Description:Here it is - the top of Manitou's new Nixon long-travel trailbike lineup - the Platinum. It offers the newest and best technologies currently available in the suspension market. First up is the new IT (infinite travel) adjust system, that lets you dial in the travel via a handlebar mounted remote. If that wasn't enough, you also get Manitou's SPV Evolve stable platform technology.
Submitted by
jbacaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Chico, ca Date Reviewed: July 25, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Downieville
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
new from ebay
Strengths:
There are no shortages of ways to adjust this fork, it has fairly good small bump response and IT is a great concept. It is also stiff considering the travel and no through axle.
Weaknesses:
Poorly made, extremely unreliable, and not the easiest fork to set up. It weighs a lot for an air sprung fork and is poorly designed. I think the "tire clearance upgrade" is evidence enough of this.
Similar Products Used:
Many Fox, and Rock Shox forks and a few Marzocchi forks.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5, all XT, Mavic Cross Max XL's, RP3, and Chris King/ Thomson controls
Bottom Line:
I can't tell what Manitou was thinking here. This is a poorly made, poorly designed fork, period. It does not have the claimed travel because Manitou had to modify so the tire wouldn't hit the crown a flip you.I guess if you are a gambler you can gable that you will get a good example of this fork, but a better idea would be to stay away! Maybe if no one buys this Manitou's junk for a few years they will go out of business and the world will be better for it. It didn't cost much, unless you consider the lost time and energy spent trying to deal with this thing, in which case I would say it cost me hugely. I am switching back to Fox in spite of the cost and will never consider Manitou again...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Caranza Farrell
a
from Anacortes WA, USA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2007
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
nice travel rides smooth easy to work on
Weaknesses:
bottems out on big drops
Similar Products Used:
rock shocks
Bike Setup:
2006 trek liquid 65
Bottom Line:
This is a good overall product. I have had no problems with it besides bottoming it out. It does need regular matanince like another shock and if u do that then u will be good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC Date Reviewed: January 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Roller Coaster Squamish
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
New on eBay
Strengths:
Smooth tuneable fork. When working, is amazing.
Weaknesses:
One of the poorest QC situations ever. Should have automatic replacement policy or recall.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox, Fox, Marzzochi.
Bike Setup:
Reign 1.
Bottom Line:
Piece of poo. Answer should apoligize to everyone that spent money on something so obviously flawed and then offer a new free fork. I worked for years in a bike shop and this a disaster!!! If I could give a negative flaming turd I would.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry (Taz) James
a
from Sth Devon, UK Date Reviewed: October 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Haldon Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
2nd hand
Strengths:
Light weight at a genuine 4.1 lb & stiff for hard trail riding (I'm also 95kg kitted). Fit & forget (, for me anyhoo).
Weaknesses:
SPV, it isn't for me, so had the damping swapped for a standard cartridge at the last service. IT cable assembly isn't removable.
These forks are top banana & they seemed to fit most, if not all of the criteria I require for a strong, lite & capable hard working trail fork. The SPV started to play up (topping) just before the service was due, but this is all the trouble I've had since buying them. Its a shame to here of the agro some people have had with their units. This has also been addressed with my forks by the previous owner & as mentioned elsewhere, they are now running superbly after there rough start. There are only three issues I have with these forks. 1) The SPV & Manitou's idea of the dampening req' for hard off road riding (i.e. adjustment windows too sml). 2) The IT system doesn't get used & I thought I would use it a little, but have found its not req'd. The issue being that the cable isn't removable & I'd rather it wasn't there. Finally, but only by todays standards, the weight. It is possible to loose 1/2lb off of this model today & with a little better performance thrown in from some manufacturers as well.
Come on Answer, Keep up the good work ;O)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from New Castle, CO Date Reviewed: October 24, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Amount of travel.
Weaknesses:
Dampening. Maintaining pressure. Remote shock adjuster is just a silly feature that is not necessary if the shock and rebound are properly adjusted.
