One word about the Super Air? Plush, baby!(ok two words) Smooth travel throughout its range (100 or 120mm), a rebound adjustment that actually gives me a noticeable different between soft and full stiff. Bolted it on before heading out to Moab, what a difference from the stock MCU shock on the Schwinn. In fact I had to upgrade the rear shock just to balance the plush ride up front. Kinda strange to hear the air hissing on compression at first. I got mine at the VeloSwap for less than retail... a nice bonus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kristina
a
from Fairfax,VA Date Reviewed: January 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Stiff, very plush
Weaknesses:
Needs to be lubed after about every 7-9 rides. Not a big deal but you'd think a high end fork like this wouldn't need babying. Changing the travel is a job-too bad its not as easy to change as the Psylo.
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Psylo (too harsh in comparison)
Bike Setup:
02.5 IH Hollowpoint
Bottom Line:
I really like this fork and wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. It seems to be the unsung hero where forks are concerned. It's stiff where it needs to be and soaks up the chatter bumps easily. Helps feel like the downhills are like riding on a magic carpet!
It is really plush and the lockout works perfectly, if and when needed.I guess the only real complaint I have is trying to change the travel. Too bad its not on the fly.
The bottom line is that I would buy it again. I wonder if people who say that other forks are smooth as butter have ridden this one b/c it really is perfect for smoothing out roots, rocks and whatnot. Its well worth its retail value so if you can get it on sale somewhere, snatch it up. You won't be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Perdernales State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
WheelWorld.com
Strengths:
Stiff, plenty of travel, plush, rebound and compression adjustments really work. RA looks good. Evil Genius Seals.
Weaknesses:
Stickers, I had to glue them. 120 to 100 travel and compression adjustments are messy. 3.67 lbs after steerer was cut is still a little on the heavy side.
Similar Products Used:
Headshok, Duke, SID.
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F400 frame, Raceface cranks, XTR and LX mix, EA50 stem, Selle Italia XO seat, Black Super Air w/ C'dale adapter. 25.2lbs...
Bottom Line:
Not as stiff as my Headshok but much stiffer than the SID and Duke. Lockout works like a charm. The rebound adjustment makes a huge difference with just slight adjustments. 100mm w/lockout is perfect for epic rides and cross country/adventure racing. I would recommend this fork to any Headshok owner. This is the best fork I have ridden, barnone. And, at $299 it beats the hell out of forking out the dough for a Lefty.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Eau Claire, WI Date Reviewed: July 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any nice single track
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
Eau Claire Bike and Sport
Strengths:
Lock out and travel
Weaknesses:
it would crap out EVERY 2 months
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shok Judy C, and Manitou SX-R
Bike Setup:
Homegrown w/XTR
Bottom Line:
When it worked it was very nice. But every 2 months the inner seal would break and lose all compression. The company was nice enough to repair it for me a total of 4 times. Just this afternoon I got rid of it for good and went back to Rock Shok. I'll let you know how it works out. The lockout was fantastic but once compression was lost even that didn't work. The style with the reverse crown is nice, but who cares about looks if its not working. I weigh 160 lbs. and don't beat on my bike. Its possible there was a design flaw, but Manitou isn't changing the design for next year. If you get this product get it from a shop that doesn't mind sending it in for repairs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeb
a Cross Country Rider
from Denmark Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
all over dk, sweden
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Stiff, very stiff, super steering, handles everything you throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Seals could be better, the rebound setting is some how limited
Similar Products Used:
manitou sx 99(quite bad)sid 100(just bad)fox vanilla rl, to heavy, and to slow steering, to overbuild for me. otherwise a super fork
Bike Setup:
Santans cruise superlight 2002, hayes, hugi 240 disk, xtr around, thomson stem, time atac, wtb sst 98, team spec. tires
Bottom Line:
Ahhh at last the right fork for me, i ride longer trips, 3-5 hours, some xc, and so much trail, technical, singletrack i can find, it just hammers everything i run into. it saved me a few times going full speed ahead into large stones and ruts. the lockout also works okay, but the fox was better. so for epic rides where you can encounter a lot of things, and a bit of xc it is the best at the moment. going dh fast is also a blast, a german mag, measured it stiffer than the fox. but i think they still need to work on the seals, but is not a big deal, maybe i just shall learn to lube them right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Gallagher
a Cross Country Rider
from Somerset, England Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dunkeld, Loggiealmond estates
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
EBAY
Strengths:
Plush, smooth, superb lockout, lightweight for 100-120mm travel, looks the biz, steerings great, well everything really
Rocky mountain element team sc, hope/mavic tubeless, hope m4's, XTR throughout except RF next lp isis, King headset, SYStem, X-LITE seatpost & carbo risers, Time atac titans.
