Submitted by
Michael Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Turner, Or Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Used bike
Strengths:
Well all i can say is that its light.
Weaknesses:
For one this thing is so sticky. I'm not sure if the person before me took good care of it, but also the Rebound and compression knobs don't seem to make that big of a difference.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou spyder
Bike Setup:
2000 K2 Zed X, LX, Bontrager,avid, manitou mars C
Bottom Line:
You see here i have a problem. I bought the fork used so i don't know if it was taken care of. I've checked the oil level (next is to take the whole thing apart and clean) And still it is sticky. To put it strait forward this fork was a real dissapointment. My Spyder was a much better fork. Heavier, but much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
Light, looks cool, plush, easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
Leaks around the bottom rebound adjuster. I had to take plastic adjuster cap off and noticed that the oil was leaking from the threads, so I simple applied some thread prep and I havn't had another leak since.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Sid
Bike Setup:
Litespeed
Bottom Line:
I had a small problem when I first purchased this thing, but I stayed calm and found the problem and now I have a sweet fork that has given me many great rides. Almost sounds like I'm talking about sex. It's pretty close! There are better forks out there but for the price it pretty sweet!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Racer
from chicago Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
superblow
Strengths:
Light, Nice looks. Good performance considering weight.On sale price. I didn't have the reliability problems alot of reviewers mentioned.
Weaknesses:
No lockout, a little flexy, not as plush as Zokes or Sid Race. Not as much adjustability with +/- air like the sid.
Similar Products Used:
Sid Race, Zokes x fly and Atom Bomb
Bike Setup:
Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
This was on another bike. At the time, I couldnt believe the performance I could get from so light a fork. It was 100% reliable but I thought it was a little flexy in fast turns and lacked the adjustability of other forks. Coming from Zokes, I didn't think they were as smooth but they were 1.2 lbs lighter so I thought it was a good trade off. However, the Sid Race is just as light, smoother and has more adjustability, set-up, and lock out options. I'll give it a good value rating for what I paid for it. Yes, Iknow I'm comparing a 3 year old fork to a new Sid Race. Anyway, I was happy with this purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from BMO, MD Date Reviewed: June 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
susquehanna st. park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
light, stiff, smooth, adjustment city, looks are sweet
Weaknesses:
needs frequent maintenance, cleanings
Similar Products Used:
headshok
Bike Setup:
cdale f1000 time atac, shimano crank, deraillers, brakes, sram shifters
Bottom Line:
great for money, as light as the new carbon sid (almost), nothing comes close for price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cross country racer
a Cross Country Rider
from Dublin Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
three rock mtn.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
evans cycles
Strengths:
smooth, plush performance on all terain. The damping works really well for high and low speeds.
Weaknesses:
Mine got clogged up with mud and i had to get new internals after six months use! It happened again now asswell. They`ve lost they`re smoothness.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi Z2 superfly, some other random.
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein adroit race, bonty race modified wheels.
Bottom Line:
Really good performance (when they work). Getting new internals for mine took 3 weeks and was in the middle of the racing seoson. The seals are not as good say, rock shox, marzocchi. Good damping and very adjustable. not much flex. Might be more suitable for a dry climate, and for xc racers. downhillers avoid this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: March 27, 2002
Santa Cruz Superlight, SRAM 9.0 SL drivetrain and brakes, Truvativ Stylo Team crankset, Thomson post and stem, King wheelset (Dave's SpeedDream) and headset.
Bottom Line:
I must admit ... I am confused about all the difficulties with this fork experienced in the previous posts. I have run mine now for more than 15 months (2600 miles) with no difficulties whatsoever. I have even run mine without the boots during that same time! I release the air from the fork once per month and then re-fill it. I have never lost more than 2 psi in any given month. I do follow a routine maintenance schedule (complete overhaul) every 4 months. I have never had a problem with the FLEX issue. Maybe it's because I remember what it was like to ride a Rock Shox Quadra 21! But seriously, I have an extremely strong front wheel and have never noticed the fork twisting in even the harshest conditions. The only real drawback I see in this fork is the fact that it is too narrow. It takes some persuasion to remove a Hutchison Python 2.0 from the wicked grasp of this fork. I'm no Physics professor but, I am going to assume that a narrower fork means less material used, resulting in lower weight. I would recommend this fork to the serious cross-country rider (not free-rider, downhiller or 190+ pound person). Use the "Grease-ports" and if you have problems call Manitou. 5 Chili's for Value ($199.00 for a sub-3 pound fork!) 4 Chili's for Overall (I can see the need for it to be wider)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Grothoff
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirksville or St Louis MO Date Reviewed: January 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kokopelli Trail Loops in Fruita!
