Everyone knows that dual-crown forks offer superior performance for the most aggressive riders, but until now, the price has been prohibitive. Enter the Stance - a new line from Manitou that delivers Sherman-style performance at an amazing price.
Submitted by
jazbon
a Downhiller
from Lincoln, England Date Reviewed: July 10, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Alpine freeride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
plush and adjustable
Weaknesses:
loss of air in the air side and lack of damping in the oil side
Similar Products Used:
888, drop off triple, 40rc
Bike Setup:
Orange Patriot 66 2006
Bottom Line:
These forks lose air because the seal rolls over, gets trapped between the internal stantion tube and the metal thrust piston and then splits. The seal is effectively an 'O' ring with a square edge to stop it rolling around called 'Quad rings ' in the uk and 'x' rings in the usa. The inner diameter of the groove that the ring sits in is about 23mm. but you will need a ring more like 20 - 21mm ID for it to be tight. I think the one that I used was 20.22 mm or something. The reason why the seals pop and break is beacause the groove in which the ring sits is too big. In other words there is play in the up/down direction which gives room for the quad / x ring to roll over and do the same thing again and again when replaced. The way to overcome this is to effectively 'pack' the gap allowing no play in the groove. you can do this by super glueing a shim to the 'no air pressure' side of the groove. you may also be able to use an additional more narrow quad ring as a packer, but i have not tried this. The forks are actually quite easy to take apart so dont be afraid if you are fairly good with your hands. if you use a quad ring that is to big or has a too large cross section then you may find the forks sticking which will bring its own problems. I used the 3.5mm (ish) cross section. Since using the shim (which i got from a 24mm internal diam, 1mm thick raceface axle spacer which i then stuck down, filed down to fit and tapred in so that no plastic was exposed) I have only lost a few pounds of air per ride whilst doing reasonable downhill with 3 -4 ft shore drops to transisiton and some narly steep technical sections. Take a shock pump with you, but they shold not pop. I also used a small bath of oil for the seal to run in (not loads though). The other side of the fork is fairly crappy and does not do its job very well. if you want more damping then use some heavier oil. say 10 weight, that shouls slow them down. You dont want too much damping though, the rebound gives you lift for jumps and pops anyway. so you need it a bit. I will post a link for a 'how to' with pics soon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
phildamo
a Downhiller
from montreal Date Reviewed: November 11, 2008
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Smooth ass ride. Can't feel those bumps on trails.
ive had them for 3 years now and they haven't bent.
Weaknesses:
Not for extreme down hilling
Bottom Line:
this is a great fork.
if anyone says its bad, its cause they were probably abusing it.It has 170mm of travel so its not meant for dropping off 8 story buildings! But great for soft downhill trails and even some dirt jumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimothy121
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham, WA, USA Date Reviewed: August 4, 2008
A Diamond in the rough... Go to the hardware store and get an o-ring that is one size larger than the original in the air assist lower. This will solve all the problems related to blowing the seals.
If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and rebuilding the fork its a great product for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Okuda
a Downhiller
from Peoria AZ USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
perfect for what i do iv dropped off 6ft dropps onto flat ground and i have never had a problem
Weaknesses:
adj rebound cant tell if it works stiction could be better
Similar Products Used:
marzochi bomber 150mm
Bike Setup:
haro x7 rock shox air
Bottom Line:
for the price these forks rock perfect for any one that doesnt race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Okuda
a Downhiller
from Peoria AZ USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2008
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
perfect for what i do iv dropped off 6ft dropps onto flat ground and i have never had a problem
Weaknesses:
adj rebound cant tell if it works stiction could be better
Similar Products Used:
marzochi bomber 150mm
Bike Setup:
haro x7 rock shox air
Bottom Line:
for the price these forks rock perfect for any one that doesnt race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Ponko
a Downhiller
from PG, CA USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Tunnels
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
manitou factory.....I know some people
Strengths:
Its great! I love the plushness of the fork. It can handle a lot of stuff.
Weaknesses:
It makes a wierd noise that gets anoying and Sometimes it needs a some lube to make it more absorbent but its still great.
Similar Products Used:
Marazochi Mz all mtn Comp
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse warrior frame (pretty much custom built)
Bottom Line:
Great fork for DH. Best Bang for you buck, and its just cool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
celio silva
a Weekend Warrior
from portugal Date Reviewed: April 25, 2008
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
very easy to "do your self" after reading the Manitou manual with VERY VERY attention, simple mecanism inside, good looking fork, very cheap, not to much weight.
Weaknesses:
internal not to strong. need all time maintenance, because the seals arent to much effective, the oil and grease goes away quickly. the ajustments really dont make much difference in performance. dont give much confidence, and the spring is to soft (im 90 kg). the rebound doenst seems to work. and bob even with the SPV+ (unless you put a good load of air pressure),...
Similar Products Used:
this is my first triple crown
Bike Setup:
ramleigh xt 2500 with manitou 4way swinger (rear 7" travel)
Bottom Line:
i bye this forks used. The first thing i notice, is the manitou dont have a dedicated service manual, so wasnt simple to learn all about it. The Air leaking was a problem right from the day 1. i been solving this with 2 steeps. first, i put some layers of teflon in the internal rod, where the air seal is, so the segment of the rod become more large. this way, the air seal gives more pressure to inner legs. second, You cant expected the air remain in the fork, if you DONT have OIL in it. you have to put a good quantity of oil (like motor 15w40 oil) into to the left fork, so the air can keep inside, whem you feel the air is starting to go way... or like me, put some in advance for 3 or 4 rides. This way i been able to keep the air pressure inside the fork, and be able to used in light freeride. The internal and external ajustments, doenst do much difference at all. maybe with heavier oil. The air, its all what really make some difference. Without a good load of pressure air... this forks just dont work for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
errold tuley
a Weekend Warrior
from slc ut usa Date Reviewed: October 13, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$75.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
170mm travel, 20mm axil, air assist
Weaknesses:
?
Bike Setup:
motobecane phantom comp, manitou swinger coil over
Bottom Line:
I bought these 05 forks just because there 170mm. THEY ROCK (mine has a stick that says upgrade installed)I put extra firm spings in right off the bat as I weigh 210# I have not had a single problem and I've dropped numerous 4 to 5 (one 4 footer in a nose dive) foot drops as most of my riding is urban assault. The tpc+ is great because you can sit a petal without any bob. I have not blowen any seals no leaks no stiction I run 30# air. Turning radious is a little less than others but for 99% of the riding I do it has not matered
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Candage
a Downhiller
from Meredith, NH Date Reviewed: July 31, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Highland Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
www.rscycle.com
Strengths:
None what so ever!!!!!!!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
The fork broke on my second ride! And it wasnt even a difficult trail with large hits!
Similar Products Used:
None really.
Bottom Line:
Worst fork on earth! Go with one of the newer Manitou forks or a Marzzochi 888 or a Rock Shox Boxxer!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
nathan hill
a Downhiller
from australia Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
ridgie didge
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
extreme
Weaknesses:
sezed up twice
Similar Products Used:
rock shox
Bike Setup:
downhill
Bottom Line:
its ok
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a
from Perth, WA, Australia Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Goatfarm
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Guildford cycles
Strengths:
Have only bottomed them out 1 time and they look good and perform good and are spring not air powered!
Hucked a 3m with a landing 6 m away drop on it and its a hard tail and over cleared it and never had problems!
Weaknesses:
umm None that i can think of.
Similar Products Used:
Rst gilla T6 Marzocchi dj 2s n 3s
Bike Setup:
Gt Chucker 2.0 Sram gear
Bottom Line:
good havent had problems yet and prolly never will!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from The Oklahoma Hills Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS (came on bike)
Strengths:
I didnt find any.
Weaknesses:
Fork felt like wet noodle unless you put a lot of air in it, which leaks out in a few minutes. The axle bolt broke off inside the axle. Breakable plastic internals. Trashed in less than 5 rides.
