One of the benefits of being on hand to check out a brand’s headquarters is the chance of catching a new product just as it lands. That was the case with the all new Manitou Mattoc. First shown back at Eurobike, the very first production samples of the Mattoc suspension fork showed up at Haye’s Milwaukee facility leading up to Frostbike. The fork has been a long time in the making, but as the Hayes Bicycle VP Darren Campbell put it, it was something they had to get right. If it rides as good as it looks, it appears they have succeeded.
Details plus actual weights after the jump.
While the first version of the fork we saw was a hand painted prototype, these are the real deal with three pro models shown here in red, white, and black. The fork will also be offered in an Expert and Comp models with the main difference being the Pro model has a lighter cartridge rebound damper and the Comp gets lower end MARS air and TPC damping. Mattocs will be sold as 26″ forks in 140/150/160 and 170mm travel, and 27.5″ in 140/150/160.
The Mattoc keeps things light and strong with Manitou’s classic hollow crown and reverse arch lowers. The chassis is based on 34mm stanchions.
Damping is controlled through the new MC2 damper which offers high speed and low speed compression while also allowing for the adjustment of the hydraulic bottom out resistance with the gold knob on top. The MC2 uses a closed cell foam cylinder on the compression piston which takes the place of competitor’s bladder based dampers which Manitou says creates a more user serviceable fork.
Built with a dual chamber air spring borrowed from the Dorado, the air valve is located on the bottom of the fork and inflates the positive and negative air to the same pressure. Compared to the prototype the knobs on the bottom of the fork look quite a bit less susceptible to damage on the trail thanks to the rounded design. The 180 PM brake mount will allow for 180-203mm rotors.
The Mattoc is finished off with one of the slickest quick release 15mm thru axles around. Instead of having to thread the axle into place, the steel t-bar uses just a 90 degree turn to engage the axle. Then close the lever like any other system.
On the scale, the Expert checked in at 4.41lb (2000g) and the Pro at 4.14lb (1878g), both were weighed with full steerers and the axles installed. We’re waiting for final word on pricing and availability and will update as soon as we get it.
