Manitou Research and Development (MRD) spent nearly two entire World Cup season’s testing and refining the perfect xc solution underneath elite athletes with the R8 fork hiding in plain sight thanks to its prototype camouflage. From the first iteration the R8 fork has been securing podiums on the world stage. In other words what started off as a successful initial test gave way to an elite feedback loop that produced the most complete XC racing suspension package available. Only through such thorough and complete actions could a rigid reactive and reliable fork with its performance characteristics tip the scales at an amazingly low 1480 grams.
Developed on the World Cup circuit with winning athletesIncorporation of Manitou's lightest air spring the XC tune Dorado Air a light weight XC version of the IVA volume adjustment and application specific shaft lengths and materials ensure smooth performance at a lower weightNewly developed XC-specific VTT Pro-X sealed damper further reduces weight34mm Hyperlite chassis with direct mount fender design plays a major role in the fork’s featherlike weightThe development of premium 7000 series straight thin wall legs adds yet another area of weight savingsFeatures Manitou’s lightest axle ever produced the Hexlock SL-R a R8 specific axle weighing a mere 25 grams
| Steerer Type |
Tapered |
| Lockout Switch |
Remote |
| Brake Type |
Post Mount 160 |
| Negative Spring |
Air |
| Travel (mm) |
120 |
| Offset |
44 |
| Axle to Crown Length |
530 |
| Front Axle |
15mm Thru x 110mm |
| Maximum Tire Width |
62 |
| S.H.I.S. Stem Clamp Diameter |
28.6 |
| Color |
Black |
| Crown Race |
40 |
| Weight |
1480 |
| Wheel Size |
29" |
| External Adjustments |
Rebound Damping |
| Defined Color |
Black |
| Positive Spring |
Air |
| Stanchion Diameter |
34 |
| Lockout Type |
Remote |