Submitted by
Larry
a Racer
from stamford, ct Date Reviewed: September 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Nice looking, adjustable travel
Weaknesses:
When you adjust travel to 80, the compression gets tighter. In other words the compressionis not consistant between the 80 and 100 settings. I use the 100 setting on my hartail at all times, it the fork has been great to me.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, MZ, etc.
Bike Setup:
Klien Attitude Comp
Bottom Line:
Never had any issues with the fork- ever. Great fork for the price. Would take it anyday.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Anthony
a Cross Country Rider
from exeter Date Reviewed: November 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
fort rock in exeter NH
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
wheel power
Strengths:
the travel adjustment and the rebound
Weaknesses:
looks... it looks like mine is at 50 mm of travel but it is at 100mm i took it to the shop and said it is at 100mm I wish i bought the sherman
Similar Products Used:
marouzchii exr comp 100mm
Bike Setup:
04' gary fisher sugar 3+ my fork came with it
Bottom Line:
very nice fork but not as responsive as i would like it to be. the manual said that it will loosen up in about 8 hours of good riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harrison Edwards
a Cross Country Rider
from Aurora, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Ganaraska Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Planet Aurora
Strengths:
I love the travel adjust and the rebound. The TPC dampening is really smooth in all conditions.
Weaknesses:
NO LOCKOUT. i would prefer if there was a lockout for climbing.
Submitted by
Alastair White
a Weekend Warrior
from New York, NY, USA Date Reviewed: September 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vanny
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Tread Bike Shop - NYC
Strengths:
Great Damping, Looks, Reasonably stuff - not plush, but smooth.
Weaknesses:
2 Consecutive forks failed - Tortional twisting in both cases reulting in a mildy skewed wheel - Manitou gladly fixes with no charge (except 1 way shipping) - but I am no longer confident in a fork that failed in an identical way (Skewed in exactly the same way, degree, and to the same side) Manitou wanted to charge me 250 (US) to 'upgrade' to a Sherman - Maybe I am unreasonable - but the upgrade isnt by choice (is due to a failed fork) and the difference in retail price is 100-150. I consider this unacceptable and not standing behind a product! I see Shermans on EBay for sub 3 new, so......... You make your own decision!
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2, RS Judy SL, RS Psylo SL
Bike Setup:
03 SC Chameleon, XT/Mammoth, RF Prodigy DH-Bash, Azonic WF Bars, RF Diabolus, Lock Ons, XTR Brakes and shifters/derailleurs. Thomson post
Bottom Line:
Had a good experience with the fork minus the skewing (twice ina year - yes I am 225 - no I didn't crash it broke - yes I have mad skills - no Nose dives...)
I am VERY unhappy with my warranty experience, and would NOT recommend black forks to heavy riders - and would even go so far as to recommend dealing carefully with a company like this!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan
a Cross Country Rider
from raleigh, NC, USA Date Reviewed: September 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Beaver
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
LBS,came with bike
Strengths:
Has held up well
Weaknesses:
Had to purchase upgrade springs for my fat ass.
Bike Setup:
Fuel 90. What do you care how it's set up?
Bottom Line:
After reading all the whining about the fork I have to agree with those that love it. It was one of the reasons I bought the 02 Fuel over the 2003. I weigh 235lbs and don't do big drops. I do ride the hell out of my bike and this fork hasn't failed. No noise, No roughness, No breakage, No faults of any kind. Sure the stickers fall off. Manitou will send you more. Who cares- just more battle scars. I did have to purchase the super-sized springs and yeah you lose the preload adjustment- but think about it- if you weigh enough to warrant the big spring than the preload is going to be ineffective anyway. Feel free to ax me any questions- I'll be out riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Paddock
a Weekend Warrior
from England Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003
Favorite Trail:
coed-y-brenin red bull
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Steering precision, easily adjustable travel, easy to service, reliability, good damping
Weaknesses:
Spring kits are too soft (you have to go for the next one up),
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Axel Elite, Marzocch Z2
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Hoodoo, XT, Easton, HS33
Bottom Line:
I bought these 3 months ago from chain reaction for £230/$360, down from £349/$545 because they're last years model. For the money they're great, very stiff 30mm stantions, good damping and very reliable. The spring kits are too soft if you follow the recommended weights and the firm/extra firm kits are expensive @ £30/$50, when with fox they come with the fork. Best in 100mm as they're more sensitive and can take bigger hits. Any weaknesses aren't an issue at the price i paid for them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jensen
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, Canada Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
All
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Stock on bike
Strengths:
Really smooth rebound on bigger hits Adjustability allows tuning for rider and conditions
Weaknesses:
Unresponsive to smaller bumps and chatter Not enough range for the damping controls
Similar Products Used:
My first suspension fork. Tested others while bike shopping
Bike Setup:
Stock 2002 Fisher Sugar 3+ GS Firm ride spring kit
Bottom Line:
Do yourself a favour and upgrade to the spring kit for the weight class one heavier than your actual weight as this will give the fork enough strength for you and all your extra gear.
Even though this is my first suspension fork, I know something about suspensions as I design recumbent trikes with independent suspension. Suspensions should almost allow you to ride your tires at a higher than normal pressure for any given situation. A rising rate is better than constant spring rate and it's unfortunate that this fork doesn't have coils with it.
This fork is indicative of the trend towards free-riding in that it really only activates on fast moving big hits. Do a drop-off of about 6 inches at cruising speeds and it will almost completely damp the rebound. If you do the same drop off at slow, trials-like velocities, the fork will compress almost to it limit before rebounding, a sure sign that the compression damper hasn't even activated, and this at just about any setting. It forces the tires to accomodate most of the small gravel sized rocks, which only increases the amount of un-sprung weight for the chattery stuff, like a "semi-rigid" fork. This is not a fork that should have been spec'ed for general purpose trail riding which the Sugar 3+ seems to be pointed at.
I think the way to improve this fork (and many others I've test ridden) is to increase the un-weighted ride height so that when you mount the bike, the fork actually compresses a couple of inches to the start of the travel proper. This should give it some decent spring rate for the small chatter.
I'd also like to see the compression damper be lockable so that for the road ride up to the trail, you won't get too much pogo.
The plastic pre-load adjuster should have been made strong enough to deal with the heaviest upgrade springs. Getting the stronger coils and giving up the fine-tuning is not what I'd call an ideal upgrade.
Finally, I don't think one should have to get an air shock just to get a rising spring rate. The various coil choices available should have included a rising rate option.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Corbin
a Cross Country Rider
from Littleton, Colorado, U.S.A. Date Reviewed: May 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Pedl'r
Strengths:
Extremely smooth motion. Perfect for the lighter rider like myself.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Full stock on a Gary Fisher Big Sur.
