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Submitted by
Jack Mehoffman
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Del Valle | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Pegasus Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Light. Matches color scheme of Trek Y5 '98 (if you like yellow). Better than nothing on jumps. | | Weaknesses: | Many.. Mucho STICTION! Dampens like bouncing on a soft rubber ball (once it overcomes the stiction). Bottoms out easily, even with adjusters all the way tight. You'd be better off with paded gloves on small bumps and fire trails. Dampening is zero in both directions (compression and rebound). | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy & Duke, White Bro's (nice), BOMBER (the bomb). | | Bike Setup: | '98 Trek Y-5 (I love it). Fox Vanilla R, All XT & XTR. | | Bottom Line: | Any shock from Rock Shox bottom of line will be better. Answer should stick to making clothing (IMO). Admittedly, this is an older shock with old technology. I should try some of the Manitou “Black” line to change my opinion of Answer Products as I don’t want to give them a bad rap for just one poor product. I rebuilt the whole thing and cleaned and re-greased it in vein. It still stinks. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonton, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | came on sister's bike | | Strengths: | I'm can't belive how strong this fork is for the money.
Great trials fork | | Weaknesses: | Sucks for small bumps and rough downhills, tire clerance. | | Similar Products Used: | Z3, Indy SL, Judy C, Psylo XC | | Bike Setup: | Schwinn moab for winter/urban/trials/riding to school | | Bottom Line: | For the price I can belive people complain so much. I've done 7 footers to flat and 20 foot gap jumps and have yet to hurt this fork. It keeps my wrists from snapping and although it may not compaire to my psylo my psylo cost's a couple hundred more. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerald Wong
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Mostly Urban Routes in the night | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | 2nd hand, came with 2nd hand bike | | Strengths: | Looks good, with the plush looking Manitou Sticker. It rarely bottoms out, and relatively light (3lbs). | | Weaknesses: | Plastic preload caps are long gone by the time i got it (previous owner used it on PAVED HIGHWAY GRADE ROAD for one year), hence no adjustability by the time it reached me. No noticeable travel unless I jam hard on the front brakes. Lotsa sticktion. ZERO availability of spare parts. Rebound dampening cannot be readily adjusted, and it is fixed to be extremely slow. It would not be that bad if spares are available to customise and repair it, but there's zip of spares, so i resorted to cutting apart and re-balancing the elastomers on each side of the leg to achieve some level of customisation. I gave up eventually and got myself a new Fork for that bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockshox Indy C, Rockshox SID XC '01 | | Bike Setup: | (1) Trek Y5 with Rockshox SID XC 01 Fork, XTR Groupsets, FOX Vanilla R Rear shocks
(2) Mongoose Hilltopper with Rockshox Indy C Fork, STX Derailers | | Bottom Line: | Get a life. Get something that u can fix and customise yourself or get something with a whole range of spares like the Marzochi's. Flimsy plastic should never have been used on front shocks. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris bladgon
a Cross Country Rider
from st johns
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | White hills | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | free ride | | Strengths: | Light weight. Practical for a beginner, or intermediate rider. The travel is sufficent for easy riding. | | Weaknesses: | 1) Max's out too easily
2) Doesnt perform up to par on steep downhills.
3) Stiffens in cold weather | | Similar Products Used: | Nill | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose NX 8.1, Shimano STX RC components and derailers. | | Bottom Line: | What can I say? This is more or less a beginner shock then anything else. If your ready to do some hardcore downhill then I suggest to upgrade to a better shock. It will give you some scence of control and indampment, but on big bad hills the shock wont perform up to par, I gaurentee you. Im only starting to get into downhill biking, and Im only starting to realize how elemtary this shock really is. There is nothing really wrong with this shock, for what it is. But its designed for beinner to intermediate riders. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a Cross Country Rider
from atherstone UK
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | noahs | | Strengths: | light, nice action, adjustable | | Weaknesses: | difficult to work on, plastic internal fittings (including a plastic screw thread that snaps easily when tightend!). one of the seals in mine went a knacker letting oil drain into parts of the fork it shouldn't be in thus making the whole thing rigid - a real pain. (good availability of spares though) | | Similar Products Used: | rst's | | Bike Setup: | marin east peak | | Bottom Line: | not the best - not the worst, had mine for 3 years with one major failing costing 25 quid to sort (plus a few man hours labour - but i don't charge myself cus it'd be a bit scitzo!) upgrade, we are !? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Olly
a
from Poole
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Primera Sport | | Strengths: | Plush travel never had any problems and there light very well dampened | | Weaknesses: | no major problems | | Similar Products Used: | Bomber z2's i prefer the manitou the Z2's are a bit pricey | | Bike Setup: | specialized rockhopper A1 comp fs Azonic world force pro shorty stem and Azonic single wall bars and trials pedals | | Bottom Line: | buw mine | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Eriksen
a Cross Country Rider
from Stockholm, Sweden
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hellas | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Simple, cheap. | | Weaknesses: | Clog up fast and easily. After frequent use during the first winter, the travel turned from smooth but slow to quirky and hard. Even the bike shop was amazed of the frosty feeling of the suspension. The problem seems to be the friction between the pistons and the main body. It packs up very fast.
