Im still not to sure about Manitou. In my opinion, for the last few years the're product has been below the market standard for performance and durability. When I worked at a shop and we would constantly get Manitou product back because the damping system or whatever broke. Because of this and there performance, they have really lost their street credit. Not too many companies have been building their bikes with the product. In addition, riders in general really haven't been sporting there product as well. In-fact for the last two years its almost like Manitou dropped out of the market. They also lost a chunk of their team riders to Fox Racing Shox. I have a feeling most of them switched for reasons other than money. Even if this fork is the best thing since sliced bread, I don't see how its gonna get them back in the game at that price point. You buy a pretty nice ride for $2800, and it will probably come with a good fork too! Not everyone rides world cup and has end less pockets. Bottom line if Manitou expects to get back in the game they need to release good competitive products that are reasonably affordable. I think Fox and Rock shox have the ticket. I just hope Fox doesn't sell out in the future and start manufacturing over seas. That would suck.