Submitted by
Joseph Barbour
a Racer
from North Shore British Columbia Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the one I havent ridden yet
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
This is a sick fork. probubly the stiffest and most expensive. The TPC+ helps alot and the new spv (2004) works really nice (although I dont need the spv)
Weaknesses:
Price and non industry standard brake adapter.
Similar Products Used:
Sherman slider
Bottom Line:
All you idiots complaining about tire clearance should dile down your tire size. You shouldnt be riding anything fatter than a 2.5. anything else is over kill and you are strainig to keep yourself going especialy if you one of thoes guys that runs at the typical 20psi. your Dumb. If you ride anyhing fatter than a 2.5 your probubly getting alot of flats or you tire pressure is too high and you probubly think your getting more traction, you not. Take pedals for example, if you use too many pins you traction goes down. plus 3 inch tires look gay. look at every single racer out there they all ride 2.5s or 2.3s. about 95% of the racers out there ride 2.5s unless you racing dual or mountain cross. then you need a whole differant tire and pressure. You shouldent be straining to keep going or to keep your traction. I ride 25psi in the front and 28.5 psi in the back. I never rim out people struggle to keep up with me when I havent even taken one pedal stroke and my tires have never slipped. I only say this to help and to get the ugly 3 inch tires off the trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Dufault
a
from Barrie Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: July 18, 2003
This is a really sweet for for racing. It is super smooth and will float over the worst rock gardens. Just have to check the carbon alot to make sure of no dent or stuff. Bottom line is buy it if you are into racing and want a lighter stiffer fork. Forget it if you do anything else. Cause for the price you better be a damn fast racer.
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Submitted by
Dave Akin
a Downhiller
from Abilene Tx Date Reviewed: April 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anything
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Came on my bike
Strengths:
Plush and cool looking
Weaknesses:
Small bind top half of the stroke
Similar Products Used:
Pogo stick?
Bike Setup:
Ironhorse sgs team stock
Bottom Line:
Good fork no problems yet still on break-in. Feels good withmy 5th element
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ferrett
a
from Calgary, alberta, canada Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great all around, i ve had dirt jumpers, boxxers, everything, nothing can come close. I love it! Takes anythign u can throw at it and come back strong.
Weaknesses:
Seals broke on me, but i got that fixed under warenty, and i got 2003 guts for my 2002 =p
Similar Products Used:
Boxer
Bike Setup:
Dh comp, avanlance rear shocks and the works
Bottom Line:
Best shock unless ur planning to drop 50 feet clifs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morgan
a Downhiller
from ashland Date Reviewed: September 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Strengths:
stiff, light and well carbons cool
Weaknesses:
none, well mabey a little cheaper
Similar Products Used:
boxxer, shiver, monster t
Bike Setup:
02 giant team dh
Bottom Line:
its the best fork that i have ever owned(or will ever own!!) i love mine and i am sure u will to!
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Submitted by
bill chocobar
a Cross Country Rider
from venezuela Date Reviewed: September 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything uphill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
jimmys
Strengths:
man is this one great fork or what i just luv it to bits
Weaknesses:
bit heavy for xc
Similar Products Used:
sid sl
Bike Setup:
saracen fasttrax tioga components all shimano sis
Bottom Line:
awesome go get it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ashley
a Downhiller
from Suwanee Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
0
Strengths:
Looks, smooth travel, vibration dampening, great tracking through chatter, integrated stem adjustability, Manitou customer service!!!
Weaknesses:
Seems to have a higher maintenance rate than other forks( what do you expect for the Ferrari of forks though.)Mine came from the factory with a defect. I thought it was due to the break in period, but Manitou said it must be a manufacturer thing after looking at it themselves. After sending it back and them looking at it they sent me a brand new one in less than 2 days. I couldn't believe no hassles or arguments. NO fixing the old one, just here is a new one go out and ride.
Similar Products Used:
02 Super T, Boxxer, Monster T
Bike Setup:
02 Intense M1, XTR Drive, MRP, MAG 30's HAYES Purple's, MAXXIS, Azonic 454 cranks, Easton DH carbon bar, ODI lock ons
Bottom Line:
The fork when working properly is definitly a smooth as butter fork. It inspires confidence( maybe it's a mental thing). The travel seems to feel endless thanks to TPC. Slight flex laterally, but not very noticeable during riding. Only if you put the tire between your legs and turn the wheel. Tracks incredible with the integrated stem. Again, hats off to Bobby at MANITOU's warranty for taking care of the customer with first class service. I will adjust this review accordingly after a few more months of riding it. So far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ashley
a Downhiller
from Suwanee GA Date Reviewed: September 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
It looks awesome, the carbon is tougher than you would think. I've went down hard and hit things hard and no damage. CUSTOMER SERVICE IS 5*****
Weaknesses:
Seems to have a higher maintenance rate than other forks( what do you expect for the Ferrari of forks though.)Mine came from the factory with a defect. I thought it was due to the break in period, but Manitou said it must be a manufacturer thing after looking at it themselves. After sending it back and them looking at it they sent me a brand new one in less than 2 days. I couldn't believe no hassles or arguments. NO fixing the old one, just here is a new one go out and ride.
