Manitou 2005 Black Super Air

Advantages: Tough, reactive, rigid, looks the dogs
Disadvantages: a bit heavy, can be stiff before being worn in

...First glance: At first glance these fork's definetly look very solid, sanctions are very shiny and the lower slider is a matte black which looks like a very thick finish, it is infact very tough to scratch too. The crown is pretty shiny and smudges easily, the finish on this isn't as thick as the slider and with a front brake the cable can rub against it and leave a mark. The steerer tube is quite hefty and thick and is 1 1/8inch which is pretty average really... Both leg's have positive air pressure and coil spring with the air preload being the only thing adjustable here, with no added air inside the fork at first was very stiff and standing on the bike pushing down hard i can barely hit 50% of the 100mm travel (i'm 11 stone) i'm sure with a softer spring you could get a softer ride but after wearing the fork in which took about 20... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Very strong, stiff, versatile
Disadvantages: Heavy, marmite looks

...can be adjusted using an air pump which is not supplied with the fork. The lower legs of the fork are made from one piece magnesium and are disc specific, they accept a 20mm axle. Performance wise these forks do exactly what they were intended to do. They take single big hits in a reasuring and confidence inspiring manner, steering is as accurate as any other singlecrown fork on the market and they remain stiff under heavy breaking. Looks wise they are a dirt brown colour, which in my opinion is not as good looking as the old black version, although it doesn't look too bad on the bike. The fork also performs well on UK downhill courses due to its strength, the fork is also relatively smooth over fast smaller bumps, although the rebound damping could do with being a bit slower, even on the slowest setting. Overall a good reliable fork... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Durable, great for exercise
Disadvantages: Expensive, boring in weak winds

...Well I bought this kite as I wanted to get into power kiting, which is a sport that uses powerful kites for jumping, traction, skidding, and surfing. This kite was on offer at £90 when I purchased it 6 months ago, but these offers have been around recently. They come in a large selection of colours but in offers they usually only have a few colours to choose from. Mine is in fluorescent yellow. The wingspan is about 10 foot, hence the name super 10. The Kite: The kite is provided in a fairly strong zipped fabric sleeve, which is about 1/3 of the kite's wingspan. The carbon wingspar is made of 3 rods which are connected using 2 brass connectors. The kite itself is made of chikira ripstop nylon which seems very light for its strength. The spar then needs to be threaded through one of the wingtip through to the other end... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful