Specialist Tool

Whilst I was on call last week (couldn't go too far far :( ) I decided to completely strip down my front bouncer to check the state of the compression/rebound/air cartridges. It didn't take long to pop off the lowers, drain the open bath oil before the compression and rebound assembles come out easily enough with standard tools. Depressing the shraeder valve I started to unwind the air cartridge with a 22mm spanner as Chipmunk came in to see how it was going. She'd no sooner got alongside when "BANG"! the cartridge fired itself across the work bench into the side of my toolbox :O Poor Chippy jumped so high I thought she'd paint the eve's whilst up there :p Anyhow, nothing was damaged although my partners heart rate took a while to calm down.

Cleaning and inspecting the exposed guts didn't reveal any nasty surprises, phew, so I started to reassemble when I hit problem#1. The IT (Manitou's air travel adjust system) was still installed in the left stanchion and if you looked up there a small 5mm tube was in the center. The air cartridge is fed into the stanchion and the IT rod should run up it's center. "Should" but didn't :( The teeny rod was off slightly center and no amount of fiddlin' and tweakin' could get the three components to align.

OK, I'll remove the IT unit...problem#2, which can't be removed with simple tools. Instead it needs a deep slotted socket to clear the gonzo cable feed. The appropriate gadget costs in the region of £40 :( Not willing to shell out such mula for such a low use item I identified a suitable socket, grabbed a grinder and 5mins later we had ourselves a specialist tool, for nowt :D 2mins later and the awkward lickle IT rod was removed.

With all the guts spilled I checked the condition of the seals, which didn't seem too bad at all. However, the service guide made a point of always replacing the "quad" seals associated with the IT system, so off I went for a t'interweb search. Problem#3 surfaced when my previously bookmarked spares pages didn't work and Google only showed spares in the USA. I even called TFTunedShox but Tim himself (not a fan of the IT system) didn't hold out any hope of acquiring spares due to the distributor and ownership changes with Manitou. Blast.

Oh well, I'd have to pop it all back and see if everything worked. With liberal amounts of MPrep lube, 7.5w suspension oil (compression/rebound), engine oil (open bath lube) and oil soaked foam rings the bouncer was back in one piece. 140psi was added equalising the IT chambers to get a consistent pressure and we were ready for a test ride. A short loop dicing with Chipmunk showed no obvious ill effects from my ham fistedness. Riding very nicely, plush with plenty of adjustment which may well have been down the oil level - 10mm too high and I've also used a heavier 7w instead of 5w. I did find the bouncer to be a little soft and checking the gauge confirmed a few psi loss. Closer inspection of the shrader valve showed it was bent and needed replacing, problem#4. Fixed with motor factors spares the Nixon was loaded with 140psi.

An overnight PSI check revealed a 20psi deficit and depressing the lever extended the fork back to full length - where I'd left the evening before :rolleyes The manual suggests that this negative creep is down to a defunct outer quad seal and spares are proving to be thin on the ground at the moment. A thread state side over on MTBR appears to have highlighted an suitable source of appropriate o-rings but the web page only lists bulk orders.

Chad has even phoned Manitou stateside for me but they're busy relocating between facilities so I either wait until the manufacturer is back online, source parts from elsewhere that may not fit or acquire another fork. Hmmm, I wonder...

Nixon Super

Why? Whilst investigating my 5Spot purchase, I wanted the bike to be as flexible as possible with a particular emphasis on nailing down the front on steep climbs. Many fork manufacturers offer climbing aids to lower the front a little but many of the early incarnations also caused the spring rate to ramp up, making the fork stiffer. Marzocchi were an obvious starting point with either ETA system but the axle to crown heights were too long for the frame (a-c lengths are lower for '06 and now inline with other manufacturer's). They were also a little heavy at close to 5lbs. Partly to keep the weight down, I wanted to try and air fork as the seals were now more durable and the bouncer would be more tune-able as a result. As I really liked the feel of my Manitou Black, I thought that their Nixon Super might be suitable as it uses the same buttery smooth TPC damping system. It also employs a new snazzy bar mounted, infinte travel (IT) adjust system which is theory meant I could run it shorter on climbs, near the 5Spot recommended 130mm on the level and open it right up on the descents. I opted to stay away from the toublesome Platinum model as the SPV and IT systems seemed to be causing many recall issues. An order was duly placed with Chad at RedBarnBicycles, who'd also been impressed with the same fork as fitted to his El'Salty. Chad also suggested that I opt for the lighter quick release version rather than using a bolt through front hub as he thought the 32mm diameter stanchions were plenty strong enough.

