You might consider the Stance the "little brother" of Manitou's Sherman forks. The Stance Flow delivers 120-150mm of travel (adjustable via Manitou's Rapid Travel Wind Down) system and beefy chromoly stanchions and steerer. Fluid Flow damping, plus adjustable spring preload, travel, and rebound round out the package.
Submitted by
DC
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 27, 2009
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Looks good, plush and is great for light trails.
Weaknesses:
Adjustment is garbage and it leaks oil.
I used it for less than a month and it broke on me.
Bike Setup:
2005 Norco Bigfoot
Bottom Line:
It's not worth the price paid for. Save your money and buy something better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
imaskier333
a Downhiller
from tahoe Date Reviewed: July 17, 2009
Favorite Trail:
n*, powerline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
travel, plushness, big hits.
Weaknesses:
none except for the small bump preformance.
Similar Products Used:
66, 888, totems
Bike Setup:
specialized big hit
Bottom Line:
great for a light rider because im a kid and they dont bottom out and i get the perfect ammount of travel. the only thing is i can fell all of the small bumps. GREAT for big hits and light rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
funkalishis
a Downhiller
from calgary,alberta,canada Date Reviewed: June 24, 2008
Favorite Trail:
COP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
cycle path
Strengths:
its really strong and holds well its a fun ride
Weaknesses:
a little to weak cant do foot jams
Bike Setup:
norco rival
Bottom Line:
pretty good
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
RBD
a Weekend Warrior
from Ma, USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came With Bike
Strengths:
Good Feel, Good Small Bump Absorbsion, great on small drops/jumps. Decent looks.
Weaknesses:
-OIL LEAKS out of rebound adjust. It was like this when it came.
-Shock Progressively gets softer over time.
-Adjustable suspension is sticky, non exacting.
-Only plush for about 90mm, then stiff as hell.
-Climbs bad
-5 bolt through axle (Bolted axle, 4 securing bolts) is overkill for a light freeride fork.
-No lockout
-
I bought the Komodo because of it's durability, and good components. The shock leaked out pf the box, and it was a big letdown for me. Also the shock got progressively softer as time goes along. As with Most Manitou Forks, this line is good, except for that one (or more) Thing that is wrong with all that brand. This shock leaks. If you don't mind rebuilding a shock out of the box, then again regularely, than get this fork. Unfortunately, most everybody wants to ride a bike, not spend all their time fixing it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke
a Racer
from uk Date Reviewed: May 3, 2008
Favorite Trail:
chicksands
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Purchased At:
ebay(second hand)
Strengths:
exellent for dh and 4x. if you went over a root section for examplw you wouldn't feel a thing compared to hard forks.
Weaknesses:
oil leacks for the bottom bit(not much of a problem tho). A tad to soft.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi drop offs, marzocchi 66.
Bike Setup:
fireye spitfire frame with other good parts.
Bottom Line:
they are a good set of forks. they are nice and soft and is gr8 for the type of riding i do. But they are a tad ro soft for drops, but i surpose thats a good thing(othrwise u wont have any arms left arfter doing it on ridgids or hard forks).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zac Booth
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: December 9, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bahai Temple
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
They came with the bike.
Strengths:
They are really strong you could drop them off a 8 story building and they wouldnt brake.
Weaknesses:
-Rebound is for show doesn't actually do anything. -Way to stiff for any type of riding. -Oil f***in leaks everywhere. -Stickers peel off easy.
Similar Products Used:
Might be trading with marzocchi Z1 freeride 1's.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Chase 1. With some mods.
Bottom Line:
If you want your wrists to snap off your arms when you do a drop BUY THEM!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: November 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with the bike.
Strengths:
It has great resistance to bottoming out. And provides a nice smooth transition when doing subtle drops.
Weaknesses:
Seals tend to leak after a few rides, and they seem to stiffen way too much when doing harsh riding.
Bike Setup:
2005 Norco Taktic. Singletracks and new Hussefelt crank.
Bottom Line:
If you are going to do serious riding, do not bother buying these forks. Fox Vans or even Vanillas are a way better buy for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Hill
a Cross Country Rider
from Simi Valley CA Date Reviewed: September 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$158.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Jumped it off a loading dock and didn't feel a thing. Has great rebound. Adjustable travel.
Weaknesses:
None thus far.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Raleigh xt 3500 and a motobecane 500ht
Bottom Line:
This fork seems great for doing mid size urban and some mid freeriding. Overall it is a great product for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Huang
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM, USA Date Reviewed: August 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Good, It was durable for a low end cheep fork.
Weaknesses:
It will leak after a few rides, It bottoms out pretty easily but the knob at the bottom can be used to adjust. The only thing I had go seriously wrong on it was that I bent the steer tube.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Dirt Jumper 2
Bike Setup:
Single speed, Specialized P.2 on 26 inch wheels with an ethirteen bash gaurd.
Bottom Line:
It is a very very very durable fork and I highly recommend it if your either a beast or you break parts very easily. This fork is awesome and it works great. The steer tube won't get bent but it's made out of re-enforced steel, THAT REALLY ADDS UP! So if your a rider who wants a light bike... don't get this fork!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
A-Line - whistler
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
Absolutely useless adjustments. Rebound knob doesnt even seem to be connected to anything. Very clunky and noisy. Mediocre rebound and dampening. WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY to easy to bottom out. (and im a light rider at 155 pounds)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Super T
Bike Setup:
stock 06 brodie thumber
Bottom Line:
i only used it because it came with the bike and i didnt have time to swap on my super T
useless. its more of a cross country for more than anything
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe icke
a Downhiller
from darlington Date Reviewed: May 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
beechwood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.co.uk
Strengths:
lot of travel great for drops mint fork look really nice
Weaknesses:
ofen leaks oil crap in wet and muddy weather reboud isnt great
Similar Products Used:
rockshocks pike
Bike Setup:
dmr frame, 3 piece crank, halo, mavic.....
Bottom Line:
if your looking for a cheep freeride, downhill fork, dirtjump fork by all means get them you wont be disopionted
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moe Joe
a
from Shelby Date Reviewed: May 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
On Line
Strengths:
Not many noted.
Weaknesses:
No adjustments, very light spring, week seals.
Bike Setup:
Raleigh 3500XT, Manitau Swinger 6 way.