$80 later I had a restored fork but the suspension has deteriorated ever since. | | Similar Products Used: | Mantou SX R 98 | | Bike Setup: | Klein Pulse Race | | Bottom Line: | Don't waste money on this one. Get yourself a real fork like the Manitou SX. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris williams
a Cross Country Rider
from High Wycombe, England
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$229.00 | | Strengths: | Light weight. Looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Difficulty servicing. I have broken parts just trying to get them out of the legs. Not so plush in cold weather. Servesing from top of leg is a pain | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | cross country | | Bottom Line: | Plush light weight fork at reasonable price. Difficult to service (parts get stuck in the fork legs) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a Racer
from jericho vermont
Date Reviewed: December 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
eastern cup | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
weight
cost
travel
chicks dig em | | Weaknesses: |
they are a little thin around | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shok indy s
rock shok judy | | Bike Setup: |
what ever the store gave me | | Bottom Line: | a kick @$$ shock, tons of travel, weight, and the chicks dig em | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Arlington TX
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Lake grapevine | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
PRICE, color, Does exactly what a shock's designed to do - for a hell of a lot less $ than most others forks. | | Weaknesses: |
Boots don't stay put on the bottom. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shox Quadra
Indy
Jett | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn badlands
mostly LX components | | Bottom Line: | This shock is sweet as pie for the price. $120 at pricepoint.com (including tax and shipping). I love the color. I've ridin a lot of other bikes with various different shocks, and to tell you the truth, unless the fork costs $400 or higher, I can't tell a damn difference between any of em'! Works for me...5 flame'n chilie thingies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Fargo, ND
Date Reviewed: November 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of the local trails | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very light and easy to use. Once you have it dialed in, it takes all of the bumps I have hit | | Weaknesses: |
none that I know of yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Jett C
Rock Shox Judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Moab Elite 95'
upgraded XT components
Manitou Spyder R | | Bottom Line: | I have seen a lot of bad reviews on this product...but for the price I paid, the help I have received, and the performance...this shock wins hands down. I paid only $100 for it...as you will be able to find this price everywhere now! I know it isn't the TOP shock on the market..but if you are going to do just some weekend riding, and not jump off houses with it...this is the shock for you! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel
a Racer
from edmonds Wa
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
tiger mountain | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
soaks up everything once u get it adjusted, pretty light | | Weaknesses: |
none really | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shox indy xc
rst crap
more rock shox, and some duo track crap | | Bike Setup: |
rockhopper A1 comp fs | | Bottom Line: | im surprised to see so many bad reviews on these shox, I LOVE THEM, they are light responsive, and quite stiff. Sure there is better out there, but i havent yet had a problem w/ these. These shox have taken over 1200 miles of abuse from me, from checkin out the local bmx jumps to school the bmxers or ridin pro downhill these things have taken it. Have to work to get them adjusted but once u do they are sweet. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy B
a Cross-Country Rider
from York
Date Reviewed: October 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
N.York Moors | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light Weight, Cheap, OK travel. | | Weaknesses: |
Lack ridgidity | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou Pro C | | Bike Setup: |
Kona Hahanna 98 | | Bottom Line: | These forks are great as a cheap suspension solution. They generally hold up well whatever the terrain and have enough travel for the average rider. Make sure you keep the shock boots on though or you will have all sorts of problems. In short these are a good fork for the money, but do take quite a while to bed in, so be patient! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron White
a Weekend Warrior
from Iwakuni Japan
Date Reviewed: September 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
South western Jp with Rain | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Light weight, PRICE, | | Weaknesses: |
Flex, Difficult to remove lowers (special tools) | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy XC, RST 280,281,381 | | Bike Setup: |