Adjustments. The compression, rebound and travel are all externally adjustable and make a marked difference to the ride, although some indents would be handy. All the adjusters are metal and hopefully more durable than the naff plastic items found elsewhere.

The IT system is so quick and easy to use with the fingertip adjuster next to the shifter on the handlebar. Depress the "spoon" and it'll gradually sinks through it's travel. Releasing, holds it at the selected length. This is handy on the steeper climbs and really helps to nail the front end down and virtually elimates the front wheel lifting and wandering. Lowering the travel does mean that you're more likely to whack a pedal on rocks, etc though, so I'd suggest using it sparingly. To extend the fork you depress the bar mounted "spoon" again and pop a little wheelie. It takes some practice to extend the fork on the move but it's easily achieved whilst you're stopped, gasping for air, at the top of the climb! The beauty of this travel adjust system is that the spring rate doesn't increase as you lower the fork, which means it's still supple / fluid over bumps and feels consistent.

Issues. When I initially bolted the fork onto the frame I noticed that I was only getting 1/3rd of the travel. Chad hadn't experienced this but contact the manufacturer on my behalf. Whilst I was waiting, the techy guy was out of the office at a show, I contacted the Raw (UK importer) who suggested that I send it directly to them for a fettle. They reviewed the problem and found the rebound assembly was busted and it also had misaligned lower legs. These were promptly replaced under warrantly and returned for just the cost of postage, a result. Back on the 5Spot it felt sweet and even while the fork bedding in I was impressed by how supple it felt over the smaller bumps and ripples. Over the next few months it got a pounding around Afan and Cannock without any further problems. In the autumn I wondered if I was inadvertantly catching the "spoon" with my thicker gloves on as I thought the fork was lower than I'd set during a couple of rides. So I moved the "spoon" inboard and continued on my ride. After hammering down a section of trail and at the bottom of the descent I lofted the front end over the log and found the front of the bike disappear over the other side, duly dumping me over the bars. Dozer found this particuarly funny as I'd only just commented on the "easy log hop"! I found the fork had mysteriously reduced to it's minimum travel (40mm) which was some 100mm/4"s shorter than expected... during the rest of the ride, the fork repeatedly sank through it's travel, unassisted. Another email to Raw suggested that I again return the fork as the travel adjust assembly had recently been modified and that they'd install a new unit. Whilst in for repair they also noticed some stanchion scoring (within the lowers) due to a tolerance issue - which necessitated a new set of uppers including the crown and steerer. Therefore, during both visits to Raw, my Nixon had not only been rebuilt twice but almost all the parts had now been replaced. It's subsequently back on my bike and we haven't had any problems so lets hope that all the niggles have now been resolved. We've not yet clocked up the longest runtime before the earlier problems occured, but we are getting closer...

Alongside the Nixon, I've periodically fitted the shorter Pace RC41 to my 5Spot which noticeably quickened the steering. However, I always find that I enjoy the slightly more laid back angles the Nixon gives.

Conclusion. Externally, the fork is well made, of a sturdy construction and not excessively heavy (4.1lbs) for the travel it offers (145mm). Internally, we've had a few negative experiences which I hope are now behind us with the modified components. In function, the positive air spring, compression and rebound adjusters alter the ride much as you'd expect. The TPC damping is as good as ever and really shines over the Marzocchi or Fox forks that I've tried. It also gives the Pace a run for it's money. The IT system is a handy feature to have, even though I've found that the 5Spot climbs well even with the fork extended.

Apart from Rockshox, I find the latest retail price of forks to be excessive and the price of the Nixon is no exception. However, if you can find any discounted I'd say that it'll be worth giving them a try.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Raw, who have been very helpful, professional and quick to turn around any faults.

For 2006, I notice that Manitou have revised their Nixon range and the Super is no longer available - boo. I suspect that this is due to their new "instrinsic" damping and compression cartridge (SPV evolve plus!) which may mean they've now optomised their Stable Platform Valve to also be supple over the small bumps. If they have then this could be a killer fork. I also hope that by simplifying the range, they'll reduce the number of recalls...

