I like MANITOU in general although I have not had this fork for lond i have had a few of Manitou's similiar products and i love them all, my last for work out the dampening nut on the bottom stripped. I ride light XC although I ride 15km every weeak minimum. Great fork great for people who are lighter (150 and under) although you can get a heavy ride spring kit for 25 usd. I would buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris knaffle
a Cross Country Rider
from hillsdale, mi Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
fort custer
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
kettle moraine
Strengths:
Awesome fork. Soaks up the small and the big. Nearly zero maintenance.
Weaknesses:
The boots don't stay in place - big deal.
Bike Setup:
00 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Bottom Line:
Can't beat this shock for the money. Hands down the best elastomer shock I or any of my friends have ever ridden. I wish they still made it so I could buy one for my wife's bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A person
a Cross Country Rider
from Natchez Date Reviewed: May 29, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Clear springs
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Price, quality, looks,Great downloadable manual.
Weaknesses:
Boots like to make a cup at the top making it easier for water to get in. I'v tried pulling them down but they just go back. Bottoms out if you drop more than 4 feet(I weigh 160#).
Similar Products Used:
Cheap of rockshocks.
Bike Setup:
Steel frame,Kore stem,Manitou SX fork,LX levers/Nashbar L brakes,Sun fat mammoth rims,WTB speed V sport saddle (love it),Nashbar seat post,Sram shifter/derailleur,Sram chain,Sram cassette,XT hubs.
Bottom Line:
Awsome fork for the begginer/medium crosscountry biker.I think it is a great deal for a good fork. Like I said before you bottom out if you get more than 4 ft of air.I have bottomed it out more times than I can remember but, it still works great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from New England Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
easy to overhaul - i've done it about 4 times since i've owned it; lube ports make it easy to relube between overhauls too. seems to absorb the bumps very well and i've had no problems with it. has disc brake mounts. i weigh ~185 lbs and i have never bottomed out with it.
Weaknesses:
not adjustable
Similar Products Used:
only rigid
Bike Setup:
98 cannondale m400 frame with xt and raceface components...
Bottom Line:
i'm sure it would be a bunch cheaper if you can get it now - i'd say go for it if anyone is still selling it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marsman
a Weekend Warrior
from Veracruz, Mexico Date Reviewed: November 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
La Marquesa, Mexico City
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$135.00
Purchased At:
somewhere in Mexico city
Strengths:
Predictable, reliable, good trail-aggro XC fork. Manitou guys give a good tech support thru MRD tuning manual
Weaknesses:
No rebound adjustment
Similar Products Used:
DC Fiamme Gordo DH60 (don´t ask, was a double crown pogo stick)
Good Fork. I weight 135 pounds and find stock set-up close to perfect for me. For my weight, it works great and sucks up mostly all bumps either on pavement or dirt. Very nice on muddy. Not so good on downhills with stair-steps (it may bottoms quick and throw you out)... would work with some comp/rebound adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Racer
from Windham ct Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
lbs with bike
Strengths:
plush when it bottoms its not hard or all that noticable
Weaknesses:
rebound assembly blows 3 times for me last in a month after having it rebuilt also stiffens over use because oil makes pressure in fork somehow this causes seals to blow and increased maitainance
Bike Setup:
"00" fisher big sur rhyno lite/lx wheels and bontrager fs 2000 saddle
Bottom Line:
this fork is ok for light xc riding but needs the pressure let out of the rebound(right side) every few rides otherwise seals blow and you get to wait for a new rebound assembly manitou has great warranty and has taken care of me 3 times on this fork but they just sold me a mars comp coil because i was sick of blowing my sx every few months pretty much this fork is way to soft even for 150 lb xc racer until the fork builds the pressure and blows then its to stiff its good for weekend warriors that ride light and maintain the fork but otherwise skip it because its a pain
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mad Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from B-More Maryland U.S.A. Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Patapsco/Avalon
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
BikeDoctor (horrible shop)
Strengths:
Fantastic begginer/weekend-warrior fork. Travel matched to spring rate to provide good performance. Weight to price ratio is fantastic. Minimal adjustments (pre-load only) but the stock set-up is dead-on (for riders 160-180). This fork saved me from myself on numerous occasions. Break-down and rebuild on this fork is easy. Micro-lub grease ports almost make rebuilding unnecessary.