Bottom Line:
This is a quality fork made by a quality company. The travel is very smooth. I would have to say this is the smoothest fork I have ridden. The microlube ports on it are also a great thing. They keep the fork easily lubed and smooth. When the ports are filled, they dispence the grease themselves, keeping the fork lubed and smooth all the time. I would suggest not to buy this fork if you are a heavy set rider, though.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
C P
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Micheal's Bicycles in Newbury Park
Strengths:
Stiffness, Resilience, reliability
Weaknesses:
Plastice knobs, poor placement of travel adjuster knob on dropouts(should have been on top of fork like 2003 model to begin with)
Bike Setup:
GF Sugar
Bottom Line:
This fork is way overpriced. Any Marzoochi at this price is superior. Also, the Fox Vanilla blows this fork away. The rebound adjuster offers a poor range of adjustability. The reality is, all suspension forks need only to be adjusted for the riders weight and riding style. If properly sprung, the 80 mm setting is really just a semi-lockout. This fork is not a real adjustable travel rig. All this being said, the fork works fine, once dialed in. It is very stiff and strong, it just doesn't live up to its price tag. Plastic parts need to be on cheap forks. If Answer lowered the price, this fork would get all the chili's. The Black series should be completely redesigned. Manitou is on the right track with the Sherman series. They should get their act together and build all their forks that way. I have a feeling that in the next couple of years they will be right up their with Marzoochi and Fox, the only true suspension fork manufacturers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham, Alabama Date Reviewed: April 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn. Red Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
Cahaba Cycles
Strengths:
I got this fork on a 2002 Gary Fisher Big Sur. After putting some lube on the dry seals it worked into its travel effortlessly. It is by far the smoothest fork I've ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
The adjustments don't seem to do very much. the preload is the most effective, and the 80mm setting isn't the greatest considering it just compresses the fork and doesn't allow the same feel just at a lesser travel setting.
Similar Products Used:
'00 Sid XC '00 Judy Race
Bike Setup:
Stock '02 Big Sur, Profile Design bar ends, LX brakes front/rear.
Bottom Line:
Bottom line, this is a great fork, mainly because I got it on a complete bike way below what it is supposed to cost. It is an extrememly smooth fork and I haven't had a single problem since i bought it, and i've been doing a fair amount of medium jumps around here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J Bruck
a Cross Country Rider
from Rncho Snta Margarita Date Reviewed: March 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Relatively stiff, smooth travel
Weaknesses:
No preload adjustability if you use any stiffer spring than the stock spring. If you put a stiffer spring in, you have to replace the preload adjuster with a solid aluminum cap with no adjustment. Plastic 80/100m travel knob is cheap and prone to breakage. Stickers come off easily (which really doesn't matter but I thought I would throw that in there anyway)
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SXR (1999,2000,2001) marzocchi atom 100
Bike Setup:
Schwinn homegrown full suspension with full XT.
Bottom Line:
I have been a die hard Manitou fan until I purchased this fork. When I found that the stock springs were too soft for me, (I don't care what others say ... the stock springs are way too soft..) I went out and paid $40.00 bucks for stiffer springs only to find out that when you put stiffers springs in, you have to replace the preload adjuster with a solid aluminum cap with no adjustability... A $350.00(list price) fork with no preload ? Don't $45.00 cheapo forks have this? I called Manitou and told them I was upset about this and they got pissy and stated "why don't you buy a marzocchi". Obviously they had recieved this comment from many others and were a bit sensative about the subject. The fork does hold together well (no play or slop after 8 months of use). I have been riding the fork for over 8 months (3 to 5 days a week) and the fork has held together well, but I finally got fed up with not having a preload adjuster and went out and bought a marzocchi atom 100 which is a far superior product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Draco
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: March 13, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Silent Sports
Strengths:
Good Fork. reasonable adjustability. No probs to date.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Truth, Hayes, Hugi and xtr
Bottom Line:
Good fork. Quit your complaining. I am 170 pounds and ride 10-15 hours a week. Some of which is free ride big drop stuff. I am riding stock springs and have had no problems bottoming the fork out to date. A fork is designed to bottom out when going over big hits so that is more supple over the small stuff. Note to all of you who are downhilling with this cat on the front it is a XC fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david camp
a Downhiller
from littleton co usa Date Reviewed: February 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
dampening works well i think, kinda light, looks cool pretty stiff
Weaknesses:
the travel adjuster broke, the dampener adjusters don't do much(but theyre good where they are)and my crown/stanchion tubes are separating and they wont warranty it because its not that kind of fork(dirtjumper)then why in the hell is everyone who is sponsored by manitou using one for slalom? this crap pisses me off oh yeah mine makes the loudest creaking noise because of this crap.
Similar Products Used:
everything marzocchi, rs Pyslo, lots of dhforks
Bike Setup:
ds1-set up for race
Bottom Line:
good "aggressive XC" fork, i guess the ads lie though. it cant hold up to jumping at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Salida Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
Just a quick add on to a previous review- I added a lockout instead of a compression knob mostly because the compression knob didn't do anything but also because the climbs around here are longer roads. This is defintely the way to go although it sounds like others have added new seals which makes the compression more touchy.
Dial in the preload to make this fork work right and don't review anything if you don't own it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a freerider, not
a Cross Country Rider
from mammoth mtn. Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
that price was for a complete bike, he has a 2002 k2 bumpy monky (5" back/4"front of travel)
Bottom Line:
this is a good xc fork. when I rode his bike I bottomed out off a three foot drop(even with the compresion adj. set to hard). my forks would'nt have bottomed out. I think it's because I run a higher pressure than that of his spring.and whats up with the 2.35 tire arch, that's so weak. I run a 2.65 tire on my 4" fork. if you ride xc only there o.k. if you freeride you will need harder springs or consider a 5" fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Tulsa,OK Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Turkey Mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Tons of adjustments. Fairly light for the amount of travel. Good looks.
Love the fact I can upgrade it (cheaply) to the same internals as the 2003 fork, that rules.
Weaknesses:
Retail is pricey, but can find good deals on closeout models.
Similar Products Used:
Cannodale Headshok, Rock Shox Duke
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Jekyll with new Cane Creek Double Xc headset (freakin' sweet).
Bottom Line:
This for is really smooth and plush in the 100mm setting. Really balanced the suspension out on my Cannondale Jekyll. I like all the adjustments, you can really custom tailor the feel of this shock.