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
lightweight
Weaknesses:
FLEXY, crappy paint and stickers, flimsy rebound knob, leaks oil, not much tire/brake pad clearance, overall flimsyness which leads me to be afraid of snapping it
Similar Products Used:
99 Judy XC, Manitou x-Vert, RST XMO, Sid 100
Bike Setup:
99 Trek 7000 with lots o' stuff (8 speed rules!)
Bottom Line:
I sure wish i had known more about the basics of what i should be looking for in a fork when i bought this thing. It was a "great deal" online. I haven'thad this thing a year and the rebound knob popped off long ago, it leaks oil like a british roadster, and is probably the most flexy fork i've ridden. the paint doesn't just scratch, it comes off in patches. I want to get a stiffer, beefier, plusher fork, but i think i might be too used to the low weight of this thing, and i won't want anything much heavier. i guess that is the lesson, anything this light is gonna be flex-master. it is normal for a fork to become less plush in cold weather? whatever the case is, this fork does it. it also makes two distinct noises: a rather unsettling crackling sound, and the sound of air getting squeezed in and out ever since the rebound knob broke off. geez. Oh, i have already posted a review on this earlier, but my opinion of it has declined heavily since i posted it last time. unless you are racing on a budget and are very lightweight, then stay away from this fork. better yet, just stay away from this fork all together. i think i have my mind made up on Manitou's Mars line for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly Holland
a Weekend Warrior
from Raleigh, N.C. Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Morrisville,Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
came on my bike
Strengths:
Light,cool-looking.
Weaknesses:
Everything except for the light,cool-looking part...
Well, All I can say is, aside from the fact that there's practically no rebound damping, doesn't track at all, has more flex than a rhythmic gymnast,(& I'm only 150 lbs.) makes it impossible to take my skinny little 1.9 front tire off without letting all the air out or ripping the brake pads off, it's a fine fork if someone gives it to you so you can sell it for $100.00, & put the money towards something decent. This is, without a doubt,the biggest piece o' crap I've ever had on the front of my bike.I'd rather have my old 97 Manitou sx on there. Shoot, the 96 judy didn't give me this much grief...I'm gonna put the sx back on my stumjumper,put the mars on the Santa Cruz,sell the mars-c to some poor fool,& get a Fox fork or a Manitou Black when one or both go on sale.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Green Iggy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pinole, CA Date Reviewed: September 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
It's light, looks cool, and has just about every lightweight material used on bikes in it. Cheap.
Weaknesses:
Delicate, leaks oil, rebound nob won't stay on anymore, can't get my tire out of it without rubbing on the brakes, bushings need replacement after just over 6 months of moderate XC riding
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shocks Judy TT
Bike Setup:
Giant Iguana SE with many upgrades
Bottom Line:
I upgraded this from my RS Judy TT so it is a definate improvement, but this fork just doesn't seem to be built very well. It leaks oil, eats its bushings, and the liberal use of plastic threads means stipping them is super easy. Also the rebound nob is simply held on by friction and if you get any oil in there (say from a leak) it will not stay on. The fork is also way to narrow and I have a hard time getting a 2.1 inch IRC Mythos tire through the open V-brakes. The fork is cheap to buy and looks really cool, but you pay for it later with poor reliability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Mccrary
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens Date Reviewed: September 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
oconee heritage park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
It's light, looks cool, better than lower end manitous
Weaknesses:
too much flex.
Similar Products Used:
manitou mach 5, rock shox judy c, marzocchi z2 bomber
Bike Setup:
Kelin mantra, xt/lx, spinergy rev x, race face
Bottom Line:
It's an ok shock for riding cross country. It soaks up most of the bumps and holds it's own with dropoffs. The only problem I've had is that when I jump, I feel like I don't have too much control landing with all that flex. I guess you have to give up something if you want a really lightweight shock. I'd buy another one for my cross country bike, but if you're gonna thrash, get a marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Treacher
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: August 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-Brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Brookvale Bike FActory
Strengths:
light
Weaknesses:
clunks under small hits, alloy head caps threaded in one day, crap stickers , confusing to adjust
Similar Products Used:
Rockshock Judy XC, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Came as part of new Jamis Dakota Al(nice)
Bottom Line:
Is it just bedding in ? Or is it just rubbish ? Guess I'd better buy a pump...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, Colorado Date Reviewed: July 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Palmer Park anything (I live two blocks away)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Light weight, fully adjustable ride, good black color.
Weaknesses:
Agree with other owners: FLEXY. Only ridden 100 miles, leaks air! I am in the proccess of retuning it for warranty repair. SuperGo was cool about the return.
