Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Arroyo Grande, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Park City, UT
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Very light and durable.
Weaknesses:
None to speak of.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR S-Works, mix of XT and XTR components. All stock. BRP X-link
Bottom Line:
I too, can't believe all of the negative press that this shock has received on the MTBR product reviews. I ride year round, at least twice a week and have not had one problem with this shock. I ride many different terrains and this shock is so supple and just floats over rock gardens, washboard and slickrock, with nary a wimper. To tell you the truth, I have never had it serviced yet. It's been that good. It ain't broke, so I'm not fixing it. I think that the guys having problems with this shock, are probably bombing downhills and landing 12 foot jumps. This is a XC shock, not a DH.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Lipski
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Southern Kettles
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Wheel & Sprocket
Strengths:
Really Light Looks great on bike Lockout Disc mounts
I have had this fork for 3 years and have yet to have a problem with it. Lockout works great, never leaked thus far. Have been to Moab, Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain and everywhere in Wisconsin. It has held up to everything that I have tossed at it, and has worked great. Completely submerged didn't bother it one bit. I am 6'0", 180lbs, and ride 4-5 times per week on trails between April and November....sometimes more if work doesn't get in the way. Bottom line, I love the thing. I am amazed by the probs that people have had with this thing. Just my luck, after writing this it will all fall apart.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cesar Ochoa
a Cross Country Rider
from Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Franklyn Mountain State Park
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Light & efficient
Weaknesses:
None yet found
Bike Setup:
Specialized 1998 FSR, full XTR, Mavic CrossMax wheels
Bottom Line:
I upgraded to this fork from an older version XC Manitou fork that came with my bike. This is a much better product. Lighter, more responsive, suppler. I stopped racing pretty much at the same time I bought this fork and now I use my bike primarily for light trail riding and, three or four times a year, for multi-day epic rides. The fork climes well and performs flawlessly on long descends. It also absorbs well the small stuff, so it is a comfortable fork. I am 152 pounds, and a fast but not aggressive rider. I have not had any of the problems mentioned by other reviewers. I guess you just need to be kind to your shock and it will be nice to you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Benn
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa Date Reviewed: February 21, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sabie
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Light weight, was quite happy with the shock when it worked
Bought the shock 2nd hand from a mate, happy with the shock while it still worked, BUT now the shock is just over 2 years old, and needs some parts to be replaced (lower assembly) but guess what Manitou no longer have that part available as once a shock is over 2 years old they don't carry spares for it. Too expensive apparently! Hello Marzocchi MXC here I come.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
G G
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Noble canyon
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, adjustable, feels great.
Weaknesses:
Same as everyone else...they wear out after a couple months. Seals blow, response weakens, and, they are wimpy.
Similar Products Used:
Stuff
Bike Setup:
Intense Spyder (old) XC
Bottom Line:
They were awesome for the first couple months. So plush, no bob, light as hell, and very responsive. But, after several months of use, they start to give out. They feel like a low level rock shock. They kleak oil and the lockout failed. I had it serviced and it works now, but, not like it did when it was new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derrick Stoll
a Cross Country Rider
from North Liberty, IA 52317 Date Reviewed: August 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Horsethief Bench (Fruita, CO)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Very adjustable, light, lock-out is nice for climbing.
Weaknesses:
Too much flex (side to side), not very durable.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock Judy XC, Rock Shock Indy, Manitou Mach 3
Bike Setup:
Easton Elite Aluminum Frame, full XT, Bontrager Mustang Wheels.
Bottom Line:
This has been a good fork for me up until about a month ago. It started creaking when it topped out. After taking it apart 3 times I finally discovered that a lock-ring in the air chamber had broken. OK, no big deal right? Come to find out this part cannot be removed or replaced, so my only option is to buy a new fork. I'm not qualified to say that this is a crappy fork after my experience, but I sure thought this fork would last more than 1 1/2 years. Maybe I'll make a lamp out of it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dunko
a Racer
from Alexandria Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pipeline and Porcupine Rim Moab
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
HTO- came on bike
Strengths:
Very adjustable, looks cool enough, funky carbon arch, lockout
Weaknesses:
Yep, its a little sensitive, but what lightweight racing fork isn't? If you wanted a fork for thrashing around big trails, you got the wrong fork..
