Submitted by
Peter
a Cross Country Rider
from Liverpool England Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Jacobs Ladder Edale
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Very smooth and deals well with the small bumps Like the black paint work and great with disk brakes
Strong and tough coped with the many rock gardens I have thrown at them over the years
Weaknesses:
Oil leals and have to replace seals quite regulary after riding in heavy mud
Can be a bit soft for my liking, even set with the hardest rebound.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock Judy, Manitou SX
Bike Setup:
Giant Xtc Mamomth full suspension
Bottom Line:
Good fork for the price and have lasted me a long time but are prone to oil leakage. I think after 4 years I have given them one ride to many and are giving up the ghost, can't grumble though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Dallas Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
super plush/smooth, inexpensive, grease ports are awesome
Weaknesses:
somewhat flexy
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox, Noleen
Bike Setup:
Univega Alpina 700, LX, XT
Bottom Line:
I had to write because after I already bought the fork, I read the scorching reviews below, and they scared the bejeezus out of me. But now that I've ridden it for over a year, I think it's great! Do it leak oil? Yes, but maybe like 3 drops per ride. I've checked the oil several times and it's nowhere near being low. Is it flexy? Yes, but I weigh 200 lbs. Everything is flexy. Is it still a great deal for the money? ABSOLUTELY. This is a super cheap, entry level fork, but it outperforms anything in its class in terms of plushness. You cannot beat oil dampening and the microlube ports keep it smooth as silk. I bought one used for $50. If you can find a deal like that buy it! Just remember that you're not going to get a $500 shock performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Nashua NH USA Date Reviewed: May 30, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Goodales bike and ski
Strengths:
Light years ahead of Jetts, judies.
Weaknesses:
Note yet. . . Tepid reviews from some people
Similar Products Used:
RS Jett RS Judy Manitou Black
Bike Setup:
Fisher Hookooekoo disc
Bottom Line:
Good fork. It came with the bike after I destroyed a Hardrock comp fs. That bike had a rs jett on it, which was a joke. The jett required a "perfect" bump to make any diffrence. The biggest drops I encounter are areound 2 feet, and I way 115, so the shock isn't abused. It has held up fine for me. It hasent leaked or done any of that crap. This is not some cheap fork sold on huffies either. If you are looking at a mid priced front suspension, give this fork a second look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Taras
a Cross Country Rider
from Kyiv, Ukraine Date Reviewed: March 20, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Smooth travel, good steering, plush.
Weaknesses:
Poor seals (one boot always leaks), cheap rubber guides, never stay at the right place.
Great fork for moderate XC riding. Works great, but leaks oil a bit - which is annoying sometimes. Nice product except minor tecnical defects.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Dunedin, New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Stock
Strengths:
Light, with alloy steerer. Low maintenance, reliable. Smooth. Has fork boots.
Weaknesses:
Stock coil and elastomer are way too soft for grown-ups.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MXC
Bike Setup:
Marin FS
Bottom Line:
Much improved with a firm-ride kit. Rode it for two years. Works well in it's intended role, would recommend it to any XC rider. (Everyone knows kids have a habit of breaking things, as the preceding reviews show...)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Willi w
a Cross Country Rider
from ohio Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
alum creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
it has none
Weaknesses:
it has a lot leaks, the seals are junk after three rides i destroyed the seals and no drops at all. I weigh 150 lbs i think the fork is built for 90 lbs women
Similar Products Used:
judy c
Bike Setup:
fuhi suncrest
Bottom Line:
it is not worth your time it is a hassle i have had to send it back twice for broken parts, the warrenty is good but i olny weigh 150 lbs and i destroyed it and i ride cross country not down hill no trick cross country. if you are light and have a tight budget go for it but if you are close to 150 run away form this product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan Light
a
from Newark, DE USA Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
slickrock, moab
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
NONE!!!!!!
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING!!! This fork is the biggest piece of crap i've ever seen. After the first day, the stupid poorly thought out plastic top caps leaked. The bike shop refused warranty, as they said I must have abused it. (I guess it's not made to go off the curb at the end of my driveway.
Similar Products Used:
none this bad. go to K-Mart to find some quality forks compared to this junk.
