Crazy how Fox and Rock Shox get all the attention. I'm old enough to remember when Manitou was in Fox's position. I am glad to see that Manitou are putting out great product and thinking of replaceing my DPS shock with a Mara. From everything I have gleaned Manitou have much more advanced dampening vs the big boys using multiple circuits and shims as opposed to simple orifices which should provide a better ride and they are cheaper!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I have been a Manitou fan for years as well. The don't get the recognition they deserve. The Mezzer is exceptional and I'm also looking to try the Mara Inline.

@richardgonzalez6583

2 жыл бұрын

I have a meta TR and I'm going to switch out the rear shock to a MARA thanks for the information

@marcgallant5270

2 жыл бұрын

Reliability always plagued them especially from 2004-2010 they had some rough years. A lot of OEM manitou spec'd bikes had high failure rates. I hope manufacturers give them a second chance!

You guys always kill it with the reviews

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Considering both these forks for my new rootdown build. Looking forward to this video

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

The Mezzer would save you some weight but still get the great stiffness of the 37mm stanchions.

Great review. Much appreciated!

@StraightLine_MTB

Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching Simon, appreciate the support

Well done and useful review.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Still loving the Mezzer and now on the Mara Pro both on our Meta TR.

Thank you for the info, you made me go and buy them.

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

Awesome. Both great forks!

Sounds like i picked the right fork when i got the mezzer for my evil wreckoning. I really can't find a problem with them. Nice vid man

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Mezzer is awesome and you're gonna love it. Thanks for watching

Keep up with the good work

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you JR.

This is going to be interesting to me. I'm going to a Zeb from a Lyrik and the Lyrik has amazing small bump sensitivity and control with the LSC. Off the top, its just buttery smooth. I've heard the LSC on the Zeb is not as buttery even with it opened up all the way. I've heard it has to do with new debon air spring. People say its great in keeping you higher up in the travel but not so good on small bump. A few have said they were able to get a buttery off the top with no tokens and more air but guess I'll have to see for myself. Great review man.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

The Zeb is a great fork no doubt but I did find the Mezzer more comfortable on the smaller stuff and slower speed tech. I haven't had much experience between the two Debonair air springs but I will say the Zeb doesn't eat up it's travel and had no issue with bottoming out in stock form. I did lower the recommended pressure a bit and probably could go a bit lower than where I was to get some more sensitivity. It does hold a line like no other fork I have ridden which is very helpful when you get in that fast chunky stuff.

Thanks for the review - V.interesting. Super keen to see them on the TR, and a review of the Mara Pro on the rear ;) I've got the Mattoc's on my current bike (the Mezzers smaller / older brother) and echo's everything you were saying. I presume the Mezzer also has the HBO (Hydraulic Botton Out) control on the damper that you can tune how harsh it hit's bottom out. The IRT is also great to just bump up the support (pressure) if you are on bikepark / big berm type trails, without loosing the suppleness, no swapping in/out tokens - just your shock pump - too easy.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I had the Mattoc on a previous bike and that fork is what turned me onto Manitou. I don't see any mention of HBO in the Mezzer but believe that could be due to the IRT and it's ability to tune progression to resist bottom out. I will say that the IRT is a game changer for me as I love that ability to adjust bottom out and make it as plush or supportive as I need for varying conditions. I expect the same great performance out of the Mara Pro as the McLeod I had was amazing. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more great videos!

@GLOBc

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB my google-foo tells me the HBO circuit is still there, just fixed, not adjustable like on the Mattoc. Makes sense with the IRT now fitted stock, was an extra for the Mattoc's (other than the latest of the Pro's) - tuned in & waiting for the notifications ;)

Old manitou Travis 2006 was amazing at the time. Other hand, later appeared the Totem 40 that was mind-blowing. Great video, just make me help to decide. Battle for the top fork brand is hard, all pro riders riding rockshox, fox, flew Marzocchi.. Manitou should do more publicity

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Fox and RS have much larger budgets I'm sure. The Mezzer is really amazing and now days cannot go wrong.