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
Avoid this fork. Nothing but trouble. I have missed out on some great seasonal riding due to this fork. This is my third warranty and every time it takes a long time and I pay shipping. BS.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Nor*Cal Date Reviewed: October 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Soquel demo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
light, IT, 145mm of travel.. It tracks the condition of the trail...
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
firefly
Bike Setup:
Enduro
Bottom Line:
This fork is awsome!!! went on a rocky trail today, and this fork just rolls over anything... the it adjust is sweet, you can adjust it to any travel you desire. plus with the prices on these forks now adays... cant be beat.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham Date Reviewed: April 11, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
The hub in the forest
Strengths:
Does the job Light weight- same weight as my 4 inch mx pro
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MX pro, Junior t, Z4, Rock shock Judy, Mantinou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Mostly stock Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
The bike is an ex demo/ rental bike from the hub in the forest in Glentress. Its had a hard life and i guess all the initial niggles that people have had were already sorted before I got the forks.
I have had to service them, this took me about 4 hours plus traipsing about buying tools, but now its been done they are great. After 36 rides round glentress they only had mild discolouration of the semi bath oil and the spv oil was totaly fresh. Glentress is a harsh place for bikes and a hire bike is going to get thrashed there, so this is great going.
They hoover up the trail dead well. They don't quite the magic carpet ride of my mx pros, but neither do they bob like mad or bottom out on jumps. With the tire clearance upgrade (which is two little rubbery washers stuck in the bottom of the forks, very high teck!) they get about 135mm of travel and will use it very well.
Get some used (not abused) ones that have had their problems sorted and they will serve you well! They get 5 chillis for value as the bike was half price- only twice the price of the forks!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GK
a
from Phoenix Date Reviewed: March 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
National
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
blueskycycling.com
Strengths:
Very tunable. The black one looks good. Lightest 6in fork out there. Great price compared to Fox or Marzocchi.
Weaknesses:
It should have worked right out of the box. Other than that, it is a great fork.
When the fork was first installed, I tested it and noticed that when the travel was reduced, it would slowly creep back to full extension. Otherwise, it worked. I rode it that way for a little while and found that keeping my weight over the front kept the fork from creeping. After about two weeks, I decided to take it back to the LBS. They shipped it out and two weeks later, it came back. Luckily, I still had my old Minute 3 to ride while it was gone.
Once it came back, I re-installed it and tested it out again. At first, it did not work at all. In fact it fell through all of its travel because it was loosing all of its air. I re-aired it a couple of times and jumped up and down on it a bunch. Turns out the seals just had to seat. It has been working as advertised since then.
All of that aside, it has been doing great. It is perfect for the person who wants something light with long legs. the tuning is not as bad as people think. Start with the main spring and set it until you sag the appropiate amount (everyone likes it a little different). Then, if you want it to be really supple, set the SPV to about 50psi. Increase PSV until it stops bobbing enough for you. Then Set rebound as fast as possible, then back it off a quarter turn. From there, you should be set.
The IT feature is great if you have an adjustable travel rear end or if your bike does not have the geometry to really compliment the long stroke.
Overall, it works great or just jammin' along tame singletrack one day where efficiecy is key and turning around the next day to take small to moderate drops with plushness.
Dropping one chili since it did not work out of the box.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Rintoule
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: February 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
redhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Manly Cycles
Strengths:
Absorb big hits. ITC (infinite travel is a boon given the steep short hills here. SPV works well with enough pressure.
Weaknesses:
ITC and SPV failed at separate times. Not super plush over small bumps.