98 Kona Hahanna (aluminum frame even though hahannas are Chromly!?) | | Bottom Line: | For the price, A great fork! I ride every weekend in rain /mud/sand/rocks/trees...you name it, and this thing has held up to all my abuse. Cut the boots off and wipe the slider occasionally and it'll never let you down. I wouldn't suggest it to a heavy rider (200 lbs) but if you're average weight and don't jump off houses with it, the Spyder R will serve well. Just don't pay over 150 for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shorty
a Cross-Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: September 10, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good starter shock with low price tag. | | Weaknesses: |
Couldn't get it apart to fix it. Makes rebound noise. Paint is chipping. | | Similar Products Used: |
See my previous review. | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra with many upgrades. See my previous review. | | Bottom Line: | This is the follow-up that I promised in my previous review... Manitou gets points for taking care of me when I had my LBS call and rant about the stripped plastic nut. Manitou did the right thing and sent new 99 replacement parts (I used a loner in the meantime so I'm not sore about down time). It's back together and works good for what it's worth. It has an annoying thunk on rebound but I must say that it hangs in there when I mash it and I do mash it. There's too much flex but I knew this was not the shock for me (it came with the bike). I'm looking for a hunky replacement. 2 Chilies for an OK product, 3 more for helping me through my woes (honor wins big with me), minus one chili for thunk, minus one for twist, and minus one because the paint is chipping off. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from Nottingham
Date Reviewed: August 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Clipstone Forest | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: |
Pack up at the slightest sign of mud. | | Similar Products Used: |
None | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Pulse Race | | Bottom Line: | When working these are a great pair of forks, however, they have a lot of design problems, such as the easily stripped nylon bolt, the difficulty of stripping the fork down. I've had mine two years and now I am constantly having to service them as the travel available reduces to bugger all with any sign of trail dirt. Pace forks are the way forward...... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tim
a Cross-Country Rider
from sa australia
Date Reviewed: August 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
lightweight | | Weaknesses: |
lots | | Bottom Line: | I bought these forks as a budget replacement for some old Manitou Threes which flexed badly and helped put me in hospital for some scrubbing of wounds.. I wish I hadn't bought Manitou! I had read a few good reviews and as they were mainly for cross country I didn't care too much about oodles of travel. These forks lasted about three days before they lost any degree of plushness they had. They steer OK but that is probably because there are akin to rigid forks. I took them in to the shop today as after 9 months use they have completely seized. The shop just rang me to tell me they can't get the legs off and so they have to be sent to rep to see if they can do it. Meanwhile I lose my bike for a week. It just goes to show that budget usually works out to be the worst solution as you continue having to replace things and lose bike time. Friend of mine have the TPC Manitou forks and have reported similar problems. I wouldn't buy Manitou ever again. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael McMurria
a Cross-Country Rider
from Boise, Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any Trail that I can go Mach II with my hair on fire | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Soaks up small bumps well. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Indy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | I shall endeavor, for the sake of diplomacy, to use language suitable for the forum in which it will be presented. To say this shock is an abysmal failure would be far too kind. It has hit rock bottom and begun to dig. I weigh about 180 lbs and can bottom this shock out at will and without effort. I've since had new 'purportedly stiffer' elastomers installed. That was about as effective as a screen door in a submarine. Because of this experience, I have told the bike store I have no confidence in Manitou as a whole and want to replace this shock with something else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephan
a Downhiller
from Ny
Date Reviewed: July 2, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | this shock is the biggest peice of junk i have ever ridden. This suspension not only has absolutely no plushness, but it also becomes exremely stiff (even on softest setting) if you dont put goop in the tpc valve, for more than 4 days. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOHN
a Cross-Country Rider
from Berlin,CT