Similar Products Used:
Judy XL(dc), Manitou SX-R, DJIII, Boxxer, Jr. T, Shiver DC
Bike Setup:
05 BigHit FSR, 66rc (now), Howitzer BB/Hussefelt
Bottom Line:
Absolute crap. I rode on a Manitou for several years on my XC bike and loved it, zero maintenence, plush and light, even hucked it a little. But this fork has forever tuned me against Manitou. It came stock on my BigHit. Against my better judgement I left it on the bike. I did a couple downhill runs on it and felt like my life was in jeopardy. It felt decent on 10+ feet to transition, but through little stuff, I felt like it would rebound me right off the bike. Wouldnt hold air and the internals broke off inside after 2 weeks leaving a completely locked out 7" fork that had a horrible metal on metal clash when attempted to compress. Manitou was quick to send me a new one, an 06 model. I didnt even let it grace the front of my Specialized, and sold it immediately. Dont buy it unless you plan on leaving your wheels on the ground and just want to look cool on your dual crown fork. I would give it negative chilis if I could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bart
a Weekend Warrior
from uk, scotland Date Reviewed: January 21, 2007
Favorite Trail:
inverlithen
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At:
jensen usa
Strengths:
170 of travel, dual crown, air assist,
Weaknesses:
bit sticky, factory spring to hard when riden with more than 40psi, black paint comes off from f. legs
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bike Setup:
4-way swinger, KingPin, and other s?"@t...
Bottom Line:
!!!!!!!!NOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This fork needs an upgrade straight out of the box. I redesigned air chamber, and added one extra self tightening washer and 20cl of oil to air assistleg. Changed factory oil to 0.25(?). After that it works like charm. I paid only 99$ for that fork and and i treated as a bearbone-fork. My design worked out and now it can hold 90psi easy. Didn,t lost a pound of air for the last 6 mnths. I can't say much about drop offs as the bigest i make are 4-5 foot. But never bottomed it with 72kg of waight and around 40psi. AND HEY!!! SEALS ARE OK, it's just lack of extra washer in a.assist leg makes this fork junk. 30min of work and you gonna praise it. dont bother to send it back to manitou DIY. If u need a pic+guide how to fix it: fucpl(at)wp.pl
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Pointon
a Downhiller
from Cornwall Date Reviewed: December 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
tim@moresoftware.biz
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice metal air valve dust cap was about the best bit on these.
Weaknesses:
Everything about them. Sloppy feel , bottomed out with any more than 3ft drop. Top seals blew as i braked at the end of my drive of the first outing. And continued to blow seal after seal despite being fixed by my local norco dealer severval times.
Similar Products Used:
Junior T
Bike Setup:
05 norco savage
Bottom Line:
Possibly the worst engineering i have ever had the misfortune to own. After 3 months of tossing about between my lbs , norco and manitou , the norco rep got so fed up with me they swapped them for a set of 04 junior Ts off a demo bike. these have lasted 2 yrs and are still going strong. My advice would be to stay well clear , unless they are free and you are looking for somthing to prop the garage door open with !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
martin
a Downhiller
from Prescott az Date Reviewed: December 14, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
none that i found
Weaknesses:
the fork was already blown out and leaking all over in the box. Then i rode a new one for a day before it blew, and the third one locked up and sent me for a ride. Overall a wal mart fork would have lasted longer.
Similar Products Used:
66rc2x, 888rc2x, slider plus
Bike Setup:
big hit
Bottom Line:
if you like to have suspension, DONT buy this fork. Manitou wanted me to BUY a new one when i told them the old one broke after one day. Save your money and buy marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Downhiller
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: December 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Bow Cycle
Strengths:
Amazing Travel Good Looks And good value
Bottom Line:
Although many people say the seals go mine were sent back to the factory and are fine so far good value especally if u want sherman quality and performance at a lowere cost u should buy this fork if u are a freerider or a downhiller on a budget
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andrew snommis
a Downhiller
from beaverton or Date Reviewed: November 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
um lets see it holds the wheel to the bike...that is just about it
Weaknesses:
lets start with how they flex over everything....im just waiting for them to rip the head tube right off my bike and putting me in the hospitol
Bike Setup:
05 bighit,modo double wide rims
Bottom Line:
TTHHHHHHEEEEEEEEESSSSEEEE SUCK FATT ASSSSSSSSS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Kodak,TN Date Reviewed: October 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Mt.Snow DH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
internet trade
Strengths:
Dual Crown
Weaknesses:
Probably the FORK SEALS.
Similar Products Used:
Monster-T(is that even similiar), SHIVER,BOXXER,66RC,Z.1FR.
Bike Setup:
01 Specialized FSR Enduro PRO 4.6" travel.Beefy wheels,Hayes hydro brakes,etc...
Bottom Line:
Traded a Sherman for this because i needed a huge steerer tube & just needed a fork for the Enduro & this one worked. Actually it looks good & with 50# of air in it feels plush without bottoming easy.I weigh 188. The knob on the bottom turns alot,but works.Doesn't have any clicks or anything on that knob. Need to replace the seals & then it should be fine for Enduro & XC riding.I wouldn't even think of pounding this fork on a real DH course.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eyesac'd yourmom
a Weekend Warrior
from munshkinland Date Reviewed: October 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the yellow brick road
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
the grocerie dtore
Strengths:
there soft befor they go BOOM!and I got a free abulance ride on the way to the hospital from these forks breaking on the landing
Weaknesses:
every f#@%'n thing on this peice of sh#t Might as well land in a pill of sh#t- it would be softer
Similar Products Used:
landing on my bum
Bike Setup:
2005 specialized fsr
Bottom Line:
Bro's before Hoe's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Livingston MT Date Reviewed: October 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
the gullies
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Owenhouse
Strengths:
it moves
Weaknesses:
everything
Bike Setup:
2005 Norco Savage
Bottom Line:
Bike is great, but the fork makes me look like a wannabe, had it for a month. seals blew. sent it in replaced with a spring. worked good for a while, but sounds like the spring broke while on the way to my local video store. Considering throwing it away and buying a marzocchi 66rc. The fork is junk do not buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Downhiller
from Monterey, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Braile Trail-Santa Cruz, Ca.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Fork is cheap, easy to service. Has the option of a 20mm thru axle. Can be used to attach the front wheel to the rest of the bicycle.
Weaknesses:
Horrible small bump compliance, air assist must be removed within 2 seconds of use, rebound adjuster is only there to look cool, lowers are mis-drilled so the stanchions don't line up and stick, poor turing radius even for a dual crown fork and it also looks ugly.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi jr. t
Bike Setup:
Currently on an older Giant AC with extended rockers (7 in. travel).
Bottom Line:
Originally got this fork to give my GT idrive a bit more travel up front for cheap. read the bad reviews about blowing seals, but contacted manitou and got the air assist removal kit for ~$20 and bought the fork anyway. This fork was so cheap I couldn't pass it up. After installing the kit, I got one decent ride on the fork before destroying my frame. Fork worked well enough during this ride. I moved on to a new Faith, and built up a Giant AC frame for my girlfriend and used the fork. She got maybe two more rides out of it before it truely started sucking. Now the fork sticks badly even after servicing it, the rebound adjuster is a joke and even with the original weak air assist spring she is about to get through only around 3 in. of travel on some fairly gnarly trails. Got an 888 being shipped to me as we speak, and I'm moving my jr. t over to my girlfriend's bike.
If you're thinking about buying this fork because you're on a budget and wouldn't mind trying to fix it, don't. You'll only be trying to polish a turd, and at the end of the day it'll still be a turd and your hands will be smelly. Save up the extra cash for a better fork, you'll save money in the long run.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Robillard
a Weekend Warrior
from Texada B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: August 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Taws
Weaknesses:
seals
Bottom Line:
-the first day i got them the seals blow. -bottums out on two foot drops
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Concord, Michigan, U.S.A Date Reviewed: August 16, 2006
Favorite Trail:
KR trials
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Great smooth suspension, lots of travel, great from freeride
Weaknesses:
Not ment for extreme freeride
Similar Products Used:
...
Bike Setup:
You would probably want to use this fork on a dual suspention frame that can handle the amounf of travel
Bottom Line:
Its a awsome fork for an amazing bike. I would suggest this fork to anyone looking for some good fun and not willing to spend a fortune
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Downhiller
from West Linn, OR Date Reviewed: August 15, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
direct
Strengths:
holds the wheel in place. very plush. looks a little better than the 2005 did on my bike. didnt blow the seals in the first five minuts and its actually alright for a little DH and most Fr type stuff.
