Manitou Research and Development (MRD) spent nearly two entire World Cup season’s testing and refining the perfect xc solution underneath elite athletes, with the R8 fork hiding in plain sight thanks to its prototype camouflage. From the first iteration the R8 fork has been securing podiums on the world stage. In other words, what started off as a successful initial test gave way to an elite feedback loop that produced the most complete XC racing suspension package available. Only through such thorough and complete actions could a rigid, reactive, and reliable fork with its performance characteristics tip the scales at an amazingly low 1480 grams. Developed on the World Cup circuit with winning athletes Incorporation of Manitou's lightest air spring, the XC tune Dorado Air, a light weight XC version of the IVA volume adjustment and application specific shaft lengths and materials ensure smooth performance at a lower weight Newly developed, XC-specific VTT Pro-X sealed damper further reduces weight 34mm Hyperlite chassis, with direct mount fender design, plays a major role in the fork’s featherlike weight The development of premium 7000 series straight thin wall legs adds yet another area of weight savings Features Manitou’s lightest axle ever produced, the Hexlock SL-R, a R8 specific axle weighing a mere 25 grams