Weaknesses:
It is ugly. Limited adjustment. Not much travel. When temperature is below 45 this fork freezes up. On winter riders it often felt like I had a stiffy up front.
Similar Products Used:
Manitau Mars, X-vert, Magnum. Rock shox Judy CL. Marzochi Z1
Bike Setup:
Y-Glide
Bottom Line:
Perfect for general use. I took this fork into all conditions (Extreme heat of Arizona, extreme mud of east cost forest, extreme cold of NY winter) and it held up admirably (except in the cold as noted above). If you don't have a suspension fork and a thinking of trying one out, this is a great fork to start with.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from Langley WA USA Date Reviewed: March 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
stock on bike
Strengths:
everything! this is a wicked fork!! i love the TCP Dampening system! this fork is a beast. ridden for 9 months and have had no problems except for scratches and keeping it greased up. very tight fork
good fork for the money. not real specific for anything, great value, great performance, ugly look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Weiss
a Cross Country Rider
from Clinton Township, MI Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hungerford Rec Area, Norwich Twp, MI
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Macomb Schwinn, Warren, MI
Strengths:
Easy to change springs and elastomers, pretty light for the price point, no stiction issues when new or when it's cold, good linear response, very good online documentation for Owner, Service, and Tuning manuals. Nice appearance.
Weaknesses:
As previously mentioned, stock setup is for 150-170 lb riders, and I'm 195. I had to pay $26.50 in parts to have the firm spring kit and 7.5w fork oil put in, so in reality, that's adding to the purchase cost of the bike. At least I have two springs sets for tuning now. With the heavier spring kit, I don't need any preload to get proper sag. Rebound and compression adjustment would be nice, but I don't see myself messing with the setup much now anyhow (unless I lose a bunch of weight).
I'm pretty impressed with this fork so far, and the Answer/Manitou online documentation is excellent. The RockShox tuning tips section is incomplete, especially for setting up sag. As a new rider, I went on a 4 hour trail ride recently and the best thing I can say is I didn't even think about the fork, i.e. it was doing it's job, and my wrists and hands felt fine afterward, with no cycling gloves. Now that I have the firmer spring kit, I want to hit some of those same hills again, but overall I think this fork is very well matched to the bike. Plus it's distinctive. I see so many black Judy Cs out there, it's nice to be a little different. Finally, it seems some of the complaints I've read are due to folks using this fork beyond its capabilities, e.g. big vert drops onto concrete, and/or without putting in the proper spring kit. These folks need a Mars or Black fork. For the XC riding I do, this fork is just about perfect. 5 chilis overall, knock one chili off of the value rating for the expensive upgrades.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clay Bailey
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: August 29, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tiger Mountain & Seattle streets
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
The have suspension value, light weight, rigid, pre-load ajustment, nice red paint.
Weaknesses:
Tuneing doesn't do a whole lot. A little plush for me and I weigh only 155lbs
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z.1
Bike Setup:
Trek VRX300 with Mavic's and Hayes Hydraulics
Bottom Line:
They are ok for light to medium XC but when it's time to get to business I want something that's more tuneable and maybe even lighter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
sPaNkY
a
from Here Date Reviewed: August 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Stupid Bike Store
Strengths:
Black color
Weaknesses:
Very cushy if you weigh more than 5 pounds.
Similar Products Used:
multiple rock shox, other manitou shocks
Bike Setup:
Mid range priced stuff all over lx, xt, etc...
Bottom Line:
This fork can't handle moderate jumps and drops without crapping on itself. The oil leaks out and the cheap plastic adjuster knobs broke off after my first moderate to hard ride. I weigh 195 lbs. and this fork can't handle anything more than easy going stuff unless you make major adjustments to accomodate for extra weight.