Bottom Line:
This is THE best fork i've used and as you can see i've used some of the choice picks of the year, i would rate this better than SID or FOX anyday and i will be sad to see it go and hope manitou bring out another one next year. I would highly recommend this fork as its been 100% reliable and i bought it off Mark Horacek who also reviewed this fork, so his remarks aren't that true.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tim
a Weekend Warrior
from athens, oh, usa Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
came with my bike
Strengths:
looks damn cool, manitou is sending me a free replacement for the blown cartridge
Weaknesses:
blew the air cartridge in 2 rides, of course the stickers suck at being sticky, a little on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
never used a suspension fork before, I come from a BMX background
Bike Setup:
A pretty much stock 2002 Jamis Komodo so far
Bottom Line:
We'll see how long this new cartridge lasts and then I'll post again
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Downhiller
from somers Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
blue mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Strengths:
very plush smooth lot of travel
Weaknesses:
those damn stickers......... i got new ones and now those are falling off. not many weaknesses in this fork.
Similar Products Used:
psylo manitou sx bomber forks
Bike Setup:
2001 specialized enduro comp fsr
Bottom Line:
I love this fork. I have no regrets about purchasing it. It has saved me from many falls and it is the smoothest fork i have felt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mathias Terheggen
a Racer
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: April 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
-
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiffness, easy lock out, very linear response
Weaknesses:
off course the stickers but looks better without anyway
Expensive and heavier than the SID Race but defenitly worth the money. Not only amazing lateral stiffness but gives a lot of confidence when using the Martas' full stopping power as well. In combination with discs preferable over the SIDs. Lock out works perfect. Has to anyway, as the unlocked fork eats up a lot of energy when going out of the saddle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Jolley
a Weekend Warrior
from Worcester, MA, USA Date Reviewed: April 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Chaos (Boynton Park)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Answer Employee
Strengths:
Looks, Air Adjustable, Very Stiff, Light, The Most responsive fork I have ridden,
Weaknesses:
I can tell that the decals are going to come off like just by looking at them, I think they must have used some cheap rubber cement to put them on. Lock out is tempermental, it worked great in the garage and then on the trail, but when I got back to the truck, it stopped working. THen worked again back at the garage. WHat is going on?
Similar Products Used:
2001 answer manitou sxr
Bike Setup:
Treck fuel 90 disk, xt, black super air, fox float, real sweet bike for extreme cross country, and free ride
Bottom Line:
Despite the lockout tempermental behavior the fork is awesome, I really think it's the cat's for the rock gardens I love so much. Really responsive, Adjustable (really), WHo cares about decals! The fork is great, definant upgrade over my Manitou SXR. Glad I know someone at answer though otherwise I might not have paided the $500 retail without trying it first. Now that I know how it performs I'd pay retail, great fork! Going to give 4 chilis for price because it's pretty steep, even though I didn't pay retail. 5 chilis for the performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
b_dot
a
from nebraska Date Reviewed: April 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Answer
Strengths:
-plush -lateral stiffness -great looking -3.5 lb with a cut steerer -very adjustable spring rate/spring progression
Weaknesses:
-no tpc+ damper -less tire clearance than my x-vert super
Similar Products Used:
x-vert super, various sids, various sx-family forks (from manitou), bomber z2,
Bike Setup:
set up with 100mm of travel on a klein hardtail frame
Bottom Line:
i've been flogging my black super air for about 3 months now, and have no major complaints. i guess i wish it had a tpc+ damper, but know that's on the way (in '03), so i guess i'll wait for that. i've firmed up the last 1/3 of the fork's travel by adding 25wt. oil on top of the piston in the air chamber, which was effective.
overall i think this is a great fork, especially for a weight-conscious rider who wants a stiff 4-5" travel fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Horacek
a Weekend Warrior
from London.UK Date Reviewed: February 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very light, looks really cool and plush travel
Weaknesses:
Can not adjust travel on the move- unlike the Psylo. The lettering scares me that one day instead of saying "BLACK" it'll say "BL CK". I'm not overally impressed with the travel and I'm a bit worried about the long term durability of the Super Air. I traded up from a pair of Judy SL's which inspired confidence in his solidity.
