes, trees etc and it can get knocked back into lock-out mode. Easy to fix, as long as you notice before the next 3 foot drop-off...
I use this bike for club racing and weekend trail riding, and really probably a 1/2lb+ lighter 4" fork would have been better for me, but the Splice has performed really well so far, and extra weight hasn't bothered me. No fancy platforms in the damping department, but whats there works well. It's fun to experiment with different travel combos, compression damping settings etc, over all good usable trail fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Downhiller
from brisbane australia Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005
these forks were really good at first but they have started to wear quickly and have a really annoying knock in the first 1/2 INCH of travel have had noother problems though very plush and have handles a beating but I will be going back to the godfather of suspension next time
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tweaky
a Weekend Warrior
from Colchester Date Reviewed: February 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
My Trails down de woooods!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
The Splice is super neat and is equally at home at all types of racing, downhill or just on the sunday morning blast through the jumps... I i got the fork on a Gary Fisher bike a few weeks ago and the neat loooks, plush ride and superb value make this one of the worlds greatest forks of allt time....
Weaknesses:
i dont think there are any other than its a pain to fit...
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DjII, Bomber, Fox float and AXel
Bike Setup:
SPecialized P.2, Splice, maxxxis', Hopes and race face what not....
Bottom Line:
this is just simply a great value al rounder... definatly worth the money, just greattt
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greeny
a Racer
from england Date Reviewed: February 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
chevin cycles
Strengths:
This is a very good fork it is good in any situation on rocks sand wet or dry they are great and would recomend them to anybody and everybody.
Weaknesses:
there are none
Similar Products Used:
rock shocks duke, judy xc
Bike Setup:
orange sub 5
Bottom Line:
The worlds best fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Garcia
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario,CA,USA Date Reviewed: January 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Strengths:
adjustability, compliance, travel
Similar Products Used:
RST
Bike Setup:
'04 Trek 4300 hardtail-slight upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Fork feels much better than my original and looks good too. Rebound and compression works fine for me and spring rate seems perfect for my weight(160lb). Smooth crisp action. No complaints yet, but will see again in 6 months of hard use. Maybe my stock RST set-up was that bad, but am enjoying the newfound compliance and tracking ability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from spearfish sd usa Date Reviewed: December 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
skyline_gtr49@hotmail.com
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
lockout but that only works sometimes
Weaknesses:
rebound never worked, springs too soft, compress it and it makes a cracking noise, crown is weak, flexy very flexy
Similar Products Used:
manitou black, don't buy anything of manitou unless it's expensive
Bike Setup:
giant AC, idenity hardtail.
Bottom Line:
it sucks really bad, i think i would be fine if you weigh like 85 lbs but i only weigh 140(im 14)and it is about worthless i can compress it all the way by just pushing down not even on the bike
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin White
a Racer
from Mount Clements MI Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
pontiac lake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Macomb Bike and Fitness
Strengths:
works beautifully just the right amount of give when pedaling hard
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock 2005 sugar 4
Bottom Line:
So far the splice seems to work great, i let some of the people at my local bike shop take my sugar for a ride and they all say good things about the fork. Performs great when it takes on an impact. i have used an axel fork before. the splice outperforms it hands down. anyone who races cross country should definately check the splice out. very economical fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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