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
S works m4 2000- pretty stock
Bottom Line:
Nice light race fork with plenty of adjustability. lOckout works, so do the other adjustments, just don't be doing crazy drops or leave the lockout on as the seals will blow in an instant. The Mars super may be a good fork, but I havent talked to a racer who hasn't been too dissapointed with this fork, even if it a little high maintence (like a woman I guess!). Go ride
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Submitted by
craig
a Cross Country Rider
from denver, co, usa Date Reviewed: July 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all singletrack
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
came w/ bike
Strengths:
lightweight and very responsive
Weaknesses:
break, fix and then rebreak
Similar Products Used:
manitou SX, old school Specialized pre-Mag 21
Bike Setup:
s-works w/ full xtr and chris king
Bottom Line:
i loved riding this shock but after a full overhaul and fix by the manitou guys at the worlds last year in vail (Thanks), i goes and break again. not just a minor seal, but the lower stays in the legs just feel out. they are supposedly factory pressed in and glued. kinda weak if you ask me. i tried to post the other day with nothing good to say about manitou, but after a few phone calls by me and my LBS (wheatridge cyclery - thanks for your help), it sounds like manitou is going to stand behind their product and help me out with a new shock at a reduced price. that is cool considering two years of bashing on this fork. bottom line, stay away from this fork and the anti-bob thingy cause i have gone trought two of them as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Otavio Alencar
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brazil Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
lightweight, anti bob system
Weaknesses:
the urethane ring of the anti bob system and the inner axle of the anti bob
Bike Setup:
SPECIALIZED M4 FSR WORKS with XTR group
Bottom Line:
I own a Manitou Mars CL 2000 despite the problems with the urethane ring of the anti bob system and its axle which, after some time became hard to turn on/off I was extremely well surprised by the excellent service provided by Manitou especially by the customer service's speedy handling of the problem by sending me brand new ones. Congratulations, Manitou!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Philip
a Racer
from LA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Bone
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Stock on 2000 S-Works
Strengths:
The color matched my bike. It enabled Specialize to advertise a lighter bike.
Weaknesses:
Creaks, leaks, sucks
Similar Products Used:
X-Fly 80, Indy C, Manitou Pro C, Quad 21R.
Bike Setup:
2000 Sworks FSR XC with a much better for now.
Bottom Line:
It is crap like this that will give a company a bad name. This fork is light as heck, but at 155lbs, this weekend warrior managed to blow the sh** out of this thing. I raced it 3 times because, well its a race fork. Not only does the fork allow you to feel every grain of dirt on the trail, it blows oil like a derrick, and creaks like my grandmas knees. An occasional washboard on the trail feels like a rock garden with this thing. My arms are aching by the end of the ride not to mention that the lock out broke in the first week and has never worked since.
So I returned the fork to Manitou through Supergo 2 months ago to fix and get me back on the trail. Well, 2 months later I still have no fork but they tell me that they are replacing everything but the lowers. Well great, but how about just giving me a decent fork!
I am SOOOO pissed that Manitou left me hanging for 2 months and counting. What the hell do they expect me to do! Well, problem solved....in a bit of irony, since Manitou left me out to dry and off the trails, I found a used Marzocchi X-FLY on mtbr. Dear Jesus I have seen the light! I now know what I have missing out on. Those same washboards that threw me around on the Mars CL have been turned into slight vibrations as I blow over them. The weight gain on the bike has not been noticible, and I just flat out am having more fun. So much so, that I just bought a Marzochi Atom 80 just to experience absolute bliss (havent tried it yet).
I think that it is afe to say that Manitou lost a customer on this one. Not only because of performance, but becasue of crappy customer service. The moral of the story is that if you make a crappy fork, then market it as such and dont attached it to $3200 bike and expect people not to notice. Specialized already shoots itself in the foot by attaching its crappy in-house components to the S-works, and now they seem to be in-cohouts with Mantiou to fleece mountain bikers. This experience has made me realize that in the long run building up your own bike is the way to avoid a lot of sunk costs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pat
a
from US Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$599.00
Strengths:
great place to store oil. carbon arch cool to look at..great for holding head tube off of ground while sitting in garage. I am whimpy wanna be mtbiker, who loves to climb (reason I purchased this fork after leaving C-dale Fatty). works great as long as you are not climbing anything while on your bike.
Weaknesses:
sent back 3 times (I DO not do drops/race alot/ride hard or extreme). thought it would be ready to go for race season since it has only been ridden a few times since it was shipped back-WRONG!! air blew on course pre-ride..new seals sent to me, but it is not POSSIBLE to install without damaging them!) luckily LBS has SID SL (although that seems a tad flexy) so I can "race" this weekend and next.
Similar Products Used:
none-first non c-dale
Bike Setup:
Trek STP/XTR/Rolf Propell
Bottom Line:
lets get together with Local Bike Shops and send them in one shipment to Manitneverworked. I know of at least 6 not including mine which are waiting to go back-thats just me. not that they stand behind this product-but I dont want this thing any more...
PS-$20 dollars is great price as long as you making a lamp out of it! Oh, wait, what a great idea...does Mantheycallthisafork sticker come off?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bad Brad
a Racer
from Madison Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Quary Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$20.00
Purchased At:
Swap meet
Strengths:
Cheap at swap meets. With some fiddling I was able to turn this thing into about equal to a '94 quality fork. (I have a Manitou 4 that is it's equal)
Weaknesses:
No support from manufacturer. No parts availible. Shame on Manitou.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 4, Most of the lower end Rox Shox stuff.
Bike Setup:
Pole Sonic Tonic (bonded Al), Sram/gripshift, Avid SD 3.0s, 98 XT V-brakes, Thompson post 0 deg., Salsa Moto Ace stem, Dia-comp ahead-set, Tioga seat, Bear-trap ped., Truetemper Bar, IRC Notos tires, Rolf Dolomite rear wheel, Superfly front hub with a Mavic 517 rim and straight laced DT spokes. Oh, Bullet alloy valve caps. An I cant forget the Cheesemano drive train stuff. This bike is a medium and, hold on to your hats, weighs under 20 lbs! I checked the weight on sveral scales to be sure. Wow!