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL's, triple crown Shivers
Bike Setup:
2001 Rocky Mountain Vertex
Bottom Line:
I think I'm the wrong kind of rider for these forks- I'm 200LB and need something that wil ltake a real beating- these forks are beauts but I feel like I've borrowed someones Merc SL without insurance!
At the time of this entry I have them listed on Ebay (mint condition/no scratches)- wanna buy?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Gersib
a Racer
from Lincoln, NE Date Reviewed: February 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Judd's Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Directly from Manitou
Strengths:
Extremely plush, linear travel. Adjusters actually make a difference in feel. Awesome lateral rigidity. Very speed-sensitive damper. Reasonably lightweight.
Weaknesses:
None so far. They changed from the 3D "Black" letters to a sticker (like last year). This should be more durable than the originals that everyone complained about falling off almost immediately.
Similar Products Used:
Other forks currently owned: '00 and '01 Manitou X-Vert Supers, '00 Manitou SX-R, Z2 Bomber
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Custom frame, size XL, No-boss Black Super Air set at 100mm travel, XTR components, Avid front disc brake, King disc/Mavic 317 front wheel.
Bottom Line:
So far, this fork is really nice. My no-boss fork with a cut 240mm steerer was 3.5lb on the digital postal scale at my office. I'll take that for a 100mm travel fork that steers with this sort of precision! I didn't think it'd feel much different from the X-Verts I've been used to riding, but it feels much more linear, like it ramps up less at the end of the stroke. It seems as if the fork relies more heavily on the speed sensitivity of the damper to keep it from bottoming on big hits. I can't believe how much torsionally stiffer the Black is than the X-Vert. It isn't like the X-Vert is a noodle either. Pretty cool.
My only complaint is the extreme messiness of changing the travel from the stock 120mm to 100mm. There's a lot of grease on the spring and damper shaft, and it gets all over if you're not careful. Everything installs quickly and smoothly though, and I appreciate the lack of extra weight that accompanies the rapid travel adjust on the Comp and Elite series'.
I'll post more after I've put more miles on this great performing fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from New Jersey Date Reviewed: February 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
Stiff, Plush, Looks
Weaknesses:
None yet!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX
Bike Setup:
FSR XC
Bottom Line:
I only have had this shock for about six weeks but so far this is a SWEET front shock! It is very stiff and it is plush. The ride is awesome. A huge upgrade from my stock SX.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Modesto, CA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Dry Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff, still breaking it in though, whole thing only weighs 3 lbs with the 100mm travel, smooth fork, takes bit hits very well
Weaknesses:
For a product that costs this much, the Lock Out system should'nt have given out so soon with only 1 month of use. Called Answer and they're sending my LBS some kind of rubber O ring to fix it. We'll see if it works.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Jett TT, at least it was doing what it was supposed to even though it's in the low end of the product line.
Bike Setup:
01' Trek 4500, everything modified, except for the frame.
Bottom Line:
It's kind of upsetting that the Lock Out gave out so soon and I'm only 170lbs and don't do any hard core riding. It's still about 60 miles away from breaking in and I have problems with it already. I'd go buy the Fox Vanillas instead if I were you despite it's weight because it's been getting pretty good reviews. Anyone want to buy mine so that I could get the Fox instead or trade maybe?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
rick
a Cross Country Rider
from san rafael ca. usa Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$268.00
Purchased At:
bike shop employe
Strengths:
stiff,dampening,small bump,big hit looks fantasic
Weaknesses:
decals
Similar Products Used:
2001 sid sl 99judy100 z2 judy xc
Bike Setup:
ellsworth truth, race face,wtb,cane creek,chris king speed play
Bottom Line:
i traded a 2001 sid sl for it, best thing i did this year good trail riding fork g
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rocky
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise Idaho Date Reviewed: December 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Georges Cycles
Strengths:
Stiff, very Compliant, Easy adjustment, did not change bike geometry @ 120 mm
Weaknesses:
None to date
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars CL, RockShox Pyslo and numerous others over the years
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Custom built Sugar Plus, XTR drivetrain, Mavic Crossmax tubeless with Avid Mechanical Discs
Bottom Line:
After about 2.5 months of 2-3 rides a week this shock has dialed into the rocks and rough out here better than any one I have ridden to date. With the sag set to about an 1" this is the smoothest overall fork I have ever ridden, any stiction give it a couple of shots of prep M and it is off and running again.Adjustments are very easy and really DO something. The lockout is about an inch down in the travel so it does not affect the angles like most 120's do. It does dive a little under hard sudden braking but with 120 mm and disc brakes that is expected. By the way I must retort to the previous unhappy soul.I have not had one problem to date with Manitou service like he has, maybe he should go to a LBS shop that IS authorized, DUH. Couldn't give a price cause it was all figured into the bike build. Very pleased todate will update when time figures in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John C. manitou sucks
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, ca Date Reviewed: November 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Plush, looks cool, stiff
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!!! damoning feels very funny, compression adjustment stopped working on me, stickers came off, blew seals on 3rd ride, doesnt have international disk brake mounts!