It seems to be great for XC riding, but more technical stuff requires a more "bombproof" fork.
2 burning chili crappers. One for each leg of the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gookie P
a Cross Country Rider
from RICE lake Date Reviewed: August 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
it absorbs bumps for a while
Weaknesses:
POGO heavy cheesy top caps
Similar Products Used:
'01 Judy SL, '98 Judy XC
Bike Setup:
piece of junk trek 7000
Bottom Line:
This fork busted on me after 3 weeks of normal use. It cant handle rough riding like it should. Its so ugly too. I have a '01 Judy SL that blows this thing away. Now that is preformance. The SX-Rs are a bit better. But my Judy is king over this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Chartier
a Cross Country Rider
from Saskatoon Date Reviewed: July 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
bruce's cycle
Weaknesses:
durability, adjustability
Similar Products Used:
rock shox judy xc
Bike Setup:
fisher with mostly stock
Bottom Line:
my biggest disappointed with this fork is that could not withstand a low speed front impact, this fork folded going less than 10km/hr into the side of a hill, after less than 3 months us. No warranty coverage, but a nice bill. But i guess you get what you pay for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Wolfe
a Racer
from Concord, NC Date Reviewed: July 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
North Trail, Vail Colorado
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Takes big hits very well, reliable, predictable, and a great overall fork.
Weaknesses:
Some leaking, plastic adjustment knobs.
Bottom Line:
This fork came stock on both my GF Sugar 3 and GF Big Sur. I've watched both forks as they get equal riding time and after 10 months of riding and several races I am very pleased with the performance of this fork. I was riding recently on a new trail and came up on a huge 4-foot drop-off unexpectedly. I just hit it hard and wow, the fork just sucked it up. I have zero complaints with the fork except for the weight, which is 3.9lbs, but with the weight comes excellent damping and rigidity. If you are a XC rider looking for a high quality, competitively priced fork, this is the best I've seen for the money. If you like a plush feel over small stuff you can lighten the pre-load, if you like a more rigid feel over the small stuff, you can pre-load this shock fairly tight and get a good solid rigid feel on the small stuff. When pre-loaded, there is very little bob in the up-hill sprint. Great fork!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Henry
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: July 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Trail Blazers
Strengths:
Damn cheap! Easily serviceable That is all.
Weaknesses:
Way too bouncy. Only suck up big hits. Decals and paint peel off. No rebound adjuster knob (99's had it!)
Similar Products Used:
'99 Manitou SX, SID XC, Marazocchi Z4, Atom 80.
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Attitude Comp Stock.
Bottom Line:
Well, for the 2000's, Manitou went really cheap. The shox bounce a lot, they don't help u out all the time because they only suck up big hits ( but they suck up large hits fairly well), and finally there is no rebound adjustment (Why not, the 99's had it!!!).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mix Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
BIG FINN HILL
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Good for cross country, good warranty
Weaknesses:
not good for jumping, broke it
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 y2k, bontrager crowbar, flat pedals, new grips!
Bottom Line:
Well, i broke the fork. It had gone off alot of 3, 4 and 5 footers so im not suprised because its an xc fork. But still. It is being fixed under warranty, man i need something with more travel!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from Albemarle, NC, US Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Keyauwee
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$169.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Reliable Manitou gives good phone support with good information on their web site...I learned when checking on my old fork.
Weaknesses:
I wish that it would have come with a new star fangled nut. I didn't know that I would need one and had to drive 30 miles to the nearest bike shop before finishing the installation.
