Description:Want an XC racing fork that’s light, blessed with excellent bump eating abilities, AND steers in the direction you point it? Skareb is your only option. This year we’ve stiffened up the Skareb Super’s hollow crown with longer skirts, and further refined the magnesium RA casting; important upgrades considering all Skarebs are now offered in a 100mm travel option. For the first time, you can own a superlight 100mm travel fork with the stiffness to tackle even your most aggressive XC outings.
Submitted by
Marquism1
a Cross Country Rider
from Costa Mesa, CA Date Reviewed: August 8, 2008
Favorite Trail:
If I told you, you'd ride there and we can't have that...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, smooth through its whole range, totally reliable to date.
Weaknesses:
The only thing I worry about with this fork is the remote lockout switch, which is pretty fragile.
Similar Products Used:
Many Marzocchi, RockShox, and other Manitou forks
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE hardtail
Bottom Line:
I really wanted a nice light XC fork with remote lockout and have been generally happy with Manitou forks in the past, so I picked this one up on eBay. I've been extremely happy with it. It's over a pound lighter than the Marz Z3 it replaced and has far superior ride quality for the way I ride (fast XC, tight singletrack, lots of climbing and fast descending). Depending on the day and trail, sometimes I set it plush or stiff by adjusting the air pressure, but either way it is smooth through the full range of its travel. And it really does use it's full range. With the old Marzocchi, if I set it up stiff enough for some rides it would use about 1.5 inches of travel no matter how hard I hammered it. If I set it up plush, it would be too squishy. This fork has plenty of range between plush and firm, so it's actually possible to find the happy medium that eluded me with the Marz. I'm a longtime mechanic and have rebuilt every fork brand many times. Manitous are pretty easy to work on and understand and this one is no exception. This is an excellent fork that has exceeded my expectations.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a
from NJ Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
anywhere fast
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Solid as a rock. I have abused this fork for 3 years now and have done zero maintenance to it and it keeps on tickin'. I weigh about 175 and have had no issues. I have raced on it now for all three seasons as well and I can't say enough for the durability
Weaknesses:
None. Maybe not as plush as my Fox shock on my FS rig.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Rock Shox Sid race
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown Team hardtail. Xtr
Bottom Line:
Although many new and improved models are out now, and this review probably won't matter much, I must say this fork has been awesome
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Racer
from Little Hill, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
B-17
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
git yer eBay on!
Strengths:
Light-at 3.5lbs, i swapped it for my SID(3lbs) for better ajustability. Rebound damping control is nice, light air fork
Weaknesses:
no compression damping, has earned the nickname 'flexy-flier' as it does whatever it feels (which generally involves flexing) when I apply the brakes (xtr rims), i call it manipoo when it leaks air (about every week I need to pump it up)
Similar Products Used:
....talas 36RC2
Bike Setup:
GT zaskar, skareb, full ex.tee.arrrrr
Bottom Line:
feels a bit better than a SID, same price, and less than 1/2 lb heavier...works great as a XC race fork (bare bones). If you want a fork for better trail riding or anything bigger/gnarlier than XC racing, steer away from this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Richards
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottetown, PEI, Canada Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Brookvale
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Jensen's
Strengths:
a light fork, very strong, doesn't flex w lockout adjustment
Weaknesses:
oil change is awkward and takes awhile to get the adjustment dialed in.
Similar Products Used:
rock shox, manitou, marzocchi
Bike Setup:
Litespeed with XTR/sram setup
Bottom Line:
I like this fork alot but probably wouldn't be great for riders who are 175 lb plus and into FR & DH. the fork is nice and light, comes in at about 3.5 lb which is perfect. I've had the lighter RS and Marzocchi units but found they wobble and flex all over the place and the RS requires endless adjustment. This Manitou took awhile to get the right adjustment with oil level and air pressure so I would suggest following the manual to the letter and BE PATIENT! Once dialed in I can hammer over anything and not feel a thing, with no wobble or flex. the lockout made a convert outta me too. I would suggest for the few who didn't like this fork they probably didn't spend the required time dialing it in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Pasadena, CA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Warranty from Manitou
Strengths:
Light, great travel and incredible customer service. This shock is a great shock, but what makes it awesome is the customer service. I sent in an old shock that didn't lock out and they replaced it with this one. I did have some problems with it leaking, but they sent me seals and oil to fix it up.
Bottom Line:
Get Manitou, they stand by their products and the guy, Bobby, that handles the warranty and repairs is awesome.
