Submitted by
Schwinng
a Weekend Warrior
from So. Calif. Date Reviewed: September 26, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Santa Monica Mtns
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Pretty good action. 100mm setting very good, 120mm even better, more plush. Not an air fork, no hassles with carrying around a shock pump, no problem with air leaks, etc. Microlube ports make occasional lubing easy, quick.
Weaknesses:
Not heavy by comparison, but not light either.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Mars Elite 100mm; Manitou 5, 4, 3, etc.
Bike Setup:
Full-suspension cross-country, 4" of travel.
Bottom Line:
Excellent buy, very inexpensive when compared to other suspension forks costing $500, $600, and more. Low maintenance = a big plus in my book, don't want to hassle with air chambers, etc. Set it, forget it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert Ching
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: December 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ourimbah
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
came with VT3
Strengths:
Came with bike, reasonably stiff, very plush
Weaknesses:
too plush and needed to upgrade the spring but still too plush, not enough rebound control, heavy, a bit flexy, no lockout
Similar Products Used:
RST381 and recently a new Manitou R7 super
Bike Setup:
previously on a Giant VT3 2004 and now on a DMR Trailstar
Bottom Line:
I had no choice, this fork came with the bike. Too plush, too flexy, too soft even with the stiffest spring and not enough rebound control. It is a basic fork and is better than the old elastomer forks or ones without oil dampening. My R7 kills it for stiffness and rebound but we are talking about another league of forks. Seemed well matched to the plushness of the VT. Unfortunately, it is neither a XC fork or freeride fork, pretty much the same problem as the VT itself... a good general bike but good at nothing in particular.
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Submitted by
Mika Arasola
a Cross Country Rider
from Helsinki, Finland Date Reviewed: September 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
kalpalinna
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Strengths:
Cheap, works fairly ok
Weaknesses:
Comes with too stiff springs for me. Don't seem to get all the travel I should (maby due to the springs). Maintainence is not easy due to shoddy plastic screws used inside, came with far too much oil causing it to be about as good as my previous Judy TT untill I serviced it.
For what I payed I can't really complain, but my fork came with far too much oil from the factory which caused it to be extremly hard and nonresponsive. After I serviced it it has been alot nicer, very nice actually for the money payed. While opening it up I could'nt help but wonder about all the plastic screws used. It would be very easy to blow the threads on them... Can't imagine how much they actually managed to save with something like that, but I guess when you make enough it all adds up.
One Chili deducted due to the plastic screws, and one due to it coming with (way) too much oil.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason Nagy
a Cross Country Rider
from Okinawa Japan Date Reviewed: July 25, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Spider Alley
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Well, I really do not have any to say. Not impressed
Weaknesses:
Bad quality, poor crafsmanship, and weak materials used to build.
Similar Products Used:
None. I dont think anyone else would sell something this cheap.
Fork came on bike when I purchased it. I had the bike for just over 2 months and the lower mount for the disc striped out. Brought fork to local dealer, and the lowers where exchanged. Just over a year later I am again sitting with a lower disc mount striped. I am now ordering a 2005 Rock Shox Reba. I will never purchase another Answer product again. Not to mention, the first time this happened, a (plastic) part inside was broke, and if it was not for the mount being striped, (according to the dealer) the fork could have potentially gave out, leading to me flying. I should have replaced this powder keg along time ago.
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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Auburn WA USA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
all of Victor Falls
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bothel ski and bikes
Strengths:
It's looks but looks do not get it done on the trail!!!!
Weaknesses:
The workmenship and quality of this product is sub standarded at best.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox judy
Bike Setup:
Giant VT Basic for know
Bottom Line:
This product is not what i would expect from a company like answerthe parts are all plastic or a cheap pot metal. Not a quality piece at all very disapointed. I will never use another answer product again they are just a waist of money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: May 20, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
cheapish. nice rebound feel.
Weaknesses:
durability. warranty support. heavier than ideal.