Very disapointed. This is the first bike I've built. I was thrilled to complete the bike, and was just getting it dialed in when the shock blew. I am now riding my old bike until the MARS C is returned to me. I bought two MARS C shocks. The other is on my wife's bike. So far so good. I would not buy this fork again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Paice
a Weekend Warrior
from Sheffield, Yorkshire, UK Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hope Valley, Peak District
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Local Store
Strengths:
Very plush when bedded in, light, adjustable & easy to service. Origional equipment on a bike, and impressed me a lot.
Weaknesses:
3 inch travel a little short for Peak District trails, 4 inchs would be better!! Tyre catchs on brakes and pulls out cartridge brake pads- v annoying. Annodising on legs rubbed off after 6 months [in very bad winter conditions], damping cartrige locked out after 3 months hung on a wall.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bomber Z1, Cannonndale Headshock
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision (2000) UK spec.
Bottom Line:
Nice fork but over-priced for aftermarket purchase, could do with more travel. Works well on small & medium bumps but struggles on big stuff. Good fork for a trail rider in fairly smooth country, or for an XC racer/rider looking for light bouncy fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt G
a Cross Country Rider
from St Louis, MO Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Kokopelli Loops in Fruita!!!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
adjustability, liteweight,
Weaknesses:
i would like to stress FLEXY, i feel like i am going to break this thing, rebound not ajdustable enough, questionable quality
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC, RST XMO
Bike Setup:
99 Trek 7000 with Rolf Satellites and some other stuff
Bottom Line:
It works better than and has more travel than and is lighter than the Judy which came on my trek, but this thing just isn't beefy enough. or stiff enough. i like the weight thing, but damn, i can almost tie this thing in a knot. but then i am 200lbs. also, some oil seems to be showing up on the bottom of each legs. next fork i will be looking for will be a lot plusher and a lot stiffer. it isn't worth paying anymore than the cheapest you can find it on the internet. i think that should do it. kinda wish i had bought something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from newton new jersey USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
looks great . fine adjustability
Weaknesses:
flexy,minor leakage at seals,recall notice at answer website
Similar Products Used:
precision billet , rockshox , marzocci
Bike Setup:
diamond DBR team issue , cane creek head set , xtr hubs , thompson s/p ,mavic 521 , xtr & XT drive train , raceface bars & stem
Bottom Line:
Like the ride however is a bit too flexy for my 195lb. chasis . great adjustability and light weight . WAS AT FIRST A litle choppy on the compression , but broke in nicely . Was a little dissapointed to find out about the recall only because I know the new replacement will take some time to receive and install.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from newton new jersey USA Date Reviewed: May 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
looks great . fine adjustability
Weaknesses:
flexy,minor leakage at seals,recall notice at answer website
Similar Products Used:
precision billet , rockshox , marzocci
Bike Setup:
diamond DBR team issue , cane creek head set , xtr hubs , thompson s/p ,mavic 521 , xtr & XT drive train , raceface bars & stem
Bottom Line:
Like the ride however is a bit too flexy for my 195lb. chasis . great adjustability and light weight . WAS AT FIRST A litle choppy on the compression , but broke in nicely . Was a little dissapointed to find out about the recall only because I know the new replacement will take some time to receive and install.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Weekend Warrior
from Trenton Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mercer Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Lite, Looks good, came in something other then RED. (Black)
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Sid
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Sub 22 - ESP 9.0SL - Syncros Cattlehead Hinged Stem- XTR V brakes - XT crank - Easton CT2 Carbon Handlebar - Chris King Head Set - Mavic 217 rims - Spec. Team Master/Control tires - IG 90 chain - XT Front Derailleur - Ringle Ti skewers - Kore Lite II Seatpost - Bontrager FS10 Race
Bottom Line:
Buy one! Works great so far. Lite: 2.9#, lite, did I say it's lite.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Daniel Matos
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan ,Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: May 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cambalache forest
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
weight,price
Weaknesses:
rebound knob comes off(lost)
Similar Products Used:
judy race
Bike Setup:
2000 trek 8000,mavic crossride wheels,xtr components,thompson stem,selle Itallia trans am seat.
Bottom Line:
Great shock! my only problem is the rebound knob fell off I replaced it and lott it to;otherwise i love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trey
a Cross Country Rider
from Lexington Date Reviewed: April 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Local Shop
Strengths:
It is light. However, I don't think that it is as light as it claims (2.9 lbs).
Weaknesses:
Ultra flexy.
Similar Products Used:
Sid, Indy XC, and MARS Elite '01
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight w/ Thomson stem and post, Chris King Headset, XT hydros, Hayes Elite hubs laced to Mavic 317's, and the rest XTR.
