what is the utility of the spring like rubber covering the front shock

can it be cutted out?

I prefer the look without

I have a Manitou Six Elite (2003)

thanks

Nick

It prevents dirt and grit from entering the fork, and scratching the stanchions (the tubes that slide into the lower part). Some forks have seals that stop the dirt, so the rubber coverings aren't really necessary. I'm not sure if the Six has adequate seals, I've seen a few without the coverings. I'd leave them on if your fork came with them, as an extra layer of protection.

Leave them on unless you get the seals replaced for ones that dont need the rubber 'boots'.

you might consider seal replacement. I use enduro fork seals but i dont know if they will fork on your fork. CHeck https://www.enduroforkseals.com/
Its best to keep the rubber boots there, you can get those lizard skin ones too if you like.

I checked the site, it looks like they make wiper seals but no oil seals. If you plan to keep this for a while i would, plus i odnt know about manitou stuff but rock shox charges 29.99 for replacement seals while enduro cost me 20+5 s/h and i believe do a better job (so do reviews)

Leave them on. Obvously Manipoo doesn't have confidence in the seals on that fork otherwise they wouldn't have put them on.

My 2001 Judy Race came with them, but it also has good seals that say they're designed to run without boots. I leave them on anyway, extra protection.

I still say enduro fork seals all the way, no need for ugly rubber boots that way. Plus they look cool, you will be one of the few in the pack who has light blue seals.

phantom how about some pix?

of the seals? SUre, hold on a minute

Thanks

You can see the reviews at mtbr.com, all 5 start except one guy. THe seals actually cost 5 dollars less than the rock shox ones (that includes shipping). And if your familiar with the oil seals on most forks its a foam thing. ON these its real rubber, the seals are polyerithane

Nice. Mine are ugly, but you can barely see em

I think these look cooler than the stock grey rockshox provides. I would recommend to anybody who wants to keep their fork for a while. THose pictures suck too, i might take another if i feel like it

Just about to start a thread on this topic. I also had suspension with the rubber protector on it. These protecters got damaged, and are starting to fall apart, so i cut them off the other day. I havn't been on a ride since, but I want to know if I should get a different seal or leave the suspension how it is.

I've attached a pic of my current seal, would anyone be able to tell me if this looks suitable.

Thanks

My seal looks like it's meant to do something

Um......by the look of it i think you should get a seal.

mine looks more as PWRDbyTRD seal

I think it could be enough, I just don't know how to change the seal *shy*

I have seals on my bike, and they seem to collect a lot of dust and dirt. So blue_neon, i suggust you get them.

my marzocchi has the exact same seal on it as well... I know for a fact that they wipe the stanchions because they've been dusty before and you can see where the seals have wiped off the stanchions.

If I recall correctly, I was the one who told you that I would need new seals. Then you said, not knowing what they were, that I wouldn't need to relpace them.

NOW you've changed your mind, and are telling me what I told you!!!!! strange isn't it?

if your fork is leaking oil thats a classic indicator of bad seals also. Like you probably figured out, i say get enduro's. Wheny ou replace it you will see why right away

Yep, well I was assuming I would have to replace them.