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Manitou
97 FS Ti - Palmer Stroker
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Submitted by
BD FRANCO
a Weekend Warrior
from PA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | JIM THORPE | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | ? | | Strengths: | TOUGH TOUGH TOUGH. | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | NONE | | Bike Setup: | GIANT MANITOU FORKS XT COMPONENTS | | Bottom Line: | LOVE THIS OLD LIME GREEN FORK | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg, PA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Seven Springs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | It's held up for ten years, on two bikes. | | Weaknesses: | It ain't what it used to be. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy DH (old school) | | Bike Setup: | Azonic DS-1 | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this fork on clearance at Supergo during the summer of 1998, as an emergency replacement for my stock Manitou Mach 5, which blew out rather catastrophically. I finished fourth at the NORBA Nationals downhill at Seven Springs on this beast. At the time, it was a fantastic fork for the money, and held up to all of the abuse I've thrown at it over the past ten years. However, after today's jarring ride at Seven Springs' new mountain bike park, I think it's time the Palmer is retired. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg, PA
Date Reviewed: June 1, 2008 | | Favorite Trail: | Seven Springs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | It's held up for ten years, on two bikes. | | Weaknesses: | It ain't what it used to be. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy DH (old school) | | Bike Setup: | Azonic DS-1 | | Bottom Line: | I purchased this fork on clearance at Supergo during the summer of 1998, as an emergency replacement for my stock Manitou Mach 5, which blew out rather catastrophically. I finished fourth at the NORBA Nationals downhill at Seven Springs on this beast. At the time, it was a fantastic fork for the money, and held up to all of the abuse I've thrown at it over the past ten years. However, after today's jarring ride at Seven Springs' new mountain bike park, I think it's time the Palmer is retired. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vinnie
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | color | | Weaknesses: | spring/stanchion combo leaves travel short of the advertised 80mm | | Similar Products Used: | SX Ti, 'Zoke Bam80 Z3 | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Cannondale CAD2 hardtail (black), Mavic 517s, LX V-brakes, XTR | | Bottom Line: | I'm just glad to see this classic piece of mtb history still getting reviewed-- good, bad or indifferent. I got all gooey over this thing when it came out because a) it was a whopping 80mm of travel, b) Palmer had just shocked the racing world by putting it on a hardtail & winning some NORBA event with it, and c) the green... oh, the big, goofy, florescent green!
I immediately peeled the cheesy custom Manitou logo stickers off it and stenciled "I AM NOT MY JOB" in black down both sides. I bought it for my older hardtail thinking I could replace the steer tube with a 1" (old Cannondale size). The bike shops wouldn't go near it-- not because they didn't want to swap a steer tube, but because, "You can't put an 80mm fork on a hardtail! They aren't made for that much travel!" No lie, 3 different bike shops told me the same thing. Apparently they hadn't read the news about its namesake. This was in '98 and it was several months before I bought a new frame & actually got to ride it.
A couple years ago, I finally laid the green monster to rest in favor of an X-Fly, but the Palmer is still near and dear to my heart. I still wonder sometimes what those bike shop nuts were thinking, especially as I whip around the singletrack on that same old '99 hardtail but now with 100mm of Zoke underneath me. Goobers.
The Palmer is a fairly heavy fork, and the spring/stanchion combo never made sense to me. Stanchions do little more than prevent you from getting the full advertised travel out of any fork. I weigh 175. Maybe at 225+, you can make it move 80mm, but I never could.
The value in this fork was always in how it played the game, not in its box score. To paraphrase Ferris Bueller, "It's so choice. I highly recommend throwing your money away on one, if you get the chance." | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Racer
from parkville, MO, USA
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | landall | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | a college guy moving | | Strengths: | love the green, stiff(I am heavy), takes a beating, did I mention its green | | Weaknesses: | its really really stiff if you are a light weight, about 62mm travel, heavy | | Similar Products Used: | marzocchi Z2 X-Fly 80, Rock Shox Judy XC, Manitou somthing or other (my first fork) | | Bike Setup: | the palmer is on a GT LTS, full XT | | Bottom Line: | This is not my race fork, nor can it be. But I have taken it on some pretty knarly trails to save my race rig from scratches. This fork has also seen quite a bit of urban. Not the 20 foot drop urban mind you, but you know the kind. Everyone gathers round, watching each other one by one trying to stay on a five foot ledge, wheelie contests, stair jumping, six foot drops. There are usually a couple bmx'rs there and a couple crazies who are really good.
This fork has seen 4 foot drops and maybe 2 five footers. This is when I weighed less(like 225 is lite). So this fork has seen abuse and has been bottomed out many a time. I also used it to get around campus. I like this fork quite a bit because I am 240lbs and man this fork is stiff. I come from BMX so when I cruise to the grocery store or around the neiborhood, I dont bob around(even at my weight).
I've read the feedback from others and man-oh-man it sounds like I have gotten lucky with mine. I've had this thing for 6 years now and I am getting rid of the LTS frame for a fetish hardtail and even though the fetish is designed for a 100mm fork, I am keeping the PALMER and putting it on the fetish. It will be a great commuter fork, occasional trail fork, and a no more abuse fork. I cant complain after 6 years of use. I have to rate it high. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
loonyOne
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterloo, IA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Ulrich & Sugarbottom | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$51.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | 1" steer tube for older framed bikes
Color...Palmer edition | | Weaknesses: | We'll see in the months to come | | Similar Products Used: | '97 Manitou FS, SX-R, RockShox Judy XC, Marzocchi Z2, RockShox Quadra, Skareb, the list is large..... | | Bike Setup: | 1990 Trek 930 single speed | | Bottom Line: | I have yet to put this fork on my bike, but in relation to the two '97 FS forks that I had, it should be a very predictable ride. Upon receiving the fork, I pulled it all apart and completely cleaned and serviced it, and put Bel-Ray 7wt oil back into the damping unit. It was exactly the same as my FS forks and I know exactly what to expect. I found that if I Loctited the screw on top of the rebound damping unit, leaks were significantly decreased. I'll try to give an update after getting a chance to use it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MTB Rider
a Weekend Warrior
from Northern CA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | can't remember | | Strengths: | Durable. At the time, it was light with long travel. Titanium springs are neat. | | Weaknesses: | Short travel by today's standards, heavy by today's standards. Adjuster knob on end of fork leg comes out and gets lost easily. I don't think I get the full travel advertised for the fork. Not very plush by today's standards. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox Judy TT, Rockshox Indy XC, Rockshox Quadra 5. | | Bike Setup: | 1998 Stumpjumper M2, stock setup. | | Bottom Line: | Good fork, never had a problem with it, probably put about 1000 trouble-free miles on the thing. Never overhauled, never rebuilt. I'm a little embarrassed to say that I haven't given the fork any attention at all, but it keeps on going. For the money, it was a good buy. I must be the only person still riding one of these. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cruiser
a Weekend Warrior
from madison, wi
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | quarry | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | Cheap and has lasted 4 years. | | Weaknesses: | Oil dampening cartridge leaked o/ the years. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy Race, SL, 2002 MXR | | Bike Setup: | Who knows! | | Bottom Line: | This fork lost its dampening completely over the last 4 years. Topped out constantly. However, I recently rebuilt it and refilled the oil cartridge (apparently there are variations among the funky green palmer fs ti label)and it feels great. Still relatively stiff and smooth. Too little travel these days, but I think it will be great for a commuter. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$129.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Cheap price. At the time it was quite good | | Weaknesses: | Limited travel the other reviewers are right it isn't 80 mm. But unlike the last reviewer I took it completely apart and guess what, oil pissed all over me. In the leg that has a small adjustment nut at the bottom there is in fact a piston that is oil damped. Maybe there are different models of the same fork? | | Bike Setup: | Giant atx-970, lx v brakes, gripshift x-rays, ritchey v-max tires. | | Bottom Line: | For the price it was good, but now days there are many other forks that are better. If you can find one cheap, it may be a good deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ashleigh Barnwell
a Weekend Warrior
from Fredericton, NB, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price was good | | Weaknesses: | Travel is not as listed only (62mm not 80mm) | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what some of these reviews are talking about. This fork is a coil spring and rubber elastomer fork. There is no oil cartridge whatsoever. If you claim to have taken the shock apart you would be quite aware that there is nothing but springs and elastomers inside.
Just make sure you know what your talking about before submitting your thoughts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phillip
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Used to be cool and rode cool untill I blew it out and broke the brake arch in half.....I was suprised cause I only wiegh 145 cool fork even though I broke it in half also this week broke the stancion tube on an SX-TI | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | cool but it broke | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe
a Downhiller
from illinois
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | any thing steep | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1.00 | | Purchased At: | came on my bike | | Strengths: | Execelant, haven't bottomed it out yet. I do drops and stairs and...... well no bottoming | | Weaknesses: | why couldn't it have come in the color yellow | | Similar Products Used: | noting | | Bike Setup: | uuuu standard | | Bottom Line: | Execelant all you people complaing about the fork, and thats because it is a "fake" one these were built few and far between and only manufactures had access to them. It is kinda like the Mongoose bikes...walmart are crap with the name. The ones sold individually are just crap with the name.
