Product news: XC racing knows many faces, from the tactical pro racer who leaves nothing to chance to the hobby racer who prefers the sprint to the tree stump for some air time to the condition for the next climb. Just like any other sport, cross-country racing has many faces, and just as many preferences when it comes to components. The Hayes Bicycle Group has accepted this and revised its product range for XC sports so that there is something for every sporting level and every requirement.
Getting there was not easy for the engineers. In order to keep all driver groups in mind, the perfect balance between weight, stiffness and reliability had to be found.
Reintroduction of the Manitou R7
It seemed only right that the new XC, or down-for-whatever, fork should be called the R7. This brought the R7 back to the mid-2000s when XC racing was still a weekend party and 26-inch wheels were still a common sight. At the time, the R7 reigned supreme because of its reliable, lightweight chassis and easy serviceability.
The new R7 is available in both a Pro and an Expert version, each in 27,5″ and 29″ wheel sizes, with internal travel adjustable from 80mm to 120mm.
Manitou R7: chassis
When developing the chassis of every Manitou fork, finding the perfect balance between weight, stiffness and reliability is a primary goal. Thanks to the reverse arch, Manitou is able to position the fork arch further away from the axle. The lower tire clearance behind the fork relative to the center of the axle allows for a shorter fork arc, resulting in 13% more stiffness compared to a forward arc fork of the equivalent weight. Because of this, a 32mm steerer tube can be used to save weight while increasing stiffness.
Manitou R7: cushioning
When designing the VTT Pro damper, Manitou aimed to maintain a rock-solid lockout without sacrificing open and mid settings. The disadvantage of many fixed blocking mode dampers is that in any position other than the blocking position, a critical wave velocity is reached which chokes off the low velocity flow path. When this happens, the damper peaks at almost the same locking force as in the locked position. This leads to strong hits in the hand and possibly a lack of control.
The all-new VTT damper solves this problem by eliminating the high-speed spikes while maintaining the locking force demanded by most XC racers. This allows the fork to have a less progressive high-speed response while still retaining some low-speed support without becoming wobbly. This is accomplished by using independent shim stacks (one for lockout and one for the other two positions). By controlling the shim stack, which redirects oil flow, the damper's characteristics can be manipulated to be locked, degressive, or progressive to suit the needs of the rider and terrain.
Manitou R7: suspension
New for 32 mm chassis, Hayes adapts the proven Dorado Air System to the needs of the short spring travel. The Manitou Dorado Air spring system includes a unique balancing valve that balances the positive and negative air chambers during the air inflation process. This gives the spring rate a consistent feel with no flat or dead spots in the stroke, giving riders of different weights the same initial stroke feel. With R7, the volumes in each chamber have been tuned to provide ideal support and feel for a shorter stroke.
Manitou R7 Pro details
RRP: €903
Weight 1648g (29″ at 120mm)
Suspension travel: 80-120 mm
offset: 37/44mm for 27,5″, 44/51mm for 29″
Suspension: Dorado Air with IVA
crown material: Forged aluminum, deep hollow bore
Standpipe Material: 7000 series aluminum
Damping: VTT Pro
Adjustments: 3-position compression with adjustment for open mode, rebound, air pressure, IVA volume
standpipe diameter: 32 mm
wheel size: 27,5, 29
brakes: Post mount 160mm
Axis: 15mm hex lock2
Manitou R7 Expert: details
RRP: €704
Weight 1812g (29″ at 120mm)
Suspension travel: 80-120 mm
spring element: Expert Air
crown material: Forged aluminum, hollow bore
standpipe material: 6000 Series Aluminum\
Damping: Moutain Bike
Adjustments: 3-position compression, rebound, air pressure
standpipe diameter: 32 mm
wheel size: 27,5, 29
brakes: Post mount 160mm
Axis: 15mm hex lock
In combination with some current products, the Manitou R7 completes the range of XC products. To see the full range and learn more about the products visit the Hayes XC Collection here: www.hayesbicycles.com.