Bottom Line:
Well, I know it is a cheep fork but I guess I expected to much. It has been nothing but trouble. I probably don't drop more than 3 or 4 feet and the seals blew in the first 100 miles of riding. I have really not been at all inpressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darren Friesen
a Downhiller
from Coeurdalene Idaho Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
beacon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
pedalhouse
Strengths:
it felt nice while it lasted, pretty smooth for a low buck fork
Weaknesses:
lacks adjustability, blew the seals out of it off a drop the 2nd day i had it so i cant say much more than that, hopefully manitou has a good warranty service because it should handle more than that
Similar Products Used:
2003 super t, drop off triple, judy tt, boxxer team, sherman slider plus
Bike Setup:
iron horse 7 point 3, 5th element rear shock, e thirteen chainguide
Bottom Line:
i thought it coulda handled more but apparently i was wrong, would prolly be better suited for all mountain or a longer travel xc bike instead of freeride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke Dale-Hicks
a Downhiller
from Forest Ontario Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dunno
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
bikes and ski's in collingwood
Strengths:
cheap.. and a fair amount of travel, looks ok i guess
Weaknesses:
just about everything, not plush at all, rebound ajust doesnt work, and it doesnt work in any kind of cold weather, never get to use the full extent of the 150mm because its to stiff, plastic parts is dumb, and the paint wears off way to easily
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi DJ
Bike Setup:
Specialized bighit spec
Bottom Line:
dont buy one, save your money for a fox fork :) (good stuff)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kilo p
a Downhiller
from new jersey ,usa Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Favorite Trail:
diablo freeride park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
awesome holds up any drop i have launched of some high stuff and doesnt ever bottom out... perfect made fork.
Weaknesses:
black on the stanchion tubes wear fast but who cares.. not really any beside the color issue
Similar Products Used:
alot
Bike Setup:
haro extreme x3 pimped out
Bottom Line:
awesome buy it then ride diablo freeride park
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle brayshaw
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything in jasper
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
hardcorebikes
Strengths:
amazingly plush,travel adjustment, etc.
Weaknesses:
next to none
Similar Products Used:
roch shox u-turn
Bike Setup:
a few different bikes
Bottom Line:
great fork for freeride, but make sure you get your local shop to take it apart and put in new oil, not grease and for them to tighten everything in the fork properly
definatley a recamendable fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle brayshaw
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything in jasper
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
hardcorebikes
Strengths:
amazingly plush,travel adjustment, etc.
Weaknesses:
next to none
Similar Products Used:
roch shox u-turn
Bike Setup:
a few different bikes
Bottom Line:
great fork for freeride, but make sure you get your local shop to take it apart and put in new oil, not grease and for them to tighten everything in the fork properly
definatley a recamendable fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle brayshaw
a Weekend Warrior
from edmonton canada Date Reviewed: March 1, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anything in jasper
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
hardcorebikes
Strengths:
amazingly plush,travel adjustment, etc.
Weaknesses:
next to none
Similar Products Used:
roch shox u-turn
Bike Setup:
a few different bikes
Bottom Line:
great fork for freeride, but make sure you get your local shop to take it apart and put in new oil, not grease and for them to tighten everything in the fork properly
definatley a recamendable fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kyle young
a
from poco Date Reviewed: February 22, 2007
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
cam my old bike
Strengths:
ok cuz it never bottoms
Weaknesses:
oh let me get started this fork is week and im only a 12 year old 115 lb kid lol this fook is look and the rebound sucks u cant tweek it much and its too plush to dirt jump i find i ahve it on a new 05 torrent frame and it looks ok bu sucks i be ill put sum 66s or dj1 on or sumthing im never going back to manitou i sent it in to them 3 times and they did a really bad job lol.!!!
Similar Products Used:
rock shoc judy t2s lol wen i was 6 lol
Bike Setup:
05 norco torrent with a alexrim supra d rear rim axiom bars and stem o5 maitou stance flows shimano draler husfelt cranks and all that krap
Bottom Line:
plz dont put your children like me on the fork i know irs cheep but for a cheep for this is thie worst lol im scared to ride with it lol waste of money ull spend more than u oayed on getn it fixed!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Liam Hargreaves
a Downhiller
from Bristol Date Reviewed: January 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
forest of dean south wales
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
hardly any flex in the fork, plush all the way through the travel (150mm), good evil genius seals, no oil leak which is common with manitou, good looks and dosen't bottom out.
Weaknesses:
too soft, slow rebound but these are not a problem
Similar Products Used:
marzochi DJ3, Fox 36
Bike Setup:
norco Atomic army green with sun rims, saint.
Bottom Line:
the slow rebound and lack of rebound ajusment can be sortted esialy with a change of oil in the right leg to 10wt and a harder spring set, over all a good for money out of the box freeride/downhill fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Downhiller
from Clay, AL, USA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything with sweet jumps and drops
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
construction itself is good. sorta smooth travel. should perform "okay" once tuned and worked on. looks.
Weaknesses:
travel-down doensn't work no more. rebound is poor. stock set-up is way to cheesy. BOTTOMS OUT! kind of flexy. seals maybe leak just a little oil (no big deal).
Bike Setup:
2004 bighit spec
Bottom Line:
I am putting in the firm spring with 7.5 weight oil in hopes of much better performance. I have only had the chance to take this fork off jumps with less than 6 feet to flat of air; it bottoms out so easily and i'm only 185lbs.
As long as this fork doens't explode and make me crash off some drop i'll say the fork is a good value. it will be okay for all you who do light freeriding. but to even be safe to ride, you really need to get a better fork or tune the stance flow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
garrett garbonzo
a Downhiller
from white rock bc canada Date Reviewed: November 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
capps delta
Strengths:
ok for urban
Weaknesses:
-always leaks oil -stantions go gray very quick -can be very stiff -crappy in cold weather -was a weird rebound -not good for drops over 5 feet -not plush -overall bad design
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
trek session 7
Bottom Line:
don't get these i am never going to buy another manitou again i think a marzocchi is a good choice over this fork any day. Is also very bad for light riders and bad for big drops and jumps
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: October 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Dorking west jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
C & N Cycles (came with bike)
Strengths:
Travel, looks great, takes drops and jumps well.
Weaknesses:
the travel adjust is a little crap, but nothing else really.
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Bitter. Hardtail. 2 ring crank setup with bash guard.
Bottom Line:
I can't say i'm sure what everyone else is on about, I have had no problems with these forks. I'm not sure i'd buy them on their own, but for a package bike i'm really happy with them and have no intention of getting any new forks. I've taken my bike dirt jumping, and I had no problem there. I've bunny hopped of some pretty big drops onto concrete, and the forks havn't even come close to a bottom out. Oil seems fine, and hasn't leaked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Downhiller
from West Linn, OR Date Reviewed: September 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
schleyer-Whistler
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
very plush, adjustable travel, rebound adjustment, wont top or bottem out.