If anyone gets a chance to get a TRUE one i urge you to get it. I do like 5foot drops, and endles sets of stairs, and nothing. I give it five flaming piles of dooky | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Saldano
a
from LA area
Date Reviewed: April 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Maniago downhill, Dolomites Italy | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$179.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | easy to take apart, not to heavy | | Weaknesses: | blows seals easily, flex, and everything else everyone has already said. | | Similar Products Used: | X-vert 2000(awesome) Noleen chubby LT, Rockshox sid,Judy,Indy. Marz Z-1 X Fly. Hanebrink, White Bro's | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail commuter(spare bike) w/ LX and a bunch of crap. semi slicks. And the aforementioned fork | | Bottom Line: | We all know we got jipped, but whining about it doesn't help. For those of you who say this thing works fine, you are not MTN biking, really, find a trail. I found some what of a solution: Pull it apart. Remove one of the bottom bumpers from each leg. Pull the cartridge cap off and put heavier oil in(not to heavy).drop a nickel (or close match to the inner stanchion) inside the left leg so the spring stack sits on top, this creates a seal, kind of. Now, don't do this and do drop offs, this still ain't a high performance fork, but it will do for rec trail riding and on and off roading, set it up fimly and you got a descent commuter fork. Buy a real fork and put this on you spare or just have an emergancy fork. I gave it three because it's being ridden since early 98.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Licky Buttsmack
a Racer
from ISLIP
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | still asshairs | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$8.00 | | Purchased At: | OJ house of Discounts | | Strengths: | everything | | Weaknesses: | trying not to get it stolen off the bike | | Similar Products Used: | name it | | Bike Setup: | good | | Bottom Line: | Hey kids, tis i again, welll i own the fork now, and it STILL tracks better than a 'zoke, and has the dampening capabilities of as boxxer, the bottom line YOU PPL DONT KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING!!!!!!!! the fork is still stock with the exeption of a mothly overhaul with oil change i use 10 wt. set on two clicks from max dampening.... preload is ultra gushy til i hit the new MRD lockout i got.....than the infusion climbs like a goat on speed with a tazer shoved up its ass...just a follow up, after that main brace was cracked at the beginning of its life by >> in the horrific crash of the century my boy thought for sure a green set of legs would never grace his ride again and he'd have to settle with the ho-hum red ones....but wait, not so, answer was super cool about it and told him these things happen and they said the new legs were in da mail, so, still expecting red legs to come, he opens the box only to find a GREEN set of fully decaled limited edition serial numbered legs, heres the kicker, the numbers MATCHED the fork.....(hm two sets of legs for every fork just incase maybe?) i dunno, right now the only two mods on this fork are the lockout, and a set of dirt wipers cuz the boots got shredded when the infusion went face first (along with its rider) into a briar patch >>
PEACE | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fernando Linares
a Weekend Warrior
from Panama City, Republic of Panma
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Pipeline Road, Panama Canal Area | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$180.00 | | Purchased At: | SUPERGO | | Strengths: | GOOD PRICE, EASY SERVICING | | Weaknesses: | THE SEALS BLEW OFF | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 Rock Shox Judy XC with speed springs and hardbody dampener.- | | Bike Setup: | the same as in my presviou review | | Bottom Line: | I wrote some coments about this fork on 3/17/00.- The only think I wanted to add is that I E-mailed Manitou in order to get new parts for the dampener that blew out, and "Downhill Dave", of Answers products, sent me within two weeks a package by courier, free of charge, all the way to Panama City, Republic of Panamá, with all the parts I needed.- I serviced the fork myself (which is very easy to do if you follow the instructions) and the fork has worked great since.- At least in my case, the customer service department at Manitou did a "great job".- To get a plusher performance on this fork you need to change the elastomers with Rock Shox Type II tunning springs, which are the same legth and diameter as the blue/red elastomers provided with the Stroker.- Also you can take out one of the rebound elastomers of the right leg of the fork (the orange one), to get more travel.- | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
R D
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles, CA USA
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | runyon | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | pretty durable, low maintenance | | Weaknesses: | color, performance, the travel issue | | Similar Products Used: | marzocchi z2 atom 80 | | Bike Setup: | s-works, atom 80 | | Bottom Line: | I thought I got this one at a bargain for $200 like 2 years ago. You know the ti springs and all the adjustments it has along with the palmer name. It retailed for over $400. I had never had a suspension fork on a bike before, but I knew right away that this thing barely moved. I had to put alot of weight to get the thing to go down. All of the adjusting with the knobs didn't do a damn thing to help the travel it claims to have. I will give them this, I called to get them to service it and they did without any problems. They returned my fork promptly with softer springs and they replaced some elastomers for softer ones. Still though, it was not enough to tell any real difference. I thought well maybe this is the way a good fork is suppose to work...stiff, until I got my marzocchi, and realized this manitou fork just plain stunk. Man, I saw this same fork on ebay going for 40 bucks. It's a three year old fork so chances are you probably won't be running into one being sold. I just had to write about how I feel i got ripped off. I can't believe I thought I was getting a steal for $200. I'm giving 1 chili for value and because the service was good, I'm giving it 2 for overall. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt lepito
a Weekend Warrior
from bel air, maryland
Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | susquahana st. park | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | cheap, good travel distance, green | | Weaknesses: | poor design and customer service | | Bottom Line: | Like most people I got this shock for a very low price. I later found out it was because it was bootleg. This shock was never intended for individual sale. It was suposed to be sold on bikes from bike manufacturers. This is why when you call manitou about it they are less then thrilled to help you.
I had this shock for one day and I only rode for about an hour. I lost the little dampening adjustment plug, becasue it is only stuck in by a rubber washer. Then I noticed some green gel comming out of the top and bottom. I had blown both oil cartrages and the spinging motion mixed the oil with the grease making a gel. This gel squeezed out of both ends of the shock.
I called manitou and at first they refused to admitt they sold a faulty product. They asked me how much I weighed (if you weigh too much you can overload the fork). This is a rather large fork with pretty heafty springs. I asked him how much I would have to weigh. He said 300 lbs. If I weighed 300 lbs I would not be riding a bike.
I convinced them to fix it for free if I sent it to them. They had for six months when I contacted them again. They lost the shock in their warehouse. I told them to send me product with the same specs, to which they agreed to. A month later my fs ti came in the mail with a letter saying they found it and sorry for the problems.
However, since it has been fixed, it works great. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob Blanchard
a Cross Country Rider
from Snowmass Village CO
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | None - it worked great for about the first 2 months and then started leaking oil! | | Weaknesses: | Oil cartridge, CUSTOMER SUPPORT!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shock Indy C (Junk)
Rock Sid (high maintenance) | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR, Mavic 517 ceramics w/ XTR hubs, Avid arch Rival 50 brakes, SRAM 9.0SL | | Bottom Line: | Like everyone else, I got a great deal on this shock. It did work great for the first couple of months, but then it started a slow oil leak, I serviced it and it worked great for a couple more months, then the oil cartridge blew up. I wrote an e-mail to Manitou and the guy (Downhill Dave) said he could send me new seals and elastomers. I wrote back and said that would be great! He wrote back and said "Who are you and what is your problem again?" So, I wrote back again and again going through the same crap. Eventually he said he was going to send these thing to me. I waited ten days for them to arrive, they didn't and I wrote again. He said" who are you and what is your problem agian?" Needless to say I am done with Manitou. Their products suck, their customer service sucks and I am going to buy what I should have in the first place a Marzochi shock. I am not going to get "the screaming deal", I am going to spend the extra cash to buy the product I really want. THESE FORKS ARE CRAP!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fernando Linares
a Weekend Warrior
from Panama City, Republic of Panama
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Old Pipeline Road, Gamboa, Panama Canal Area | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Good it cheap from Supergo, great overall performance, good amount of travel, fair weith.- | | Weaknesses: | A little harsh on the small stuff, a little long to broke in, a little flashy color and decals.- | | Similar Products Used: | 1995 Rock Rock Judy XC with speed springs and White Bros. Dampener, now on my wife's bike.- | | Bike Setup: | 1995 TrekkingFox 7005 alu. series hardtail frame - 1997 shimano XT levers, deraulliers and v-brakes - Race Face Cranks and stem - titec hellbent alu. risebar - Stubs barends - onza grips - FSA aheadset - AC brake boosters - shimano 636 pedals - Gorotex Ride On Cables - Croslink Wheels - Michelin sprint tires | | Bottom Line: | Mine worked fairly good at the begining but I had the feeling it did not had all the claimed travel and it was a little hard over the small/medium stuff. I changed the elastomers to the softer ones provided with the fork but the ride did not improved that much.- Then I proceeded to change the 2" elastomers for 2" rock shock judy/indy hard springs (in Panama we only get Rock Shock parts) and this time the improve was incredible. The fork worked super plush and the travel seemed to really increase (sometimes it seems to boottim out on the big hits, but this is no problem compare with the plushness you get over the little and medium stuff with and all spring system.- I lube it periodically but last week (while I was taking it apart all the oil came pouring out. I guess it is a blown out dampener. Since there are no Manitou distributors in Panama, I will have to ride the Old Pipeline Road tomorrow on a pogo stick (no fun going downhill).- I will e mail Manitou to sent me the fix kit.- I hope they send it soon. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Racer
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | the fast ones | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | The fork looks fast to begin with. It handles like my BMW M3 around the turns. Not to mention its awesome smoothness soaking up the bumps. | | Weaknesses: | The color is something you either like or don't. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shock Judy | | Bike Setup: | XC Racer | | Bottom Line: | There is no other fork for the $$$ at the time that even came close to the quality of this fork. The travel on the fork can be changed, the springs, so the fork is excellent if something happens to go wrong or I want a different setup. The bottom line, this fork gets it done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guppy
a
from Mass.