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Branford | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Price,lightweight | | Weaknesses: |
high speed reverb | | Similar Products Used: |
Pro C | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra | | Bottom Line: | The Spyder R is bang for the buck awesome. It is light weight and quite cabable in most situations. No mechanical problems in the year that I have had it. It is a fairly simple design. The only time I felt it was not up to par was on extremely fast downhills. it seemed as if the shock couldn't keep up with the terrain. All in all though, you can't beat it for the price. 5 of 5!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shorty
a Cross-Country Rider
from Newark, DE
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Good starter fork. Priced accordingly. | | Weaknesses: |
After 14 months of riding (semi brutal) My shop can't get the bottom end apart to service the fork. YUCK! | | Similar Products Used: |
Various Rock Shox and other Manitous. | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra 99, upped to XT and XTR, Cane Creek AD-10 rear shock (Oh BABY!), looking for new front shock. | | Bottom Line: | It helped keep the price of my new Mantra down and I admit that I planned to upgrade both shocks BUT no way should this product crap-out in 14 months (heavy riding or not). It's mostly polymer and simple technology but the plastic bottom internal fittings are now jammed and that calls for a factory overhaul. YUCK! Thank goodness for a great local Bike Line shop otherwise I'd be missing great riding. I hope Manitou sticks by their product and treats me right. Stay tuned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Josh Williams
a Cross-Country Rider
from Deansboro, NY
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Brookfield State lands | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Great fork for the money. Very lightweight | | Weaknesses: |
There's no way you are going to get 70mm of travel out of it. The instructions from Manitou were terrible and offered little information about installation and maintenance. | | Bike Setup: |
I own a 96 GT Timberline | | Bottom Line: | Manitou put out a great lightweight fork for the money. I have beaten it quite hard and bottomed it out numerous times. I doesn't seem to have a sharp rebound as in other forks I have used. I highly doubt though that you could get 70mm of travel out of it and most magazines say its rated for 80mm. The instructions for maintenance also proved to be quite poor. Overall the fork has perfomed excellent and has gotten many comments about the awesome color. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a Cross-Country Rider
a
from craig
Date Reviewed: April 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Vietnam | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
very light and maneuverable
alot of travel for the great price | | Weaknesses: |
nothing yet! | | Similar Products Used: |
i used to own indy xc and before that indy c's | | Bike Setup: |
Specialized A1 Comp FS | | Bottom Line: | nice all round shock for the price | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig Brown
a Racer
from Leeds
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
otley chevin | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
iight | | Weaknesses: |
Wank instructions. Crown goes rusty.
Poor seals. 70mm travel- I doubt it! | | Similar Products Used: |
Pace RC36 | | Bike Setup: |
Orange Gringo | | Bottom Line: | The forks were amazing at first, but after two or three hard rides they were shagged. Until a mysterious, almost full recovery last week they had about 1cm of travel and made horrible noises. Fo r £ 230 I'm not that impressed. Pace RC36's are the best and last a damn sight longer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave P
a Cross-Country Rider
from Dublin
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | After about 6 months of, not too herioc use, the bottom bushes went and I have been trying for two months (unsuccessfully) to get replacements from ATB in the UK. I would not buy a Manitou forks again. Spares maybe okay if you live in the states? but they're hopeless in the UK or Ireland. Next time I'll take what my shop recommends. Marzocchi! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wes
a Cross-Country Rider
from new hampshire!!!!!
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | This shock is SWEEEEEET!!
It handles reall well on the trils and absorbs most of the bumps
Once I got it i thought it would be ok because of the price but when i rode on it i found out it was BUTTER!! I gave it 4 flamin chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris F.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Rhode Island
Date Reviewed: March 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
This fork has better mid-hit absorption than my R.S. Quadra w/Hevn Racing springs (my Hevn Racing heavy springs suck inside the Spyder R, probably too much dampening).Not much flex,and the preload adjusters are very usefull as an easy way to set up for different terrain and rider preference.Big hit absorption is adequate.
