Manitou Black Comp SPV forks

Reckless

2005 Giant VT2 all standard (except the wheels). Forks have recently started clunking at top of extension. Also not really sure if the spv damping is working. The fast/slow rebound adjustment doesn't seem to make much difference. Having said that, still seem to function reasonably smoothly, hold their air and no oil leaks.

What do you think?
Is it worth getting the Blacks overhauled (probably £150 including freight) or has technology moved on so much that I'd be better off upgrading? If yes, what would you suggest? I do like the 90mm-120mm travel adjust.

It also eats bottom bracket bearings (double sealed lasts say 6 months before squeaking). Is this normal? I don't even own a pressure washer!

Any/all advice gratefully received!

supersonic

Unless you really like the fork, I wouldn't pay that. £150 might get you a good Tora or a lower end Recon, and for a bit more a Reba.

dave_hill

Reckless wrote:

Is it worth getting the Blacks overhauled

No. Save your pennies.

Reckless wrote:

or has technology moved on so much that I'd be better off upgrading?

Yes and yes.

Reckless wrote:

If yes, what would you suggest? I do like the 90mm-120mm travel adjust.

I upgraded mine (same bike BTW) to a set of RockShox Pike 454 Air U-turn. 1 million percent improvement.

Reckless wrote:

It also eats bottom bracket bearings (double sealed lasts say 6 months before squeaking). Is this normal?

The original bottom bracket is a boggo RaceFace ISIS unit and they're crap. Mine lasted 3 months before it died. I fitted a Shimano Hone chainset with HT2 bottom bracket. It lasted 2 1/2 years without attention before I decided to blingify it with a Hope bottom bracket.

Reckless wrote:

Any/all advice gratefully received!

Consider fitting a shorter stem and higher. wider bars too. It will get rid of that "nosedive" feeling when descending and for some weird reason it stops the front wanting to lift too.

Reckless

Thanks both.

Dave, the Pike looks good on your VT. Interesting you mention the stem - I had wondered about that - I might just try that too. Overall I really enjoy the bike and sounds like your tips might just sharpen it up nicely.