Weaknesses:
well manitou sent me this 2006 kingpin back instead of my 2005 king, this one has no air assist and is fluid flow dampening :( I miss the TPc+
alright. so I blew the seals on my 2005 kingpin twice. I originally sent the fork into manitou, it returned, I rode it for probably an hour, blew the seals again. so a couple of days ago I returned to my LBS and they got in contact with manitou. manitou shipped out a new fork priority mail and with a pre paid shipping label for my old fork. fork got back today so I got in installed on my bike. i'm a little impressed. the springs are really soft, probably going to upgrade those.
the fork is going up to whistler on my bike. I'm hopeing it wont break or anything. i'll write another review of it when I get back. seems to be an alright fork, doesnt get sticky like the older king. this fork is just duel coil. not air assist so :/ but it did come with rebound adjust and Qr20mm. see I bought the kingpin in december of 2005 for $99.99 at jensonusa so this isnt a bad fork at all for what I paid. but i'll rate it at its 400 dollar pricetag.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Racer
from Broomfield Date Reviewed: August 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Keystone
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
My shop
Strengths:
Durable and great for downhill. Very easy to work on. As long as you greese the sanchions compression and rebound rods it wont stick.
Weaknesses:
the tpc assist, I upgraded it to spring and oil and it works great. the fork is a little narrow for my liking.
Similar Products Used:
boxxer race, and dirt jumper
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz super8
Bottom Line:
Upgrade the air to spring (this is under warranty!) and it will work great. IF YOUR NOT AN IDIOT AND KNOW HOW TO LUBE YOUR FORK THIS WILL NOT STICK OR BLOW THE SEALS!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rich race
a Weekend Warrior
from brick nj Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
they are recalled
Weaknesses:
blows seals, leaks lots of crap
Bike Setup:
iron horse yukazu kumacho
Bottom Line:
will see when get the recalls
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Travis
a Downhiller
from Ruidoso, New Mexico Date Reviewed: July 25, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Creek, Ruidoso NM
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
everything
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi 888 vf
Bike Setup:
specialized big-hit fsr, fox shock, marzocchi 888 fork
Bottom Line:
this fork sucks do not buy it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blaine Kaiser
a Weekend Warrior
from Granite Bay California, Usa Date Reviewed: July 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Northstar, Local Jumps
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
It is Great for downhill. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Downhill=none Everything else= almost everything. sticks when they go down. Bottoms out easy unless you have a landing.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
p.1
Bottom Line:
If you do anything other than downhill don't buy them. I blew out the seal of a curb at 5 pounds of pressure. I pushed it in with a screw driver and didn't pump them up and it didn't happen again. Keep your stock fork and put this one on for downhill.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Austin Sedz
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
freeriding. i dont follow trails.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
pinkbike
Strengths:
cheep. pretty. plush.
Weaknesses:
there is none other then the crowns not being integrated. YOU PEOPLE ARE ALL IGNERANT TO THE FACT THAT THESE ARE NOT DOWNHILL FORKS THEY ARE FOR FREERIDE AND THE PEOPLE WHO RACE AND DO DOWNHILL ON THEM, BLAME IT ON THE FORK WHEN REALLY IT'S THEIR FAULT THEY DIN BUT A 200mm DOWNHILL FORK LIKE THE TRAVIS TRIPLE.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi dropoff. Manitou sherman flick. Marzocchi 66vf. Marzocchi dirtjam. Fox 40. Fox 36 talus and vans. sherman slider. Manitou Dorado 180mm. etc.
Bike Setup:
Giant stp. new fork. new stuff....
Bottom Line:
this fork is for FREERIDE!!!!!! not DH. LISTEN TO PRODUCT RECOMENDATIONS. THAT IS WHY YOU DONT DO TRIALS ON A FRICKIN 888. IT IS A GOOD FORK FOR IT'S PRICE SO BUY IT IF U WANT A CHEEP FREERIDE FORK. NOT DOWNHILL
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
danny
a Downhiller
from england Date Reviewed: June 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Purchased At:
stif
Strengths:
there is none
Weaknesses:
they r crap i av blown the seals 2 many times they wobble and sav snaped after les dan a month
Similar Products Used:
i want some sherman sliders
Bike Setup:
norco vps savage
Bottom Line:
if any one is selling some manitou sherman sliders 03+ plz email me at montesadan1@hotmail.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
drew
a Downhiller
from toronto Date Reviewed: June 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
silent sports
Strengths:
you feel great when you get rid of the piece of sh*t
Weaknesses:
the damn thing wobbles like theres no tommorow, seems tiny compared to other dual crown forks, paint chips/scratches easily *hint (lowers resale value) Ugly as hell, rebound does nothing except for snapping off and sprayin fluid everywhere. Stanchion clamps are constructed of some weak material which just crumbles after a while and the stanchions pop out of the clamp I don't know why even when I tighten the bolts.
Similar Products Used:
sherman firefly (great fork)
Bike Setup:
2005 Norco VPS Savage
Bottom Line:
I'll be glad when some unsupecting person buys this crappy fork so I can buy an 888. One piece of advice never buy low end manitou you will regret it. The Sherman Line is fine. But I would avoid the stance series all together they're just constructed of cheap crappy parts. I was at a disadvantage since the bike came with this fork so I'd advise you try before you buy. If you want a dual crown fork and dont have enough money dont buy this! dont settle for this piece of crap buy at least a drop off. i cant even reccomed this for begginers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Downhiller
from Olney Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Massanutten
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on my Yakuza
Strengths:
Uh, it holds the front wheel on. The air assist is cool, but it only works for a few days.
Weaknesses:
First thing I noticed is the horrible turning radius. Youre going to say duh, it has bad turning radius, its a DC. But no, compared to any other dual crown, the turning radius is rediculous. The rebound adjuster doesnt work at all. With any air in the air assist, the fork is too stiff for a rider of my size (130 lbs), requiring me to run a really low air pressure on anything but street, which really shouldnt be ridden at all on this bike. First race of the season, and the fork wont hold any air at all. Now its in getting serviced, and theyre removing the air assist. THis sucks.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse Kumicho, 5050xx, Diablous, SRAM, HAYES
Bottom Line:
Dont buy it. It will disappoint. Despite the low price, its still a ripoff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom Bush
a Downhiller
from Carlisle Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ae Forest, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
If you smashed them up with a large hammer it would probably make you feel better for the rest of the day.
Weaknesses:
They'r sticky, slow to compress and rebound, they flex too much. They look sh#t, the stickers are coming off, they leak oil and lets not pretend that little rebound adjuster works. Nice one manitou. I bought myself a beutifull Orange Patriot 66. Its amazing apart from those heavy lumps of junk stuck to the front of it. I can't afford to buy any forks to replace them either. i'm upset.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi's
Bike Setup:
Orange Patriot 66 with a nasty front end!
Bottom Line:
Buy anything but these. Put some tubes with sponges on the bottom on your bike, it will work better. Or buy some MARZOCCHIs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dom Bush
a Downhiller
from Carlisle Date Reviewed: May 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ae Forest, Scotland
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
If you smashed them up with a large hammer it would probably make you feel better for the rest of the day.
Weaknesses:
They'r sticky, slow to compress and rebound, they flex too much. They look sh#t, the stickers are coming off, they leak oil and lets not pretend that little rebound adjuster works. Nice one manitou. I bought myself a beutifull Orange Patriot 66. Its amazing apart from those heavy lumps of junk stuck to the front of it. I can't afford to buy any forks to replace them either. i'm upset.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi's
Bike Setup:
Orange Patriot 66 with a nasty front end!
Bottom Line:
Buy anything but these. Put some tubes with sponges on the bottom on your bike, it will work better. Or buy some MARZOCCHIs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nathan
a Downhiller
from Sammamish, WA, USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
DM-Aline
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Abosolutely none, this thing is a piece of trash
Weaknesses:
Blows oil all over the place, seizes up, horrible riding
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer products, Marizocchi 888R's
Bike Setup:
Sepecialized
Bottom Line:
I do not own this product, but literally EVERY SINGLE person who has bought this fork has regretted it. They end up swapping it out in a month. It blows oil all over the place and is just plain horrible.
This fork is a liability for bike shops- they sell bikes with this fork on it and then get the bikes back in the shop 3 days later.