Marin Rock Springs

I'm sure that you'll already have read the run up to this article and now want to find out more about the Marin, Rock Springs.

These, our first full suspension MTB's, were acquired in January 2002 and transformed our enjoyment of riding off road. They gave us the confidence to tackle truely off road trails rather than boring fire roads, family cycle paths or disused railway lines. Why so ? The suspension allowed us to ride for longer, further, faster and over uneven terrain with little extra effort. The kit spec and especially the hydraulic disc brakes made controlling the bike so more easier and more accurate to fire between the trees. Whilst I'll agree that it's possible to ride knarly terrain on a rigid MTB (with no suspension) I imagine that you'd have to be a dedicated, hard core biker to pull it off and to keep grinning.

Over the three years of ownership we've enjoyed many miles riding any terrain infront of us. The TARA system (travel & ride height adjust) means that we can alter the bikes ride by the repositioning the rear shock on the swingarm. This almost gives us 3 bikes in 1 with a choice of 4"s of rising rate rear wheel travel for the smoother trails, 5"s linear travel and 6"s falling rate travel for the steep, knarly downhills. Overall, I'd say that we both rode with the suspension typically set in the mid travel option which seemed to give the best overall balance.

Whilst the basic bike specification remained the same we did change a few things like the saddle as everyones rump is slightly different. We also experimented a little with tyres and found the original WTB Motoraptors were a fair all rounder but that the drier summer months benefited from Panaracer Trailblasters felt lighter, faster and easier to pedal.

My pedals were changed for Time ATAC Aliums, bars for light FSA XC190's with a lovely feel, grips to right grippy ODI Hardcore's, the stem for a lighter On-One Inbred stem, and the WTB headset for a fully sealed Cane Creek S6.

One of the most fundamental changes was to replace the standard layback seatpost with an inline Thomson unit which shifted my weight slightly further forward and eliminated the tendancy for the front wheel to washout / loose grip in corners.

The drivetrains ran faultlessly but the Deore rear shifter did start to loose it's positive click (a sign it's on it's way out) and both shifters were upgraded to Shimano LX - with their lighter action.

The rear bushes that secure the Fox shock in position (a pair of DU08's) were replaced approximately every 18months under regular use but the main pivot bearings never gave any trouble throughout.

The Manitou Black front fork gradually bedded in after a few months and I steadily began to appreciate the TPC damping which I've continued to appreciate on my currently bouncer, a Nixon. The Black also introduced me to a handy climbing aid whereby the fork travel can be reduced by and inch or two which helps prevent the front from rear up on steep climbs, whilst in a low / high torque gear.

These rigs also gave me the confidence to start takling repairs and general maintanence myself and one of the larger tasks was to regularly maintain both the front forks and rear shocks which were regularly cleaned, stripped, checked for wear (none) before regreasing and re-assembly. Ultimately, this tinker heaven spurred me on to build my own new rig from scratch.

Overall, I was mighty impressed and grateful for John Whyte for his design - a former F1 designer for Renault, who then became world champs after which he retired from motorsport and began making bicycles. When she had to leave I was still quite happy as she was passed on to a former work buddy who I hoped would enjoy her as much as I...

Reviews

As many a Blog has been created that review all thangs MTB, I thought it'd be handy to have a central area where they can all be found, incl'g a handy link on the sidebar. So Blog away Posse and review kit to your hearts content...

Bikes :

• Cannondale Gemini
• Cannondale Jekyll
  
• Canyon Nerve XC 6.0 '07, Nerve XC 3.0 '07
  
• On One Inbred 456 '06
  
• Marin Rock Springs '02
• Merlin Dual - hardtail
• Santa Cruz Chameleon '03
  
• Specialized Enduro Expert '05
• Specialized S-Works FSRxc '02
  
• Specialized M5 S-Works - hardtail
• Titus MotoLite '06
  
• Trek Fuel 80
  
• Trek FuelEX9 WSD '05
  
• Trek Liquid 55 '05
  
• Turner 5Spot '05
  
• Turner Flux '05
  

Components :

Bars :

• FSA XC190 - riser, alloy
  
• Maxm MX-1 - flat, carbon
  
• Maxm MX-5 - riser, carbon
  

Brakes :

• Formula Oro
  
• Hope C2 - 2 pot, closed
  
• Hope Mini
  
• Hope Mono M4 - 4 pot, open
  
• Magura Louise BAT's, VentiRotors '07
  
• Shimano Dual Control '05
  
• Shimano Saint
  

Cables :

