Manitou Markhor Fork: Rider Review (A Budget Fork for Any Rider)

I replaced a Rockshox Pilot SL on my 03 Trek 6700 with the Manitou Markhor. I really liked my old hardtail and wanted to do a project bike, so this was the starting point for my old 26 incher. After doing much research on replacement forks for 26" inch bikes with non-tapered 1-1/8" headsets; I finally chose the Manitou Markhor. It comes with a second set of decals in grey if the red ones clash with your bike's colors or if you trash the originals.


Until I find the perfect height and cut the steering tube- I am using spacers. A Cane Creek headset was a great addition to the forks. After riding a few times I find the forks to be plush initially and somewhat linear after that. I have not set out on any large drops or jumps but this fork definitely instills confidence. I hit some small jumps, a rough set of downhills, and one small drop off. No bottoming and I'm a big guy at 6'-1" & 250lbs. I am running about 110psi on these and find that good for me.

These forks come set up for disc brakes so if you're wanting to replace a rim brake fork you are out of luck. I like the black upper stanchions and the teal blue steering tube; a little bling is always cool! Adjustment is the typical air on left top, rebound on the opposite bottom. I like the rebound in about the middle setting. The lockout for climbing is on the right upper and there is a handlebar remote available for that. In conclusion; if you're looking for a budget priced fork that performs like a higher priced one- the Manitou Markhor is for you!