Literally, this thing has been ruined by CURB HOPS. CURB HOPS for god sakes....
DO NOT BUY if you do, i will murder you in your sleep
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason bigman
a Downhiller
from Canada Date Reviewed: April 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anywhere
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
www.pinkbike.com
Strengths:
rebound adjuster, air assist, nice looking, black color, good price
Weaknesses:
light spring, gay seals, gay after service
Similar Products Used:
jr t, Drop off and marzocchi 66vf
Bike Setup:
2005 norco bigfoot
Bottom Line:
i got the stance kingpin on my norco bigfoot because i downhill, so i traded my dirt jams in for the stance king pin with some extra cash about 200 buks.. first it was really smooth and sick but 2 months later i was dirt jumping and when i hit the jump my seal just went "POP" with a loud annoying noise.. so i took it to the shop where i got my bigfoot from and i payed about 40buks to get them rebuilt. so the shop sent the forks to manitou and i still havnt got it back yet.. the manitou said that it is only going to take 2 weeks and now ive been waiting 1month and a half they seriously suck if you are a begginer than its fine to get these but not for extreme and u guys gotta be carefull with this gayrebuilt warranty thing it takes freeken long it looks like there going to have my forks forever
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from oregon Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Strengths:
good price, hold front tire on, looks nice
Weaknesses:
soft suspension, narrow turning radius, it is scary to ride with a fork that u don't feel confident on.
Similar Products Used:
888VF, dropoff triple, 66rc2x
Bike Setup:
turner six-pack frame, bontrager componenets and this really bad fork
Bottom Line:
if u are a beginner it might work well for you. Don't make the same mistake i made by reading these reviews and buying it anyways. if you do make that mistake make sure you smart and get the 20mm thru-axle, because the QR sucks.I dislike the fork so much im gonna just buy a new bike with a good fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Watson
a Downhiller
from ewa beach, hi, usa Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Bike Shop- Aiea
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Everything
Bike Setup:
Big Hit w/888RC and Romic
Bottom Line:
This fork sucks A$$. It has to be the biggest piece of Crap EVER. It came stock on my '05 Big Hit. I blew it up twice and than bought a 888RC. Do not buy this fork- in fact maybe I will pay you to take mine away. HAHA
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke jaeger
a Weekend Warrior
from langley Date Reviewed: February 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
none with these forks!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
bsp
Strengths:
NONE!!!
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING!!!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Boxxer Race - Marzocchi Drop Off Triple - Manitou Splice Comp - Marzocchi Junior t super t
Bike Setup:
Faith frame Boxxer forks 6 way swinger i used to have the kingpin, THEY SUUUCK
Bottom Line:
well, when its cold out they dont work at all! or when its raining they are too too loose
when they get dusty they get stiky and they bottom out waaay too easily
they are pinner! really skinny and they got too much flex
i have had two pairs of these forks because i thought the first pair were defective, but they just really really suck! if you are a real biker... you'd better be careful with these hunks of junk!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Rogalski
a
from Pheonix Date Reviewed: February 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Arizona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came with the Scott High Octane bike
Strengths:
They are black and matched the bike! There were none.
Weaknesses:
Blew both seals in the first 9 miles running 15 lbs. of air pressure. Not airborn when it happened, just compression coming over a small dirt mound.
Similar Products Used:
Noleen Chubby LT. I know it's old, but so was my last bike, 1998 K2 Animal.
Bike Setup:
Scott High Octane with upgrades.
Bottom Line:
Before I ordered this new bike I chimed in on this review section. I noticed the fork was rated 94th out of 95 (terrible). I contacted Scott and Manitou mentioning that the forks seals seem to blow very easily and directed them to this site.
I did not want to order a new bike and go right into repairs. Scott USA was unaware of the problems and were somewhat surprised on the reviews (said you can really trust them). I responded that 40+ people (reviews) can be to far off. Answer Products (Manitou) said they were not having any issues with them and should be OK with proper break in. I ordered the bike!
After 9 miles and they went "POP", I was pissed. I sent Answer Products digital pics of the fork, odometer reading, and of the mound of dirt is happened on. They had no leg to stand on and shipped me a new Sherman Slider. I paid to have it installed. Everything is OK now. STAY AWAY FROM THESE AT ANY PRICE!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shaun
a Downhiller
from Mass. Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
Cheap, Dual Crown, 7" travel, looks sweet
Weaknesses:
none so far, when i bought this fork it was recently upgraded.
Similar Products Used:
JR.T, Monster T, Risse Champ, Z.1s, Shermans, etc.
Bike Setup:
2000 DBR X-2 with rockshox super deluxe rear shock, stance kingpin, other downhill upgrades.
Bottom Line:
This is definately a great fork. Its really stiff and not sticky at all. I don't know why it got so many bad reviews. But then again, mine was upgraded so that might do the trick. It's really plush and for 7" travel, dual crown and 20mm axle, for $100, that works for me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Serg
a
from beverly hills, CA Date Reviewed: February 14, 2006
Submitted by
eyesac elsom
a Weekend Warrior
from medicine hat Date Reviewed: February 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
whatever has sweet jumps
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
there black
Weaknesses:
being able to stand still without blowing the freak'n seals
Similar Products Used:
none,becuase no other shocks could be made this bad
Bike Setup:
Big Hit fsr
Bottom Line:
these shocks are the most worthless peices of crap What was Manitou thinking when they came up with these shocks. I had just sent my shocks away to get fixed cuase I think mine were just bad,so I get a brand knew pair of manitou stance when I have the bike a half an hour when all of a sudden they crap out on me. Im pretty sure anyone who has had these shocks knows what i mean i recommend not getting these forks if you were thinking about it,it would save you alot of time, money and trouble
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
CJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: February 5, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
too much
Strengths:
Ummm... They MIGHT make a good boat anchor or paper weight!
Weaknesses:
Like many other reviewers, the seal blew after the first 15 minutes of STREET RIDING! I wasn't even on the bike when it blew. I had just parked it by my front door, went inside and heard a fairly loud 'pop'. I went outside to discover the dust seal half way up the stanchion. The fork lost all air pressure and would not hold any pressure when I tried to pump it up with the shock pump.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Shiver
Bike Setup:
Stock '05 Norco Savage
Bottom Line:
No one in their right mind should buy these useless lumps of crap. I had not even had my bike for a day when these forks died... I've taken it back to the bike shop who have sent them back to Norco or Manitou (not sure which) who are going to replace the air chamber with a spring, which will mean no more compression adjustment, which does not impress me at all. The Norco rep told the bike shop the forks will function much better with the spring, but it sounds like a crock of sh!t to me. Pull your finger out Manitou! Either get these off the market or do something about fixing them!!! I'm really pissed with these forks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Patrick Clapp
a Downhiller
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: January 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
crab apple hits
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
its really good for dh racing, its tall, and offers a good amount of travel
Weaknesses:
none really, not very good turning. but who cares
Similar Products Used:
pretty much everything
Bike Setup:
marin wildcat dh, with this fork
Bottom Line:
everone is freaked cause the seals break after a really big drop, but really they are just seals, no biggy, and besides this is a racing fork no a freeride fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Tite
a Weekend Warrior
from 2508 Dixie Wodds Drive Date Reviewed: January 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
NONE!!!LOL cheap and easy to fix if you can chew gum and walk
Weaknesses:
Seals of course!!
Bike Setup:
Specialized big hit
Bottom Line:
I can't belive that this fork even made it out of R&D. What a total crapper!! I made a small fix recomended by another review and put in 70lbs and have been hammering it hoping to blow the seal. Although It pissed me off to have to fix this right out of the box, it isn't too bad for a cheap fork. Buy this if ya wanna go cheap and can spin a wrench
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from Mill Valley, Ca, United States Date Reviewed: January 9, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$112.00
Purchased At:
Jensonusa
Strengths:
Super plush, works better than my friends Marzocchi Super T
Weaknesses:
Seals, Blew mine doing a 6 foot drop, anyway, worked great for 5 days straight, handeled everything I threw at it, then on the 6th day, it kinda exploded, having it sent back to Manitou today for repairs, should be under warrenty...I hope it's under warrenty
Similar Products Used:
Jr. T, Super. T, RockShox Race, 66RC
Bike Setup:
Completely custom Big Hit spec. only stock item on the bike is the frame itself.