Similar Products Used:
02 Super T, Boxxer, Monster T
Bike Setup:
02 Intense M1, XTR Drive, MRP, MAG 30's HAYES Purple's, MAXXIS, Azonic 454 cranks, Easton DH carbon bar, ODI lock ons
Bottom Line:
The fork when working properly is definitly a smooth as butter fork. It inspires confidence( maybe it's a mental thing). The travel seems to feel endless thanks to TPC. Slight flex laterally, but not very noticeable during riding. Only if you put the tire between your legs and turn the wheel. Tracks incredible with the integrated stem. Again, hats off to Bobby at MANITOU's warranty for taking care of the customer with first class service. I will adjust this review accordingly after a few more months of riding it. So far so good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven Kaufman
a Downhiller
from Tustin, CA Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Pistol Petes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1300.00
Purchased At:
123 Bikes
Strengths:
Looks Great on an M1. Stiff. Although, I'm not sure that's a good point on this fork.
Weaknesses:
It's a piece of Junk. This fork is more about marketing hype and retailer profit than plush downhill rides. I owned two new Dorados (I had to make sure I wasn't crazy, so I got a second one) and they both played the same. Stiction out the wazoo, beat the daylights out of everything from my hands to my teeth. No small bump performance, not plush, rides like a bent 2" travel fork. So sticky that when you depress it unloaded, it doesn't even return all the way back up. In all fairness, Manitou recommends that you break it in for 20 hours. So, let's see, at 6 Minutes per run, my wrists would be stumps before the ride was plush. I had no intention of wasting that many good rides, let alone my body.
Similar Products Used:
White Bros DH2, Shiver
Bike Setup:
M1, XTR, HOPE EM4 205MM, EASTON EC-70, King, HADLEY Hubs, MRP WORLD CUP, MICHELIN COMP, Mavic D321 DH, and a SHIVER!!!
Bottom Line:
Don't buy this fork unless you don't mind breaking your wrists in before you break the fork in. A ton of money for a hype-fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Downhiller
from Atlanta, GA, USA Date Reviewed: September 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
secret
Strengths:
STRONG, plush, steers great through all the ruff stuff, great warranty program.
Weaknesses:
Flexy? well it is when you twist the front wheel at a standstill, but it doesnt flex at all when I'm racing or screwing around. A tad on the heavy side... It's actually 7.75 pounds... not 7.
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer (great fork too), super T (not as great)
Bike Setup:
Well, I used to have a 2002 stab primo... but i buckled the frame on Saturday. It was full XTR, dorado fork, hadley hubs laced to mavic 521 rims, azonic bars.. blah blah.. basic race setup.
Bottom Line:
OK, I dropped 12 feet and crashed. Long story short, I buckled my Stab Primo on a drop, but the dorado didn't break. The fork was twisted a bit, but I realigned it today. What can I say, I thought the expensive plastic would break WAAAY before my primo did. Buy the fork... its the best race fork out there (boxxer being very close) and you can beat it up and it will still function correctly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Bromley
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: June 10, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mountain Ash
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Wrench Science
Strengths:
Fantastic looks, extremely plush & active, strong
Weaknesses:
MRD stem too long, got BETD to CNC a bit off for me.
Similar Products Used:
Mr T's, X-lite Wompa II
Bike Setup:
Intense M1 2002 (5th element), MRP, Easton Monkeylite etc.