Bike Setup:
FSR
Bottom Line:
BUYER BEWARE!!!!! Riding last weekend, i went off of a small jump at the local state park. Upon landing, the left side PLASTIC top cap shot off and hit me in my left jaw, along with the spring. OUCH. now i'm sitting here a week later with my face still twice the size it's supposed to be. Manitou really screwed up on this one... Still.... i must have been abusing this fork for it to happen... i don't tihnk so. i'm 5'7", 145 lbs. this fork should not do this!! The fork was never good, it's very flexy, leaks everywhere, and has all the essential parts made of plastic, so as to come off and shoot at me. I'ts kind of a good story to tell though... how many people can say there bikes shot at them?? : ) Thanks a lot.. similar experience? email me-- Bry0940@aol.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lester
a
from Mayberry,NC Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
This Fork came stock on my 2000 Trek 6500. For XC and Singletrack it's a good fork, but for jumping anything higher than 3 feet(stairwells, dropoffs) I wouldn't recommend. Initially it had a leak at the top right cap. This was resolved with a new o-ring. After 10 months of use, and a few big jumps it developed a slow leak at the bottom. This was fixed under warranty. Overall, I'm not impressed, but I do like the oil fill nipples. Thats a plus
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott c
a Weekend Warrior
from calgary,albert,canada Date Reviewed: September 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
nicoles
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
easy to lube but not much else
Weaknesses:
everything, the spring, seals, damping, rods, adjustment controls, bolts MANITOU PUT PLASTIC PARTS INSIDE THE FORK, THESE BREAK EASILY, BE VERY CAREFUL ,DO NOT GET THIS FORK
Similar Products Used:
judy tt , Z5, Z4,
Bike Setup:
specialized rockhopper
Bottom Line:
i've had this fork for just over a year and it has been awful, everything breaks or doesnt work, so far the parts that have broken are the spring, the adjustment thing, the compression rod, the seals, and the plastic bolt,which cant be replaced, now i need to go and buy a new goddamed fork. im getting marzocchi, dont even think about manitou, what kind of company puts plastic parts into a $300 fork? its a total disgrace and now i have to go and spend $400 because of this stupid piece of crap breaking!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a Weekend Warrior
from Dubai, U.A.E. Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dalby Forest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
Flexes like a twig around corners (the bike rocks on braking like if the headset is loose and the disc brake rubs when cornering), leaks oil, too narrow 1 inch stanchions, poor seals and too small bushings + lots of stiction.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z4 (tons better- on my second bike),RST 381(pile of ****, but doesent flex as much)
Bike Setup:
Marin Nail Trail, hope discs, deore groupset.
Bottom Line:
I would never buy this fork if it hadnt come on the bike already. This fork gives very little confidence on decents unlike the z4 which is much more plush and looks fantastic. As soon as I get the money i'm upgrading to a RS Duke or psylo...worth every bit of the extra cash when you consider how much more fun you can have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronnie
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV USA!!! Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$110.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
None other than suppliers around here do not know that there are upgrades on this bugger!
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy c, Judy sl, Psylo
Bike Setup:
Mongoose hilltopper, 99 GT XCR 4000, Custom built
Bottom Line:
Good shock for the money. Nice and cheap. My only griep is that a lot of people do not know you can get a cable hanger and other add-ons/upgrades for this fork. Otherwise I have not had any problems with it thus far. Good little shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason howe
a Weekend Warrior
from palmer Date Reviewed: July 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
mint trail
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
paramount cycles
Strengths:
its good for light xc riding
Weaknesses:
its poop
Similar Products Used:
rst gamma eL-its poop too
Bike Setup:
2000 gary fisher tassajara , Lx rear derailer ........
Bottom Line:
its good if your not freeriding. when i first got it i cleared a road and it didnt bottom out now its all poopy. im getting it maintaind this week to make it ridable until i buy a better one. still i give it 2 piles of flaming poop because it would be fine for some one else
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tropsyx
a Cross Country Rider
from Sofia, Bulgaria Date Reviewed: June 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
BAS
Strengths:
It's cheap......Looks good,the oil dampening.Overall i like it.Right now it's in the shop for fixing the leak.