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | It's on my bike and I got it for 200 bucks. Seeing as i don't do ANY work on my bike and it still works says something about it, I think so anyway. | | Weaknesses: | Uhm, I'm not sure, seeing as it's all i ride, what am I gonna compare it to? | | Similar Products Used: | Rigid and Manitou 4 | | Bike Setup: | Cheap, loud, barely running and fast. | | Bottom Line: | Until the frame has a critical failure, i'm gonna leave all the same busted up and broken part's that are on the bike, so the bottom line is I gotta get a new bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Littleton, co
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything >10,000' | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
smooth, easy to take apart | | Weaknesses: |
blown damper all the time | | Similar Products Used: |
EFC, Z-2 | | Bike Setup: |
hard tail | | Bottom Line: | A manitou rip off!
horriabe customer support and false advertising.
Rebound damper blows up all the time, leaving you with a expensive pogo stick
go marzochii or eat it.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick ker
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Weaknesses: |
Terrible customer service, damping cartridge prone to blowning out | | Bottom Line: | Good fork while it lasted. Had nice smooth travel for big and small hits, but then the damping cartridge blew a seal. No big deal I thought, I will just e-mail Manitou to get a replacement. After about 3 weeks of repeated e-mail (I dont kow why I cant use the phone) I eventually was told Ihave to find a Manitou dealer and order the parts and pay for them there. Seems like enough people have had the blown cartridge problem that Manitou should be providing the replacement at no charge as it is a design flaw. I have had the fork a little under a year and expect more out of something which costs so much. I got mine cheap from supergo like everyone else or else I would be extremeley angry if I had paid full price. I have contacted two local shops - one said they do not order parts like that for cusomers (?!) and the other said that they could order the rebuild kit next time they ordered from Manitou (who knows how long that would be).
Instead, I will waste no more time or money on Manitou and buy a fork from a different manufacturer.A few years ago when I needed bushings for an older Manitou fork, they promptly replaced them which is why I am sort of confused by their lack of concern here.Decent fork when it worked, bad customer service from Manitou.
so maybe 4 peppers for the fork, none for the company so I dunno, how about just 2 for the score. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DH BOMBR
a Downhiller
from CALI
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
TUNNEL TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
STIFF FORK | | Weaknesses: |
UGLY, BLEW SEALS OUT 4 TIMES, CRACKED DROP OUT | | Similar Products Used: |
ROCK SHOX JUDY MARZOCCHI Z1 | | Bike Setup: |
SLOLOM SPECIALIZED FULL XT MRP SUN RIMS AZONIC | | Bottom Line: | FORK FELT NICE FOR ABOUT 2 MONTHS BUT THEN IT WAS A PEICE OF SHIT | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from Oakland
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Fairly nice control, rides good. | | Weaknesses: |
Takes a while to break in, hidious color | | Similar Products Used: |
Mag 21, Manitou M3, Bomber Z1, Judy. | | Bike Setup: |
McMahon Moonshot AD10 rear shock. XTR build with FSA carbon cranks Thompson seat post Answer carbon bars, Titec Carbon bar ends, Chris King Headset etc........... | | Bottom Line: | It's a good fork, not the best that I've rode but very close. The travel is short even with modifications, but that's the way it is on most forks. The manufactorers lie about weight and travel in general. This is a fork that you have to tune if you want it to work right for you. I took out a compression shim and change the oil weight by mixing 2.5 wt. with 5 wt.. Removed the elastomers and replaced with springs. Also replaced the bottom out elastomers with a softer unit. Rides very well, but I want to try something else and get more travel for my fully. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raymond Cox
a Cross-Country Rider
from Elk Grove, CA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Salmon Falls | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
No Problems - | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
97' Marin Pine Mountain | | Bottom Line: | After reading most of the posted reviews here on this fork, I have to wonder was there a problem at the manufactoring end? Seems like people are talking about two different forks here. They either really dislike them or really like them; coupled with that some have had qiute a bit of problems and some didn't. Well, guess I got lucky, not a single problem with the S.P. fork. I did a overhaul on it once - all internals looked fine - no worn bushing/seals. Performance wise - I still think this is a great fork. I ride twice weekly throughout the year fricking cold to stinkin hot weather; lots a rocky trails; fast fire roads; water crossings; you name it. The forks have held up and work great! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
PT
a Cross-Country Rider
from Laramie, WY
Date Reviewed: August 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of em | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
people who don't know better seem to think it's a good fork so they look up to you... | | Weaknesses: |
heavy, poor dampening, not plush unless you're fat, wimpy bushings wear out quickly, pain to work on, requires frequent maintenance | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox SID XC | | Bike Setup: |
Moots YBB | | Bottom Line: | This fork uses three year-old technology and it shows. It never did much in the way of shock absorption -- my old Softride stem was a superior suspension product (that's why world champs were riding it and the losers were on forks like the FS Ti). It was fairly stiff to begin with, but the bushings apparently wore out in about 100 hours of riding and it then compromised control so much it was dangerous. The thing leaks oil, even when new. I did the Dougal recommended alterations to try and deal with the harsh ride and lousy damping, but there was no noticeable improvement. The thing is a pig, so it should at least be compliant on the bumps -- but it isn't. I replaced it with a SID and finally understand what front suspension is all about. It will be a long time (if ever) before I buy another Manitou product. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Licky Buttsmack
a Cross-Country Rider
from ISLIP
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
ASS HAIRS | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | i don't know what you guys are smoking.
my friend owns this fork ans it is excellent,
he bought it off of another freind for 10 bucks because he thought it sucked and got a 98 judy sl
and the only reasonit didn't get 80 mm of travel is because YOU HAVE TO REMOVE SOME BOTTOM-OUT BUMPERS.
if you spend this kinda cash on something, the least you can do it know something about it.oh yeah, F--- J.W.
that grrl still looks like some sort of a rodent. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Anthony
a Weekend Warrior
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: April 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anywhere a trail exists | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
The fork has a fair amount of travel, which is what I wanted. It is an overall very good fork. I say this never owning anything before but still it is holding up very well for me. I am a 180 lb. hard rider. I am on a college campus and ride alot of trials. With the stiffness of this fork cranked all the way down it is the perfect amount of relief that I need. I give this fork an A. | | Weaknesses: |
The only bad thing is that I had to replace the preload assemlbe because the threads got cross threaded. I stiffened the fork all the way up and there are tabs on the preload adjuster that limit it from going all the way down and off. They broke on my fork and thus it came off inside the fork and when it was loosened up it threaded at an angle. Keep your eye out for that to happen on yours. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
GF Kaitiai | | Bottom Line: | Awesome fo price!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yamly
a Cross-Country Rider
from milwaukee, wi
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
none | | Weaknesses: |
There is not 80mm of travel.
Does not with-stand mild punishment.
Manitou is super slow if fixing there products. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shock's are far superior! | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized- rock hopper
Judy sl 97 lighter/better. | | Bottom Line: | The people who rated this suspension above fair must be riding on the road because it is worthless. This shock has been out awhile and luckily it was a close-out but I have already sent it back to Manitou twice!!
I have been riding mostly dirt and rock trails as well as lime rock quarys with this shock and it lasts about 10 miles.
