Description:To cook up the new Slider Plus, we started with some ‘03 Slider bullion and then added another inch of travel and some SPV damping to really bring out the flavor. With SPV damping, it’s easy to get caught up in talk about the “platform,” but just as important is the system’s position sensitivity, adjustability, and controlled bump eating performance. You have to ride it, and ride it hard, to believe how good a fork with SPV feels in the rough.
Submitted by
matt
a Downhiller
from new zealand Date Reviewed: December 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
internet came on bike
Strengths:
lots of adjustments
Weaknesses:
the seals blow. fork dosnt last long. needs regular servicing
Similar Products Used:
mz comp/(1999) jrts
Bike Setup:
1999 advanti d8 doubble wide rims
Bottom Line:
they are a good fork while they last but they dont last if you are into serous downhill these forks are no good but they are good for just mucking around
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
luke ryan
a Downhiller
from calgary, alberta, canada Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006
Favorite Trail:
top gun
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
bow cycle
Strengths:
Plush. Needs to be broken in first but then it is smooth as butter. Smooth landing lets you ride away from a stunt with lots of speed for the next one. Killer pedaling platform. Only goes down about a half inch when pedaling.
Weaknesses:
Small turning radius. The top crown somtimes hits the top tube so if you get one put someting on your top tube to protect from scratching.
Similar Products Used:
marozocchi drop off triple.
Bike Setup:
05 kona stinky. only thing not stock is the sherman slider.
Bottom Line:
this is a kick ass fork. buy one. you will not be dissapointed. if you are a freerider you should buy this fork.if you are hucking 25 footers you probably shouldn't buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: November 19, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Redline
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Pinkbike.com
Strengths:
amazing quality, thicker axle then that marzocchi crap, SPV works amazingly, adjustments
Weaknesses:
bolts strip easily, rebound knob is in a bad place
It is an amazing fork. the SPV works really well when setup right. it actually has small bump compliance...which i wonder why noone can see that it doesn't. couldn't ask for a better fork. its great for going down the mountain and riding right back up again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
clark
a
from vancouver Date Reviewed: October 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
stiff, plush when freshly tuned
Weaknesses:
requires frequent rebuilds to stay plush; so-so tire clearance
Similar Products Used:
boxxer, 888, fox 40
Bike Setup:
giant dh
Bottom Line:
a great freeride fork, but only if you don't ride much, because it needs tons of maintenance like all manitou's. spv just plain sucks for dh (no small bump compliance, even the new "evolve"), but is nice for pedalling. the travis is a major improvement.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ang
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Super smooth, felt like I was cutting through bumps and jumps like a hot knife thru butter
Weaknesses:
The above feeling only lasted 5 rides. Had to send it back to manitou as the fork started sticking and making a really horrible klunking noise and it all went down the tubes very quickly. They said it was something about the bushings blah blah...bottom line is it's been 3 weeks now in the prime of riding season without my brand new fork.
Similar Products Used:
Marz Jr. T
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
Well it was great while it lasted, I mean I was really impressed with this fork. I hope when manitou sends it back it feels the same and that it will last more than 5 rides this time. Overall, i would say I am very disappointed (most people would if they just spent a bunch of money and had to send it back right away). I am just grateful my bikeshop gave me a loaner until mine comes back. I will write a follow up to this but until then NO CHILLI's because I HAVE NO FORK!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jordy
a Weekend Warrior
from canada Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005
Favorite Trail:
S.O.B.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
super cool looking, hex lock axle, spv is like the best idea ever, reverse arch helps out too
Weaknesses:
nothing important, but the stock springs may be too soft for you if your bigger (im mini, only 130 pounds)
super plush fork, good for all kinds of riding, dirt jumping, downhilling, freeriding. came from the stock drop off on my switch and i just felt i needed to upgrade to 20 millimeter and another inch. now im riding my dream fork, and i wouldnt have it any other way. 5 for everything on this piece of work. recommended for pretty much everyone. manitou bulls eyed this one
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Harrison
a Downhiller
from Spokane Date Reviewed: August 6, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
strong and light
Weaknesses:
i ride downhill, freeride, and dirt jumps and the spv is wierd, its good for jumping, but its not smooth enough for downhill.