It soaks up the little stuff, but doesn't bottom on the big stuff. If you are having problems bottoming, then you should think about the heavier spring kit. I weigh 185, alright 190, and dont have any problems with bottoming.
The 80mm setting stiffens up the shock considerably, so if you are worried about the lack of a lockout for climbs, you might think about running in the 80mm position. My old HeadShok had a lockout that I rarely used, and I don't miss it.
All around great fork for XC and all around riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Chico Date Reviewed: October 11, 2002
I just added the seal upgrade and tpc valve (upgrade to 2003 mountain bike action october). my first ride out with the upgrade was incredible. Had to turn the compression screw 3/4 turn clockwise to get it set for me (210lbs). It is so smooth but has to really hit hard to bottom out. There is a stretch of trail that used to make my kidneys bleed but now i shift up to my tallest gear and fly. I got both parts for $75. I did put the in heavier spring recomended for my weight. Both upgrades are a must. The fork has been good to me, i havent had any problems and I ride on some pretty demanding terrain.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Racer
from Medford, Oregon, USA Date Reviewed: October 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
White Rabbit, Ashland Watershed
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Medford Cycle Sport, came with fuel 90
Strengths:
Very versatile, nice and plush, well sprung for my size, suitable for both racing and light hucking. completely and fully adjustable, stiff
Weaknesses:
have some trouble getting into 80 mm mode, but works very well ( and comfortably ) in 100mm mode. could be light (my lightest fork as of yet is a 3.6 pound marzocchi, so I haven't exactly been using sid light forks, therefore this isn't bad for me...weight-wise)
Submitted by
T.J H.
a Cross Country Rider
from Asheville Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bent Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Friend
Strengths:
Adjustability, durability, stiffness
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
duke, psyclo, shiver, mrx
Bike Setup:
-
Bottom Line:
I'll admit, i've only had this fork for about 3 months. But what i can say is that in those 3 months i have ridden harder than probably anybody else on this review. im at school so i only have time for urban assault and i beat the hell out of my bike. i havent had any problems with the fork. sure i've bottem'd out a few times but i (and any other good rider) will do that on any fork. My stickers dont fall off because they are the new flat kind... for those of you with the thick ones... quit b!tching about the stickers. Do you know how stupid you sound? good fork, but just to be fair ill write another review in 9 months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a
from Anaheim Hills, CA Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
On one of the few occasions it works, it works well. It can absorb the biggest hits well and is plush throughout the travel. However, these chances of use are few and far between. I haven't had a chance to ride this fork, or bike, in months.
Weaknesses:
It never works. This thing has blown twice in a year. This time, when sent back to Answer to rework, they put the travel adjuster on backwards and still didn't fix the valving.
Bottom Line:
This fork and company's support sucks.
I first had problems when trying to install the fork. The disc tabs were misdrilled and I couldn't get the caliper to align properly. They shipped me washers for "spacers" instead of fixing the lowers.
Then the "put on with spit" lettering came off.
Then the travel adjuster broke and had to be reworked by my lbs.
Then the valving blew out.
Sent it back to Answer to get fixed and it came back still without valving working and bottoming at the slightest hint of pressure (with your hands on the floor you could make it bottom without installing it on the bike). Plus, the geniuses installed the travel adjustment backwards. Now, 80 is 100 and vice versa. This thing is getting sent back, again, to be fixed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hard Kor
a Cross Country Rider
from Angels Date Reviewed: August 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Toad
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
JT Cycles in Sonora
Strengths:
Plush on little bumps
Weaknesses:
Letters fell off immediately Rebound dampning has blow out twice - Answer sent me the part the second time - it's chea, cheezy plastic At 180 lbs it bottoms way too easy
Similar Products Used:
SX-LE XVert super
Bike Setup:
doesn't matter
Bottom Line:
Sucks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Salida Date Reviewed: August 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Monarch Crest
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
really nice decals- just kidding Plushness and dependability ability to ride two different shocks at once
Weaknesses:
not the best 80 mm fork or 100 mm fork needs a lockout? maybe too light a spring for most people
Similar Products Used:
light weight race forks (judy sl, first sid, manitou sx-carbon) and an atom 80
Bike Setup:
ellsworth truth with some other parts
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is that I haven't had a problem with this fork in a year of riding it really hard- 1000ish miles. It has been submerged completely under water, twice on the same ride, for over a minute. Without boring you with any more bs, I think it is safe to say the fork is at least broken in.
And it works fine. Had it tuned up once, grease it when I remember. Hasn't let me down yet. I specifically chose a spring fork over an air because I didn't trust my karma.
The riding that I typically do revolves around 100 mile races in the rocky mountains. The "training" means you go on lots of epics, on purpose. Big climbs, rocky descents, sometimes technical, sometimes fast, mostly roads up with single and double tracks down. 50 miles of dirt is not uncommon. I weigh 140 pounds so I don't abuse my parts as much as some but I am easily capable of bottoming out these forks if I don't have the preload set right.
When I got my new bike last year, I thought mostly about what fork to get. I have always been a weight-weenie (I once got my Moots hardtail to weigh 21 pounds) but the new bike was a change from all that so I changed my fork ideas too.
More weight= more cush. Springs are heavier vs. dependability in the most-out-of-the-way-you-don't-want-anything-to-go-wrong-now places.
And money- why do forks cost so much money now? If I pay $700 for a fork, they better lube me up too. This is an excellent $400 fork which is a ridiculous thing to say.
In my experience, the 80 mm setting is good for climbing, great for tight single track, ok for speed, ok for gnarly trail.
The 100 mm setting is ok for climbing, ok for tight single track, great for speed, great for gnarly.
In 80mm, the bike handles precisely but a day in the saddle would leave you much more battered than it would in 100mm. I don't like the way it handles going up on tight single track in 100mm- too twitchy.
But the best part about this fork is that you can switch back and forth- and I can reach down while I am riding and switch the knob, of course not while going too fast or bumpy but... how much complaining is user error? A knob on top would be easier though.
The preload knob works great although it is sensitive to dirt and wear- the cleaner it is the more preload it takes to keep it from bottoming out but that to me seems like a no brainer. The other adjustment knobs serve no purpose for me- I set them on the lightest setting and haven't moved them in a long time. Can't tell if that is a minus or just me weighing 140 pounds.
The one thing I would add would be a lockout but only because of the type of climbing around here- when you are facing 26 mile paved Monarch Pass to get to your favorite trail, do you really even want to be on a mtn bike? However, climbing a rocky trail might be better when you don't have the lock out, especially at mile 75.
