Some photos and info have been in the wild for a bit now, but today comes the “official” release of the new 2010 Manitou Dorado Pro dual crown fork. By using aluminum legs instead of carbon (MRD), the Pro model is a) more affordable and b) more versatile, with Manitou claiming it can be used for jumping and general freeriding.
There’s also a 29er specific model, and rumor has it Steve Romaniuk has been spotted playing with one and is about to sign a sponsorship deal (keep that on the DL, woodja?). Here’s the official word:
The Dorado Pro features 7050 aluminum legs and utilizes the same premium internals as the Dorado MRD carbon version. With premium durability, the Dorado Pro maintains its World Cup DH race pedigree. However, it’s not a typical DH race fork anymore. With the added strength of the 7050 aluminum legs, it becomes a very capable park, free-ride and big mountain fork. Along with proven TPC+ damping, the fork has plush top-out coupled with a unique hydraulic bottoming ramp-up that makes the fork feel bottomless.
Updates for 2010 include an improved two-chamber, large-volume, low-pressure air spring which simplifies set-up and optimizes fork performance. The air spring pressure is now tuned by using a single valve at the top of the fork eliminating the second valve at the bottom of the leg. The pressure in the two chambers auto-equalizes when a shock pump is connected offering ease of set up by adding and/or bleeding off air from the top. Also, all mount hardware features high grade bolts with deep hex broaches offering an improved tool inter-face, and the brake line guide has been improved for optimum routing.
You can even use it to jump past the break for a big giant picture, specs and pricing…
Click the image to double its size.
Specs:
Weight: 6.55lbs
Travel: 180mm/203mm for 26†(175mm for 29er)
Chassis: Alloy Legs & Crown
Spring: Dual Air Chamber
Damper: TPC+
Hub: 20mm Hex Lock
MSRP: $1,749 ($1,799 for 29er version)
The 2010 Dorado Pro was designed and tested in California and North Vancouver and is handmade in their Milwaukee, Wisconsin, facility. Hayes Bicycle Group will continue to offer a one-year service program which allows riders to return their fork for factory service and inspection at no charge (specific rules apply to factory service). All race support at the HBG race truck will remain free of charge as we continue to support race teams, free riders and privateers.