Bottom Line:
I went for the M1 factory look and these forks were a must, the set up is so good looking you'll never need to talk to your wife again, or maybe I should get out more. I had problems fitting HOPE brakes to the brackets but that was a misunderstanding with HOPE (SEE PREVIOUS REVIEW), now I have the right caliper they work superb. I have opted for a soft spring into a hard spring, this gives me a very progressive ramp up that's super active over small bumps. I can't tell you how pleased I am with the performance, oh and as for those who worry about carbon...don't, I have had many accidents including hitting a tree at 20mph and they were sound. (not recommended though!) I sent the top crown off to be CNC'd down as it was a bit on the long side, so now it looks even cooler if that's posible. I regularly do jumps/DH/drop off to about 6' and so far the seals have not complained and I'm on the bike most days. The plastic guards are strong enough although they should design a slider (like on some motorbike forks) which will make them a bit more laterally strong for those journeys in the truck on the way back up the course. Huge amount of bread to buy but if you can afford it you wont be dissapointed. All I need to buy now is some talent and I'll be sorted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: May 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bobcat
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, stiff, looks cool
Weaknesses:
Main weakness is the play in the bushings. I have only ridden this fork for about 4 rides and I am getting TONS of play in the bushings! With the frequent races here, I dont have time to send it in and get it fixed. Also, it seems much heavier than Manitou claims - Way heavier than my boxxer!
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer, Shiver, Stratos super 8
Bike Setup:
2002 bullit with 5th element shock. 7" rear, 7" front - good match!
Bottom Line:
Fork feels great! Very plush and has a great progressive feel! Main problem is in the bushing play. Feels like my headset is REALLY loose, but it is definitely the bushings! I dont know if mine is a fluke, but for $1400, there shouldn't be the possibility of getting a fluke?? If you are not overly concerned with weight, and assuming you dont mind bushing play, this is a great fork for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kim Lykke
a Weekend Warrior
from Denmark Date Reviewed: April 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
speed tracks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Bikebuster
Strengths:
It´s a really good looking fork with a nice finish.
Weaknesses:
hmmm, it´s a bit of a mess when you want to change oil. After 3 months of riding, you´ll need to give it more oil, otherwise it will become unplecent to ride with.
Similar Products Used:
Shiver, stratos, Monster T
Bike Setup:
Straight 8, Raceface and Hayes brakes...
Bottom Line:
Im amazed how well this fork rides.. Ivé done big road gabs and jumps, and the fork still feels like new.. Was a bit nervers about the carbon, but don´t worry... They wount snaP...
Ill say go for it.....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from Boulder, Colorado Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$725.00
Purchased At:
EP
Strengths:
Plush, very adjustable, smooth (to make it smoother, rub Prep M on the stantions and seals and let sit for a couple hours)
Weaknesses:
NONE!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer, Jr. T, Stratos S7, White Borthers, Foes Wet One, Hanebrink
Bike Setup:
2001 Foes DHS Tube, 2002 Manitou Dorado, Hayes 8", XTR der, Azonic Cranks and Handle Bar
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork I have ridden, If you haven't already, buy one NOW!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blair Hislop
a Downhiller
from Albany,Auckland,New Zealand Date Reviewed: March 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Rotorua National Downhill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Sportspro
Strengths:
Looks!! Intergrated stem,I don't know what everyone is moaning aboot.The stearing is awesome! Plush Plush Plush
Weaknesses:
Had two little time to find any weakness. Although its pretty hard to get your wheel on and off in a hurry. But I guess practice makes perfect.
Similar Products Used:
I did use an X-Vert carbon for 2 days and they were wicked.You can't compare my last 2 forks a Rock Shox DHO and a Judy XL before that.
Bike Setup:
Big Hit Comp with 8 inch travel kit,02 Dorado's with MRD stem,Azonic bars,SDG Big Boy seat,Kujo Tyres
Bottom Line:
This is one hell of a fork.Expensive but well worth every penny.Very stiff resulting in plush travel.Probably the best looking fork on the market.I had to choose between a Boxxer,Shiver or these Dorado's and I'm glad i went for the stiffest and best performing downhill fork on the market. Cheers Manitou
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian
a Downhiller
from new jersey Date Reviewed: February 23, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
hex axle. fork guards are beefy. plush and smooth, no stiction. gets 175mm of the claimed 180mm. integrated stem. 8lbs with stem.
Weaknesses:
hard to put on the wheel. not 3in tire compatible. range of adjustments.
Similar Products Used:
boxxer, 00 monster t.
Bike Setup:
01 bighit pro.
Bottom Line:
this fork is world class. it is very stiff, not as rock solid as the monster. it is just stiff enough. it rides very light dispite its 8lb. weight. the fork feels alive, probably due to the inverted design and low unsprung weight. you get all of the travel. the mrd stem makes for some precise steering. just make sure you leave enough steerer for your next frame. it comes with extra springs, heavy and light. there are 2 med installed. i am very pleased. it made my bike feel like a light weight racer as compared to a tank with the monster t. i wish it would take a 3in tire, but the dropped crown dosent allow me enough room to slide the legs down. it gets 4 only because its about a pound heavier than expected. get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Alwyn
a Weekend Warrior
from Singapore Date Reviewed: February 6, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$900.00
Strengths:
Light-weight, plush yet stiff, attractive.
