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Inspired by the original Manitou FS bike, created by Doug Bradbury in 1993, the Manitou FS II features a monocoque frame with a unique linkage design at the dropout and pinion gearbox yoke, utilizing a Manitou fork on the front and rear seat stay. Manitou’s bikes are iconic and pushed the envelope since its founding in 1986 and this retro-inspired FS II is no different. Check it out at Manitou!
Check out Doug’s personal 1987 Manitou in our Vintage Bicycles category!
Manitou was the original mountain bike suspension option for 90s hardtails and to commemorate its legacy, the brand brought back its OG logos and styling on one of the best looking forks we’ve seen: Mattoc Pro Limited Edition ($1,099.99). Let’s check it out.
Many different forms of cycling contributed to the development of the mountain bike, including balloon tire bikes, touring bikes, and BMX bikes. Separate from that was the influence of motorcycles, and more specifically off-road motocross bikes. The early suspension fork pioneers — Paul Turner (Rock Shox), Mert Lawwill (Lawwill), Horst Leitner (AMP), and Doug Bradbury (Manitou) — all came from motorcycle backgrounds and knew the benefits of suspension. But before that innovation came about, Doug Bradbury began by building fully rigid mountain bikes. In this edition of our Vintage Bicycles series, we look at Doug’s personal 1987 Manitou…
Our Radar Roundup compiles products and videos from the ‘net in an easy-to-digest format. Read on below for today’s findings…
Manitou has reworked the R7 this year, forming a modern, light, and strong XC-oriented fork designed to take daily wear and tear while still utilizing all the comforts of the competitors’ options. The R7 utilizes a VTT Pro damper, which offers a solid lockout, a soft mid setting, and a plush, wide-open setting. The R7 comes in 27.5″ or 29″, with 100mm or 120mm travel, and 37mm, 44mm, or 51mm offsets. If you’re not feeling the chrome crown, they also make one in black. Head to Manitou to check out more information.
Specs:
Weight: 27.5″ = 1625.2g (estimated, 120mm 44OS)27.5+/29″ = 1648.1.0g (estimated, 120mm 51OS)
Travel: 80-120mm
Steerer: 1.5″ Tapered Aluminum
Spring: Dorado Air w/ IVA
Crown: Forged aluminum, deep hollow bore SLVR
Compression Damping: VTT PRO
Rebound Damping: Half-cartridge adjustable TPC
Adjustments: 3-Position Compression w/ Open Mode Adjust, Rebound, Air Pressure, IVA Position
Stanchions: 32mm 7000 Series Aluminum
Brake: 160mm Post Mount (180mm max rotor size)
Axle: Hexlock2 15mm Axle
Axle to Crown: 27.5″ = 471 – 511mm27.5+/29″ = 484.5 – 524.5mm
Options: QR15, fender kit, short offset crown, remote lockout
