Spotted: Clemens Kaudela is Riding a New Manitou Dorado at Darkfest
Photo: DarkFest
Clemens Kaudela has been spotted riding a new Manitou Dorado fork at Darkfest.
The Dorado is Manitou's double crown fork and was known historically for its upside-down design and loud graphics. Manitou re-introduced the fork with a carbon version in 2009 then shortly followed it with an aluminium version in 2010. The fork has remained largely unchanged since then, apart from the introduction of a 27.5" version in 2013. Despite it seemingly being an older fork, the Dorado was still being raced as late as 2017 under riders such as Ed Masters and Reece Wilson as part of the Bergamont Factory Team. It also retained its cult status among privateer racers who swore by its performance despite its age.
Now, in 2021, it looks like an update is on the horizon for this venerable fork. Clemens Kaudela has been spotted using one with updated graphics at Darkfest by the Vital forumites and we've since had confirmation from Manitou that the fork is a new update. The brand wouldn't tell us any details about the ins and outs of the fork just yet but it did tell us that the version Clemens is riding won't be the only one we see come launch day.
The Bergamont team ran the former Dorado fork with 29" wheels at Fort William in 2017.
So, what can we expect from this fork? Well, from the outside it looks like the inverted design remains and although we can't see the stanchions, we will be interested to see if they will remain at 36mm. The big change we expect will be the inclusion of a 29" version. The previous version of the Dorado could pretty easily be run with a 29" wheel as there is no arch on the fork but we understand it had to be run at 180mm due to clearance issues.
The only other change we can see seems to be in the adjustments. Previously the dials were silver but now it looks like they are black and reshaped. Does this point to some new internals as well? Unfortunately we'll have to wait until the fork launches officially to find out.
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
In a discussion about this elsewhere on pb, DVO themselves commented and made it seem like their RSU fork was chosen for weight reasons (their inverted fork is heavy), and that they had something coming new. This was a few years ago, so idk if it will happen.
One of the most successful downhill teams ever on a bike that seemed to have no faults (at the time), they had a works suspension unit made specifically and only for their DH program and it was USD, which suggests someone who knew what they were on about thought it was a good platform.
- the Bandwagon
I’d say that’s more than apparent!
This awesome. Love my Dorado.
...and maybe an emotive "See me! I'm just like you!" speeches in front of the rabble.
Clemens Kaudela has a great instagram video up whipping and flipping this new one.
(P.S. I'm impressed with your powers of observation.)
I'm was always surprised ProCore never really took off in pure DH/Gravity applications. Although I never rode it, so maybe it ain't all that... ?
www.deaneasy.it/en/shop-deaneasy/tube-plus-kit
As pros did try it?
Problems reported in the beginning were exploding rims, and then they reduced the official recommended pressure in the inner tube from 6 to 4 bar, don't know how it looks with warranty stuff tho
So yeah, if you think the ProCore bundle is expensive and don't insist on using their tube, just get (for a pair of wheels)
- their blue inner tires
- their red airguides
- regular tubes for 1" wide tires
- rim tape (if not already taped)
- sealant (if you don't have some already)
I don't think it is any more expensive than other tire inserts. I personally never ran actual tubeless, just went straight from regular tubes to ProCore. I thought if I'm going through all this, I want to be able to run proper low pressures too without burping. Plus I want easy installation. As when inflated, the tube pushes the tire bead tight against the rim bead the tire is sealed instantly. You can install this with any mini-pump so a breeze with any track pump you have kicking around.
I'm just surprised Clemens is running the two valves just one spoke apart. As mentioned, I have them four spokes apart as that makes it easier to reach the valve with the pumphead. Eight spokes apart would work too of course, but I can imagine this would make it harder to install the tire as that would give you a longer run of center channel where you can't drop the tire bead into. I'd say four spokes apart is ideal.
Yes, I'm a Dorado nerd and Vital forumite
I’d probably buy one of these
My opinion on inverted forks is Fox’ engineers weren’t smart enough to find a way to build a stiff-enough usd fork. And Manitou found a way to build a good-enough fork - must be since everybody that have tried one, raves about it and doesn’t want to sell it. I’m on my 2nd Dorado and the only way i could be happier is if i get my hands on the next one!