Manitou R8 Pro suspension fork on test: Will the new Manitou suspension fork make it back to the top of the world?

With the Manitou R8 Pro, the main criticisms of its predecessor, the R7, should be a thing of the past. We were excited when the new race fork was presented to us for the first time, as the last time we tested a suspension fork from Manitou was in 2021. At that time, the trend towards the new down-country category was just emerging and manufacturers were increasingly launching lightweight race suspension forks with 120 millimetres of travel. Including the Taiwanese.

At the time, the R7 Pro was Manitou's flagship model and, thanks to its sensitive response behaviour and high torsional stiffness, it also impressed us in the test. In terms of weight (1665 grams) and hard impacts, however, the fork was clearly inferior to the best in class from Fox and Rockshox. Our testers also missed a practical remote lever on the R7.

Manitou R8 Pro - Info & Price

• Wheel size: 29"
• Spring travel: 80 mm - 120 mm (internally adjustable)
• Suspension: Dorado Air System with IVA
• Attenuation: VTT-Pro-X
• Axis: Hexlock SL-R 15 x 110 mm
• Fork offset: 44 mm
• Weight: 1495 grams (with unshortened shaft, incl. axle)
• Price: 1320 Euro (incl. remote lever DEUCE)

New casting & new damping

The developers are said to have worked on the new Manitou R8 for more than two World Cup years. The suspension fork has also been in the World Cup for some time and has already achieved several podium finishes this year with Savilia Blunk from the Decathlon Ford Racing Team.

The characteristic rear-facing fork bridge has of course also been retained on the new R8. According to the manufacturer, this is one of the main reasons for the good stiffness values from the past.

In addition, Manitou is using 34 millimetre thick stanchions for the first time on a race fork in the R8. On the one hand, to further increase stiffness, but also to reduce weight.

The developers have also tried to save weight at every possible corner with the help of elaborate stress analyses. This is particularly evident in the filigree and hollowed-out areas of the fork bridge. However, the manufacturer also wants to have reduced the weight of the aluminium crown.

Also new are the interrupted dropouts of the fork, in which the Hexlock SL-R thru axle, weighing just 24 grams, is located. Its special mounting method is designed to prevent movement in the axle and thus further increase stiffness. With these extensive measures, the Manitou R8 Pro has a competitive weight of 1495 grams with an unshortened steerer tube and thru-axle.

Manitou R8 suspension fork: New damping unit & Dorado Air cartridge

Gone are the days when the R7 had to make use of the heavy damping unit from Mattoc and Mezzer. The new Manitou R8 Pro is based on the Dorado Air cartridge on the suspension side. The well-known IVA technology (Incremental Volume Adjust) is used here.

On the damping side, however, the R8 has a newly developed VTT system received. As with the R7, the compression setting on the R8 is red, the rebound setting is blue and the fork has to be filled with air from below. A little unusual, but not too bad.

Unlike many other manufacturers, the Dorado Air system is based on a positive and negative chamber, both of which are filled simultaneously during inflation. This means that the Manitou R8 Pro does not have an overflow channel. In addition, the fork can be customised via the IVA unit.

Even though the manufacturer claims that the R8 suspension fork is already optimally tuned for most people, it offers the option of adjusting the volume of the positive chamber and thus the characteristic curve of the fork. The IVA can also be used to adjust the suspension travel in 10 mm increments. Between 80 and 120 millimetres are possible. All necessary parts are already included in the scope of delivery.

VTT - 3 positions for damping

Manitou has integrated a revised damping system into the new R8, which has been specially adapted to the requirements of cross-country riding. The function of the so-called VTT-Pro-X damping is based on a patented technology and enables three different compression stage positions: open (position 1), medium (position 2) and closed (position 3).

A special feature of this damping system is that a separate oil circuit is provided for each position. In contrast to some competitor products, the system influences more than just the low-speed compression stage.

