Submitted by
Paul Hyde
a
from Vigo,Kent. UK Date Reviewed: September 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything challenging off road.
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Light,nice action. MRD fork crown.Easy to work on.
Weaknesses:
Stickers.Manitou only keep spares up to 3 years old! Lucky we've got Ebay !
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Bombers, Manitou SX Ti
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper M2 Comp. Mavic Crossrides,XT/XTR mix.
Bottom Line:
Great fork, can't understand why some people give them bad press. Perhaps i just got a good pair, they don't leak air or oil, and they survive in good old English mud. Had a pair of old SX Ti Manitou's and they had the proverbial worn bushes clunk, and defective rebound adjuster.Recently bought a pair of Bomber Z2's and put on, couldn't tell the difference, other than the extra heft of the Bombers (4.25lbs !)Refitted the Mars and i'm very happy with them. These forks are the nuts!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Crosby
a Cross Country Rider
from Glenside, PA Date Reviewed: November 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blue Marsh
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
When its in one piece its a great fork. Adjustments actually make a difference. Again, when it is working!
Weaknesses:
Poor, poor quality. This thing just keeps breaking. Too bad, because it works well, is light and stiff. I will never buy another Manitou product. Sick of sending it back to the factory. Seals, leaking air, blown out grease ports! You name it. Manitou should be ashamed.
Similar Products Used:
Sid, Judy
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight. XT/LX kit. Vanilla coil over on rear.
Bottom Line:
Nice when its not broken, which is rare.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Szuder
a Cross Country Rider
from Poland, Poznan Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$229.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
super light, stiff, adjustable, better and cheaper than SID
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC '96
Bike Setup:
Focus Killer Bee,'96,full XT and XTR front breake.
Bottom Line:
I don't need to service my fork for only 20 hours of riding like in Rock Shock. I think it's a great one for all cross country riders! And of course the Microlube porst helps you to keep your fork clean all time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Vince
a Cross Country Rider
from Oregon Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Lightweight, easy to mount discs
Weaknesses:
Lightweight (see below)
Bottom Line:
The air leaked out on the first day. Seems the fill valve was cracked along the botttom thread. Looks like they made it out of a real light alloy, easily breakable while you (or your LBS mechanic) are adding air. Come on, how much could this little part weigh if it were stainless steel? One place they shouldn't skimp IMHO. My LBS replaced the entire fork with a new unit and haven't had any problems. They perform well, a little soft though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BONDO
a Racer
from BOISE, IDAHO Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
sans people/nowhere near boise
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
first air shock. Love the infinite adjustability and feel. Good adjustments for damping and compression. Actually feels like something has happened when you turn the valves.
Weaknesses:
Stanchions could be larger to reduce flex. Out of saddle sprinting and rough conditions cornering can flex brakes into wheel rim as fork stanchions flex. Brake arch?
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox and various Manitou products from Manitou 1 back in '91.
Bike Setup:
'99 S-works FSR frame, custom component package, Chris King laced to Cross Max rims w/14 ga. spokes
Bottom Line:
For the price good luck finding anything in its league that doesn't break, creek, leak, flex like a wet noodle, or need new seals every 500 miles, etc. I have raced this fork now for 2 seasons and it is just now getting worn on the main bushings. Set up problems included initial air leak which I attribute to fork sitting in box under pressure on some distibutor's shelf rather than the design. Read manual, pulled off top cap and added about 5-10 cc of oil and have not had an air leak since. Very user friendly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Littleton, CO Date Reviewed: August 7, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa.com
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC 1996 Manitou FS 1997
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork. I have trained hard and raced at the expert level with this fork for two seasons without any problems. The fork seems to work as well now as it did new. I top off the air, add a little Prep M, and wipe the legs under the boots about every 2 weeks (about 10 rides). I changed the oil and cleaned/re-lubed the bushings after last season. The fork has never had a problem holding air. The compression and rebound damping are easy to change, and they very noticably change the fork's response. I have found that setting the compression dials in the middle of their range with about 120 lbs of air pressure is good for me (I weigh 160 lbs). I'll buy another lightweight Manitou when this one wears out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TienShan MtBiker
a Cross Country Rider
from Woodside Date Reviewed: May 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Corte De Madera
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
This is my 3rd post regarding this fork. Again I am very pleased with Manitou's customer service. After they fixed my air-leak problem, the fork has been working very nicely. Plush, good response and rebound.
Weaknesses:
Initial air leak. Maintenance work may be a hassle. Well, I can't complain too much.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshok,
Bike Setup:
DEAN Ti Frame, Seatpost, Handle bar and XT groupo.