Bottom Line:
The fork is really flexy. It was the first "real" fork that I purchased since my stock Indy, so I did not know any better. Even then I thought it was mediocre. However, since then I have tried my friend's SID which was much better. Also, I purchased Shimano disc brakes which I found out does not work with the Mars C. So, I decided to give Manitou another try and purchased the 2001 Mars Elite. It is 3 times better than the Mars C (not to mention totally disc compatible). Totally plush and not as flexy (it also felt lighter, though it is supposed to be .2 libs heavier). You have got to try it first (don't take mine or anybody's else's word). Anyway, don't buy the Mars C unless you get a really, really good deal (like $150, if not find a Mars1 '00 or a SID XC '00). It is flexy and not that plush.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ronnie
a Cross Country Rider
from Lewisv, NC USA Date Reviewed: April 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
Light - Strong enough for my weight (185) - easy maintenance - & 199 from msrp of 569
Weaknesses:
little bendy on hard turns...hardly enough to notice
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper Comp- Maviic Crossroc Tubeless - Fox Air R Rear Shock - upgrading to ReceFace Next Lp - Time Carbon Race Clipless (2 thumbs up) ...up grading as I break it!
Bottom Line:
I went from the bottom of Manitou to almost to the top so my review is get one if you don't have the $$$ to get the X-Vert, CL or Elite. - I upgraded both front & rear shox at the same time so ther was a big difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
H
a Cross Country Rider
from Mountain View, CA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
a local Pacific Bicycle shop
Strengths:
light, adjustable
Weaknesses:
too narrow - need to deflate & inflate the tire every time taking the front wheel off to put the bike on a roof rack, etc (w/ Mavic CrossRide & RC Mythos)
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX, RockShox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR-XC
Bottom Line:
Nice fork for the actual selling price (not MSRP). Light & adjustable. (Does anyone know what else other than their own Prep-M I can safely & effectively use for the 'micro-lube'? How about, say, Pedro's, etc?) The only backdraw is that it's too narrow (at least for my RC Mythos w/ Mavic CrossRide), and I must deflate the front tire just to take it off (to put it on my car-rack, etc) & having to inflate back fully each and every time (which in turn forces me with a good practice of pressure-checking each time, though), and that can be a drag... (Does anyone know why it's narrower than the other forks I've tried? Is this for weight reduction?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mattymo
a Cross Country Rider
from East Tennessee, USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the one i'm on
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Lateral stiffness, weight
Weaknesses:
Uhhh...I'm not sure about how to fill the airspring (please e:mail if you have suggestions).
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC '98
Bike Setup:
ti hardtail
Bottom Line:
This fork is way stiffer than the RS offerings. I usually have a hard time believing when people say some upgrade improved their riding, but this fork is really much more stable downhill and I feel more confident descending. Furthermore, my front brake is scary strong now.
With regard to the airspring, when I put my floor pump on the shrader valve, I don't even get one stroke into it. Feels like the air isn't going in. I think I've managed to get some air into it. Sag seems close to right. IS THIS RIGHT?
It'll probably get 5 chilis after I get the airspring right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Manny
a
from Miami Date Reviewed: March 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Sub 3 lbs., Adjustability, Grease ports, ease of maint: replacing an elastomer is a $20.00 affair so who cares if they go bad.
Weaknesses:
A bit of flex, but that's to be expected with a fork this light at my weight (225 lbs). Factory settings: I had to replace the stock elastomers because it's set for someone in the 150-160 range.
Similar Products Used:
RS Judy 100
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar, lx/strx rc mix, kore stem and post, azonic bar, sun rims, cane creek ad-5 shock, koobi si saddle, hutchinson pythons. It's not the lightest bike around, but who cares? I don't race, so I'm just concerned that nothing will break on a regular basis.
Bottom Line:
This is a good fork for the cash! I wish it was a bit stiffer, but that's not the fault of the product (I'm just a bit heavy for a fork this lite). It is very adjustable and will serve anyone very well. It will also shave a bit of overall weight from your bike (my Jamis is down to about 26-27 lbs, and that's from a 98 frame that was heavy to begin with). It is air, so that comes with it's own set of problems, but anyone who has owned any kind of air shock knows they all leak air and they're not as smooth as coil/oil. Also, if you expect to just bolt this on and expect it to take care of itself you're in for a surprise! Keep it lubed up (answer sells a really neat grease gun that makes this a snap) and expect to tear it down once a year and give it it's required maint. Usually the things you hear about a product being terrible is because it wasn't used or taken care of correctly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shawn Hendrix
a Weekend Warrior
from Stevenson Ranch, CA Date Reviewed: March 7, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Santa monica to Vinice (gotta love thong bikinnis)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo!!!
