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Submitted by
Lowell Walker
a Cross Country Rider
from Brunswick, Maine, USA
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Bradbury Mountain State Park | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$175.00 | | Purchased At: | I forget, it's been a while | | Strengths: | This fork kicked ass for SIX YEARS. It's plush and light, tons of adjustability, and you can get them dirt cheap on ebay these days. | | Weaknesses: | Eventually the fork got a little sticky and the preload broke, but only after 5 years without doing any maintenance whatsoever. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber (about the same vintage), New Manitou Skareb Elite. | | Bike Setup: | Old steel rockhopper with upgraded everything. XT rear, front derailleur, LX shifters, mavic 221 rear wheel, new mavic crossmax front, Avid v brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Awesome light, durable, dependable fork. I had it for 6 years and it never let me down. If you're looking for an inexpensive, light, dependable fork with tons of adjustment, an old manitou SX R is a kickass fork. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Dundee
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | UK local bike shop | | Strengths: | Not an expert, these were my first and I got them at a discount cos they were the last ones in the shop, and no one likes orange. Was very inpressed compared to the other forks of the price range (low end rockshox etc)they have lasted 3 years and have only just failed due to water leak in(i never had them serviced in that time though) | | Weaknesses: | Orange with my blue frame....
Big problem was the pastic preload adjuster, the threat slips out so it's reset to the softest after the first bump, got a replaceemnt from Answer but it failed agin 6 months later. ok for me (only 70kgs) but bigger riders would find this unuseable. | | Bottom Line: | If you can get them for a good price do it, old technology but excellent budget bargain. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andthereyouare
a Cross Country Rider
from Bear, DE
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | It can take a licking and keeps ticking. | | Weaknesses: | Orange? | | Similar Products Used: | Now I have a Rocks Shox Sid Race | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude Race, XT setup, Rocks Shox Sid Race w/ Rolf wheels. Simply bangin' | | Bottom Line: | I had these on my old bike. Their strong and you seriously can't beat the price. I needed something lighter than the 3.4lbs. It made the bike front heavy, with the Sid everything is Sweet. I recommend '98 Manitou SX-R, although like it was once said "if you can find them". | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Unbody
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | bikeusa | | Strengths: | Pretty light, nice feel. | | Weaknesses: | Ugliest orange color ever invented by man. | | Similar Products Used: | newer SX, some rock shox. | | Bike Setup: | Changes constantly. | | Bottom Line: | If you can find them, buy them. I can still see these shocks for sale from time to time. I think the reason nobody buys them is the orange color, but you can probably get these shocks for around $100 now. Better (and lighter by .2 lbs) than the 00 and 01 shocks that I have been on.
If you weigh under 150 or more than 200, you may need new springs, which may be hard to find now. I am 175 and I was able to get them tuned in perfectly. All my friends love this shock, but are too cool to ride the big orange. If you can take the color, the SR-R is an awesome deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Grant Jackson
a Racer
from South Africa
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The one in the mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bought from friend | | Strengths: | soaks up bumbs, fairly adjustable, Colour is AMAZING(hey if it doent match your bike, do the next best thing:geta mango coloured lid!) | | Weaknesses: | listen when i think weaknesses there is only one thing that comes to mind NOTHING | | Similar Products Used: | Speedy | | Bike Setup: | Giant 880 full XT. Nuff said | | Bottom Line: | a god fork. does the job of those fairly high prised forks at half the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Newark,DE
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | In Maryland | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | www.nashbar.com | | Strengths: | Lite, great rebound, Nice Mango color, strong. | | Weaknesses: | Can't figure out any. | | Bike Setup: | Mongoose NX7.3 frame, Manitou SX-R fork, XT drivetrain and V-brakes, Attack grip shifters, Selle Italia Flite Gel seat, 2.0 Hutchins python tires, Azonic downhill bars, ontrolTech stem with Dia-Compe aheadset | | Bottom Line: | I Like the fact that it's light and durable, it performs well in grueling trails, I would have to recommend it to anyone. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Muchacha
a Weekend Warrior
from Tokyo
Date Reviewed: November 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Metropolitan complex | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint.com | | Strengths: | great color, plush, nice rebound, low maintenance. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox judy, jett race, | | Bike Setup: | 1982 Huffy 10-speed, easton stem, disk brakes, titec enduro downhill bars, mag-lite. | | Bottom Line: | this is one tough product-- on my daily commute to work i routinely descend 50+ stairs in downtown tokyo. it handles curbs with complete ease, that is going UP the curb at around 25-30 mph without bothering to lift the front. for those extreme city commuters out there, this is a perfect choice--not too much travel, racy, and ultimately, able to handle any urban jolts. in fact, while riding during the 1999 tokyo earthquake, i retained balance while other riders were thrown helpless to the pavement thanks to (i believe) these godsend shox.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trey
a Cross Country Rider
from Valrico
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$189.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | Slick Suspension, plush, easy to rebuild, adjust, Cheap for the quality | | Weaknesses: | plastic top preload caps | | Similar Products Used: | sid, judy xc, judy race, RST, Magnum | | Bike Setup: | Trek 9900 - sid xtr etc
Raleigh M-200 - SXR, ton of aftermarket fun stuff | | Bottom Line: | This is one great fork for the cash. I have heard the '99 is better and you can dig those up anywhere for $150. I have ridden mine hard for the past two years and with the exception of the preload cap sticking the fork has worked great. I hated the mango color when it first came out but it looks like Rock shox has fallen in and done the same with the judy. Truth be known I really like to ride on this fork much more than the sid on my 9900. This is the best aftermarket part I have ever bought. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ron o neal
a Cross Country Rider
from 215
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | light weight, plush ride, doesent bottom out | | Weaknesses: | mine broke but maybe i'm just hardcore | | Similar Products Used: | quadra5(gotta start somewhere), indyxc, judyc, judyxc, marzocchi z3 | | Bike Setup: | caad3, z3, lx/xt | | Bottom Line: | while they lived they lived fast, but als the good die young these fell victim to bent inner tubes 40bucks for the spare parts | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
de la dave
a Cross Country Rider
from the donut shop
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | crackrock (the funniest reviews) | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | phat color,plushhh,resonsive | | Weaknesses: | none maybe amount of travel but was perfect for me | | Similar Products Used: | indyxc,judyc,judyxc | | Bike Setup: | sxr/easton superlite frm/lx drive/9.0shtr/titec hellbent seatpost/bars big al stem | | Bottom Line: | get 'em while the gettings good want more travel get the '99 lighter weight the alu steerer just get it its sick blows away 98% of rockshox '00 included | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dail seven
a Cross Country Rider
from earth
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | manhattan | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | plush, reponsive, and lively suspension a tad short on travel but maybe not depending on you size&style plus color is ill | | Weaknesses: | short on travel(maybe) | | Similar Products Used: | indysl/judyxc | | Bike Setup: | easton frame/lx/mavic/gripshftx-ray/avidbrks/wtbtrs/titec cockpit | | Bottom Line: | bottom line for the money these forks are an insane buy get these or in you want more travel the x-vert | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ra
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamaica
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | reliable brand name. reliable throughout all 4 seasons. | | Weaknesses: | the fork tabs (place where axle is bolted on) is a little to close to the fork boot. I run Chris King hubs and there is only 3mm of space between the spoke heads and the lower portion of the fork. | | Similar Products Used: | first TPC fork. | | Bike Setup: | Hard tail. V-Brakes. MOstly SHimano COmponentry. | | Bottom Line: | plush fork. I modified the fork so that It accepts 2 springs instead of one. This made it more responsive compare to just a 2.5" spring and 4" rubber. Otherwise a great fork to beat around with. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Lütken
a Weekend Warrior
from Ski, Norway
Date Reviewed: June 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything gnarly | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | color matches my 98 Specialized, sweet, cushy suspension, (to my knowledge) unbreakable | | Weaknesses: | maybe not the best color together with a (enter most every color here) bike | | Similar Products Used: | RS Q21r, 96 RS Judy XC, 98 A/M Spyder R | | Bike Setup: | 98 Specialized Rockhopper A1 FS, Lighter, coil springs from my Spyder fork, Magura hydraulic rimbrakes w/booster | | Bottom Line: | this is one sweeeeet fork. It absolutely outperforms everything I've ever tried.