Weaknesses:
I got the QR version and it is a little flexy. leaks oil (but that doesnt bother me, as my DJ III leaks, my MX comp leaks, my J4 leaks, my static leaks) the stauntion colorfade is kind of annoying, but atleast its showing that you ride your bike :P
Similar Products Used:
66VF, Static and Kingpin
Bike Setup:
2006 Ibex Zone
Bottom Line:
you know, I wanted an alright/cheap backup fork when I went to whistler, so I bought one of these because I didnt want to use my kingpin (hate DC's) I ended up completly toasting my 66 and had to run this fork down whistler. I took it all the way up the garbanzo lift, it did just fine. a little soft for a-line though. if you're jumping it and doing larger drops and gaps, really get something else. but I now use this fork on my AM bike and its just fine. they do get a little sticky in the cold weather, but I have far worse problems with marzocchi forks and weather. for $150.00 its a good buy. value rating 5 because it will do just fine if you arent stupid with it, and a overall rating of 3 because of course, it isnt the best out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
R K
a Weekend Warrior
from SD, CA Date Reviewed: August 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fujimi Panorama, Duck Pond (Japan)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Grove
Strengths:
Plush
Weaknesses:
Leaks oil, no noticeable rebound control
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bomber Z1
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyl 400
Bottom Line:
I never had a major problem with this fork (save the continuous oil leaking). I've came close to bottoming out, but never actually did (and I weigh 195). My riding is classified as aggressive freeride; no super drops, but lots of downhill time on this bike/fork. If you're into hefty drops, don't get it. If you dislike cleaning up oil constantly, don't get it. You decide.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron
a
from Durham Ontario Date Reviewed: July 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
I don't think this fork knows the meaning of a strength
Weaknesses:
Everything. Black Stachions turn grey quick. Bottoms out at 10 feet and I only weigh 120 pounds. Rebound doesn't do a damn thing. My model is the Blunt Flow so it doesn't have anything else. Freeze in Rain, Cold anything other than sun and above 20 degrees. I rode this with 20 pounds on my back and i could almost bottom it out by my self.
Bike Setup:
Devinci Jalapeno, P.S. don't buy it unless you like let down.
Bottom Line:
DO NOT whatever you do buy this fork I have crashed hard due to bottom out after a 12 foot drop TWICE and landed the second one perfectly!!! If you do end up getting this fork for any reason immediately take it off bike and whip it away as hard as you can. Be careful it doesn't catch you though because it likes to send you flying. For your safety and the safety of everyone riding behind buy a different fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Boone, NC Date Reviewed: July 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
yeah right!
Weaknesses:
flexy, rides like crap, black stanchions turn grey in one ride, crown creaks, leaks oil, its impossible to get the top cap off under the wind down knob....what a stupid f#@king design!!
Similar Products Used:
this is my first and last manitou that I will ever buy
Bike Setup:
transition vagrant....blah blah...
Bottom Line:
bottom line....this fork blows hard! i've always ridden marzocchi and thought id give manitou a chance....big mistake. dont waste your time and money with this s@#t! go marzocchi and you'll have no worries.
1 flaming turd only because there isnt a zero turd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin McCalla
a Downhiller
from Smithers Date Reviewed: July 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
now it is cedric gracia road
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mc bike
Strengths:
lots of travel and black stanktions ... too bad they wear out dam manitu
Weaknesses:
colour fades, oil leakes , freezes in cold , doesnt wokr in rain, will bottom over 7 feet with 150mm of travel and rebound doesn't work.
Similar Products Used:
manitu nixon
Bike Setup:
Tactik
Bottom Line:
for all you begginers , NEVER TRUST MANITU EVER - eccept sherman jumpers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angus Murray
a Downhiller
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: July 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Thredbo!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
*Looks good *Fairly strong *RTWD 120-150mm
Weaknesses:
*Way too stiff *Rebound is way too slow *Rebound adjust does not work *QR feels a bit flexy *Uppers start to fade from black to grey *Requires constant lube and cleaning of dirt *Seals pop up
After a while, the fork becomes extremely stiff and you actually need to push down with all your weight to get it to compress properly. Doesn't soak up and small bumps, only medium sized drops. The rebound adjust doesn't work at all. I'm gonna have a fiddle with oils and stuff to try and fix it. Not recommended. Fairly good value, though, for a 6 inch freeride fork...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rob lindsay
a Cross Country Rider
from delray beach fl, usa Date Reviewed: June 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
markheim park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
low price, works goes boing boing smoothly
Weaknesses:
weight
Similar Products Used:
psylo, bombers
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler
Bottom Line:
i,m 150 lbs. the shock worked great out of the box. not a problem and i put some miles on it and crashed more than a few time. ive jumped and dropped it, no problems. if your a light rider i highly recomend. the only drawbacks,its slightly heavy and the adjustable damper barely noticable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wako2
a
from Nor Cal Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any thing with large drops and jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with 7 Point
Strengths:
I take back what I said about the throwing into a brick wall. It broke after I went off one jump after I wrote my last review and I completely destroyed the fork.(Details below)
Weaknesses:
Same as described as below except for the strength of the fork, it is very WEAK!!!
IT HAS A PLASTIC CROWN!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This is so ironic, I just wrote the review below and then my friend invited me riding. We went just an hour after I wrote the review. We got to our spot and started to jump. I jumped afew times and then was about to go again and I felt something wierd on the trail. I pulled off to the side to check what was wrong and I didn't find anything. My friend and I walked back to my bike and were completely surprised. The fork was completely bent!!! The fork was almost completely seperated from the stantion! We took it to the shop and they're going to replace it. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER, EVER THINK OF GETTING THIS FORK!!!!!
I won't even bother mentioning all the other problems that I had with this fork. There were just too many to count.
NEVER GET THIS FORK. GET SOMETHING ELSE.
I would give this fork 0 Flamin' Chilis for both, but you can't so I will give it a 1.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wako2
a
from Nor Cal Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with 7 point
Strengths:
You can throw it into a brick wall and it will come back in one piece. Other than that theyere aren't any. Adjustable travel?? But that still isn't that great because you'll need it all to just go off a curb!
Weaknesses:
Everything!!! I had it for 1 Fricken week and the thing broke. So I took it to the bike shop to get it fixed so they did and it broke on me again after I went off one jump!!! I finally said screw this fork, I'm getting a new one. The oil leaks and hisses as air comes out, it says you can "adjust the rebound", but it doesn't work, I went off a 3 foot drop and the thing bottomed out on me, weak fork! (I could change the spring, but it wouldn't be worth it on this stupid thing) Manitou sucks, Shermans suck, Stances suck. Darados are ok...
Similar Products Used:
Some wierd Rock shox fork that was on my ancient $400 Haro Escape 8.1 was better than this and it had much less travel!!