Not even worth the close-out price!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jae
a Weekend Warrior
from Alexandria, VA
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Wakefield, VA | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Rigidy | | Weaknesses: |
not 98 Xvert | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshox Judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
97 Specialized Stumpy M2 | | Bottom Line: | Regardless of how much actual travel the fork provides, it's far superier to Judy XC. The price was excellent. And the service department of Manitou is excellent. Mine was sent in after the arch broke. It came back after ten days with a newly rebuilt cartridge and a new legs/arch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
McFook
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boston
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
All the trails are closed here, so stay home. | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Plush (It is now, anyway). | | Weaknesses: |
Initially kind of sucked. | | Similar Products Used: |
My old lovingly maintained Mag 21. | | Bike Setup: |
M2, a fast sexy red one. | | Bottom Line: | O.K., when I got this thing I was all excited. I figured that it had to be way better than what I was currently running. But it wasn't! My Mag21 was lighter, plusher, and got the same amount of travel. Allow me to explain that I am not a Bozo, I know how to maintain and adjust a fork, however no amount of adjustments or lube helped. I mean this thing sucked hard. It got minimal travel, and rode harshly. Anyway, I called Answer/Manitou (after they blew off my Emails) and spoke to Barbara. She was the ballsy-wallsy, and said to send it back. 2 weeks later I got it back, put it on, and tested it out. Sweet. In fact, I would even say that this fork is now pissa. Wicked pissa. Super plush, w/new bushings, elastomers, boots, etc. So, if your hairy Palmer really sucks, stop complaining and do something about it. Call up and get them to fix it.
The End.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott
a cross-country rider
from knoxville,tn
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
ok, this is a follow up to a review i did a while back. i put one of them stop caps in to hold my bike together (the thing that replaces the star fanled nut) anyway, it went in (AFTER GRINDING THE THING DOWN A MILE). took it to my shop to have a SFN put it to make it permananet and they *&$#ed it up so it wobbles a hair...i dunno if anyone else had a prob with the tube diam. or not. anyway, about the breakage, im a bit scared, but it hasnt split on me yet (i havent ridden it all that much since i put it on, but im gonna thrash it this wkend). and the 66mm thing is true, my fat 240lb ass cant push it lower than 66 or so. but until it breaks, im gonna give it a 4 (b/c they cant get the SFN to fit right. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Tors
a weekend warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: March 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my FS-TI on clearence from a mailorder company last summer.
Initialy the fork was too stiff, even for my 250 Lb. weight. I also felt that the fork had alot of stiction. (Tested by removing the cap and springs and simply compressing the fork).
I had a friend get me some cheap coil springs from god knows where. They just happened to be just the right spring-rate i neaded. A little longer and softer.
Now the fork feels as close to a Zoke as anything i've ridden.
My only problem is that they are perfect for the first few minutes of riding, but then they stiffen up. Dont know why. I relubed all the internals and bushings and the problem didn't go away. Maybe its the cold weather.
Anyway the fork is pretty good. And stiff.
I give it 3.5 stars... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lumpy Fishkin
a weekend warrior
from there's a fungus on the family
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is probably one of the best Manitou products ever introduced into the third dimension. I orginally had the 98' SX-R which was nice, but I truly wanted the Palmer. Like a good beer (I recommend Guinness...), this fork fits in a pint glass well. Please note that when putting this fork in said pint glass, be sure that the tracer rounds are spaced every five rounds and that the first two rounds in the mag are tracers so you know when to reload. If you spill, just call the dogs. They are usually home by now and always looking for some floor scraps (i.e. rockshax, marzokki). Weight weinies need not worry about this fork; you probably would have a hard time bringing it up. They often become unruly around the tender age of two, throwing tantrums and biting other children. Hey wadda ya know, my frickin' stove is leaking. MORAL: BUY THIS FORK IF YOU CAN. IT IS BETTER THAN YOUR DAD'S OLD PLAYBOYS AND WON'T BE AS STICKY> | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 31, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
G'day all and an especially big G'DAY to all the Aussies out there. Well I have the Fs Ti and after 3 months and around 2000 kms, (thats 1250 miles for all the yakns), I am a fairly happy guy. I got these forks second hand on a Proflex 857 (a good bike despite the bad stigma associated with Proflex) and they've served me well. I'm only a light guy, 55 kg (for all the yanks, 120 lbs) and I have a bit of trouble getting all the claimed travel out them. There is a bit of fork tip flutter going on under heavy braking which is disconcerting on $1200 aus fork. These little niggles aside, the fork works well, plush, active and reliable. To all the folks who seem to have got the dud forks, thats life. There will always be a few forks with problems in any range.
All in all this fork has served me well, and worked just as well I hoped it would. Four burning slabs of cow. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Millar
a downhiller
from England
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks are amazing, they work like a dream and a still up there with the top forks in 1999, shows a good fork lasts. Only if you could get a TPC cartirdge for them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tbear
a cross-country rider
from Washington,D.C.
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Re the previous post on springs, I have copied a message originally posted on the Manitou SX TI '98 page. It reads:Fix for '97 SX-Ti. Replace the stock bumpers(one in each leg) with springs from Century Spring Corp. (800)237-1466 as follows:
Red (med-70lbs.) to #11280
Yellow (firm-80lbs.) to #11595
The ride improvement is beyond measure. This is from a rider named JR who I subsequently corresponded with. He claims that the spring replacement of the MCUs makes the fork both more plush and increases the travel. Now that the cold weather has set in I plan to give it a shot.BTW, I have had the fork on my KillerVee for six months of relatively rough riding (also with Magura brakes). My 210 lbs and lots of bad trails and light jumping have not diminished the performace of the fork. A good unit. Five stars for its performance to price ratio. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mel Cornell
a weekend warrior
from Indiana PA
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I put the Stroker on in Oct 98 and have had no problems after 398 miles of hammering. Im 220lbs and me and my superv get along fine with the fork. I am a little worried about the brake arch. Ive had no problems but I do use Magura hydraulic brakes that put alot of pressure on the arch. I purchased a brake arch booster that took up most of the stress but I still notice a little. As far as travel goes mines getting about 70mm after I put the yellow elastomers in. Im going to try the heavier spring this year. Does anyone Know of a after market spring set for this fork. It does not have to be ti. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mouths Brother
a downhiller
from Crowthorne
Date Reviewed: January 6, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I think that the palmer forks rock, and any sad git who thinks they are crap should be shot!!!!!P.S I hve a set of Manitou SX 99 model which I thing are greatManitou Products are cool
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blair Chard
a
from downhiller
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ READ
People I hate to say this but we habe all been ripped off by manitou we all got a fork that promised 80 mm of nice travel yet we got a fork with 66 mm of ok travel we should alll phone email complain and bitcxh till they replace are forks with a quality fork that works good and gets at least 80 mm of travel email them at warrenty@answerproducts.com and tech@answerproducts.com or visit there web site at www.answerproducts.com and im tell you all that were the victims of false advertising lets not lewt them do this to us And to anyone at answer who reads this im going to email every person on the net with this fork and tell them this so you better watch out cause were not going to let you rip us off | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ralph meloy
a weekend warrior
from america
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I read the guys thing about the fork not having enought travel and im going to phone and im going to get my six friends to phone who all have this fork cause all are forks seem to have the same dam problam you all should call | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Archie
a cross-country rider
from broussard , La
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Very nice fork. I picked one up for a good deal and for the price it was worth every penny. I am a bit dissapointed that it is not as plush as my '96 judy dh(which has only mcu's) and the fsti has a nice ti spring. It might just be the fork I have. Otherwise great fork. Misses a star for plushness. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ERIK
a cross-country rider
from CA 818 VALLEY
Date Reviewed: December 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
MINE BROKE!!!!!!! after 9 months the brake arch split in two. I'm pretty pissed all that money spent on my bike now i have to wait a couple of weeks until i can ride!!!!!!! really sucks.. THE OVER ALL RIDE WAS REALLY STIFF NOT THAT COMFORTABLE ON SLOW TECHINICAL ROCKY DOWNHILLS BUT DID WELL DURING HIGH SPEEDS.
I GIVE IT ONE CHILE. JUST BECAUSE IT GAVE ME A REASON TO BUY A BETTER FORK- THX PIECE OS SHIT | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Mowatt
a downhiller
from Crowthorne
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a big headed ginga T*SS*R With A KONA STAB AND BOXXER PRO's
I ride Downhill but never eat before a race because i don't want to get bloated and go down the hills slowly (I am Also A PURE BOY) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc T.
a cross-country rider
from Saratoga Springs, NY
Date Reviewed: December 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been waiting awhile to write this review. I bought this fork (FS-Ti) back in April on a super closeout deal of $169. Since then, I've logged a few hundred miles on it, after putting it on a new Fisher Supercaliber frame with genesis geometry. Without further ado, here are the pros and cons of this fork:Pros: Stiff
Way cheap!
Good Damping Control
Great look, sweet graphicsCons: Does NOT get the claimed travel (maybe 60mm, as opposed to the official 76mm)
It's a 'BIG-HIT' fork. It's not super plush, especially with mid-sized hits. My old Q21R was MUCH better at those (even though it was as stiff as a wet noodle)
I have to say, I'm worried about the brake arch. I don't know if I would have bought it, if all those posts below had come out before I bought it. A fork is not the place to have a mechanical failure. But I haven't had any problems with mine (yet).