Similar Products Used:
888, jr t, super t, shiver, dirt jmp 1,2,3, sherman flick, psylo, black elite, mx comp, dorado
Bike Setup:
norco hardtail
Bottom Line:
it ok, buy if you freeride and dirt jump
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Burnum
a Downhiller
from Boise, Idaho Date Reviewed: December 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
steep ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Very stiff and plush at any range of travel. Weight and adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Turning radius. Who decided to make the rebound knob blue?
Similar Products Used:
Junior T
Bike Setup:
Bullit w/Fox DHX, Sherman Slider Plus (duh), 8" XT Disc, Race Face this and that, Maxxis Mobbsters
Bottom Line:
I have ridden a Jr. T for two solid years and had a few issues with the way it handled my weight (200lbs), even with the heavy springs. It tends to sink to the bottom of the travel and make for a harsh ride. A buddy of mine has the Sherman Breakout on his Gemini and after riding it a few times and listening to his raves, I decided to consider a Manitou.
With patience, I found one on ebay for $350 in perfect condition. I don't know if it already has heavier springs than stock, but it feels freakin' perfect for my weight!
After several rides, I can say I am now a Manitou fan. It has saved my butt on several corners by keeping my front tire on the ground. There is no slop in the steering. The only weakness ad I mentioned is the turning radius. I ALMOST biffed it a few times after being so used to my Jr T. When trying to flick the wheel to the side for balance, I found myself hitting the rubber stoppers and about toppling over, but I will get used to it in time.
I also must add that my bike weighs over 40 pounds and I do quite a bit of climbing. With the SPV action, I have a MUCH easier time standing up on the pedals. Oh, and did I mention it weighs 6.8 lbs? Yeah, that is a whole pound lighter than my old Jr. T. So, for the few months I have owned the fork...5 flaming butt burners.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Soaks up drops nicely. Hardly any bob due to SPV. So far appears bombproof. Looks good.
Weaknesses:
The fork is just not plush, even at the lowest SPV pressure. Turning circle is bad.
Similar Products Used:
888R, Super T, Z1, Z3, Shiver
Bike Setup:
BigHit w/ MRP chainguide
Bottom Line:
The perfect trail for the Slider would be a perfectly smooth downhill, with no corners but with huge drops...let me know if anyone has a good trail like that near them?
As soon as you hit a corner the lack of small bump compliance makes the fork skitter around and lose its line. Rock beds, roots & stutter bumps will destroy your arms and slow you down significantly as the fork is fairly inactive over all but the biggest hits.
I am pretty disappointed with this fork so far. The SPV is good for climbing fireroads etc. but it just ain't plush on the way back down the hill (even at the lowest SPV pressure).
Manitou even admits this problem because they recalled the SPV Dorados and reissued them with TPC damping instead of SPV.
I will be getting the 2005 SPV Evolve upgrade but I dont have high hopes for this...obviously it is improved, but I doubt it has made the fork plush enough or they would have used SPV Evolve in the Dorados. Manitou's answer to that conundrum is that the Dorado is a DH fork while the Slider is a Freeride fork...well I never met a freerider who specified that crappy non-plush suspension action was an attribute they look for in a fork.
To the Slider's credit it is awesome on drops because of the adjustability and the way the suspension can be set very nice and progressive and the fork seems damn strong and fairly light. It also looks awesome.
Do any pros ride this fork and do they appear in any freeride videos? Just wondering.