It uses the grease gun that I bought for my worn out Manitou Magnum. It does everything I want it to do efficiently and quietly. (I weigh 163 lbs; I don't get much air) I ride double/single track trails 50 plus miles per week. this fork was a noticeable improvement over the entry level Manitou Magnum. I am a satisfied user who would buy this fork again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gordo
a
from mooresville nc usa Date Reviewed: June 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
most of the good ones at geitner
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$269.00
Purchased At:
cool breeze cyclery
Strengths:
its pretty durable
Weaknesses:
could have a lot more travel than 80mm
Similar Products Used:
nun
Bike Setup:
00 trek vrx 300
Bottom Line:
dont buy this fork if u do n e thing more than xc and mild freeride. dont get me wrong, if youre a xc'er this is a good fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan the man Dow
a
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001
I bought this fork for $160 a year after they were made. Manitou discontinued them......I had to pay $20 for a stiff ride kit because I weigh 225 and ride hard. This shock feels really squishy on pavement, almost like my front tire is flat :+) Once I get on the dirt and ride fast, it's not noticeable. If I weighed 175, I'd get the stiff ride kit and this fork would kick major butt. This is the fork I'm keeping until the "Black" is in it's second year....
If you have a webtv, try news:alt.discuss.clubs.private.mountain_biking
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spencer
a Weekend Warrior
from Corvallis, Oregon Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Lupin Letdown
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Very plush, good ramp up and good absorbtion of small bumps as well as big hits. Pretty light for the price.
Virtually perfect when I bought it in the beginning of the summer. When winter came around, it got pretty stiff, but not too bad, and after about a year of riding, it has developed slop. The bushings have worn down excessively leaving very annoying play in the stancions.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from MA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff but plush, never bottoms out, nice rebound, good all around fork
Weaknesses:
Limited adjustability, does not come with a maintenance manual
This fork is staying on my bike. It works well under all conditions, rain, snow, ice, mud, sun... I would recommend it to anyone!
Manitou did a good job when designing this fork. Unfortuanately, they got rid of it for the 2001 season. Too bad. Some of the problems i had with it dealt with both the repair manual and the microlube grease gun. First of all, it did not come with a repair manual. I would have appreciated one considering the fact that i cannot afford to take my bike to the shop just to have the friggin oil changed. Second, the grease gun is a rip-off! I mean first of all, it does not come with the fork, and second of all, for the gun and tube of grease, the bill was something like $25. Microlube is a good design, yet I wish it was just a little cheaper.
Performance wise, this fork kicks ass. I have ridden in the winter, and it still performs as well as does when the sun is out. This fork is plush and stiff at the same time, even though I am only 135 lbs. The 80mm of travel is plenty, and I have not bottomed out, even when taking the larger drops. In my opinion, there is not much of a performance difference between this and some higher end forks. The only problem I have had with it is the lack of adjustibility. Unfortuanately, it only has preload. Rebound/Dampening control would have turned this from a super fork into a godly fork.
Overall, this is the best fork I have ever tried or owned. Compared to the offerings of the other companies, Rock Shox's Judy XC (blows hardcore) and the Marzocchi Bomber (superior to the Judy XC, yet crumbles compared to the SX)this one dominates. Everyone out there contemplating which fork is the best, this one is.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
The rebound damping is really cool for crosscountry, this fork is more reliable than my old Rock Shox JUDY XC 00.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Morris
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, AB, CAN Date Reviewed: January 17, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Overlander
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Redbike
Strengths:
Quite stiff, absorbs the big hits, and sucks up the small stuff too.
Weaknesses:
Not enough travel. You need more stroke when the drops begin to exceed 6 feet.
Similar Products Used:
'97 Marzocchi Z.3, '99 Marzocchi Z.5, Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
2000 Klein Mantra, Avid mech. discs, Sun Rhyno Lite Rims
Bottom Line:
Overall, This fork seems to do everything very well. It's great if you own a lightweight XC bike because it is very responsive and there is minimal amounts of flex. However, as soo as you begin to get more and more into big drops, or anything where you are more than 6 feet above ground, it's time for a new fork. This one just doesn't have the travel for hue-jass landings. Oh, and watch out for the disc brake mounts- they're a pain in the ass. (I gave up on them and bough a Z.1)
I love the stifness of this fork. I have heard people say that manitou is a crap fork for rigidity but it was stiff as hell. The amount of travel was perfect for what I do and it isn't a tank. I love my fork!!!
Weaknesses:
The damper always brakes(every three months about) and I wish that it had come with a firm ride kit.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou spyder
Bike Setup:
Fisher big sur with LW and XT parts.
