Friday 20 March 2009

Return of the Dorado!



Remember the classic Manitou Dorado DH fork? Well it's back and the guy's over at Hotlines have got a heap of them ready to sell. If you've got a spare £2,399.99 and really want to tart up your race bike these could well be the thing for you....

Looking at the spec and the service you get a hell of a lot for your dolla. Here's the word:

"The 2009 Manitou Dorado MRD is a limited-production, hand-assembled, competition-level downhill fork. It is a technology centerpiece for Manitou and demonstrates their design, manufacturing, and performance capabilities. The product development cycle lasted approximately three years and incorporated ride testing with some of the top professional athletes in the world. Julien Camellini (UCI #10 ranking), Chris Kovarik (UCI #11 ranking), and Melissa Buhl (UCI #15 ranking) were the primary contributors in the athlete testing program. Production will be limited, and began in January of 2009.


The old school Dorado (above)

The fork weighs 2902g (6.4lbs) and utilizes a 36mm inverted design with outer legs constructed from a custom modulus carbon fiber. Maximum travel is 203mm, and the fork can also be converted for use at 180mm. A self-equilibrating air spring is used in conjunction with low-speed compression, TPC+ (high-speed compression), and rebound damping adjustments to provide a wide range of tuning capabilities. Each Dorado is carefully hand-assembled by expert technicians in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, where a database is maintained with information on each fork and its owner’s setup preferences.

Customers who purchase a new Dorado will receive two no-cost overhauls of their fork within the first two years of ownership. This service will be performed by qualified Manitou distributors. Each overhaul will include a complete tear-down and inspection, replacement of damper fluid, and replacement of all worn or damaged o-rings, dust wipers, and oil seals. The Dorado will be delivered in a sturdy, re-usable plastic case designed to protect the fork during transit.

Manitou Dorado Key Features-Dual layer carbon outer legs-36mm hard anodized stanchions-Internally adjustable travel between 180mm and 203mm-Self regulating positive and negative air springs-Advanced TPC+ damping-Hydraulic Bottom out and top out-20mm HexLock Thru-axle -International Standard integrated stem mounting-6.4 lbs (2902g) External Adjustments-Self regulating positive and negative air spring-Rebound adj. -Low-speed damping -High-speed damping

Included with the fork

- Both tall and short crowns
- 2 free services within the first two years of ownership
- Deluxe carry case
- Shock pump
- Detailed instructions on DVD for fork setup and tuning tips

For more information on the Dorado and your nearest retailer contact Hotlines: info@hotlines-uk.com"







- What do David Beckham and a set of Dorado's have in common?
- They both come in a posh box!

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