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Manitou Suspension Forks: Mountain Bikes And Performance Parts

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Published: September 13, 2007

Among many mountain bikers, the suspension performance of their bikes is of prime importance, for this can either make or break their two-wheeled journey. Most mountain bikes actually carry this particular feature. It is essentially a system that enables a rider to suspend themselves and the bike while traveling across a rugged terrain, essentially serving as his main form of protection.

A typical suspension fork actually contains several parts, each one contributing to the overall performance of the bike and its rider. Thus, they may also be properly called performance parts, with two of these considered vital. They include the spring and the dashpot, better known as the damper. Collectively, they form a crucial portion of the suspension fork, called the shock absorber set. Every mountain biker can actually adjust this to compliment present weight and other intervening factors such as the terrain, riding style or a combination of all three. These are apart from several others that may eventually come into play as well.

The entry of suspension forks into the mountain biking industry has definitely helped most bikers conquer rough terrains a lot easier as these helped ease the pressure on their arms. This is particularly true during downhill rides which were actually among the first focus of the early models of the forks. Back then, a typical suspension fork is known to carry an average of two inches of travel suspension. Subsequent models eventually sported a few added features including improved feel, reduced weight and increased travel suspension amount, usually averaging around four to five inches.

Additionally, unlike before when suspension forks merely concentrated on downhill rides, the present models have various designs meant to address other bike riding types. These typically include freestyle and cross-country, with the latter being a major concern of Manitou.

Manitou suspension forks are among the earliest, and most popular, names of suspension forks. Along with Marzocchi and Rockshox, Manitou suspension forks paved the way for more comfortable and exciting bike rides across mountains and other rough landscapes. This was due in part to Manitou suspension forks creation of technologically advanced suspension designs. During the last 10 years, typical Manitou suspension forks carried several interesting features, including the so-called Stable Platform Valve (SPV) damper. This feature of Manitou suspension forks claims to be capable of reducing brake dive and eliminating bobbing, while efficiently keeping suspension movement fully active.

Still, even the best, Manitou suspension forks, are conquered eventually. This is basically what happened to most Manitou suspension forks when an upshot named Fox Racing entered the field several years ago, introducing its own brand of suspension forks. For a time, Manitou suspension forks suffered.

Yet, in 2006, the Manitou bounced back, offering an all-new set of Manitou suspension forks called the R7 cross-country. Ostensibly, the new Manitou suspension forks sought to capture the present breed of cross-country bikers. They are known for being aggressive, and demand biking gears that are lightweight and fully capable of taking in more abuse.

Manitou suspension forks have not stopped there. At the 2007 Interbike, its Nixon line of Manitou suspension forks has been given added travel suspension. From the way it looks, Manitou suspension forks appear ready to reclaim lost glory.


Sources:
FoesZZ. "Manitou R7 Platinum Review." Togoparts. 12 Sept. 2007. http://togoparts.com/articles/article.php?artid=17 0&pageid=1.

"Bicycle Suspension." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. 12 Sept. 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_suspension.
Huang, James. "2006 tech: Manitou comes out fighting with new XC forks and shocks." Cycling News. 18 March 2005. 12 Sept. 2007. http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2005/f eatures/manitou_r7.

Tisue, Kevin. "2007 Answer Products / Manitou Update." About Inc. 28 Sept. 2006. 12 Sept. 2007. http://mountainbike.about.com/b/a/257564.htm.
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