Bottom Line:
For the price and performance of the fork, this is a very sweet deal. Now I have a LockOut installed, it's even nicer. I have more control of the adjustment now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wrecks n effect
a Weekend Warrior
from Colorado Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$175.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
light, extremely adjustable
Weaknesses:
leaks air
Similar Products Used:
sid, judy
Bike Setup:
sid, disc,
Bottom Line:
The fork works great. At first I was disappointed with it because it leaked air. Went to the Answer website and learned the air stanchion needed oil. Put in 30wt shock oil (from local motorcycle shop) and it works great. Good product. Maybe they should include this little piece of advice in their maitenance manuals.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael White
a Weekend Warrior
from Kansas City Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Landau
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Weight and adjustability
Weaknesses:
air leak
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox Judy TT and XC
Bike Setup:
Trek 4900 with truvativ crank, XT rear XTR front derailer. CT2 bar, Spinergy cyclone disc rims and AVID disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
This is the shock to have expecially for weight watchers like myself. I was in a tough spot when the air piston started to leak just a week before a race. With the help from Answer and my local bike shop I was able to get it changed out in less than three days!! That is customer service and the only reason I left this at 5 flamin turds. I weigh 150 and would recomend this for most riders near or around my size.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from PA Date Reviewed: May 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Bottom Line:
This is a very good racing fork. Probably the best for the price. It's light and has is plush but not so soft as to bob too much with pedaling.
I weigh 185# and needed to upgrade to a firm spring. It is not a very stiff fork for agressive trail riding for someone my weight.
Brand new fork leaked air. I got a replacement gasket from Manitou promptly. I asked them if they would throw in the firm ride spring for my inconvenience and they said no.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EXtreme Steve
a
from dallas, texas Date Reviewed: May 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
light weight, plush, better than a SID
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
SID, sx-ti, sx-carbon
Bottom Line:
this is the best fork i have ever owned. stiffer than the SID and suprisingly plush for an air fork. soaks up everything i throw at it. highly recommend this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from New York Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Very light fork. Dust boots keep the fork clean and easy to maintain. Microlube ports make the fork easy to keep lubed. External adjustments to customize the ride.
Weaknesses:
Dust boots look ugly.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Magnum R
Bike Setup:
Chris Kelly Hardtail, Shimano XT Hydraulic Brakes, LX Drivetrain, XT Disc hubs and cassette, Easton CT-2 Monkeybar, Thompson Stem/Seatpost, Trans-Am Max Saddle, Shimano 575 clipless, Mavic 517 wheels, Panaracer Trailblazer in the back, IRC Mythos in the front.
Bottom Line:
This for is really light and plush. I haven't had any problems with air leakage. I do carry a shock pump with me in my camelbak though. I'm a 150lb rider and I run 95-100 lbs of air in the fork. It soaks up the big hits when I ride the trails and soaks up the little stuff when I ride in the streets. Awesome all around XC fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, CO Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
zoom
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bicycle Village
Strengths:
Shock is very responsive and provides a nice ride
Weaknesses:
Durability
Bike Setup:
'01 Specialized Stumpjumper Comp
Bottom Line:
I was really excited about this shock until Sunday morning when I pulled my bike out of the truck and the shock was completely useless. Didn't have a shock pump so had to wait for other people to show up. Pumped it up, worked fine but was deflated again on Monday when I tried to go for a ride. It was only my 3rd ride and I'm not exactly a gonzo rider. I/m pretty po'd that this thing went out after only a few rides. Worse yet, I'm going to Moab in 2 days and hope and pray the shock will perform until I can send it back. Sounds like other people are having the same problems also. Based on quality I'd have to give it a low rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
peter
a Cross Country Rider
from east coast Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
works great...
Weaknesses:
...when it works
Similar Products Used:
several TPC manitous, Zokes, never had an RS
Bike Setup:
hardtail
Bottom Line:
This is an update to an earlier review. Like many others, I really liked this fork and was especially impressed by its performance, low weight and low price.
However, the bushings went bad and the lowers developed play. Manitou replaced bushings under warranty but fork was gone for three weeks.
