All Arround MTB

Despite it being new to the market,we’ve had three different examples of Manitou’s Jack post under testing for a couple of months now and, so far, it’s doing OK in normal conditions. The cable nipple hooks into the mechanism on the seatpost base for easy trimming at the lever end, but be careful not to strip the small cableclamp grub screw if you’re hamfisted. There’s currently only a vertical-action ‘universal’ remote available, but it’s reasonably light in leverage. Combined with the neat two-bolt head, it helps keep the post fairly light. The drop is smooth off the top, and return speed is prompt enough without being threatening.On really muddy, cold rides,we’ve had problems with ice sneaking past the seal and causing stickiness. While a clean and lube gets it going again quickly,we don’t know how this potential contamination will play out long-term. This is the only issue we’ve had, though, and it’s a reasonable price if it keeps on keeping on. Weight 660g Stroke 125, 150mm

 The Mattoc Expert is a potentially smooth and adjustable fork at a good price, but it struggles with reliability issues and the chassis options need updating. ‘In leg’ rather than cartridge damping adds 100g over the Mattoc Pro but saves you 180$. Both forks share the same 34mm stanchions and narrow, sloped crown, which flex noticeably under large cornering and braking loads. There are no Boost or 29er options and the rearward brace limits fender options. The switch to a ‘Hexlock SL’ bolt-in axle makes wheel removal/fitting much easier than with the old bayonet-cam QR axle. When it’s working, the DH-derived air spring is impressively supple off the top and ramps up smoothly to create a mid stroke that you can lean on hard through corners. High and low-speed compression damping is tangible and consistent, and it handles big hits without spiking. The 2017 fork also gets the ‘IVA’ volume spacer stack upgrade as standard to make progression tuning easy. Unfortunately, Mattoc reliabil

MANITOU’S DISTINCTIVE MATTOC is slightly flexy but otherwise an impressively controlled, high value performer that’s now more adjustable, upgradable and reliable than before.

Another trail fork with downhill DNA, Manitou's Mattoc is impressively controlled and adjustable with the travel you get.

It might be easy to let the Manitou Mattoc Pro fly under the radar with all the hype surrounding some of the front suspension we’ve tested in this issue. Once you get the Mattoc Pro on the trail though, it quickly becomes clear that this is one fork that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Our first sample of Manitou’s Mattoc fork really impressed us and took the value award last year but recent examples have suffered creeping travel and height loss.

WE WERE LUCKY to get a European exclusive first test of Manitou’s new, downhill influenced Mattoc. If its initial performance lasts, it looks like it should be a cost effective, high control winner.