The legs keep needing grease. I end up taking the fork apart once a month to really lube the hell out of it. After that, the fork works great for a few weeks, and then starts losing plushness. My old fork never had this problem. So overall, it's a decent fork. Nice looks, but kind of a hassle. For the price I paid, it's great. Three and a half stars, rounded up to four.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JRB
a cross-country rider
from Cornwall, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork through Nashbar. I was looking for a budget fork with more travel and adjustability than my Indy S. I have been extremely happy with this fork. I ride 60-70k trips every Saturday and Sunday on all types of trails and have had no trouble whatsoever. Rebound damper works fine, and I feel it handles the small bumps and large dropoffs with ease. The fork was worth every penny.I give it 5 chilis.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Peterson
a cross-country rider
from St. Charles, IL.
Date Reviewed: November 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Road the 98 season on this fork. Wouldn't call it plush and it sure doesn't have the the claimed travel. The up side is that it is STIFF and does take the big hits well. I haven't had any problems with it so far. This is a Big Man's fork. I weigh 225 and race sport. I don't need, or want an overly active fork, just something to take the edge off. Crank the preload down and you can really get up and hammer with out much bob. I sold my 97 RS XC, it was an oil leakin' noodle. Rode a Zoke Z2 a few times but it was too active when I got up on it. The boots do suck but you can solve that problem with thin zip ties. If you want a stiff fork and can deal with a little chatter then this forks for you. A LIGHT four chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RacerX
a cross-country rider
from Canada
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is the solution to the travel question for the Posting below:The stock bottom out bumper (black) is relatively hard and limits usual travel until you really need it, preventing the fork from seriously bottoming out. You can change the bumper with an orange one (soft) to increase usual travel.I did what the guy said below and was at first puzzled, but the orange bumper worked and now I get almost full travel.My palmer nopw works great.4.5/5 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spread the WORD
a weekend warrior
from N. America
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
*********************ATTENTION ALL FS-Ti / STROKER ED. OWNERS**************I am informing you of what I believe is false advertising on Answer Product's part...IF YOU OWN A SHAUN PALMER FS-Ti you need to check the stroke of your shock :1. By hand remove the top caps off both sides of the fork on your bike.2. Install a tie-strap or some other method of recording travel, and FULLY compress the fork (the internals should come out the top )to measure the stroke.The fork is supposed compress 80mm but actually compresses somewhere in the range of 62-68mm.This is what I think happened at Answer:Answer product manager: With our new lowers and TPC products coming out in '98,
what do we do with all our spare parts??....Wait, let's run off the rest like Palmer's Special Ed.. We could put slightly longer stanchions and boots and everybody will think it acutally has 80mm!! HAHA..then we sell 'em all to Supergo a a cheap price and VOILA! no more spare parts!
If this is true for your case you need to do your part in letting Answer hear about it.contact www.answerproducts.comWho knows, maybe
if they are afraid of the bad publicity they will replace them with some nice 98 Xverts....Which actually have 80 or so mills..Tell me what you think and spread the word
Thanks...
Robert C
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob C
a weekend warrior
from Montreal
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up a Palmer from Supergo to go with my green Sworks. The color matches almost perfectly and is a total beaut.Initially i was very impressed by the ride....medium sensitvity was great. The hard hits werent as nice as I had expected... partly because after removing the caps an fully compressing the fork I found the sroke not to be a bullshit 80mm but a measly 64mm to bottom out. The weight is a bit of a problemo also because it weighs exactly 3.74 LBS on my electronic scale.The damper doesnt offer a wide damping range.MY ARCH CRACKED IN TWO at the lower right leg after half a season. Not even a major crash, just all the sudden......CRACK!! So i gave the fork to a registered dealer and ONLY TWO WEEKS LATER i had brand new lowers!!!GREAT JOB MANITOU CANADA!!!If only the fork compressed fully (I think it was a big scam, because my friend has a palmer also and we tried the same thing to find his only compressed 66mm) and the arches wouldnt break and the damping range was larger this would be an ultimate ride.....2.5 stars on 5 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rooster
a cross-country rider
from Austin Tx
Date Reviewed: October 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I also bought my Stroker from Supergo, and I have had it almost nine months. AS of yet I have no complaints. The rebound damping works well with the preload jacked-up, it prevents that top out clunk. I have replaced and refilled the oil three times since I got the fork. It has been a good all around value for me. I have raced on it, done some freeriding type stuff, and your everyday x-country stuff and it has held up well. As an all around work fork for the common man, I say it is a good deal. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane
a cross-country rider
from durango, USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a follow up to an earlier post. My '97 FS-Ti is now 5 months out of the packaging. So far I've had the stanchion bushings replaced at 2 months and 2 damping cartridge replacements (2 1/2 months & 3 1/2 months). Now I'm waiting on a damping leg assembly from Answer. Answer just serviced my fork under warranty and it CAME BACK with NO DAMPING and the adjustment knob just SPINNING FOR ETERNITY. Now I'm waiting on a leg assembly from Answer. This fork is hell when its well, but mostly its sick, and I haven't been able to ride in close to a month. If you are unfortunate enough to own one of these lemons and need service, don't waste your time with e-mail or a dealer who can't find his ass with both hands - call Shane at Answer Warranty Tech (800-670-7446). He is extremely helpful and seems to know his stuff. 5 chilies for Shane, none for the fork and the guy who serviced my fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a weekend warrior
from Indiana
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My FSR came with a Judy T2. I had it 2 days. It sucked. I traded it in
to my favorite shop for the Palmer. Cost me $100.00 and the T-shirt.
I weigh 250 and haven't had any problems with the cartridge or the brace.
Maybe I'm lucky. This fork rocks. If you can still find it, buy it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raymond Cox
a cross-country rider
from Elk Grove, CA
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
With only 3 rides on my forks, thus far I'm a happy C.C. rider. I've waited a long time for a quaility fork to come along that fit my budget. The S.P. fork bakes in the bumps! I love it. These for forks have allowed me to not be 'picky'
with my lines I choose on the trails - they just suck up the bumps. No alignment problem; no leaks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a cross-country rider
from No. Cal.
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
O.K. I gave the fork a five in my review earlier. I bought it from Supergo for $200.00, and I thought it was the bomb! Rode it for about 15 good rides (I do some jumping too), and then they started getting kind of sticky. Hmm. Left the bike stored upside down for a couple of days, found a puddle of oil under the handlebar area. Hmm. Pulled the sucker apart, only to find that, of course, my damper was blown. Also, I did notice some slight misalignment of the fork legs when I put mine on the first time. I'll just have to hope mine don't break, eh? I'll bet the story went something like this...factory manager - yeah, one of our fixtures was misaligned, and we just caught it, but what do you want us to do with the 3000 pieces that we've already made?company president - hey - I got it! Let's wait 'till the end of the year, then we'll liquidate 'em through one of those discount mail order places. If we sell them cheap enough, no one will really complain!After looking the internals of the fork over, I'd have to say this. One of the most basic principles of engineering is the virtue of simplicity. Given two solutions to a problem of otherwise equal performance, always choose the simpler. Less stuff = less stuff to go wrong. THIS FORK IS NOT SIMPLE! It does not suprise me at all that something went wrong, and I fully expect to have more problems in the future.We'll see how Manitou handles the blown damper issue...We're already down to 3 stars. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Skitch Mobley
a cross-country rider
from Pittsburgh
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Tired of lugging a 5-pound Zoke on my LTS, I decided toput my rig on a diet and got a new Stroker for a price even better than the one advertised at all the bike outlets. I was pretty excited to give this fork a go. However, once I installed it, I noticed the left leg was 1 millimeter longer than the other. It made the wheel kick to one side. I tried riding the fork by adjusting the hub in the dropout to compensate for the longer leg. I rode about 15 miles and hammered the fork pretty good. Doesn't soak up the bumps like a Zoke, but it doesn't bob or use half the travel under severe braking. All in all a great cross country fork. Then I hammered the fork pretty hard and the axle slipped in the misaligned fork and I nearly saw the face of god. Luckily, I wasn't hurt. I shouldn't have ridden the fork the way it was. Luckily, I'm getting a new one atno charge. Hopefully the legs will be the same length. It makes me wonder about the build quality of the fork. I'm also assuming that people have experienced broken arches becasue their fork legs were also misaligned. If you notice that your fork legs are different, don't ride the fork. I have a tough time rating the fork. I'll give it two chilis for now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HuC