Then, air spring developed slow leak (it may have been leaking before the bushing problem, too, but I wasn't sure). Manitou was happy to fix again under warranty. However, I asked that instead of new air spring please give me coil from the new '02 Mars Comp Coil, or just completely convert my fork to the Comp. Manitou said no prob (my LBS acted as interlocutor). From shipping to return was another three weeks. I thought they'd just do the coil but instead gave me new '02 Comp Coil uppers, and from my Elite just used the lowers. I was a tad bumbed that the crown and steerer was new, no longer having that cool Manitou Racing Development look. However, I think they are functionally the same. I was pleased that they made sure to remove my King base plate and reinstall on the new steerer. Fork now feels like it did before, but smoother, tighter and yet plusher. Weight increase seems minimal but I can't quantify it. I'm assuming that this will be good. If in a few months it's not, I will post new review giving just 1 star.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andre
a Weekend Warrior
from San Rafael, CA Date Reviewed: January 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
external rebound and compression damping comes in handy
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpjumper Comp, fork came with the bike
Bottom Line:
I've only been riding it for a few months and I just blew out the tpc cartridge. I noticed halfway through a ride that I was riding a rigid fork. I took it to the shop where I got it and found out I blew the damn cartridge. I wasn't even riding hard or on extreme terrain that day. The shop mechanic says he's seen many blown tpc's. I wish they'd have told me that before. Thankfully this will probably be covered by the warranty
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tienshan MtBiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodside, CA Date Reviewed: November 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Good price, plush and very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
quality control.
Similar Products Used:
ROCK-SHOK
Bike Setup:
DEAN TI frame, seatpost, handle bar with XT parts.
Bottom Line:
This a follow up to my previous preview. After I dealt with Manitou customer service, I am very pleased at their prompt response and service. I sent back my fork and got it back in one week. No doubt there is no air leak problem now. However I haven't really tested it yet since I am still recovering from injury. I am resting my wrist.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sherwood Veith
a Racer
from Cobleskill NY USQ Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
This is a great fork, especially for the racer or weight weenie - which describes me. It's amazingly adjustable, and playing with the air pressure is a gas - pardon the pun. The Micro Lube ports help keep it sliding nicely, but you have to spend about $15 for the lube and applicator. The boots won't stay on, but that's no big deal.
Now, concerning the air leaks: mine started leaking after I bottomed it harshly. It wouldn't hold air overnight going from about 130 lbs. to 90 lbs. I was bummed, but found the incredibly easy fix on the Manitou website (www.answerproducts.com) under FAQs.
First, get a Schrader valve core removal tool - $5 at your local auto parts store - and make sure the valve core is tight. Don't overdo it. Next, release all the air from the air piston. Now, remove the air valve cap with a large adjustable wrench. You will see a small cavity that should be filled with oil. If there is little or no oil in the cavity, Manitou says to put about 2 tablespoons of 30w synthetic gear oil. There was none to be found in my town, so I substituted 15w/50 Mobil One synthetic motor oil $4.50). About 1 tablespoon fit in the cavity. Put the cap back on and pump it up. You should be fine.
This procedure took no more than 10 minutes.
Please check the Manitou website FAQ for their specific instructions.
My faith was restored and my Mars Elite is working great again. This is a great fork, and now a great value as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima WA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
looks, color matches
Weaknesses:
CAn hold air worht beans, Pissing me off, Have to pump up every other day
Similar Products Used:
none this crappy
Bike Setup:
Stumpy FSR comp 2.3 inch fire DH pro's grippy and worth all 1056 grams each
Bottom Line:
I have lost faith in Manitou. Im gonna go buy me a FOX baby
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TienShan MtBiker
a Weekend Warrior
from Woodside, CA Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
El Corte De Madera
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bike
Strengths:
Plush and smooth. Good price.
Weaknesses:
Leaks air - It seems I need to pump the air everytime before I ride.
Similar Products Used:
RockShock and Marzzochi
Bike Setup:
Dean TI frame, TI bar and TI Seatpost with 2001 XT and Mars Elite
Bottom Line:
The fork is very plush. However it leask air really bad. I just had this fork set up less than 2 weeks. I already pumped it up after the 1st week. I didn't realize it leaks air so bad until I got to the trail head. I didn't have fork pump with me and I rode it with this low air pressure. It bottomed out when it hit a bump or tree root on and sent me air born. I landed on my side but still hit my head with helmet on to the ground. I still have headache after two days. It seems there are quite a few complaints on this leaking problem, maybe this is a defect. If there is no leaking problem, I will probably give it 5 chilis. This is dangerous.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eric
a Cross Country Rider
from portland, OR Date Reviewed: October 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
deschutes river out of Bend
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
Lightness. Ease of maintenance. Can peel the ugle *ss graghics off easily. Crown looks cool.
Weaknesses:
Does not come with an air pump.