It definetly gets better once you break the seals & such in, and it totally screamed down the rocks & roots after I put in some of the longer/softer steel springs from the A/M Spyder R fork I got with the bike. (this probably works for me as I'm a tiny little guy @135lbs/5'9) I have been riding this fork hard for a couple of years, both racing and freeriding on a 16" Kona AA and my Specialized rig and I wouldn't be surprised if it lived to see another bike/frame.
Just keep it clean, lube the stanchions with regular chain oil and keep the springs/MCU's greased with the likes of RS judy butter and you're in fork heaven!
This thing deserves all the stars, chilis, thumbs up or whatever it can get. It is pretty much a raceable, lightweight freeride fork. And if you can still find one in the store it'll probably be at a sweet price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guido
a Weekend Warrior
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Plush, stiff, color, light, simple | | Weaknesses: | slightly flexy, no external compression adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Mach 5 SX, Rock Shox Mag 21 | | Bike Setup: | ProFlex Beast | | Bottom Line: | I don't have any idea what all these people are complaining about broken crappy forks. Maybe I'm just lucky. I beat the crap out of my SX-R's. I've jumped big BMX doubles, landing hard on the front end, dropped off loading docks, down stairs, bombed down crazy rocky downhills, and haven't had any problems whatsoever. I'm 160 lbs, so I'm not exactly a heavyweight, but I do give these things a beating. I give them a good cleaning after mud or snow riding, regreasing the inner legs, but other than that I haven't touched them since 1998. These things rock. They feel so racy compared to the mushy Bombers, and are lighter. The new 2000 SX forks are even better thanks to Microlube, added travel, and one piece lowers. If you're in the market for a new affordable high performance fork, do yourself a favor and check out Manitou's SX lineup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything with good jumps and fire roads | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Color Grows on you, Great travel, Nice Adjustability, great tracking | | Weaknesses: | preload Knobs a little hard to turn, had to replace stock elastomers with Hard ones | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchii, Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: | '97 Schwinn Homegrown Suspension, full LX, Titec Riser Bar, Kore Lite 3 stem | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork, I had to replace the elastomers, but that was a given seeing as how I am big (5'10", 235lb) But this thing takes the abuse I throw at it. Great at absorbing bumps from small to mid range, even better at the big bumps. Have yet to bottom out, even after ridng the stock elastomers for 6 months. Great at smoothing out anything you can throw at it. I like to take this thing down some wicked rock faces, and have yet to have a problem maintaining control. Great Fork, but have yet had to utilize the customer service. Five flamin' turds for this one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Russell Barlow
a Weekend Warrior
from La Grande OR USA
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | This fork is awesome it is cushy has a ton of modulation to fit just about any rider. I have used this fork for a year and i love it. I consider myself to be a person who is qualified to state what i think about bicycles because i have ridden most Marzocchi forks, most Manitou, Rock Shox, RST, and Amp forks. | | Weaknesses: | The only bad thing about this fork is the fact that it is too narrow to use a 2.1inch tire with. you can use one but if you take off the wheel it will screw up you brakes. The only other thing i donot really like is the fact that it only has 70mm of travel. | | Similar Products Used: | almost all 1996-98 and below Marzocchi, Manitou, Rock Shox, RST, and AMP Reasearch. | | Bike Setup: | Klein Adroit with esp 9.0sl Bontrager Race wheelset, Race Face crank, Avid arch rival 50 brakes and a buttload of other great stuff. | | Bottom Line: | This fork rules for everything except snow and deathdrops.
I would recomend this for to anyone who liked to go uphill and downhill and does not want a heavy fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Inexpensive, Plush, Light, The heinous color actually becomes attractive over time | | Weaknesses: | Some Flex | | Similar Products Used: | RS Quadra 21R | | Bike Setup: | Gary Fisher HKEK | | Bottom Line: | I MUST SAY THAT THERE ARE ALOT OF BAD MOFO'S WHO REVIEW PRODUCTS HERE. YOU GUYS ARE BREAKING FORKS AND DESTROYING BUSHINGS IN RECORD TIME. ARE YOU SURE THAT YOU ARE BREAKING THESE PARTS WHEN YOU ARE RIDING, OR DOES IT HAPPEN WHEN YOU EAT IT?!? AND DO YOU EVER MAINTAIN YOUR BIKE?
I AM 6'3", 215 POUNDS AND I JUST CAN'T SEEM TO BREAK ANYTHING. MAYBE IT IS BECAUSE I RIDE HARD, BUT NOT RECKLESSLY, AND I MAINTAIN MY BIKE.
I GOT THIS FORK FOR $169, WHICH IS A STEAL. THIS THING IS PLUSH, AND VERY ADJUSTABLE. I HAVE NOTICED SOME FLEX, BUT I'M NOT EXACTLY A LIGHTWEIGHT. BUY ONE IF YOU ARE RIDING ON AN OLDER FORK AND YOU WANT TO UPGRADE, BUT DON'T WANT TO BREAK THE BANK.