Bottom Line:
Straight from the swap meet to my bike.
Just got the fork on the other night. It was dark and the street doesn't reveal a whole lot as far as performance. The fork needs to be rebuilt. Anti bob doesn't work. As far as flex goes I am used to the Fatty Sl on my C'dale so any other fork I ride feels flexy. I also Have a Jekyll 900sx with a lefty DRL that I like a lot. I think the flex seems to be similar to it's copetition in the same weight cat. Now I just have to find some parts to fix this limper along.
Bad Brad
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came on the bike
Strengths:
light, fast, TCP works great, grease ports keep things smooth.
Weaknesses:
could be stiffer
Similar Products Used:
several rockshox forks
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 with XTR and all the goodies
Bottom Line:
I don't know where all the problem forks came from. I had a recall on my fork for the crown and had it fixed. Since then I have been riding hard on the fork with no problems and love the performance. The only thing I would like to see is a little more rigidity in the fork. Rember this thing is a super lighr race fork, NOT a big hit fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
bobs trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Light and perfroms well with no problems
Weaknesses:
the plastic damping knob, a metal one would be nice
Similar Products Used:
A bunch of rock shoxs and some manitou
Bike Setup:
Voodoo bizango with XT and other light components for a fast hardtail
Bottom Line:
I weight around 160 and the shock works great, I ride 5 to 7 times a week over the summer and definatly puch the shock. It has been a good value and I am very pleased with it. The shock fits my bike and my riding style and is taken care of.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rich
a Racer
from Florida Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on bike
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
You Name It
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dragon, pretty much stock other than seat and stem. They come real nice right out of the box.
Bottom Line:
I got the bike headed off to the NORBA national race and the fork went flat, Manitou was there so they rebuilt the fork and it seemed to be good. A couple of weeks later it did it again so this time the LBS replaced it from another bike to save me the hassle. Now this completely different fork has done the same things, leaks oil is flat won't hold air for more than a couple of hours and the lockout will not turn. I would never recommend this product to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Racer
from Texas Date Reviewed: September 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
looks cool
Weaknesses:
Leaked oil right out of box, missing Rebound Damping Knob, Shreader valve broke off while unscrewing shock pump
Similar Products Used:
'99 SID XC, '97 Manitou SX Ti - still have on bike still works decently.
Bike Setup:
Custom 2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 1
Bottom Line:
Well I just received this today from Supergo. I read the reviews and hoped maybe it wouldn't happen to this one, and if it did (leaking oil) I'm prepared cuz I know how to fix it. so pulled it out of box.. leaked oil, no big deal i DID get it for 300 bucks. Then the rebound adjuster knob was missing.. still.. no big deal just use a 5 mm Hex wrench. Got it cut installed star nut everything was ready to go Locki out worked, oil level was good, unscrewed the air valve cap screwed the pump on pumped to 100 psi.. tried it with pump still on, tried at 140 psi..... no different.. hmmmmm... so I left it there and started unscrewing the shopck pump and lo-and behold teh damn valve broke straight off the fork when it hit a "hard spot" while un threading from pump.. so it's on it's way back. I didn't even get to ride the damn thing.. I'm not sure how the ppl that have this fork did NOT have any leaking problem.. but maybe you are an elite few and the rest of us are not worthy.. never know. I'd suggest saving your money and going with a better fork EVEN though it's at 300 bucks normally 700 or so.. it's not worth it. I'm going to the Interbike show in 2 days and gonna see what the Marzocchi Marathon is all about. Want a light weight fork but no to minimal flex? stay away from Rock shox SIDs, unless they've improved the strength since my last one. and Manitou... sorry but you don't have my vote go with marzocchi.. teh marathon is in an 80 or 100mm version AND a lock out called ECC. and only weighs in at 3.1lbs. so for not being able to ride the Mars CL I can;t say much aboutt he ride so my rating goes to the "cool" looks and horrible build of the fork. 2 chilis for looking cool.... 1 for overall
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Date Reviewed: September 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Chukar Butte
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles
Strengths:
Lightweight Trouble free easy to tune
Weaknesses:
Oil level with anti bob is critical
Similar Products Used:
Manitou FS Ti, Rock Shock mag 21, Rock Shock Pyslo,and the Judys
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar, XTR, SRAM 9.0, Spinergy Ceramic Xyclones, Thompson stem, Conti Vertical Pro's Salsa Skewers and Post
Bottom Line:
I have ran this fork for 2 years, year round in Idaho. 2 rides a week at least and have not had any leaks or problems. I have changed the oil 4 times (spring and Fall) and checked the air before every ride other than that Nothing. I have been to Moab every spring and Fall since I have had it and just road the hell out of it. It has responded just like Chris King and XTR just put them on, DO THE MAINTENENCE, and forget about them. I am 190 and ride in a lot of rocks and cowtrails normally the "faint of part" does not live thru it. If you like a light bike and a easily tuned fork this is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Douglas
a Cross Country Rider
from Paisley, Scotland, UK Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Errr??
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$850.00
Purchased At:
Can't remember
Strengths:
This is a follow-up; last time I submitted a review they were about to be returned for repair to the anti (anti) bob.