Weaknesses:
It leaks,i don't understand why the **** it leak's. Maybe Manitou engineers missed something, 'cause as i read it is very common that leaking :(
Similar Products Used:
none, my first suspension fork
Bottom Line:
I don't ride a lot,but i think that the fork works very good.It's not a fork for extreme DH(!!!!!!!),although i downhill sometimes.I think that the OEM spring is very weak, and it'd be good if i change it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cameron keller
a Cross Country Rider
from mississauga,ontario,canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
erin mills park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
colour,good value,absorbs good when broken in
Weaknesses:
cheap looks with little rubber guides and cheap decals,
Similar Products Used:
none my first front suspension
Bike Setup:
hookooekoo disc stock
Bottom Line:
From what ive noticed these shocks work well over light terrain when the going gets tough they lack in there rebound. However for there price they seem decent im 185 5 10" and do a lotta single track AND ocasionaly will go at high speeds 40kph over rocks roots and shale and so far have noticed no performance decrease the only fault is there lack of rebound (they tend to stick) and of course the cheap decals and rubber guides i hate those sh!tty rubber guides they look so cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Burns
a Cross Country Rider
from Council Bluffs Ia Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
wabash tace
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Bike Rack of Omaha
Strengths:
I love the quick adjustable coil. It really gives a good stability to weight ratio. the microlube feature is the coolest.
Weaknesses:
be carefull not to overload it with grease. Not enough travel at 76mm- easy to bottom out.
Similar Products Used:
n/a
Bike Setup:
trek 6500
Bottom Line:
i think it is one of the best cross country suspensions you can get for the price. if you plan of going big get something elese. If your just the average rider like me its great!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
crazed maniac
a Weekend Warrior
from vancouver Date Reviewed: March 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
nicoles
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
smooth , stiff , good handling
Weaknesses:
takes a while to break in , not enough travel
Similar Products Used:
judys , Z5
Bike Setup:
rockhopper
Bottom Line:
pretty good but not too serious , don't do drops higher than 5 1/2 feet or it will snap !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from Byron Center MI Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
galyans
Strengths:
very smooth, nice dampening, and reflex i like the easy microlube system, its light and its got plenty of travel.
Weaknesses:
the tension nobs are difficult to turn.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox indy
Bike Setup:
diamondback x-link
Bottom Line:
if this fork didn't come with the bike, i most likely would have bought them anyway. they are great shocks for the price. much smoother than i had expected.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from honolulu,hi Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
hmmm so far no leaks..phew..i think need to change the coil spring..anyone knows whats the factory standard?? mine is wayyyyyyy stiff even after i adjust the preload to min setting.
Weaknesses:
none so far..
Similar Products Used:
Suntour SR..no TPC though and no preload adjust.so i guess it cant be similiar after all..hehe
Bike Setup:
TREK 6500 stock..
Bottom Line:
too soon to tell..anyways i read all u guys postings and i fear for my life if that thing will hold up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Elliott
a Cross Country Rider
from Black Rock, Vic. Australia Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
XC, flat out down hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Relaible fork. Good starting point and heaps better than the old Mach5 XC and SX fork I have used.
Weaknesses:
None found so far.
Similar Products Used:
Mach 5 Pro XC and SX cartridge.
Bike Setup:
2000 Avanti Hammer Hardtail
Bottom Line:
At the lower end of the fork market this is one fork that is worth a second look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
beaverbob
a Weekend Warrior
from Mississauga ON, Canada Date Reviewed: December 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
TPC Damping MIcro Lube Ports Adjustable(sort-of)
Weaknesses:
Doesn't work well in the cold (Canadian winters...) A bit heavy Plastic caps break
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
Iron horse Raider, EA50 Riser bar, LX
Bottom Line:
Came stock on my bike and I do a lot o' freeriding so I'm looking to a new one. Has less travel in the cold for some reason. Good value and preformance for what I paid but not good enough for my standards.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a
from coral springs Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
quiet waters
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
areo schwinn
Strengths:
My second fork, quite a step up from a jett!!! The JETT IS A GOOD POGO STICK BUT THIS MANITOU IS A SUSPENSION FORK. NOT JUST A BOUNCY BOUNCY SPRING OR ELASTOMER ON A STICK. IT HAS REBOUND DAMPENEING CHANGE THE OIL, THE THICKER THE MORE DAMPENING.ITS NOT ROCKET SCIENCE. THE LOAD ADJUSTMENT ON THE LEFT SIDE,THE ADJUSTADLE ONE,WORKS WELL. I RIDE IT ONLY CRANKED SIX CLICKS, I WIEGH 170LBS
Weaknesses:
LEAKS OIL,JUST CHECK THE LEVEL BY REMOVEING THE RT CROWN CAP AND STICK A SCREWDRIVER IN TO THE BOTTOM,MARK THE SCREWDRIVER ON THE TOP OF CROWN.THEN USE THE DRIVER AS A DIPSTICK TO FIND THE LEVEL FROM THE TOP OF THE CROWN,3.75 INCH. IF YOU NEED TO ADD SOME DO SO. THIS IS A GOOD FORK,A LITTLE ON THE HEAVY SIDE ALSO 3.8 LBS IF YOU CARE. I DO.