Overall, I give this 3 for value (none of this stuff should cost as much as it does) and 5 because the stickers fall off so mine now says BACK.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diggs
a Weekend Warrior
from Iowa Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Okay, the "L" was peeling off out of the box. A tiny drop of super glue fixed what Manitou should have done originally. I have to wonder if in the manufacturing cycle, the lowers were not properly cleaned. Mine felt oily to the touch, which is probably why the adhesive did not work. The grey paint is obviously thin and looks like the slightest abrasion would wear it off. Definitely not up to par with my other Manitous. This is all superficial crap, but then again, this is totally unacceptable quality control and materials.
Fork is obviously undersprung for my weight, which is no fault of Answer. There is no airspring so if you don't buy the right coil for your weight, don't complain on here about Answer.
The fork is guaranteed leak proof, so who cares if it leaks. Mine hasn't leaked yet. Probably a lot of riders riding on stock springs bottoming these things out and punishing the internals. But, I have to question the quality control again. Time will tell. But Answer's service has always been great in the past.
Coil sprung ride is incredibly plush. None of the squishy oil noise of the bombers. Best ride seems to be in the 80mm mode, as the 100mm mode is too smooshy for xc and climbing.
I'm a WTB grease guard user, so the microlube ports are well received. Keep em greased, well adjusted and they run extremely smooth.
Fork lowers appear to be extremely stiff laterally. They are a firm fit on my WTB wheels, with very little flexibility at the drop outs. Drop outs are very close to the lower stanchion bulge, so you may have problems with mounting them on your roof rack (can barely get my Rocky Mounts quick release to close around them because the lever hits the fork... takes some experimenting).
I don't think I would rush to say that the adjuster knobs are cheesy. Sure they are plastic, but they seem securely fixed. Have you ever looked at the plastic air caps or lower adjuster on a Z3? Lets be fair. The Manitou has the adjusters and fork legs contoured to fit together nicely. I have no worries about them snapping off.
Best tip I can give is use superglue on the decals, install the proper spring kit and keep it well lubed. Probably a high maintenance fork in the long run (like the old Judy's) but should give you a good ride.
Have to give it only a 3 because of the poor finish quality. Who was smokin crack in the design office when they speq'd raised letters. Here's an idea... laser etch them like Cane Creek does. Or just use stickers and clear coat em.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shane
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, Peach State Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek is my backyard
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Fork came with my Fuel 90
Strengths:
Lotsa things to tinker with.
Weaknesses:
Lotsa things to tinker with. After 2 months and about 220 miles of trails, 2 of the 3 adjustables crapped out.
Similar Products Used:
Dogwood Pale Ale (helps keep me cushy off the bike)
Bike Setup:
'02 Fuel 90, all XT, Panaracer Fire XC Pro F/R
Bottom Line:
Like I said, after 2 months and about 220 miles, this fork failed. I had been riding in 100mm mode and decided to try 80mm one day. The fork was sticking and making mucho noise. I took it to the LBS and lucky me, one of the engineers who designed the fork now works there. He informed me that the travel adjuster and also the rebound adjuster had failed. He hooked me up with a service loaner fork and sent mine off for repairs. In 2 weeks, I'll give you a follow up.
I'm frustrated that this "high end" fork has failed so soon. Now let's see how their warranty department holds up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kelly
a Weekend Warrior
from Okinawa, Japan Date Reviewed: July 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Sunset Trail, Flagstaff AZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Adjustibility, Reverse Arch
Weaknesses:
The 80/100 switch is on the bottom, so you have to stop to lock down before starting a long climb. I've had this fork for almost a year now, and the 80/100 switch recently went tits-up. The fork won't stay locked in the 80 mode, and makes a crunchy sound while the switch is set there. It still works fine in 100mm, but now I have to climb in that setting. I was recently in Alaska, and a LBS was going to fix it, but the part didn't arrive before I had to depart, and I can't get this fixed in Japan.
It's not a bad fork, but it's not a stellar fork either. The 80/100 just compresses the spring, so in 80, you're riding a compressed, tight fork, and in 100, it's got a normal feeling. I'd like a wider range like 80-120. I hate the idea of buying a new fork after just one year, but I think I see a Marzzochi Z1 Freeride (with ECC) in my future. I tested one out on a different bike and was quite impressed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Shleppy
a Cross Country Rider
from Southern California Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hermose Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
smooth and buttery with almost no stiction out of the box. Relatively stiff even under breaking.
Weaknesses:
Just like many other reviews said, the stock spring is way too soft for anyone other than 140lb feather weight. I was aware of this when I bought the fork so no surpiese there. I bought a stiff spring kit along with the fork but what I didn't realize is that when you switch to any spring stiffer than the stock spring, you can no longer use the preload adjuster. Yep you heard me right, a $300.00 fork that no longer has any preload. When you put the stiffer springs in you have to replace the preload adjsuter cap with a solid aluminum cap. I don't know any fork on the market (even the cheesy forks on Huffys) that don't have a preload. The reason I bought the fork is for the 80/100 travel adjustment on the fly, but I had no idea I was going to end up with a fork with no preload adjustment... This really blows. Oh yeah.. the plastic knobs that everyone seams to be complaining about... they are absolutely right. The knobs are seriously cheasy and the retaining screw on the top of the preload adjuster knob is a 1/16 inch allen head. Who in the hell has one of those lying around !!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SXR (1999,2000,2001), Manitou Six Deluxe, Rock shox Judy
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Factory full suspension with XT
Bottom Line:
It seems like a lot of people are whining about the stickers moving around on the legs,and the fork leaking a bit. Who give a rats ass about stickers... and about the oil seals leaking after a while...I have owned 5 or 6 forks and all of them eventually leak (rock shox, and Manitou) so I wouldn't sweat these issues too much. What I would be concerned about is that unless you are between 140--170 lbs, this fork is not really designed for you. Yeah you can buy a firmer spring kit, but since you have to replace the preload adjuster with a non adjustable aluminum cap when the firmer spring kit is installed, that just down right sucks !!! A fork that is designed to move between 80 and 100mm needs to have the freakin preload adjuster. I have been a tried and true Manitou fan for quite some time, but unless Manitou pulls their head out of their ass and remedies this next year, this is my last Manitou purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fatso
a Cross Country Rider
from saint paul Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
-stiff -doesn't bottom out excessively -adjustable travel -don't get paid to advertise, so I'm glad the stickers fall off -this fork works and I'm 200 pounds.