Weaknesses:
Ha Ha. I've read a few reviews stating how good the after sales service is with Manitou. Well, maybe in the US of A it is because over here in the UK it was b*****s!
Originally my Manitous leaked from day 1 with oil so I filled them with synthetic stuff basically to get them working when I was away on holiday. When I sent them back for repair they billed me for $120!!!! They said I used oil with seal sweller and that's what caused the problem!
I've said it before and I'll say it again:
I WILL NEVER EVER SPEND MY HARD EARNED MONEY ON MANITOU AGAIN! TRY DESIGNING STUFF THAT WORKS INSTEAD OF TRYING TO GET ONE UP ON ROCKSHOX.
NOBODY EVER EVER BUY MANITOU FORKS!!!
Bottom Line:
Manitou, if you are reading this please feel free to contact me. As a quality manager, I know a bit about customer satisfaction and you are doing it all wrong! Listen to your customers and learn.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Langford
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis, IN, US Date Reviewed: July 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Matthews
Strengths:
Definetly a plush ride. Light weight. Extremely adjustable. TPC Damping.
Weaknesses:
Not a beaffy fork, so heavier riders (go with marzocchi!!!)
Similar Products Used:
SXR
Bike Setup:
S-Works XC 2000, XTR, Raceface cranks/stem.
Bottom Line:
For light-weight riders, this is a kickass fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Summerfield, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
getting closer in Germany
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Mike´s Bikes
Strengths:
light, and looks cool
Weaknesses:
anti bob stopped working after one month. Checked out mtbr.com comments, and it seemed like all the symptoms mentioned here manifested themselves in my fork!! Finally when it started oozing oil and making "knocking" noises I said enough. Just bought a Magura\Rond O24u here in Germany. Great value if ya can get them over here. Just to add insult to injury, it usually takes Manitou anywhere from 3-6 weeks to deliver a part over here. Rock shox 48 hours, and Magura, virtually instantaneous.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 hardtail, xtr, chris king hubs
Bottom Line:
If you own one of these pieces, throw it in a lake, ASAP!! Start shoppig, and don´t try to sucker anyone else into buying your problems (ie. MARS CL).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Racer
from Pennington N.J. USA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
It holds my wheel on my bike
Weaknesses:
Fork is too light and very fragile. High maintence.
Bike Setup:
Total XTR and Race Face
Bottom Line:
This fork is a complete sham !!! If you want any sort of VALUE for your $$$ do not waste your money on this piece of junk. Manitou replaced it once because the crown split and they just fixed my new one because the bushings were worn out after mimimal use. I do take care and maintain my fork but this fork has to be the worst fork I have ever used. I have a friend that has had the same fork replaced twice. What a waste when you wait all year until summer to ride, then you can't ride because of a faulty product. I would give this product zero peppers but they make you give at least one .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Costas Yiannakis
a Racer
from Pretoria Date Reviewed: June 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
n/a
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
*Among the lightest shocks on the market *Adjustable hardness *Switch shocks off when riding on tarmac *Saved my life down a hill when i lost control, shocks were working to their fullest and got control of the bike again
Weaknesses:
Have not noticed any....
Bike Setup:
xt gears, brakes, dbr frame
Bottom Line:
I would just like to point something out: To all those people that have been complaning about the mars cl, i am very sorry for you. Either you got a faulty product which is possible, Dont forget we are HUMAN and we do make mistakes, or you misused the product. I am satisfied with mars cl and recomend it to anyone who can afford it. This shock absorber is not for downhill racing, it is for cross-country racing. If anyone just wants to go for a ride in the country with a bit of everything maybee the occasional jump, and they don't want to race, i recomend a full suspended bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
robert
a Cross Country Rider
from austin TX Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Capital Mt. Orcas Island
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Cheap and available
Weaknesses:
broke oil seal in less than a week flexy flexy
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Ti-spring
Bike Setup:
Kona XT- XTR
Bottom Line:
I mail ordered these things and got screwed. The seals on the damper started leaking after the first ride. The pressure was set properly, the fork was installed properly and all that jazz. I rode them hard but not any harder than you might expect. I could not raise any help from customer support at Manitou nor would Supergo listen for even a second. I guess I should buy local eh? Never again Manitou. Considering that the fork broke right away there I am going to give these the lowest possible rating. More people should hear about the bad customer service at Manitou. After reading some ot the other reveiws on this site and talking to some other riders I realize now that I should have come here first. Oh well live and learn. I sometimes wonder if Manitou dumps all of its defective product onto the mailorder market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Date Reviewed: May 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
First issue here is that people are reviewing different shocks - I've requested that the 2001 Mars Super be added to this category. Best reviews for the 2001 model shock are found under the 2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 2 full-suspension bike, for which the shock is stock.