Similar Products Used:
I ride Manitou forks exclusively, but try some RS shocks. I like this better than the SID, but that may be due to the fact that my friends do not wrench on thier shocks (but they take the time to build wheels??!).
Bike Setup:
Fisher Kaitai Schwinn Rocket 88 disc
Bottom Line:
This is a great XC shock (do not try to "go for big air" with this thing). Plush for the short travel and adjustable. I am an average weight (155 lbs), and I ride longer XC rides with few drops and small to medium jumps. I rode the Gorge Games 24 hour race on this shock. It worked fine, with little stiction (towards the end of the race) and no other problems. The thing is easy to maintain (keep the boots in place, clean the stantions after every ride, pump a blob of grease itto the ports every month). without the ports, regreasing is a pain, and no one does it. That is why my buddies SIDs always feel like crap to me. They don't want to disassemle them every month. I bought the Rocket 88 disc over the Rocket 88 stage 1 mainly because of the shock. I did not want the SID (SIDs are great, but I want to stick to a mechanism that I feel comfortable with). I hope you guys are right about the Hayes brakes. I got the manual off thier site.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Boris
a Racer
from Boca Raton, FL Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Weight, Adjustabilty, very plush, feels like it has more than 80mm of travel
Weaknesses:
leaks air (does anyone know what I should do to fix this problem??? please email me!)
Similar Products Used:
RS Judy C
Bike Setup:
Mars Elite, Truvativ Cranks and BB, mavic 517 rims w/XTR hubs, XT/XTR components
Bottom Line:
When I first got this fork and it actually held air, it was awesome!!! literally, I can't think of anything manitou could've done to make the fork better: You could set it for any riding condition and it worked great EVERYWHERE!!! I race a lot, and I've had no problem with the fork. I weigh 150 and run about 125 PSI. Now, the thing leaks air all the time, and it's anoing, but I'll get it fixed eventually. Over all, a great fork, especially for the price. I'm never going back to Rock Shox. 4 flamin' turds because of the air leaks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miker
a
from PA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, stiff, smooth, adjsutable.
Paid a ridiculously low price at Supergo for the shock.
Weaknesses:
Wouldn't hold air off the shelf. Manitou pormptly sent me a new piston, I replaced it, and now she's all better.
I've ordered a 120# spring as the stock spring is too soft. I'm barely 180 without gear and the stock spring is entirely too soft.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-R.
Bottom Line:
When working properly 5 but since the shock leaked and I had to replace the spring I'm only giving it a 4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Etridge
a Cross Country Rider
from Yakima WA Date Reviewed: October 12, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lunar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike from SUPERGO they rock
Strengths:
Light, Adjustable, good stickers, nice crown
Weaknesses:
Flexy, Leaks piss me off, need microlube gun
Similar Products Used:
Judy, SID(GOOD), Z1X-fly(KICK ASS),
Bike Setup:
Specialized StumpJumperFSR XC Comp xtr/lx, WTB velicoraptors, answer pro taper riser, fox float r, time atac
Bottom Line:
This fork is a good rac only fork, I ride trails with burms and I can really hear the brke pads rubbing the wheels, I have also had a little trouble with deciding to buy the little microlube gun. Buy it f you geta good pirce and you are a racer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Racer
from Virginia Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Rock&Roll at Snowshoe mountain WV
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Supergo ,, they had to match a price
Strengths:
This fork is all around awesome, it sucks up everything and is very smooth and plush. It is light weight at 3.1 lbs and is very stiff for a cross country racing fork. Has good adjustability for rebound and damping, easily accessible pump valve. Awesome fork!!!!!
Weaknesses:
I had to send it back to Manitou so that it would hold air and get a more stiff spring put into it but it only took like a week of time including shipping and everything.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox Judy
Bike Setup:
Awesome Bike!!!! Giant XTC SE1 frame with TruVativ Cranks and bottem bracket, Shimano 858 pedals, gripshift rocket shorty shifters, thomson seatpost, xt v-brakes,11-34 xt cassette,xtr rear derailleur,avid flak-jacket shifting cables,kore stem,, topo 140 gram bar,and Panaracer wire bead tires for training purposes only,, I put my kevlars on before races. With 750 gram a piece wire bead tires on it and heavy tubes this bike still only weighs 23.5 lbs,, with kevlar tires and light tubes it'll be between 21.5 and 22.5 lbs. Greeeeeaaat handling bike,, recommended to everyone.