Similar Products Used:
RS JETT MANITOU MARS C
Bike Setup:
2K ROCKHOPPER AI FSR LX HOLLOWTECH SPLINED BB MARS C FORK ROCKWORKS CLIPLESS PEDALS
Bottom Line:
THIS IS NOT A ENTRY LEVEL FORK, ITS JUST, GOOD. I HOPE MY MARS C WILL FAIR AS WELL. JUDGING BY THE REVIEWS I THINK ILL BE OK. I CAN TELL YOU THAT IF YOUR BUDS ARE ON JETS OR RST'S, YOUR FORK IS NOT IN THE SAME CATAGORY AS THESE KMART BLUE LIGHT SPECIALS. RIDE IT PROUDLY!! MINE NOW RESIDES ON MY 1ST BIKE. I CANT TELL YOU WHAT THAT IS, MY CREDABILITY WILL BE IN QUESTION. OH ,BUT ITS NO HUFFY! DONT GO THERE!!FOR THE PRICE THIS THING IS GREAT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glyn
a Weekend Warrior
from leicester, england Date Reviewed: November 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
plush action over small bumps
Weaknesses:
leaky top caps, harsh bottoming out over rough ground
Similar Products Used:
rockshox judy xc '99
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
suffers from serious drawbacks if you ride hard and/or are a haevy rider
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington,ky Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Big South Fork
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Schellers fitness and cycling
Strengths:
Lighter than the Rockshox Judy xc
Weaknesses:
harsh with any speed and any significant downhill, bottoms out easily
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox judy xc, Jett
Bike Setup:
stock 2000 Rockhopper comp a1
Bottom Line:
Its a good fork for the money for coming stock on a bike, but after few months and riding some technical stuff I'm ready for an upgrade. For the money it beats the Jucy xc simply on weight, almost a pound lighter, its probably the best for the money and for a step above an entry level fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Humberto Gonzalez
a
from San Jose, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Henry Coe Park, Morgan Hill, CA
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
The Off Ramp, Mountain View, CA
Strengths:
Disk Brake Mounts for future upgrades Micro-Lube System for ease of service TPC
Weaknesses:
Plastic caps do leak, but teflon tape cures the problem quickly.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett, RST, Cannondale Headshock
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FSR Swapped out spring/elastomer to heavier (yellow) units.
Bottom Line:
If the Magnum R is not performing well for you, it might be the spring/elastomer selection. Standard is the red (medium)setup. Chose the setup that's right for you. I'm 6'3" 235lbs. Every shock's worst nightmare. Prior to installing the heavier (yellow) spring/elastomer, I was bottoming out frequently on the steep decents at Henry Coe Park. The problem disappeared after the swap.
The fork is unbeatable for under $200. The micro-lube ports allow you to keep the shock properly lubed without disassembly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke Nelson
a Downhiller
from Fernie Date Reviewed: September 6, 2000
THEY are crap they suck very bad in the first week they leaked severely and I had to replace the seals the next week I went off a small 3 ft drop and the shocks bottomed out and forced the plugs out of the bottom and oil splattered everywhere sent them back and according to Manitou I was abusing these shocks(well i guess that abusing to them is going off of the side walk?) and as a twelve year old kid i think that a shock company could make there shocks strong enough to withstand my weight the thing that really pisses me off is that this is the second time I have broken a pair of Manitous and then i was also abusing them ?À????ÀÀÀÀÀ
Similar Products Used:
RST from K mart
Bike Setup:
Specialized fsr Rockhopper
Bottom Line:
THESE are the crappiest shocks now I wouldnt be so harsh if they hadn't refused my warranty TWICE!!!