I just demo'ed the Sugar 2, and NO, the anti-bob lock-out on the shock did not work. From the Sugar 2 reviews, it appears to me that it is an oil level issue. Why Answer cannot ship the shocks with the proper adjustments is beyond me - you would think they would have a proper Quality Assurance process??? I will buy the bike with the Manitou shocks if the shop can fix the lock-out issue. I will review the shock again if/when I have the chance to get a month of use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goat
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, Maryland Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Bike Shop
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
All
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Spyder, Marzzochi z2xfly
Bike Setup:
Moots YBBeat
Bottom Line:
I have the Mars Super It started to squeek the first time I rode it. The antibob never worked. It didn't get any stiffer when I put air in. I could here air or something leeking out, even if I just put my body weight on it (I only weigh 150lbs). It seemed like air was coming from the rebound adjuster at the bottom of the fork. I've had 4 Manitou forks and none have been quality forks. They all fall apart or bind, but this one is the most expensive and worse I've ever had. I won't buy Manitou anymore. This one is in for warranty work and my bike is out of commission, probably for the entire summer. I have to agree with Yo Eddy, my Marzzochi Bomber is awesome, and the best fork I've ever owned.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PAtrick Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Sandy utah Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
dog lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
*super light *sexy arch *anti-bob works for me *grease ports
Weaknesses:
*flexy up the butt *ambiguous--(see comments below)
Similar Products Used:
sid- sl sid -original various rock shox and manitou forks
Bike Setup:
old race day s-works hard tail fram with all XTR and racelight tubless wheels
Bottom Line:
well, its an ari fork, so its light. naturally you might expect it to be flexy too, so no surprise there. what really bothers me to this day is the so called "ramp up". the fork is ambiguous. if you set it soft then you will have awsome entry rate movment but bottom out easy. and set it with harder pressures and you loose small bumb eating capabilities. manitou has fixed this problem in 2001 with a floating piston design with a sid like ramp up and entry rate. The bottom line is, the fork feels the same from the first mil. of travle to the bottom out point. but the travel is smooth setup is easy, the anti-bob works, and the comp, and rebound adjustments are easily made on the fly. and love that microlube, rock shox just doesn't get it. theyre resiwhiper seal just doesn't cut it anymore.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Racer
from Omaha, NE Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Spin City Cyclery Omaha, NE
Strengths:
EVERYTHING THE ANTI-BOB, GREASE PORTS,COLOR, DAMPANING, REBOUND, THE FORK IS PLUSH AND PERFECT.
Weaknesses:
NOTHING, STOP WHINNING MANITOU HAS ONE OF THE BEST WARRANTY SERVICES AROUND GOT A PROB, SEND IT IN THEY WILL FIX IT. AND DAH YOU DUMBASS THIS IS AN XC RACE FORK NOT A 4 FOOT DROP FREERIDE FORK, GO GET YOUR BAGGY SHORTS AND WANNABE NORTH SHORE FREERIDE BIKE AND PUT AN XVERT OR THE REAL CHOICE A BOMBER FOR THAT TYPE OF RIDING, MANITOU IS AN XC COMPANY THAT DABS IN DH, NOT FREERIDE, THAT IS MARZOCCHI.
Similar Products Used:
SX TI, SID, Z-2 XFLY
Bike Setup:
ROCKY MOUNTAIN BLIZZARD 2000, FULL 9.0 SL GROUP, RACEFACE NEXT LP CRANKS, RACEFACE BB. CANE CREEK SUS, POST.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A GREAT XC RACE FORK THAT IS WHAT IT WAS MADE FOR NOT 4 FOOT DROPS OR FREERIDING. XC RACE COURSES DON'T HAVE 4 FOOT LET ALONE 2 FOOT DROPS, NONE ON THE NORBA CIRCUT, AND MOST AMBC DON'T EITHER. VERY PLUSH VERY ACTIVE AND HAS ANTI-BOB. NOTHING BETTER, LEARN HOW TO TUNE IT AND YOU'LL LOVE IT EVEN MORE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
argnot
a Racer
from Boston Date Reviewed: February 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light. Lock-Out lever. Designed for racing. Tuneable
Weaknesses:
None, if used for what's made for.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX Ti Manitou Mars Super
Bike Setup:
99' Mantra Pro XTR 8-spd
Bottom Line:
I don't know why this fork gets bad reviews. This is a racing fork not a freeriding fork. The main problem is the company doesn't ship the tuning manual with the fork. They ship a lame @ass sheet of paper in 19 languages. I recommend going to: http://www.answerproducts.com/pdf/2000 Tuning Manual.pdf Everything you needed to know about your complicated Mars CL. Also, Don't expect this fork to last if you're doing 4 feet drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mystery man
a Racer
from Gainesville GA Date Reviewed: February 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
chickopee
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
.com
Strengths:
light, and its the best fork out there
Weaknesses:
n/a
Similar Products Used:
headshocks, marzocchi
Bike Setup:
oclv HC frame, XTR drivetrain
Bottom Line:
the fork is a durable XC fork with decent travel. and its light as hell, and alex wesinger cant afford one!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Douglas
a
from Paisley, Scotland, UK Date Reviewed: December 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Too many
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$850.00
Strengths:
Light and red!
Weaknesses:
Leaked oil straight from the box. Anti-bob seized. Rougher than a badgers tadger. Pathetic instruction leaflet and no complimentary air pump for the price (just as well I had one already).
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox SID, Judy's
Bike Setup:
Trek 9900 OCLV w XTR & Crossmax
Bottom Line:
My Rockshox Indy's (cheapest model) have performed better then this! From day one, the oil leaked from the anti-bob knob (my instruction leaflet was saturated). I took the bike on holiday to Greece and while on the plane, the oil poured out again! Now I've got no oil and the Anti-Bob lever has seized.