Similar Products Used:
Mazzochi
Bike Setup:
Trek Liquid 2005
Bottom Line:
I got pretty close to the first production forks. At different times faults developed in both the ITC and SPV features. Manly Cycles and Manitou gave great after sales service and as quickly as possible repared/ replaced the faulty components. Haven't had trouble since. I find ITC really useful around Sydney with the short but very steep hills. It really does stop you lifting the front wheel off the ground. Sure these aren't slushy soft over small bumps but the SPV works well and and they soak up the bigger hits well. Now they have settled down I am a very happy camper.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian Kerrigan
a Weekend Warrior
from Midlothian Date Reviewed: January 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
glentress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
raw
Strengths:
Weight + stiffness
Weaknesses:
Rebound is slow and sticky no matter how you set it up , spv doesnt really work - you have to leave it at the min setting to get any kind of plushness if you put any more air in them then they lose all small bump sensitivety and feel harsh and gritty and the IT seems like a gimmick more than anything else because as soon as you touch that lever any travel that is left feels absolutely terrible and to get them to return to full length takes an eternity.
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi shiver sc , rock shox , nixon super
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works 2005 , nixon platinum , full xtr , hope m4's frt and rear , hope bulbs frt and rear , flite ti , answer hyperlite carbon riser , hope headset and xtr spd's
Bottom Line:
I can honestly say that in over ten years of mountain biking that i have never had as many problems with anything as i have with these forks , after taking them back three (or is it four) times they only feel slightly better than they did to start with. I have however felt other platinums that feel ok and the supers that my friend uses seem fine but unfortunately for me mine feel absolutely shocking. I really cannot believe how bad these forks are , im going to have to swallow the cost and buy myself a new set of forks maybe a Pike or RC36 vanilla but one thing that i can say for definate is that this will be the last time i buy a Manitou fork EVER ! BUY THIS FORK AT YOUR OWN RISK !!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Angus
a Weekend Warrior
from NZ / UK Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Golden Birdies, North Downs, Surrey UK
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Wrench Science CA
Strengths:
Long travel, light weight, plush lineah travel with SPv to stop rider input. IT adjust great for long climbs (1,500ft+)
Weaknesses:
The frok is now topping out (loud metalic 'thunk' on rebound after lifting off for hucks). As I was checking the oil level in the SPV chamber in (you need to fully remove the lowers to do this accurately) I founbd fluid leaking out of the positive air presure Schrader value in the lower left leg. All in all, not great for a product that has served me well for 6 months at that price tag. NB. My Z1's went for 2 years + with out a service, and were still plush as.
Similar Products Used:
Maveric DUC32's, Pike 454 U turn air, Marz Z1 SL
Bike Setup:
Turner 5 SPot Nixon Platinum Fox RP3 Sram X9 shifters Sram Xo rear D Sram Xgen front D XT hollow tech chainset Sram PC-99 chain Thompson 4x 90mm 5 Deg stem Thonpson elite seta post SDG Bel Air sadle Easton OS monkeylite CNT Bar Bontrager Big Earl lock on grips Hope 180mm fornt and back Mono M4 brakes Goodrich brake lines King head set King ISO Hubs (20mm fornt) Macic 819 UST rims Conti Gravity 2.3 UST tyres
Bottom Line:
This fork has served ne well so far. Unlike some people, I've had no issues with the IT adjust. One of the bike mags had a similar issue with the main air chamber spewing out fluid from the schrader valve. RAW experience seem happy to fix the fork in the UK (even though I purchased it in the US). They have been genuinly helpfull with advice so far, and I'm told by the local bike shop they turn around warranty fixes fairly quickly. ALthough the Fork is definately one of he best forks I've riden in terms of ride quality, I'm not too sure if I would go back to Manitou again in the future - especially now Rock shocks have bought out the Pike (with the cool pop lock 20mm axle).
If Fox bought out a 34" stansion thu axle version of the 130 float (with 110 to 140mm travel) - I'd be in there like a shot.
Oh - and who should buy. For a start - avoid the 05' versio like the pague. The 06' looks promising, and should have most of the forementioned issues sorted. It's agreat fork for all round trail use, with good performance on 5ft dead drops so far. The thru axle adds stiffness and confidence on those hairy downhills where your really sure that small QR is not going to hold up. I've riden Wourld Series marathons in Austria and agressive trails in the UK on this fork - as well as a bit of Fr park riding - and apart from an SPV dampening vavle and a seal - it's heald up fine. V plush when set up correctly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Briscoe
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland, WA, USA Date Reviewed: November 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Porcupine Rim Trail in Moab
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Supergo in Seattle
Strengths:
Ease of adjustment and smooth opperation. This fork has a good feel for small and large bump forces. I love the ability to adjust the fork to any length and maintain the same feel. Great for my neck of the woods where you climb for a while and THEN get to enjoy the downhill.