a
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
a possible cause for the brake-arch to crack is... uneven travel/movement between the 2 legs. the brake-arch is the weakest point of the fork & if there's any sideway flex under hard conditions, any misalignment at the dropout, or simply the left leg does not have equal compression/rebound as the right leg, stress can be built up at the arch over time & cause it to break. (as you know the damping is only on the left leg)this is just my guess & may not be true
i also own an FS-Ti fork & hate to see negetive comments but this sure is a concern for all riders. Other than that this fork is a great performer, i've been real happy with it.if anyone has other comment regarding this PLEASE POST IT | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a weekend warrior
from Everett WA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
After reading through most of the reviews I found many complaints about breakage at the crown, but nun that pertain to misaligned crown and legs (my problem). After receiving my fork, I installed it on my Ellsworth Sub 22, and went to put my front wheel on, but for some odd reason, the rim was tweaked way over to the left, making the bike unridable. After checking my wheel for true, I examined the fork closely and discovered that one leg had not been pushed in all the way at the time it was glued to the crown. This caused the hub to sit at an angle and it turn screw up the alignment of the rim and brake pads. I took it to my nearest manitou dealer and they sent it to Manitou and I got my new lowers. Other than that, the fork is totally awesome and I have no complaints whatsoever. I've been dirtjumping with it, I ride trials with it, I cruse around town with it and have had no problems of any kind. If you have the cash, don’t hesitate to buy one, they are unquestionably the best value in the bike industry to date. SIX STARS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bikin bob
a weekend warrior
from WV
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Palmer fork on 7/17. Today is 8/9 and the brake arch is broken. I got to ride on it for about 75 miles, and only 3 times off road. Now I need a new fork, I sure don't want another Manitou.I liked the way it rides, tracks, etc, but something that breaks after only 3 rides should never have made it to the consumer. Apparently Answer doesn't test their products, or they just don't care what happens after it's sold.The fork was making a sound like something was rubbing the tire ... apparently something was! I heard the sound a couple of times, but not on the ride when it broke. Whenever I heard the sound, I stopped and checked everything, but I didn't see the crack before it broke. I assumed that it was the springs and rode on.If your Manitou is making strange sounds, check it out good! I was lucky, the fork broke on a tame portion of the trail. I had just come down a technical downhill, and was about to enter a rock garden. I don't want to think about what could have happened if the fork had broken in either of those places ...Answer, I have to give one chili, but you don't deserve it. Get your act together!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a cross-country rider
from So. Cal
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought the Fs Ti stroker at supergo after breaking the arch/lower leg junction of a 97 Judy XC which left me with bruised ribs. I really like the additional stiffness of the stroker over any RS product ive ridden so far. The dampning is stiff er due to the valving of the stroker over the Fs Ti. The fork tracks very well. four stars so far | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bruco
a weekend warrior
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great fork, for any price. I weigh 220 lbs, and I ride very hard, on terrain full of stumps and rocks. Buy this fork now, if you live in the midwest, order from Nashbar, it will come much quicker than Superslow. It doesn't absorb every bump, but I like to feel the terrain anyway. I'm not worried about breakage, there are always going to be a few defects, and they seem to be good about replacement. Breakage is better than the RS defect, the fact that they work like sh!t. Both the Indy and Judy, aren't in the same league. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Erik Silva
a racer
from Glenmoore PA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I built my bike up with this fork in the begining of '97. All was great until CRACK! , the damn fork brace had cracked all the way through. But this was only the begining, manitou replaced my damn fork with another piece, when installing them I was shocked to discover that the brace and legs were NOT even BONDED together.
SO now I was borrowing some outer legs from my bike shop, and during the following race, I now found myself with NO front brakes, upon looking down I saw a river of fork oil pouring out the side, and now I had NO dampening.
Finally got my 3RD set of legs/brace and put them on, I also rebuilt the dampener with a rebuild kit. Well the legs held out, but needless to say, the cartridge DID NOT!
It is now MID '98 season, and I have since given up on repairing blown cartridges, and am looking to buy a new fork. I would recommend this fork to anyone who always makes excuses up for being late/last/slow/a no show. These people would now have a great excuse foe being SLOW.
I GIVE THIS FORK ZERO read, ZERO! CHILIS
DO NOT BUY or RIDE THIS FORK!!!!
and in case you were wondering, I weigh 162 lbs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Concerned
a cross-country rider
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a concerned that so many of the Manitou Suspension Fork Brake Arches are breaking so easily. I have seen as many as 15 reported breakage in this site alone. I wonder how many more breakage are not being posted on this site? It has been good to hear that no one at this point has reported any injuries with these breakage. My concern is that so many of these forks have been sold to the MTB community that someone will bound to be injured during a breakage. I think that Manitou has not taken this matter seriously. They have replaced the broken parts with the same exact part that we know will break again. I would think that Manitou would recognize that there is a problem with the forks from the number for replacements that they have done. I would also think that Manitou is working on a solution to fix the problem. If Manitou will not do it’s part to fix this problem as soon as possible before someone get seriously hurt...the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) will.If you have experienced any breakage problem with their Suspension Fork products, please post them on or on the Product Review section on this site.What do you think?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
endo
a racer
from boise
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got the 97 FS. Traded my Judy SL back to the LBS for it. Upgraded to the Ti springs, liberally coated everything with Slick Honey. It took a couple of gnarly rides to break the fork in, but now it is there. It is far superior to the RS fork. The damping adjustment does work, but it is barely noticeable. I run it right in the middle. I'm getting 3 inches travel out of it, but I have to hit something huge for it to compress that far. The most noticeable difference between it and the Judy is precision. It weighs a 1/2 pound more, but oh well, it goes where I point it. I hope that I don't break the lower, I know plenty of people that broke 97 Judy lowers, so I think it is to be expected. Can the 97 Manitou's be upgraded to TPC? Is it worth it? Who cares, it rides good. The boots don't seal at all, I almost think you're better off without, at least that way water can get out. Overall a 4, I'm keeping it and glad to be on it. I really did consider the Marzochi, but the weight thing got me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BFA
a racer
from Missouri
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I AM A SPORT CLASS RIDER. I WEIGH ABOUT 205,AND HAVE RIDDEN,
AND RACED AN FS/TI FOR ABOUT 9 MONTHS. THE ONLY COMPLAINT
I HAVE WITH THE FORK IS THE STANCHION BUSHINGS.
WHEN THEY GO AWAY YOU WILL GET ENDPLAY WHEN YOU GRAB
A HANDFULL OF THE FRONT STOPPER. IT ALSO MAKES THE STEERING
KIND OF VAGUE. BUT THAT AN EASY FIX WITH A BUSHING KIT FROM
MANITOU FOR 16 BEANS. OTHER THAN THAT,I HAVE NOTHING BUT GOOD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT THIS FORK. SO IF YOU CAN FIND ONE CHEAP PICK IT UP,ITS WORTH IT!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason Bickel
a weekend warrior
from Des Moines, IA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Don't think, just buy this thing from Supergo before it's too late. You will never find a better shock for the money. Yes, the lime green clashed with my Bassboat metallic green on my Homegrown FS, but who cares? It rides like a champ. While I only have an Indy XC to compare it to, I still think it rocks.Buy, you fool!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Chrysler
a cross-country rider
from Topeka, Kansas
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For $198, this fork, though cursed by color and namesake, simply must be the best front suspension value in existence. I had a 97 pro off a StumpJ that I sold to my friend Clark, and I appreciate the dampening, even if it is not that adjustable. One can order the 97 lower leg assembly from manitou for a retail of like $120 if one is so inclined. Also, be careful not to overtighten the damper shaft bolt, with an 8mm allen it's easy to do, because you can break the damper shaft VERY easily.
Great Value. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roger B
a weekend warrior
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got the Palmer awhile ago (yes, from Supergo)...Rides great, IT'S GREEN, and balances the ride of my full susp. Kona better then I'd hoped for. Plus I sold my (used) Judy for $125.00!!! Total for the Palmer $75.00!