I HOPE TO MEET SOME OF YOU BADASSES ON THE TRAIL. I WOULD LIKE TO LEARN YOUR SUPERIOR TECHNIQUES FOR DESTROYING YOUR BIKES! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike AKA "Mad Dog"
a Racer
from USA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | price $189 | | Weaknesses: | adjuster knobs broke
| | Similar Products Used: | SID
Indy C | | Bottom Line: | Despite the preload adjuster knobs breaking and the allen wrench bolt breaking off on me it has been a decent enough fork compared to the piece of junk Rock Shock SID. I have not had the luxury of owning the Marzochi lineup yet, but plan to someday soon. I have come to realize this about suspension forks in general they tend to require a lot of TLC. I race so I decided to rebuild mine with a firm suspension kit from Manitou ($30) + then I relubed the fork legs, springs, with Prep-M green which worked well. After I semi-rebuilt the fork, it seems to perform pretty good despite other minor parts being broken. I have not even tried to get any of these items warrantied out with Manitou as I think they are a bunch of idiots. I left a message for a rep. about a question and nobody ever got in touch with me and I followed up again with the same end result. They seem to be a company that has treated other customers the same way or worse. I felt that unless my fork was completely unrideable why bother a company that obviously does not care too much about us riders. Anyway, my SXR is still alive and kicking some butts on the race courses although I would rather have a Marzochi or a head shock from Cannondale. Like others have mentioned the initial ugly mango orange color kind of grows on you. I would give Manitou a one flaming toilet seat and this product a 4.5 which rounds up to a 5 because it still blows my ex SID fork away. I don't have too much riding experience with any other suspension products to rate this lower and it sure beats a rigid setup. I would rate this product even with a Rock Shox Indy C fork which I actually really liked because of the simplicity vs. my Manitou and ex SID fork which took a PHD from MIT to figure out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andre Boeder
a Racer
from madison WI
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
none when it is broken in half | | Weaknesses: |
Breaks in Half
pre-load adjuster breaks
not as light as they say
not very smooth
flexy | | Similar Products Used: |
manitou EFC
manitou SX ti
white bros UL 72 | | Bike Setup: |
specialized s-works | | Bottom Line: | Total junk. Broke in half after only a few races. I don't even know what finally caused it. I am a light (140 lb) smooth rider. The pre-load adjuster dial also jammed and wouldn't turn after a while. Before it it cracked (throught the arch) it didn't even perform great: some stiction, and some flex. And it weighed almost four pounds, not whatever they claim. Oh, and this is a replacement for the last one (SX ti) that broke in half in the same place, which it took them literally a year to get around to sending me. DO NOT BUY MANITOU! | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Munday
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wales - UK
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
The fork works. So far it has done about 1000 miles in fairly muddy conditions and has never caused a problem. I simply point my bike at lumpy bits and hang on - the suspension does the rest. These forks show up the original rear end shock thingy on my Marin Rift Zone. | | Weaknesses: |
A bit expensive. In the UK they cost about $400. However my RST forks cost about $250 and are rubbish in comparison. | | Similar Products Used: |
RST Mozo Pro 3.5
Manitou cheap things that were not very good - black ones - original fitting to the Rift Zone. | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Rift Zone on its original rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | I would buy them again - but it seems thay may last a very long time and I won't have to. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Champ
a Racer
from Vernon, BC
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
36DD | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
the only strength that this piece of $#%@ has is that it is light. | | Weaknesses: |
bushings wore out in less than one month of riding.
arch cracked
damping catridge blew
damping cartridge blew again.
flexes way too much. | | Similar Products Used: |
there is not one product on the face of earth that is as bad as this. a bunch of *$%@ing nimrods built this one. | | Bike Setup: |
rocky mountain blizzard, xtr/xt parts, sun rhino lites, irc kujo's, shorty stem and riser bar. | | Bottom Line: | i bought this fork and thought it was great. i liked it alot. that is until i rode the cursed thing. the bushings wore out in short order, a bit later the arch cracked, and the damping cartridge blew. i guess it's not meant for launching drops, but i didn't launch anything bigger than 5 feet. i sent it back for warranty and missed all of the fall riding because the little %@$# heads at manitou are all *%&$ing retards. i finally got it back and the first drop i did, i heard a loud pop. i blew the seal on the damping rod. i looked at it and the plastic was cracked. the threads ripped out. i said, @#%$ it! and went and bought a marzocchi bomber Z1 drop-off. a fine fork if i must say so my self. so, all you poor saps still stuck with this fork, throw it out!!! throw it at the first manitou rep you see, or use it as a paper weight. either that, or sell it to some unsuspecting person, but don't give them your phone number! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick
a Cross-Country Rider
from carson city
Date Reviewed: September 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
none` | | Weaknesses: |
NO WARRANTY BACKUP
BUSHINGS DIED AT 8 MOS
FLEXY
WORRISOME | | Similar Products Used: |
SX Ti | | Bike Setup: |
STUMPJUMPER
S-WORKS
XT/XTR SETUPS | | Bottom Line: | I started five years ago with a Manitou Mach V and liked it. It died after 3 or so years and lack up maintanence - MY FAULT. It was replaced with a 98 SX which promptly died due to bushing failure - according to Manitou there was much dirt inside the shock. (I did not put the dirt there!) So after about 500 miles/eight mos. of use (my wt = 170lbs, rides = all dirt) the thing just dies. Manitou looks at it and refuses to warranty it stating it was abused. Like many others here I errantly replaced the dead one with a '99 SX (the wait for Manitou's answer was too long) I too can hardly wait till this one dies. Fortunately it won't take long!!!!!!! I rate it one flaming toilet seat
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew D
a Weekend Warrior
from Texas
Date Reviewed: September 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
stiff
relatively plush.
external rebound adjustment.
Easy to adjust compression dampening. | | Weaknesses: |
adjustment knobs are hard to turn
Its hard to remove the front tire the brake bosses are set too close | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Indy XC Long Travel. | | Bike Setup: |
98 Gary Fisher Big Sur
XTR hubs/Bontrager Mustangs rims
XTR brakes, XT shifter/levers
XT cassete,BB
Rock Shox suspension post
Club Roost risers/Bontrager stem | | Bottom Line: | Tracks great, stiff in turns, adjustment is a breeze if you can get the preload knob to turn. I have it set up for slow rebound and it just eats up the little stuff. If you take the time to set it up right its a great fork. The mango color grows on you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dean
a Cross-Country Rider
from Warrenton, VA
Date Reviewed: September 12, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
The Race Crown is pretty cool lookin', Other than that NONE! | | Weaknesses: |
Dampening Cartridge | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou Spyder R, Manitou Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Pulse Race Manitou | | Bottom Line: | The spyder r came on the bike and in less than 6 weeks It developed serious stiction Manitou then charged me to repair the fork I thought that was Bull Shit. I then bought a Manitou Pro which I just didn't like overall, and then I bought an SX R about a month ago and was riding a simple downhill and blew the dampening out. I am buyin' zokes from now on!! I really don't want to give it any rating it doesn't deserve even 1 star. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spenc
a Racer
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Light
Smooth Action
Easy to maintain | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou SX, Judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 8900SL w/Manitou SX-R | | Bottom Line: | Used this fork over a year, and have had no problems with it. Took it apart one time to check oil/grease levels. If you are not a heavy weight, I'd recommend this fork to anyone. Seriously smooth action and easy to adjust/maintain. How much easier does it get when to add oil you just take the top right cap off and check the level (add oil as needed). To simple.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: August 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cascade Mtns | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
plush, price, adjustability | | Weaknesses: |
colour MANGO !?!? Hideous on my blue/yellow bike, but who cares ? | | Similar Products Used: |
RST 381, RS indy, jett, Marz. B5 | | Bike Setup: |
Kona alu hardtail | | Bottom Line: | Made some reasonable guesstimates for initial setup and did a quick 15 miles semi-technical trail. The shock was plush, stiff in the corners, did not bottom, and the rebound adjustment was a big plus over previous shock. For the price, I am pleased with what I got ! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Assmuffin
a Weekend Warrior
from the mountains of TN
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
can't tell you (it's secret) | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Weight, stiffness, color(looks great on my bike), rarely bottoms out even with stock elastomers, price | | Weaknesses: |
soft stock elastomers | | Similar Products Used: |
Indy XC's w/ Englund Airs
Judy XC's
Z-1 dropoff | | Bike Setup: |
'97 Schwinn factory homegrown full suspension, full LX, XT shifters/brake levers | | Bottom Line: | Great fork took it riding for the first time this weekend on a killer cross country trail about 10 miles outside of my town. It was a fast and technical singletrack ride, and I felt the confidence build inside of me as I smoked my freind, who has been riding a lot of road while his ankle heals and is therefore in better shape than me, and not once did I bottom out. Great color, my bike is red, and at first I thought it would be dorky, but now that I have it on it looks damn smooth. It is a very smooth ride, and the stiffness blows my old fork, a tricked out Indy XC, out of the water. Plus it makes a great conversation starter as I sit talking with the ladies. Plus I only paid $160 for it. I am a full manitou convert now. Doug Bradbury is god. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross-Country Rider
from N.Y.