Bottom Line:
This is a great Fork but you will probably have to send it back to get it repaired, just keep your old fork as a back up, If after a a few days of tough riding and you feel the fork only using 3 of the 7 inches of travel and it feels a little stiffer than usual, stop riding immediateley, take it straight to a shop and get it looked at cause most likely thats the feel of the seals about to pop up in your face.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Downhiller
from West Linn, Oregon Date Reviewed: January 7, 2006
Favorite Trail:
anything
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
www.jensonusa.com
Strengths:
looks good. has'nt boken yet.
Weaknesses:
just about everything, rebound adj doesnt do anything, the travel is "sticky" it has really weak lowers, one of my disc brake rotor bolts hit against it and dented it. I think it would have been better if it were to run on fluidflow technology, because TPC+ on grease just doesnt work. havent blown out the seals yet.
Similar Products Used:
Jr. T, 888vf and sherman sliders
Bike Setup:
2004 P.2, stance kingpin in QR and the "small" size.
Bottom Line:
well, if you can get it for what I got it ( $55.00 ) then yea, buy it. but if its over 150 bucks, dont bother. I would suggest you look around first. I saw a 04Jr.T for like 200 bucks, by far a much better fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Harrison
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Holbert
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
drawing a blank......
Weaknesses:
bad design, air chamber leaks into lower leg section, causing the seals to pop out. the "factory fix" makes it worse. Factory support is not good. legs are too close together, which gives you a really bad turning radius.
Similar Products Used:
given it's current state, this fork is equal to: Rock Shock Quadra 5, Girvin POS, X-Vert POS
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Kamicho, 5th Element rear shock, Hayes 9's, Sparkling new Marzocchi 66rc 170mm
Bottom Line:
People need to be warned about this fork. This Fork is a scary pile of crap. as noted in my first review, the seals blew out before I had a chance to ride the bike off road. The "fix" that Supergo has for this, is to remove the air chamber, and replace it with a spring...which will stop the seals from flying out, but it also reduced my travel from the claimed 170mm to just over 100mm!!! Manitou was nice enough to send me a re-designed air piston assembly, which is of no use due to the fact that Supergo threw the top cap with the air valve away. I am going to ship this pile of useless parts back to manitou, with hope that the R&D department over there can learn what not to do when attempting to build an inexpensive OEM DH fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Ciarniello
a Downhiller
from British Columbia Date Reviewed: December 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
the west nile
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Suncoast Cycles
Strengths:
looks good, lots of travel, nice and stiff, super plush
Weaknesses:
none yet, ive heard of alot of problems with the seals tho, but i got mine at a year end closeout and it came right from the factory with all the seal problems fixed and its been working awesome
i havent had a single problem yet, so the new seals must be doin the trick. if your going to buy one, buy it from the factory and make sure the seals have been replaced under warrenty by them. im very pleased with this fork for free ride and downhill. it feels really plush and forgiving when plumeting down steep sand pit style drops and is awesome on north shore trails and logrides.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Harrison
a Weekend Warrior
from Chandler, AZ USA Date Reviewed: November 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
National/Mormon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
uh....um, can't think of any right now, oh wiat, it makes a cool "Popping" sound when the seal blows.
Weaknesses:
Air chamber SNAFU, and the Manitou "fix" takes away 1/2 of the travel. horrible turning radius. flexy difficult to trust. Seals will fly out before you ever hit the trail!!!
Similar Products Used:
This fork can't hold a candle to any of the products with similar travel, and intent
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Yakuza all stock until I decide on a new fork
Bottom Line:
Manitou gets very defensive when their Tech people decide to finally write you back regarding this fork. they claim that "it truly is a great down hill fork" NOT!!! THey don't offer any solution other than "take it back where you bought it, and have the air chamber replaced with a spring"....So I did this, and now it can't slide more than 4"!!! My plan is to replace it, and box it up and ship it back to Manitou so that someone over there can shove it where the sun doesn't shine....I don't even want any money back at this point, just get it's bad Karma away from me....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Isanti, Minnesota Date Reviewed: November 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very stiff, lots of travel, and is rock solid after a minor repair is made--see all other reviews.
Weaknesses:
poor design of the air assist chamber, Manitou only deals with bike shops
Similar Products Used:
Jr. T, ACT racing ZX-7
Bike Setup:
Diamond Back XTS super
Bottom Line:
Here is the deal folks. Everything I have read about this fork is well deserved. It is useless is it is delivered from the factory. I also blew the wiper seals off the air assist side while setting the fork up the first time. The fix is easy and cheap though. First of all, don't go to your local bike shop unless it is run by true bike nuts. Mine is run by salesmen. Download the service menual from manitou's web sight. It will show you the inner workings of the fork and also provide you with the proper volumes for the semi bath, damper, and so on. Now unscrew the bolts on the crown for the spring/air assist and take the bolt off the bottom of that leg. Pull the spring stantion out ofo the lower casting. Now unscrew the bottom cap that holds the stantion leg into the lower casting. When you remove the rod you will see the offensive part. The o-ring that forms the seal for the air assist is too small, letting the the air blow by, fill the lower leg,and blow the wiper seal off. Go to the local auto parts store and find a thicker o-ring with the same inner diameter. Mine cost a whopping 79 cents. Now put it back together and beat the ever living sh** out of this fork for giving you so much trouble. After three months of running 80 pounds of pressure and repeated drops to flat I have not lost even one pound of air. No more problems period. If you are up to about 15 min of work I would recommend this fork to anyone on a budget. It can be had for a couple hundred bucks and works great once repaired. For all those of you that are stuck with a useless piece of junk give this a try to get something you can use. If you have any trouble drop me an email and I will try to help. bjj4202000@yahoo.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirk wesson
a Downhiller
from vernon, NJ Date Reviewed: November 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
jenson usa
Strengths:
It holds the wheel in place when the bike is not moving.
Weaknesses:
SEALS - I cannot add anymore than what every other person has written below. I dont know how this big mistake slipped through Manitou's quality control?
Bottom Line:
You want a headache? Buy this. If your top seals holds for more than 3 days - GO PLAY the lottery because you are one lucky S.O.B. For $175 you think you got a good deal. Anticipating with ectstatic jubilence you install the fork only to have the air assist top seal pop off upon sitting on the bike-yes sitting (not moving)! Then you realize that you wish you had the $175. If you decide to go ahead and buy this poor excuse of a fork do 2 things. (1) Dont cut the steer tube - Its the only way Jenson will refund your money. (2) Save the cardboard box and parcel paper. You'll need it to rewrap the fork when you send it back to the dealer.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick G.
a Downhiller
from Chatty Date Reviewed: October 17, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bluemountain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Toronto Bike Show
Strengths:
None It Just Sucks well I do like the amount of travel and colour
Weaknesses:
Name somthing... It will be defective I blew the seals sitting on it I had them on my bike for 1hour I would rather ride Rst's then these pieces of crap.
Similar Products Used:
DJ1's 88rs Jrt's DirtJams
Bike Setup:
Costom Norco VPS
Bottom Line:
Save up and buy somthing that works or if you want somthing that works like them go to walmart and buy the cheapes thing with front suspension then hit it with a hammer and run it over a few times and you have a manitou stance kingpin fork. Still not as bad as dirtjams though
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Etchings
a Weekend Warrior
from Boulder City NV Date Reviewed: October 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Snake Back
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$289.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA.com
Strengths:
The paint is a nice shade of black. The Manitou box was also constructed from very nice corrugated cardboard. This fork was cheap and JensonUsa ships fast and excepts returns on uncut forks that break while taking out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Lousy construction. This is Manitou's budget and answer to the lower cost Marzocchi's out there, but it is an utter failure. I put this on my loaner bike and while tuning in the left seal POPPED and blew out. It is easy to see the seal is rubber and held in by a raised section that cannot handle 50lbs + pressure. I reinstalled the seal only to air it up and have it blow out under 25lbs in the assist. I did some research to find about 50% of all these being sold now on closeout (Supergo, Jenson, Pricepoint) will have this same issue. So buyer beware!!! Please check with your vendors return policy before buying at any price. Jenson took it back no questions asked, thankfully I did NOT cut the steer tube.