Similar Products Used:
fox f100x, marzocchi bomber
Bike Setup:
'03 stumpjumper custom build
Bottom Line:
loved the fork for the first 6 months i had it. got the lockout upgrade, rode the crap out of it, had great feel and rebound (aside from a small mishap the first time i rode it, and had the rebound dialed all the way down - it bounced me off and broke my arm on a drop), it was great.
then the weather got crappy, and i used the bike mostly as a commuter for the winter. had the lockout on the whole time, basically.
come spring, i tried to go offroading, and discovered the fork was frozen. sent it in to manitou, and 6 weeks later (slow turnaround) had it back, working like new. rode the crap out of it for a couple months, and the lockout mechanism failed. called manitou, and they sent me the wrong part. called them again, and they sent me a different wrong part. still waiting on the correct part, and in the meantime the performance has gone to crap and it's started leaking oil out the bottom. blech.
in sum - don't bother.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Guille
a Weekend Warrior
from Buenos Aires, Argentina Date Reviewed: April 23, 2005
Rebound regulator is weak and exposed. Preload isn't that efficient
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC, Insync Grind, RST 281.
Bike Setup:
Custom XC bike.
Bottom Line:
This fork is great value for your money. I love the travel adjustment, when you use it in 120mm it's soft enough for FRing, and when you use it in 100mm it's rigid, too rigid. Great for climbing and XCing. If only the preload adjustment worked properly... Yet, I've used it for more than 2 years and I'm not planning to change it... The rebound and travel setting shouldn't be plastic as they are in the bottom of the bottles and they'll brake easily (I alredy had to change the rebound once...). Anyway, it's GREAT value for your money!
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Submitted by
Rich
a Cross Country Rider
from Buford, Ga USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Favorite Trail:
AG center sorry to see it gone
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
greenfish adventure sports
Strengths:
Simplicity describes it best. No air chamber to mess with. Just get on the bike and ride. This fork tracks really well and is an excellent xc/trail fork. I have the 80/100 model disk brake only and with 4" of travel it's more than enough unless you do freeride or downhill. I am 185 lbs. and had the spring changed to the extra firm and it rides awesome.
Weaknesses:
None really. If you want to use it to xc race it's to heavy but racing requires all high end components and this is not.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Duke XC, Duke SL, Manitou Six Sport
Bike Setup:
Marin Palisades Trail Hard Tail with the Black fork Avid Disks and Deore components.
Bottom Line:
I have ridden this fork for one year 2 to 3 times per week (10 to 20 miles per ride intermediate xc trails)and have had no trouble at all. The factory spring was soft for my weight. The fork rides as well as any air sprung fork it is just not as light. A firm spring would have been plush but I sometimes ride with the local racers and at the pace and speeds it has to take some hard hits. I truly enjoy the simplicity of a good coil oil fork as there is nothing to do but get on the bike and ride.......
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Sibbet
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa, CA USA Date Reviewed: December 15, 2004
Favorite Trail:
up or down tight and technical
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Perfomance online
Strengths:
easy service, nice feel
Weaknesses:
No adjustment for dampening, preload does not seem to make a significant change. Sripped out disc brake mount hole... could have been my fault...
Similar Products Used:
Zokes Z1, Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, trail setup
Bottom Line:
I was lucky the spring felt right and I love the fork, easy to change oil. Very stiff
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SHANE JOSEPH
a Cross Country Rider
from PRESCOTT, AZ Date Reviewed: December 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
SPRUCE MOUNTAIN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
FRIEND
Strengths:
Plush, easy to adjust, looks cool...
Weaknesses:
plastic bits, weight
Similar Products Used:
psylo, mx comp
Bike Setup:
dakota w/ xt stuff
Bottom Line:
nice fork, lots of travel, I realy only use the 100mm setting, easy to tune, change oil... weighs kinda-sorta alot. still, awsome for what it is made for. cheap.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rizal Sohaimi
a Downhiller
from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
KSH Bicycle
Strengths:
Light, externally adjustable travel and rebound damping, and stiff.
Weaknesses:
Plastic internal parts. Stock spring is soft.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC 2000, Marzoochi Wedge, Dirtjumper, Z3.