| | Weaknesses: |
I had to replace the shocks internals with a heavy rate spring/elastomer kit from Manitou, about $15.This stopped my sorry ass from going over the handlebars at EVERY descent but also took away from the ride quality slightly.Still had to add a shorter stem to to solve the same problem,wich is fixed.the elastomers get hard in the cold,and switching from heavy to medium elastomers helped little.Also the lack of damping adjustability will be a problem for heavy/fast riders.I'm 220# and when my friend at 175# rode my bike the forks performed better for him than me. | | Similar Products Used: |
R.S. Quadra 5,sucked.replaced internals w/Hevn Racing springs & the fork worked 100% better, but it was still only a Quadra.White Bros. SC 90,excellent fork.Noleen Crosslink, just slightly under the White Bros., It's just not as plush. | | Bike Setup: |
My Spyder R came on my Marin Pine Mountain.This bike is basically LX/XT equipped,& I've added a 105 by 5 degree Salsa stem & Rolf Dolomite wheelset(the Rolf's are EXCELLENT, buy 'em!!!!). | | Bottom Line: | These forks are made well and will work well for most riders.my impression is the lighter you are the better the air dampening will work for you.Also, keep them cleaned & well lubed. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jed MacGee
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: March 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Bella Coola | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Very light, good travel and damping, very predictable. | | Weaknesses: |
The easily destroyable nylon bolt makes the entire fork worthless. | | Similar Products Used: |
z2, Judy XC, Mach 5, Girvin | | Bike Setup: |
custom, prestige ultralight crmo frame, full XT, very light & sweet. | | Bottom Line: | Same story, at first this fork performed exceptionally well, I (call me insane) liked the feel better than the z2. The light weight, good travel, damping and predictability made me recommend it to lots of people. Then after 5 months of good performance, the fork froze up from water in the outside tubes, and that fornication of a nylon bolt on the air damper side stuck and stripped and now I'm screwed. Just attempted to disassemble it tonight and its late so I havent tried to contact Answer yet but after reading these reviews I'm sure I'll be having nightmares tonight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon H
a cross-country rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: February 23, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am very suprised to see so many good reviews of this fork. I have had mine for nearly a year now and have done 1000+ miles on it, but it still feels like it hasn't bedded in. Every time I have tried to service it the nylon bolt on the air damper side has rounded off. Great. Two new dampers later and it has just been sent back to ATB in a final desperate attempt to get it sorted.
The fork is light and it looks good, but it just doesn't perform. Just hope my new SX-Ti's are gonna be a bit better.
I wouldn't recommend this fork to anyone (except a rigid-lovin' roadie). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Larry
a cross-country rider
from Texada island, British Columbia
Date Reviewed: February 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This company is beginning to piss me off, my Spyder R's are about seven months and nine houndred km's old and they've siezed at the bottom.I took them to my very compident bike mechanic and he had problems getting them apart so he called Manitou for some pointers or to see if they needed to be sent away for warranty work. That was ten days ago and they haven't returned any of his calls. Meanwhile I'm without my Y-5 and my girlfriend won't let me ride her Kona (She thinks I'll wreck it). I'm giving Manitou one big flaming shit for their terrible customer service. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a cross-country rider
from england
Date Reviewed: January 18, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
these forks are crap, my spyders jammed up, the internal rod on the damper side is also stuck so they can't be serviced. i'm hoping the importers atb sales will help get them sorted so i'll post another review depending on what happens. my advice is to avoid all forks without a bolt at the bottom like spyders and indys because they are bound to give you gyp at some point | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a racer
a
from ontario
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great bang for the buck. I am on a low budget and I ride a ton. I have put a put 10 dh runs a day for three days never bottoming out. Sure I'd love an sx carbon or a Z-2 Superfly but I can't aford it. so I ride my spider R hassle free exept I had to have the seal replace once because I ride so agresively but that took 3 days and I didn't have to pay a thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lane
a weekend warrior
from Baton Rouge, LA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great budget fork! I've had no problems with it after six months. Remember to tear it down and lube the internals on a regular basis. Not as plush as some forks I've ridden but I've taken some fairly large hits with no trouble. At a bit over 3 lbs, this fork has features (air-damped, alloy steerer, one piece magnesium lower) usually found on much higher priced forks. Great fork if you're on a budget. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
CHRIS GRAY
a cross-country rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought my Spyder R 12 months ago, since the purchase the fork has been fantastic. I have done all kinds of racing and riding with them and they havn't given me a single problem. For the price and weight they can't be beaten. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johan Berglund
a weekend warrior
from Bromma, Sweden
Date Reviewed: November 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding this fork for some eight months now, and I can only say that the Spyder-R is a great fork for the money. It's lightweight and performs just as well as many higher priced forks that I've tried, and it seems durable enough too (I've had some really hard hits on it, and it has stood up well). It's a little bit fast on rebound though, due to the lack of oil-cartridge, but not as bumpy as the RS Indy SL that I had on my previous bike and indeed not as flexy either. I have'nt had to do much maintenance on it except for pulling up the fork boots occasionaly and spray some teflon oil on the legs, to keep it smooth. Considering the price/weight/performance rate, I can't give this fork less than five flaming chilis.