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gram Hill | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very flush, easy, adjustably rebound, and stifness. | | Weaknesses: |
None so far | | Bike Setup: |
1999 marin rift zone, manitou sx-r, fox vanill, DiaTech Disk brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Nice flush shock, not too heavy. It has very easy adjustable settings, and rebound. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Weekend Warrior
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: July 31, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
all of them | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Stiff, easily tunable. | | Weaknesses: |
Original top out bumper was poorly designed. Answer now has better bumpers. | | Similar Products Used: |
BAM B2, Judy SL | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale CAAD3 - XTR and KORE components | | Bottom Line: | This fork is awesome. I have used Manitou forks since the Manitou 2 and this is by far the best yet. TPC is awesome. The best upgrade for this fork is the SX-Ti compression assembly which allows you to tune compression externally. Order one from your local bike shop, it only costs $30 to $40. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peaker
a Weekend Warrior
from Manhattan, KS
Date Reviewed: July 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Bottom Line: | Alright, so I just bought one of these after great recomendations from local riders. I test rode one and it felt like butter. I'll submit a better review in a few months after I get mine dialed in. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
madmissile
a Cross-Country Rider
from Solar Ring Three, Milky Way Galaxy
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Ben's trail | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very rigid, very stiff, smoooooooth action, zero stiction, price | | Weaknesses: |
Too bad you can't adjust the compression damping externally... | | Similar Products Used: |
Nothing even close to performance, but Quadra 5 (POS!) and indy XC, Judy T2 | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 6000 upgraded beyond recognition | | Bottom Line: | This fork is freakin incredible... let me double my speed on the descents and soar off things i never thought possible. Its very smooth and the damping is very effective, and thanks to TPC, going to last. Its very stiff laterally, especially compared to my old Quadra 5, which had lots of lateral movement but zero travel. I got it for 159 from Universal Cycles, who were polite and had no problems. The compression damping has to be adjusted internally but that's not a hassle either, it'd just be easier with a topcap like the SX ti. Plus, MANGO! (my bike's black with orange decals) All in all, an incredible deal. all in all it cost me 240 cdn, shipped, whereas if i bought it here it would be 600... not a bad deal! on a par with any fork out there, plus i've come to dislike rockshox, so that's another point in its favor! Overall, incredible fork, BUY ONE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam A.K.A Bobby Hill
a Downhiller
from Nelson, B.C.
Date Reviewed: July 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Thirteen Steps To Doom | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Really stiff
Really plush
Low maintenance | | Weaknesses: |
Not the greatest big hit fork | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Judy DH,XC Indy XC
Boxxers
Hmmmmmmmm....some weird super long travel old
Judy's | | Bike Setup: |
GT Outpost
DH bars, pedals
soon to have DH tires
totally Dual Slalom bike | | Bottom Line: | Mine are not 98 or 99 forks. They are 97's probably. They are just the SX not the SX R. They might be 98's but I am not sure. Anyways they work really great (plus I got a really good deal on them :) ) If you can get a good deal on them go get a set. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Price
a Cross-Country Rider
from Parkdale, OR.
Date Reviewed: July 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
not tellin | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
I tested the 98' sxr on a bike that I borrowed from a friend for about a month and I didn't want to give the bike back! Anyways down to the point: the fork was superb in all conditions
except for when It took a really big hit & even then only a slight bottoming out sensation was felt otherwise it was an excellent fork with adequate travel & plenty of adjustment. | | Weaknesses: |
Noisy damper valves & it could soak up big hits a little better maybe. | | Similar Products Used: |
R/S Sid xc, R/S judy sl RST delta-(wothless!)
