I put a Tower Expert on my FIL's bike. With the correct sag spring, it is a VERY good fork. I don't think there's a better inexpensive fork. It is way, way better than any Rockshox, RST or Suntour I've ridden in this price range. I assume that manufacturers get way better prices for OEM deals and that's why you don't see Manitou as original equipment. You are not going to get adjustable compression dampening in any other fork at this price.

On my bike, a Fox 32 RLC is worlds different but you expect that when the MSRP is twice that of the Manitou. I have a Fox CTD Trail Adjust shock and I love it. I'm not sure if I'd buy a CTD Trail Adjust fork as well, or try something else. The 3 ranges on the trail adjust setting are very impactful. I usually run trail 2, but trail 1 is very plush and trail 3 would be suitable for XC racing.