Please beware and be sure if you gamble on this discount unit you CAN return it when it fails. I have had a Firefly and a Breakout on differnt bikes and this Manitou is no even in their class. Steer clear.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anssi K.
a Downhiller
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: October 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Calpis Cross Center
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
From a friend
Strengths:
Well it's stiff and can take a 17' drop (yes I dropped 17' last weekend), and looks fast, occasionally plush, has enough travel, isn't too heavy. It can be internally adjusted for better performance.
Weaknesses:
Air assist is completely useless, rebound external adjuster is useless, it has to be internally adjusted to get any performance. Turn radius is a bit too narrow.
I took the fork apart before a weekend of heavy riding and did some maintenance. I changed the oil and adjusted the internal compression damping screw to get a bit more bottoming resistance. I also removed the Air assist seals from under the spring stack because they leak anyway and can cause stickiness. I then reassembled the fork and tried it out. I was satisfied with it's improved performance and decided that it was good enough for some big hucking. I don't know what the f***k went wrong but after a few harder DH runs the fork started to get really sticky. At the end of the day I was riding with about 120mm of sticky travel and a rebound so slow that the fork barely returned to its original position after a bump. I might have accidentally turned on the Josh Bender 50' drop setting, but I don't think that's very likely because I did everything according to the forks manual. Well maybe with little more tinkering... If not I'll sell this fork and buy a Tiple-8.
Similar Products Used:
Tested my friends 888 OMG what a fork!
Bike Setup:
02 Norco Team DH, Kingpin, Mavic, Hayes, Blackspire...
Bottom Line:
The Stance Kingpin has problems that can be fixed and propably will be fixed for 2006. Otherwise it's quite a good fork after you get it working properly and if you happen to get one that works right out of the box you shouldn't have any problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave L
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: September 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Laggan
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
on ebay
Strengths:
Light, plush, looks beter than Junior T
Weaknesses:
Seals
Similar Products Used:
Z1 Drop offs
Bike Setup:
Scott Nitrous
Bottom Line:
These forks definately have a problem with the seals - they just won't hold pressure. To sort the problem the UK importer supplied a med spring, so no air assist required (I'm 80kg and the soft spring it comes with as standard was too soft without the air assist). I also dropped in some 2.5wt oil (5wt is standard) to loosen up the action and now this fork really raaawks!! Its not a heavy duty fork but its not meant to be. For a triple clamp its light (7.0lbs), looks good, its ultra plush, is super stiff (20mm axle version) and has a low axle to crown height (approx 540-550mm). Out of the box this fork does to have some problems but I picked mine up very cheap and with little bit of tunning I've got a s**t hot fork that really eats up the bumps. If you are looking for a decent budget triple clamp and aren't afraid to do a but of setting-up then its worth a look. Maximum stack height for the low crown is 155mm, some literature states a max height of 175mm but above 155 the bottom yolk will hit the arch - you have been warned!!! Oh yes, one more thing the manual is extremely badly written, hard to follow and contradicts itself all over the place, but then again thats Americans for you.....have a nice day!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
erik remoy
a Downhiller
from clayton, california, usa Date Reviewed: September 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
northstat at tahoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
its alright for small 2 footers or going off curbs, oh and it makes a good spear.........flies pretty far.
Weaknesses:
it sucks ass?? omg ok i blew the air assist seals then snapped it in half off a 4-5 footer in my yard and i only weigh 115lbs. or 52kgs. answer has good customer service though because i got the new seals and crapin like 4 days but i snapped it in half before i got the parts.
Similar Products Used:
JR. T
Bike Setup:
big hit fsr with no mor crappy kingpin
Bottom Line:
dont get it because its worthless.....it will snap in half or you will need to get the new parts from answer....then you will snap it in half..........or you will get pist and throw it off a cliff and get a new one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Seals, crappy travel
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Drop off triples, 888RRs
Bike Setup:
stock 05 BigHit
Bottom Line:
These Just Plain Suck. They might be ok for a light person doing extremly light DH work that cant afford any thing else. But for anyone else on a budget I would suggest getting the next cheapest thing or a good single crown fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart
a Downhiller
from Abby, B.C., canada Date Reviewed: August 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
a-line
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Its still quite stiff, and works great for downhilling at any speed, being as light as it is, but Its lost its resistance to bottoming over larger drops (5-10 feet)
Weaknesses:
It seems to have developed a little bit of play in either the bushings or the axle. I havent quite Identified the problem yet, But it gives my front end a loose feel, which I dont particularly like. Its also lost its bottoming resistance, which is supposed to be cured by adding air pressure to the air assist chamber, but by doing that, the rebound becomes set too fast and becomes even more uncomfortable to ride. It IS a cheap fork, and over time, it shows. It felt like a slider strait from the shop though. Oh well.....
Similar Products Used:
04 888r (wow), 02 shiver(tried recently but feels too linear), 02 boxxer race(lousy), 04 junior T(nicely made)
Bike Setup:
Balfa bb7 with hayes 9, magura louise fr, doubletrack/219d, stouts, v-drive, amoeba front end w/headlock, and a whole lot of happy:-)
Bottom Line:
Just letting you know, this is a follow-up review of my original post, which was full of sunshine and smiles with this fork. Its still a great bang for your buck, but its definately made towards beginners or light people, and anyone over 150lbs should move up to a slider or super t or something similar. For all you little guys out there, buy a Kingpin and hit the trails. Hard.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin McMillan
a Weekend Warrior
from Thunder Bay Date Reviewed: August 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
not too sure
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
cyclepath
Strengths:
Good motion
Weaknesses:
seals
Similar Products Used:
manitou stance flow
Bike Setup:
Bighit FSR
Bottom Line:
Overall these are good forks for a rider that is in to freeriding but not EXTREAM free riding. At the begining of the year this fork was amazing but after a cuple small spiles and sum ruff landings the fork does not hold up to its potential and can be inproved in its springs and seals.
But over all it is a pretty good fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big dave
a
from adelaide, australia Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
bennets
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
JT Cycles
Strengths:
great rebound, strong fork and great tracking
Weaknesses:
a bit "soggy" - bottom pretty easily, but then again i am a 6"4 230lb giant, and i havent used air assist yet!
Similar Products Used:
boxxer
Bike Setup:
stock '05 Big Hit FSR
Bottom Line:
I've only had the bike for a couple of weeks, but have taken it out and given it a pretty good pounding at Bennets and around the local bike jumps. I havent had any trouble with the seals yet, and cant say there looks like being any. I guess we'll see in time....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Downhiller
from CA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
It's black
Weaknesses:
Overall product development of the whole shock itself, poor internals that do not work, no rebound adjustment, no travel, shock does not work...even after Manitou changed out the internals. You get what you pay for, and don't pay for this.
Similar Products Used:
Marz ( the one and only )
Bike Setup:
05 Spec Big Hit ( came OEM )
Bottom Line:
This was the OEM shock that came on my '05 Big Hit so I tried it out and it's completely worthless like all the others. The Stance does not work at all, I have maybe 2 inchs of travel when it is not seized, it feels like peanut butter is inside, seals blow, rebound does not adjust...bottom line is, do not ride this shock..period You will get hurt and be severly bummed! I sent it off to Manitou and they did a coil over conversion, still worthless, finally Manitou is being cool enough to send me a Sherman Slider for replacement! I've had my bike 3 months and have ridden it 4 times, drops no bigger than 5 feet
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott gilman
a Downhiller
from tempe arizona Date Reviewed: August 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
south mountain national trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
landis cyclery
Strengths:
came on 2005 specialized
Weaknesses:
seal pops up on left leg after a nmoderate hit
Similar Products Used:
dirt jumper 2, sherman firefly qr20
Bike Setup:
stock 2005 specialized bighit
Bottom Line:
is there a recall on the fork because of the seal? i took it to a bike shop and the said it pops up because there is no where the aircan go in hte fork so its just like a big pogo stick. i haveent had any oil leak though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ang
a
from Calgary Date Reviewed: August 15, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lets just skip this section
Weaknesses:
Oh my God! It's weakness is that its shot after 3 weeks of riding.