Only complaint...I don't seem to be getting any travel out of the elastomer/bumper. Only getting about 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 travel, what I got out of my Judy...But I want the full 3.3 Does anyone make a replacement spring for the elastomer? Someone told me Bomber springs might work? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from ND
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ok I have the FS/Ti and this thing was the best investment for my bike. I ride pretty hard. And I have to admit this fork can handle anything and everything I could throw at it. I did some 4 foot drops and it handled it. I did a marthon dirt ride in some tough stuff and it handled it. This fork is all what it was meant to do. It came with the long travel kit. It has 80 mm in it and I don't even think it's even seen that yet and I have it for over 3 months. Get Answer Manitou forks on your bike and don't look back ever again. My riding buddies think it's a great fork and they ride Rock Shox and the Fatty on there bikes. And I tell them get with the program. Go Manitou and ride like a mad man. I'm out here. Have fun riding. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BUD
a downhiller
from ca
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS FORK IS THE SHIT I RIDE ABOUT 4 HOURS A DAY FOR TRAINING AND MAN I THINK IVE HAD TO LUBE IT 2 TIMES SINCE I GOT IT {5 MONTHS] I DO DOWNHILL AND I HAVE MY OWN DH COURSE IN MY YARD NO IM NOT RICH JUST LUCKY IT HAS 4 FOOT DROPS AND A 8 FOOT TABLE TOP JUMP ON IT AND THIS FORK HANDLES IT ALL ITS AMAZINGLY STIFF THROUGHT BERMS AND GREAT FOR STIFFNESS AND MAN IS IT GOOD ON SUPER STEEP STUFF EVEN WHEN IM NOT WEIGHTING THE FRONT ITS STILL PRETTY ACTIVE I WOULD TELL ANYONE TO RIDE THIS FORK | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt donut
a racer
from dildo newfoundland
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
¿£Am BÄŽ•¶° ˜G¿.£ :0)
very good i weigh 420 and i only bottom out every two minutes! i have had them for 1 year and they haven't broken! i like to eat chicken and rice with my donuts and haven't gained a pound since i started racing. this is the best shock in the world and i call it kentucky after my favorite restauraunt | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
STEVE CASSADAY
a cross-country rider
from WINSTED,CT
Date Reviewed: July 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
AFTER ONLY RIDING THE FS TI PALMER FOR LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS,THE BRAKE ARCH HAS BROKEN.THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE WAS TOP NOTCH.BUT THE DURABILITY OF THE SHOCK IT NOT ACCEPTABLE! I HAVE NOT HEARD BACK FROM MANITOU YET.IF ANY ONE CAN E-MAIL ME BACK WITH HOW THEY WERE TAKEN CARE OF I WOULD BE GLAD TO HEAR FROM YOU | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin
a weekend warrior
from Billerica, MA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Palmer is, no doubt, an Incredible fork, at an UNBELIEVABLE price. The travel is long and plush, and the fork itself very stiff. I also haven't found much difference when making adjustments, but it's a great ride nonetheless. As far as it's durability - well that comes into question. Within a month on my brand new Gary Fisher Big Sur and Palmer fork, I took a big spill. While at a mountain resort, I flipped over the handlebars pretty hard, but nothing serious. After climbing back on, I realized my brakes were bent? Nope, the arch had broken in half. The front tire still perfectly true, but a broken fork making for a disappointing walk down the mountain. Although the ride is one of the best you're gonna find (especially at Supergo/Nashbar price!!), how long it'll hold out is something else. Warranteed fork has been great...so far. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a weekend warrior
from No. California
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The stroker is choice. Sure, the damping isn't really adjustable (maybe you can feel a small change between full on and full off, maybe), but the performance is excellent. Light enough, loads of travel, totally compliant, very stiff. At $198.00 Supergo, the best fork buy ever. Won't work with my Mtn. Cycles Pro Stop 2 disk, though. Cinco chiles. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
EGustilo
a cross-country rider
from Atlanta
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here is the scenario of the ride......I put the fork on my bike about 1 week ago. As usual...last Sunday morning went to my favorite trail...about 3/4 thru the trail...came across some exposed roots...rode over them as I have done in the past. Then I heard a crack...stopped to check where the crack sound came from. Checked the frame, handle bar, stem and then the fork. Sure enough...there it is...a crack has developed on the Arch. Had to walk the rest of the trail.Mind you...I loved this fork..handled well and just really a great all around fork. But I need to ask this question...has anyone else using the Palmer have this happen to them. The only recorded arch breakage that I have found came from Claudio of Brazil (see below). Please post any messages that pertain to this subject. Maybe there is a design flaw with the fork.Thanks all for contribution! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Hayes
a cross-country rider
from Illinois
Date Reviewed: July 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this shock from Supergo and it is the best investment I have ever made. I weigh 200 lbs and the fork does not flex once bit so ever (as all of my previous ones did). The ride in my opinion is ultra plush. I had to switch over to v-brakes which is a plus because know I have brakes the don't take forever to stop me. I have put on 70 miles so far and no leaking, but I will be going to Colorado and Utah in August and we'll see if it holds up. If you are looking for a new fork and can still find one of these - BUY IT. I think Nashbar is now offering it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Claudio A F Monteiro
a cross-country rider
from Brasilia/DF, BRAZIL
Date Reviewed: July 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have one FS-TI for 9 months now, Its much better than my two previous forks (a Marzochi 400 and a judy XC) performes very well for cross country and without any broken cartdridges like my old judy; but Im very disapointed now, after only 9 months I have a very serious rupture (broke) in the left brake arc structure Im lucky because that happened during an easy trail but its dangerous, imagine that in a dowhill or a technical trail??? Many people here in Brazil told me about Manitou reputation of broken archs, but for $700,00 (brazilian prices with one of biggest import tax in the world), these is NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR A COMPETITION FORK (THE AD SAY THAT FOR US....) AND I NOW JUST EXPECT AN CORRECT TREATMENT FRON MANITOU, and to be sincere I will think many times before any technical off road trail, because my confidence in the super stiffer legs is broken... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Waugh
a cross-country rider
from Truro
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the stroker about 1 month ago and i find its performance a little above average i weigh 125 lbs and have installed the blue elastomers i haven't ordered my free soft spring setup yet but by the sounds of people i should,another thing i took mine apart and lubed them with judy butter although some people say that it sucks,i would like to know where to get some of that honey stuff,so can some one please e-mail me with details,thanks
P.S-I love the color,and never got a t-shirt,and i was hoping to get one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon
a cross-country rider
from Great Britain
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought some manitou strokers from supergo last month for $198 , £121 here they best money ive ever spent they are so good , a pair of rock shox indys are £200 here , so they are definatly worth the money , the rebound doesnt seem to do much though ?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J DANA
a cross-country rider
from Utah
Date Reviewed: July 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just put the palmer on my 93 m2 frame and it worked great. It did not seem to affect the handling other than the front end comes up easier on steep climes. It is tons better than my old air/oil specialized shock. However after my six mile ride I noticed oil leaking from the left leg?! Damn the luck. Other than having to fix that it seems every bit as good or better than my freinds Judys. I would say four chilies or whatever those are but the leak is a real downer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a weekend warrior
from Pocatello, Id
Date Reviewed: July 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hey I just got my new shock on and did as everyone else said,, take it apart and grease the snot out of it,, and I can't seem to keep the boots up to the top,, there is no lip, or edge to hold the upper boot ends up in place, has anyone else had this problem? It seems kinda cheesy to me, otherwise they will fall down and let dirt in.. what's the problem? other than that, I have only had it for a week and already can tell a world of difference from my quadra shox I left. that's all. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
That Kid over there
a cross-country rider
from Wisconsin, USA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Palmer:
Light, 80 mm of claimed travel, external damping adjusters (no allen wrenches) and IT'S GREEN!!!
I haven't installed it yet, but I plan to soon, so I'll get back to you on the ride quality. I upgraded from a '97 Judy XC, and bought it for a measly $198, so I'm happy. So far, I couldn't tell you about the stiffness of the thing, but I'm only 140 lbs., so from what I hear I guess I'll have to send in for the other springs. I'll upgrade my review in a few days after some hard riding and a few compliments. I can't get over the green... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a cross-country rider
from Marietta GA
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Like everyone else I got the Palmer edition from Supergo for $200 back in Jan.
This shock is worth every penny. I got it put on my new Paragon , they took off
$180 for not including that crap T2 so it only cost me $20! I weigh 230 and have the preload set to the middle and the dampening set to 5. I can't feel much of a diffrence in preload but can tell the dampening settings. It soaks up huge bumps
easily and I havn't bottomed it out. Not to great on small stuff, but who cares! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
HuC
a
from Dallas TX
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
gee, i'm damn impressed with this fork, so far.
i've only had it for a week, so i'm still testing it out.here is the deal:
can somebody tell me how to fine tune the rebound damping?
(i've tried both extreme settings & i can't tell any difference!)