Please do a video on the mattoc. It needs more love

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I agree. Was trying to get one in but they are tough to find. I think a 120mm on our Spur would be amazing with a Mara out back. I'll keep checking.

My last Manitou was the 80mm SXR with TPC+ upgrade.... I miss that fork. Thinking about the Mezzer Pro :D

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

Manitou is a sleeper for sure. Mezzer is a great fork with usable settings. I love the IRT as it can make it as plush or supportive as you want. Thanks for watching Marc

@marcgallant5270

2 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB just ordered 53% off on chainreactioncycles!!

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

@@marcgallant5270 wow that's an amazing deal

Are you gonna test the Manitou Mara Pro as well? Wonder how you would like it. Admitted my mara has been tuned with a self equalizing air spring. But anyway great shock, best air shock I ever had, that even beat some coils

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I did have the Mara Pro on our Meta TR and it was awesome. We did not review it as I had not compared another shock on that bike so I felt it really wouldn't be a thorough enough review. It was great for sure. Thinking of trying the regular Mara on the Spur and compare it to the Sid on that bike. Manitou is a sleeper suspension brand for sure.

Hey guys, would love to see a review of the DVO onyx vs the zeb and the Mezzer!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Having only ridden the Diamond and seeing that the Onyx shares similar damper, I would put damper performance Mezzer>Diamond>Zeb. The Mezzer would be lighter. For stiffness I would say from my experience with the Suntour Durolux, which is super stiff but not quite Zeb stiff, I think the Mezzer may equal or barely best a 36mm stanchion fork. The IRT really is an amazing tuning adjustment as the whole Mezzer package is great. That and the Manitou support team is great. I have heard good things from DVO as well. The great news is you can't really go wrong with any of them.

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

How many kilos do you weigh and did you have problems with creaking from the Mezzer?

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@paul.p.smellthetruth2667 I am 210lbs or 96 kilos. I have not had any issues with the Mezzer creaking. Really solid chassis

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

But if you decide dvo and are a heavier guy go with the ebike version. Onyx often have bushing issues.

@patricemehandzhiev1999

3 жыл бұрын

@@paul.p.smellthetruth2667 bullshit. My onyx didnt have any bushing issues and i was crazy agressive 105 kg when i rode it

Should do an update video vs the new charger 3 damper.

@StraightLine_MTB

5 ай бұрын

That would be a great match up. Unfortunately I don't have either currently.

Super helpful video. Been considering the mezzer for a build of a trail/all mountain bike and concerned that it might be too much for something that will be doing some lower speed stuff. Was considering the mezzer or keeping it cheap and getting a bomber z1. Will be on an alu 135/150 bike so my thought is the mezzer would be good for a bike that I want to do it all with. And it's half a pound lighter than the bomber. Your description of slow speed small bump sensitivity while still being super stiff for high speed smashing sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Did you ever run it on the tr? How would you say it compares against something like a 36 or a lyrik? I was also considering a durolux as that's quite affordable but the look and uniqueness of the mezzer are super appealing

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I would recommend the Mezzer on any bike in the 140-180mm range up front as I think it is that good. I do currently have the Mezzer on the TR at 150mm and love it. It's small bump sensitivity at speed and slow is really amazing. I am currently riding a Lyrik Select with RC damper and the Mezzer wins the stiffness battle for sure. Having compared it to the Ultimate version of the ZEB here, a Lyrik Ultimate would have the same damper so Mezzer would take the win for me. I have no time on Fox Grip 2 so cannot compare. I have ridden Performance level Fox which would compare to the Z1 and again the Mezzer takes the win handily. We did a review on the Durolux and found it to be great for the price so you can check out that review on our channel. The IRT in the Mezzer really helps dial in the fork to ride how you like, that and it being able to change from 140-180mm with included spacers makes it very versatile....I think it is a sleeper fork for sure. Everyone has a preference but I am less picky about suspension so I thought it important to do this comparison as I found the Mezzer was noticeably a better performer for me. I am planning to swap the Mezzer over to our Transition Sentinel V2 we just got in as the Lyrik Select feels like a down grade in stiffness and obviously damper performance being the RC model.