Similar Products Used:
Sherman, Jr. T
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
I am so lucky this is just a loaner from my bike shop while my Sherman is getting warranty work (having bad luck with manitou). Save your money and buy a decent single crown instead of this wannabe. Brutal!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Calvin
a Downhiller
from Penticton, British Columbia, Canada Date Reviewed: August 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Sport chek, came stock on my Yakuza Kumicho
Strengths:
Held up on A line No seal problems for 3 months Survived decently hard riding at whistler
Weaknesses:
Blew a seal today, owned the fork for 3 months, first problem with this fork.
Similar Products Used:
03 DJ2, even though its not similar
Bike Setup:
Stock Ironhorse Yakuza Kumicho.
Bottom Line:
Well, it survived everything I threw at it but I hit a 10 footer or so today to a sandy landing, the fork seemed to compress really fast and shot the seal on the RIGHT leg up really far. Good thing all the oil already leaked out or I would've had quite the mess on my hands.
I have never used the air assist and after reading everyone elses reviews I'm quite glad that I didn't, bringing fork to lbs to get seal replaced tommorow.
This fork is fine for freeriding but is quite sticky, so I don't think I would recommend it for downhill racing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Downhiller
from Brooks, Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: August 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
kickinghorse
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
CYCLEPATH
Strengths:
Nothing! Horrible P.O.S
Weaknesses:
seals suck. no rebound, heavy, they just plain suck.
Similar Products Used:
888rc, Shiver, Dorado, now i have Super Monster T
Bike Setup:
Specialized BIGHIT 05, avid discs, Super Monster T, Truativ handel bars and crank
Bottom Line:
P.O.S forks do not recomend suck
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Higgins
a Weekend Warrior
from Meriden Date Reviewed: August 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Very plush even for a light weight rider. Looks ok cause its a dual crown.170 mm of travel and tpc+, good tire clearence, cheap
Weaknesses:
slightly leaky seal for the air assist, not many adjustments,rebound adjustment does nothing so you have to use the air assist
Similar Products Used:
none, my first dual crown. i like my old psylo just as much though. good cross country fork
Bike Setup:
a built up azonic steelhead pro. raceface, azonic, answer, sram, shimano hydros
Bottom Line:
good fork for the price. you get for what you pay for. I think that some of these forks have seal problems and some dont. good for a light wieght rider if you want to do good size drops. im not so sure i would use this as a downhill fork because of how cheap it is. if you get past the seal problems and design flaws you should have a decent fork for anything but extreme freeride or downhill. i heard the stance flow was a big success but it isnt dual crown.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Weekend Warrior
from NYS Date Reviewed: August 8, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
aebike
Strengths:
Absorbs bumps and drops. Keeps bike attached to the ground and me on the bike. All black looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Hex thru-axle is a pain in the @ss.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bottom Line:
Maybe I got lucky, but my fork does all I want it to. It is definitely entry-level and lacks adjustments, but it is working well for me. The stock spring is soft, but it sticks to the mountain and hasn't bottomed out yet (no 5'+ drops yet) and I weigh 190lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jake
a
from Spokane, Wa, USA Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
I only have used this fork for less than 1 month because every time I go to ride it, i bust it on little drops (4-5 feet). Manitou has had to send me a new fork four times and I am sick of it.
Similar Products Used:
None because no other fork sucks this bad!
Bike Setup:
05 Norco VPS Savage, JUNIOR T
Bottom Line:
Buy a JR.T and stay satisfied, Buy this fork and get pissed off
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Dlugolecki
a Weekend Warrior
from Napa,CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Clementine loop, Auburn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Adrenalinebikes.com
Strengths:
Absolutely none!!!
Weaknesses:
Everything about this fork is bad news!!!I've only used them for less than 3 months!! The seals leak, the air leaks, the rebound adjustment barely works, Definately the worst fork ever!!! DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!
If your going to buy cheaper dual crown forks do yourself a favor and buy the JR-T's.If your riding downhill or freeride you need your fork to work,otherwise you can get hurt BAD!Don't waste your time and money on these forks.I can't understand why Manitou would build a fork this awfull!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
KC LaComa
a Downhiller
from Lewisville NC USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Tsali
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
inexpensive, 32mm stancions, look good
Weaknesses:
triple clamp
Similar Products Used:
White bros, X-verts
Bike Setup:
San Andreas 6.5 mavics, kings, hayes 8", XTR/XT etc.
Bottom Line:
Luckily the seals held 40 lbs to test, (I am only running 10) I did have the extra firm spring put in and have not dropped off anything bigger than2 feet yet. The turning radius is greatly reduced by a not so well thought out triple clamp, your going down in a serious power slide, as for tractoring in the woods well make sure they are fairly open and no tight turns after hopping a log or switchbacks. These forks could have serious potential for the person with limited financial sources but the designer needs to spend more time on his bike. Maybe by 2006 the bugs will be worked out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stuart Mathers
a Downhiller
from Abbotsford, B.C., Canada Date Reviewed: May 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Berminator
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Life Cycles
Strengths:
Hear this. They're lighter than dorados, same travel as some dorados, as stiff as dorados, as adjustable as dorados and capable of taking just as big of hits. Just try to prove me wrong. even manitou them selves have the kingpins spec'd lighter than dorados. Personally I think they're the best deal on the market! The seals have held up for me and the fork is capable of taking nice sized hits without flexing. Also, the rebound is set stock to my favorite speed which is on the fast side. Theres only one or two faults with them.
Weaknesses:
Unlike most, I haven had any problems with the seal, because I got a pair that had been sent back to manitou and fitted with similar ones to the sliders, so thats a plus, however the rebound adjustment is next to useless. Its a decision between topout or no topout really. I just keep it as slow as possible with 7 psi and I've downhilled on it for almost a month while taking a few 12 foot hits. nothing crazy though. Also, coming from a single crown, the turning radius is just slightly worse than the 888's. No biggie though.
Similar Products Used:
888r's, boxxer team, stratos s8
Bike Setup:
oryx dd66 frame with doublewides, hayes 9, stance kingpin, etc.
Bottom Line:
These forks are a great deal at a great price, and if you like to downhill on a sturdy fork that doesnt require a whole lot of maintenance, this one's for you. However if you weigh over 180, and you take 25 foot drops and like slow rebound, you're obviously going to hate it. Just remember to make sure you get one thats been sent back so you dont have seal problems like these other guys. Whether you listen to me or not, I'm going riding!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Solarwind
a
from HK Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Cheap with 170 travel.
Weaknesses:
Horrible rebound and compression, poor customer service.
Similar Products Used:
White Brother DH-2, DH-3
Bike Setup:
2003 GT Ruckus i-Drive 2.0
Bottom Line:
This is a fork with a lot of design errors. I suspected the factory didn't test this fork at all before release to the market. For victims like me should do some modifications if you want it to become a good fork. 1. Change the fluid from 5 to 2.5 2. Change the O-ring at the bottom of spring side. Original O-ring is very weak indeed.(and never pump more than 30psi) 3. There are 3 stacks of shims, 2 sets control compression (upper side) and 1 set for rebound (at the bottom). Remove the shims to adjust the compression and rebound. Caution: never remove the shim with the biggest diameter!
It still can be a good fork after these..... I think Manitou own me some R&D $$.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry
a Downhiller
from Kamloops Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Weak seals, I blew them within the first 2 days of riding. No front casing it or anything. Cheap look, horrible rebound.
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer Race, Monster T's
Bike Setup:
Specialized
Bottom Line:
Sure they are cheap but you are definately not getting what you payed for. So many people have had the same problems with these works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy RacingRoo
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, Australia Date Reviewed: May 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Bennetts, Fox Creek, ya mumma's snail triail.
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
JT cycles
Strengths:
Price, looks and feel.
Weaknesses:
Bad initial reviews because of weak seals (come on its only a f**king seal for f**k sake).
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DJII's
Bike Setup:
New '05 Specialized Bighit FSR.