I've seen that the '99 version includes the TPC oil-cartridge system, that should make it even better. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike B
a weekend warrior
from Derry Ireland
Date Reviewed: November 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This was my first suspension fork, I replaced it with a Bomber Z2 BAM. This fork is light 3.1lbs with star fangled nut, stiff and fairly plush though not as plush as a Marzochi. I have put it back on my bike as the bomber needs a service. The Spyder is shorter than the bomber which is a good thing, no more wheelies when climbing. Although not extremely plush over small stuff it is as good as any fork I've tried on large hits. I would recommend this as a budget fork for racers and the weight conscious, it performs miles better than the price suggests and because the internals are simple, there is not much that can go wrong. To those posters below who had their forks jam up, did you take the fork boots off? The seals are not as good as the bombers and the boots should never be removed, the cold weather performance is also disappointing but you can buy softer elastomers. I'll give four chilies dropping one for the lack of adjustability, the only thing I miss from the bomber. I'd give the bomber a four too, -1 for the weight. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Arturo
a
from Mexico City
Date Reviewed: November 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Dont buy it ¡
this fork is garbage.
mine broke in five months and I treat it well, I´m not a speed freak, so I dont know what hapend whit this fork, the iner guides broke (made of plastic) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie Morris
a weekend warrior
from London Uk
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Manitou Spyder R's are a great lightweight fork for the money. They are quite plush and steer well. unfortunately they waggle around under hard front braking and are a bit out of their depth on knarly rocky downhills, but for most XC race courses this would not be a problem. Overall a pretty good fork, a good match for a lightweight hardtail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Geoff
a cross-country rider
from Saskatchewan
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Used to have a Indy Xc, and I thought that that fork was smooth, boy oh boy, was I wrong! Before a guy gets the wrong idea, I weight 215lbs, and the Indy was obviously too soft of a fork for me, it was bottomed fairly easily.
BUT, the Spyder, is so much more controlled of a ride. When pushed hard, this fork responds with controlled movement, due to it's Air rebound system. The old Indy used to hop over bumps becasue of it uncontrolled rebound. THe Spyder does not have much dive to it, and the weight is pretty darn light for a lower end fork. I know some hate it, but the color of the fork matches my Mantra, so I love it.
This fork may be classified by price as a lower end fork, but it by no means performs like one.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Doug
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have not tried it but if anyone wants to sell it or trade it or maybe even give me some info, that would be great. i don't know much about it, so what does it compare with in Rock Shox? Indy or Judy and which model. note i only weigh 106 and i'm 14, so i need a cheesy(well, not cheesy, but a VERY plush fork like Indy S or C) if it's not in that category, neverminddoug | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a weekend warrior
from Malaysia
Date Reviewed: October 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought the SpyderR after reading some reviews e.g.bike mags/THIS website.
It performed well initially but jammed up on me a week after a muddy hard core ride.What made it worse was the fact that I recommended it to a friend as well after my first few rides!! His jammed up too!!!! The ultimate downer was that I couldn't open it up to service it because an internal rod was jammed fast.My buddy had the same problem.(coincidence?)Anyway to cut a long story short, I sent it to the LBS for servicing and bought a Marzocchi Z3 instead. NOW THAT FORK KICKS ASS! I eventually got the spyder fixed but I don't trust it anymore....anybody in the market for a secondhand spyder?