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse 7 Point 3 bone stock. But I am going to upgrade to a Marzocchi 888 soon. :)
Bottom Line:
Don't even think about this fork, it sucks and is a waste of your money. If you want a good single crown look at the Marzocchi 66's and Z.1's or look at the Fox 36's, those are great forks. I give this fork 1 Flamin' Chili because it sucks. Manitou shouldn't have even wasted their time on making this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelley
a
from Longmont, Colorado, US Date Reviewed: June 1, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Basically you can crash it into a wall and it still will come out in one piece
Weaknesses:
There are plenty of weaknesses, such as the oil gives no resistance to bottoming out but only when its cold out it works becuase the damb oil gets all gunkie. Then the fact that the coil is very weak which makes it slugish at urban.
Similar Products Used:
never seen a fork this bad. They must of worked real hard to make it crappy!
Bike Setup:
Spesialized p.1 stock except with the azonic bmx crankset. Gotta love those single speeds there like a tank, they can take hit after hit without anything screwing up on your bike
Bottom Line:
being 115 punds and going of a biggen 4 footer (LOL). Then bottoming out the shock pricless. Not just that but when i urban i like to bunny hop up alot of things. But no more will this happen when you get this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Weekend Warrior
from Albany,NY Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Boston Fells
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
CK Cycles
Strengths:
Looks nice...that's it.
Weaknesses:
Everything! Heavy, too spongy and hard to adjust to make a difference. 5 rides and oil began to leak all over the place. 4 weeks it's been at Manitou and no word about ETA for its return. Totally unhappy with Manitou.
Bike Setup:
2005 Haro Extreme 3 company set-up.
Bottom Line:
Manitou has made good products in the past but it would appear that they are slipping big time. I have a Manitou Ti-Lite shock on my hard tail and love everything about it, but one would expect that a $1,600 Freeride, top of the Haro line would have a dependable shock that doesn't leak. What gives? I've been told by the shop that Manitou is gettin hammered with warranty issues like never before. Will consider Fox or Marzocchi for upgrade since Manitou is not dependable any longer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Billy
a Racer
from JSHAF KJASHDFK SDJFHkj KSFjh SKhfkjdf Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
My travel adjustment isn't working, anybody havesuggestions or know what to do?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r
a Downhiller
from bend oregon us Date Reviewed: May 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
travel adjust
Weaknesses:
heavy weak
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
iron horse 7 point 3
Bottom Line:
I got these forks on my iron horse I ordered new marz 66vf after 3 months of fairly calm riding. The day before my new forkks came i hit a 4 foot kicker onto a grass landing and snapped the stachons. I thought these forks were decent but they broke. Manitou would not help me out with problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin mccalla
a Downhiller
from smithers bc Date Reviewed: May 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
rememberence day
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Mc bike
Strengths:
lots of travel
Weaknesses:
ceals are crap, they put to much god dam oil on it mine is leaking. they freeze up in the cold as well and they bottom to easy i hit a 7 foot drop and that did it.
Similar Products Used:
all manitu
Bike Setup:
tactik
Bottom Line:
i want a new fork dont buy these.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Salt Lake City, UT Date Reviewed: May 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Crest, Empire
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Once set up and working, it felt pretty decent for a budget fork.
When I first got it I could bottom out the fork just by pushing on it in the shop. Lame. Finally got it set up right, and it felt OK. Then, after about 3 rides at the local DJ spot (no crashes at all), the seals failed in the fork and the thing is spooging oil everywhere. Now it's going to cost about as much money to fix it w/ parts and labor as the stupid thing costs. WEAK. I wanted to like a Manitou fork, and had thought the internet bashing of them was possibly exaggerated. But no, this thing is just unreliable and sucks. If it actually held up it'd be a decent budget freeride fork, but it doesn't. And I am not a big guy really - 5'10" 160lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
wang vbb
a Racer
from boobvile Date Reviewed: April 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mike stuarts mom
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$1299.00
Purchased At:
bowcycle
Strengths:
nothing
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
mike stuarts mom on fridays
Bike Setup:
pike pike pike
Bottom Line:
poo poo fork dont trust manitou
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil
a Downhiller
from Swindon Date Reviewed: April 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Chicksands
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff and travel adjust is kewwl
Weaknesses:
Bottoms out half way down the stanctions suddenly and only had them 3 days
i dont really no how good these forks are because they were bedding in, and now they are screwed but all i can say is that for jumping they are alright.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Bennett Gap
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
w/bike
Strengths:
6 inches of travel Price Adjustable travel
Weaknesses:
Suspension design Use of plastic in the suspension Oil weight Spring weights
Similar Products Used:
Dirt Jumper w/5 inches travel, Psylo, Z1 bomber
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Double Black Diamond (2006 models discontinue the fork for a Marzocchi Dropoff)
Bottom Line:
Cost cutting measures by Manitou really hurt this fork from being a solid budget fork. After my FIRST ride on my new bike, the fork was having problems. Even though I had installed the spring for my weight, it still blew thru the travel and broke an intenal PLASTIC suspension part, so that I only had 1.5 inches of travel and leaking like a sieve. By the way the only drop offs were a foot in height.
The only way to set up this fork is to go with a heavier weight spring than you would normally go with and replace the oil with Marzocchi 7 weight oil (XC 5 weight oil comes from the factory.) That $50 expense will allow you to ride it and save up for something more durable like a Z1.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a
from england Date Reviewed: March 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Horrible spongy feel. The travel is not very progressive, and there's no way to adjust the compression externally.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi all mountain, and junior t's.
Bike Setup:
session 7
Bottom Line:
These forks came with my bike, and I doubted their reliability form the first ride. I have the 170mm fork and although there's a fair amount of travel to soak up the rough hits, these bad boys just arent cut out for the job. They're too weak. I ride bit of D.H, dual slalom, and more recently a bit of trails. Upon bailing over a small/medium sized double I dropped the front end of the bike between the gap and fell arse first on the rear wheel, further raming the front end into the dirt, which left me skidding down the landing on my behind. My arse, grazed, my forks, cracked. The clamp near the axle has completely snapped behind the bolts. Shiver's please.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
patrick goyer
a Weekend Warrior
from langley bc canada Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
stokes pit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
bsp
Strengths:
nice strong good bounce
Weaknesses:
not that much
Similar Products Used:
?????
Bike Setup:
trek
Bottom Line:
????????????????????????????
