it seems that almost everyone on this site hates manitou forks, but no one gives a reason. i have one on my SJ and it works fine.
my qestion is why does everyone hate them? is there a real reason or is everyone just being brand-loyal. ive test ridden the new SJs with the duke forks, and they seemed really undersprung (i only weigh 165lbs). i'm mainly interested in XC.

the trend nowadays seems to be blasting downhill or freeriding, and manitou has had issues with their seals and flexing. i bet for a more xc-oriented rider manitou and rockshox forks will do just fine.

It is also feel. Manipoo traditionally doesn't have the feel many 'extreme' riders like. A plush very reative ride that is stiff when needed for single hits. They are catching up with their newer line like the sherman's and flick though. Their downhill fork Dorado made a lot of waves as well. But for the most part the forks are not popular for the above reasons.

Also, in recent years Mani has really made some very sub-par products in general. I think many of us are still warry of them because of that, and various bad experiences associated with that.

I've always like Manitou's better than Rock Shox products. However, Marzocchi is still my favorite. Then again, I'm NOT a xc racer.

I think a lot of the low end Manitous suffered the fate of people buying them because they're inexpensive, riding them in ways outside their capabilities and then destroying them and of course complaining! IOW, don't buy a cheap XC fork and huck a set of stairs with them!

I do understand that Manitou had problems with the reverse arch in their lower end models breaking, but I understand they've resolved the issue.

With trickle down technology, today's bottom of the line forks were what the pro's were racing 5 years ago. It amazes me how quickly the suspension technology advancements have occured.

L8R

If it works well for you, suits your needs and you like it that is all that is important. I ride a Black Elite and have no complaints.

I have always loved Manitou forks. I have owned several. The feel of the X-Verts were second to none. I would not trade my Sherman Breakout for anything, in fact I got rid of a Shiver DC in favor of the Breakout.

To me, i race a 2001 mars air elite, it's the more than regular maintenance that your 'suppose' to do on it. I think the manual states that your supposed to clean and rebuild something like every 10 hours or some ridicules number like that. For me that would be every week. that's just too much. she see's some maintenance but not near that often.
I have had to have it factory rebuilt but it was under warrantee and got no hassle from them. They even found a crack and replaced everything but the outer’s for free

I like the manitou forks.I have a real old mach 5,a mars,and my wife and i both have the black forks.Now we dont free ride,just trail ride.

I have an old Mach 5 on my geared mtn bike and a Black comp on my singlespeed. Both forks are great and i havent had a single prblem with either one. I think A2 hit the nail on the head when he said that people buy the less expensive models and then ride them beyond the forks' capabilities. I have ridden Rockshox and found them to feel kinda delicate. Never ridden a marzocchi before, so I cant attest to their quality.

I had a Mars Elite and had nothing but problems. I never liked the feel of it compared to others I had(Rockshox, Marzocchi). It kept losing air after about a week, the seals were blown and had to be rebuilt. I didn't, I just bought a new one. My first Manitou was a basically BAD experience. My new fork is not a Manitou to say the least.

My 6500 came with stock Manitou 6's on it.

I've only had the bike about 2 months at which time I think I've ridden it less than 3 times. The fork is now leaking fluid at the rebound adjuster.

I am going to take it in tonight to see about warrenty! Hopefully can get an upgrade or something. I think that the stock 6's are too soft for me!

I wouldn't ride a Manipoo if they paid me. Pieces of flexy garbage.

Raiyn is undecided on the matter.

Thats funny my Breakout is stiffer than my Shiver was.

The Skareb Elite is wonderful. I'm a fan since my previous experience is with the Mars Super. They have been stiff, reliable and predictable. The action is smooth and they have enough adjustment to set the rebound and stuff to your weight.
Others I know on Mars Elite and Super have only said good things. I hear bad things about Rockshox so I think it is more about brand loyalty and perpetuating stories of some low-end Manitou or a problem long since fixed, etc.
In my personal experience, Manitou has been great. I don't know about other brands although a brief ride on a Rockshox SID race was very good too.

I have a Manitou Axel Super as the stock fork on my Giant Rainier; it's very squishy, even on the stiffest setting, and there is a lot of bob. Personally, I perfer a stiffer ride since I'm more about speed than control, so it doesn't suit my purpose as well as some other forks. It's all a matter of personal opinion, though, and quality-wise I don't have any qualms about it.

Upgrade the springs or mcu's to firmer ones.

Msparks-you may want to look into whether your fork is included in the recall that affected the six from last year.
As for the original question, I think A2 was right. Some of the lower end stuff is ridiculously soft initially and isn't set up well for many riders. I've had much better luck at our shop with Manitous than with RS forks. I prefer the Black Elite Air I've got over my Duke Race as well.

I only like 1 Manitou fork and that is the Black, tried one recently, will give it a test to see if it works out for 1 race, if it passes, I will switch to a black for 2004.