Weaknesses:
$$$ and the integrated stem/crown
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer, DH-3, XL-70, Shiver
Bike Setup:
M1
Bottom Line:
One of the best DH fork on this planet. Stiff yet light and performance is better than a Boxxer. I say if you have the cash, go for this one. 5 peps for this one, no doubt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Josh
a Downhiller
from Berkeley CA US Date Reviewed: January 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$725.00
Purchased At:
Direct/pro deal
Strengths:
The Dorado is very light, stiff, super plush, progressive, and very good from gravel to drop offs. The integrated stem cuts down on weight and makes it stiffer. With the stock springs(it comes with 2 mediums installed and a soft and hard in the box) you can push down on the fork and use 6 inches of travel, yet with out changing the settings at all you can launch a set of stairs and not bottom. Great valving for big hits. Also, lower maintenance than X-vert. If you can dish out the $, this is the greates fork money can buy. I didn't think it would be much better than most forks, I got it because I kept blowing various parts on my foes fork(seals, compression plate..) but the performance is amazing, I don't know how manitou does it, but it is great on small stuff and impossable to bottom at the same time. The Hex axel, and six bolt lower crown make it one of the stiffest forks out there. Also, the extra pound over a boxxer or x-vert is worth it.
Weaknesses:
integrated stem too long.
Similar Products Used:
Owened a Foes F1 and I've ridden almost every DH fork at various races.
Bike Setup:
Foes DHS tube with Dorado, soon to be a V10
Bottom Line:
This fork is great for racers, or people that can dish out the $, I'll be racing on it next season, and I recomend if you are looking for a new fork, the Dorado should be your first choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Bromley
a Downhiller
from England Date Reviewed: January 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1399.00
Purchased At:
Medina Cycles
Strengths:
Good looking light awesome
Weaknesses:
Brackets for brakes don't fit
Similar Products Used:
X-Lite Wompa II
Bike Setup:
Intense UZZI SLX
Bottom Line:
I have just bought the latest model of these and they look awesome beasts. They look and feel superb, I personally like the intergrated stem although it does come out a bit too far. The cable guide comes as standard which is cool, and I have found the plastic guards quite thick & robust considering its clamping point. However its all for nothing as I can't get the brakes to fit, I have HOPE C2 disc brakes 185 & 205mm rota's none of the 3 brackets that come with the forks fit either. Firstly the international standard bracket will not fit the N0.3 int.stn. calipre, although the holes are the right distance appart, the metal in between gets in the way of the bulge for the piston and all 3 brackets are way too long. HOPE are totally baffled as are the local bike shops and mail order companies. I will give the forks a 5 but if there is a serious problem with the brackets I will submit another comment, so I'll give Manatou the benefit of the doubt for now. Did I mention these forks look awesome!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron M
a Downhiller
from Denver Date Reviewed: December 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$825.00
Purchased At:
Direct from Manitou
Strengths:
Super stiff, plush, rolls over everything with no problem. The upper crown is cool because it comes with an adjustable stem and an adapter for all major disc brakes.
Weaknesses:
Haven't noticed any so far.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox-Boxxer, Marzzoochi-Monster T & Shiver
Bike Setup:
I'm currently using it on a KHS Dominatrixx, waiting for my Foes Fly to arrive. Will be racing Colorado State Cup this coming season.
Bottom Line:
The Dorado is the best fork on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Y
a Weekend Warrior
from Hong Kong Date Reviewed: October 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1200.00
Purchased At:
Flying Ball HK
Strengths:
Eye-catching & very light Extremely Plush & easy to handle. So far so good!
Weaknesses:
A Normal Upper crown needed. Fender material seems very fragile No owner's Manual in the box
Similar Products Used:
WB-DH3
Bike Setup:
Turner DHR
Bottom Line:
It will push you to yr limit!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tone Loc
a Downhiller
from San Jo, Ca Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
sun bike shop
Strengths:
Very plush
Weaknesses:
stupid inergrated stem, oil comes out when fork cycles
Similar Products Used:
boxxer
Bike Setup:
GT LOBO, going to go on my new black tomac 204
Bottom Line:
This fork is the SH@#$%&*! better than my boxxer that has the pro set up. get rid of the stem and get a new upper crown. that my opinion, other than that this fork is the bomb, and its not even boken in yet. Jaw breaker is the SH@#$%&*&%!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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