Thanks Manitou!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JESUS
a Cross Country Rider
from ENSENADA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO Date Reviewed: August 11, 2005
Favorite Trail:
EL CAÑON DE DOÑA PETRA
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$345.00
Purchased At:
SUPERGO
Strengths:
super light and very thin, lockout is great for going up a mountain, and without lockout absorbs bumps super great going downhill, and it's look's great.
Weaknesses:
none.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Axel
Bike Setup:
2003 Cannondale F300, Shimano XT and Cannondale parts.
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork, it is light and absobs bumbs very well and it goes where you want it to go, the lockout is great for going uphills, it's thin and it looks great, perfect for XC.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Milwaukee, WI Date Reviewed: May 30, 2005
Favorite Trail:
East side river
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
SPV valve is cool, very versitile.
Weaknesses:
Only use fully open, and fully locked out. I blew out my SPV valve, talked to a friend at a bike shop and he said that isn't that uncommon if you put the bike through a regular beating, which is what is supposed to be designed for. Got a new one under warranty, learned my lesson. Locked out or open the whole way.
Similar Products Used:
Skareb non-SPV I broke the cross member.
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS 2 mostly stock.
Bottom Line:
Good Idea, bad follow through.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Spencer
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hartford, CT Date Reviewed: May 18, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Vulture's Knob (Wooster, OH)
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
downtube.com
Strengths:
Lockout is great for getting to and from the trail and all the real flat areas. Great dampening. Nice and light but handles most of what you throw at it. Has kept air very well.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Bike Setup:
Trek 6500 with Bontrager RaceLite XC ceramic coated wheels, XTR/XT drive train, this fork, and the rest is stock.
Bottom Line:
Did a bunch of bike upgrades in 2004 summer including new rims so I replaced the crap Manitou six shock that came on the bike for this wonder. It has been great so far and I look forward to another great year of riding. It soaks up everything I have thrown at it. The lockout is perfect for the mile road ride I do to get to my everyday mountain bike spot. If you get the opportunity ot find this shock at a good price, below $300, go for it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric Roth
a Cross Country Rider
from East Hampton, CT, USA Date Reviewed: March 24, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Gypsy Moth
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Super light and plush. In today's world of super beefy forks, this was exactly what I was looking for. Low profile, XC design without an extra external size or beef (i.e. Duke Race). The silk blue color is unlike anything thats out there and really sets my bike apart. This thing takes every hit I throw at it.
Weaknesses:
Loses air too quickly when disconnecting from my fork pump. Solution: over pump. Sometimes a little too plush.
The bottom line? I have tested a lot of forks and I don't believe anyone can touch Manitou right now. Fox is excellent, but too beefy. This fork is the perfect balance of price, weight, and performance. It takes huge hits with confidence. To be honest i'm sick of reading MTBR reviews where 230lbs riders complain about every part they buy breaking or blowing out.. hmm, I wonder why? Don't buy a 3.4lbs fork if you're in that weight range. The lockout on this fork is also second to none.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: January 1, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Really light, lock-out
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Surly 1x1
Bottom Line:
After almost nine months of continuous racing and riding on Nevada and Tahoes finest terrain, the Skareb is rippin' as hard as it did when I bought it. All oil and air levels have maintained and each adjustment has performed incredibly. If your want a great xc racing fork, go with the Skareb Super. If your riding style is heavy and lazy and your overweight or 180+ you may want something that has wider stantions. I give this fork a full round of slim peps again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Petr Celba
a Cross Country Rider
from Czech Republic Date Reviewed: December 19, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Came on a bike
Strengths:
Plush, provide full travel, adjustability, light, lockout mode is really stiff and has no play
Weaknesses:
None so far, may be only 80mm travel, but I want to upgrade to 100mm if it is possible
Similar Products Used:
Poor Suntours and RSTs
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Triomphe 04, Pell`s component`s, Sram X0, Manitou Skareb Super and QRL shock, Magura Louise brakes
Bottom Line:
I`ve ridden it since May this year, when the conditions here were very indifferent. This fork suprised me by it`s plush travel, it takes the almost smallest rocks and roots. The lockout is also a good thing when you need to climb a hill. If you want an upgrade, Manitou is going to make hadlebar mounted remote lockout, I will upgrade it as soon as possible.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ USA Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Local: Fantasy Island
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Can't say
Strengths:
(100mm) Very plush out of the box (and later, as well...); light; very adjustable/tunable; uses all of its travel, etc...
Weaknesses:
None unless you take it out of it's intended use or weigh too much for a light XC fork.
Similar Products Used:
Own bike: SX-R, X-Fly 80. Tested: many others.