Weaknesses:
The fork was broken right after I purchased it. The rebound adjustment is not notched so it is difficult to keep track of adjustments. The IT adjuster lever is a great idea, but if the lever were made slightly smaller and eaiser to place inbetween the grip and the brake lever with out causing it to be bumped by the hand it would be better received.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Talas and Float, Manitou Minute and various Rock Shox forks.
Bike Setup:
Stock Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
I purchased the bike from Supergo 7 days ago. I brought the bike home and started adjusting the suspension so it would work. I soon found that the fork was not opperating properly. I called Supergo and they asked me to bring the bike in and they would repair it. The next day at work I read some of the reviews that were on this site and I became very worried. I then emailed Manitou and let them know of my concern. I was called and emailed within 1 hour and explained my options. I was given a choice as to how I wanted to solve my problem and after 6 days I had a new fork on my bike. I rode it last night to adjust it to my riding style and it works perfectly. I am glad to say that I've not received such good customer service as I did from Supergo and Manitou. I love the way the fork feels now and I'm glad I made the decision to stay with this fork rather than switch it out for another brand.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Fulcher
a
from Housatonic, MA USA Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Broken Thumb
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Berkshire Bike and Blade
Strengths:
I thought that it had many adjustments and it felt nice on the trail. Light weight and strong.
Weaknesses:
Not easy to put negative air, lower broke on thru axle clamp.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou minute one, fox 36
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1, crossmax wheels full xt, monkey lite handlebars, Race face carbon seat post and lizard skin lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
Overall I think that this a nice fork, it is has plenty of adjustments and is light wieght. I like the way it felt but wasn't impressed with the broken lowers. I didn't have any problems filling the neg. air but know 3 people that did have that problem. I do believe that it was just operator error. I like this fork and would recomend it to anyone not going too huge.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Javan Ruark
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: October 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Henry's Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$575.00
Purchased At:
Local Bike shop
Strengths:
Everything, the fork is the stiffest, most versitile, buttery smooth fork that I have ever ridden and I think I will buy another one, so when this one wears out I will have a back up one, they will never make a fork like this again.
Weaknesses:
None, what ever anyone says in the reviews, they are full of crap. Especially that Andy kid from Tucson. He wishes he had my Nixion Platinum, it would make him fly up the hills and bomb the downhills. He's totally jealous. He needs to learn how to spell Derailleur.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z 1, Manituou SuperNova
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Moment, King ISO wheels, XT Brakes, Ringle Headset, XTR Cranks, shifters, derailleurs, Thompson seatpost and stem, Answer Oversized Carbon bar
Bottom Line:
From the first time that I installed the fork on my bike I knew that this was going to be one of the best forks that I have ridden. I have never had any warranty issues with the fork. The SPV technology is superb and is nice on the out of saddle climbs. The thing never flexes, even on the nastiest rocky downhills. Oil never leaks out of it, even when I let air pressure out of the main setup chamber. I havn't had to put any air in the fork since I bought it 6 montsh ago.Unlike all of the other reviews, I actually get a little more travel then the acclaimed 145 mm. I get 160 mm. I don't know if Manitou messed up on the travel or what, but I get a lot of travel. The thru axel is the quickest and simplest desings that I have tried.
I am even thinking about putting the fork on my Santa Cruz V-10 for some downhill racing. Don't believe the score that everyone gives the fork, it is the best fork ever made. I think the Pike and the 36 are no match for the Nixion and well under the performance bar of the fork. Check what mountain bike actions says about the fork in all of the bike reviews that have the Nixon on them. They love it, not a problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew
a Downhiller
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: October 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
lb
Strengths:
Maybe the color
Weaknesses:
every thing, flexes, leaks air and oil, stiction, no rebound adjustment, IT is a horrible design.
