Merlin

Hi all, Does anyone know what happened with this? I haven't had a reply to an email enquiry I sent weeks ago and I can find no info' on it online anywhere. Thanks.

http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mikroz/for_sale/Image0234.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mikroz/for_sale/Image0233.jpg http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mikroz/for_sale/Image0232.jpg

I begged, borrowed and pleaded and ended up buying a new fork. The Manitou's sitting on the shelf and it will probably still be there in 20 years time. I honestly have no idea what's wrong it and I don't have the excess cash to find out right now. It's no longer a priority.

Got no idea what your third sentence is talking about, but thanks for the suggestion. I've already myself a l'il project...an old DHC 'racer'. No idea what I'm going to do with it, but it's here. Hehe.

Hi PB, I'll snap a photo when I get Home for you. Nic

Thanks chaps. I went past the other bike shop I'd been told of - I think it's the track-based one - but they weren't open and had no sign stating when they would be [pet peeve], so I ended up at Solomon's, due to severe time constraints today. I'll give 'em a chance. Will scope out Dunkeld the next time. Thanks.

Thanks for the input guys. In the interests of enlightenment, why would you not service your bike at Solomon's? I've never had my bike serviced there, so I'm not hinting, I'm genuinely curious. I've also heard about another small shop in Sunninghill (name unknown, but it's near the Spar) that I might try tomorrow.

Hi all, I recently had a huge fight with my LBS. It was one too many. Needless to say, they've lost a dedicated customer. Unfortunately they went downhill after their best man left. Unfortunately he now works quite far away, else I would have given him and his new employer my continued business. I am in need of a good bike shop that I can trust and that won't rip me off, in my area. There are a few shops I would really prefer not to deal with - past experiences - but I will consider all suggestions. My bike is a Trek AM/FR bike. It doesn't do a lot of distance, but it is ridden hard and I need a shop that can maintain it properly. Air-based shocks F+R. RS fork and Manitou rear. Who in the area deals with Trek frames, can handle the maintenance of these shocks and works to high level? Solomon's is in my area. Are they any good for this kind of work? Thanks.

Hi all, I have a Manitou Black Elite 120mm fork sitting here. It's given me plenty of years worth of excellent service. It's been regularly maintained by the relevant groups. There are no scratches on the stanchions and it still looks pretty dashing for its age. A week or two ago it started acting up - feeling a bit rough, and intermittently going stiff. I immediately stopped riding the bike and handed it over the LBS for a check-up. It seems the Manitou 'people' are now in CPT. With an air of indifference, the LBS shop spun me a tale of big costs without ever having touched it. I took this as a sign and have subsequently collected my bike with a new air-sprung fork - a new world for me. The question now is, what do I do with this fork? Do I have it repaired and fitted to my Dad's VERY old holiday pedal-about, or do I sell it? If so, at what price - ballpark? Thanks.

I'm going to go with the 'normal' type. I sent a note back saying that they shouldn't be advertising what they or their suppliers can't offer. I got a pretty prompt response saying the above, and also that it is listed as optional. This is the first time and the last time I buy from this local store. I don't need some snooty BS reply like that to what is clearly stupidity on their part. The amount of business I write off every month is ridiculous. I Heart 'net shopping - overseas. Nic

Hi everyone, I ordered the above shock from a local dealer this morning, and paid for it. A 20mm Maxle Lite was listed as optional. Now they say they don't have that. I don't have a thru-axle on my bike atm but figured it was a worthy update as I was changing the fork. Should I just stick with this fork or look for a thru-axle? Thanks, Nic

Thanks Werner. I've been offered some NOS Marzocchis, but I'll do some PI work this week before making any decisions. Nic

Hi guys, Martin: U-turn = 45mm I wasn't aware my disappearance was noticed, Slowbee. Thank you. My apologies, but I don't recall the nick? I've got quite a few spacers already, so my handlebars are somewhat higher than a bike technican is happy with. Without measuring, I've got a pretty lengthy stem too. I just ride...all of this mm setup malarky uses up riding time. I'll keep the Lyrik in mind but will sit down this w'end and keep on looking... Anyone know a Sugar Mommy looking to buy a dashing young gentleman a new FR bike? Hehe.