Strengths:
A carbon fork that a weekend warrior can afford! I have had no problems with it I work accros the street from Manitou (answer) so If I do I will take it across the street and have it fixed! And gotta love that carbon look.
Weaknesses:
I wish you could order it with out V Brake post. I have hayes disc so that was a plus.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mag-R
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Rocket 88 Stage 4
Bottom Line:
Worth The Money!!! A bad Ass shock Bad ass Look. And Answer is a Great Company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: March 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Superblow
Strengths:
Light, cheap, looks pretty cool.
Weaknesses:
MSRP of $570 and Supergo is selling them for $199. Hmmmm. Could there be a reason? Yes! It took me 56 minutes to blow the seals on this piece of SH*T. Riding this thing is like riding a Fabrage egg. Invest your money in something a little more reliable.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z4 Fly Light Air. Rockshox Sid XC. Marzocchi Z2 Atom Bomb.
Bike Setup:
Ibis Mojo, Chris King HS, Race Face cranks, bars, stem. Thomson seatpost. Rhino Lite rims and the rest is XT. Giant XTC SE1. Sram 9.0, Sid XC, Hayes disk, Race Face crank, bars, stem.
Bottom Line:
If you weight over 180lbs, stay away from this fork! I blew the seals on moderate XC riding - not even close to any hard hits!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
WNC Biker
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville, NC Date Reviewed: February 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Too many to pick
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
supergo.com
Strengths:
Light, cheap, easy to tune
Weaknesses:
Too narrow, very "squirmy"
Similar Products Used:
Y2K Mars 1, Judy
Bike Setup:
Dean TI, XT/XTR, Mavic, Raceface, Stratas rear shock
Bottom Line:
I had to rush order a shock while building up a new frame (my Mars 1 steerer tube was cut too short). Supergo had a smoking deal on these shocks so I ordered one to get me started on the season. It is much narrower than my last Mars, you can barely force a 2.1 Michelin between the brake arms / pads. One time I even knock the brake pad off. It seems a little twitchier than the Mars 1 on downhills, although the overall action is the same. Still for less than $200, its a good air shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
big mike big uns
a Cross Country Rider
from la Date Reviewed: February 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
yding
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
its very nice and smooth very nice recomend to try it and very very light
Weaknesses:
it leaks air so u better buy a pump to pump it back up when its out of air but hey worth it what kind of ride it gives you
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
mars c forks,schwinn mesa,646 shimano clipless,sun rims,p.o.s v-brakes and xt parts all around
Bottom Line:
MUST GET or your missing out!!!!!!! beware buy a pump when u buy the fork
over all i rate it a 0-10 it would be a 11
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George Carling
a
from North Carolina Date Reviewed: January 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Devil's Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo (where else)
Strengths:
Everything, Looks cool on my KLEIN,light weight, sick price!!
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rock Suk leak a lot forks, Crack and Fail Headshock (more like a dead shock).
Bike Setup:
2001 KLEIN Attitude Race, XT/XTR, Mavic Wheels, Icon Stuff too!
Bottom Line:
PLUSH!!! This is the Shock I have been looking for. Easy to tune, a pleasure to ride. Takes all hits well, no stiction. Still waiting to see how the Carbon arch holds up. In the words of Eric Cartman..."Sweeeeet"!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Sabian
a Weekend Warrior
from Blacksburg, VA USA Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dantes Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
Cheap price, low weight, good features
Weaknesses:
oil leakage
Similar Products Used:
JUDY XC
Bike Setup:
specialized M2 stuntjumper full xtr king headset
Bottom Line:
Upon ordering this fork from supergo I noticed it was leaking oil from where the lockout would be on similar models. Upon calling Supergo, they said this was not normal and immediately sent me a new fork with all the return shipping paid for. Well see how it rides but A+ service from Supergo
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alfredo Guiducci
a Weekend Warrior
from Rome, Italy Date Reviewed: January 11, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Many
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light, easy setup and tuning
Weaknesses:
Air system
Similar Products Used:
RockShox XC
Bike Setup:
KONA Kula, XTR rear, XT front, XT V-Brake, Gript Shift
Bottom Line:
Great fork until the second month. After this period the fork started to leak air and I had to inflate it every time I rode. Now I sent it to the italian importer to get service (I hope in warranty since I bought it in USA and I brought the fork in Italy). However, it is a good fork when it works..... 5 chilis for 2 months, 1 chili the 3rd month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tyler Mill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Great looks, easy to set up, very plush, weighs 1325 grams (2.9lbs) on my digital scale, and I'm sure the microlube will keep the fork running clean.