The forks are now ready to be returned to the dealer. The thing is, I don't really want them back; I want a new fork. Manitou seem to have really messed things up for themselves by producing this fork.
One other thing, the finish on the forks are rubish with unfinished mould residue and peeling stickers.
MANITOU: ARE YOU READING THIS??? PLEASE READ THESE COMMENTS AND GIVE ME A FORK WHICH IS BETTER THAN MY £70.00 SPECIALS!!
TO ANYONE ELSE: DO NOT BUY A MANITOU FORK!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tsali, Elatchee
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Light weight, trouble-free, plush ride
Weaknesses:
none experienced....except maybe the rebound adjustment knob on the bottom will fall off if you don't watch it when removing your wheel.
Similar Products Used:
Trek's DDS that came on my 9000
Bike Setup:
S-works FSR, XTR, Crossmax, Time ATAC, CT2 bars, blahblahblah
Bottom Line:
No problems with this shock, and I like the way I can barely feel roots as I just power over them at high speed.
I had the choice of any shock I wanted but went with the Manitou as it was Specialized's choice for the frame.
So far, it was a great decision, but I'm glad I didn't pay full price for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Lee, NJ Date Reviewed: December 14, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ringwood
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Light, reliable, easy to maintain
Similar Products Used:
almost everything over the years, including the original Bradbury Manitou and RS1
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-Works FSR
Bottom Line:
My fork must have been made on a different day as everyone else, because I've had no problems at all. I weigh 210 and ride at least 5 days/week. This fork was not my first choice (I wanted a Marzocchi X Fly), but it's what came on the bike. The Mars is plush for cross country, easy to set up, and super easy to maintain. It doesn't have the range of adjustment as other forks, but all that adjustment is silly and unuseable anyway. The Mars adjustment range is all that is needed. I feel the anti-bob is a waste (I've never used it). I much rather have a compression adjuster. The rebound adjuster was broken out of the box, but Manitou sent me a replacement right away. While not as good as the Marzocchi on my HT, I have no complaints except I think at regular retail it is overpriced. It is much lighter than the Marzocchi though. It also never gave me a problem like my old SID did.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago Date Reviewed: November 2, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light as a feather, anti-bob works like a charm, holds air well, easy to tune - if you know what you're doing.
Weaknesses:
tpc adjustment valve falls out fairly easily, warrantied fork straight out of the box.
Similar Products Used:
99 r.s. sid sl, cannondale fatty ultra, white brothers xc4
Bike Setup:
2000 specialized s-works m4, upgraded to full xtr, changed bar/stem combo, cane creek s5 headset, sram rocket shifters
Bottom Line:
following my initail dissappointment with this fork (there was a problem with the bushings), I've had nothing but enjoyable rides on it. It's light as a feather and the lockout works great, however, I rarely if ever use it. The guys at answer were dicks when i originally sent the fork back, but it was rebuilt and is running great now.
-a little pricey if purchased aftermarket
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
yo eddy
a Downhiller
from north shore Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000
Favorite Trail:
north shore shi-
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
nuttin they suck
Weaknesses:
every thing air shocks suck
Similar Products Used:
dog shi-
Bike Setup:
total d.h
Bottom Line:
never bye a manitou they totally suck ass and air shocks dont last and you also need to buy a pump for them. if oyu want a good shock buy a marzocchi they have the shock for the kinda riding yo want
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim Gonzales
a Racer
from Fresno, CA USA Date Reviewed: September 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Goat Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
It's Light and that is IT.
Weaknesses:
Leaks oil from top and bottom. Hard as hell to set up. Feels no big different with BOB on or off. Have to air up before each ride. Too expensive for what you get.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
2000 Specialized S-Works M4
Bottom Line:
I have never tried a Manitou fork until this one. It came on the bike I bought so what the heck. This fork is a piece of crap. I can't beleive how much it cost too. I should have known I was in trouble with this fork when the BOB decorative cap fell off and the valve core broke on the first ride with it. Oil leaks from the bottom and also from the top. It sucks having to air this thing up before each weekend ride. I can't wait to ditch this turd at the end of the season or maybe sooner. I have never been able to set this thing up the way I would like it to feel. I can't comment on the rigidity because I only way 135lbs and just about everything feels stiff to me. I would hate to see what a larger rider would do to this fork. I have raced moutain bikes for over 9 years, and have worked at a number of bike shops and the bottom line is DON'T buy this fork because it is not worth the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Tolono, IL, USA Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000
2000 FSR S-WORKS M4 (Wait until 2001, you will be able to get one of these with a Rock Shox, according to Mountain Bike Mag)
Bottom Line:
Not to copy other peoples remarks, and I'm not saying this because others have commented the same way. But yes, this fork is indeed CRAP. My Judy XC Total Air worked better, heck my stock Judy XC worked better! It's light and looks cool but I would not recommend this fork to anyone. (Side note: ever remember seeing the Mars on the Pros bikes last year. Nope. We ended up the test rodents!)
First of all, the travel. The Mars CL doesn't seem to get the 80mm that Manitou says it does. Comparing to my old Judy XC, which had a Total Air upgrade (85mm) the Mars is too stiff and harsh. It doesn't want to move much. I tried adjusting the compression damping setscrew but it still does not feel right. Using the suggested adjustments for my weight (175lbs) travel is still short and it never bottoms out like is occasionally suggested.