Bottom Line:
A wicked phuckin fork for those who race but have little money and for those who just want to hit the trails with a good fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Cocola
a Cross Country Rider
from NY, USA Date Reviewed: November 26, 2000
To little travel, not adjustable, not great on big hits
Similar Products Used:
manitou mars cl
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Comp(best frame in the world). LX front/ XT rear/ Bontrager SS wheels
Bottom Line:
A great fork for the money. Gives good feedback and soaks up all but the largest bumps with ease. Nice for XC use. Though it could use some more travel, you get what you pay for. It isn't so loose that it gives much when you are climbing but it isn't so tight that you get jarred around. Nice work Manitou.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Moore
a Cross Country Rider
from Lawton, OK Date Reviewed: November 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very plush fork, light and track well
Weaknesses:
overall quality and it leaks
Similar Products Used:
Quadra 5 RST381tl
Bike Setup:
stock Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
I like this fork. Dispite the fact that it leaks. I've ridden this fork though some rough stuff and I also raced this fork. I'm really leary of it blowing out so it's going to the shop. Hopefully it can be fixed
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SJ
a Weekend Warrior
from Upstate NY Date Reviewed: November 20, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
-Fairly plush -LIGHT! -Good stiffness -Simple to rebuild and maintain(microlube) -A huge step-up from the Magnums
Weaknesses:
-Not very adjustable(preload ONLY?!On a $200 fork?) -Not as plush as a Judy,or as durable as a Z5 -Needs some more travel
Similar Products Used:
SX-LT(better than this,still lacks adjustability),Headshok(okay),Z5(kicks ass),Judy(very good)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper A1
Bottom Line:
This is a worthy fork for the XC rider.It's pretty good,and it's very easy to maintain--just take the Answer grease gun,SQUIRT!SQUIRT!..you're done.This fork crushes the Judy and Z5 in the weight department.I like the SX-LT,which is basically a 4-in travel version of this fork,but is otherwise identical.
I don't like the fact that only preload is adjustable.For a fork like this,there should be at least adjustable rebound to suit more riders.I believe that this fork is suited for riders in the 150-170 lb. range.If you are heavier than that,get a firm ride kit.
Other than that,it's a great fork for most riders,4 chilies overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve M
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston,TX Date Reviewed: October 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ho-Chi-Mhin/Memorial Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Acceptable weight Stiffness
Weaknesses:
Lack of adjustment Weak Seals- Mine BLEW!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Y2K Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
It came stock on my bike so I didn't have a choice. It is sturdy and delivers a soft ride, but it's too plush. There's not many ways to adjust the fork since the dampening is set from the factory. There is a slight pre-load adjustment though not much. This fork is not good for racing but is adequate for cross country. I'm not heavy (165lbs.) but my seal blew on the right side. I ride pretty technical stuff but I did not thrash this fork - it just gave out. I repaired it, but it's leaking again. I'll make the jump to an air fork - either Rock Shox SID or a Manitu MARS 1. I'm disappointed in the quality of this fork. I'll give it a "3" for value but in this case you get what you pay for. It blew out on me so it gets only a "2" overall because of the poor quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Orr
a Weekend Warrior
from Redfield Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
any you can ride
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff, good tracking, fair dampening
Weaknesses:
Not smooth or plush, fair dampening
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox 00 judy xc, rock shox 99 judy xc, 97 manitou sx, 96 rock shox quadra 5, rock shox indy c, marzzochi junior t
Bike Setup:
00 stock 7000
Bottom Line:
Out of all the shox I have ever ridden or wanted, this one sucks the most. I liked my old quadra five (which I still have) more then this. The only thing it has going for it is stiffness. The dampening is ok, but the open bath dampening on a rock shox or zoke is way better and plusher. The bottom line, the shock will absorb big hits, but not small ones, ok dampening, good stiffness and wheel tracking, deffinately a stiff arsed fork for cross country. I hope to get a better shock for it sometime soon. I will give it a 3 value rating and a 2 overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christopher Grimes
a Cross Country Rider
from Thurmont, MD, USA Date Reviewed: August 25, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
reponsive, has no tendency to bottom hard, stiff and well steerring, easy to set up, even for a 320 pound rider
Weaknesses:
stock setup is way to plush, had to get stiffer elastomers, boots sag, paint rubs off too easy
Similar Products Used:
SID XC, manitou magnum
Bike Setup:
specialized rockhopper pro, basically stock with a selle italia seat, and longer seatpost
Bottom Line:
This for works great, it is plush enough to eat small, technical sections, but as you accelerate, it responds equally well to bigger stuff without misbehaving, could use more travel but that is just my style, not the fork, it does exactly what it is supposed to, if you want a stiffer ride as far as impact absorption, get a SID, this is made to eat it all, big and small, and feel cushy, more like a cadilac, and less like a bronco
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from MN Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Anything off road,muddy,rocky
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Not too stiff or soft
Weaknesses:
Could be lighter but for the price?