Bike Setup:
01 Homegrown Pro, hand-built wheels (Dave Thompson/Mike Garcia), XTR/XT mix (except old LX crank), Avid mechs, etc.
Bottom Line:
About the 100mm travel: I wanted a little more travel to my 80mm geometry hardtail but was leary about handling issues. I've been very pleased with the handling of the 100mm Skareb Super--it's better on downhills, and still climbs and corners well.
About the ride qualities: It uses its full range of travel very smoothly. I was initially surprised to see (by the dust line) how far into the travel I had been on a given ride. On my previous forks, I always knew when I had reached full travel because of the harsh bottom-out.
About the adjustability: I have really been reluctant to go with an air fork after the X-Fly experience as I thought coil forks had a much plusher ride. As far as the 100mm Skareb goes, it is very plush, and changes in the air pressure setting are very noticeable. The lockout is great for occassional road rides. I am not one to do a lot of out-of-saddle hammering, but the lockout would be great for those that do. The compression damping range does not seem noticeable in the early settings (you have to turn it a long way towards lockout before you notice the compression slowing). The rebound has a broad range from straight pogo to slow as molosses.
About quality: There were some quality control issues (small casting leak in one outer leg), but Manitou pretty much has a no-questions-asked attitude as far as warranty goes. As for a previous poster complaining about color choices, you can always order a different colored set of lowers for a good price (look at the parts breakdown in the Owner's Manual) The various colored lowers listed there to not come with model-specific graphics if you order them. For example, I replaced the black lowers with "Candy Red" and they really look great with the blue metal-flake bike paint. They have the Skareb lettering down each leg, but no adjustment guidlines stickers or model stickers (looks cleaner to me).
Bottom Line: If you are not too heavy and want a plush, adjustable, light fork, the Skareb Super 100 is a great choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeff roth
a Cross Country Rider
from burbank, ca Date Reviewed: October 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
mr toads in lake tahoe, ca
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came equip on my bike
Strengths:
good adjustability, and smooth stroke. more travel then most 80mm forks flexie? i don't think so. stiffer then the sid that is for sure.
Weaknesses:
the freakin thing alway blows out. 3rd time i have had to send back to manitou for repair
Similar Products Used:
rockshox sid, fox forx 80mm
Bike Setup:
trek fuel 95. ugrades - sram xo shifters and derailuer and time pedals
Bottom Line:
1st off, the fork comes way undersprung. a firm ride kit is a must for seriuos riders. my problem with this fork is, it has blown out three times on me in 6 months. i have a brand new trek fuel and my riding time has been cut way short because the fork spends more time in valencia, ca then on my bike out on the trail. mantou is now going to send me a new 05 but my wait could be as long as late december before i receive a new fork. very, very, very fraustrating to say the least. manitou's tech folks told me they still have not figured out the problem with this model. apparently they are getting back others with the same issue. they have not confirmed that the 05 is any differant internally so i may have the same issue with the 05. if you are considerig purchasing a new fork, i would stay clear of this fork. bike shops and catalogs are blowing out this model right now but don't be lured in. you could end up very disappointed. i guess this fork would be ok for casual riders but the fork is intended for high performance use. it has not proven it is capable of handling the demands of serious xc rider. ps...my buddies are out riding today and the trail conditions are killer!!! me, i am writing this review. whoopie!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
World B. Free
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz, CA Date Reviewed: October 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
Quite stiff for a sub-3-lb. fork Very, very smooth Lockout is very solid Nice all-metal construction The lightest 100mm fork on the market
Weaknesses:
No lockout remote lever (added to 2005 models tho) Factory quality control needs improvement (check oil levels) Compression damper not as effective as I'd like
Similar Products Used:
2001 SID SL, Marzocchi Z2, Manitou SXR
Bottom Line:
I originally got a 100mm Skareb Elite with SPV but was not pleased with the fork's small-bump response. Luckily, the rebound damper blew, and Manitou was willing to "downgrade" the SPV damper to a time-proven TPC/lockout, turning my "platinum' into a 'Super.'
Now, the fork simply rides beautifully. Noticeably stiffer than my old SID (which I liked very much) though I agree with the other reviewer -- the SID's negative chamber is a very nice feature, and may get the nod as far as small bumps go, but the fork is still very active and it really outshines the SID as far as medium-large hits. I suspect the extra 20 mm of travel doesnt hurt here.