Thanks everyone. I have a seriously odd riding style, which works for me and only me, so I can't really comment on the 'riding position' point... It was pretty nicely balanced, but it definitely didn't lift on inclines. Two Sanis are testament to that. My old Manitou is/was adjustable, but I'm one of those nutters that use full travel any and everywhere. Remote lockout is the most useless piece of kit you could ever fit to my bike. The fork I've now got my eye on is a Rock Shox Lyrik U-Turn. That's described as a 170mm but shows 160mm in the details. I was hoping to order it and a new 20mm hub (new experience for me) this weekend in the hopes of riding next, but clearly I'm going to have to speak to some local bike shops first... Yup, already been shown the way to Chain Reaction. Thanks.

Hi all, I have an '06 Trek Remedy, which was fitted with my old '03 Manitou Black Elite 120mm from the beginning. That fork has now died a horrible death. The '06 specs listed a 120mm fork originally. Not having any luck finding a good used fork, I am now browsing for a new one. If I were to upgrade my fork (anywhere from 140mm to 180mm), what would the effects be on the bike/ride? I am a very technical and aggressive rider, if that makes any difference. Thanks, Nic

Johan helped me out with a Helicoil this morning. Quick and simple. I haven't been for a ride yet, but it looks solid and should outlast the fork I reckon. Thank you. Cheers, Nic

Thanks again for your help, Johan. I'm seeing Jhan on Saturday. I'm not sure what the solution is, but apparently my fork can be fixed, and I'm told it's quick and simple. I'll let you all know what happens. Thanks, Nic

Go back to V-brakes? Are you mad!? I'll speak to the engineer about these inserts... Thanks, Nic

Thanks for the tips. Have also emailed Manitou... It's a bad idea to surf bike websites - it makes my wallet cringe and me drool. I will wait to hear from Johan and Manitou before looking at buying new lowers. Cheers, Nic

Thanks jrussell, I'll ask around for some more info' on the paste. Haven't heard from Johan yet, but I only email him this morning, sooo... Cheers, Nic

Hi RR, To be honest, I haven't checked. I will do so tonight. What do you need me to measure in terms of the boss? Length and breadth? Sorry for the ignorant question - my engineering know-how is sadly lacking. Cheers, Nic

Hi Cassie, I've sent Johan an email. If the fork goes, the bike goes - the budget can't support a new fork of similiar specs unfortunately. The LBS in question is in KZN, and due to severe time constraints whilst down there, I wasn't able to check the bike over properly whilst there. It would now be a case of "I say, they say..." Cheers, Nic

Thanks Chowder. I'm speaking to a Mechanical Engineer about this later this week' date=' and will also send a message to Johan [from your link']. Cheers, Nic

Hi SC, I'm not that technically inclined... Would you mind elaborating on that for me a bit please? What is it? Who in JHB can do it? Rough cost? Many thanks, Nic

Hi everyone, I've got a serious F'-up on my side... In December whilst on holiday I damaged a part of my brakes. Both were subsequently serviced by the LBS down there. However, the front dragged a little but due to time constraints I was forced to accept the bike as-is. Believe me, had I had a chance, I would have given the bike to them to sort out properly. I got back to JHB and got a chance to investigate the issue... The @#%^ing Idiots have stripped the thread of my fork - a Manitou Black Elite 120mm. It's the design where the caliper bolts into the fork, and not 'across the ridge'. See photo... http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc77/Mikroz/MBE120.jpg I REALLY do NOT have several thousand Rand sitting dormant with which to buy a new fork. There is very little meat on the fork with which to play in terms of fitting an insert. I have been looking and have considered the following... [Viewing the fork as seen in the photo...] 1. Drill the slot in the caliper larger to the right, and then drill and fit a miniscule insert into the fork, if at all possible. 2. Find out what metal the fork is made from, weld (if possible) the hole closed, and then retap it. 3. Permanently fix the caliper to the fork - stupid idea. Period. 4. Attempt to get a new 'bottom' from Manitou? Are any of these possible? The fork is quite a few years old now. I am in JHB and anyone able to assist would be most appreciated. Many thanks, Nic