I'll post another review once I get the Evolve upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Credible
a Downhiller
from Alta Date Reviewed: September 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
none of yo biznass
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
united cycle, edmonton alberta canada( 900 dollars, with FUNN stem)
Strengths:
Nice meow adjustments. Rides really well when tuned properly and if that is to much for you to handle get the heck off the bike or i will throw a wheel a cheese at you(whiner) , yah f'n rookie. A great meow feelin ride, stiff at the right time and plush and the proper times, they should have called it a manitou sherman RON JEREMY.
Weaknesses:
The bottom end resistance bolt is not of the greatest variety. it takes a 16 mm socket to adjust and when it is sucked in all the way for greatest resitance it is a great hole for dirt to meow collect, but can easily fixed with a beer cap. And how bout the f'n rebound adjustment knob , on the bottom of the fork all out in the open. It does ride on a spring that can only bend so far until it hit the lowers. Why put an adjustmant like this on the lower when it would be great up top away from damage and make the lower in a protected casket with an allen key. Man i gotta give the engineers credit on the feel of the fork and the amount of adjustment on the fork. But when it come to the placement and design of the adjustment placement and design, it must have been a friday ; or a circle jerk of some kind; or a shotgunnin' contest with some crazy 3% uncle sam beer(rookies)
Similar Products Used:
2004 Jr t and yo mama 2001-2005(rookie)
Bike Setup:
2003 rocky meow mountain switch with the f' n slider
Bottom Line:
With all this said meow and done it is an incredible fork. I may get the fork tuned with stiffer springs and oil(i am 165lbs of twisted meat , fat, meow, and free ride gear) (and as for my riding skills i like to consider myself f'n incredible) later on but i can see this fork has the technology of the 6 milion dollar man and easily adjustable. It was a minor complaint about adjustment knobs placement but those are minor and i will let it slide this time manitou, and what is up with the small grade bolts on the hex axle? And if you didn't get the super trooper theme of the review watch the friggin movie yah f'n rookie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, Mass USA Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
A friend
Strengths:
SPV really works. I could immediatly feel the difference when climbing. Its light. It seems pretty strong.
Weaknesses:
The original springs were too soft........and Im only 170lbs with all my gear on. I tried messing with the size of the chamber as another review mentioned, but it didnt do the trick. New spring, heavier oil = good to go!
Similar Products Used:
Boxxer Race.
Bike Setup:
Bullit, Race Face BB, WTB wheels, 2.6 Kendas
Bottom Line:
Much better than the Boxxer! No bob. I can climb stuff with much greater ease than before. A great freeride fork. Not sure about downhilling....never done it. Not sure I would pay 750 for one, but if you have a few bucks, its probably worth it. Bottom line = SPV really does work! 4 chilis for value since 750 is alot and you have to swap springs and oil. 5 overall cause the fork made me a better climber from day one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a
from Fernie BC Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
Straightline Fernie
Strengths:
Stiff, super plush. spv
Weaknesses:
little longer to take off wheel than JR T
Similar Products Used:
JR T, Z150,
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
Great fork, much different feel than a JR T, more plush and feels just as stiff, really like the SPV for climbing, not quite 5 chillis due to initial cost, has made my bike a better climber, and better downhiller. Will see if it holds up like a Marz long term as this is the first non-Marz that I have owned. So far so good....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mo
a Weekend Warrior
from Bethesda, MD, USA Date Reviewed: July 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light (6.3Ibs for 7 inches!) stiff because of the hex axle, SPV damping works well, the urban camo paint is awesome, extremely buttery travel that feels better than the Shiver DC I replaced with this fork.
Weaknesses:
It's fairly tall, and the top crown doesn't look very strong. Can really only fit a Maxxis 2.7 tire.