@Slinkylinky179

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB I'll be coming from a commencal meta am 4.2 with an older yari, so I'm expecting a pretty big difference no matter where I go. I've only ridden yari, pike, and 34 performance and like them all with a slight preference toward the fox feel. The bike I'll be building is a banshee prime which you should totally review if you can get your hands on one. Very few reviews out there, but super high quality aluminum bikes from a small company with a focus on durability, fun, and downhill performance. I feel like it would fit in your channel quite well. You might be more into their titan though. Haven't actually ridden one but have wanted one since these new models were announced and I've finally got the funds. The prime I'm looking to get is designed around a 150 fork, but is compatible with a 160 or 140 also so I was thinking that with the mezzer, I could travel adjust without needing a spring and pop on a coil shock and turn it into more of a smasher if I ever get a shorter travel trail bike down the line for more xc stuff.

@Slinkylinky179

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB also that sentinel looks so cool. If I ever move out west where there's more elevation change, the sentinel is definitely at the top of my list. Don't need a 63 degree hta when my longest consistent descent is about 400 feet though.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@Slinkylinky179 Banshee is another bike company I have been lusting after for years. I was acutally looking at getting the new Prime or Titan. You really can't go wrong with suspension these days but Mezzer has a lot going for it.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@Slinkylinky179 So far the Sentinel V2 is really fun and is a lot more playful than I was expecting, but it does like the rougher lines for sure. Shoot us some pictures of that Prime on our Instagram account when you get it built up, I'd love to see it.

Hi, thanks for the review. I was thinking of upgrading my yari but didn't want the expensive ZEB, so I'll be trying the Mezzer. Side question: I see you are running Magura MT Trail brakes. Did the bike come stock with something from Shimano and if it did, how do they compare?

@StraightLine_MTB

Жыл бұрын

This bike had code brakes stock. For an enduro bike I recommend mt5 as you have 4 front and rear pistons. Plenty of stopping power and Magura are by far my favorite. Mt trail while great are 4 front 2 rear piston. Great for AM or trail.

@martinmbae2688

Жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB Ok. I was checking on Manitou's website and I saw that if I was on a budget then I could buy the Mezzer expert which didn't come with the MC2 and the IRT adjuster, so I wanted to know how much of an impact do these upgrades really have or is it something I could do without? All I need is a fork that's plush and supportive on the mid-stroke because my Yari feels harsh and I receive a lot of feedback when I'm rolling over a continuous stretch of stones or roots so I wanted something with a more smoother ride and almost no rattling

@StraightLine_MTB

Жыл бұрын

@Martin Mbae the IRT and damper is what makes the Mezzer so amazing. I can't speak for the Expert version though

BIG BEEEFY BOOOAHHH you look like you make like those

I run a Mezzer Pro on my Hardtail and it is great. You can fix the Zeb with a DSD Runt which is similar to the IRT.

@StraightLine_MTB

Жыл бұрын

Mezzer is awesome for sure. I have checked out the Runt and interested in trying one when I get the chance. Thanks for watching.

Great review , im thinking to get the mezzer my only doubt its the maintenance its expensive as fox or like rockshox? i mean the 200 hr full service. thanks

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

I've only done lower leg service and pretty easy. Manitou sells tools and kits to service so that makes it a little easier. They also have instructions and KZread videos to help along the process

@rodolforubio1824

2 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB thanks for answering so fast! :)

Hi, Sorry if this is off topic but just wondering if you can help me out as a new youtuber. Just noticed the quality of your videos are so crisp and clear especially at Rocky trail . You can see the rocks clearly. Auburn is my go to trail and my favorites are stonewall and Rocky. This is what I do I edit my GoPro8 videos on my iPhone using iMovie and upload directly to YT. If you don’t mind me asking what camera and PC do you use to edit your videos? Thanks!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I shoot ride videos with hero 8 in 4k superview. I edit in Adobe rush premiere on a built up PC.

