26, 1 1/8 steerer suspension fork recommendation for a Norco Manifesto build

[Sam Song]

I am looking for a 80-100mm sus fork for my Manifesto I am building. There are really few options left for 26 inch straight steerer forks these days. 

This will be my only bike with a saddle, so I am planning on using it as a general use bike from riding around in the city to doing some light trials riding, and some trail riding with a dropper post. 

The two I am looking at are:

1) Manitou Markhor 26 Manitou | Markhor | Mountain Bike Fork – Hayes Bicycle

- This is closer to entry level fork but seems to have good reviews from the ones I have seen. 

- But strength is questionable with 30mm stanchions: ~1650g

It is cheap enough that I would not mind trying it just to see haha

 

2) Manitou Circus Expert 26 Manitou | Markhor | Mountain Bike Fork – Hayes Bicycle

- This is a DJ fork, so it should be stronger but weighs more than 2.1 kilos. 

- More expensive, but willing to pay if the cost is worth it. 

 

3) Rockshox Reba Rl 26

- Similar price as a Manitou circus, comes in 9mm QR

- Comes in 100mm travel, weighs around 1650g

 

As for the used options, people are charging as much as new for the used 26 inch "premium" forks, so I haven't really seen any of interest. 

Edited July 22, 2022 by Sam Song