An excellent freeride fork because the light weight and SPV damping allow you to climb hills with ease while not limiting what you can do while descending or dropping.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerym
a Downhiller
from New zealand Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
super good fork im am chuffed as! looks good, reverse arch looks good, tuff as, works well, mean stealth looks, SPV is the BEST thing to happen in MTB suspension . strong as a mofo,
Weaknesses:
paint scratches more easily that other forks. my forks came on the bike therefore i didnt get a volume adjuster with them, not as stiff as the doradoes, but who cares cos they are half the price!. just be carefull with the bolt heads as they feel like they can strip easily, just look after them and u will have no problemsd
Similar Products Used:
boxxers, JNr Ts, manitou xverts
Bike Setup:
04 DHCOMP GIANT (SPV front and rear)
Bottom Line:
if you have trouble with bottoming them out, dont go buy a new springs, get the spanner and wind in the red SPV volume adjust and you can set up how much the 'spring rate' will ramp up as you get further and further down the travel.
SPV works PErfectly, i couldnt ask for more in a fork, it is amazing to ride. the forks dont take the hits in corners of G outs (as in squash up), but they work exceptional on bumbs , jumps etc
these forks are lighter than doradoes! but i may get doradoes one day if i have enough money as i know now that manitou are the best suspension producers in the business! holla!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Victoria BC Date Reviewed: May 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Very plush, stiff, SPV rocks, light weight, axle to crown length
Weaknesses:
Spring rate is too soft. Bottomed out on 3 foot drops contantly. Had to get Firm spring
Similar Products Used:
Jr T, Super T, 2003 Monster's, 888r's
Bike Setup:
Banshee Scream
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome fork. The fork responds very well when freeriding. The only down fall was the stock spring was to soft and had to get a firm spring kit. Good thing is the spring was only 30 bucks cad. The adjustments really work well where you can actually feel a difference unlike Marzocchi. The fork compress and decompresses perfectly, especially during high speed cornering. The travel feels much better than the 888's I had. 7 inches of Slider feels way better than any 8 inches of Marzocchi. The tire clearance is great. I put a Michelin 2.8 in there with still enough mud clearance. 5 chilis for this product
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
K MAN
a
from Maynard, MA Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Utah Sports
Strengths:
Stiff, light, plush, tons of adjustments and looks pissa!
Weaknesses:
SPV needs a little time to get used to and set up takes a little longer to dial in. NO way to turn SPV off if needed. The SPV is a little bit unpredictable during climbs, it will stiffen up when your pedaling hard but if your going to slow it plushes out and sometime messes up your rhythem. I could probably work this out with the adjustments but that's my experience so far.
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit with all the goodies!
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing fork! If your into doing some trail riding and freeriding it's perfect. For pure downhill I would probably go for a super T or something that is plush ALL the time. It takes a little time to dial in and get used to the SPV on the front. It's definitely a little stiff even at the lowest air pressure compared to non SPV forks I have tried but it also allows you to pedal much more efficiently on flats and then soaks up the REALLY BIG hits. You can practically turn this thing into a non suspension fork by going full air pressure...pretty nice. Probably the most advanced fork you can get for freeride and hucking. Buy it you wont be disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug Z
a Weekend Warrior
from OC California USA Date Reviewed: March 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Too many to list
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
SVP damping simply works. Light and super plush
Weaknesses:
No Rapid travel adjust for climbing (The Sherman Breakout has it!)
Similar Products Used:
Nada
Bike Setup:
Bullit bla, bla, bla
Bottom Line:
When building my Bullit I had two choices. This fork or the various Marzocchi boat anchors. I am anticipating zero problems with this fork based on my Sherman Firefly that I beat the heck out of. When you stand up and pedal THE FORK DOES NOT BOB UP AND DOWN. Plenty of adjustments for your weight and riding style. I am 215 and at this point I do not think I need a stiffer spring. Who should buy it? Whoever wants a quality product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason W
a Weekend Warrior
from Kennewick Date Reviewed: March 21, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything in Hood River
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
SPV - need I day anything more?
Weaknesses:
The bolts... they all suck, stainless steel. Do yourself a favor, get grade 12 bolts then assemble.
