Originally posted by montlake_mtbkr
I almost bought a used black elite but nearly 90% of the reviews on mtbr.com were negative which scared me off. However if manitou was total crap they wouldn't be in the top 4 manufacturers of suspension forks.
How many legitimate suspension companies are there...rst, monroe and Sun tour (whatever that company is called) do not count as legit.
1 - Marzocchi
2 - Rock Shoxx
3 - Manipoo
4 - Fox
5 - whatever many other very specific indie companies that don't try to be big sellers (white brothers and Stratos comes to mind).
Really being in the top 4 isn't impressive.
...but still Manitoo has a couple of great forks...there 1.5 idea (the strength diff between a 1 1/8 diameter and a 1 1/2 diameter is insignifgant at best) is a waste but the big head tube sure looks cool. The dorado has fantastic reviews as well.
As per usual each fork company has an area it rules with very few cross overs. I don't like Manipoo (except dorado, I haven't been able to TEST the new shermans but they look cool
) or Rock shox (except boxxer) as all of the forks I tested felt squirelly and looked like pinners underneath me. But they tend to focus more on the xc crowd. Fox has a horrible reputation for warranties and allow the user no room for home repairs. Marz is built strong and tough with little consideration for weight. People need to realize that the debate over forks is a waist. You can't compare a Beetle to a Mustang. They have different purposes. I happen to like the overbuilt and super powerful mustang
...
Cheers.