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC
Bike Setup:
00 Moab 2, Flight seat, time pedals, Monkey lite bars
Bottom Line:
This shock kicks the Judy XC big time. My buddy has a SID SL on his bike and he likes the SX over the sid. Takes the big hits good but still stays soft over the little bumps. It came on my bike and I would have swapped it out if I really thought it was hurting my riding style but it has performed great. Another guy I ride with has a Homegrown Pro with the sid and it has a bad creak/pop noinse when about half of the travel is used. The LBS has had a hard time getting R/S to do anything about it. Get with answer/manitou when you get sick of R/S and their overrated crappy products.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Coletas
a Cross Country Rider
from Abilene, Texas Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very plush, silent and unobtrusive
Weaknesses:
Unobtrusive and blew out
Similar Products Used:
Various judys, sx-r, sid xc
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 with various evil component tweaks.
Bottom Line:
This is not my fork, it is my buddy's. He is known to blow through components like they were chaff, so it was with a total lack of surprise that I learned that he had stripped out the plastic preload screw, by jumping off a tractor trailer. Viva la "flat land king". However that said, I like this shock. Whilst itt is heavier and has less travel than my SID, it feels slightly smoother, more solid and is far quieter. Answear informs me that if you weigh more than 165-175 lbs you should have a stiffer spring kit installed, which they offer for about $20. Its lack of adjustability is a little offputting, and if you are considering buying one after market the SX-R is definately the way to go (it comes with a metal adjuster for a start, a la Mars).
For value... I did not pay for it so it was great... even if it came OEM on my bike I wold not have been too mad
Overall not the worlds greatest product, but its strengths outweigh its weaknesses.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Weekend Warrior
from Old,Cardboard,Box Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Holy !@#$ I think
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Bottom Line:
How much did you get the shocks for? How much is this shock in canadian money? I am only a beginner and had a bike for a year and a half now and never upgraded. So should I buy one? I have a suntour 7500. I only have $350 in Canadian to spend so if there is a better one in that price range please tell me. E-mail me at: Andy_k13@hotmail.com
Thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve M
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: August 3, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush dampening, easy to maintain, does not flex,responsive steering
Weaknesses:
Not very adjustable you can only adjust the preload.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC, Rock Shox Jett, Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Stock Y2K Trek 7000 with risers and Rock Shox seat post
Bottom Line:
It came stock on my bike. It's the perfect cross country fork as long as you like the factory set dampening which I do. It's set up perfect for anyone between 160lbs - 175lbs. I wouldn't reccommend this fork for racing because of it's limited adjustability. It's VERY responsive yet plush at the same time which really helps out in techinical spots. A really great performer for the price. 5 flamin' terd things for value and 4 for overall performance - it needs to have dampening adjustment so everyone, not just those of us who are light,could use it to race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from MN Date Reviewed: July 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
don't have one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
looks great, functional, smooth dampning
Weaknesses:
there is quite a bit of flex in the legs, i had to rebuild it after 2 months due to some very muddy rides,not ajustable!