By actuating the lockout lever, the oil is channelled directly into the corresponding circuit, which is equipped with shim stacks. In position 1, the piston allows almost unhindered oil flow - the suspension remains completely open. The compression stage can also be used to fine-tune the size of the low-speed channel in order to optimise the compression process.

In position 2, an additional piston is activated, which reduces the size of the LSC and HSC channels and thus offers a firmer response behaviour - ideal for slightly uneven terrain. In position 3, an additional piston closes the channels completely and locks the suspension. These adjustments are intended to enable a more precise set-up for different track conditions and thus improve performance in the cross-country sector.

Fine tuning via rebound & compression damping

In order to optimise the Manitou R8 Pro to personal requirements, the fork provides the rider with a relatively wide adjustment range. The damping of the R8 can be adjusted with a total of 18 clicks. We were even able to count 22 clicks on the rebound. For an initial approximation of the optimum air pressure, corresponding information is printed on the dip tube.

The perfect setup of suspension fork and shock is not rocket science. In a separate article, we show you how to make the right settings in just a few steps.

Manitou R8 Pro - new Ace/Deuce lockout lever

A lot has also happened in terms of remote control. XC fans can look forward to the new remote levers, which finally make it possible to lock the Manitou R8 Pro in two stages from the handlebars. Manitou has also come up with its very own concept. Depending on requirements, the combination of Ace and Deuce levers, which can be mounted on top of each other, can be used to operate the fork and shock or additionally lower a dropper post.

Keyword telescopic support: In our current Vario seatpost test, we also tested particularly lightweight models for racers. Have a read.

The Manitou R8 in practice - our impression

Before we hit the trail with the new Manitou R8 Pro, we have to do the basic setup - the right air pressure and the first damping setup. Before that, we fit the handlebar remote. Here are our impressions from the workshop and the forest:

Mounting & adjusting the suspension fork

Contrary to custom, the Manitou is filled with air from below, and the Taiwanese also choose the colours of the rebound and compression damping the other way round compared to most other manufacturers. Apart from that, the first basic setting is easy to do.

The Deuce lever is also easy to fit with the appropriate instructions. However, these are not included in the box and must be found on the manufacturer's website. However, an easy-to-understand video then guides you through the relevant steps.

The metal remote presses easily and engages in both positions in a defined manner. If you ride a dropper post on your race bike, you should definitely use the combination lever - there is no room for a remote control for the dropper post next to the Manitou lever.

The test on the trail: the Manitou R8 in practice

Over the past few weeks, we have been able to ride the Manitou over a wide variety of surfaces. From overpass passages on rough gravel to easy single trails in the forest, through to root passages and some larger steps, pretty much everything that an XC fork would encounter in its natural habitat was there.

The R8 is pleasantly comfortable, especially at the beginning of its travel. It sensitively sniffs out the ground like a search dog sniffs out its scent. On gravel and light trails, the R8 generates an astonishing amount of traction.

The compromise between sensitivity and support is also a good one. The R8 only dips a little on steps. A recommendation for mixed terrain is the first step of the platform, with which we completed a large part of our test laps. Here, the Manitou R8 remains very sensitive at the beginning, but offers a little more progression and protection from bottoming out on rougher terrain.

We also recommend this setting for short intermediate sprints, which can be managed effectively in this way. On longer climbs or on tarmac sections, the lockout position is used to achieve a fully locked fork.

Conclusion: Lots of praise & light criticism for the new Manitou R8

Despite all the praise, however, there is also some criticism: on the routes we have ridden so far, it has been difficult to fully utilise the travel of the Manitou R8. Even in open mode, there was always a little too much reserve for us.

We also noticed that the new race fork "smacks" unusually loudly when rebounding after fast and large compressions. At times, the fork seems to wheeze like a boxer on the 10th lap.

Manitou explains this phenomenon on the basis of the only 8 millimetre slim diameter of the damping cartridge. This makes the oil flow through the shim stack more difficult and leads to this noise when the shock rebounds. Those who require a more closed rebound are more affected by this effect than those who prefer a faster rebound.