We think the R7 Pro is one of the most under-rated forks out there. Look at the weight, only 1648g for the 29" version and it's loaded with adjustments to suit however you ride.
The VTT damping system is on another level, it offers a true lockout without affecting the open and mid settings. Unlike other brands Manitou uses a separate shim stack to handle lockout and open/mid modes so its a completely independent feel where as other forks get that harsh high speed spike by relying on the same shim stack to perform lockout and open modes - in other words you can set your lockout and crank the climbs and when the fork is in open mode you get a no-compromise feel especially when hitting trails at race pace.
The Dorado Air needs little introduction, its reliable and offers a unique balancing of the negative and positive air chambers which gets riders of all weights the same initial feel in the beginning of the stroke. You normally see with higher pressures the fork becomes harsher even for heavier riders as the spring rate is ramping up sooner and sooner. There is also the IVA that allows for volume adjustment, it offers aggressive ramp up change without the need for additional parts. Travel is also adjustable in 10mm increments with no additional parts. The tune-ability makes for a very versatile downcountry fork.
As the R7 Pro is more focused on outright speed, the IVA, Dorado Air and VTT damping allow for a highly customisable fork with very little compromise. A lot of the weight weenie forks we see stripped down dampers that reduce tuning options.
At the heart of the R7 is Manitou's proprietary Reverse Arch design, which enhances stiffness and responsiveness while reducing weight. It looks different to others, but it does serve a purpose and very little drawbacks when compared to the traditional front arch style forks.
Like all Manitou products, they are easy to service and spare parts are readily available for those home mechanics.
- 1648g (27+ / 29")
- 1625g (27.5)
- Internally adjustable 80-120mm
- Dorado Air w/ IVA
- VTT Pro with 3 position compression damping
- Rebound adjustment
- 15x110mm hexlock
- Fender kit and remote lockout available as options.
- 32mm leg diameter
- 44mm offset
- Tapered Steerer