Bike Setup:
Hardtail, sincle chainring playbike.
Bottom Line:
The fork performed well. Suck up ripples and small bumps effectively. No harsh bottom out when dropping 5-6 feet. Shorten the travel to 100 mm and the spring rate is stiff enough for urban and dirtjump use. After a year and a half and two oil change ( for experimenting with the ride characteristics) the fork finally broken. The screw retainer at the bottom of the damper kit broke (it was made of plastic). Pretty pissed since it is hard to get replacement parts round here. E-mailed manitou and they asked me to contact LBS. Tried a few but to no avail. Finally a friend offered his old X-Vert(the outer leg snap in two at the arch) internal (which is made of metal) and we are now retrofitting it to the Black. I still prefer the ride feel of a Manitou, but the weakness as above may hinder future purchase of another manitou. Maybe I should check out the Sherman series. Bottom line, it is a good fork if you are using it for aggressive XC, trail and light dirtjump, light DH. Don't buy this if you are a frequent flyer or freerides (black diamond).
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Submitted by
Róbert
a Downhiller
from Iceland Date Reviewed: August 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
úlvarsfell
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
abc bikes
Strengths:
i love the 90-120 adjusment and this fork is good for the money. i am doing 5-7 feet droppes and the fork handles it well but i think he is not gonna handle any more than that
Weaknesses:
he is a little soft, and there is a little sound in it
Similar Products Used:
rock shox boxxer, manitou minute,and dorado
Bike Setup:
liquid 10
Bottom Line:
i like this fork he is good for the money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin Barron
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington Date Reviewed: August 11, 2004
Favorite Trail:
The beav
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Internet
Strengths:
Great fork for the money. I got it super cheap of ebay. The 100-120mm travel is awesome. Can easily take 6-10fters and has.
Weaknesses:
The god damn lock out went on perma lock out ! Sent the fork back got it fixed under warrenty
Similar Products Used:
Judy TT, Psylo SL, MX comp, Dj2
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Expert w/ fox float and manitou black comp 100-120 w/lockout
Bottom Line:
The product was great off the start but after a bunch of drops 6-10 ft the god damn lock out well went on perma lock out! But the people at Manitou were there and sent the fix. 5/5 on price 3/5 on overall for the lock out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Moe
a Cross Country Rider
from RSM Date Reviewed: July 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
All trails for aggressive XC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
GreenFish
Strengths:
Plush, Reliable, Rigid, Looks Great, Inexpensive
Weaknesses:
Rebound and Height settings are on the bottom -- that doesn't make any sense.
I bought my sugar 3 used 1-1/2 years ago -- stock was the 60mm manitou (?can't remember the name). I was new to mountain biking so I didn't know any better. I think I rode 2 times on a chromo sportmart bike before getting the sugar. So the stock forks seemed fine. After building my endurance and riding skillz, I started getting more daring and taking more aggressive paths -- but I crashed many times due to the stock fork bouncing me uncontrollably. I'm sure it had a lot to do with the stock cane creek ad-05 rear shock as well and other crappy stock components on the sugar. I knew it was time for upgrades, especially after trying out other people's bikes with much better components. So a year after riding I upgraded a lot of components and got the Manitou Comp 100, 120 set up. Dang what a huge difference. It took awhile to get used to sitting up so much higher (this is nice becuz the sugar's bottom bracket is very low). I had to play with the settings a lot, but I can say after 6 months with the manitou comp and other components, I can aggressively ride over rock gardens and take some light drops with no problems. In fact a couple of times I got a little too aggressive coming down some pretty tough terrain and the manitou saved my a$$ -- because it had the rigidity and plushness to keep me from eating it.
Bottom line, for $160 I am extremely pleased -- my buddy with a Turner Burner (Marzochi Bomber fork) says my fork feels just as nice. I've never had a problem with it and I am 190lb rider with the stock coil. It has yet bottom out on me and I ride aggressively. And as far as weight, I personally prefer coil fork and shock over air and I feel it's worth the extra weight -- especially for heavier riders going over rough terrain.