Marzocchi Z2 atom bomb | | Bike Setup: |
tweaked & tuned Schwinn moab | | Bottom Line: | This shock is probably in nearly the same performance class as sids & marzocchi but even better theyre only about 1/3 the price, I luv it | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a Weekend Warrior
from Clemson
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Issaqueena | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Highly-adjustable
Price $160(closeout) | | Weaknesses: |
few | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
IronHorse Arrow | | Bottom Line: | This fork turned an otherwise average hard-nose mountain bike into a thrill-inducing machine. I weight 195lb and my bike is not light, but this Manitou lets me do anything I get up the courage for. It eats up railroad ties thrown in the middle of downhills. Its smooth around fast banking downhill turnbacks. Given, I can only compare it to a hard-nose, but I think it is a quality fork with alot of features. I haven't adjusted it much except pre-load it a little more, but the damping is just fine. I love the color(orange) but then again I do go to Clemson!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TK
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita
Date Reviewed: June 4, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Bottom Line: | Have been pounding this shock without mercy for over 6 months now and so far have been very happy with it. Zero problems, made very well, no flex, and is very effective on all types of trail conditions. I have added the 5.5 in steel X vert spring (which was necessary for hard riding), and kept the thing clean and lubed. Kudos to Answer for a quality product that works without a hitch. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shrike
a Cross-Country Rider
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: May 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
That one, over there... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
I can feel my arms again whilst I ride. Seems solid. Maybe a little mushy on hard-pack and cement. Then again I am a fat-ass. Bought it based on a recomendation. For the price ~$170 it can not be beat. | | Weaknesses: |
Did I mention it is Orange and my bike is purple? | | Similar Products Used: |
None. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 7000 blah blah... | | Bottom Line: | I give it four flaming biscuits. Could earn more but this is my first shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
UberCebus
a Cross-Country Rider
from Arlington, VA
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
not sure | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Price, quality, the whole 9 yards | | Weaknesses: |
the 99s are nicer, and I hate orange- sorry, Mango. | | Bike Setup: |
98 Rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | got this fork for $160, following a friend's advice. I'm about 210, it was a tad soft on hardpack or pavement, but was perfect off the road. The rebound damping I just cranked, did not get a lot of use out of that feature. But it gives a sweet ride, especially if you like it stiff. It's bulletproof, and these 98's are an incredible bargain. You can buy no better fork for under $200 (unless someone is selling a Sid for $199). If you are looking for an upgrade or a first shock, grab one of these quickly before they are gone. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Puzman
a Cross-Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
i like 'em all | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Weight
Price ('98 closeout)
adjustability
small hit plushness | | Weaknesses: |
stock setup is undersprung
noisy
quality control | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou ProC
RS Quadra 21 | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Mantra Comp | | Bottom Line: | I've owned the fork for several months, but have only been able to ride it a few times. Why? Because my fork came with a manufacturing defect in the bushings. This created a lot of noise, and I had to send it back to Answer for warranty repair. 2 week turnaround, its now better, but not noise-free (still clunks on sharp, high speed hits). Anyway, the performance of the shock is quite a bit better than my old Pro C- I've put in a 5.5 steel spring from the XVert R, and also added the externally adjustable compression damping assembly. The fork is very adjustable, very plush on small hits, and very active (due to coil spring). The stock setup was supposed to be OK for my weight, but undersprung. So far, rigidity/steering control seem to be good. The fork does seem to bottom easily, though (i'm still playing with the adjustments). It came down between this and an Atom Bomb for $100more. I've put about $50 into upgrades, so for an extra $50... Doh! 5 stars, minus 1 for poor QC, minus 0.5 for necessary upgrades, I give it 3.5 dead burning ponies. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Coldiron
a Racer
from Petaluma California
Date Reviewed: April 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Jamies loop | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Awsome shock. I have only lubed it once and it works as good as new. Sucks up low speed bumps and high speed hits!!
Get an SXR not a SID 98 | | Similar Products Used: |
Sid 98 | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher custom $5000 race bike | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful shock get it for only $180 now!!
I paid $380. way better than Judy SL even if the Judy is .3 pounds lighter. If youre worried about .3 pounds go to the bathroom before your race. Or clip your finger and toe nails, and shave your body. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nick Mtbr. Kies
a Cross-Country Rider
from Novato, CA
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
behind house | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Shock has performed for over a year with no maintenance. Does a good job of eating up the bumps and getting over those six inch logs at speed. | | Weaknesses: |
After a little over a year it is starting to show some wear in the manner of a looseness in the stanchions. The shop says this is normal and even a rebuild may not solve it.The adjustment for stiffness only worked for one month, same thing happened to my neighbor. It's a pretty cheesy setup but then they were trying to keep it light so I don't blame them.I weigh 210lbs and I had to find the kit to beef it up. No one seems to be able to buy them built up, so it costs you thirty dollars to need beefier shocks. | | Similar Products Used: |
Marsocchi or however you spell it, air shock. One of the early models, 1995 or so. | | Bike Setup: |
Marin Mt. Vision Semi Pro bike, full suspension | | Bottom Line: | Well it worked good for a year and I was happy with it till it started to show wear and sloppiness. This is about par for most mountain bike stuff, though. Since I am in the process of looking at having it rebuilt I will be very happy with it if the rebuild stiffens it back up. So I have to say it was reliable and worked well for a year. That's worth four flamers. I'd give it five if it was more durable. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Gerthoffer
a Weekend Warrior
from Greensburg, PA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Performance to $ ratio is unbeatable. | | Weaknesses: |
Brake clearance for wheel removal. Lack of multiple spring holes for V-brake adjustment. | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 920 (was rigid) | | Bottom Line: | Sweet, sweet, sweet. Can't be beat! I haven't felt any flex. It is SOoo adjustable, I figure it'll take a couple more months to really taste what this puppy can do. Minus 1 chili for the brake thing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chaz
a Cross-Country Rider
from amherst
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
wendell state park | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | its cool because it comes with boots AND wipers(at least mine did). unfortunetly, mine still managed to get pretty dirty. i got mined cleaned out and after a dozen rides or so, a few of which were road, it was gunked up again. but, its still buttery smooth and beautifully progrersive when clean. 4 flamin' turds | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Big Al
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: April 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
City Park | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Price
Excellent Tech support
Clean,simple design & teardown | | Weaknesses: |
not enuff clearance for Vbrake(wheel removal) | | Similar Products Used: |
RockSchmox
Mach 5sx
RST | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh m400 | | Bottom Line: | Decided on the '98 SX-R after using a Mach5 for 2 years W/speed springs etc..The terrain around Austin varies from hard pack to ultra rocky. Lots of extreme drop offs, boulders etc... The SXR has not let me down yet. Seemed alittle spongy at first, minor adjustments took care of that. The trick to keeping it smooth & stiction free is using Slick Honey. Great stuff. Stay away from Judy Butter as its petroleum based and eventually will corrode your bushings. mcu's. This puppy blows the rock shox away 'cept maybe the Sid. But who wants to pay $700 for a fork anyway? Enjoy the ride... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
fairly light weight
oil dampened
external adjustment | | Similar Products Used: |
manitou mach 5 | | Bike Setup: |