Bottom Line:
This fork is an awesome fork, it performs superbly. Inexpensive if you catch it on sale, and good adjustability. I'm 185 lbs so I had to go with the more stiff spring but manitou put that in for me when they rebuilt it. I would recomment it or anything on my bike to anyone, I ride componets that work or get rid of it. This gets five only because they don't have 6 chilis
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PHUN
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, Colorado Date Reviewed: October 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Lee's Cyclery
Strengths:
Good ride, adjustability, weight, not much maintenance needed.
Weaknesses:
Notice the bob when I stand up and really crank on a climb- not a big deal for me
Similar Products Used:
Last shock was a Marzochi Atom Bomb
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mtn. Element Team; XT/XTR
Bottom Line:
When I put this shock on my new bike, I was a little concerned. I had bad luck with a Manitou SX-Ti a few years ago (actually, the fork was OK, but Manitou service sucked). And I have loved my Atom Bomb. But my LBS said to give it a try, that Manitou had come a long way . Well, they have! I weigh 175lbs and have regular spring kit. I run the shock at 130 #. While if feels spongy if you push down on it, it rides great. Good tracking in the corners, takes the small bumps fast and handles the bigger drops I ride (nothing huge...but 1-2 feet is OK). Basically, when I ride, I forget all about the front fork, and that is a good sign, right? The only weakness I have noted is the bob when you stand up on climbs, but I don't do that often and my Marzocchi had the same problem. I guess if you don't want bob, you should buy the MARS Super or a new Rock Shox. Also, there was very little break in period on this shock. No stickiness so far. And the maintenance is easy. Every couple of weeks I check my air pressure and give the microports a few shots of grease. For a rider who likes to do longer XC rides with some technical sections, this is a nice value. I am a happy customer so far!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: September 10, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
This is a fairly inexpensive fork with nice features. It's light weight and tunability make it a great buy.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
GT Avalanche, XTR, Avid brakes, Stylo cranks
Bottom Line:
I have had very good luck with this fork. The seals are holding up well with no air leaks. I have been able to tune them infinately for various conditions with no problems. They do feel alot better after the standard break in period, and that is sure to improve after the first overhaul. I am 165 pounds, and ride mostly cross country. I would probably not suggest using this fork for any hard, abusive riding. These forks have taken some punishment, but like any peice of equipmeny, there is a limit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Monkey
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Light, stiff, tunability, good deal, black (looks great with the gray ano SC Superlight) good action even though it's not fully broken in.
Weaknesses:
Had to buy the heavy spring! I weight around 190 lbs. and the stock spring was to soft. Purchased the heavy spring from Speedgoat to rectify.(Answer part# 85-9188, Mars firm ride kit, $20) Manitou customer/tech suport SUCKS!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-R
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, XT/XTR, Raceface
Bottom Line:
A great fork for the money. It was easy to tune and feels great on the trail even though it's not completely broken in. It works superb with the Superlight geometry.
It does suck to have to buy the heavy spring kit and install it. I would be nice to have the kits available at purchase(Colorado Cyclist). I tried Manitou tech support for both the spring kit and some detailed air tuning info. They directed me to the website for the spring but it's not for sale there! As far as tuning info, they said to look at the owners manual (which is also missing from the website), gee thanks, I couldn't have thought of that myself! Never the less, Speedgoat came through with the spring with their usual exemplary service!
5 flaming turds for the fork, 0 turds for Manitou tech support!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon S
a Cross Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Really Great for a light person like me, plush after break-in period, (even tho i havent reached it yet,) no need for anti-bob that mars super has, great deal at colorado!!
great seals- good for treacherous areas- downpours, sand and grit
Weaknesses:
requires adjusting that i havent been able to get the feel for yet, too many knobs, better for more experienced rider that has a sense for better feel also the microlube gun doesnt come with the fork, and you need the gun to monthly lube this baby up
Bottom Line:
The main reason i got this fork was that it was such a a great deal, and it turns out better than just a great value. if u are a moderate xc rider, TAKE THE FLAMIN' CHILIS WORD FOR IT AND GET THIS FORK!! manitou does a biannual complete overhaul for you on the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Jones
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
China Camp State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Easily tuned, light weight, it's black (I have a Litespeed and it goes w/ti grey much better than did my red and white Judy XC), cheap, and simple
Weaknesses:
The exposed rebound dampening screw, while easily accessible, is looking for a rock or root to put the hurt on it. Maybe I'll try to tape it if it isn't too ugly.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC, Manitou SX LE, ProFlex Vector, Trek DDS 3(Showa - yeah, it's OLD)
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Obed w/XT, Monkey Lite riser bars (great!!), IRC Mythos tires, Mavic rims w/soon-to-be brass nipples (just broke the 4th nipple on the rear wheel!!)