PEACE!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Bersos
a Downhiller
from mERCER iSLAND Date Reviewed: June 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
street
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$344.00
Purchased At:
Aurora Greggs Cycle
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
EVERYTHING
Similar Products Used:
THIS
Bike Setup:
2003 trek 4900
Bottom Line:
I went to jump on a 6 stair, and the oil holdeer side, blew up on me, jesus christ, i got oil in my eye and everyhitng, and the cap, gave me a huge welt on my cheek when it hit me case it blew off the fork, sit*y plastic, and then, i sent it in to see what amitou did, they wouldnt do anything, and they said they couldnt find my fork, jusus, damnit, manitou sux, there expensive, and they are to new to have expierience, unlike marzocchi, where they are cheap, strong as hell, and marzocchi has bottom line the best warrentys, i dont see who would bu a manitou over marzocchi,so, dont buy any manitous, ther crap, and marzocchi is better, the Marzocchi EXR Comp, probably marzocchis crappiest fork, can hold up more then the Manitou Darado DH, which is saposedly a strong duel crown, but, bottom lioone, never buy manitous
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan
a Cross Country Rider
from Conneticut Date Reviewed: May 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
plush, good travel, nice design
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy TT 2003
Bike Setup:
Trek Frame, Hayes HFX 9 Disc Brakes, Deore LX everything, Sun SingleTrack Disc Specific rims
Bottom Line:
I recently installed the parts with the fork. One thing I like about the fork is that it absorbs everything. Comparing to the Judys I had, trying to do bunnyhops and 2 feet drops bottomed it out. (Im 175 lbs. rider) After I got the fork, I tried out a 3 1/2 foot drop, felt nothing. for $200, I think I got more of the better deal than the dealer. The Lockout feature is good when climbing hills and the Rebound adjuster works fine, I usually dont use too much rebound, only when I go off drops more than 3 feet. The Fast Travel Adjuster from 100-120 works well. Seems like the 100 setting is just as good as the 120. Usually keep it at 120.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Beaver Lake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
GreenFish Adventure sports
Strengths:
Awesome ajustments, lockout works great, reverse arch makes it super stiff.
Weaknesses:
Im 180lbs and this form seemed a little 2 supple
Similar Products Used:
04 judy TT
Bike Setup:
upgraded Motobecane 700ds
Bottom Line:
Great product, works very well on trails and can take a 5-6 foot drop no problem.
Change the springs to something a little stiffer but other then that this fork is sweet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brad Herder
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsfield, MA Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Hucker's Choice
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Feels great, low maintenance, adjustable travel but I'm finding I never use 80mm mode, just 100mm. Lockout was an option I got - more on that in the next section.
Weaknesses:
Lockout continually craps out. I got it fixed once last year, looks like after yesterday's ride, I need to get it fixed again. Unfortunately, last time, I had to send the whole fork back and it took forever for them to fix it. This is not a good time of the year to be without my bike. I'm really pissed, hence, the love affair with this fork is over.
Didn't hold up at the 2003 Vermont 50 mile MTB race. It stopped working all-together, became almost a rigid fork during the wet and muddy race. Had to send it back once again.
This will be the third time this fork has gone back.
I'm not impressed.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 1, SRAM 9.0 stuff, Avid Mechanical disks.
Bottom Line:
I'm looking for something else. Doesn't seem to be very durable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate
a
from New Hampshire Date Reviewed: April 4, 2004
'04 Cannondale F300, Manitou Black Comp, Shimano M545 clipless, Kore 1" Riser Bar, Kore Lite Stem, Panaracer FireXC 2.1 tires
Bottom Line:
I have the 100-120mm version, I usually keep it at 120 for aggressive riding. Its great for everything from drops to steep climbs. BUY IT!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Conway, AR, United States Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with dirt and rocks : )
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
-Plush travel -Looks awesome -Manitou product
Weaknesses:
I haven't had any problems whatsoever with this fork yet, though I've only had it for about 3 weeks.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Marin Palisades Trail, almost nothing stock though. LX drivetrain, Avid CPS disc brakes, Titec bar, Mavic Crossland tubeless/disc wheelset, '03 Manitou Black Comp 80/100mm fork
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork. The reverse arch paired with the cool stickers make this thing look very nice. Yes, it is a little heavy for racing like I do, but it doesnt bother me too much. I would highly recommed this fork to anyone looking for a high quality fork at a reasonable price. Five big ole flamin' chilis!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryce
a Cross Country Rider
from Springville UT, USA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
This fork is a nice fork. I havn't had too much trouble with it. It adjusts easy, easy to lubricate and take care of. Can adjust the stiffness of it easily too. Looks awesome.