Weaknesses:
-adjusters could be improved
Similar Products Used:
-sid race -judy
Bike Setup:
a good one
Bottom Line:
stickers schmickers. everyone that complains about scratches and stickers should buy a road bike and ride on the road.
bottom line: this is a good shock for the price and everyone that complains about cosmetic defects is lame.
disagree with that.
peace.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord,NC Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Poplar Tent
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Versatile for most riding. I don't believe it would be a good choice for DH or Urban.
Weaknesses:
Spring stiffness that is not told about until after the fact. Stickers that are gone if you hit brush.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Big Sur
Bottom Line:
I believe for myself this is a good fork but you have to get used to it. Replaced spring soon after purchase because of endos. Went to Xtra Firm. It feels too stiff for me (240lbs) in the 80mm setting for the terrain we have here. I use the 100mm always but even then have to be careful on the dropoffs for bottoming out. Does not rebound adequently upon clearing logs etc. even though you have the ability to adjust. Again this is based on a heavy rider, six ft. tall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Anaheim Hills, CA Date Reviewed: June 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
When it works, it works great.
Weaknesses:
As sturdy as a wet noodle. This thing is more high maintenance than my ex. I spend more time messing with this darned thing than any other piece of equipment on any of my bikes.
Bottom Line:
This is a complain-fest. It has been eight months since I first reviewed the Black as a great fork. It is, when it works. The fork recently lost all dampening and would bottom out on the smallest pebble after only 8 months. After the miss-drilled disc brake holes, the stickers put on with spit instead of an adhesive, a travel selector knob that had to be reworked at my lbs and now the fork "blowing out", I am totally dissatisfied with this thing. For the amount of money spent on this fork, I would expect it to last quite a bit longer before having a catistrophic failure. The parts are on back order and I am without a bike for a while. Thanks, Answer Products. Word to the wise, have them work the kinks out of this before you purchase it or buy something else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Mountain View Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Ummm...good question. Let me get back to you on that one.
Weaknesses:
Bottoms out going up a curb harsh. Manitou customer service is about as helpfull as a toaster in the jungle.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox, Bombers, Fox.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3+
Bottom Line:
This fork just sucks. I cant believe people here have any reason to give it a good review. Stickers fall off. Paint job scratches up really easily. Bottom line: I weigh 185 and the stupid thing bottoms out on you going over speed bumps in the parking lot. Second point, who is Manitou kidding? You have to buy our special aftermarket m-prep lube (or whatever its called) and extra firm springs to make the fork work the way it SHOULD! Translation: fork = great deal at $399 (+ $30 for springs + $20 dollars for special lube + $30 for labor?) Not such a great deal now is it? I hope bike companies are readinh this because I wont buy another bike that comes with a Manitou Fork on it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
finster
a
from albany, NY Date Reviewed: May 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
rocky...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
looks
Weaknesses:
--lack of stiffness
Similar Products Used:
manitou xvert; rock shox sid, duke, psylo, judy; marzocchi air forks; FOX
Bike Setup:
kona bear dlx, stock
Bottom Line:
this fork is all hype. it's a wet noodle when the trail gets rocky and forget about any secure feeling when doing any drops. the travel looses its smoothness w/in the first couple of weeks of hard riding and the thing leaks! i've seen countless blacks stocked on (yawn)gary fishers and treks and the majority are leaky! what's the deal? and i loved the xvert. oh well...there's always next year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Plush, stiff
Weaknesses:
Reliability
Similar Products Used:
Judy's, Z1's
Bike Setup:
SC Superlight, Crossmax, XTR.
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my (much) earlier post.
After 6 months of light use (what can you do it's been winter) the fork has started dribbling oil form the right leg (where the damping lives). A strip-down and rebuild at the shop didn't help so Manitou are overnighting new lower legs and internal to the shop...oil seals seem to be a problem with the Black - they even had a brand new fork at the shop with a leak.
Shame that it happened, but excellent service from the shop and Manitou...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Nicholson
a Cross Country Rider
from West Milford Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
Very adjustable, compression and rebound dampening! Easily done
Weaknesses:
Preload adjustments do not make much difference in performance. Fork is set up for a very light weight rider, bottoms out very easily. I needed to purchase a spring kit to overcome this (I only weigh 180lbs.) Even with the spring kit it comes close to bottoming out!
Similar Products Used:
I have ridden on rockshox sid forks and other manitou forks
Bike Setup:
I ride a full suspension made by K2
Bottom Line:
Decent fork for Cross country riding, but is still to soft. Great if you weigh 140lbs!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Ames, IA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on Fisher Big Sur
Strengths:
I think its pretty stiff and I'm 250! I love the travel adjustment and the rebound damping control is nice.
Weaknesses:
Compression dampning control does nothing, when I switched to the xtra firm spring kit I love my preload adjusment, but thats actually okay becaue the xtra firm gives me just the ride I wanted.
Similar Products Used:
Only fork I've used before this was a RS Indy XC.
Bike Setup:
Fisher Big Sur with Thomson post and Avid brake levers.
Bottom Line:
Great fork, glad I got it. I was looking at two other bikes both of which came with the Duke. I really disliked the feel of the Duke but loved the Black. Very plush in the 100, firm in the 80. Mine and my wifes (hers is the Diva version) have the traditional style stickers instead of the raised letters so we have had no problems there. Overall I'm loving the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott Webb
a Cross Country Rider
from Tustin, Ca Date Reviewed: April 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Santa Ana River Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
Can't tell
Strengths:
Looks cool
Weaknesses:
1. This fork is VERY FLEXY 2. Pops out of 80mm setting if it takes a big hit. 3. Rubber decals came off within 5 rides
Similar Products Used:
White Bros SC72UL, Rock Shox SID SL
Bike Setup:
IF Deluxe, XT, Mavic 317,s w/XT disc hubs, Hayes Disc brakes, Thompson post and stem. Great utility XC race/trail bike.
Bottom Line:
The fork flexes so much that you can hold the front brake on and watch the fork flex back and forth. it feels really noodly when you rip it around fast technical. I weigh 162lbs, and I'm not particularly brutal on my equipment. If the fork takes a moderate hit, it pops out of the 80mm setting and "ratchets" in between 80mm and 100mm setting. The "Black" decals came off on the left leg within the first two weeks. The plastic preload and damping controls are not only cheap, but you really have to wrestle with them to work properly. This is my 2nd try with Manitou - never again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christophe
a Racer
from Haines, Alaska Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all of'em
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
employee purchase
Strengths:
Smooth action. At 185lbs it seems stiff enough to me. Some flex, but for a mid level fork seems fine. The adjustable travel is the strength that will sell this fork.