5 chilies for it's initial performance, minus 3 for jamming up and minus another 1 for Manitous bad customer service/website.(nearly as bad as RS). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
J-Man
a cross-country rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is an excellent XC fork for the money. If it just had Speedsprings it would be the KICKINEST fork. I recommend this fork for anyone wanting to upgrade your Indy or Quadra I am telling you, this Fork RULES. It soaks up bumps like butter but is like a rigid fork when handling | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Bones
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, after 1.5 months of riding, my shock has completely frozen up and doesn't move. I've rebuild it, regreased it, etc. and is still sold as a rock. Up until now it has worked just fine, but now it hardly moves at all. So, I don't think these shocks are all that great. I've only put 70 miles on the thing!! Plus, the manual that comes with it really stinks. It doesn't tell you a damn thing. Nither does the company's website. I feel really, really ripped off!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a cross-country rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: August 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
the question is, do I like this shock. Well, do I? ***HELLS YEAH*** IT KICKS SERIOUS ASS. THIS SHOCK IS SO ****** PLUSH. IF YOUR GETTING A SHOCK, GO FOR THIS SHOCK DEFINATELY. I was messing around with it, doing bmx stuff, and I compressed it all the way! (I DON'T WAY THAT MUCH) **BUT** IF YOU WANT SOMETHING A LITTLE STIFFER, TURN THE KNOB AND IT IS LIKE A WHOLE DIFFERENT FORK! it is so ****** S-W-E-E-T. I GIVE THIS KICK ASS SHOCK 5 FLAMIN' CHILIS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a weekend warrior
from vancouver B.C.
Date Reviewed: August 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My first suspension - bought to help an aging body survive the bumps. Light, reasonably priced ( @$250 Cdn.)transformed my bike into a mean machine. Soaks up bumps, easy to adjust and maintain. Other than the pukey colour, highly reccomend, particularly for first timers wanting to add a suspension or upgrade their department store issued garbage. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Thurston
a weekend warrior
from Minneapolis
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this fork about 2 months ago, and thought it was pretty cool. After a weekednd of running logging roads in Superior National Forest, I am now very impressed, handled the 3-4 roots and rocks with no problem. It was raining and muddy and I felt like the front wheel had a great grip on 90% of the trails, way more than I expected for $240(US) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
klein_3®
a racer
from MALAYSIA
Date Reviewed: August 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Cool suspension.My klein mantra comes with MANITOU's SPYDER R as standard.I'm really satisfied with this cute yellow present.It absorbs bumps perfectly.For $239,it's quite a reasonable prices.It is also one of the best xc suspension 'cause it has 70mm of travel.Buy it.you won't be disappointed.By the way,congratulations ANSWER for creating such a perfect suspension.E-mail me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimmy Lam
a weekend warrior
from Smithtown, NY
Date Reviewed: July 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork does exactly what it was designed to do--provide quality budget suspension. The Spyder R can be had for under $200 now and is the perfect suspension fork solution for those without suspension or for those upgrading from an older fork e.g. Quadra series. Due to its budget price and quality performance, this fork is also a good upgrade for those with a Rock Shox Indy. Sure, the elastomers become more firm in cold weather, but any fork with elastomers will do the same. Ride quality can be further enhanced with speed springs, but give the stock set-up a chance. All you really need, if you push your bike hard, is a brake booster to stiffen the front end up. Remember, it's no SID so don't compare the two. Bottom line--it's currently the best fork for $200. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mat
a cross-country rider
from Truro
Date Reviewed: July 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These were excellent forks , especially for the money . They were fairly stiff at first yet after several months use in general x.c conditions they have prooved excellent . The undamped rebound could get a touch lively yet this isn't to much of a problem for £229 . Highly recommended for x.c on a budget . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
xanyn
a cross-country rider
from mass
Date Reviewed: June 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is slightly above average. I took out the steel springs and inserted some red rock shox elastomers from an old 21r, it is much lighter and more predictable regarding speed of travel. I feel that this shock would be untouchable if air cartridges were available (?). The travel is a mere two inches, I also removed the boots and added a white brothers thingee. It has attracted a few snickers. speed springs may be a good idea I don't know for sure only that I am never satisfied with stock equipment. I like the fork well enough though | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris yack
a racer
from new york
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had the fork for one week and I begged my shop to give me a refund. It didn't have close to the 70 mm of travel, it flexed in hard turns and it packed up easily. Maybe I was a bit too heavy for it I'm 185. I bought it to replace my old mach 5 which finally bit the dust. The mach 5 kicked the snots out of the spyder. If you can find a mach 5 through a mail order I would highly recommend it over the spyder. It steers much better, it's more supple and it's black not that silly ass look at me I'm a new color Orange. Nuff said! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a cross-country rider
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently bought a Spyder r and I love it. Like everyone else has already said, it's light, stiff, and soaks 'em up. However it did get a little less travel in the cold, nothing some speed springs or warmer weather wouldn't fix. Anyone looking for a GREAT sub $300 fork should not consider anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DARK HAWK
a cross-country rider
from CANADA!!!!!!!
