Manitou Gold Label Series II review

Manitou’s glitter flavoured beauty is gradually proving itself as a smooth groover down the dirt jump disco. Black Label forks have been running for three years, but this 08 fork is the hit so far. 

It’s a lot lighter than the opposition, which picks it out as a potential race fork. 

Despite the narrow stance, the 20mm Hex Lock axle gives great steering precision, so you can really carve the tightest lines.

There’s just enough supple movement to hold on to traction before the Xtra Firm spring ramps up to catch the big stuff, but the rebound adjuster doesn’t seem to do much, however far you turn it. 

With relatively few in operation it’s hard to find feedback to support our trouble-free experience.