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alan Meadows
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: January 4, 2006
Finish - cable rub to bare metal on first hour ride Spring way too soft Seals were not Evil Genius as advertised Not Semi-Bath as advertsided - grease instead Rebound adjuster makes no difference
Similar Products Used:
Rochshox Pyslo XC 2004 - 125mm
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Joker 1.5" 2005
Bottom Line:
I bought these as they were the cheapest 150mm forks I could find at the time and for shear value, they get 5 chilli's. After using them twice I realised the spring was way too soft (I'm 195lbs) and that the seals were cheap plastic ones and not Evil Genius. Furthermore, grease would cover the stanchions so therefore these were not Semi Bath. Having found this, the place I bought them from took them back and replaced the seals with Evil Genius and Oil rather than grease. Added to this, I bought the firm spring for $43 and they fitted this for me all for nothing and sent them back priority post. They look and feel much better now but the rebound still doesn't do anything other than leak oil. I have since tightened the screw/bolt which holds the adjuster knob in place and this seems to have done the trick. I'll report back after and few weeks riding to see if I can up the 2 chilli's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Downhiller
from uk Date Reviewed: December 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks quality, stiff, once set up is very nice to ride
Weaknesses:
poor set up when sold
Similar Products Used:
sherman breakout, boxxer, zocchi z1qr20, 888
Bike Setup:
orange patriot 7+ 5th element stance flow 170mm 1.5"
Bottom Line:
when purchased this fork is waay too soft, i weigh just over 13 stone and i could bottom it by pushing down. so i changed the spring to x-firm and now the fork is extra firm, its gona take a lot more than a 6ft drop to bottom this fork now, as for oil don't change the standard 5wt until youve changed the spring to your weight first, theres a seal at the bottom which may prematurely wear if you put over the recomended 5wt oil in, just get some fully synthetic 5wt so they can take the cold without getting stiffer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Roach
a Downhiller
from MA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Pits
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$540.00
Purchased At:
MyAsss.com
Strengths:
the springs are very hard like my cock.
Weaknesses:
the springs are too soft(unlike my cock)
Similar Products Used:
Demo 10 (Custom Made)
Bike Setup:
super monster t, Avenged Demofold, avy, aframes, cock ring.
Bottom Line:
im black.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Date Reviewed: November 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
downtown
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bikes and Beyond
Strengths:
adjustable travel between 120 - 150mm
Weaknesses:
the stock fork is way to soft. It can be bottomed out simply by pushing down on fork. Rebound adjust does nothing. Hit anything over 5 feet and prepare for this fork to become a fancy looking rigid fork.
Bike Setup:
05 Norco Taktic. Get rid of the granny ring and deraileur. No need for them.
Bottom Line:
If you are buying one of these forks do yourself a favour and replace the coil. Also, replace the oil with around a ten wieght. This will make the fork a little easier to tune.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Jackett
a Weekend Warrior
from Moncton, New Brunswick Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
cannaught
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
150 mm of travel.
Weaknesses:
Bottoms very easily. No preload, very slow return. Weak. Flex's. The adjustability doesn't last long, and if bottomed while adjusted, it blows it out and doesn't work afterward. Dampening is weak. Oil squirts up. Black Stanchions don't stay black for long, the bottom of them wears off. What more can go wrong with a fork?
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
I tried 2 stance flows, one on a norco tactik and the other on a Specialized P2.
Bottom Line:
A TERRIBLE fork. Do not consider getting it. I knew 2 people with this fork, and they both hated it and regreted getting it. Manitou makes junk forks. Go Marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Teschke
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
All Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
The Hub
Strengths:
Hexlock (no axle play) Steel, Long Travel, Rigidity.
Weaknesses:
Shipped with low weight oil shipped with low weight spring weight
Similar Products Used:
MZ EXR 03, Rock Shox Judy XC,C,DH, Manitou SX MZ DJ 3
Bike Setup:
Norco Bigfoot, Manitou Stance, Avid brakes, Single Tracks, Lx drive line, Trvuativ crank and bottombracket, FSA pig headset, WTB seat.
Bottom Line:
the new spring was cheap $25, purchased the ultra heavy (i weight 250) added 10 weight oil and rebound damping works with the better oil.
If you find your fork bottoming too much, read the owners manual, it will advise you to change the spring. Too bad the owners manual doesn't say anything about the oil. oil is a big key on this fork since it's FluidFlow damping, damping is adjusted mostly via the type of oil. After those switches this fork works amazingly solid and has no problmes on downhills, and freeriding.
only giving it a 3 overall because it should ship with thicker oil. And being an entry class fork it shouldn't require tons of maintenance to get it working right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guillaume
a
from Gatineau, Qc, Canada Date Reviewed: October 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gran National, camp Fortune
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
price, travel adjustment, looking...
Weaknesses:
a lot of maintenance needed, reebound adjustment doesn't work, feel.
Similar Products Used:
sherman flick, marzo forks, pikes...
Bottom Line:
The only advantage of the stance is the price. After two or three rides, the feel becomes discusting because of the bad efficiency of the seals. definatly not a good fork for serious riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lucas
a Weekend Warrior
from oakville Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
super plush, takes like 5 foot drops easily but isn't really good after that unless you have a super amazing tranny. Mine didn't bottom because i think i had to much oil in it but it's good not to hurt the seals i geuss
Weaknesses:
It's really plush but the travel adjust is usless because it loses plushness. expensive for what it is, about 550 canadian new. there are alot better options out there. Rebound has no effect
Similar Products Used:
judy TT 100
Bike Setup:
tactik
Bottom Line:
This is a ill designed fork out of the box and there are many better forks out there. may be stiffer Springs and heavier oil but its not worth the hassel i only wiegh 110 and im a smother rider coming of 85 mm of the judys. They came stock off my bike and i was going to replace the fork which im in the process of doing. I just rode it hard for a while then sold it to save up for a new. It was fun to ride it into the ground for a while. I have to say it was quite smooth for the drops but it was rally bouncy for pedalling.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adi yariv
a Cross Country Rider
from israel Date Reviewed: October 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Bottom Line:
wrote my review 4 months ago- in the mean time , i changed the oil from 7w t0 15w and..... its ALIVE!!!! really good fork, works neat , swallos all the small bumps as well as the big bumps . no complaints here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andré
a Downhiller
from Rossland BC Canada Date Reviewed: September 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
double dog at silverstar mtn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi rockshox
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
just updating on my other review. i just got it back from the factory again and i rode about five times and blew the seals again. BROKEN THREE TIMES IN LESS THAN THREE MONTHS. way too soft. it bottoms out when i hit my dirtjumps (not from landing, from when the wheel hits the take off) DONT BUY THIS FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Weekend Warrior
from Dryden, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 28, 2005
Favorite Trail:
our teams northshore trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock on tactik
Strengths:
Looks pretty good, travel adjust,etc
Weaknesses:
Out of the box or brand new on a bike this fork is a piece of sh!t. After my modifications it is much better.
Similar Products Used:
junior T Z1, shiver
Bike Setup:
Tactik with shiver
Bottom Line:
Ok ill explain how to easily make this fork perform better Before-rebound adjustment did nothing, fork locked, fork got retardedly slow in 20C of lower, fork felt horrible.
On the right leg of the fork this is a large nut thing, unscrew this with a 13/16 socket and pull out this piece. with the fork off the bike tip it up side down and get rid of this brown crappy stock oil, replace with marzochi 7.5 weight, and put that black screw/seal or whatever back on, adjust oil hieght as needed to get the right feel.