I ride a Gary Fisher Paragon. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork for anyone who wants to upgrade from any elastomer type fork, to an oil dampened/spring type. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Pettigrew
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 in Ireland. I would not buy a bike with Manitou forks again. Spares maybe okay if you live in the states? but they're hopeless in the UK or Ireland. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kim
a Cross-Country Rider
from Willoughby, OH
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Easily-adjusted, light and rigid. Good tech support, manual. | | Weaknesses: |
Ugh! That orange powdercoat! | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou Pro-C, Girvin Pipeline Chubby, K2 Crosslink Elite, K2 SmartShock, Rock Shox. | | Bike Setup: |
Cannondale CAAD3 frame. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork for the price! It's not as light as a SID, but what's a few ounces? For a few hundred bucks less, you still get outstanding performance, easy set-up and tuneability. Manitou forks always come with excellent tech manuals, and this one's no different. Too much oil? The first time I bounced the fork, a little oil dripped out, but that was it. No big whoop. Too soft from the factory? It comes with a medium setup, and I weigh 180 lbs. You need to know how to adjust the ride for your weight-don't try to ride a fork out of the box. Overall, I doubt there is a better fork in this class for the money. (4.5 chillies-.5 taken off for ugly paint) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross-Country Rider
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: March 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Poe Paddy | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Adjustability
Tuning ease
Stiff construction | | Weaknesses: |
Stock setup is too soft
Bright Color
Oil height too high from factory | | Similar Products Used: |
AMP F3-XC, Manitou EFC | | Bike Setup: |
Cr-mo hardtail, NORBA angles. | | Bottom Line: | This is a very nice fork for cross-country riding and racing, except at the pro level. It's very easy to tune, and Answer has been pretty helpful with tuning tips and manuals. A very good upgrade compared to my AMP. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TIM
a cross-country rider
from PITTSBURGH,PA
Date Reviewed: March 13, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I JUST SLAPPED A PAIR OF THESE ON MY DIAMONDBACK V-LINK FS AND LOVE IT. ALL THE PUTZES THAT HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS FORK AT THIS SITE HAVE NO CLUE OF BASIC SUSPENSION TUNING PRINCIPLES OR TAKE THE FORK TO SHOPS THAT KNOW EVEN LESS THAN THEY DO. (IT HAPPENS )THE FORK TRACKS WELL, TAKES BIG AND SMALL HITS THAT FOLDED THE ORIGINAL INDY XC IN THE DIRECTION OF THE REAR TIRE AND HAS A HUGE RANGE OF ADJUSTMENT THAT I SUSPECT MOST RIDERS DON'T KNOW HOW TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF. I WEIGH 200 LBS, RIDE HARD, AND RACE NOW AND THEN. THIS FORK WOULD SUFFICE FOR ALL BUT THE PRO-LEVEL NORBA RACER.SO STOP YER PATHETIC WHINING,GET ON YOUR STINKIN' BIKE AND RIDE EVEN IF IT'S COLD. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JAMES SCUBBYRRUBIAS
a downhiller
from POLLISTER,CA.93635
Date Reviewed: March 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I'M A PROUD OWNER OF A '97' SANTA CRUZ TAZNON W/ XT COMPONENTS,HED RIMS,
KOOKA CRANK.THE WORKS... & THE BOMB.AS AN EXTREME DOWNHILLER FROM POLLISTER
I'VE BEEN ADVISED TO DOWN GRADE MY FRONT FORK FROM MY SOLID STEEL RIDGID FORK
TO THE EVER SO LEEKY & CREEKY MANITOU SX R.I NEED THE HANDICAP AGAINST MY NATIONAL CALIBER COMPETITORS. I AM A VERY FIT 5'3@ 255LBS. MY FITNESS REGIMEN
CONSISTS OF A TIBBIDOU W/CHEESE, THREE OF THEM IN FACT DAILY,2 SNIKERS POWERBARS, 3 COKES & AND NEVER FORGET MY BABYRUTH...AND I HATE KIWI'S.I GIVE MANITOU 3 CHILLIES FOR THEIR EFFORT AGAINST MY RIDGIDS. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Noah
a weekend warrior
from Chico Ca
Date Reviewed: March 2, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought this fork for $170 at universalcyles.com. It straight up kicks ass! I ride hard and the fork has done great. I live in Chico, which has some of the most rocky terrain you'll ever ride. The frok has handled everything wonderfaully. I weigh 170lbs and the fork was a little stiff before I adjsuted the preload and rebound damping. I haven't messed with the internal compression damping. If you want the most bang for the buck go buy one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Clark
a cross-country rider
from canada
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding this fork for about a month now and I love it. I had a RST 381DH fork before, this fork is a double crown and my SX-R is alot stiffer even though its not a triple clamp. I'm 150lb and its winter right now so the fork seemed a little stiff. But after I messed around with the pre-load and dampening the fork seems find now. I haven't change the compresion but I did take the fork apart to see how to do it. IT is really easy. There is no way it could take you more then five minutes. My friend has a Bomber Z2, he paid almost $200 more then I did and the only differences that you can tell when riding the froks is that the SX-R is a lot lighter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan Dahlmeier
a weekend warrior
from South Dakota
Date Reviewed: February 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Great improvement from the 96 Mach 5, Plush, but not excessively so like Bombers. Very racy feeling. Sexy mango color-chicks dig it. Easy to work on and tune except no external compression adjustment. I'd definitly buy another, but I'd get a 99 with more travel. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hauser
a cross-country rider
from Flagstaff, AZ
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I just upgraded from a Incy C tothis fork. Wow, what a difference. On a tough downhill trail last weekend, I would have previously had to lay on the brakes with the Indy. With the Manatou SX-R, my fear level subsided, however I still managed to fly over my handlebars with a false sense of confidence. Chances are, I would have not gone over the bars with the Indy fork, because I would have slowed down at the spot where I fell. The manatou absorbed a great deal of rocks, ditches, and boulders, that wouldhave bottomed out the Indy C. Great shock for the price I payed at the local bike shop. $250 Grat adjustability, if that is a word. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Great Western
a cross-country rider
from Tiburon, CA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have th e 1999 Sx-Ti, but the 1999 SXR is the same without the Ti spring and has a longer steel spring. Anyway, with the SXR you save over $100. Or better yet, get the 1998 XVert for $199 and it's the same fork and has all the adjustments and the one piece lower. The new lower is way stiffer, but has 80mm of travel which can slow steering and raise the front end 10+ mm.
Or buy the 1998 SXR for $179 or 1998 SXTi for $299. The SXR is a great deal.
*** My fork works smoothly, but I've seen forks that don't work at all. The difference is HUGE!!!!!!!!!!!! THe working forks have a plush action and effictive dampening. The people complaining about too much stiffness and no travel probably have a defective fork (maybe defective bushings), but Manitous are plusher than Rockshox. CHeck your fork out! When you have one that works, it's way better than Rockshox and lighter than BOmbBombs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc jenks
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
The SX E came standard on my 99 Klien attitude comp. I have been out of the whole Mountain Bike thing for 7 years or so. I raced competitively for 2 years back when things were suspension free, so i am still not quite sure on the ride of these forks. They were set up by my bike shop but i'd like to make them ride slightly stiffer. I have quite a aggressive riding style and find them to abit spongy. They say small adustments can be made on the forks, but would changing the elastomer on the top of the forks from blue to yellow help at all?
I realise this is not a helpline but could anyone with any helpful info email
me. The Klien is absolutely fantastic. Never riden anythig like it.cheers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
robert Harper
a cross-country rider
from raleighnc
Date Reviewed: January 22, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
SXR was way to stiff for me at 155lbs, very little travel, Went to 21/2 oil and a soft ride kit from manatou now this is a great fork, Works perfectly soaks up all hits and gives me another inch of travel now 4 chills | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe Lorens
a cross-country rider
from Main U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 19, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I think this is a great fork for the money, its smooth responsif on big and small bumps and very stiff. The rebound and the TPC is very great. Long live Manitou!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terry
a racer
from Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: January 8, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork came on my '98 Trek 8500SL.
The Good: Never any stiction. Reasonable weight. Matches bike. Good warranty.
The Bad: Way to soft. Plastic caps (Fisher Price). Minor oil leak. Cracked crown. Travel measured at 60mm not 70mnm.