Bottom Line:
I've put about 85 miles on the fork so I'm almost through the break-in period. I weigh about 160 lbs. so I fit into the user profile designed into the fork. I really like the almost infinite "tunability" of the air fork. I think I'll try the suggestion of one rider who dropped the air pressure and used the rebound and compression adjustments to get the right feel. I've been running mine at about 130 lbs. but I think the small bump absorption was better at 120 lbs. Sorry to all you big guys, but for someone my size, I really think the fork is a steal. I'm over 50 and still ride pretty hard; the fork is getting a good work out. I'd give it 5 flamming groovies (some of you may remember them).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Grabowski
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: August 30, 2001
Favorite Trail:
John Muir Trails - kettle morraine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Bikes - OnLine
Strengths:
So far, I've ridden the product but it isn't performing as it should. Many reviewers said it was difficult to adjust correctly but it's worse than that. I've had little success in getting the product correctly adjusted!! I've adjusted it numerous times, and it's a pain to get right. At this point, I believe I should try a heavier elastomer to cut down on the Pogo problem, but can't find a place that has one -- including manitou.
The tech support line told me to buy it online -- which doesn't work. (there is some problem with the website which makes it not possible to get to the replacement elastomers (I know it was there before I bought the shock -- but it isn't anymore) The company hasn't been particularly helpful. Supergo BikeShops hasn't been helpful either -- apparently they only sell shocks, not the elastomers you need to make them actually work!!!
Weaknesses:
Right now, because I'm 6'3" and 195 lbs, I get a huge pogo problem with the fork. When climbing, it is intolerable. I bought this fork because all the reviews I read indicated it was pretty good (even for bigger guys), but without the elastomer (which are very SCARCE) IT WON'T WORK!!
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Judy SL, Rockshox Judy Race, Marzocchi.
Bike Setup:
Customer Hand-Made Waterford @ <20lbs.
Bottom Line:
I'm trying to return the product. Maybe it's the elastomer, maybe not -- but without being able to get one to see if it will work for me, who knows. At this point, it's a worthless piece of junk (sorry to say)
Don't buy it if you are over 175 lbs and expect to be able to find the correct elastomer for it. You can't find them on the Manitou Site (and they haven't responded to my requests / Emails).
Try something else. I wish I could give it lower than one flaming chili -- I'm really disappointed, based on all the good reviews it got, I expected much better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
singleminded
a Cross Country Rider
from east coast Date Reviewed: August 16, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Stiff Plush for an air fork Manitou forks usually have high reliability and require little maintenance Very adjustable Good price
Weaknesses:
Mine has required a lot of adjustment to get the right feel
Similar Products Used:
several manitou and marzzochi forks
Bottom Line:
To get the right feel I had to crank the rebound damping and compression damping all the way up, then lower the air pressure to 100 lbs. instead of the 120-140 recommended for my weight.
Only this way have I been able to get the right feel and avoid top-out noise. My fork seems to have a very, very strong rebound. Maybe it's the (non-adjustable or replaceable) negative air spring.
Otherwise, this fork is perfect in every single way. I'd like to give it 4.5 stars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Alderson
a Cross Country Rider
from Auckland, New Zealand Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
woodhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
pennyfarthing cycles
Strengths:
Suitable for disc brakes, light, easily adjustable, looks rad.
Weaknesses:
can bottom out if used for downhill, adjustment lever can get knocked by trees etc.
Similar Products Used:
rock shock judy
Bike Setup:
wheeler 7005 alloy, front and rear hayes hydraulic disks, deoere lx groupset,
Bottom Line:
the best shock for the price. Most of my riding is done in mud or sand forests, so sealed hubs and joints are crucial.great shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Portage, MI USA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
ft custer
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
This fork is quite plush, extremely easy to adjust, and a huge bargain. Also very acceptable weight.
Weaknesses:
The rebound adjustment knob keeps falling off from the bottom, and I lose 70 lbs of air pressure due to bad seals over a few days (haven't gotten around to calling manitou yet..)
Similar Products Used:
sid xc
Bike Setup:
stp400 frame, xt all around, etc
Bottom Line:
A really nice fork, unfortunately it leaks. Besides having to pump it up ever 4 days its great. Looking at the rest of the reviews, I think I just happened to get a bad fork. Assuming that is the case I would definitly recommend it to others.. Had it not had leaking problems it would get 5 chilis overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: July 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
buttery smooth compression feel, light weigth, ease of adjustability
Weaknesses:
none that I have experienced
Similar Products Used:
SID SL
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz SL, XTR, Avid cable disks, the works
Bottom Line:
This is a really great fork! I have ridden extensively on the SID SL, which is the fork on my other bike, and though it is a bit lighter - the compression stroke pales in comparison to the air/coil combo of the Manitou Elite.
