THANKS for the great USEFUL reply!
Wow, thatks a ton for the real-world info about my fork.
There were only a few reviews on this fork on MTBR. And Not much vendor info. I couldn't even find anyone selling the 1.5 intrinsics, only the dual crown, and Travis single 150mm (1 1/8").
I have seen only 2 of these on Ebay in the last 6 months, both selling in the $450-$500 Range. I was glad to get this one for what i did, The breakout plus forks are selling between 200 and 250 now too, which isn't a bad deal either. I think the 1.5 just isn't catching on. Although it seems like some bike companies are sticking with it for a stronger frame/head tube, and a few new frames are using it. Just no new Fork brands except Manitou.
Forgive my ignorance, I am New England( RI) rider, and do some local FR/DH and trials, and a (very) few trips to NH/Vermont for some mountain trail riding. I didn't get a few of your apreviations: (WBP a bike park?) (rockface g-out ?- none of these near me i'm guessing).
My Breakout plus is also 180mm (adjustable 150-180), but i leave it at 180. I figured the travis would be about the same height. I don't mind a little extra height/rake, as the SGS FR bikes had steeper head angle than The DH bikes anyway (i rode a world cup frame , and liked the slacker angle). I never used the travel setting, so that's no problem, (less to go wrong).
I had the first version SVP on it, and didn't like it much. I thik my spring was too soft, and i didn't like the way the platform worked. I had to set it high to make up for the lack of spring. LAst year, I picked up a spare 2005 SVP-Evolve fork, but I didn't try it. I was also looking at converting it to TPC+, or sellin g it for one of these.
I weigh 225 plus, and i;'m not too smooth, so i thing the stiffer (STIFFEST) spring is definately in order. Are the parts switchable with the breakout (Cartridges, springs, ect). If You end up sellin gyour TPC+ cartridge If it fits the Breakout, (if manitou doesn't take it back) I would be interested in buying it, and converting my breakout as a back-up fork if i need to send my travis in for service. How much would one be from Manitou be if i buy it directly, there aren't any manitou parts dealers near me.
Except for the breakout (which i have not had servced), This is the first manitou fork i have had in about 5 years. But the service on the last one was great. They sent me two free spring/elastomer kits to upgrade my Palmer Stroker SX ti fork for my weight right after i bought it (A supergo closeout)
Did they charge you for any of the parts/service or ahas it all been under warranty? Do you know if they would exchange a new spring for free if i take it out and send it back right away while it's still new? I'll keep the 07 cartrige in mind if i blow mine up. but is sounds like it would last me longer if i change the spring straight off. Anyone in particular i should talk to at MAnitou?
Thanks.
-TOm