Manitou has announced a cheaper version of its Mezzer enduro fork, following the launch of the Sterling edition Mezzer.
The American mountain bike suspension brand now offers its enduro fork in an Expert version.
Although the Mezzer Expert retains much of the same structure found on Manitou’s Pro forks, it has slightly different internals.
The basic configuration delivers 140-180mm of travel, which can easily be adjusted in 10mm increments without requiring extensive bike mechanic knowledge.
Like the Mezzer Pro, this new Expert version is available for both 27.5 and 29-inch wheel sizes. Its uppers use the same 37mm diameter stanchions, delivering steering accuracy and front-wheel stability when tracking through rocky terrain.
The Expert also has the brand’s signature reverse arch, and the brake mount allows for rotors up to 223mm. Offset options are 37/44mm for the 27.5-inch Expert, while the 29in offers 44/51mm.
Simpler Damper
Where the Mezzer Expert differs from the Pro is its damper and adjustability. To create a more affordable version of its enduro fork, Manitou’s engineers and product planners swapped out the MC2 damper for a new design.
The Expert fork uses a VTT-6P damper, which unifies high and low-speed compression settings. Unlike the Mezzer Pro, which has separate adjustments for the high and low-speed compression circuits, the new Expert version offers a single knob that controls both.
Ultimately, compression fine-tuning is slightly less than you would have access to on a Mezzer Pro, but the Expert is a fair bit cheaper.
Both forks have similar structures and packaging so riders can upgrade to the MC2 damper as funds become available in their bike budget.
For riders who value the travel range and Manitou’s incremental volume adjuster air management system, the Mezzer is an appealing enduro fork.
Priced at $749.99, the Expert version is notably cheaper than Manitou’s $999.99 Mezzer Pro.
