These are popping up for sub-£200 at the moment which makes them a tempting alternative to your Rockshox Pike or Fox 36 forks for little more than what their competitors would cost for a simple service.
Ridden for six months on a mixture of cross country to heavy enduro, the Mattocs have been brilliant. Yes, the reverse brace and matte black / red graphics aren't for everyone; but most forks get treated to a decal kit anyway!
The criticisms, to get them out of the way, are relatively straightforward. Having three adjusters on the same stanchion, although mechanically prudent, isn't the most user-friendly interface - especially when the adjusters in question are rather small and very smooth, so not exactly compatible with mud and gloves! While we're on the dials, the overhanging nature of the largest red adjuster meant that the very first crash on these forks took a hefty chunk out of the soft alloy and made a mess of the otherwise snazzy red anodizing. It's hardly something to write home about, crashing your bike and being upset that it shows, but competitors like Rockshox and Fox have this adjuster much more recessed into the crown to reduce the chance of damage. If you like your bikes silent, these might not be the fork for you as there is noticeable noise as fluids work their way around the circuits - but as someone who's had pikes with a creaky CSU in previously, this is no deal breaker!
However, these are details which are hardly worth discounting such a massive potential cost saving. Where it really counts, on the trail itself, how do they fare? The answer isn't straight forward. They're one of the lightest 160mm forks out there at under 1.9kgs, and their 34mm stanchions put them more on par with a Fox 34 than the 160-180mm Fox 36 option. Honestly, when you're really pushing this does show; but when you're not smashing them down the toughest terrain, you're not hefting around unnecessary 36mm stanchions either. As a 110kg rider when kitted up, these forks were really quite impressive with a massive amount of mud clearance too. Another great little detail is the hexlock axle which not only feels safe as houses, but seems to add much more rigidity than a QR alternative - but you do need to keep a 6mm allen key on you at all times (and yes, I found out the hard way!)
Without wading into the technical side which is available in numerous other reviews, they're infinitely adjustable and have a brilliant feel. When it comes to the trail side of things, they are absolutely seamless in keeping the front end planted on any climb, soaking up any terrain on the descents, but still supportive enough to pop off lips and take the bigger hits. In short, it's a fork of few compromises as it remains composed in every aspect, never throwing up any harsh or unpredictable feedback.
If there's a fork to throw off Manitou's 'budget build' reputation, it's this. But what else would you expect from a fork which shares so much of its engineering with the Dorado? It's not your everyday set-and-forget suspension this... it offers absolutely sublime trail riding if you're willing to put the time in; you will get it set just-so, and it will inevitably show massive results when you do. Much like the Rocky Mountain Altitude I paired it with, it's not for smashing big mountain terrain (although it'll have a damn good go if you do). It's at home on a refined, lightweight build where speed and control are key but, when that 160mm of travel is occasionally needed, it can sweep in seamlessly and get it done. Understated brand, underappreciated performance, and certainly an under-priced fork.
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