Similar Products Used:
Shiver, Monster, and Jr T
Bike Setup:
2k1 BigHit, El Jefe rear shock
Bottom Line:
WOW, just raced in a DH XC and this has to be the ultimate FREERIDE fork... just air it up for less, and let it out for more. Soooooo plush... and she's lite!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Downhiller
from oregon Date Reviewed: February 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything with a chairlift!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
Everything this thing has sooo much ajustment......spv is bada$$ the fork is soooo smooth its amazing, super strong and just bada$$ all around
Weaknesses:
hmmmmm names after a tank and built like one what can be wrong with it
Similar Products Used:
2003 jr.T
Bike Setup:
04 giant dh comp stcok like a wankster!
Bottom Line:
if you want a bada$$ fork thats super stiff not to heavy for 7inches of plush lovin travel then buy this fork. This thing can handel anythign you throw at it and gobble it up like your sister on a warm cock. this thing is mean and thats no lie. 5 flaming weiners for value and 5 flaming poo's overall, this forks a little more expensive than a jr.t but blows it out of the water in every way imaginable.....and more ajustments and stiffer than a super t.......BUY THIS FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Cross Country Rider
from Rockport Maine Date Reviewed: February 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Maine Sport
Strengths:
Strong, light, lots of travel, SPV is good.
Weaknesses:
Stock springs on medium frame bike were too weak, have the spv cranked up all the way and still bottom out. top crown sucks, stripped out from factory, stripped out the replacement.
Similar Products Used:
boxxer race, manitou dorado, judy dxc
Bike Setup:
stock raleigh ram 3500 xt
Bottom Line:
Fork is excellent except for issues with top crown and raleigh's spring selection. rear springs were weak as well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Neville
a Downhiller
from Brisbane, QLD, Australia Date Reviewed: January 19, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Clear Mountain singletrack
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Strathpine Cycles
Strengths:
Everything....light, plush as all hell, SPV, soaks up everything.
Weaknesses:
The heads of the bolts on crowns and axle strip easily
These forks are awesome! Really plush before break in and amazing once broken in. Very minimal bob from front end when standing even with a fairly low SPV pressure. Soak up some pretty big hits with ease and give you loads of confidence off drops and jumps! The best triple clamp forks you could buy for the money. Get some you will never regret the purchase!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan Johnson
a Racer
from Laguna Niguel Ca Date Reviewed: January 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
anything knarly
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$750.00
Purchased At:
jensonusa
Strengths:
Extremely light dh/fr fork, super plush, great for sprinting thanks to SPV.
Weaknesses:
cant turn real tight,not a big deal
Similar Products Used:
boxxer, monster, white bros dh1.8, jr t, and many more.
Bike Setup:
03 bighit comp w/ 8"in the rear and many other upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I havent had much time on this fork, not even broken in, but unbelievably it is already super plush. it is so far very linear and plush. I can't wait till it is fully broken in and I get is fully adjusted. This fork has so many adjustments. Get this fork if your a downhiller or freerider . I will put up a follow up review later. Ryan
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fred harrison
a Downhiller
from northridge, Ca. USA Date Reviewed: December 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
rattlesnake
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$749.00
Purchased At:
wheelworld
Strengths:
SPV damping, air volume and air pressure adjustable, ride heigth not to high, and best of all it's a manitou.
Weaknesses:
bolts tend to want to round when tighting, fixed by changing bolts out.
Similar Products Used:
2003 sherman flick, 2003 sherman slider, 2003 marz monster t, 2003 boxxer worldcup, and the list could go on......
Bike Setup:
2003 giant team dh w/ manitou swinger 6 way rear shock, 2004 sherman slider w/spv, and pretty much the rest is top notch stuff.
Bottom Line:
this fork performs like a top level dh race fork and still strong enough to handle some good drops. anybody looking for a light and strong dh race fork look no further. once i have time in the saddle i will post a complete review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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