Weaknesses:
Stickers started coming off first couple of months i had it! Adjustment knob end broke off easly. Heavy
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
GaryFisher with lots of STYLE
Bottom Line:
Good fork. Its a heavy fork but it works. If your going to use it just for riding, this fork is perfect. Easy to take care of too.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T-Bone
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$174.00
Purchased At:
GreenFish
Strengths:
LOW$$$. Miles above the Duke it replaced. Adjustment: preload/rebound/travel(80-100). Super Plush.
Weaknesses:
None yet. I have noticed a clicking sound on compresion in the 100mm setting. But it is not consistent.
Similar Products Used:
Duke. EXR. MX Comp
Bike Setup:
STEAL hard tail XTR, Race Face, Thompson, Ect..
Bottom Line:
I was looking at the MX comp. But it was over a $100 more. The adjustablity is excelent. It really is stiff. More so in 80mm setting. I weigh 175 and dropped 3 footer without hitting bottom in 100mm. Perfect all purpose fork.
I will review again after some good milage.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tommi Bass
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, South Wales. Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The streets of Cardiff, South Wales.
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Merlincycles.co.uk
Strengths:
They look like the mutts nutz.
Weaknesses:
Not at this price, mega bargin!
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox judy,judy comp c. Plus loads of others on my mates rigs.
Bike Setup:
Nice.
Bottom Line:
I had a go on these the other day, they impressed me so much I had to get my hands on some. Hey and I manged to get a 100/120mm version for a hundred and fifty quid.. I'm stoked!
Come on Mr Post Man, I can't wait to slap them on my steed,I reckon they'll do nicely.
They should handle a bit of light urban(stairs and stuff eh?)somebody call the doctor I'm sure to twat myself!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Erik
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: November 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Big Laguna to Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Stiff, with very little "leg walk", very easy to adjust travel knob, aluminum steer tube. Lots of tire clearance.
Weaknesses:
Still heavy. 4.3lbs they claim, ie a POUND heavier than a Fox that costs 3 times as much. Tall from axle to crown.
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, Manitou Mach 5 Ti, Manitou 6
Bike Setup:
Hardtail. 2.4 Mutano Raptor up front.
Bottom Line:
The version I picked up from Performance is the mid-year Comp with the Elite triple clamp and travel adjuster on top of the left leg, with an aluminum steer tube but no compression pre-load. It's the 100-120 version, and I run it at 100 in order to keep my hardtail's nose down and to stiffen the fork (it gets more plush when you release it up to 120mm).
The fork tracks and steers very well, is plush but firm enough not to bottom harshly and the ability to flip the fork to 120mm when scarfing down the steep stuff is nice. As a 230lb cross-country, Epic, weekend warrior type, I like knowing the coil spring can't spring a leak and that I got the fork for a good deal. If you can handle the weight, this is a very nice fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunter
a Downhiller
from Lynchburg, Va USA Date Reviewed: November 2, 2003
cross country Trek 6700 hardtail turned into urban assult/ trials monster!
Bottom Line:
I'm 12 and weigh about 145 pounds. Fork handels well off 3 to 4 foot drops and rarely bottoms out in the 120 position. Also is very smooth on jumps. Good trail fork too, when my dad and i go together. If you weigh more than 150 pounds and do aggressive riding, get stiffer springs! Overall a great all around trail fork and good light to medium urban fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bradley
a Weekend Warrior
from Livermore, Ca , USA Date Reviewed: August 26, 2003
$ 349.95
Overall Rating:
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