DAMPERS

Absolute

Absolute is a platform-style damper. This means that the fork can be set to remain rigid until a certain impact threshold is exceeded. The benefit is pedaling efficiency. As proponents of rigid forks will attest, suspension has the potential to diminish pedaling efficiency by compressing the fork rather than propelling the bike forward. In the open position, the Absolute damper acts much like TPC, absorbing even slight impacts. By introducing a bit of damping platform, a rider can get the benefit of suspension without the penalty of wasted energy. In the second and third positions, the Absolute damper resists pedal bob and brake dive on smooth terrain, yet still allows the fork to move through its travel over most bumps. In the fourth and fifth positions, the fork remains rigid during most out-of-the-saddle sprints or climbs, at the expense of some harshness over washboard and rooty trails. In the sixth position, the Absolute damper locks out the suspension for everything but a major, abrupt impact, like suddenly running into a rock or log.

Forks equipped with the Absolute damper have a platform adjustment dial on the top of the right leg and a rebound adjustment dial on the bottom of the right leg. The platform adjuster has a total of six positions ranging from completely open (no platform) to completely closed. The dial can be turned from one extreme to the other in about 1/3 of a turn, for easy on-bike adjustment. The effect of the various platform settings is more apparent at speed than when the bike is at rest.

FFD

Fluid Flow Damping (FFD) is a TPC-derived hydraulic damping system featuring compression and rebound damping pistons. We use a low-pressure, high-volume system to prevent cavitation (which leads to compression spikes and stiffening) and heat-related problems.

Intrinsic

Info coming soon

TPC

TPC (Twin Piston Chamber) is a shim-based damper that uses two independently adjustable pistons: one optimized for rebound, the other for compression. TPC is a low-pressure, high-volume system which prevents cavitation (which leads to compression spikes and stiffening) and heat-related problems.

Compared to the Absolute damper, TPC is always active. A fork equipped with TPC damping will soak up even the slightest impacts. The benefit of TPC is that it allows precise control of the fork's compression damping rate. As a result, the fork can be tuned to make the fullest use of its travel while minimizing bottom-outs.

Forks equipped with TPC dampers have a compression adjustment dial on the top of the right leg and a rebound adjustment dial at the bottom of the right leg. The effect of these adjustments can be easily observed when the bike is at rest and the fork is compressed.

TPC+

TPC+ Position Activated Damping starts with the two independent rebound and compression damping pistons used in our TPC damping system and adds a third piston to automatically change damping to according to the fork's position in its travel. This position activated damping provides initial low-resistance for small bump sensitivity and adds more damping through the progression of the fork's stroke to resist bottoming. Additionally, we use a low pressure, high volume system to eliminate cavitation (which leads to compression spikes and stiffening) and heat-related problems.

Springs

IT (Infinite Travel)

IT is a lightweight air spring that allows the fork to be set anywhere in its travel range via a handlebar-mounted lever. The spring rate remains constant regardless of position.

MARS Air

MARS Air is a hybrid spring consisting of a small coil spring and an air chamber. The two springs work in series, minimizing sticktion and providing smooth, bottomless travel. The result is a fork with the suppleness of a coil spring and the light weight and adjustability of an air spring.

TS Air

TS Air is a simple, reliable air spring featuring high-performance seals for unparalleled suppleness and durability. The spring rate of the TS Air system ramps up slightly towards full compression to resist bottom-out.

ACT Air

Like MARS Air, ACT Air is a hybrid coil/air spring. However, while the coil and air springs in the MARS system work in series and contribute equally to the spring rate, the ACT Air system consists of a coil spring inside an air chamber. The energy of an impact is primarily absorbed by the coil spring. The air chamber provides enough adjustability to set the proper amount of sag for a given rider weight, and also contributes a certain amount of bottom-out resistance.

Other Technologies

Hex-Lock

Hex-Lock is Manitou's proprietary thru-axle technology for riders who demand uncompromised steering precision. The hexagonal ends of the Hex-Lock axle resist twisting forces and lock lower legs in place for unsurpassed stiffness. Hex-Lock is compatible with standard 20mm hubs and parts.

Reverse Arch

The iconic Reverse Arch design instantly identifies a Manitou fork. By placing the arch behind the crown, we can make it shorter and stiffer than if it were in front of the crown. This simple, elegant form provides the greatest amount of torsional stiffness possible for a given weight. Each casting has an optimized arch size, shape, and cross section for maximum stiffness and dramatically improved steering accuracy.

Evil Genius

Semi-Bath Lubrication and Evil Genius Seals dramatically increase our forks' durability and service life. This system decreases stiction by retaining lubricants inside the fork and lubricating from the inside. High-quality Evil Genius seals were developed in conjunction with a prominent motorcycle suspension seal company.