@pinoypridemtb

3 жыл бұрын

Straight Line MTB thanks for replying

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@pinoypridemtb no problem, I am still learning the process but if you have any other questions let us know. Thank you for watching!

@pinoypridemtb

3 жыл бұрын

Straight Line MTB Thanks man. New youtuber here and new gopro not to mention I’m not a tech savvy. Learning is fun. Thanks!

@coreybikes

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB Gotta say I agree super crisp. Render/Upload settings?

I've been researching the Mezzer for a month now, considering it to replace my DVO Diamond. Not much info on this fork so I really appreciate the review. I just gotta figure out how to protect it from my Kuat Sherpa bike rack, since the front hook touches the crown on my DVO.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

It is an amazing fork and I can't say enough good about it. I was on a Diamond as well and Mezzers small bump and chatter eating ability stands tall. I have a Kuat NV rack, just flip the fork around and you're good....looks odd but works and keeps fork protected

@skullsroad3642

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB never thought about that. Just flip the fork. So simple, hell yeah. I really like a fork that sits tall. That's a complaint i have with my DVO. I lose 14 percent travel before sag. It just sinks under the bikes weight.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@skullsroad3642 thats odd and it shouldn't sag under bike weight. My Diamond was actually pretty awesome and enjoyed it....the Mezzer feels stiffer and more plush.

@olivierhacking

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB Good to know the Mezzer feels stiffer and more plush than the Diamond. Have you tried the newest Onyx SC however? Supposed to be better than the Diamond...

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@olivierhacking I have not tried it and know little about the Onyx but thought it had the same damper as D1 Diamond just with thicker stanchions. The DVO package on our Ibis Ripmo AF was very nice and I really liked that set up. In the last couple years I have tried a few forks and I will say the Manitou stuff is my favorite. We put the new Mara Pro rear shock on out Commencal Meta TR to pair with the Mezzer. Should be a great setup on that bike.

Exactly how I feel about the IRT forks from manitou. They have an extremely wide range of application. They do well everywhere whereas most others forks I've tried seem to be much more porpose built and less versatile

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

The IRT really helps dial things in. I like to go a little softer so I can get the support that I need on bigger hits.

@Coerced

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB have you ridden the mattoc? Wonder how the small bump sensitivity compares. A larger diameter stanchion means a larger surface area on every seal that's sliding and creating friction. Wonder if it's as good as the mattoc.

Straight Line MTB wich one got more vertical tire clearence? (Axle to arch) thanks!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Both have pretty large clearance. I would say the Zeb may be a little bit more but I don't see an issue running 2.6 on either of them.

How are the trails with all the smoke? Nice Maguras:)

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

It was pretty quiet during Smoky days and tough on the lungs. Probably lost 5 years off my life lol. The Maguras are awesome.

@nvkulk

3 жыл бұрын

Straight Line MTB great channel and stay safe!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@nvkulk trying lol. Thank you for watching!

To change Mezzer travel: attach shock pump. Set travel. Remove shock pump. Done. The Mezzer makes sense for trail bikes because with Grip 2, the Fox 34 is almost 2000 grams and 36 is even more. 2000 grams for a 37mm fork with superior damper and air spring, yes please.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I have heard that trick for the travel adjust. I will say though the internal adjustmet was pretty straigh forward and didn't need the specialized tools. The Mezzer @ 2050g for a 140-180mm fork with an amazing damper throw in 37mm stanchions....game changer. Crazy how light they got this fork and it really is awesome. Thanks for watching Trent.

@jack91522

2 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB i thought you needed to pull the lowers and add spacers to change travel? The fox36 is 1965g for the 27.5 fork. Pretty close but s little lighter. Thats the spec'd weight. Couldnt find someone who actually measured it.

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

@@jack91522 I pulled lowers and added the supplied travel spacers. I have heard of the method with shock pump to adjust travel but I have never tried that. Pulling lowers is relatively simple with patience and oil.

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

@@jack91522 our 29er Mezzer was 2050ish grams which is lighter than the 38 or Zeb without giving up much stiffness. 36 might be closer in weight but does have 1mm smaller stanchions.

