Just got my Manitou R7's

[Grover]

Hey Guys,

Just thought I'd let you all know as there may be some people interested.

I just got my Manitou R7's. They are the Platinum model with Snap Valve SPV, all black, no v-brake bosses and 100mm of travel.

They weigh 1483 grams with an uncut steerer tube (265mm) and 1447 grams with the steerer cut to 192mm. For a 100mm fork that's super light, especially with 30mm stanchions.

If you're interested in these things in 80mm travel then don't hold your breath. I originally ordered the 80mm version but only 4 sets are being brought into Australia. Dissapointing as they'd be 90 grams lighter and about the same as a set of Rock Shox SID World Cups if you include that PopLoc remote. All will be in Merida team green, two with bosses, two without.

I hope I like the extra travel.

Catch, John.

[Misplaced]

Pictures or it didn't happen

[Bodin]

Pictures or it didn't happen

I second that.

[Grover]

Geez, you're a difficult bunch to please. I try to be helpful and you set me to more work...Nah, I'm happy to show them off.

[hdtvkss]

schwing. v nice. the bike aint half bad either ;)

[Bodin]

Very nice, Grover... Had a chance to check whether it's effected the geo much?

[Grover]

Yeah, the geo. When I opened the box I thought, gee these look tall and sure enough they were the 100mm version. That's when I talked to Steve Cramar and found out they were only bringing in 4 80mm versions.

The axle to crown height is 30mm taller than my old skarab's. I've flipped the stem to compensate for the saddle to bar drop and it's now pretty much the same. But yeah, i can visually notice the taller front end so head angle is slacker and steering will be that touch slower.

It shouldn't matter though, most ARC owners run a 100mm fork anyway and they still love their bike. At times I have noticed the front end was too low in the past so I'll probably like the change.

I can't complain though, i got more travel and a stiffer fork plus I lost some weight. Manitou are on a winner here.

Cya, John.

[topher]

Nice looking forks you got there! Can we expect a full review once your given them a good riding grover? Are the r7's a replacement to the skarebs?

[Bodin]

so head angle is slacker and steering will be that touch slower.

So you might do a little more steering work on the climbs, but you'll probably bomb the descents with a little more confidence. You win some, you lose some.

Dunno why, but I really struggle with negative rise stems - can't even handle it on my road bike.

[Grover]

Yes, the R7's replaced the Skareb's. They've bumped the stanchions up to 30mm (same as marzocchi marathon) from the old skareb's 28.6 (same as rock shox sid). Redesigned the SPV to be even more suitable to XC racing and made them lighter than the Skareb's ever were. I really can't see a negative which means I should love them seeing as unlike many others, I already liked the skareb's.

Negative rise stems, I've done it before so I should be alright with it. Can't remember having a problem. Steering wise, I will probably enjoy the steering being a little slower. I remember it being a bit too responsive but hey, I haven't ridden the yeti in months.

[Cúl-Báire]

Awesome looking forks, if they go as well as they look then you are set.

I ma currently looknig for forks for the Titus and the R7 has poped up more times than I care to mention- but I'm unsure how they will handle my weight. Please give a review after you've had abit of a ride on them... :)

[Grover]

Well if they're sprung anything like skareb's were (and most other manitou's) you'll need to install the extra firm ride kit Cul. I'm probably around the 145lb mark and had to run the firm kit in my skareb's which is rated for riders 190+lbs.

But I'll let you know how they perform anyway. Maybe manitou have woken up to themselves.

[rhyno]

I think Marz have made a very minor mistake with the R7. The stickers.
I'm not usually one for the aesthetics of a product, but i was at the Paris bike show at the Vario stand, looking for the top of the line hardtail. With a quick skim i couldn't find it. I had passed over the drab grey stickers on black forks, passing them off as cheapies. Then i noticed the rest of the spec and took a closer look at the forks, sure enough, blingin'.
I don't know why, but stuff just doesn't look good unless it sparkles.
Anyway, good to know you got some new forks, let us all know how they are in a few weeks.
Ryan

[notb4dinner]

I know you said they're stiffer than the Skarebs but could you quantify that at all? The flexiness is the only real issue I have with my Skarebs.

[Grover]

i can't don't have proof of side to side stiffness but front to back yes. the easiest way it with it just in the stand. spin the wheel and apply the brakes and there is noticeably less lowers forward/back movement than with the skareb's. overseas reports are glowing about stiffness over the skareb, of course the sid, and even the equal stanchion sized marz marathon.

rhyno, they're made by manitou not marz but i'm sure that's just an honest mistake. i don't mind the stickers but i think they do look a little cheap with the all black crown/stanchion construction. if the stanchions were gold (or silver) they'd be alright.

[rhyno]

rhyno, they're made by manitou not marz but i'm sure that's just an honest mistake. i don't mind the stickers but i think they do look a little cheap with the all black crown/stanchion construction. if the stanchions were gold (or silver) they'd be alright.
Oops, don't i feel like a tool! Totally a slip.