Secondly, it's flexy and is binding at times through its travel. More so on the rebound, the fork feels like its binding somehow. Also, especially on flatter sections like fast fire roads, I can look (and feel) at how the fork legs wiggle front to back. I'm sure all forks have some flex but this is ridiculous.
Value Rating is lowest because it's not worth the money for what you get. Overall is 3 because it still looks cool. However, I will gladly trade coolness for usefullness any day.
NOW, IF MANITOU WOULD JUST COME OUT WITH SOMETHING BETTER AND GIVE US ALL A FREE TRADE-IN! MAYBE ALL THE UNHAPPY MARS OWNERs SHOULD BOMBARD MANITOU WITH EMAILS REQUESTING REPLACEMENTS!
Oh, well...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, Michigan Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$649.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
* Light. * Air spring but still plush
Weaknesses:
* Flexy * Binds when standing and hammering hard * Lack of compression adjustment.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou (original), 97 Sx TI, 99' SX TI.....
Bike Setup:
Tomac full suspension
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up reveiw.
This fork is an over-priced piece of junk. Manitou really screwed everyone with this fork. It was touted as a light stiff fork and was overpriced because the carbon arch was so expensive to make. Than, half way through the year they come out with the Mars 1 because the pros did'nt like the CL - it was too flexy. The Mars 1 is essentialy the same except, it uses the old lowers which are stiffer and is almost as light for half the money!!
My dislikes:
* The fork binds in tough conditions and when standing and hammering. It flexes and causes brake drag. I've also heard a creak which I am afraid came from the carbon/mag lower interface.
* Removing the compression damping (in order to change the rate) is almost impossible to do with out ripping the seal of the compression stack. The little seal makes the lock out work. The manual says - slowely force the seal past the threads being careful not to damage it - Yeah right!!
* It's starting to leak air.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ForceN
a Weekend Warrior
from Milpitas, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Steven's Canyon
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, Anti-Bob (when it works)
Weaknesses:
Anti-Bob broke on my 3rd ride.
Similar Products Used:
none - been riding a rigid for the last ten years
Bike Setup:
Full XTR Specialized M4
Bottom Line:
This is my first bike with a suspension of any kind so I'm still getting used to the cushy feel. Still tentative on the downhill curves cuz if feels 'floaty' compared to the rigid fork I'm used to (and swore I'd never abandon). It seems to soak up the bumps pretty good, but I don't think I'm qualified to say more than that - mainly wanted to record my experience with the broken Anti-Bob. Hard to judge value since it came stock on the M4 - giving it just average ratings for breaking so quickly...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Graham
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Anti-BoB, very plush, performs excellent.
Weaknesses:
none to date.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox judy xc
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown
Bottom Line:
Finally, a shock that locks out on the long uphills. all the energy that you save with the anti-bob system reminds you why you spent so much money on this great invention. i haven't had any problem with it as of yet. Very plush with about 3-4 inches of travel. great buy if you can find enough change under the couch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky Church
a Racer
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chukar Butte
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Lightweight,easy to maintain, ride and forget
Weaknesses:
No Faults to date other than price
Similar Products Used:
Manitou FS/TI Manitou SX/TI Ridden Most SIDS
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar with full XTR SPOX Gripshift Plasma Chris King Head and WTB Stealth
Bottom Line:
I was impressed with this shock from the moment I got it in Nov 99. LBS was able to get me one in the box or my frame buid-up. I ride a lot of rocky cowtrails near home weigh 190 and push it pretty hard down To date it has been check the air and oil level hit it with a few shots of Mprep and ride. The Anti Bob works great on mine as does everything else I was very surprised to read such negative reviews. The three riders around here with them have been flawless. Must be the air over THERE.I would give this fork very high ratings for a light weight crosscountry setup like mine. It is a perfect match for the Cane Creek rear If the pressures are adjusted correctly. I am Currently running 138 rear and 110 front with 9 clicks of comp.Just a match made in heaven for my style of riding 4 1/2 chili's half off for high price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a Racer
from Tulsa Date Reviewed: July 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
powerline
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light, good steering presicion, smooth at the top of travel unlike a SID, does not leak, easy to adjust and do not need a stupid adaptor to air it up like a zokie or SID, can use the same pump you use for your rear shock, the Anti-bob thingy works well.
Weaknesses:
I guess they are supposed to break. Mine is working very well and I haven't bitten it yet. I got one of the new ones with reinforced steer tubes. If you have one that is not reinforced all they do at anwser is stick a red piece of aluminium into the bottom of the steer tube.
Similar Products Used:
SID Race-SL-XC, zokie X-fly, and SX-Carbon.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Super Cal. SAAB frame, King headset, easton carbon bar, ATAC, Full XTR, King hubs
Bottom Line:
I have no Idea why ever one is complaining about the damn things breaking. It's like anwser didn't fix the problem and will fix it if it messes up. As for the leaking thing. If yours leaks send it back, the have a 2 year leak proof warrenty. All in all a very good fork, light, good steering. Smooth in the initial travel, no stiction like a SID, not a smooth a zokie, but lighter. I have no idea how some of the other people messed up their Anti-bob lever. It goes on it goes off. In the off position it does move like 2mm(not much) so as to keep the valve cap from blowing off and hitting you between the eyes and damaging the seals. Mine works, and works well
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brent stoen
a Cross Country Rider
from duluth,mn Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
light, that is it.