Weaknesses:
I know the plastic caps will fly off soon. Feels a little flexy, but I weigh 190 lbs. so any sub 3 lb. fork will feel flexy.
2000 GT XCR-LE, XTR, XT. Hayes brakes, Rolf disc wheels
Bottom Line:
You'll have a difficult time finding a better performing air fork then the MARS C. And it's impossible to find a better NEW air fork for $189!! This fork is plush, easily adjustable, and looks sweet. What more could you ask for?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Cross Country Rider
from TX Date Reviewed: January 8, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light, responsive, wide range of adjustibility, micro-lube ports and stiff.
Weaknesses:
none so far.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mach 5 SX, Rock Shox Judy SL ('98), Rock Shox Sid Race ('00)
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab 2 ('98), Manitou Mars C, SRAM 9.0sl drivetrain w/ Truvativ Stylo Team crankset, King headset, King/Mavic 517/revolution wheelset, Thomson post and stem, Panaracer Fire XC 1.8, Avid Arch Supreme w/ Avid Ultimate levers.
Bottom Line:
This is a GREAT fork! The adjustability is incredible (both rebound and compression). Does not leak air or oil. Easy to maintain (micro-lube ports). It IS light(3.15 lbs w/uncut steerer tube weighed on 2 different digital lab scales). I would say that the only forks "less flexy" than this one would be those that are triple-clamp designs. Tremendous fork at an insanely good price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jackass
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamestown, VA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Light Plush...to a degree Light Says MANITOU hehe
Weaknesses:
carbon "break" arch? I feel like im gonna snap it... Flex
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi
Bottom Line:
This is a good fork...i suppose...but the flex and teh carbon? carbon? wtf? but it instilled absolutely no confidence having that little pos wigglin down up front...i guess if your a weightweenie go ahead....4 turds for 200 bucks....2 turds cause they sucked
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian b
a Cross Country Rider
from rochester michigan Date Reviewed: December 26, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Vasa
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$186.00
Purchased At:
Superg0
Strengths:
n/a
Weaknesses:
n/a
Similar Products Used:
indy sl, sid sl, bomber z1
Bike Setup:
97 Gt Karakoram, spec lx parts, '00 Mars C (unridden), Nightrider Digital Nite Owl, Bonty bar ends, Hutchinson Python Gold in the front, Continental Twister pro in da back.
Bottom Line:
i have not yet even tried out the fork itself, but the reviews i have heard alone led me to buy this fork. it is a thing of beauty and Superg0 is having a killer sail right now with them. the only thing you'll need once you get this fork is the air pump and maybe the grease shooter as well. i will keep everyone posted once i get out and test out the black beauty. untill then
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bill
a Weekend Warrior
from tucson Date Reviewed: December 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
eats rocks - yeah!!!!!
Weaknesses:
I'm a little leary with all the problems I have read about manitou shocks.
Similar Products Used:
answer Ti
Bike Setup:
stumpjumper - xt/xtr
Bottom Line:
I am new at riding with a shock - rode a 91 alien for years. Now my hands don't hurt, and I'm picking up my speed on the downhill. I am getting more trusting every ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
M.B.
a Cross Country Rider
from NY Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$190.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
Nice combination of stiff and light. Easy adsjustments, not sure of the elastomer lifespan or temp. affect, etc. too soon to tell. Good history of reliable stuff
Weaknesses:
Feels great, but just coming off the SID, not as plush
I can't believe I paid more for a SID! Learn from my mistakes here folks. I think I love this fork! Just canned my SID SL (super leaks), although the Mars is not as supple, it makes up big ground in stiffness, ease of adjustment, and reliability. Sid SL was lighter, but carrying the pump on every ride didn't make it add up. Plenty of overlap on Manitou = less slop = less leakage Buy this fork if you want to ride more than wrench!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from georgia Date Reviewed: December 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Camp Thunder
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$291.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
light!real stiff and super plush,awesome graphics.the option of installing a lock-out on the fork.
this fork is awesom.real stiff and super plush.with the lock-out i can run it real soft to soak up the bumps and not worry about it bobbing.doesn't bottom out on the hard stuff and really easy to adjust.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robb
a Cross Country Rider
from Houghton, MI Date Reviewed: November 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
John Muir
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$189.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Price
Weaknesses:
None Yet
Similar Products Used:
RockShox
Bike Setup:
Trek 8900, XTR/RaceFace/Time/Thomson
Bottom Line:
I haven't used this yet, a friend has one says its great but if your interest go to Supergo, they got the Black one for $189, I was going to spend $400, but I waited and I'm glad I did. Get'em quick because they are not going to last long.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Wise Rabbit
a Racer
from Virginia Date Reviewed: October 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, stiff, plush. Quick turning. Great adjustability. Amazing tracking.