After-Now the rebound damping adjustment actually works!!! and the fork is not stupidlt slow and affected by the weather. Of course there is no way to get rid of the flex in this fork but now at least it performs like your run of the mill, value freeride fork should.If your fork is too soft just order the firm ride kit.
Basically if your lookin to buy this fork, spend a few extra bucks on a MZ, or sherman for that matter, but if you got this fork on your bike, change the oil for about 10$ and save some time and money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a Downhiller
from Creston BC CANADA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
beefy smooth susp.
Weaknesses:
faulty manufactring leads to hydrolic lock when forks get bottomed out. the seals on the hydrolic catridges are sometimes not tightened down by the fatory leading to this
Bike Setup:
2005 norco tactik
Bottom Line:
the fork would be good , but this common problem of hydrolic lock that happens to it (mechanic says it happens to 90% of these forks, and happened to three bikes on the shop floor that had never been ridden) makes it a bad choice. it would be a good fork , but manitou made a big mistake and now the stance flows are turning out to be duds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The E
a
from Lerum/Sweden Date Reviewed: August 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
BArracuda
Strengths:
Pretty good looking, not like a MZ but still pretty nice.
Weaknesses:
Hard, easy to bottom,
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Drop-Off 2, Marzocchi Z150
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit
Bottom Line:
This fork is only good for street änd Dirtjumping. I tested it for DH and it totaly sucks. Don't buy this fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.C
a Downhiller
from Portugal Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
freeride parks, tecnical dh tracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
it has a solid build, nice looks, tugh enough to take some abusive drops.
Weaknesses:
too soft, the rebound knob just seems to do nothing at all... and thats it..
Similar Products Used:
junior T
Bike Setup:
2001 kona stinky frame + mavic 521 26", onoff hubs, race face titanium bottom bracket + race face dh crackset, truvativ chain guide + bash guard, fox rl shock, azonic stem + bar, onoff seatpost, LX components
Bottom Line:
i got my junior t fork worn out, wanted a high travel single crowned suspension on budget.. this one came in handy.. has some good quiality points and technology involved... but still i find it too soft. i can bottom it real easy and the rebound is weak.. with a bit more i could have had a better one than this..
still i dont regret the purchase... just feel bad for the softness and weak rebound :S for my riding style i needed less softness and more quick rebound...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ricky
a Weekend Warrior
from sunnyvale Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Favorite Trail:
weed fields
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
rigid
Weaknesses:
way too soft
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up of my last review. I installed heavier springs and I do not even feel a difference, this fork has been a huge dissapointment.It still bottoms out way too easy even by just pushing on the front end. CRAP CRAP CRAP!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andre nutini
a Downhiller
from Rossland BC Canada Date Reviewed: August 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
rock n' roll
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Gerick Cycle & Sports
Strengths:
cheap and stealth looking
Weaknesses:
it SUCKS, too soft, bad seals
Similar Products Used:
rock shox pike and psylo, marzocchi 66 and dj's
Bike Setup:
i ride a hardtail. i ride quite a bit of street but i also ride lots of downhill and freeride trails
Bottom Line:
this fork isnt very expensive so if money is really tight u could buy it. it would be a good fork for a rider that doesnt ride that hard. ive had this fork about 3 months and ive had to send it back twice. ive bent the stanctions, blown the seals, it started topping out and creaking too. this is all from normal trails too. im not tossing myself 20 feet in the air or anything and i only weigh 150 pounds. and the warranty is 3years in europe but only 1year in north america! wuts up with that? i guess the bottom line is that it would be okay for lighter riders who are just starting to ride. if your already a hard rider and just looking to save money, just wait for another paycheck and buy a sherman or a marzocchi 66 cuz u will probably break this fork. ive already wasted four weeks of riding in total from sending it back and forth to manitou.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ricky
a Weekend Warrior
from sunnyvale Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
weed fields
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
rigid
Weaknesses:
springs way to soft, fork bottoms out riding off curbs. absolute crap.
Bottom Line:
I will install extra firm springs and tell you what I think.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
DJs in sidney
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Brentwood Cycle
Strengths:
Good quality fork for freeriding, you get what you see as far as the ride goes. Doesn't bottom out easily, makes delightful whooshing noises
Weaknesses:
for MY particular fork, it gets sticky when it's wet, the rebound adjust does nothing, it gets sticky when it's dry and dusty, I (and my friend with identicle bike) experienced broken seals after the first month, not good for XC
Bike Setup:
Stock 05 Tactik
Bottom Line:
Assuming nothing goes wrong, it's a very very wonderful fork, I've ridden $1000+ forks with the same travel that bottom out easier...HOWEVER, as reviews and my friends bike suggests, it's very common for something to go wrong. I would not suggest buying these used because warranty is priceless
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AMBROSE
a
from CARRBORO, NC Date Reviewed: July 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
EMPLOYEE PURCHASE
Strengths:
plush, strong, 20 mm axel, not a pogo stick
Weaknesses:
too soft, and im 135 pounds. but in cold it stiffens up so stiff!! but i have no regrets. going to get stiffer springs when i get back home from the nz winter
Similar Products Used:
drop off, sx-r, magnum,
Bike Setup:
HARO ESCAPE 8.1 FRAME, Stance flow, LX (wanna get sram now cause its already worn), race face evolve cranks w/ bash, etc
Bottom Line:
GET it if its cheap. i wanted something <200, so this was it. i don't like blowing too much money on forks as they lose value soo easily
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Packham
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: June 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Fox Mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
red shreds
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
stiffen up when not really warm to nothing, rebound way to slow, to stiff
Bike Setup:
hard tail
Bottom Line:
fork sucked
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cody
a Weekend Warrior
from Dryden, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
jump track at my house
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
This fork came with my Norco Tactik. I has a fair bit of travel and good travel adjusment. It is strong and smooth Thats about it.
Weaknesses:
It is flexy with quick release, wish it had a thru axle. The rebound does nothing at all so i took off the knob and discovered a large allen key bolt. Turing it in too far it cam out of the threads but didnt fall in because of the rod it was connected to compressing the fork and turning the screw back out got it into placei think it might have given it a bit faster rebound with the screw further in but was to little difference to notice.
Similar Products Used:
no fork i have ever tried has this slow of rebound
Bike Setup:
Stock tactik, drop off triple on the way
Bottom Line:
Contrary to how slow the rebound is i like how the fork works. huge jumps and 20 foot drops ( with landings) havent phazed this fork, it jump performs different than the usual. It is definitley a like it of hate it product. Good rating because there is much better out there for only a little more
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dav
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The forest behind my school... Build Jumps there
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Got it stock on my tactik
Strengths:
Its nice and Soft, and when you are doing dirt jumps its smooth. You get a lot of travel and the wind down is sweet. I can change it from urban 120's to DJ 150's.