does it have an oil cartridge for the damping? or just another elastomer?thanks a bunch for any advice in advance!!super riding...by the way, i had to spend extra $$$ to put on V-brakes (this fork isn't compatible with my old XT brakes) and let me tell you, it just makes it sweeter!!! (i may post another review under v-brakes...) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Deak
a cross-country rider
from Europe
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am yet another mountain biker who bought this fork from Supergo for $198. I am really impressed with it's performance...I admit I haven't done any hard riding on the fork yet (bad weather), but I have been on some off road gravel trails and this fork, is smooth, stiff, and gives a good reliable feel. It is definelty smoother than the '98 Rock Shox Judy SL (a friend has one), but the ti springs in the Stroker are stiffer. My opinion on this fork is based against the all the forks I have ridden off road (girvin vector (with spring), '98 Judy SL, Marzocchi Z.2, Rock Shox Mag 21). The best fork is definitely either the Manitou Stroker, or the Marzocchi z.2. The Marzocchi is more plush, but not much more than the Stroker. Both forks have a different feel, but perform about the same. For $198 this fork is probably the best buy...but I will not draw any conclusions until the end of the summer. So look for my next review sometime in August. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jeffery
a weekend warrior
from san diego
Date Reviewed: June 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
well if you think this shock is to stiff and ridged, you must be new to the sport and never rode on a trail with an old school ridged frame. this shock is the plushest shock of all times, even with that ugly color! i'm 5'10 200 lbs with the preload at the lowest and the dampening set mid to lower and it is perfect. i ride a 96 fisher joshua and this shock is the perfect addition that changes the geometry just enough to inhance the climbing ability. turning this prior hog into a mountain goat. it almost makes you want to get your name tattooed across your stomach. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mattias
a cross-country rider
from Linkoping, Sweden
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the Manitou Fs-Ti Palmer a month ago from SuperGo at the ridiculously low price of $198. Best $198 I have ever spent! I haven't had much experience of suspension forks in the past, but I can't imagine how I could've gotten a better fork for that kind of money. It would've been a great fork even at the price of $400. I have it set up on the softest setting (blue elastomers and no preload) it works great for my 90 Kg (I guess it's somewhere around 210 Lbs), it's so PLUSH. Lightweight riders should probably exchange the springs for softer ones (Answer will do that for free!!) since it is rather stiffly sprung. I followed the advise on this excellent forum and lubed the bushings and that really made a difference, much less stiction. And the color rocks! I love having a fork that's not on every other bike, I will probably never see another fork like this in Sweden since it has never been sold here. The only problem I have now is that the rest of my bike isn't up to the standard of my Palmer so I have to spend a lot of money to upgrade it. Rating? Five well deserved chillies for this puppy, there really isn't much of a choice out there. If you are thinking of buying a suspension fork, buy a Palmer before they run out and be as happy as you want to be. I love this fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane Waldrop
a cross-country rider
from Durango, CO
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had a '97 FS-Ti for 2 months now. Yeah, it takes the big hits and has saved my ass a couple of times when I went for it, but dammit, I already have massive play between the stanchion tubes and the sliders. My nice, tight ride is now sloppy. It's a good thing I got it for $150 or I'd be seriously pissed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a cross-country rider
from Palmer,MA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the Stroker put on my bike a couple a days ago and I love..a lot better than my friends fork with Speed Springs. This shock especially takes out the big bumps and even better at high speeds. I was riding a nice downhill and I loved it cause my eyes could stay focused and not blurry, like what happened with my last fork. (that make sense?) I love it, Smooth and Cheap the only way to go. BTW I weigh 210 have it on the easiest settings...maybe after it breaks in I'll trade in the springs for better one (manitou does it for free) overall great fork | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gen Quale
a weekend warrior
from Mukilteo, WA
Date Reviewed: June 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Got this fork in the mail from Supergo about 3 weeks after I folded my front wheel and Quad 21R. WOW, i'm in love with this thing. To me it seems like a completely different world. This thing soaks up bumps like they're nothing. I weigh 230 lbs. and have the preload set up all the way. I can't tell the difference between any of the damping settings but i'm probably having too much fun to care. I definately recommend this fork for anyone who needs to replace theirs considering it costs the same as an Indy C and works so much better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DARREN
a weekend warrior
from NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
You cant beat this fork for the price from Supergo...I upgraded from an Indy XC, I wanted a Judy but found this fork at such a low price....WOW Im glad I got it..I weigh 215 lbs and this fork can handle it all. You just have to get over the color....it kinda grows on you...oh yeah and with a hair dryer you can peel of the cheesey decals they paste all over it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a cross-country rider
from ND
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well hello there. Just put on the Answer FS/Ti and had a chance to try it over the weekend. And heres what I came up with. The fork was really soild. I was most surprised by how it handled the downhills. And the little bumps, it just worked it. This is fork for you. I really like it alot. If you buy one you will be very happy with it. This fork just kicks ass. Period. If you know what I mean. C ya. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a weekend warrior
from michigan
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
About 2 months ago I installed this shock on my raleigh m200(replacing a rockshock quad5), I bought it from nashbar for only $200 and it is easily the best upgrade I have done to this bike. (see m200 review) It was very easy for me to install and setup. I took peoples advice from here, and after one ride to check it out I judy buttered the thing. Good improvement with the butter. At first riding around town and to work and stuff I noticed a little difference from the quad5. (the quad5 is actually a pretty good around town type shock on small stuff.) The thing I did notice was that it was alot stiffer than the quad5 and not as sloppy. Well after finally getting to the trails and checking it out WHOAAAAAAA BABY. This thing rocks. It sucks up the big stuff like it is not even there. Big improvement on my performance and controll over the rough stuff. The quality and workmanship are great. Every bike should have one:-) The color kiks butt too. Black frame and green shocks. (I was a little concerned at first but after installing it I have decided it looks great. )So what are you waiting for?
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BRIAN D.
a downhiller
from WASHINGTON
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I AM A DH RACER WITH A KLEIN MANTRA RACE AND A GT ZASCAR BOTH WITH SIDS UNTILL I WAS XCING AND CAME AROUND A SECTION WITH A WASHOUT AND WENT DOWN HARD ON A ROCK AND BROKE TEH LEGS ON THE SIDS AND REPLACED THEM WITH SHUAN PALMER FS TI AND LOVE THEM I TRIED THEM ON BOTH MY KLEIN AND GT AND THEY ARE AMAZING FOR A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE I LOVE THEM AND RECOMEND THEM TO ANYONE WHO HAS A FULL SUSPENSION BIKE I LIKED THEM ALMOST BETTER THAN MY SIDS THANX,BRIAN | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
noa
a racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i dont know how any of you people can give this fork any kind of rating at all...you obviously have not ridden a good fork..( a zoke)...i admit,..i was suckered in my the catchy titanium and crap....but man i have regretted it every day for a whole year..this fork had absolutely no bump performance of any kind..Except when you hop off a five foot cliff and land squarely on the fork..
this makes it go down, say, uh,.. .5 inches??....and this IS at the easiest settings...its THE worst fork i have ever seen or ridden..
luckily i have a nice new sweeet atom bomb in the mail | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Impecco Jones
a cross-country rider
from ROK, Republic of South Korea
Date Reviewed: June 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am going to start by saying this fork, for the price, is very good. I have owned 5 Manitou forks, the 96 Mach 5 SX, Mach 5 Pro XC, 97 Pro C, 97 FS Ti and the 97 SX Ti. I don't like the 97 Judy SL or XC as much. I think they feel like crap, and are waaaaay over-priced. This fork takes medium and big hits darn well, but not small stutter bumps. I think Answer needs to throw out those cheesy ass preload adjusters, and the (not applicable for 98) brake boss spins sometimes when tightening the brake bolt, or when just using the brakes. This has happened to my friends and I both with these forks. They have changed the brake bosses for 98, thank the great mountain biker god. Well, thats it, for $149 from Supergo, and very cheap from other places, if they still have them, you can't go wrong. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a cross-country rider
from ND
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just put on the FS/ti fork. And boy do I love it. It's so plush!!!!!!!! And for the price, you can't go wrong at all. I love this fork. It's a great fork that
will last for you. Take it apart and lube with slick honey. It's the best lube and cheaper then Judy butter that isn't that great at all. If you like nice travel. You will totally love this fork. Have fun Mtn biking and wear a helmet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
edward
a weekend warrior
from Los Angeles, Ca.
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this fork KICKs ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ive had Mag 20's / Mag 21's judy sl's / Judy fsx's
(my Pers. Fav.of the RS forks) and the manitou fs bulge (non ti.) and this one kicks all their asses, I loved the FS Bulge, and had no intention of getting the Ti. spring version, palmer or not, I was gonna wait till the TPC forks came down in $ next year then My fav LBS Supergo HAD to offer the Palmer model for Less Than 200$ !!! I figure, I couldnt afford NOT to buy it so what the hell, ( I paid 170 $ for the Std. FS bulge 8 mo. ago) this fork has not been touched I weigh
190-195 and I haven't had to touch the damping adj or the preload. The springs
are not only lighter but seem to respond better than the steel ones and the fork just keeps getting smoother and smoother each ride!!.
I dissassembled it 1st thing and smothered it with Slick Honey (the BEST lube for any fork judy butter SUCKS in comparison and is WAY over priced for what it is!.) before installing it, the best thing you can do with a new fork by far!. and it is just the BOMB i hammer down pretty gnarly downhills and this fork RULES!! for the price it is virtually a STEAL!!!!! I feel no need to upgrade any time soon as it seems to just keep gettin better and better the small hit responsiveness is improving all the time as it breaks in more and more . Break in on these forks is crucial and the tolerances are pretty tight which i think is good since they keep feeling better and better extensive lubing when the fork is brand new is Key!
i have this fork on a supergo Max link fs w4of travel out back and the 80 mm of front travel suits this frame perfectly!
I LOVE MY BIKE AND FORK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
BTW: I removed all the stickers on the fork xcept the one on the front of the crown, and it looks KILLER very unique and with my black Supergo frame no one recognises, i tell people on the trail that it is a prototype Huffy / Murry cooperative effort and they'll be in Pep Boys, K-Mart, and Target, Walmart by this fall !!! ha ha ha ha I got the shirt too!!!
Strokers of the world unite! 5 chilies for sure!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Angelone
a weekend warrior
from Upstate New York
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
For $198 from SuperGo, this is without a doubt the best deal available. It is a tremendous all-around performer, high quality, and a terrific value. The feedback from the terrain is extremely accurate, giving you all the confidence, with out any of the punishment. The performance is amazing when dialed-in properly! It definitely increased the performance of my '96 Balance... | | Overall Rating: |
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