Bottom Line:
Awesome! Coming from a P3 with 130mm travel DJII's, the kingpin eats the DJ's for dinner (just a comparison, I know the DJ's and kingpins are designed for different riding styles) while going downhill. I haven't had any seal problems and have been dropping 4 footers with ease and will go higher for sure. I love how they absorb rocky terrian so well. But I can only compare with DJII, I'm sure the marzocchi Jr-T are pretty good too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ian bragg
a Weekend Warrior
from milford nh Date Reviewed: May 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
beaver brook
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$499.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
nice looking fork
Weaknesses:
little weak when i first got it got horrible reviews
Similar Products Used:
jr.t, boxxer ride
Bike Setup:
iron horse stance kingpin fork progressive 5th element rear shock sram drive train truvative bars crank and bb
Bottom Line:
its a good fork for the price and looks awsome.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garret
a Downhiller
from Ontario Date Reviewed: May 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
hmm as far as strength they seemed ok, first triple crown so I dont have anything to really compare it too.
Weaknesses:
SEALS! After first ride on a trail the dampening seal blew.. definitly not impressed at all. Sent them back to Manitou and awaiting their return... hopefully they screw up and send me a Sherman!
Bike Setup:
Big Hit fsr
Bottom Line:
Great fork, if the seals are fixed. Hoping that Manitou does it right and gets the job done and sent back asap. Great beginner fork, definitly wouldnt huck myself off a 15 footer with this fork. Great entry level fork for the money. Wonder if there will be a kingpin stance next year.... doubt it. cheers
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
joe
a Weekend Warrior
from yakima, WA USA Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
exit 27
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
none, snapped her clean in half right under the crown on a 15 foot step up after 3 whole weekes of riding.
Weaknesses:
well, it did snap in half....
Similar Products Used:
plastic perhaps?
Bike Setup:
05 bighit FSR, 888 RC
Bottom Line:
If you plan on hoppin off curbs this may be the fork for you. Anything beyond that I recomend you step it up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Downhiller
from Prince George , BC, Canada Date Reviewed: April 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Shop distributor
Strengths:
Looks great, good price
Weaknesses:
MAJOR tech flaw with seals, blew after 2km of paved sidewalk, did not use air assist whatsoever
Similar Products Used:
Jr T's, Boxxers
Bottom Line:
The fork looks awsome but after the apparently grueling ride along 2k of paved sidewalk coming back home from the shop the forks siezed up and blew oil out of the TPC valve in my living room. The biggest drop this fork took was the six inch curb. I was testing the compression at home because it was acting up on the way back and only compressing 3-4 inches by the time I got home. This is a problem with early production models apparently but they have supposedly addressed the issue with later production. In the mean time I'm out of a fork and wishing I went with the Sherman...not happy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Martin
a Downhiller
from Santa Rosa CA USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks good, stiff (compression is stiff, but that's a personal thing)
Weaknesses:
As with everybody else the external seal blows out on the left leg with pretty much any pressure in the first couple of minuates. It basically can't be used with the air assist. Rebound is slow
Similar Products Used:
03 boxxer race
Bike Setup:
big hit with manitou sherman breakout plus camo
Bottom Line:
This fork has some serious problems. It seems that everyone is having the same problems with it. The good new is that when this fork screwed up manitou hooked me up with a sherman breakout plus for $375 and $10 more for the camo paint job
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Mc
a Downhiller
from Sydney Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Look cool, sounds cool, tastes cool
Weaknesses:
Like others, the seals blew on me in the first day at 20 psi on the road first day out of the shop.
Bike Setup:
Brand new Specialized Big Hit FSR
Bottom Line:
These forks have already had a product recall due to the tyre hitting the fork and endoing you, I suggest they recall them again and fix the useless seals. A PR fiasco I would say Manitou.....not happy!! Only buy these forks after they have been fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
South Mountain Morman/National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Stock on 2005 Big Hit
Strengths:
Felt good while it lasted
Weaknesses:
Blows seals
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized Bighit
Bottom Line:
My forks seized up after taking several drops ranging from 2-4 feet. They were completly locked. It took several weeks to come back from the company. When the bike shop turned my bike back over to me the seal was still completly broken with zero air pressure. So it was back to the factory for another week. They did send a new unit but at this point I am trading it in for a different fork. I have now been without my bike for 6 weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fone
a Cross Country Rider
from munich, germany Date Reviewed: February 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bighit 05
Strengths:
nice damping, sensitive, cheap would feel nice if not broken
Weaknesses:
design fault? air-assist never works blows seals, cause air-assist chamber is leaking cheap
Similar Products Used:
888
Bike Setup:
bighit 2005 stock (kingpin) now 888
Bottom Line:
i got the first kingpin replaced by specilized with a second kingpin. both never did from the beginning. both had leaky air-assist chambers. that escaping air popped the seal. tried to put some air into the 2nd kingpin when i got it. seal popped at 40 psi, without me touching the fork at all. dont buy it. manitou needs to take a REAL close look at that fork! better luck next season. obviously they have made a constructional fault. too many forks are affected by that - 3/3 that i saw.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Weekend Warrior
from alexandria, va , usa Date Reviewed: January 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
fairly light stiff and works very well
Weaknesses:
there have been some porblems with seals and what not, but this is to be expected with any new product.
Similar Products Used:
boxxer, z150, old DJ, and i have ridden most everthing out there at some point in time
Bike Setup:
7"'s front and rear. x-9, other nice parts
Bottom Line:
btw they know about the seal problems and will send you new ones as they did for me.
all that i have to say is that this fork rocks. it is super stiff in the right ways. the air assist is very high volume which makes the air spring feel linear. the dampaning on the fork is very smooth with no wierd or be quirks.
one thing to note. just like the sherman slider this is not a big huck fork. this fork is designed to be light stiff and plush. i'm not saying to stop doing drops on it, but just keep it under 15'. this could also prove to be a reat race fork!
also to the person who broke the fork i would have to question on how that happened.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Freek-a-Leek
a
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: January 3, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
has the 32mm stanchions, a manitou sherman "knock-off" but not made in china. same price as the marz jr t but has the reverse arch which I think are stronger.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Jr T, Monster T and Sherman
Bike Setup:
2004 Santa Cruz Bullit w/ the usual
Bottom Line:
I dont friggin jump off of crap just for the hell of it like the other reviewers who said it started leaking seals right away. Even a cheap Jr T or Drop Off Triple will do that. Hell, a Z1 will eventually start leaking. If you want to huck sheyat, buy a stinkin' hardtail Dirt Jump bike. I popped down 4 footers w/ no problems w/ this fork.
Seriously, buy a Monster T or Dorado if you want assurance that the fork will survive drops.
PEOPLE, THIS IS A CHEAP FORK. YOU GET WHAT U PAY FOR, HOMEBOY.
I dont expect this fork to survive constant hucking as I didnt expect my Jr T to survive constant smashings as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robbie G
a Downhiller
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Look Great, Cheap price, black stanchions
Weaknesses:
Weak !! blew the seals in the first ten minutes!!! Just testing the bike on the road. Very plush but does not feel like 170mm
Similar Products Used:
Sherman firefly
Bike Setup:
Intense M1 not kingpin any more xt , xtr , mag 30s, mrp/ pro taper
Bottom Line:
Great looks but that's about it. Bottoms out easily does not feel like 170mm. Weak oil seals unless i got a lemon pair, I wouldn't advise you to buy them. I think i will try boxxer race next for a similar price will post a review on them to.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Downhiller
from sale vic australia Date Reviewed: December 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light weight with 7 inches of travel
Weaknesses:
they spew out grese, they pop upper seals, they loose air pressure almost instantly.
Bottom Line:
the forx are plush, but they pop the upper seals to often. they also loose air pressure within two hours of riding. and i have just blown th internal seals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver Date Reviewed: November 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, stiff, air preload,only 7lbs, and killer looks to boot!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
z1, jnr t, mr t, firely
Bike Setup:
bullit,hope stoppers,sram drivetrain
Bottom Line:
This fork is great. Sucks up everything you throw at it. You get a VERY plush fork with 7" of travel and TPC+ damping for a little bit of money!! How can you go wrong ! Much better choice than the jr t for a "budget" fork, TPC+ damping is head and shoulders above ssv or ssvf from marzocchi
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Racer
from hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: October 26, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Zig Zag track, mount wellington
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
the all black looks good
Weaknesses:
oil seals are cheap, the crowns are weak as anything and i snapped them in a a couple of weeks
they are ok for the price, but they are cheap and not very strong, if you are going to buy a set of dual crowns then you might as well go boxxers, the one and only DH 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»
$ 499.95
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