Weaknesses:
you loose a lot of energy trying to ride on the rodes... I cannot feel a difference in the rebound adjustment.
Its a great Fork for the beginners-intermediates, expecially when your on a budget. You get a lot of goods from this one. Its great and I recommend it to you if you are into Dirt Jumps, or anything thats got a transition zone. Enjoy it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
leo certuche
a Weekend Warrior
from bogota, colombia Date Reviewed: June 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
I'm writing about the manitou stance BLUNT 130mm qr
It looks good and it's softness sometimes is enjoyable
Weaknesses:
Actually it's too soft so it's been pretty easy for me to bottom it everytime I want it or worse, when I don't want it :( Judging by oil marks, it only travels 110mm, not 130 as the manufacturer says
Similar Products Used:
first sc fork that I try
Bike Setup:
specialized p.2, specialized cranks, avid bb 185mm brakes, single digit levers, raceface bashguard, raceface seatpost, deore shifters and derailleurs, azonic stem, ritchey handlebars, sdg seat, xt cassette, alex rims, 2.35 high rollers.
Bottom Line:
I don't understand why they put such a soft set of springs in this good loking and very afordable fork. Besides it only travels 110mm!
I e-mailed manitou about it last week asking for an upgrade to more travel and stiffer springs but they haven't reply (good customer service?)
Anyone knows how to upgrade the travel of this fork to, say 150mm? where can I get the required springs? If someone knows please drop me a line: leocertuche (at) gmai (dot) com Thanx
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adi yariv
a Weekend Warrior
from israel Date Reviewed: June 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks good, feels good, strong from the sides...
Weaknesses:
the spring that comes stock is to light 4 me, the adjusting knob looks weak..
Similar Products Used:
psylo, dj, vanila-125, super-t, boxxer ....
Bike Setup:
moongose black diamond double
Bottom Line:
hi-didnt take to much from this fork- knew all the problems that manitou had but still took the risk -didnt replace it ,and im not complainin'- its a solid fork , gives me the option of going up without killing my self - i will change the spring to a stronger one but thats because im 200 pounds ... ya, i'd buy it -its cheap, nice -why not??
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Sturrock
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
Favorite Trail:
CBC, UOC, 7th Secret
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sport Pacific
Strengths:
Nice Plush Level for me, Killer on trails and Street and DJ. 6" of travel but its lighter compared to DJ forks
Weaknesses:
Plushness( I find no problem with it mine works at the right level)
Similar Products Used:
DJ3, DJam
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Chase 2 with Sance BLUNT (this is not the stance flow, it is a different fork that is only out in some stores)
Bottom Line:
Great Fork. THe stance BLUNT works so well its incredible, handles everything and I learn new stuff at an amazing rate. Works well on difficult trails and can handle them with ease. 6 inches is a huge plus when its this light and good. I love it NOTE: this fork is hard to find anywhere its a fork that only seems to be at BSP or on CHase 2 models from cannondale but if you can find it its a treasure
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris MacLean
a Weekend Warrior
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: June 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Mont St-Anne
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Les ateliers MGE
Strengths:
-lots of travel -Low Price -light
Weaknesses:
-Lack of versatility -Seals
Similar Products Used:
Dirt jumper III, Junior T
Bike Setup:
Haro X-1 2004
Bottom Line:
The fork is designed for freeride only.Forget cross country soft ride with the stace flow.Sand is a killer for the fork. Many people experienced problems with the evil genius seal technology.
Excepts for those problems,the fork is great. The low price and the 150mm travel lets you do more things that you cant do with a another fork of the same price. I enjoy my rides with the stance flow.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Rogers
a Downhiller
from Wellington New Zealand Date Reviewed: June 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
good strong fork that work well. good warenty service
Weaknesses:
first thing i blew the seals in them as u can c in my earlier review now i blew the rebound cartrage to smitherines so i have sent them away once again.
Similar Products Used:
mazzochi bommer z3.5, super t's, rockshox judy race
Bike Setup:
jamis kamodo fx 2.0
Bottom Line:
i have only had these for less than 6 months and broke them twice i aint doin massive stuff yet its winter so wat r they going to do wen i do that stuff???????????
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Watts
a Weekend Warrior
from scottsdale Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
air park bike
Strengths:
stiff as hell love the 20mm axle, plush maybe a little too plush, rebound adjustment works good, look damn good too
Weaknesses:
heavy definently noticed the weight in the front end, just a little to soft for me but i got new springs on the way, for some reaseon the rwdt does not work got ti talk to the shop about that
Similar Products Used:
mz comp sucked
Bike Setup:
haro escape 8.1 azonic outlaw wheelset 20mm axle, stance flow forks, that about it rest is stock
Bottom Line:
i like these forks alot tough as hell and cheap i got them on a trade in with my other forks. i like how stiff they are made a big difference in the front end. they are just a little to soft but not to bad i use all the travel but have not bottomed them out hard and i have done 6 foot drops with them. next week i am having different springs put in so that should make a big difference in how they are. the onle thing i can complain about is that the travel adjustment dont work i need to talk to my lbs about that. all in all i would recommend this fork for someone that is on a budget that wants a good stiff fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leeve
a Weekend Warrior
from Marathon, ontario, canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
your momma's house fool
Strengths:
EVERYTHING, won't bottom out, no bobing, adjustable travel :), adjustable rebond :), very buttery smooth!!!
Weaknesses:
NOTHING
Similar Products Used:
nothing since this is my first real bike
Bike Setup:
JAMIS KOMODO FX 2.0 Free ride
Bottom Line:
Buy it, great fork for all types of riden, not sure what all these people are talking about bending them there fine going of 5 foot drops like nothing!!! These things are the best!!! ride hard!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
istrate mihai
a Weekend Warrior
from cluj Date Reviewed: May 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
wherever
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
friend
Strengths:
i think you can rely on it.plush[too plush].enough travel for dh.nice freeride fork
it is good hardcore fork for the money.nice for going down but pain to ride street.not good for tehnical stuff.not good for skatepark.good for dirt[in 120mm mode].i'm getin' the black elite 100mm for a second bike.i like the fork,but don't buy it if do street and park.go for a lighter one if you are a tehnical rider.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J
a Downhiller
from Ancdot, Alaska, USA Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Wherever, Whenever, down to ride
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
aebike.com
Strengths:
stiff as hell... strong as hell... plush as hell.
Weaknesses:
none. I nosecased this thing so hard I thought the stanchions would have been bent no problem though.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DJ, jr t, ghetto stuff
Bike Setup:
RM flow, e-thirteen chain guide, Manitou Stance flow fork, Block 8 bars, axiom stem, block 8 seat. Sweet all around set up.