Similar Products Used:
PIKE FOX 36
Bike Setup:
Heckler with all the goodies
Bottom Line:
This fork is the worst value on the market. Retail is almost $900.00 and it preforms worse than the PIKE which costs almost half as much and no where near the preformance of the FOX 36. Either save some money and get a PIKE or spend a little more and get the fox but be warned the NIXXON is at the bottom of the pile of the three.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Overman
a Cross Country Rider
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Shawn's-Galbraith
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
with Giant reign 1
Strengths:
Takes big hits 1'+ well once set up. Light weight, good travel.
Weaknesses:
Fork is the harshest thing I have ever ridden. Fork will work you into submission on 2 hour hard trail rides.
Similar Products Used:
Fox 36 van r, Fox float
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1-stock except for the new Fox 36 van r on front, Kenda Navengal 2.35's
Bottom Line:
Spent $3300 on a giant reign 1 with the nixon platinum. Didn't have problems with the IT system. But spent all summer trying to dial in the nixon so it could be somewhere in between a good mild drop bike and plush on the trails. Never could find plush until I dropped another $750 on my new Fox 36 van r which is oh so plush and now I have the most awesome all mountain bike on planet. P.S. Would put the nixon on e-bay but I'm to embarrassed to sell it to anyone-what a hunk of chunk!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
William Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from Longmont, co, usa Date Reviewed: September 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$849.00
Purchased At:
Super Go
Strengths:
Stiff, Light, easy to adjust travel.
Weaknesses:
Rebound dampening failed after first ride. It topped out with a hard clunk and bounced around like crazy. Traded it out for a Fox Talas. Lost an inch of travel but at least I can depend on Fox.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5 with 4 swinger rear shock. It works great.
Bottom Line:
Would have been a great shock if it worked. Manitou really blew it with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Valley Forge, PA Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
barely used
Strengths:
weight, IT system, adjustability
Weaknesses:
I don't have the TA and it could be a little stiffer for my preference.
Bike Setup:
Intense 5.5
Bottom Line:
I've been happy with this fork riding all year. I was surprised to see all the problems listed here on the reviews. I got a great deal on a barely used fork that already had the clearance recall performed. IT works great with no issues. It takes a little messing around to get the setup right and I found their suggested settings in the manual were a bit off. It seems like a great compromise between weight, long travel, and ability to ride various terrain. It could be a little more plush but I guess that's life with an air spring.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Denver Date Reviewed: July 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Light & stiff.
Weaknesses:
Not getting full travel.
Difficult / sometimes impossible to balance main & IT air chamber. Fork travel will creep down to 0" of travel while riding. After IT is engaged fork will not return to full travel.
Recall due to tire clearance issue. Tire would hit bottom of crown at the bottom of its travel.
Product was sent back on warranty to fix recall and other issues. Took over 8 weeks for Manitou to return it. Still not getting full travel. Still having problems with the IT & the SPV.
Similar Products Used:
Sherman Slider, Rockshox Psylo, Fox Vanilla
Bottom Line:
This is by far the most disapointing experience I have had with any cycling product I have ever purchased.
I would not recommend purchasing this product - total P.O.S. I am going to contact Manitou and try to get a refund or an exchange for a Firefly Plus.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luis
a Weekend Warrior
from Glendale, AZ Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Favorite Trail:
SoMo - Morman/National
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light, Long-travel Single Crown, Adjustable in almost every way imaginable - Plush ride.
Weaknesses:
Right out of the box, the I.T. didn't work! The fork would begin to sag into 0 travel as you ride w/o ever having to touch the IT switch - VERY DANGEROUS. Luckily I had read about this issue before I hit the trail (don't want to imagine what would have happened had I not been prepared!)
