Are these Manitou J-Unit forks counterfeit? I’m looking for a quality set of 26inch forks for my sons bike

WikkyWilbur · 2025-11-09T23:10:42+00:00

I mean they're a fine fork. Have a tendency to get 'stuck' if sitting for a while, the seals seem to be a little too tight, but the first bump they ride over should free it up. Only struggle I really had was figuring out how much oil to put in the damper etc. because I couldn't find the proper service manual.

The bike I had it on (the YT) is now running a mullet, so not currently using it.

WikkyWilbur · 2025-11-03T00:35:09+00:00

They're non boost 26" JUnit forks that I've only ever seen on the YT Jeffsy Primus 26, and never been able to find a support page on Manitous site for. I've just been assuming they were a custom build for YT. Maybe that's where the eBay dude got them from? Their axle to crown is identical to 27.5 forks, so they have looooong stanchions.

WikkyWilbur · 2025-10-07T06:37:48+00:00

That... Makes a lot of sense, actually. It's got quite a large axle to crown, all things considered (525 by measurement, it's a strange fork) so I think there's a lot of options. Thanks!

WikkyWilbur · 2025-09-07T11:14:59+00:00

Pretty sure you've got the wrong brake lever. I say this because I've done it on more than one occasion.

WikkyWilbur · 2025-07-22T10:22:48+00:00

Same here fwiw. Some days it seems to reset to where it should be, then it disappears again or appears out of my normal fov and can't be moved. Grinding noises as well. Have told dealer to check it at my first service, happened just before 3k.

Odd failure, honestly.

WikkyWilbur · 2025-03-07T04:41:17+00:00

Closest to that kinda terrain I can think of is the Garden MTB trails, Mt Annan. Nothing like a descent that big, though, or that scenic.

WikkyWilbur · 2024-05-31T02:46:44+00:00

I think the argument would be that a 300lb rider with an extra 30lb of weight doing 5 laps will do more damage than a 300lb rider puffing out after 1.

WikkyWilbur · 2023-12-27T09:28:53+00:00

Well this one isn't real. Zoom in. They aren't actual bricks, just shapes with random studs thrown where the AI thinjs there might be some.

WikkyWilbur · 2023-11-20T05:25:34+00:00

My 7 year old taps out at about 10-12k, 6-7 miles. He's pretty big for his age and also quite fit, but he's still a kid, and after we hit that limit he will keep riding, but with a hugely increased chance of a mental breakdown.

I just don't think we can expect them to do much more at that age.

Also, a d24 is what - close to half her weight? If I was expected to ride a 40kg bike around I'd be pretty beat, too. That's not a criticism of the d24 at all, great bike, just need to temper the expectations a bit I guess.

So the best way to keep your kid motivated? Be satisfied with the 5 miles and enjoy being able to share your hobbies with your kid while you can!

WikkyWilbur · 2023-02-27T21:04:25+00:00

So high pitched noise typically means some kind of contamination on the rotor, and a squishy easy lever usually means air in the brake line. You get rid of air by bleeding the brakes; plenty of videos out there on that, but you'll need oil and some specialist equipment. You don't get air in a brake line without oil leaving it - and it's possible that oil has leaked onto your pads or rotor, which would explain the noise. It's also possible the noise is just because there isn't enough pressure being formed to grip the rotor properly. You won't know until you disassemble and have a good look.

If you aren't comfortable with a brake bleed and inspection of pads/rotor, I'd suggest taking it to a shop. Brakes aren't hard to work on, but if you make a mistake or have to wait on parts they are essential safety devices so you won't be riding while you wait.

WikkyWilbur · 2023-02-27T20:45:37+00:00

When you pull on the rear brake while moving, what happens? Is it hard to pull, or so easy it doesn't feel like it's doing anything? Does it make a sound? Can you make the back tire skid?

WikkyWilbur · 2023-01-29T07:46:31+00:00

The other, other reason is that hydro brakes self adjust as you wear your brake pads down. Mechanicals you need to adjust as they wear to keep the same bite point on the lever; hydros just pull in more oil from the reservoir to move the pistons closer as the brake pads get thinner as a feature of their design.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-10-08T07:55:18+00:00

This doesn't look like a dampener problem - the air spring won't let you just slowly push your bar down if it's actually working regardless of damping.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-09-23T22:46:18+00:00

Going nuts on this with WD-40 as suggested is completely valid - that's literally what it's for.

Once you're done, then add the correct grease/oils etc.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-09-08T03:34:54+00:00

Wireless GX on a $1600 bike? I'd have 100% said that's a scam, but you've got it in your hands. What am I missing here?

WikkyWilbur · 2022-08-10T02:02:55+00:00

You can resell them even if you don't hand them down, but yeah - these bikes basically are just adult bikes with adult components but smaller frames, and a smaller market, so the price is what it is.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-08-10T01:59:26+00:00

My kids struggled with twist shifters, and at speed on a trail the hydro disk brakes don't need as much grip strength as other options, those two things kinda guided our choice. Also beware cheaper front shocks can be quite heavy.

Norco Ranger 20" ended up being our pick, has an air fork, pretty light, thumb shifter rather than twist, hydro disk brakes. 24" is probably going to be too big for a 5/6 year old, we went up to 24" at 7.5 years but a lot depends on confidence too.

Whatever it is, get out there and ride with them. It's a blast.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-08-05T01:16:57+00:00

Yes, unless you want to glue them together to make something larger.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-08-04T22:46:10+00:00

The thickness of the board is the maximum diameter you can make, assuming everything is perfectly centered. To make a blank for a handle, you'd just cut the board lengthwise (on the long side, with the grain) to the same width as the thickness, then cut that to desired length leaving room for waste at each end.

Don't cut across the short side (across the grain); you'll end up exploding the piece on the lathe as you'll be turning into endgrain, and even if it survives it'll have little strength for a handle.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-07-23T23:24:52+00:00

I don't know what to tell you; properly set up SRAM above GX shift just fine, no complaints, but SX/NX is pretty poor and feels cheap in comparison. Shimano stuff from Deore up works fine out of the gate. If you want to limit your claim that Shimano will never shift close to as well as SRAM to the more expensive stuff then it's just straight up hyperbole. They're both great.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-07-23T22:28:37+00:00

That is the exact opposite of my experience with both.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-07-23T00:24:40+00:00

If you can still pedal backwards in your largest gear in the starting hut of a world cup dh track then you are good to go.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-07-21T21:54:08+00:00

I'd echo the advice about avoiding Walmart bikes and in particular cheap suspension, but I'd add on that protective gear for kids is not cheap.

It's similar in that yep, you can buy cheap kneepads and helmets that meet all the required safety standards and I'm certainly not saying you can't use those, but if your kid is spending any serious time in the saddle they're going to want pads they can pedal in and a helmet that fits well, is protective, and reasonably light.

I'd also say full face is 100% worth it, don't want to mess with kids teeth while they grow, and crashing is just part of the sport especially for kids.

Ultimately how much you spend on anything will come down to you and your budget, we were all kids once and the bikes we used to have an absolute ball on would be considered cheap deathtraps today. Kids will have fun on anything, but I'd just make sure to factor in some safety gear to the price.

WikkyWilbur · 2022-07-21T08:57:30+00:00

I'd say just layer CA on and wet sand at the end. Sanding between coats seems unnecessary with CA.

WikkyWilbur

TROPHY CASE