Weaknesses:
Plastic knobs for adjustments? Quality of construction is a bit iffy. My travel adjustment knob broke day one. The stickers came off day two. I don't really dig having the front end of my bike elevated by an inch when I switch to 100mm travel then drop and inch when I switch to 80mm. Go into a hill with your fork on 100mm and get ready to lay down on the bars to keep the wheel down. Spring kit seems a wee bi on the soft side for me.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Psylo Race (other bike)
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90
Bottom Line:
Nice fork. Worth buying, but I would maybe look into that Psylo a bit closer. Not real stoked on the quality control. The control knobs are cheesy and weak and seem to have no effect on changing the ride characteristics. It's like they're on the fork for looks! Switching from 80 to 100 is fun, but has some drawbacks for some riding. You certainly cannot do it on the fly. Stickers....what stickers. They came off when I pulled the fork out'a the box. As for overall ride quality, its a nice fork. Don't stick it on your $5000 Moots, but do stick it on a mid level ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jess
a Weekend Warrior
from a little town south of the Tennessee border Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Big Avery Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
East Ridge Bicycles
Strengths:
Smooth travel, nice options where rebound and firmness are concerned
Weaknesses:
has started making this clicking sound, but i think it's because i botomed out too hard
Similar Products Used:
none, had a trek with no shocks previous to my big sur
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Big Sur. stock.
Bottom Line:
i havn't had these things leak yet like everyone is saying, but that may just take time. also, i've had no problem with the melting letters either. what's everyone so bummed about? i feel like there are much worse shocks out there, and compared to them, Black is excelent. i've had no problem with them except for the clicking, and that's just recent and will probably work itself out. great shocks all around, especially when they come stock on your bike!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fish Monkey
a Downhiller
from Bradistan Date Reviewed: April 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Chute
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Something to hold your front wheel up in an emergency
Weaknesses:
FLEX. Yup, big style.
Similar Products Used:
Psylos & lots of Bombers
Bike Setup:
24:7 Frame, these pieces of c*** plus Hope disks
Bottom Line:
THESE FORKS FLEX. Unless someone replaced my front wheel with one made of jam coated rubber without me noticing these are the flexiest forks I have seen in years. Oh, yeah, and they are waaaaaaayy too expensive. I could not recommmend that anyone buy them! Buy Bombers!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
samo
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Jellybean
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
local bike shop
Strengths:
Plush, great for cross country as well as freeriding. Has many more adjustments on the outside compared to other forks so you can fine tune your fork.
Weaknesses:
Major flex with LX V brakes compared to my RST Aerosas. I am now going to buy a brake booster to regain some stopping power. Stickers move but can be fixed with glue.
So far so good but the flexy on the breaks great fork but still 10 times better than the old fork. You can go anywhere on this fork and light enough for cross country aswell.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Doble
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Beyond Bikes
Strengths:
Super stiff, great cornering, looks kick ass, smooth travel, nice mini-boots, the Rapid Travel Adjust works as advertised, TPC damping actually works (some forks seem to have it as an ornament, like the Judy C), the drilled crown also looks great. Has Preload, Compression Damping, Rebound Damping, and Rapid Travel Adjust Control knobs.
Weaknesses:
hmmmmmm... Well, just minor gripes: * Why in the world does Manitou ship their forks with such a soft spring kit??? Does every mountainbiker weigh 140 lbs.??? * The decals (the letters that spell BLACK) glued to the fork can be moved or shifted when exposed to heat.
Similar Products Used:
Can there really be any other forks similar to the Black??? Manitou SX-R, RockShox Judy C, Manitou Mars Elite, RockShox Duke Race
Bike Setup:
Trek Y2K 7000, XT hollowtech splined cranks, cassette, shifter/lever set, and front der., XTR rear der., Race Face Air Alloy Flat Bars and Good n'Evil grips, Cane Creek Ergo Control bar ends, Avid Arch Rival brakes with Flak Jacket Housing, Mavic CrossRide Wheels, Race Face XY seatpost, Race Face System Stem, Sell Itallia Prolink Gel saddle, Time ATAC pedals, Salsa Skewers and Lip-Lock seat collar, hell, the only stock component left is the metal flake yellow frame...!
Bottom Line:
This is an UPDATE to my review!!! I am glad I chose Manitou. The fork has easily lived up to what I said on my first review, but this update is really about Manitou's customer service. The casting on my Black Elite 80/100 Fork (candy coated silver) developed certain stains that penetrated the paint on my fork (looked like some kind of oxidation). I immediately called Manitou, expecting a long wait and a troublesome time in explaining such a complex (weird) problem. I was totally wrong. The folks at Manitou immediately processed a warranty replacement after listening to my explanation. They even sent me the black colored lowers that I asked for because I preferred them over the silver ones. I am extremely pleased to know that Manitou backs up their product with the same zeal they advertise it. You can bet I'll be riding Manitou for a long, long time. * Thanks to Ed and Lance for their patience *
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warren Kinney
a Cross Country Rider
from Springfield Missouri Date Reviewed: January 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
River Trail, Fruita Colorado
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Strengths:
The most rigid fork on the planet!!! It does everything well. Forget about using tools to adjust your fork, just use your fingers. Dampens well, rebound adjustment is simple, the quick travel adjust is absolutly awesome!!!
Weaknesses:
I keep hearing about the stickers but I haven't had a problem up to this point.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX, Marzocchi X-Fly 80
Bike Setup:
2002 Tomac 98 Special Pro, Easton bar, Thomson stem, XT/XTR components, Sun Tomac disk rims, Hays disk brakes
Bottom Line:
This is hands down the best fork I've ever rode, Bury your Rock Shox and bolt this bad boy on!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bri
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL Date Reviewed: January 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
GREAT Looks. Very Stiff. 80 - 100 mm is very functional.TOUGH. It will take a beating
Weaknesses:
80-100mm switch should be on top of fork. Not really a problem though. No lock-out
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SXR, Psylo SL
Bike Setup:
Spec. Stumpjumper, time pedals, raceface bar. XT, Avid brakes
Bottom Line:
This shock is AWESOME. The 80 mm is very stiff and is great for XC. Switch to 100 mm and this thing sucks up the bumps. I dropped off two drops that I NEVER ride normally and the black ate them up. I have had no leaking but if I do, my Bike shop stands behind the things they sell so it wont be a problem. Quit whinning about the weight! This shock is great and I hardly even noticed any weight change. Its worth the weight for the ability to go head first into anything in my way. BUY IT!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel Loureiro
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: January 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$393.00
Purchased At:
RibaBike
Strengths:
Still stiff and super eficient, still good lookin, still plushy, still ...everything !!!!
Weaknesses:
Damn stickers !!! I'm seriously thinking taking them off the fork ...