dont buy these even if you want to save money for the travel
DON t BUY THESE PIECES OF CRAP
there wouldnt even be one flamin chili if I had the choice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Nania
a Weekend Warrior
from schenectady, NY, USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
Favorite Trail:
albany's pinebush
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
plaines bike ski snowboard
Strengths:
great travel for the price, easy to adjust, affordable, came stock on my bike, good rebound
Weaknesses:
none that i have currently experienced
Similar Products Used:
rock shox jett
Bike Setup:
specialized A1 comp FS
Bottom Line:
This shock works great for the price range ive went over some pretty big roots and rocks and holes and this thing just sucks it up, also it allows you to have some control when youre going fast. I was in the albany pinebush today and on one of the trails with alot of sand and even when i almost spun out this thing still sucked up the bumps and let me gain the much needed control!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cameron Leitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Worth, TX Date Reviewed: August 26, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bicycles, Inc.
Strengths:
Inexspensive, travel, easy to add oil,
Weaknesses:
rare leaks
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS Comp
Bottom Line:
A great fork for the money, i really like, i do a lot of trail riding and it has served me well for the time i have had it, i would definitely reccomend this fork to other people.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Albert
a
from San Jose Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything on Mt. Tam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Performancebike.com
Strengths:
Cheaper and lighter than Rock Shox Judy XC
Weaknesses:
Started leaking oil the first day I got it. Took it to the shop for warranty repairs. It still leaks. Bike is in the shop at this very moment.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Quadra 21R. It only has no oil, but then again, it never leaked on my!!
Bike Setup:
Performance M-009 Ti frame. XT/XTR drive train.
Bottom Line:
If I had to do it again, I wouldn't get this fork. It's cheaper but I've lost at least 2 weeks of riding because my bike has been sitting in the shop.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alex
a Racer
from Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: August 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
anything with jumps & mud or i mae my own
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Well, i couldn't find any exept the funky paint job (orange). I think i got a lemon on this.
Weaknesses:
everything, oil leaking in first 10 days of riding. Cracks and funky noises and it just bottomed out on the 10th day when i sat on it.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Rock Shox Judy Race, 2000 Marzocci Z4 & Z5 (heavy), 98 Indy XC/C and Jetts (ok for starters), RST 381 (junk), Noleen Chubby LT (serious downhill)
Bike Setup:
2000 Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp FS /w 2000 Rock Shox Judy Race, LX/XT otherwise stock (sweet bike but put barends if you wanna have shifters after a crash)
Bottom Line:
This thing sucked. I didn't race it or anything, i rode one trail in the first 10 days while i had it. U know, break in period and i shouldn't abuse it too much.
The thing started clunking, more and more when i put the front brake on or when i started to pedal from a stop, just clunk, clunk and i took it to the bike shop.
They said that it's leaking oil cuz a bushing was pressed in on an angle by the factory and it wasn't pressed in enaugh. BRAVO MANITOU! GREAT WORK! (you idiots, what are you thinking???) I guess everyone makes mistakes!
anyway, the bike guys changed it for a new one and i said i didn't want it so i paid my $150 canadian and swapped it in for a 2000 Rock Shox Judy Race (plush as hell) and with the 100 mm travel + XXX seals, it rocks!
Bottom Line - Watch out when u buy this thing, I'm not saying it's bad cuz i might have gotten a defective one. I guess the one they gave me felt ok but i'm still going with Rock Shox all the way!
HERE'S WHAT TO DO WHEN BUYING THIS FORK!!!!!
Sit on the bike and push off quick and then stop suddenly, do it a few times and if you hear a crack or click that sounds like it's coming from the headset, RUN! This means that the fork's defective and u're buying a lemon!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Cross Country Rider
from birmingham,al Date Reviewed: July 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
oak mountain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
plush action on typical trail trash,good lateral stiffness,microlube ports,great price as aftermarket item
Weaknesses:
lack of damping adjustments,could use more travel for FS applications
Similar Products Used:
manitou EFC,RS mag 20,AMP linkage fork
Bike Setup:
rockhopper FSR A1 comp,10 clicks preload
Bottom Line:
this is a great fork for the money.good perfomancer.still,i will probably upgrade to an xvert super due to the weaknesses listed above.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Jackson
a Weekend Warrior
from Charleston, SC Date Reviewed: June 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the dirty one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Adjustability, decent weight, responsive, good damping
Weaknesses:
...I'm lookin', I'm lookin'...
