Any views/opinions on the Manitou S-Type Rear Shock

[Skylark]

Anyone used or know about the 2008 Manitou S-Type Rear Shock (I'm getting a 200 x 50)

Or

The 2005 Manitou Swinger 4-Way Rear Shock(200 x 50) but that means extra for the spring and its getting old so servicing may be an issue.

 

Both are Brand New.

 

Or just any feedback on the Manitou S-Type/Swinger 4-Way Rear Shock's in general - Think they are/were used on some recent Mongooses full sussers.

 

I can get them for a reasonable price on eBay , but there may be a good reason they on special ....the Manitou S-Type is basically a kind of Manitou equivalent of the Fox RP23 - has stable platform pedal technology , airspring etc

 

And anyone know if you can you get Manitou rebuild kits in SA?

 

http://www.cambriabike.com/Images/product/manitou_s_type_sr_spv_shock.jpg

 

http://www.fast-autos.net/diecast-cars-models/diecast-car-image-large/2005-manitou-swinger-4-way-rear-shock-200-x-50_220692891421.jpg

Edited May 5, 2011 by SkyLark

[nolipoli]

I had a 3 way swinger on a 2006 Reign. It performed brilliantly, taking in the rough stuff without any issues. It never lost in three years of ownership, and never needed a service. If the 4-way is similar, then I would go for it

[jugheaddave]

I think wjen it comes to rear shocks stick to fox!

[Skylark]

I think wjen it comes to rear shocks stick to fox!

Ideally Fox all the way but I can get the Manitou setup with bushings/reducers for just on/over R1000 brand new incl shipping.... thats kind of unbeatable unless they total crap.... which is why I'm hoping some hubbers may have some experience with these shocks and can shed some light on their usefulness and reliability

Edited May 6, 2011 by SkyLark

[patham]

I have the S Type SPV (38mm travel). Make sure that for R1000 you are getting the SPV, and not the cheaper SRL which does not have the SPV action ( pro-pedal equivalent.)

 

This works really well on my 4 link XC bike, nice action, no bob. Getting the sweet spot between sag, spring rates & bottoming out takes some time, but that would be the same for all shocks with dual air set-ups.

 

I did have an explosive decompression incident in January, when the negative air chamber valve assembly (red in your pic) took off for no apparent reason.... New valve & cores can be bought off CRC, so no worries about fixing her up. I checked the usual on-line forums, no-one else had ever had that happen so I assume it was a once off event.

[Skylark]

I have the S Type SPV (38mm travel). Make sure that for R1000 you are getting the SPV, and not the cheaper SRL which does not have the SPV action ( pro-pedal equivalent.)

 

This works really well on my 4 link XC bike, nice action, no bob. Getting the sweet spot between sag, spring rates & bottoming out takes some time, but that would be the same for all shocks with dual air set-ups.

 

I did have an explosive decompression incident in January, when the negative air chamber valve assembly (red in your pic) took off for no apparent reason.... New valve & cores can be bought off CRC, so no worries about fixing her up. I checked the usual on-line forums, no-one else had ever had that happen so I assume it was a once off event.

 

Shot for the heads up on that - will make sure its not the crappy SRL!

[Skylark]

Any other experiences with the Swinger or S-Type SPV?

[Johan Bornman]

The Manitou SPV is an excellent shock and the SPV is far better than PRO-Pedal - it uses a completely different mechanism. Some people don't like the definite platform feel and prefer Fox's is-it-or-isn't-in-on feel.

 

There is nothing proprietary in that shock so any competent mechanic should be able to service it using standard industrial o-rings and qual-rings. It even has a Schrader valve for inflating the compensation chamber - compare that to Fox's mischievious rubber seal that has to be inflated with a needle.

 

I dont hesitate to recommend it, especially if youc an source it at a reasonable price.

[The expat cyclist]

I have a Manitou fork and although it is not as stiff as a Fox, it is easy as pie to service!

[Skylark]

The Manitou SPV is an excellent shock and the SPV is far better than PRO-Pedal - it uses a completely different mechanism. Some people don't like the definite platform feel and prefer Fox's is-it-or-isn't-in-on feel.

 

There is nothing proprietary in that shock so any competent mechanic should be able to service it using standard industrial o-rings and qual-rings. It even has a Schrader valve for inflating the compensation chamber - compare that to Fox's mischievious rubber seal that has to be inflated with a needle.

 

I dont hesitate to recommend it, especially if youc an source it at a reasonable price.

Is the same true about servicing the 2005 4-way swinger?

And if you could choose between a 2008 Manitou S-Type Rear Shock & 2005 4-way swinger which would you choose(although I understand the 2 shocks are maybe suited for different things) - its going on a older Shova and I do like plushness!

newer shovas come with a RP23 these days

[Johan Bornman]

I have a Manitou fork and although it is not as stiff as a Fox, it is easy as pie to service!

 

 

Fork? Shock? Two different kettles of fish.

[Johan Bornman]

Is the same true about servicing the 2005 4-way swinger?

And if you could choose between a 2008 Manitou S-Type Rear Shock & 2005 4-way swinger which would you choose(although I understand the 2 shocks are maybe suited for different things) - its going on a older Shova and I do like plushness!

newer shovas come with a RP23 these days

 

Horses for courses. The one with the platform performs differently. Some folks don't like the platform.

 

It's a weird choice. Go for the one with the nicest paint job.

[The expat cyclist]

Fork? Shock? Two different kettles of fish.

Ja, I know, just saying that it services easy anough. Their manuals are good and easy to follow.

[Skylark]

Horses for courses. The one with the platform performs differently. Some folks don't like the platform.

 

It's a weird choice. Go for the one with the nicest paint job.

 

Thanks for the excellent feedback Johan , much appreciated!

Is the swinger as easy to get parts and do a service as a S-Type?

Swinger Vs S-Type? What are the upsides/downsides to either choice

I'm imagining the swinger is plusher but heavier?

[Skylark]

Anyone re my last post?