The Ugly: My face, after crown broke from crash due to oil leak on brake rim surface!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a weekend warrior
a
from colo sprgs
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Previously rode the Manitou Spyder (came stock), now riding the SX-R. Both great forks, but the SX-R is definitely worth the price (on sale). I'm not a big fan of MCU stax, but this fork has changed my mind somewhat. The adjustability is excellent, but I will definitely upgrade to Mtn Speeders for the 98 TPCs once the come out at the end of Jan. MCUs just don't perform as well in the cold! Nevertheless, Manitou gets a well deserved 4! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart Laing
a cross-country rider
from Tempe, Arizona
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is too cool. Way better than my Rock Shock Quad 21r. The travel is great plus the rebound. Also, nice to not have the brake bridge on the front. Only bottomed out once so far, but I will tell you that was on one hell of a bump. McDowell Mountain park where they hold the Arizona Cactus Cup. 5 stars even though I can only work on part of it.cheers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sick Air
a weekend warrior
from NY
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork has held up great under all the stress I give it. It is not the ideal freeriding fork, but it can handle little hits really well. I have bottomed it out a few times on big hits, but it doesnt exactly have a lot of travel. I would recommend this fork to the recreational XC or occasional racer. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Thompson
a weekend warrior
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Here's a suggestion for Lyndon Bird, from the UK, who complained because his fork is too stiff.Whatever you do, the answer is not to reduce damping! That will never compensate for a spring that is too stiff. By using thinner oil, you get the worst of both worlds, which is a stiff fork that pogos because both rebound and compression damping are inadequate. That's exactly what you complained about. I leanred this riding motorcycles, not bikes, but the principles are the same.The answer is to replace the springs with softer ones. Ideally, the fork should sag a little when you sit on the bike. After you get the right spring stiffness, you can start fooling with the damping, starting with more or less stock settings. If the fork kicks on high velocity bumps, but less so on lower velocity ones, you have too much compression damping. If it packs down when you go over a series of bumps, getting progressively lower and stiffer, the rebound damping is too great. You already know what too little damping feels like.Your problem may not be the fork at all, but the fact that you are on the light side of the customer-weight bell curve Manitou used to determine the stock spring stiffness. Try softer springs and see how it works. Good luck!I know nothing about this fork, but I'm thinking of buying one. So I'll post an average rating. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.J. Peck
a cross-country rider
from Marietta Georgia
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my shock a couple of weeks ago and i am very happy with my choice. The price difference between this fork and rock shox wasnt close. I may loose 10mm of travel against the Judy XC but i also save about .8 pounds on it. I would recomend this fork for anyone that likes to put their bike to the limit and beyond cuase i have. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a racer
from phoenix az
Date Reviewed: November 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i think that the manitou SX-R is a vrey good shock. i race with it every weekend. i have not had any problems with it at all. So i think that this shock is a very well made piece of nesessary equipement that you should never leave home without it... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atle Kleiven
a cross-country rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: October 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Sorry, folks, I have to reconcider my opinion about this fork. It has worked great for 8 months now, but when I took it apart I saw that there were to cracks just opposite eachother on the brakearch. This is no good for a fork that is quite expensive. So now I have to buy a Judy SL | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Richardson
a cross-country rider
from Ma
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this fork. I think that it out performs any rockshock in it's category. It is much lighter and cheaper than a comparable marzochi. It its very stiff torsionally. I like the tpc dampening and the seals are exquisite. I took the fork apart after about 3 or four months and it had no dirt in the lower tubes... at all!!! beats the hellout of a complete rebuild every 100 miles!!!
This fork handles very well in the rough stuff and has no noticeable stiction. It is a little mushy on the climbs but there is an optional lock out that will take care of that
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan
a cross-country rider
from Cincinnati Ohio
Date Reviewed: October 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I started riding when I was 17 The stuff I did was not hard. As I got older and more bold I bought a Rock Shox Judy XL It was ok. I just reacently bought the FS-TI it works wonderfully The only problem was It did not have disk brake mounts. I gave it 4 Chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Black Pete
a downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: October 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These are great forks once you have tuned them - so much better than my previous Judy XCs. If you can't even do that to a well made instrument, you deserve to suffer!! Get a life, get TPC. I am 200lbs, tough on bikes, and these are the sweetest shox around. I rate 'em high. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a weekend warrior
from MA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got the sx-r two weeks ago and already I have put it through hell. It preforms beutifully. The only problem I have with it is that air noise when it compresses. I don't care very much. It handles great when you are hitt'n those big roots in the middle of the trail. I am going to start racing this weekend and i can't wait to see how they handle. I love the color!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a weekend warrior
from Orange Co., California
Date Reviewed: October 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All of the whining in these reviews is amazing. Hey geniuses, did you know this fork is adjustable? If you weigh over 200 lbs., PUT IN STIFFER SPRINGS! It isn't rocket science. Also you can adjust compression and rebound. It won't work right out of the box without adjustments.Anyways, this TPC stuff is the best thing Manitou has produced to date. The only suggestion I can make for this fork is to buy the external compression adjuster assembly from the SX-Ti fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lyndon Byrd
a weekend warrior
from UK
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got these with my mountvision 98 and they are an absolute bag of crap. I only weigh 9 and a half stone so they were way too stiff for me. I took them back to the shop and had lighter weight oil in put in them. They were much plusher, but to get them to compress fully I have to put the front brake on and jump on the handlebars!!. I have get them set to minium preload (top left leg from front of bike) and set the damping as soft as it will go, and fully adjusted the grub screw inside the leg of the fork so that the hole is biggest for max oil to flow through. When I am downhilling I cannot see because the fork is so stiff and rebounding so fast that my arms are getting shook all over the place!!. I can't wait wait for mine to bust, then I'll get Marzocchis. 'Thing is though, they track so well and feel almost bomb-proof. Sodding forks!! 2 flaming dog turds for their stifness and tracking for a single clamp fork. Even my friends indy c's on his aluminium hardtail are better for downhilling. (although they flex so bad that they seem to be made of rubber, not metal. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ecke
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well, I dont know how to rate it but it sertainly works better than my previous SX-97. The fork operates much better on big hits. The only negative comment I have is that the fork has got an irretating air-noice when it compresses. Otherwise i´m a happy lad together with my brand new Merida Elite 980. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Harper
a cross-country rider
from Raleigh NC
Date Reviewed: August 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Good fork still working with damping controls, at 150lbs. it is a little stiff,tracks well very good on big hits not so good on intermediate stuff. I ride with a lot of roots and samall logs on which these forks seem a little to stiff Overall a great improvement over my Indy XC Color is horrible. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a weekend warrior
from Greensburg, PA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got this shock with my 98 jamis eureka and am not impressed so far. I am a larger rider and am able to flex the shock with ease. It constantly bottoms and does not inspire confidence on downhill runs (feels like it's gonna bust in half). On the up side it really makes fire trails ride smooth. Can't wait to break mine so I can return it to the shop and get something stiff. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allan
a cross-country rider
from Dallas
Date Reviewed: July 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I picked up this fork for a great price at my favorite LBS that was unfortunately closing down after five years. It replaced my 1996 Specialized FSX carbon Judy. Ever notice that FSX sounds like flex? Anyway, I'm very impressed with the SXR. It is much stifer than the FSX, goes where you point it, and after some fine tuning, the action is great. The compression damping is not externally adjustable but the rebound damping is. I had another LBS order the external damping assembly for the 98 SX Ti ($20) and it swapped right out. The cap is a little different but who cares. The oil level was too low when I got the fork so keep an eye out for that. Like some previous reviews, it does tend to top out some, but by adding some 10w oil (5) and working with the rebound adjustment, it has all but disappeared. I even like the mango color. It goes well with my Army grey FSR. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dawson gates
a cross-country rider
from alaska
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
i only weigh 120 lb and today i just cracked the reanforsment they arent a bad shock they hanndle pretty nicely but they are definatly not for any thing extreme im giving them a 3 just because i have been saved like 200 times by them but if you ride daily on trails dont get them because you will brake them just like me | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a cross-country rider
from Pasadena
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Been riding the SX R for a few months now (Stock on my Klein Matra Race) and could not be more pleased with this shock. The suspension is plenty plush for XC riding and eats up most everything I run over. Prior to this I was riding a C'dale HT with a fatty 50. The headshock is not in the same league with the SX R. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Master RX
a downhiller
from Winnipeg, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Ever since I put these new sx r Manitouson my GT 6/4 Titanium frame I've been winning tons of races! All the other guys have Rock Shox and Gravin or Bombers and even those RSTs. But I kicked every ones ass with these Manitous! No one else had them, but since I've been winning races, people ask me where I got those kick ass shocks. Thanks alot Manitou! I owe you one! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike the bike
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Recently rode this fork on a hire bike in Scotland - boiling hot day - fork was excellent on fast fire road stutters, damping plenty adjustable. I normally ride the 97 version and the 98 is a big improvement. Big hits? Well - on the good side of excellent.