This is a great riding fork for XC!
Lets see... half the cost of a SID, more stiff, better compression...Its really a no brainer!
I highly reccommed this fork, for light weight XC riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Cross Country Rider
from NYC, NY Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Stillwell Preserve
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Light, infinitely adjustible, smooth, right on.
Weaknesses:
hmmm...
Similar Products Used:
SID XC, Rock Shox Judy race, Noleen Crosslink
Bike Setup:
Trek 6700 frame, Dolomites, Avid arch rivals, RS seatpost, MARS Elite, michelin wild gripper lite s, ea-70 bar, odi lock jaw, body geometry comp, xt groupo, Bontrager race lite cranket.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is this fork is awesome. I have been using it for one month and I absolutely love it. Ive been told that this fork gets even better after 100 hours of use. I ride 15 hours a week so Im not there yet. It is the most well thought out design. Everything is at your fingertips, except the lock out (on the super). You can adjust compression and rebound dampening trailside with dials on the outside of the fork. Fiddle all day to find your g spot. The air coil combo makes the fork light...as light as a sid xc (3.0 lbs) but a little stiffer laterally. I didnt like my buddy's sid because it felt very flimsy. This fork feels tight and light yet buttery smooth. I previously rode religiously on a Noleen Crosslink with a smart shock...this thing is just better. Its a 'real' 3" travel fork, not just one that says it is in the manual like the noleen. You feel this thing working for you...so you can feel confident taking on more important thoughts...like the hairpin ahead. Buy this fork...its got it all. But get the elite so you have the adjustments on the outside of the fork..and if you have the means...get the super. 5 chilies for a fat fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Racer
from Raleigh, NC Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
3.1lbs, ease with which you can dial in external air pressure and rebound
Weaknesses:
hmmm, color i guess
Similar Products Used:
sid xc
Bike Setup:
01 spec. s-works m-4, king hubs, 517, next lp cranks, rings, and bb, xt/xtr drivetrain and shifters, xtr v-brakes
Bottom Line:
you gotta understand this isn't a long travel fork, its for racing man, so don't go out and drop with it. it does get its 80mm of travel unlike other forks that say they get 80. i got tired of taking my fork apart every time i wanted to tune it. bottom line:its good for what its intended for. i already finished a couple of races this season and felt good about the fork. five flamin doo doos
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guilherme
a Weekend Warrior
from Davis, CA Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Skyline Wilderness (Napa)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Strengths:
Very tunable, stiff, lightweight, come with BOOTS
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
SID XC
Bottom Line:
This is pretty nice fork with all adjustments you may want (preload on air spring, dampening, rebound, all EXTERNAL) in a very light package (3.1 lb). The TPC dampening is very sofisticated and works great. It is stiff, at least stiffer than the SID XC I tried. Cant coment on the maintenance yet but with BOOTS and microlube grease ports It shouldnt be a problem at all. If you ride XC you just cant go wrong with this fork at $219. I just havent find a better deal yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Randy
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Maine Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$199.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Light (3.25 lb. uncut), easy adjustments, lots of adjustment, very smooth, boots.
Weaknesses:
If you're outside the range of the supplied coil spring (135lb.-175lb.) it's not easily obtained. No online owner's manual or shop manual.
Similar Products Used:
Almost every suspension fork made for XC or freeride.
Bike Setup:
Aeon ISIS, XT components w/ splined crank, Speed Dream disc wheels, Fox FLOAT RC, Avid mechanical disc brakes, Hutchinson Pythons, Monkey Lite carbon bars, Thompson post & stem, XT rear shifter, Sachs front shifter, ODI lock-on grips, Time ATAC pedals.
Bottom Line:
The best way to describe this fork is to compare it to the SID100 I previously had on the ISIS. The Mars Elite is 1/4 lb. lighter, much more rigid torsionally and laterally, has much smoother travel with just as much big bump absorption, and far less bobbing.
The Mars Elite lowered the front end about 1 1/4 inch which resulted in better handling on single track, and lower standover.
The Mars Elite has more travel adjustments, the adjustments are external, the adjustments actually make a noticeable difference, and the air and oil are much more easily adjusted than the SID100.
The bike now handles better, rides smoother, and is lighter. The bobbing is so minimal that I don't feel the anti-bob option on the Mars Super is necessary. The anti-bob also adds weight and requires that compression damping adjustments be made internally.