It works, but if you are really hardcore this fork isn't for you. For moderate cross country it works great, and it is really smooth and can tackle small studder bumps fairly well. VERY easy to rebuild, there is nothing to it and doesn't require much maintaince.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cory Moss
a Cross Country Rider
from Sanborn MN Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Not in your life
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Nice comfrotable ride when I am out with the wife and kids, yet good control and stiff enough when puttin the wood to her.
Weaknesses:
Wish it weighed under 3lbs like a sid
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC
Bike Setup:
2000 Moab 2 with selle flight seat, thompson seat post and easton stem and riser handlebars.
Bottom Line:
Came standard but I love it so far. A friend of mine has a Sid SL and he is impressed with the ride and control this shock gives. He is starting to really like Manitou.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Steamboat/Littleton CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 19, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Like I'll tell you
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
-weight (for coil/oil) -feel -rebound is not too little (like RS) or not too much like Zocchie----->(obviously tunable though) -ride anti bob lever available effective preload
Weaknesses:
not adjustable (Ya get what you pay for)
Similar Products Used:
Zocchi z-3, RS judy XC (99) RS Indy RS Judy C
Bike Setup:
Stock Sugar 3 (RULES)
Bottom Line:
Great shock for the money. I like this rebound setting luckly however if you dont then stay away. It is great all around setting. This is sorta the average type of shock. Unless your bike comes with these...I'de probably say pay the extra if you are upgrading and get the SX-R unless you are sure you like this rebound/compression setting like I do. I will not upgrade these in the near future and if I do I will go to RS Pure shocks in the next year or so. As far as feel goes it is great over the 4 inch rock gardens and larger hits. (Where you need it most) THis suits my bike well as it is made for control not comfort. It will suit you well if you are after the same.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joshua
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
really smooth, not bad weight wise, easily maintanable
Weaknesses:
color
Similar Products Used:
rock shox judy xc
Bottom Line:
really nice
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, Colorado Date Reviewed: June 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Fairly lightweight, plush, good looking.
Weaknesses:
Rebound speed seems weak
Similar Products Used:
RS Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Stock fork on '00 Specialized Rockhopper Pro
Bottom Line:
This fork seemed slow and sloppy on pavement until I finally got to ride if off-road more. The rebound seemed to be a little slow just tooling around on pavement. However, most of my beef dissapears as soon as I hit the trail and this fork finds it's pace! I haven't had any manintance issues with my fork yet, so durability seems to be fine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA Date Reviewed: June 5, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Lots of ways to adjust, good looks, nice feel, no sticking
Weaknesses:
bottoms out too easily (not made for heavier riders), decals too fragile, plastic bottom adjuster knob can fall out
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Moab 1, XT/LX drivetrain & Brakes
Bottom Line:
I've taken this shock out on the trail about 10 times in the last month and have to say that overall, I'm impressed with it. Feels really nice and plush, but word to the wise, if you weigh over 200 lbs like me, get the firm ride kit. Also, there's a lot of plastic inside the elastomer side of the shock where it'd be better if they used metal. Overall, a good value, and since I'm a firm believer in the concept of you get what you pay for, I have to give this shock four flaming equestrian turds.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Potter
a Cross Country Rider
from Pa Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
single track
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
nice travel
Weaknesses:
it blew out
Similar Products Used:
rock shock judy
Bike Setup:
stock KLEIN "Attitude Comp"
Bottom Line:
I dont know if the shock was bad or just couldn't take hard hits. if u want to ride hard u might want a better shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan
a Racer
from Waterford, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: May 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Quarry park in Madison
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
-Plush enough to be comfortable -Firm enough for racing -TPC dampening -Came standard on my bike
Weaknesses:
nothing so far
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC,Manitou Magnum, RS Jett
Bike Setup:
y2k yellow Trek 7000, Ritchey Logic WCS Ti pedals, Specialized bar ends
Bottom Line:
Well, this fork came standard on my new 7000. It is lighter and way better overall than my Brother's RS Judy fork. It is quite adjustable and really helps on the super-technical stuff I do. I am able to maintain control and still hae a comfortable ride. so yeah go get it. It be good!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gianluca
a Cross Country Rider
from Vienna Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Roen (Dolomite Alps, Italy)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Overall a very good, comfotable fork, alot of adjustment possible.