Bottom Line:
This fork is the best fork I have ever ridden for the purpose of street, DJ, downhill, freeride style. No problems to report yet. Espcecially for the sweet low price. You can't go wrong with this fork.... ride smooth ya'll
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Cameron
a Downhiller
from Hobart, Tas Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Still experimenting
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Macbains
Strengths:
There cheap and has a large amount of travel thats it.
Weaknesses:
They bent on a small ass drop on to concrete after 4 months, also it needs more rebound adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
none like these.
Bike Setup:
Manitou Escape 8.3 2005, new forks needed.
Bottom Line:
Nice long travel, but I wouldn't recomend these forks to anyone because they bent on me after a pathetic little drop on to concrete and now I have to pay for new ones. ( Don't bye these forks)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Glendale, Arizona Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Adventure Bicycles
Strengths:
-Stiff as HELL! -Sick black stancions
Weaknesses:
-A little on the plush side... Really plush! -Could use more rebound adjustments
Similar Products Used:
NONE
Bike Setup:
2004 Haro Escape 8.3 with Manitou Stance Blunt 150mm travle
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks!(This review is for the Manitou Stance Blunt 150mm of travle) But I had to switch it out for a stiffer spring. That was fine because my LBS switched it out for free. Now it rides really well. I'm glad I'm not bottoming out on 4 footers any more. Yes, I would recomend this fork to a friend. It's cheap, stiff, and gets the job done!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Trunek
a Downhiller
from Cleveland OH Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Rays MTB Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
rock solid stiffness
Weaknesses:
the rebound adjustment does just about nothing.
Similar Products Used:
a ton of dual crown DH forks, to XC ones.
Bike Setup:
this fork went onto my buddies Giant DS1 warp.
Bottom Line:
for the price, cant go wrong. while the dampening system is simple, it works. this sucka is stiff as hell, even with a 1 and 1/8 sterrer and QR dropouts. i liked it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Sparksman
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: April 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
My own
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Dropnzone
Strengths:
Sexy Black Stanchions
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
03 DJ 3's
Bike Setup:
03 stinky
Bottom Line:
awesome fork, I ride everything XC with em, DH with em and FR with em and the Kick ass t all of them. For XC, I wind them down to 120mm, no bob. awesome for climbing. For DH/FR Wind them back to 150mm, and the are as plush as. just made a new 8 foot drop and these forks only used 5 out of the six inchs, there so sweet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Drew
a Cross Country Rider
from Albany Date Reviewed: April 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
CK Cycles
Strengths:
Bomb-proof! This shock is no joke, great for XC ugly terrain, rolls over anything and everything, designed to take abuse...not warranty issues.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, which does matter when you try getting the front end up and over. Takes a ton of effort, compared to my Manitou Ti Lite. If you're use to riding a light front end this ain't it brother!
Bike Setup:
Brand new Haro X3 Extreme, SRAM X.7, Avid Mechanical
Bottom Line:
This shock came as a stock part on the Haro X3, looks good, rides good and works as a complete part of the package. Good luck getting this bike though, Haro is back ordered indefinitely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
james rogers
a Downhiller
from wellington new zealand Date Reviewed: March 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice stiff fork, plush assssss, plenty of travle,
Weaknesses:
blew a seel the first month i had them. and i think they came a little bent but there been sent away to get it looked at
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi z3, marzocchi super t.
Bike Setup:
jamis komodo fx2.0
Bottom Line:
i have just got off a broken leg so i havent even been thraching the crap outa them and they have already broke on me. now they have been sent away and i dont have a bike to ride :-(. they r quite heavy so not much xc on it but freekin mint for free ride and jump just watch those seels tho.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory
a Downhiller
from Nebraska Date Reviewed: March 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$365.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Great travel, strong fork
Weaknesses:
Needs more rebound adjustment
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DJ
Bike Setup:
K2 Tirade
Bottom Line:
Only rode the for one time but so far I am impressed with it. Feels great, long travel, all around good for for the money. I would definately reccomend this fork for anyone looking for a long travel freeride fork and they are on a budget.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rhys Lennings
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: February 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Big Bike Shop
Strengths:
looks good, real strong, enough travel, nice and plush
Weaknesses:
rebound doesn't do much? wouldn't buy if you plan on a lot of xc, they are quite heavy.. none really
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Black Diamond single, Manitou Metel RP rear, alex dm24 rims, doeore derailers
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks! i do everything on it-dj, dh, freeride, urban xc and road and nothing fazes it. 6inches of travel is plush as, doesn't bottom out on anything that isn't massive, nice feel. Looks sweet, although doesn't look too strong. Paint doesn't show the scratches as much as other forks. beware, not compatible with anything other than 8 inche discs. Well worth the very affordable price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Downhiller
from Australia Date Reviewed: January 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tomac
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
www.fortheriders.com
Strengths:
Very strong, reliable, excellent feeling, good adjustability
Weaknesses:
a little heavy, but who cares
Similar Products Used:
03 Psylos, 05 Drop Offs
Bike Setup:
Specalized P1, Manitou Stance Flows, Atomlab rear rim, aireal front hub, SRAM X.7 setup, all the rest is factory...
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the budget conscious rider, i use for DH, Freeride, Street, Jumping and Skatepark riding...it works fine for all of them...great fork i recommend it to anyone who doesnt want to ahve to apy $900 for a decient SC fork...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BikerX
a Weekend Warrior
from Taipei Taiwan Date Reviewed: December 18, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Street,Dirt Jump,Freeride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
somewhere in taiwan
Strengths:
cheap,strong,looks cool,work as hell
Weaknesses:
like other Manitous',still bottom out easily(but i weight over 200 pound so that's my own problem^^)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi 03,04 DJ Series
Bike Setup:
Identiti Dr.Jekyll ADS singlespeed set up
Bottom Line:
probably the smoothest fork i've ever used,especialy compare with Marzocchi 04' DJs,just like the difference between butter and cornflake,and it's also strong as hell,i take it for a 15 footer stair gap and it still works great,the only weakness of this fork probably only the bottom out feeling,but it still works great....and the final word of this fork will be....SICK!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pavel Lapir
a Downhiller
from Dresden, Germany Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
The best solution for a low-budget biker. I rided this fork on my DH trails, jumped big-airs and did a lot of urban freeride in the city. For me, there are no weaknesses. The damping system (Fluid-Flow) works very well. Rebound can be adjusted too. Ok, the fork is a little bit heavy (6.2lb) but it's steel - and steel is real !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Potter
a Racer
from Brazil Date Reviewed: September 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
tokai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The best fork i've ever ridden, i used it on the local trails, jumped, backflipped and it strill works like hell
Weaknesses:
none!!!!
Similar Products Used:
marzochi dj1, sherman, psylo
Bike Setup:
azonic steelhead
Bottom Line:
awesome fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$ 399.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