One nitpick -- the compression damper does work, but it doesnt noticeably slow down the fork for the first 2/3 of the range. Setting it just shy of full lockout does really slow things up though. Not a fan of full lockout because of the higher riding position, but when it is locked out, it is much more solid than the SID's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SJ Hassan
a Cross Country Rider
from Clarksville, MD, USA Date Reviewed: September 17, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Broadway Bicycles, Baltimore: it came on the new NRS 1
Slightly flexy, but you don't notice when you're going at high speed. Read the bottom line...
Similar Products Used:
none so far...
Bike Setup:
'04 Giant NRS 1 all stock
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks if you use it right, no doubt about it at all. A few things that got me in the beginning though: the fork is basically a skareb platinum. The skareb super and platinum are the same except for the damping systems in the right leg, so the older skareb super proper had a TPC insert, the 2004.5 OEM Skareb Super that was standard spec on Giant NRS 1's came with the SPV insert, so it was pasically the Skareb platinum with a Super's decals. ANYWAY, lets get down to bizz: The directions on the fork on the right leg say pump up the two chambers to around 40-60 PSI, but the standard SPV directions on the answer products website states between 30-40% of your body weight (or between 40 and 100 psi). I weight 200 so I was pumping it up to around 80 psi, which worried me, but the fork still handles it. But if I grab the bars and stand right over the front fokr, it'll bottom out, but hten, the fork is an XC fork, not meant for serious DH. If you set the psi in the chambers to the correct pressure, and adjust the rebound (which works perfectly) and set the SPV to your weight/riding style, you've got a fork that you'll love. This fork rides over everything I toss at it without having me feel the bump, and the rebound has the fork returning to its original position without 'bouncing' the front wheel around...I love it...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry Cosgrave
a Cross Country Rider
from PE Canada Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Appin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Jenson
Strengths:
Light
Weaknesses:
Flexy, harsh - even when tuned right, wheel-flop on tight turns.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z-2, Marzocchi MX Pro ETA
Bike Setup:
TREK Hardtail OCLV w/basic new XT drive train
Bottom Line:
IMO a nasty fork - you pay the price for the lightness - does not inspire confidence on downhills and has inaccurate steering due to flexiness. I used it long enough to break it in (suggested) and then got rid of it. May be OK for very light XC riding and slow/easy downhills. I replaced it with MX Pro ETA and, although it is 1 lb heavier, it feels lighter since it rides so well - incomparable. I don't see how these other reviews can shine so brightly on the Skareb Super unless they have not tried much else.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from Reno, NV Date Reviewed: June 8, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Anything on Peavine
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$449.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Adjustability, adjustability, adjustability. The lock-out is great and makes the fork super stiff. The weight is incredible...very light and rides light as well.
Weaknesses:
None that I've noticed yet.
Similar Products Used:
Older Judy SL
Bike Setup:
02 Surly 1x1, Truvativ Stylo SS, Surly hubs
Bottom Line:
I absolutely recommend the Skareb Super to anyone who enjoys standing up when they climb. The lock-out makes an amazing difference when climbing. I use my bike for recreational riding and racing. I wanted the lightest fork with the lock-out feature and the Skareb Super was a better deal than the SID and Fox forks. I checked the reviews of all for months and talked to many people who had or were riding everything except the Skareb Super. I was just about to go with the Platinum model but I talked with a guy who had had one for a few months and he couldn't get the bike to ride wtihout bobbing when he stands up. Not an option for a single speeder. I proudly give this fork 5 burning deraileurs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Derek
a Racer
from Seattle Date Reviewed: May 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
The forks steers and absorbs bumps well. The lockout is great and always works.
Weaknesses:
Can not make the fork stiff enough for short track style racing. I weigh 170 lbs and there never seems to be enough air pressure to make the fork bob less while standing on the pedals.
Similar Products Used:
2003 Team SID's
Bike Setup:
Hardtail Norco Team Titanium
Bottom Line:
Im going to give these to my wife and get another pair of the new style SID's. I have checked the oil and gone well beyond the recommended air pressure and they bob like a cork in the water. They are great forks fo someone that does not stand on the pedals during an XC race.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from kokomo Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
light weight vs. function is great! lockout switch is really cool. plus the lockout is very funtional, stiff stiff stiff!
Weaknesses:
none realyy, but a little on the flexy side. it is still ok
Similar Products Used:
Marzoochi MX Pro w/. lockout
Bike Setup:
giant nrs air frame, skareb fork, crossmax wheels, XT/XTR derailleurs, race face crank, easton components, crank bros. pedals
Bottom Line:
good fork for XC'ers. just the right weight vs. the functionality. price is high, but it is new. buy this fork, you wont regret it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Timur Jurkashev
a Weekend Warrior
from Almaty, Kazakhstan Date Reviewed: April 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
all day thru 2 passes over 11.000 foots
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Local Answer-Manitou dealer
Strengths:
Stiff, light, well tuned, plush travel, metal knobs.
