Manitou Markhor Fork [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

 Manitou is a company that doesn't shy away from innovation. Their Markhor fork is XC focused fork that can adjust from 80mm to 120mm of travel. Our friend, Nick, has been trying the fork out. See what they think!

Overview

Being relatively new to mountain biking and having the Worldwide Cyclery, Lancaster location right in my back yard, I was able to receive help picking out the Manitou Markhor, air fork, for my 2021 Specialized Rockhopper 29er. I was looking for a budget build to really improve the trail feel of my bike for the cross country and choppy single track I ride. The guys were able to help me choose between the Rockshox Judy and the Manitou Markhor, but it all came down to availability, though the Markhor is roughly $70 more than the Judy, the fit and finish it definitely up to snuff for the sub $300 price point.

Setup

I am on the more mechanically inclined side of the spectrum and every wrench I’ve turned on my project bike has been part of a learning curve for me. I was able to install the star nut which I also purchased through WWC, easily and was able to have my fork setup and rideable with the help of the Fox fork pump that was part of my order the same day I received my package for WWC.

First Impressions

After about 50 hours of riding, my initial review of the fork is holy cow, how did I ever ride the Suntour XCM coil fork that came stock on my RH. I LOVE my new Manitou Markhor fork. The small sticker package, internally adjustable travel from 80-120 mm is fantastic for a budget, DIY bike mechanic. It took some getting used to with the backward crown, but after a few rides and more seat time, you begin to get accustomed to the look of the Manitou Markhor.

I am absolutely ecstatic with the adjustability of such a cheap “budget-minded” fork option. I, however, have not had the privilege to ride bikes with $500 plus forks, but for the type of rider, I am the Markhor more than suits my needs. Keep in mind this is a budget fork, but compression adjust and lockout controls have a firm feel for user-friendliness.

Weight has played a key factor in my build with shedding pounds as much as possible, the bike lost almost two pounds with the Markhor and can be significantly noticed on the trails and when loading the bike on the bike rack.

Would I buy it again? Depends on the bike project. For older style bikes that require straight 1-1/8” steerer tubes, definitely. With travel adjustability and long stock steerer tube, this would be perfect for resto-mod and budget, entry-level bikes. Disclaimer for more advanced riders, maybe stick to forks with more adjustability.

Final Thoughts

The Markhor are darn this thing is good for the money. 11/10 would recommend to fellow weekend warriors and younger riders. I am happy to report serviceability was easy for my LBS and being less common than household names like FOX, Suntour, and Rockshox they were still able to get parts with ease. I wish this fork would come stock on some of these more entry-level forks. Overall, very very happy