Similar Products Used:
There is no similar products compare to this !!!! Well, last week I tried a friend bike, equipped with a "Marzzie" Z1, I must say that the fork is good, but let me tell you, the Black beats Marzocchi in every way !!! There is some products who are living in the shadow of their past fame and reputation, Marzocchi is one this products, and if you'll add the exorbitance of their prices, you will surely have a stroke!!! These things are so expensive, good but expensive, with Manitou you'll have a much better product at a lower price, the right price !!!
Bottom Line:
This thing is getting better and better as the rides go by !!! I just love going down at 55/60 Km/h with my "Blackie" set on 100mm, it eats bumps like you eat a pot of honey ... So sweet and smooth... Believe me this thing is pure velvet...Love it so much that I could sleep with it...eh eh My best buy so far...
Yep, still five flamin ones !!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bary
a Weekend Warrior
from Some where in California Date Reviewed: December 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
STiff, looks cool
Weaknesses:
THE FORK PERIOD!!! THis thing makes a funky clunker noise and the dampning is very funny. The stickers peeel off and the ANNOYING HAYES DISK MOUNTS are hard to adjust. This thing is a load of crud. top cap even came off.
Similar Products Used:
x-vert super, psylo sl
Bottom Line:
this thing is terrible. it broke like 100 miles out. Spewed oil and seals blew. The stickers came off so it didnt look cool anymore. Also I think the dampning on the x-vert series forks were better. This quick-range tpc is crap.
The top cap came off and the disc mounts stink.
I thought is was a fluke fork so i sent it back. I got it back like 3 weeks later and it started spewing oil again on my next ride. The sticker started coming off again and the dampning still felt weird.
DE JA VU all over again!!!
I bought my new Psylo Sl and may I say it kicks the crap out off manitou crud.
Dont waste your time with MANitou! GEt a MARZ OR RS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brett Nelson
a Cross Country Rider
from Adrian, Michigan USA Date Reviewed: December 14, 2001
adhesive on "Black" logo could be stronger as it is sensitive to hot/cold conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Marathon 80, Rockshox Duke Race, Fox Float 80, Rockshox Sid Race, Magura shock(don't remember name) White Bros.,
Bike Setup:
Large Specialized S-Works hardtail/XTR or aftermarket everything, Hugi/Mavic 517... under 24 lbs
Bottom Line:
This fork was purchased with versatility in mind (This is a bike that I (26 year old 240 lb clydesdale racer) and my wife (23 year old sub 130 lb beginning racer) will both be using. I required a fork that could be set up for her primarily, but that I could ride on a race course that is smooth (on which I would not ride my YETI full suspension) By simply adjusting the rebound and air pressure, an EXCELLENT ride was achieved by us both. In fact, I may replace my Marzocchi with this and give that to her... This fork was my favorite overall, in addition to being the most versatile. I found it to be stiff enough for my weight and I believe that it will hold up in the long run, something that I would have never said of late-model Manitou forks. In addition it is fairly easy to service and maintain. If you are as biased against Manitou forks as I was prior to riding it... the Marzocchi Marathon was the only thing close performance wise... The SID felt like a noodle for me, but if you are lighter it might be different. This, honestly, is the best fork that I have ever used and I'm not sure that I have it dialed in completely. Manitou is back!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Buell
a Racer
from Ft. Worth, Tx. Date Reviewed: December 10, 2001
Favorite Trail:
North Shore (Grapevine, Tx.)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Grapevine Bike Center
Strengths:
Looks cool, works awesome, very smooth
Weaknesses:
many.. I have all teh mechanical problems... none with the stickers flying off. Leaked out of box, compression damper does not work, got new one.. still doesn't work
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX Ti, Rockshox SID XC,
Bike Setup:
Stock '02 Gary Fisher Sugar 3+
Bottom Line:
This fork works GREAT! BUT! (we have 5 bikes in stock with this same problem) the fork leaks right from the box, the compression damper adjustment knob does not work either, I called Manitou and they told me the Compression damper is "speed sensitive" ..... my a$$ it is. I've been riding this fork for about 2 1/2 months now and never ONCE has the compression damper ever made a change. The rebound damper works great. Other than that it works nicely, it'd just be nice if you could feel a difference in the compression damper. Oh yeah in order to get a hold of manitou I called for 3 weeks straight 3 hours a day. It seems since '98 when Manitou developed the "TPC" system their forks have unfortunatly gone down hill. leakage problem with every new AND used fork that comes into my shop. Have a MARS that "spits" oil all over the rider. Nice eeh?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Coral Springs, FL Date Reviewed: December 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
Adjustability and overall performance.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Judy C and Manitou X-Vert
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 80
Bottom Line:
My other bike has a Manitou X-Vert and my Trek came with the Judy C which I changed to a Black Elite 80/100. It's as plush as the X-Vert when set at 100 mm and stiff and responsive when set at 80mm. It's like having two different forks. The 80mm setting is great for smooth roads and the 100 mm just eats up the rough stuff!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Portugal Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$393.00
Purchased At:
Ribabike
Strengths:
The look, the strenght and stifness of this thing are so amazing, the dial buttons look very resistant, this baby transforms any rough terrain into pure velvet, I just love it...
Weaknesses:
And yes !!! It's the sticker problems again...They just keep falling off... I just glued one of them with some Loctite glue and it seems to work...
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox sid race, Psylo xc blaaagh !!! Tested one before buying my Manitou, It's so bad I couldn't believe it...Yeah right, the U-turn is on top and you don´t have to stand off the bike bla bla bla...Believe me it ain't worth it...
Bike Setup:
specialized, Chris King headset, shimano xtr...
Bottom Line:
This fork is a miracle, plushy but whith no loss of stiffness, it's a very well balanced fork, and does she looks cool !!!! I Highly recomend this fork. At 100mm this baby transforms itself into a super sponge absorbing all the ground irregularities while you're goin'down fast, dial to 80mm and you'll see your bike changing geometry in a second, just fine for cross-contry riders... Five flamin'ones...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Cross Country Rider
from Valencia (España) Date Reviewed: December 2, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Calderona
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$8.00
Bottom Line:
Manitou Black is magical. You can change the position on your bike puttin the dial from 80 to 100. You can be sure that with it you shall go sure. Is very hard, with no lateral moviments. Is so very progressive and beautiful. The dial are easy to move.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kenny palmer
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford, Va. USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Cove
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bikes Unlimited
Strengths:
Stiff, Adjustable,smooth travel
Weaknesses:
none yet(although it would be nice if the travel adjustment was at the top of the fork).