Weaknesses:
not found yet, could maybe be a little stiffer.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi XC 500 (uaaargh!!)
Bike Setup:
Marin Indian Fire Trail (mod. 94), XT, VP-pedals, Bontrager Revolt (2.1, 1.95. Old but very very good frame, indestructable!
Bottom Line:
My ideal fork! Hang loose, you folks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt Feathertop, Victoria
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Came standard on the Avanti Aggressor hardtail I purchased
Weaknesses:
I'm 88kg so the standard spring and elastomer setup was way to soft. With the firm ride spring kit it deleivers way less than 76mm of travel
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Avanti Aggressor Pro, 7005 butted frame, LX and XT running gear, Hayes discs, Mavic 233 disc rims, Azonic riser bars, Shimano pedals, Kore Stem, Specialized Mt Baldy tires.
Bottom Line:
I'd prefer a bit more travel however its a good allround fork for what it was designed for. Easy to service and disasemble and its torsionally quite rigid.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ethan
a
from NY Date Reviewed: April 16, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Nice fork, good overall for a begginer like me
Weaknesses:
when I went to adjust it, the adjuster knob broke off-- I don't know whether it was the fork or something
Bottom Line:
Nice if you are a begginer!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Klipp
a
from IL, United States Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Ghost Rock
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Nice and Light weight, quick reaction speed, easy to fix and overhaul, great for X-counrty racing
Weaknesses:
Brakes alot if riden on often, not good for aggresive riders, seals inside brake alot
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC, SID SL
Bike Setup:
99' Specialized SWorks M4 Hardtail, Manitou SX CARBON, Race face Turbine LP Cranks, Race face steel B.B., XTR rear D., XT Front D., XTR brakes and levers, XT rapid fire, Titec Handlebars,...
Bottom Line:
If you want a nice race fort the Manitou SX 00' is a great fork and is easy to fix. However, if you want to use it for more aggressive riding, you are looking at the wrong fork! Trust me I know!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Clark Rust
a Weekend Warrior
from Springfield Missouri Date Reviewed: April 4, 2000
Favorite Trail:
little sac
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
nice and stiff easy to maintain,you can overhall it yourself,great damping.
Weaknesses:
Found none so far--like to have a nicer crown on it
Similar Products Used:
judy c
Bike Setup:
GT Tequesta-XTR drivetrain-Specialized Team Pro tires w/XT hub/221 rims-Cane Creek S5 head set-Body Geomitry pro ti saddle-USE XCR seat post-ProMoto Easton strt. bar W/Icon stem.
Bottom Line:
Over all good fork This good a value is hard to find where bike parts are conserned. A Must have upgrade for anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Fantacy Island
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It came stock on my 2000 Fisher Big Sur
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shock
Bike Setup:
2000 Fisher Big Sur (medium) Stock.
Bottom Line:
This is a nice shock for XC riding. It is smooth, it rebounds nicley. Its a nice step up from my old Rock Shox Indy. The Microlube ports are handy (as soon as I get the nipple). It is easy to take apart. I recomend this shock.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando Date Reviewed: February 19, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
This fork is smooth and works well in tight single track also easy to lube and adjust
Weaknesses:
flexes a little but not enough to be a problem and is kinda heavy compared to what is available havent taken it to the mountains yet so the jury is still out
Bike Setup:
00 klein attitude comp stock parts so far
Bottom Line:
good fork for the money and is very smooth
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TAKMAN
a Cross-Country Rider
from Niantic, CT Date Reviewed: November 24, 1999
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
This is a really good fork. My new Trek came with this fork, and overall I am very happy with the results. It comes with 80mm of plush travel which works very good on all XC riding. I tried it a little bit on some downhill riding, and it makes a huge difference in the ride. Overall I'd recommend this fork to XC riders who are looking for a good ride but don't want to spend a lot of money.
Overall Rating:
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