Weaknesses:
Heavier than SID Race, plastic stickers, noticeable initial jerk and yes, no negative air (who cares).
Similar Products Used:
RS SID Race (actually they both have similar lenght even SID has 63 mm travel).
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude Race 2000 (24 lbs) - yes, that blue/sky colors.
Bottom Line:
First I have removed all stickers, align plastic cups (Taiwan-made), shocked fork to activate lockout, then tuned air pressure (you have to put there more psi). Hey, it worked well - wheel just glues to ground, lockout feels firm (rather than RS Psylo).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
names don't matter
a Racer
from Fullerton, Ca Date Reviewed: March 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Marshall Canyon/Carbon Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$265.00
Purchased At:
It don't matter
Strengths:
I auctually have the 2003 model. But this is for the 04 because I received the upgraded lock out form Maniou. Wow !!!!! What a big differance! This fork is stiffer than the 03 version. The new lock out compression lever acts similiar to the SID action with gradual compression leading to lock-out! SMOOTH, SMOOTH SMOOTH! easy to work on,eat's up the trail. You auctuall feel the stiffness when you set it to firm on the compression- feels faster! This thing is stiff-hard when fully lock out, unlick the 03 version with the blowoff valve. Stiffer and smoother than any SID!
Weaknesses:
Like I said I have the 03 version with the 04 lock-out compression. One small thing, Because Manitou upgraded the lock out with an all metal version that leads the compression to a lock out you loose the blow off valve. That would be what saves you if you forget to unlock the lock-out when you take a hit. The fork does not move when you take a hit.(you feel it) Just don't forget to unlock on the down hill. Manitou needs to give you more color options!!!! I sometimes miss the negative air from a SID?
Similar Products Used:
sid sl 02( auctually held up well???) sid team 03(ok,not great), sid xc 00&01(crap) Sid 01(crap) Judys(crap) Mars super(crap) blah , blah, blah
Bike Setup:
Specialized S-works m-5: full xtr 02, king h.s, king hubs on 517 thomson blah, blah, blah, It don't matter
Bottom Line:
If you have thought about any sid forget about it! This thing rocks. Super smooth and VERY STIFF! This is exactly what you need for fast xc or racing. Think of weight, function, dependability and you get this fork. I love that they are easy to work on!
93% of every R.Shox product I have used blew a seal or bushing and required me to kiss it's a@ss every 10+ hours, do this, do that to keep them gong. I was doing something to the fork every week, it got old.I got sick of having to get he R.shox tool or special order seals. With this fork you work on it when you want to and the ease.
You gram counters *** R. shox bases they weight on the Sid with a 6.3" or 160mm sterrer tube.What is that a super small frame? So that Sid at 2.7 lbs comes closer to 3 pounds just like this skarab.
Get this fork!!! Go ride!! Attack any hill!! Drop bombs on the down hill!!! See you on the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Melbourne, Australia Date Reviewed: January 14, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$426.00
Strengths:
very active, lock-out has no play
Weaknesses:
heavier than 2003
Similar Products Used:
Sids, Judys, Dukes, Blacks, Skarebs.
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC, ARC components, XT/XTR drivetrain, Flite saddle, Crossmax, Avid V brakes, Conti Explorer tires.
Bottom Line:
First impression was that it is so soft. When not locked out it gets the full 80mm travel, and does it very easily and smoothly. When locked out there is no play at all thanks to the metal internals, unlike the 2003 which were plastic, this however adds 0.4lbs of weight to this years . They look very spiffy on the bike and have the ability to be upgraded to an SPV assembly at a later date to be made into what is essentially a Skareb Platinum. Rides beautifully, more control than SIDS but more weight. Excellent for XC riding/racing. Just decide if you want function or weight. If fundtion is what you're after get the Skarebs. Oh yeah, and the Skareb Super retails at the same price as the SID race so they are better value for money as well. If you were looking at a SID and wanted lockout but didn't have the money for the TEAM get the Skareb Super. If you did have the money for the SID TEAM then you've got money for a Skareb Platinum with SPV!!!!. I know what I'd be getting. 5 for value, 4.5 for overall (which round to 5) because they are a little heavy. But I can deal with that.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
Interbike 2008! Read news and info about new bikes and products from the upcoming show»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