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Judy, Jett, Suntour piece o' crap
Bike Setup:
Stock Specialized A1 FS
Bottom Line:
The best fork in its price range. Jett and Suntour are jokes...buy at your own risk. Judy is a good fork, but I didn't like the bikes it came with. The Magnums are quick, responsive, well damped, and the weight is reasonable for the price range. Good fork and good price. Recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Weekend Warrior
from Louth,Ireland Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Reasonable weight, quite burly compared to Rockshox Jett,nice colour(blue), travel is fairly plush for an elastomer fork and is not oversprung.
Weaknesses:
Stiffens up slightly in cold weather (this is typical of elastomer sprung forks) but when the sun shines it is amazingly good for a fork at this price.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Jett,Manitou Spyder '98,
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper A1 Comp (with a lovely new Selle Italia Flite saddle)
Bottom Line:
Best fork I've ever used for the money (although i'm not saying i've used that many. Nice looks and a good performer + a Hayes standard disc mount.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dave
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
technical stuff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Great for the money, good damping
Weaknesses:
plastic caps are terrible. They get damaged easily and the threads on my TPC cap leaked oil profusely until I put Teflon tape on them.
Similar Products Used:
AMP F1 AMP, Manitou Spyder, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Marin Bear Valley
Bottom Line:
Great for the moola. The damping is a HUGE step up form the undamped Magnum. The fork has prcactically no stiction and once dialed in handles the small stuf quite well and takes a lot out of the big hits. I'm glad I made the upgrade to the R from the Mag, it was worth the 80 bucks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Wrangell Alaska USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
All
Weaknesses:
Have not found any.
Similar Products Used:
99 RS sid xc 98 RST mozo pro
Bike Setup:
00 Univega Alpina 700
Bottom Line:
Great shock for the money. Micro lube light weight and strong.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dunc
a Weekend Warrior
from Maplewood, NJ USA Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
MILLBURn
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great value, good $$ and nice plush XC fork
Weaknesses:
Weight, its not the millenium
Similar Products Used:
Judies, Jetts
Bike Setup:
Jamis Eureka
Bottom Line:
Grrrrreat fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
craig
a Racer
from fayettenom Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
cheap, tpc, good adjustability.
Weaknesses:
none ater this price
Similar Products Used:
judy sl, judy xc, manitou sx, sxr
Bike Setup:
surley singlespeed, with magnum r
Bottom Line:
killer fork for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hank
a Weekend Warrior
from Kailua, HI Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000
I've punished this fork on steep hills, rocks, roots, logs, 3-4 foot drop-offs, and frequent washings, and it still begs for more. Obviously I bottom out on the larger drop-offs, but I have NEVER run into any problems with oil leaks or broken seals! I've had this fork for almost 5 months and haven't greased it utilizing the microlube ports, but it continues to work like a charm. For the amount of money ($189.00) one would spend on this fork, you wont be disappointed. This fork is designed for the beginner to intermediate rider who commutes regularly or enjoys pushing the limits hard on the weekend!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin, NZ Date Reviewed: February 23, 2000
Smooth riding, easy to maintain fork. Steel stanchions add weight, but also durability. (No thin hard-coating on alum to wear out). Contrary to the makers specs, my fork has a alum steerer. Plenty of travel for XC. Damn fine fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Gainesville, FL Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Disk brake mounts Alluminum steer tube Microlube system
Weaknesses:
It is on the heavy side. not many adjusting fetures
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett XC 99 spyder R
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M600
Bottom Line:
This is a great shock to have for your first front suspension. It is relatively cheap ($189) and it is simple to use. I love the microlube system. It make fork lubrication very easy. I almost gave up on answer when my spyder R went out on me, but they gave me a 2000 Magnum R to replace it, and I'm glad they did. This is a great shock!!! I love the orange color also.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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