I like.
I want one. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bowanna
a weekend warrior
from mi.
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
this fork leaves much to be desired. i have ridden it only a few times and it has developed a leak at the dampening adjuster, it has virtually no dampening adjustment at all. it tops out no matter how i try to adjust the dampening or the preload.its going back to answer just as soon as my judy sl arrives.the lbs has had to send 3 manitous back since spring.2- 98's and 1- 97'.i hope answer products gets their act together, and soon.i will give one steaming pile of crap because that is just what the sx r is! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Swatman
a
from british columbia hah!!
Date Reviewed: May 8, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had the SXR for three months. Fortunately my pal Jibber Jabber Jay ran over them with his truck, yes, bike and all! These forks sucked. They bottomed out constantly. The stanchion bushings wore out way too quickly. The colour sucked. Now I ride BOMBER Z2 BAM TECHNOLOGY. These forks kick-ass dude. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Suckling
a weekend warrior
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: April 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The forks are about 4 months old now and I've already had to replace the spring/mcu, preload adjuster and rebound damper. Even on a hard spring kit I bottom out easily, but maybe that's because I'm over 200 lbs and ride hard! They are dead easy to service at home at well, which is great. A good fork, but they only get 3 from me because of the problems I've experienced. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corvilain
a
from Belgium
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride about 4000 km (2486 miles) per year.
I think this fork is really Great , it works fine with my trek 8500
It has a very good steering precision and rigid enough.
Sometimes it looks smooth, but it's not a default.
There is no comparison with my previous INDY SL.
The rebound adjustment is good enough for my weight (70Kg or 140lbs) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
air
a weekend warrior
from Oregon
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just got this shock this week. I also got XT V Brakes at the same time. AWESOME! the shock is super smooth, super easy to adjust, it just plain rocks! a definite 5 stars. Also I love the XT V brakes, they have so much power its unbelivalbe. If you want a shock get a SX-R (or for about 120$ more get the SX-Ti) (I don't race, so I didn't see the need for the Titanium springs. of the SX-Ti)I just wish the shock was a better color. (Like plain old silver.) my bike is a cannondale Killer V 900 that is shiny silver..the orange shock looks kinda funky on it..but oh well...its just so Awesome I don't care how ugly the color is! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gerry Deman
a cross-country rider
from Lawrence, KS
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Just replaced my Mach 5 SX with an SX-R. Big improvement!
This fork is plusher with seemingly no stiction. However, the most noticeable improvement is in steering precision.
It goes exactly where you point it, almost like a rigid fork. The absence of flex is greatly appreciated by this
Clydesdale. Front wheel removal/replacement a little tight though. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wesley Best
a racer
from Roanoke, VA
Date Reviewed: March 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a Rock Shox on my bOntrager; I got a Mantra race with this fork as a second bike ( I'm a shop geek... ). It made me buy a Manitou for the Bontrager.
The difference in steering control between the Manitous and Rock Shox is night and day. Maybe the Manitous aren't as plush when you're standing over the bike and bouncing on them, but rarely do I hit a bump like that.
For technical terrain, there's no contest: Manitou is a better fork. I only give 4 stars cause it's not perfect. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joshua Pelland
a weekend warrior
from Williamsburg, MA
Date Reviewed: February 4, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Is there a way to keep incoherent 3 year olds and 10 year olds who like to say pen!s out of here?
By the way I guess this fork is cool I'll give it 4 stars becuase its not that plush.
It appears reviews have to be at least 50 words. Ok I guess that's why the dude below me had to repeat pen!s 3 times.
Nice! It also censors it! Way to go, guys! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jason
a cross-country rider
from San diego
Date Reviewed: January 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had mine for about 2 months, and the fork is great so far. I weigh
about 185 and i haven't experienced much flex. The only problem is that
there is not alot of rebound adjustment, the dealer said it probably needed
a heavier weight oil. I have it set almost to the end on the dial, and
it still rebounds a little fast. So I give it 4 chilies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Atle Kleiven
a cross-country rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the SX-R for 2 months now and I am very satisfied. It is very plush and stiff and there's no leakage like on my old Marzocchi forks. I hope it lasts. I use the fork for all types of riding and I've given it a hard ride. It sunks up big and small bumps very nice and it is a great upgrade on my Kona Explosif. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Maddog
a cross-country rider
from south africa
Date Reviewed: October 20, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
i have recently upgraded from the indy sl's - this fork is a massive improvement on the rockshox. i have ridden +/- 150 miles and it it seems to be getting plusher - upgrade tip - replace 1 elastomer with the 1996 softer pink ones - result is awesome - also use wurth silicon spray to lube the stanchion tubes. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Milk Man
a cross-country rider
from NJ
Date Reviewed: October 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork came on my 98 bike. It is my first suspension fork. It seems fairly stiff and after about 70 miles or riding has not changed much. I have it set with no pre-load and little damping. I weigh 165. I haven't noticed much flex but I have nothing to compare it to except my retired rigid fork. I like the TPC system, it seems like a great concept. I have heard that cartridge systems don't hold up. Time will tell...
4 Chilies on my expectations of a long life and a cushy ride. I'm finally suspended! | | Overall Rating: |
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