***This is my 2nd/updated post in response to my first post (5/28/05)***
I had my LBS send back the fork to Manitiou for the I.T. Switch fix... took just over 30 days to get my fork back (from the time it was sent in, to the time it arrived back at my LBS). I have ridden it 3x's since it's return, and I am very happy to say that I have not had any problems - the I.T. switch works fine (for now) and luckily, my travel doesn't seem to have been decreased like others (to 137mm) after the I.T. was fixed. Using Manitou's suggestions, set up hasn't been too much of an issue for me, although you may want to visit the various sites for suggestions on how to set-up the fork for your riding characterics... it'll probably save you some time and hassle. But, once it's dialed in, it'll finally (once repaired) do what the fork was intended to do - be the one of (if not the) most versitile, best riding forks out there.
Although my problems seem to have been fixed/addressed, I still hold Manitou responsible for my aggrevation, wasted time and doubts about their concern for the customer... putting out a ~6" travel fork for the "aggressive" rider that will collapse, is very dangerous and irresponsible! After spending $XXX.00 dollars on this fork - that didn't work, and having to pay for shipping to Manitou fix their fork that never worked to begin with (tire clearance issues, I.T. problems, travel issues after the I.T. fix), I still hold some ill will towards whoever decided to release this product... it was obvioulsy not ready for release with so many Nixon's having the same I.T. issue.
For now, my initial recommendation holds true - if you haven't grabbed a 2005 Nixon Platinum yet, DON'T!!! Wait until 2006 for this problem to go away - as they say, never by the first year version of anything... too many problems.
Taking the whole experience into consideration, my rating's are as follows: Value: 4 Chili's: Expensive for a fork that initally didn't work. (Manitou - would've given you 5 chili's if the fork worked out of the box). Overall: 4 Chili's: Fork (now) rides great, Light and strong structure, with a Plush as butter ride and endless potential to adjust this fork as you see fit. However, too many problems w/this fork in '05. Manitou... FIX the IT problems, pay for shipping, and take care of your customers!!! Too many alternatives for us, to have to put up with these things. (Manitou - would have given you 5 chili's had the fork worked, had you not made me pay for shipping, and had you not made me wait so long to have my fork returned - I've already purchased your fork... take care of me first, before the new inventory).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maxwell Cherry
a Racer
from Utah Date Reviewed: June 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light.Stiff
Weaknesses:
IT Adj.
Similar Products Used:
Minute / JrT / SID / Z.1 FR
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1
Bottom Line:
A very poor move by Manitou to release this product. I can't imagine that these problems didn't arise in testing. Hopefully it is a production problem and everyone who has one will be loving it, once they get their new $890.00 shock back from Answer. It came on my Giant Reign 1 ( best bike ever) and has been rebuilt by Answer twice and still does not come close to working. Luckily I have a backup Marzochi, it's heavy, but it does what a shock should do.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethlehem Date Reviewed: June 18, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
just got this fork back from manitou the second time, and hopefully its the last time they have it
Weaknesses:
shock lost all but 1 inch of travel, and it system never worked. added on top of that manitou had this fork in there possesion for about 2 months out of the 6 I have had this fork
Bike Setup:
giant reign 1
Bottom Line:
I've had nothinig but trouble with this fork from the start. Manitou has had it in there possesion about 2 months too long, and i lost a lot of riding time from it. But on the other side, the second time they had it, they completely removed the IT lever and all of its components in the main chamber of the fork. They replaced the parts with a titanium coil spring and a dial to adjust the travel. The right chamber has remained air for the SPV platform. I now have about 6 rides on iot since i have had it back, and it seems to be working better than ever. so much for a long travel air shock though. so basically manitou took my $800 fork and turned it into a $600 sherman. They should have field tested this thing a little longer. save yourself the hassle get a different fork, or get the nixon without the IT travel {according to manitou they dont have any trouble with that one}
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel Angel
a Weekend Warrior
from Madrid, SPAIN Date Reviewed: June 8, 2005
$ 899.95
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