• Avid Flak Jackets - sealed
• Dry Cables
• Shimano XT
• Sun Ringle - sealed
  

Cassettes :

• Shimano XT
• SRAM PG-990
• SunRace MZ
  

Cranksets :

• Shimano Hollowtech II '05
  
• EnduroForkSeals Replacement Bearings
  

Derailleurs :

• Shimano XTR (fd)
• SRAM X-Gen (fd)
  
• Shimano XTR (rd)
  
• SRAM X0 (rd)
  
• SRAM X9 (rd)
  
• SRAM x9 Jockey Wheels '05

Forks :

• Fox 32 140RLC Talas '07
  
• Fox 36 '05
  
• Manitou Nixon Super '05
• Marzocchi Z1 Freeride SL RC2 '06
• Pace RC41 '05
• Rockshox Pike '07
  
• Rockshox Reba '05
  
• Rockshox Revelation 426 U-Turn '05
  

Grips :

• Enduro Fork Seals Silicone
  
• Yeti Hardcore
  

Groupsets :

• SRAM vs Shimano

Pedals :

• Crank Bros Candy SL
  
• Shimano DX - flats
  
• Time ATAC Aliums '02
• Time Z '05 - flats
  

Saddles :

• Fizik Gobi '05
  
• Koobi
• Specialized BG2
• Specialized Jett - women's
  
• WTB Shadow
  

Seatclamps :

• Hope
• Salsa
  

Seatposts :

• Thomson Elite '05
  

Shifters :

• Shimano XT
• SRAM x0
• SRAM X9
  

Shoxs :

• 5th Element '05
  
• Fox DHX 5.0 (coil) '06
• Fox DHX-Air
• Fox RP23 '06
  
• Fox RP3 '05, PUSH'd
  
• Fox Float R '02, TFT & PUSH
• Rockshox MC3 '05
  

Skewers :

• Bontrager
• Hope

Stems :

• On-One Inbred '04
  
• Thomson 4x
  
• Thomson Elite '05
  

Tyres :

• Bontrager ACX '05 "Tubeless"
• Hutchinson Bulldog
• Hutchinson Spider UST
  
• Panaracer Cinder
• Panaracer XC Fire
• Schwalbe Nobby Nic's
  
• Schwalbe Racing Ralph '05

Wheelsets :

• Bontrager RaceLite UST
• Chris King & DT XR 4.1d '05
• Industry9 & DT 5.1 '07
  

Accessories :

Armour :

• Thor Quadrant

Helmets :

• Giro Animas
  
• Met 5th Element '05
  

Hydration Packs :

• Deuter Cross Air
  

Jackets :

• Endura eVENT
  

Lights :

• AyUp LED '07
  
• Cateye Stadium - HID
  
• Light & Motion ARC '05 / ARC '06 - HID, Li-Ion
• Light & Motion Solo Cub - Li-Ion '06
  
• Light & Motion Solo Logiv mv '06
  
• Lumicycle
  
• Topeak Whitelight DX '06 - LED

Locks :

• Kryptonite New York Chain '06
  

GPS :

• devices - Garmin Edge 305, eTrex
• software - MemoryMap, Tracklogs v3 '05

Mudguards :

• SKS Shockguard & X-Dry '05
  
• Topeak Defender '05

Pumps :

• Shock Pumps
  
• Topeak JoBlow Sport '02 - trackpump
  

Shoes :

• 5ten Low Impact - platforms
• Cannondale Roam '06 - women's
  
• Shimano W101 '04
• Specialized Sport Mountain '02 vs '07
  

Miscellaneous :

• Aldi Cycling Kit
• Bike Rack - Thule Ride On '05 - tow bar mount
• Books - Master MTB Skills (again), Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance
• "Helicopter" Protective Tape
  
• Importing from the USA
  
• Camcorder set-up & early tests
• High5 Protein Recovery drink
• Homemade Super Fruit Bars
  

Review Websites :

• BikeMagic - under the "Gear" tab
  
• Gear Review.com
• MTBR

I find that the Blogger Archive drop-down is useless unless you know "when" stuff was Blog'd. So with a little help, I'm sure that the links to any new reviews will mysteriously find there way into this handy reference blog. Eventually...