Date Reviewed: March 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is the ultimatecross country fork.It is under three pounds and Is under three hundred( CANADIAN). I never have any problems with this for k and would recomend it to anyone.Since I have to write fifty words so I am just typing to waste space.Any way buy this fork it kicks ass! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy Poulter
a racer
from Timaru,New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Spider R is about 100 times better than my old forks that were pieces of shit
(QUADRA 5).They are light and orange.So far I have no promlems with them. I would
like to hear from anyone who knows what I should have the preloads set at.
give us an e-mail at:watint@es.co.nz Thank you very much.
Cheers!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jodus
a weekend warrior
from Auckland NewZealand
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I put these forks on my DBR V-link and they seem to work pretty well. They are a lot lighter than the Rock Shox I used to have and work better. The only real hassel is no rebound adjustment and I had to get some new preload caps, Answer sorted it for me straight away. I definatly recomend these shocks but suggest getting 6 inch speed springs for them as soon as possible. Elastomers suck, if they put springs in to begin with the compitition wont stand a chance.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vincent
a
from France
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have bought a Spyder R for my Specialized M2 bike a month ago. I find it
very efficient compared with the other elastomer fork. It works like a Judy
but with more stiffness and less price.
For the price, it's a really good fork. Why pay more, this fork works very well
and is light (1450 g). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a cross-country rider
from CA
Date Reviewed: February 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Wow, I'm really suprised to see this fork rated so high.
I found the performance to be average at best.
The day I rode it, it was cool, (like most mornings in Northern CA)
and I thought the response was really weak. Not much
adjustability either. I guess this shock
would be good on a warm day if you rode flat trails w/o many
big holes. Very judy-like Old technology. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike X
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The only thing wrong with these forks is that in really cold weather (most people might not ride anyway) the elastomer stack can harden, but there is still a spring which gives some travel even in the cold. The forks are almost stictionless and I think j-man see below and five unclaimed reviews is a complete tosser/ jerk/ wanker or whatever slang you want to use. Just because one person who busted his forks in a big crash and couldn't get them replaced he shouldn't try to ruin Manitou in this column. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike B
a cross-country rider
from
Date Reviewed: January 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks work really well and weigh less than three pounds. They don't flex too much and have given me a lot more cofidence when riding downhill over rough ground. I put them on a standard 1997 GT avalanche and the whole bike still comes in at under 25 pounds. I would recommend anyone to buy them but I would also consider the RST mozo forks, from what I've heard they work well but are slightly heavier and not as flex resistant. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chef
a weekend warrior
from Miami
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Going over bumps and roots is a breeze with this fork. I never have to worry about slowing my momentum. I have more confidence in my riding now than with my old Quadra 5. The Spyder also doesnt kick up like the Quadra on rebound. Overall I'm extremely happy with this fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Noble
a cross-country rider
from England
Date Reviewed: November 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I have recently bought a pair of these 4 star forks and i think there wonderfull for the price that they are. they have a desent amount of travel,a recomended upgrade is thet you buy some speed springs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Piers Coe
a cross-country rider
from Croydon , UK
Date Reviewed: November 14, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a '98 Pine Mountain with this fork , and it is excellent !!!
Soaks up the bumps really well , and steers / handles as well as a rigid fork ....
It's light too , and a cool colour just to top it off ...
Buy IT !!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kurt
a cross-country rider
from Raleigh,NC
Date Reviewed: November 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS FORK IS NOT ONLY LIGHT BUT IT SOACKS UP THE BUMPS PRETTY WELL TOO. ANY BEGINNER SEEKING A INEXPENSIVE TRAILWORTHY FORK, THIS IS THE ONE FOR YOU. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP VELLOTTi
a cross-country rider
from Norwalk, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I tested the 98 Specialized A1 Comp FS which comes with the Manitou Answer Spyder R and I really thought it rode well. I would compare it to a high-end Indy, but it feels a little beefier and gave me a bit more confidence landing after big bumps. It can take a real jounce, (I'm pretty heavy, 185 lbs.), and landings are very solid. It seems pretty responsive to quick bumps and the adjusters are very user-friendly as compared with the Rock Shox style. I plan to buy this bike later in the week, and if anyone would like some feedback, give me an email. | | Overall Rating: |
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