I would have gladly paid full price ($430) to get this kind of performance. At $199 you have to wonder if you're buying stolen property!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lanky
a Cross Country Rider
from Connect-I-Cut Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere at Wilder Ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Stiff enough for all my 145 pounds -very tunable -easy to reach air valve
Weaknesses:
-none so far
Similar Products Used:
Judy C (not good)
Bike Setup:
Curtlo, ESP 9.0, other solid stuff
Bottom Line:
I'm not one to notice flex, and I've never compared my fork to others that are stiffer, so for me the Mars Elite works fine. It's easy to tune, lube and it doesn't make any funny noises. It doesn't suffer from a whole lot of stiction. Are there stiffer, beefier forks out there? Yes. Are there lighter forks out there? Yes. But if you're like me, a light guy who isn't that tough on equipment, this fork is the ticket. Two thumbs up.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jake
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
white ranch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
torsionally stiff, adjustable, very active, light, easily serviceable
Weaknesses:
soft stock spring
Similar Products Used:
amp f1, f2, '97 RS Judy SL, '00 RS Sid XC
Bike Setup:
DB XR1 xt/xtr
Bottom Line:
nice - noticeable improvement over sid as far as stiffness, adjustability, serviceability, sensitivity. Only problem so far is the stock initial coil spring is soft - only handles up to 175lbs, and Manitou was very slow in shipping out heavier spring. When they did, they shipped an sx spring kit that was labeled mars. So now waiting for the proper spring - may repost when I can ride it the way it's intended to be set up for my weight. Right now, it's a low rider on downhills...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ccmtbr
a Cross Country Rider
from east coast Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light stiff plush for an air fork very adjustable adjustments are easy to make manitou reliability and long service intervals
Weaknesses:
very adjustable
Similar Products Used:
zoke air, x-vert, various other TPC forks
Bike Setup:
Spez M4
Bottom Line:
About as light as you can get while still being stiff and low maintenance (i.e., NOT a SID). Buy it if light, stiff and reliable is your priority. Don't buy it if you want ultra plush or long travel and don't care so much about weight. Then look at the SX TPC line. They're excellent in every way, and still only in the 3.5 -- 3.8 lb range. My Mars Elite came stock on my M4. Discount price of aprox $200 online is quite good.
Early on I started to experience the "thunk" of top outs on small bumps. Increasing the rebound damping was only a partial solution, so I ended up lowering the air pressure a bit. Now there's no top outs or bottom outs. My fork had a very strong rebound that the damping could tame only slightly. It may have been the high pressure in the air spring. Also, Answer says this fork has a 20-hour break-in period. I'm probably at about 15 hours now, so we'll see if anything changes.
The ability to change compression damping, rebound damping and air pressure is nice, accept that all that adjustability means you end up experimenting a lot before you get what you want. Answer recommends leaving the fork very active for the break-in period, so little compression or rebound damping. I tried that until the top-out thunk started to bug me. Like I said, lower air pressure cured that, and I can still keep compression and rebound damping low. I ended up turning the rebound damping up to about medium/medium high anyway.
btw: I used a regular floor pump to put air in this fork. There were no hassles at all. Of course, you can't dial in the pressure with a floor pump the way you can with a fork pump, but it worked for me. I'm guessing I put in about 150 lbs. I weigh 175 and that seems like plenty of air to me -- not sure why the first reviewer needs 250 lbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BIKERBW
a Cross Country Rider
from Baltimore Date Reviewed: June 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gunpowder white/blue
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
JensonUSA
Strengths:
Light (1452g cut), 80mm travel, very adjustable, easy to lube, disc brake capable
Weaknesses:
Needs Manitou air pump
Similar Products Used:
RS Mag21, Indy SL, Marzocchi bomber, Manitou SX Ti
Bike Setup:
Dagger Elite FS (Risse rear shock), AMP rear, XTR
Bottom Line:
I'm happy with it (so far). It's almost exactly the same weight as my Marzocchi was (but with more travel), and the air valve is infinitely easier to get to (on top as opposed to next to the brake bosses). My only complaint is that none of my other pumps would work on the (what seems to be a regular) schrader valve, so now I have to either keep two pumps or put on/take off the 90 deg adaptor I need for the rear shock when I fill them. All the controls are hand adustable (the Marzocchi needed a long allen wrench) and it seems to track pretty well. I'm finding I'm putting more air into it than the specs suggest (I'm 175lbs. and I'm putting in about 250PSI).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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