Weaknesses:
This is the biggest piece.The shock is pure crap!!! And that is being nice. The shock didn't even work from the get go. Manitou has always made good products, but they failed so bad on the mars CL. The Mars CL has a recall out, because Manitou tried to cut corners. The anti-bob is even worst then the shock, it doesn't work and it leaks. This is Manitou's top of the line CRAP!!!!!!!!!!Don't BUY ONE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock SID, X-fly, and a White brothers
Bike Setup:
S-WORKS hard tail
Bottom Line:
If the bike that you are looking at has a Manitou Mars CL, try and see if you can get a different shock put on. The shock is the worst thing to go on the market in a long time. If you get a Mars CL you will be in for a bad time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marc marchillo
a Cross Country Rider
from madison Date Reviewed: June 13, 2000
Favorite Trail:
chequamagom forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
According to the specs., this thing has all the strengths a fork SHOULD have.
Weaknesses:
This thing is a piece of crap! It leaks, and the anti bob broke after two months. I got that repaired(4 weeks) and now the thing has locked up again!! I do not abuse my gear and maintain it well. Manitou screwed up the shipping last time and no doubt will again...Thank God my hardtail has a SID on it!!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID. 1998, 1999, and 2000 race models( Why did I buy Manitou?)
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Mantra pro.XTR ROLF PROPELS etc....
Bottom Line:
Does anyone want to buy this hunk of junk????
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Cross Country Rider
from CT, USA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight, 80 mm travel, cool carbon arch, silky smooth travel,and stiff. It just ride awesome.
Weaknesses:
My anti-bob worked for 2 days of riding and then it stopped working. Then we adjusted the oil to the proper measurements like manitou told us and it still didn't work. It also bottoms out easily after this and I only weigh 160lbs. This weekend at Killongton, Thunder And Lightning in Vermont the piece of crap stopped working totally. It would only compress a tiny bit and it felt like you bottomed it out.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Xvert
Bike Setup:
Specialized S Works FSR XC 99, Mar CL, Race Face Cranks, 9.0 deraileurs and shifters, XTR Brakes and Wheels. WTB Saddle,and Michlin Tires
Bottom Line:
This fork would be awesome if it did't brake the first week you baught it. This fork sucks. Buy a Sid and you won't have to go through all the hassle of warrenties. Manitou just lost my buissiness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bike Master Mike
a Racer
from Canton,MI Date Reviewed: May 1, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
This fork has been recalled. All Manitous with the carbon steerer insert are recalled. Take the fork to the dealer you bought it at.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from South Lyon, MI, US Date Reviewed: March 27, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light weight, steering stiffness, anti-bob
Weaknesses:
You can use the anti-bob lever to vary the compression damping a little but, to really experiment with the damping you have to open the fork up and vary it internally.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-Ti 97', 98', X-vert 99'
Bike Setup:
Tomac '78 Special' full suspension.
Bottom Line:
The fork is performing pretty well and I am happy with it so far. Not as plush as the Manitou spring forks of course but, I'll take the lighter weight - it also may become more supple once I've had it longer.
One annoying change from Manitou: from 99' to 2000' they have changed the disk brake spacing from 68mm to 74mm. So, my 99' Hayes caliper would'nt fit and I had to get a new one (and re-bleed). I know it's part of an effort to commonize but, it still sucks and was an unexpected hitch/expense.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bobby oaks
a
from vail, Colorado Date Reviewed: March 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
bridge ride North Shore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Very stiff this fork gives so much controll on down hills its amazing i love the lock out on those long steep climbs
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rock shock sid race
Bike Setup:
marin titanium all xtr mavic ust tubeless
Bottom Line:
The best fork on the market buy it when the price comes down
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doron Peisic
a Cross Country Rider
from Eatontown, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Allair park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Can lock the fork when you climb.
Weaknesses:
under the air side leg, ( just next to the compresion screw) there is grease leaking, and I need to add before each ride the grease into the Microlube system.
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox.
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works FSR year 2000
Bottom Line:
The Fork is great, it has an outstanding features,however the grease constantly leaks under the air leg( the leg that I pump the air)and before each ride I have to add grease into the Microlube system.
Please send me an e-mail if you also experienced the same phenomenon either with Mars c or Mars CL fork. My e-mail is: doron_peisic@hotmail.com
Thanks, Doron
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bruce
a Cross-Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: September 27, 1999
Duration Product Used:
tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Smooth air spring, Light weight, Stiffness (comparative!)
A good new lightweight racing fork that seems to have ironed out some of the problems of last years Carbon. Shame it has to be an air shock, but the performance seems similar to the carbons. Obviously not as plush as the atom bombs, around a pound lighter and for the XC racers that is what counts. My only gripe is the quality of finish - not impressive for a fork that is over £500. Possibly a SID beater? We'll see when I have had it longer.
Overall Rating:
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