Manitou is one of the last major suspension manufacturers to jump into the dropper seatpost market, and they’re doing so cautiously. The new Jack dropper post is an OEM offering only and uses a mechanically operated hydraulic cartridge. Between the shaft and the outer tube is a tri-broach/three key system to prevent rotation and slop. They say they’ve had testers on them for more than a year without developing any excessive play.
The design started as a shared product, but was modified and upgraded by Manitou. The process and testing data will be rolled into new, completely in-house designed posts in the future. Look for it spec’d on 2017 Bergamont bikes to start, likely with other euro brands to add it soon. Check out the details and much more from Answer, below…
Being an OEM product for now, they weren’t giving out weights and other tech specs.
The release lever is minimal and looked pretty good, slotting in nicely between the brake mount and the grip. They’re also playing with a trigger style remote that’ll work with SRAM Matchmaker mounts.
The Answer Carbon SL bars grow 30mm to be 810mm wide, but gain no weight thanks to a new EPS construction method that applies two atmospheres of pressure inside the bar to expand the carbon from the inside and press it hard into the molds, which they say is the next best thing to an autoclave. That lets them offer a lifetime crash replacement policy. Retail is $150, available in 12.7mm and 25.4mm rises. It’s also available in 750mm widths in flat, 12.7mm and 25.4mm rises. Weights around 215g (810mm). Notice the graphics are much more subdued now, too…bonus.
The alloy bars also get the new width with flat, 1″, 2″ and 3″ rises, the latter aimed at the dirt jump crowd. They’ll run $59.99. Both carbon and alloy bars have a 4º back sweep and 8º up sweep.
The 20/20 bar has been in the line, but worth a look. Was built for Evan Plews to race XC after complaining about lat pain in 6+ hour races. Word is its been QBP’s number one selling carbon bar for several months. Look for wider-than-720mm options to come, possibly with 35mm diameter clamp sections.
The Answer Sleestak, on the left with the finger separation, has been in their lineup and gets this new camo treatment. They add a new Porelle breathable waterproof membrane for this winter. The Chakka mitten is all new and gets a pre-curved, reinforced rubberized palm and Hipora breathable waterproof membrane to keep you dry. Primaloft insulation is rated down to 20ºF (-2ºC). The top is made of ripstop nylon and full length fleece snot wipe on the thumb. Both retail for $55.
The Answer Tactical is a lightweight XC/Trail glove gets pre-curved fingers with knuckle flex panels, double stitched Amara palm with silicone grip details, and a fleece snot wipe thumb.
For multi-season use that doesn’t require the full mitten, the updated Strike 2 gets a pre-curved rubberized palm, adjustable closure and Porelle membrane on in the palm. The top is 5mm neoprene with a fleece thumb.