Similar Products Used:
psylos, z1 dropoff, m5
Bottom Line:
This thing is the worst and lousiest fork i have ever used!!!!!!!!!!
I though oooooh Ra technology, stiff, plush, cool looking, manitou. Then i bought it. Nothing but truoble!
dampning is very funny. The older X-verts have better dampning. also the stickers peeled of due to mud and water.
freakin compression stop working on 2nd ride then it blew seals have way into the trail. pissed me off.
I called Manitou and all they could say was bring it to your LBS then My LBS called and manitou didnt help them one but because they are no a CERTIFIED MANITOU DEAler! bullcrap I'm going sell my 01 psylo race for a 2002 one. Psylos are way better.
If you weigh less then a breadbox then get this!
OTHERWISE STAY WITH ROCK SHOX AND MARZOCCHI!GO HOME HAPPY
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Duncan
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town:South Africa Date Reviewed: November 21, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Tokai ,Cape Town
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Action Cycles
Strengths:
well the one i rode int he shop was stiff plush and not as heavy as i expected it.
KHS alight 4000;8spd XT,XTR,Bontrager race wheelset,Manitou Mars Super. :Gary Fisher sugar 2,XT,XTR,Bontrager race wheelset,Manitou black super air
Bottom Line:
Well i only got the fork this afternoon,and im sitting with a broken Femur so ill only be able to let you know in about 3 weeks time if i think this is another great product from M. ive never been dissapointed in manitou and im sure the relationship i have with my sliders will live on.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JERRY
a Cross Country Rider
from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA Date Reviewed: November 4, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
PRICEPOINT
Strengths:
VERY SMOOTH TRAVEL, REBOUND AND LOCKOUT ARE EASY TO USE. THE MICROLUBE PORTS ARE GREAT FOR KEEPING THE STICTION AWAY.
Weaknesses:
THE CHEEZY "BLACK" STICKERS FALL OFF, THE GOOD NEWS IS THE FORKS LOOK BETTER WITHOUT ANY STICKERS
Similar Products Used:
SID XC AND SID SL
Bike Setup:
SPECIALIZED S-WORKS FSR SET AT 90 MM REAR TRAVEL KRIS KING/MAVIC 517 SUP'S FRONT AND REAR MONKEY LITE RISER BAR AND FULL XTR.
Bottom Line:
SO FAR I LOVE THE FORKS AT THE 100 MM SETTING, I TRIED THE 120 MM SETTING BUT IT IS A LITTLE TOO PLUSH FOR STANDARD X-COUNTRY RIDING. THEY ARE VERY STIFF AND RESPONSIVE WHEN YOU TURN.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lewis
a Cross Country Rider
from hertfordshire uk Date Reviewed: October 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
lake district uk
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
own shop
Strengths:
adjustability,lightweight(for product)stiff tracking,plush linear travel ,also very sensitive over varying ground,greaseport and mini boots,lockout
Weaknesses:
tends to dive on front braking,decals are not permanent!!! needs more preload than manual would suggest
great fork,works well with the truth rear on 120mm setting,however,i have had to pump it a lot harder than manitou tell you or it bottoms very easily.great back-up and support from richard at uk importer raw experience,and ,oh yeah they look good too.rode the fork for 7 days on vast variety of terrain in english lake district(big ups,big rocky downs,very wet )also fast local xc riding and some road,so far the black has coped with everything,i even locked it out on a long road climb.iwould reccomend it to anybody except dhers(mad ones)and short travel xc racers(obviously)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
