Dirt jumpers and pump-track riders have their own set of needs for front suspension, and the $339 Manitou Circus Comp was created to address those needs. We have wanted to get time on this fork since we saw the prototype at the 2010 Sea Otter Classic.

Tech features: The Circus comes in Expert (air sprung) and Comp (coil sprung) versions. Our Comp delivered 3.1 inches of travel with an internal adjustment that could take it up to 3.9 inches. External adjustments include a mechanical spring preload, compression and Manitou’s TPC rebound. The axle is Manitou’s patented 20-millimeter hex design. The crown is a forged I-beam, and the lowers use Manitou’s reverse arch design. Our fork weighed 5.3 pounds with the aluminum steerer tube option. The fork uses a postmount brake setup. The fork is available in white or black, and Manitou throws in four sheets of stickers so you can customize the look of your Circus. You can reach Manitou at (888) 686-3472.


Field test results: We slipped the Circus Comp on our Haro Steel Reserve (see test in MBA, August 2010) without any fitment issues. Replacing the stock fork with the Comp shaved a half-pound off the front end of the bike. Manitou has used two tricks to add rigidity to their forks that are immediately apparent on the Circus Comp. The 20-millimeter hex axle adds muscle to pointing the front wheel where you want it to go, and then delivering on the promise. The reverse arch adds support further up the fork to reduce torsional flexibility. The movement of the fork is so smooth that you almost forget you are only dealing with a little over 3 inches of travel (that felt just right for our Haro). The external rebound and compression adjustment made the fork versatile enough for a number of different riding styles and rider preferences. It can be adjusted to ultra firm (all the way to lockout) for jumping, or you can dial in a bit more forgiveness for pump-track nights. We found the Circus to be an overlooked little gem.   Custom colors: The Manitou Circus Comp fork comes with four sheets of graphics so your fork can be tuned and styled to your preference. Daytona smooth: The Manitou Circus Comp fork was right at home on the banking of any pump track. The fork offers plenty of lateral stiffness, and its coil spring (instead of air) gets the job done.