Weaknesses:
Not as plush as a coil sprung fork.
Similar Products Used:
Similar in feel to Rockshox SID XC, but a bit stiffer laterally. Also similar to Marzocchi Z2 X-Fly, but the Marzocchi is a bit stiffer.
Bike Setup:
Scott Elite Racing frame, all XTR, SRAM 9.0, Chris King
Bottom Line:
This fork is an excellent choice for racing and hard, fast riding. It can take technical terrain at both fast and slow speeds, and is infinitely adjustable. It is very plush as is, and one of the plushest air forks around, matched only by the Rockshox SID XC, which loses ground in the lateral stiffness department.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mOOse
a Weekend Warrior
from Jeffersonville, IN Date Reviewed: September 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Otter Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Strength, weight, appearance
Weaknesses:
none so far. A bit worried about the future performance of the bushings. I had boots added to mine
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-Ti, RS Jett
Bike Setup:
'99 Trek 4000, Mars C fork, Azonic ORC stem (105/5°), Answer Rocker post, Time Alium pedals, Bontrager Corvair rims, Bonty FS2000 saddle
Bottom Line:
This fork is great! It's light, plush, sturdy (I weigh over 200lbs), and comfortable. Top that with the fact that the model I have is black/silver (haven't seen many this color) and looks great on my bike, and I have to give this fork a good review. Can't beat the price I got, either, but part of that was because the SX-R I had ordered was WAY backordered and Manitou was offering a deal. Maybe I'll come back in a year and follow up. Peace!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Laboy
a Weekend Warrior
from Ponce, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: September 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
El Hoyo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$380.00
Purchased At:
Local bike shop
Strengths:
Light, stiff, matches my Manitou HT frame just right. Also, it looks soooo cool!!!Best of all, I am the only one among my peers, who all ride SIDs.
Weaknesses:
Not really plush, attracts all kinds of envious comments from the aforementioned SID riders. (Suffer, dudes).
Manitou HT Frame, Thomson post, Kore Elite stem, Race Face Headset,CT2 Bar, the rest is all XTR.
Bottom Line:
This is the fork I was waiting for.It is more stiff laterally and frontally than any RockShox, and the steering precision is by far better. Not supple but great on big hits and singletrack carving. Also great for climbs(little Bobbing), gotta love Microlube and the carbon arch. I am still learning its rebound settings, but overall the best fork I've owned.(the ones I "tried" I actually owned).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Knight
a Weekend Warrior
from Kingwood Tx Date Reviewed: August 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Crooked Spoke
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Bike Lane
Strengths:
Great shock. For my size. Super easy to adjust.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000
Bottom Line:
So far it's been a great shock No problems with bottoming out due to my weight. Super easy to install on bike.Easy to adjust for the different type of terrain that I ride on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
justin
a Cross Country Rider
from leesburg, va Date Reviewed: August 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
fountainhead
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Looks awesome, extreme plushness, stiffness, incredibly light, very easy to adjust, full 80mm of travel
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX, SX Ti, Spyder R (sucks), Judy, Bomber Z4
Bike Setup:
DECKED OUT Trek 7000 w/ Mars C, thudbuster, full XT, Azonic PDW riser, Azonic ORS stem, kool stop pads
Bottom Line:
I would not pay nearly $600 for this fork. I paid $300 for it at pricepoint, and it rocks. WHO CARES about the tabs being only for Hayes discbrakes---they're the best anyway. This fork is incredible, does not leak like a SID, weighs 2.8lbs, and looks sweet. The idiots who have problems with it AREN'T FOLLOWING THE MAINTINANCE SCHEDULES!!! For $300, it gets 5 flamin' turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryamn
a Cross Country Rider
from macon,ga Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000
This is an awesome fork and i got a great deal on it from my bike shop.anyone looking for a good,light fork should consider the Mars C.i give it 5 chili's in both the value and overall categories.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick bessette
a Weekend Warrior
from carson city, nv, usa Date Reviewed: June 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
darel's delemma
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
A very stiff shock
Weaknesses:
Despite frequent maintanence the fork does not hold up to frequent aggressive rides. The bushings have failed on two of these and manitou refuses to stand by their warranty. The fork actually cracked at the brake arch and manitou refused to warranty it. Manitou has no real warranty program. If you use it, car for it, and it fails do not call manitou.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX Manitou Carbonq
Bike Setup:
Specialized S works/xtr
Bottom Line:
These shocks are not built to last. When they fail - even while under warranty - Manitou WILL NOT BACK ITS PRODUCT. Buy a White Brothers shock. Plush, built to take a licking and White Brothers gives a very detailed description of maitaining the shock - time intervals, what to do etc. Manitou has nothing in its manual regarding when to maintain their product. I have gone through 4 manitou shocks (my weight = 170 lbs). The first two were my fault. After learning my lesson I was faithful to a maintanence schedule. The bushings on the shocks are not built to last. They are probably best for the person who rides the flats, infrequently, and is not out in the dust, dirt, mud, snow, of the mountains. I do not believe this is a serious MOUNTAIN biking product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kurt H
a
from Salt Lake Date Reviewed: June 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks good
Weaknesses:
no boots
Similar Products Used:
rock shox and manitou
Bike Setup:
Klein attitude race stock
Bottom Line:
what, no boots? They say you don't really need them but I'd like to be safe. My dampening adjustment malfunctioned after the second ride. Overall it seems like this fork will be pretty sweet after I work out the little problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt aronoff
a Cross Country Rider
from santa fe Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, extremely stiff, and very adjustable. plus the microlube system keeps it running smooth all the time.
