Manitou help!

mtbfreerider182 · 02-01-2006, 05:29 PM

So today I installed my '05 Sherman Flick QR on my hardtail. I got it shipped from Jenson USA, and when I opened the box on Monday the whole fork was covered with a fine coat of oil, enough that one of the decals fell off. I called Jenson and they said that I should take it for a couple rides, and if it remains a problem, send it back to them. I rode it around in the parking lot for five minutes or so, and it's really really soft. As in I can bottom it out at the 4 or 6 inch setting just by pushing down. I've read that new these forks can have springs that are too soft, but I'm not sure if it could be the oil thing. Anyone have any experience/advice??

Sirbikesalot · 02-01-2006, 05:38 PM

I remember hearing about Rich getting a Manitou and it arriving with oil in the box. Maybe he can help you out?
-J

freerider4 · 02-01-2006, 06:21 PM

its simple. dont get a manitou........... i would return it. i have know tons of people who have gotten manitou forks that have had oil problems and seal problems.

StratGuy · 02-01-2006, 06:30 PM

have you tried checking all the normal oil levels and adding some to achieve those, and that should help somewhat with the bottoming.

East Bay Rich · 02-01-2006, 08:06 PM

Sorry to hear about your Manitou/Jenson problems. My fork was delivered on one of the hotter days last summer. I though the seals might have leaked from sitting in a FedEx Ground truck for two days. Jenson was helpful in taking care of the fork leak. The pictures have been moved, but here's the link.

There only was oil on the stanchions, arch, and crown. I ended up sending it back two days later and they cleaned and fixed it up under warranty. No loss to me other than time and a 7 bucks for shipping (I sent it using my company's FedEx acct, so nothing out of my pocket...). The fork did feel very soft out of the box. After I mounted on my hardtail, it felt fine. Jerrot is borrowing it right now, and jrock is next.

-Rich

mtbfreerider182 · 02-01-2006, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by East Bay Rich

Sorry to hear about your Manitou/Jenson problems. My fork was delivered on one of the hotter days last summer. I though the seals might have leaked from sitting in a FedEx Ground truck for two days. Jenson was helpful in taking care of the fork leak. The pictures have been moved, but here's the link.

There only was oil on the stanchions, arch, and crown. I ended up sending it back two days later and they cleaned and fixed it up under warranty. No loss to me other than time and a 7 bucks for shipping (I sent it using my company's FedEx acct, so nothing out of my pocket...). The fork did feel very soft out of the box. After I mounted on my hardtail, it felt fine. Jerrot is borrowing it right now, and jrock is next.

-Rich

The thing is, I've already mounted it on my hardtail, and it's still ridiculously soft. Do you mean it stiffened up after a while? I mean, I don't mind it bottoming that much, 'cuz I don't plan to really do drops on it or anything, but it's still frustrating a new fork comes like that.

As for the oil, mine was on my fork's legs, not the arch because it had bubble wrap on it, the stanchions, crown, and steerer a little.

How long did it take from the time you sent it out to them until it arrived back on your doorstep? I know they're based in SoCal so shipping isn't too bad (mine only took 3 days or so), but I'd like to know overall turnaround, 'cuz I plan to be racing in March.

Tommy, as for your response, I have no idea how to do that, I'm not sure if people at the Bike Coop do, and I really don't want to spend more money to get this tuned. Perhaps sending it back to Jenson is the best way to go, although it sucks that I took the time to press in the starnut and everything today just to have to take it all back off. Damn fork issues...

East Bay Rich · 02-01-2006, 10:51 PM

I ordered from them on 8/16/05. The fork was delivered on 8/18/05. I sent it back a few days later. I can lookup that date when I get to work since we keep logs. I got back the fork on 8/31/05. Not too bad.

It didn't feel as soft when I got it back since think they should have added more oil. I'm thinking if the seals are fine, then maybe adding more oil will do the trick.
-Rich

Sirbikesalot · 02-02-2006, 08:20 PM

Im guessing, not positive, that adding more oil would prolly solve your problem. To ad oil, I'm also guessing, you unscrew the top caps and pour it on in. Look up how much should be in there and add some if its low. Might want to call Jenson to make sure they won't not take it back cause you open up the top caps. Also, don't let oil spill on your brake!

StratGuy · 02-02-2006, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sirbikesalot

Im guessing, not positive, that adding more oil would prolly solve your problem. To ad oil, I'm also guessing, you unscrew the top caps and pour it on in. Look up how much should be in there and add some if its low. Might want to call Jenson to make sure they won't not take it back cause you open up the top caps. Also, don't let oil spill on your brake!

Yesss Dr. Tommy is hopefully right again! Thats what I told him a couple posts up.

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