@jack91522

2 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB would be cool ifi can have 140mm climbing and 180mm descending just with a shock pump.

Hey, I see you’re no longer riding the mezzer. Any reason why? I’m trying to decide between a mezzer, Zeb, or 38

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

I had it on a custom build that I sold. Honestly it is the fork I would choose above all else aside from custom turned. I haven't tried the new RS Lyrik with Charger 3 yet.

Mezzer wins hands down. If you above 80 kilos or charge very hard, change the damping oil to thinner oil and shim the compression stronger. This will make the fork both, more supportive /controlled but still more responsive. Still nicer to your hands. Thus it improves the fork to a higher level with little cheap measures

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Mezzer is really in it's own class. Great tips Paul, I'm going to try that. Thanks for watching!

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

Already did that and it is much more active while more controlled as you do not have to rely so much on the really great air spring. The "microdive" that occurs because of the weaker comp damping disappears which is a reason why the hands feel better in this setup. I weigh 89 kilos a ride similar aggressive to you.

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB The only that is orobably better is the Era but almost double the price too. I also let do a friction tuning. Wondering how the mezzer will run now. When I am fit again I'll go to the German EXT distributor and do a comparison tuned mezzer vs era

@Martin-gh8uq

3 жыл бұрын

@@paul.p.smellthetruth2667 it looks that we have exactly the same dilemma...is Era worth double of the Mezzer price!? I have been riding on Era but not on Mezzer so hard to imagine what would I loose if decide to go for Mezzer. My main concern as for Mezzer is how the damper will match/feel with EXT Storia. From my test ERA matchs Storia perfectly so you have same fell both ends.

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

@@Martin-gh8uq I got the mezzer for 790 euros, paid for shim and friction tuning 150 which raised it one level. I think stock mezzer to tbe era will be an obvious difference. But a tuned mezzer.... I ll try to compare in January

Manatou can't be beat for value. They are so good and alwayse less money

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

I agree when you factor in tech. The new Mezzer that just came out looks great at $750 also.

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@Error-hc7mp I have had great luck with Manitou as well and like dealing directly. I think customer service isn't recognized enough.

Dont get too exited I bought the zeb fender - It did not fit now they want me to file a claim with Rockshox for a 25 dollar product? Probably why they quit selling them...

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

I never was able to get one but that's not good news. Hopefully they get you taken care of

Manitou internals+Zeb chassis= ftw!

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

Seriously that'd be an amazing combination. Avalanche cartridge in ZEB would be awesome as well

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB Did you jabe the possibility to compare mezzer vs Avalanche Damping? And what does which do better?

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@paul.p.smellthetruth2667 Possibly in the future. We cycle through bikes but hopefully soon we can do something like this.

@paul.p.smellthetruth2667

3 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB would be great and YOU would be rhe first to deliver that. Would be interested which places these forks would hold against each other. shim and friction tuned Mezzer same treatment for an avalanched lyrik BOS Deville 2 Or An EXT ERA...

@StraightLine_MTB

3 жыл бұрын

@@paul.p.smellthetruth2667 I had an Avalanche'd Bos Deville and it was an amazing upgrade to a great fork. I don't believe they do Mezzer forks. I did find that the Mezzer at 180mm was one of the most supportive and plush forks I have ridden. So good.

Melzer claimed that they're stiffer than any enduro fork on the market. We just need a 3rd party to confirm that, lol

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

The Zeb and 38 feel more stiff to me but I wouldn't say the Mezzer isn't stiff. Mezzer has the edge over a 36. For me I feel the Mezzer is a more complete package of tuning, stiffness, and plush out of the box. Ready to shred.....if you can handle all the dad jokes about the rear arch from other riders 😆

@ninjazzrhythm400

2 жыл бұрын

@@StraightLine_MTB thanks but I decided to go fornthe Zeb, because of price. The ultimate was on sale for 760$.

@StraightLine_MTB

2 жыл бұрын

@@ninjazzrhythm400 awesome deal on that fork. You're going to enjoy it.