[Sanchofula]

I’m building a 27.5 jump bike, thinking about using a 27.5 Machete, but I have some questions:

It appears that the Machette is internally adjustable by 20mm, but it’s not clear if this is both up and down or just down.

The Machete 27.5 available in 100mm and 120mm, are these forks the same or are they structurally different?

Internally, what is the maximum and minimum travel setting?

Can the Machete be lowered using a shock pump, like the Mezzer and Mattoc?

Is the Machete Pro worth an extra $100-$150?

 

[eb1888]

Some info.

Product Review: Manitou Machete Forks – 15mm – Boost

The Machette Forks from Manitou are the answer to those calls for a boost compatible fork that was lightweight but not lacking in performance and didn't cost a fortune. Features: Wheel Size: 27.5"/29+"Spring: TS AirBottom Out: Rubber

radnut.com

Looks like 100mm goes to 80. 120 goes to 110.

 

[Sanchofula]

Anything more specific?

Dougal?

 

[749800]

I have one that I got from Chain Reaction Cycles for $157 a couple of years ago. It is the 120mm version. I am not 100% certain but I think 120mm is the max possible. In any case, I adjusted mine down.

I've heard a lot of people say that the pro is definitely worth it, but I have been satisfied with mine, given the extortionate price I had to pay.

I use it on my Advocate Seldom Seen, which is a bikepacking steel mountain bike with drop bars.

 

[Dougal]

21+ Machete (has mudguard mounts on the brace) has the TS Air spring with coil negative. Longer travel one can go to 120mm max. Shorter one might be 100mm max (I only buy in the long travel). All can be spaced down to whatever you want but it requires a strip down to install a spacer. Longer travel fork has longer stanchions.

In theory upgradable to the R7 Dorado/Expert air-spring with pos/neg air and pump adjustable travel but I haven't yet tried it.

2021+ were new chassis. The Machete and R7 share a chassis.
Up to 2020 they were same stanchion diameter but threads and other details changed.

 

[Sanchofula]

21+ Machete (has mudguard mounts on the brace) has the TS Air spring with coil negative. Longer travel one can go to 120mm max. Shorter one might be 100mm max (I only buy in the long travel). All can be spaced down to whatever you want but it requires a strip down to install a spacer. Longer travel fork has longer stanchions.

In theory upgradable to the R7 Dorado/Expert air-spring with pos/neg air and pump adjustable travel but I haven't yet tried it.

2021+ were new chassis. The Machete and R7 share a chassis.
Up to 2020 they were same stanchion diameter but threads and other details changed.

Thanks Dougal, that's really helpful.

Can I use the shock pump method to reduce travel?

Would the R7 be the "pro " version of the Machete?

 

[Sanchofula]

Hey Dougal, I found another thread where you posted the information I needed; comparing an R7 to a Machete.

I got the 2021 Machete 27.5 120mm, $378 USD delivered

 

[Dougal]

Thanks Dougal, that's really helpful.

Can I use the shock pump method to reduce travel?

Would the R7 be the "pro " version of the Machete?

Basically Machete is the R7 Comp, then you've got R7 Expert and Pro.

Shock pump method won't work, you need to fit internal spacers. There might be 1 in the box.

 

[Sanchofula]

Basically Machete is the R7 Comp, then you've got R7 Expert and Pro.

Shock pump method won't work, you need to fit internal spacers. There might be 1 in the box.

If you figure out the R7 Dorado/Expert -Air Spring Upgrade, I'd be interested.

 

[Dougal]

If you figure out the R7 Dorado/Expert -Air Spring Upgrade, I'd be interested.

Something like this: Machete JUnit 24" Air Spring Assembly (Manitou) | Shockcraft
Just need to check dimensions and threads. I don't have the R7 version in stock at the moment.

 

[Sanchofula]

Something like this: Machete JUnit 24" Air Spring Assembly (Manitou) | Shockcraft
Just need to check dimensions and threads. I don't have the R7 version in stock at the moment.

Yeah, that would be a cheap upgrade.