Weaknesses:
none so far, except if you want discs on a cross country bike for some dumb reason, then you'll need the adapter
Similar Products Used:
sid's, bomber's, judy's, xmo, etc...
Bike Setup:
litespeed ocoee
Bottom Line:
i replaced my z2 bomber with the mars to save some weight off my bike. the sids are way too flexy, and i didn't want to mess with blowing cartridges, the xmo is the cheapest, but with only englunds, the travel is really limited, and sticking with the loyal marzocchi's, i have not heard a good thing said about the superfly yet. so the mars was the answer, with an air cartridge on one side, and the tpc on the other the travel is infinitely adjustable. i bought this fork from a guy who received it from the factory on recall for an sx carbon with a bad brace, but all the problems seem to be worked out with manitou and the crowns aren't having the same breakage of the carbon crown. this fork has extremely smooth travel, equally comparable to my bomber, if not better. nothing bad yet to say about this fork, i will keep and update in a few months, but i definitely recomend it, even for the price, which i see is now like $379 mailorder, worth every penny because this is probably the best sub-3 pound fork on the market right now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shamus McDaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville TN USA Date Reviewed: April 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Norris-Highpoint
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light; Adjustable; Gotta love the Carbon Arch
Weaknesses:
the disk break tabs will not accomidate anything excepty Hayes without a $35 adaptor plate
Similar Products Used:
RockShock Bomber
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Attitude Race All XT (including the hydro dick breaks STILL IN THE BOX) XTR rear de. XT hubs W/ Ritchy WCS OCR rims King Headset Yadda yadda yadda ITS A BIKE
Bottom Line:
This fork out preforms most of its competitors. It is easy to put air in and to fine tune adjust. BUT the disk break tabs SUCK!!! Apparentlly Answer has a deal with Hayes so that the Hayes bolt right on insted of having to use an adaptor plate. However, if you want to be an individual and try something other than a Hayes you have to get an adaptor plate, which in my case, will not be made for several more months. Dont you just love new bike tecnology? I give this fork five flam'n cats minus one for the headace of having to try to fing an adaptor plate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shamus McDaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Knoxville TN USA Date Reviewed: April 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Norris
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very adjustable; LIGHT weight; Low mantiance; gotta love the carbon fiber arch
Weaknesses:
The disk break tabs suck. Answer has some kind of deal with Hayes which makes the tabs different from every other shock and makes it so you have to have an adaptor (which in my case is not being made for another month even though they sold me the $400 break set that I cannot use)if you want anything except Hayes. Don't you just love new bike technology?
Similar Products Used:
Rockshock; Bomber
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Attitude race All XT (including the disk breaks, STILL IN THE BOX)
Bottom Line:
This fork is one of the lightest and most dependable shocks on the market. I love the thing if it weren't for those damn tabs. I have never had any problems with the Mars leaking air (unlike the SID). Anyone who wants to go fast shoud buy this fork. I give 'em five flaming cats minues one for the headache I got trying to order the break adaptor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonwallace
a Cross-Country Rider
from wash dc Date Reviewed: December 4, 1999
Favorite Trail:
many
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
hmmmmm
Weaknesses:
leaks air
Similar Products Used:
sx-r,marz 300, man magnum, specialized air.
Bottom Line:
dudes, its like this, i've had the mars for 2 weeks, and i've done a bit of jumping, nothing my old sx-r couldnt handle, and the thing looses air every other day. and thats really it man.
Overall Rating:
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