Similar Products Used:
RS Duke XC, Noleen Crosslink, Manitou FS Ti Buldge('98)
Bike Setup:
02 Trek Fuel 90
Bottom Line:
This fork cemented my decision to buy the 02 Fuel 90-I rode four different FS bikes and all things being equal the Black was a major contributor to my decision. The adjustable travel is great, set at 80mm it is a great xc ride and at 100mm you can bomb down your favorite hills. Fork is light and stiff and tracks well too. I haven't had the sticker problems yet but we're in the midst of a drought in Va. so I am anticipating losing them as the weather gets wetter. Even so, I'll still love this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zack
a
from san jose ca Date Reviewed: November 25, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
just tant to echoe all the rest of the reviews; this is a great fork
Weaknesses:
doest have a lock out feature when riding road
Bottom Line:
All in all a great fork which is highly adjustable but unfortunatly does not have a lock out when i ride on the road....This is on my 02 trek fuel 90 and i love the bike too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moe
a Weekend Warrior
from Weston, FL, U.S.A Date Reviewed: November 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
markham park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Looks great. Reverse crown is great on steering and on cornering. Feels really stiff and secure.
Weaknesses:
The travel adjust switch is on the bottom. It would be nice if you could flip it on the fly. Two sticker letters flew off on the way home from the shop! The rest of the letter shifted all over the fork.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
02 fuel 90 stock
Bottom Line:
The fork is awsome. No serious complaints at this time. I eventualy peeled all the stickers off and fork looks pretty cool. I called up manitou and they sent me two new sets of stickers that are supposed to have improved glue.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
r w
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: October 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
the Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
123bikes.com
Strengths:
simple, sitff, adjustable
Weaknesses:
you got to stop and get off the bike to adjust to 80mm, and the stickers suck.
this shock gets better every ride. it took about 15 hours to completely break in. at first i pondered why i didn’t go with the Psylo SL, but then it broke in i'm pleased now. this shock is SIMPLE, sitff plus adjustable. the 80mm is almost a lock out and it nice on long climes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles, CA , USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dont have one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
yard sale
Strengths:
Looks tight, everything adjustable, Handles like a champ ! RA technology kicks butt !
Weaknesses:
Damn stickers keep falling off !
Similar Products Used:
none...this shock is One of a Kind, compared to what I used to have, Judy Jett Rock Shox (P.O.S)
Bike Setup:
Manitou, Black Elite 80/100 mm, GT Aggressor 2.0 Carbon Fiber Monkey Bars ..more goodies still on the way !
Bottom Line:
This fork kicks Butt !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary
a Weekend Warrior
from Pittsburgh Date Reviewed: October 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Versatility - adjusting travel with the flick of the lever is cool (and suprisingly useful for long uphill slogs), Stiffness under braking (w. rim brakes) With the reverse arch I thought the brakeposts would flex way more than my Z1's - I was sooo wrong the rev arch conters the flex really well. Oh, and they're as plush as the Z1's have ever been, right out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Flex under cornering - I'd forgotten how annoying brake rub can be!! The decals will probably not last another couple of rides.
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC, Z1-BAM, Marzzochi Marathon (80mm)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Black Elite, ChrisKing, XTR, CrossMax, Avid Ti, PC Love levers, Monkeylight, Raceface
Bottom Line:
Out of the box the fork works well, the flex is not too much of a problem and who gives a toss about decals. Lets just see if they keep working...if they don't I'll be posting again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Grant
a Cross Country Rider
from Anahiem Hills, CA Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
The Path Bikes, Tustin, CA
Strengths:
A fork with smooth travel in compression and rebound, looks, stiffness, adjustability and rides like a Cadiallac.
Weaknesses:
Misdrilled for disc calipers, weighs as much as a Caddy and lettering moves all over the place.
Bike Setup:
'01 Truth with the Black and Avid Discs.
Bottom Line:
I love the way the fork rides. Just got back from Moab/Zion/Brianhead and put it through its' paces. The travel was smooth even on the big hits. Heck, it even took the big-big hits without issue.
However, that said, the issue with the misdrilled caliper mount sucks. For the kind of cash I paid I really would like something that is right directly out of the box. I had to use washers (supplied by Answer products so they call them spacers; trying to get ahold of Answer was close to impossible unless you KNOW they are in Santa Clarita, CA.) to move the rotor closer to the fork. This now creates much closer tolerances from rotor to fork that scares the bejesus out of me. Also, couldn't the lettering be contact cemented onto the fork? They are so loose that I feel like I am playing with magnets on a refrigerator when I go to fix them.
Overall, I dig the fork but Answer/Manitou really needs to get the kinks out before I would buy it again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos Doble
a Cross Country Rider
from San Juan, Puerto Rico Date Reviewed: October 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Beyond Outside Bikes
Strengths:
Super stiff, great cornering, looks kick ass, smooth travel, nice mini-boots, the Rapid Travel Adjust works as advertised, TPC damping actually works (some forks seem to have it as an ornament, like the Judy C), the drilled crown also looks great. Has Preload, Compression Damping, Rebound Damping, and Rapid Travel Adjust Control knobs.
Weaknesses:
hmmmmmm... Well, just minor gripes: * Why in the world does Manitou ship their forks with such a soft spring kit??? Does every mountainbiker weigh 140 lbs.??? * The decals (the letters that spell BLACK) glued to the fork can be moved or shifted when exposed to heat.
Similar Products Used:
Can there really be any other forks similar to the Black??? Manitou SX-R, RockShox Judy C, Manitou Mars Elite, RockShox Duke Race
Bike Setup:
Trek Y2K 7000, XT hollowtech splined cranks, cassette, shifter/lever set, and front der., XTR rear der., Race Face Low Riser Bar and Good n'Evil grips, Cane Creek Ergo Control bar ends, Avid Arch Rival brakes with Flak Jacket Housing, Bontrager Select Wheels, RockShox susp. seatpost, Thomson Elite Stem, Sell Itallia Prolink Gel saddle, Time ATAC pedals, hell, the only stock component left is the metal flake yellow frame...!
Bottom Line:
I really took my time with the selection of my fork. I tested the Duke Race and the Black Elite 80/100, which were my favorites, before purchasing. I can't say that the Duke is an inferior fork, but it has much less versatilty than the Black Elite, and the Dual Air setup takes too much time to maintain and tune correctly. So it was a no brainer, and I am happy I stuck with Manitou. You can really do anything with it. Ride XC setting it to 80mm, freeride or dual slalom set at 100mm. The only thing I might do to this fork is add the compression lock-out lever. All in all, this fork rocks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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