Manitou Mattoc Expert 2025 Fork

Lighter, stiffer, and more tunable than its competitors, the Mattoc is the desired component for all bikes. The Mattoc Expert should be on your bike not just because it can address all needs, but because it can improve the riding experience in a meaningful way.

The Expert version of #thepeoplesfork tips the scales at a scant 1770 grams yet is stiffer than nearly anything else available in its travel range. Translation: an extremely lightweight and efficient build whose industry-leading stiffness ensures precise and reactive handling ready to outperform any other product it is compared to.

The Manitou Expert boasts an Expert Air spring with IVA, and compression damping via the VTT-6P (Variable Terrain Tune) is Manitou's 6-position damper technology featuring a single external compression adjuster that simultaneously adjusts HS and LS damping characteristics.

It features a fixed shim stack and a secondary shim stack that is preloaded by the external adjuster. The resulting wide tuning range combines the benefits of a Low-speed platform and High-speed progressive tune can suit any terrain. From fire-road climbs to big flowy jump lines to high-speed chunky rocks, VTT-6P can adapt to all terrain with a flick of a switch.

Technology

VTT Variable Terrain Tune

Adjustments: 3-Position Compression Adjust.

When developing the VTT Pro damper Manitou set out with a goal to maintain a rock-solid lockout without compromising the open and mid settings. The downside to many dampers with firm lockout modes is that in any other position than lock-out you will reach some critical shaft velocity that choke off the low-speed flow path. When this happens the damper peaks at nearly the same lock-out force as the locked-out position. This translates to harsh force in the hands and possibly lack of control. The goal with VTT is to eliminate that high-speed spike while maintaining the lock-out force demanded by most XC users. This allows the fork to have a less progressive high-speed response while maintaining some low-speed support without getting wollowy. This is achieved thru independent shimstacks (One for Lockout, one for the other two positions). By controlling the shim stack through which the oil flow is diverted Manitou can manipulate the characteristic of the damper to be Lock-out, Digressive, or progressive to meet the demands of the rider and terrain.

IVA Incremental Volume Adjust

Incremental Volume Adjust (IVA) modifies the volume in the positive air chamber with self contained spacers dictating the position of the IVA piston. This allows the main air spring ramp-up to be tuned to the rider weight, style and conditions without the need for additional parts.

Chassis

What makes the Mattoc’s versatility even more amazing is that it comes without compromise. The "versatile specificity" of this fork means that it adapts perfectly to many disciplines and styles of riding and performs flawlessly in each and every one. The 34mm chassis represents best in class in terms of both weight and stiffness yet presents zero downsides for this strong, reliable and amazingly lightweight construction. The new Mattoc platform is 30% stiffer than the previous version and at 1750 grams for the Pro model it is both light and stiff enough for XC racing yet built not only to survive but thrive in situations all the way to light enduro.

Features

• 27.5-inch is 20g less than the previous model
• Over 19% stiffness increase from current 27.5-inch 160mm to new 27.5-inch 150mm. 29-inch Stiffness increases are higher
• Expert air allows for internal travel adjustments with no added parts. New travel spacers account for negative air volume change, so the 110mm fork has the same initial stroke feel as the 150mm
• Expert Air spring systems contain a unique balancing valve that equalises the positive and negative air chambers during the air fill process. This gives the spring rate a consistent feel without any flat or dead spots in the stroke, along with giving riders of different weights the same initial stroke feel. Expert Air has identical performance to DoradoTM Air in a more cost-effective package
• A single external compression adjuster that simultaneously adjusts HS and LS damping characteristics. It features a fixed shim stack and a secondary shim stack that is preloaded by the external adjuster. The resulting wide tuning range combines the benefits of a Low-speed platform and High-speed progressive tune can suit any terrain
• Trail Side Relief casting bleed screws allow users to release casting pressure from the fork. Casting pressure increase is normal, and extreme riding can increase the pressure at a fast rate. Temperature and elevation changes can also cause increased casting pressure. Releasing casting pressure can improve overall fork feel and small bump compliance

Specification

• Spring: Expert Air with IVA
• Compression Damping: VTT-6
• Rebound Damping: Open Cartridge Adjustable TPC
• Adjustments: Air, Air Volume, Rebound, 3-Position Compression (Open, Trail, Lock) With Open Mode Low Speed Compression Adjustment
• Steerer: 1.5" Tapered
• Crown: Forged Aluminium, Hollow Bore
• Leg Diameter: 34mm
• Leg Material: 7000 Series Butted Wall Aluminium
• Brake: Post Mount 160mm
• Axle: 15mm x 110mm Hexlock
• Max Tyre Size: 67mm
• Options: Mudguard Kit, TSR
• E-Bike Compatible: Yes
• Weight: 1740g-1760g