Submitted by
arigo
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: September 25, 2009
Favorite Trail:
many XC trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
germany
Strengths:
Very good fork performance
easy to use LO & ETA & rebound
reliable
very reasonable price.
Weaknesses:
none so far
ZAG bearly move at my weight 68kg
Similar Products Used:
tora302 XCM suntour rst
Bike Setup:
GT avalanche 1.0 LX components, MAvic 717 & XT
Bottom Line:
best fork for under 200$ price.
Didnt find yet a better one for XC uses!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave L
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$140.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Smooth, great value, not much flex if any, very reliable, ETA feature works great, excellent build quality, look great!
Weaknesses:
Just a little overweight, but I still love em.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Rock Shox, Manitou
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
An outstanding fork, especially for the money. I bought these preowned on ebay based on what I had read here on the mtbr site. They were like new in original box with manual. Almost as smooth as my Fox forks and WAY MORE RELIABLE. So far, no reliability issues at all. I highly recommend these forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham Date Reviewed: May 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Black route at glentress
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Insurance replacement
Strengths:
Reliability
Weaknesses:
They are a bit heavy if that worries you. Lack of a range of springs
I was give these as an insurance replacement for some nicked Judys.
I've ridden them on average twice a week for the last 3 years and they have been ace.
They have been totally predictable and reliable at all times, what more can you aske for?
All I've had to do to them is change the oil 4 times, this takes about half an hour once you know what you are doing and is pretty easy now.
I'm about 14 stone with all my riding kit on and there is only one spring available. When you use the air spring to increase the spring rate it prevents you from getting the full travel. So they only get 100mm of travel.
All in the fact I've ridden these hard and they still have no problems makes me happy:)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete Creswell
a Cross Country Rider
from Paoli PA USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I can't think of any. Whey work... but they're *supposed* to work... and they don't work all that wonderfully for me.
Weaknesses:
My experience is that user servicing of seals is not realistic. I bought Marzocchi partially because somebody somewhere in a magazine review touted them as being the most user-servicable - but that article was few years back.
Their instructions say "Pry the dust seal up with a small screwdriver". No way Jose'.... those suckers are about welded in there. Others I've corresponded with report the same.
And, maybe a nit - but these are supposed to be technical people writing these instructions - what, pray tell, is a "small" screwdriver??? They could have said something like "5 mm to 7 mm wide.
After removability of seals, we have price.
Four seals: $45.00. The same kit for a Fox fork is $15.
Also, a few other things: -------------------------------------------------- 1) The rebound adjusters on both my Pro shocks spontaneously loosened and fell off. I'd opine that they should have been set in LocTite at the factory
2) The schraeder valve for airing up the shock is recessed. Makes it difficult to get a pump screwed on/off without losing excessive pressure.
3) The manual is *bad*. There's just nothing positive to say about it.
4) I never could get the rebound set the way I want it. Basically, I want to be able to descend a trail where they've put in railroad ties to control erosion - creating a sort of stairway - without bouncing out of control. They were just too boingy-boingy. Probably some kind of adjustment thing on my part, but I never could get them to work under those conditions.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi X-Fly 100, Cannondale Lefty.
Bottom Line:
The price is low, but they rape you on the replacement/overhaul parts and the manual sucks canal water.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maxlude
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: July 21, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles
Strengths:
looks good...lovely smooth stroke and adjustable rebound does not bottom out or snap to extension...ETA...Price...i bought a close out as its the practically the same as the 2004/5 model just different colors...and got a Marzocchi low pressure pump and WrenchForce High pressure pump too :P
Weaknesses:
ETA lever is fragile...i used loctite on it and the rebound adjuster before fitting on bike...also i find the bottom of fork legs are a bit flexy for me...im 160lbs and have air prssure set to 30psi with rebound 1 turn to +
Similar Products Used:
Not many but chose these forks from the reviews on this website.
Bike Setup:
Voodoo zobop full suspension...Titec bars/seat post...Race face stem...WTB SpeedV saddle...Mavic rims...shimano gears/brakes.
Bottom Line:
i like these forks...gives lots better control and comfort than my modded to the limit RS Indy's! They take about 100miles to bed in and loosen up...has never leaked any air since i've had them...i dont really like Italian made equipment usually...but Marzocchi is the real deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mel Timtiman
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Pinas, Manila, Philippines Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Sta Rosa, Mt. Isarog,
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
King's. Look for Jane. She"ll give you a good price. She's pretty too!!!
Strengths:
Nice design and color, ETA is the best feature. Loaded it with 45 psi and at 170 lbs., it performed perfectly compared to the Judy TT. I ride about 15 miles of trail every weekend and I don't get the feeling of numbness or pain on my arms. No problem with rocks and boulders and even sudden pot holes. It can even handle 3 to 4 feet jumps but I dont recommend that. Will upgrade soon to the 2004 model for longer travel
Weaknesses:
ETA lever has the tendency to fall off. Loctite it but be careful not to put too much. My lever got stuck and had to turn it using a plier. After some turning it softened up and is just perfect.
Best fork at a very reasonable price. Highly recommended for weekend warriors and cross country riders. Want to conquer Mr. Mayon with my zocchi in March, 2005 if it doesn't blow its peak before that month.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
EDDIE JONES
a Cross Country Rider
from GARDENDALE, AL Date Reviewed: September 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Oak Mtn State Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$359.00
Purchased At:
Bike Link
Strengths:
Awesome adjustability. Stiff, no flex. ETA
Weaknesses:
The little plastic nob to adjust the rebound fell off on the 2nd ride but you can still adjust it with the right size socket. No biggie.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Xvert, Headshok Fattly DL
Bike Setup:
1999 Super V 1000 SL with MX Pro with ETA, XTR rear and XT front, Rhyno-lite XL rims with XT hubs, Pazazz seatpost, Raceface cranks, Flite gel ti seat, good and evil grips, gripshift, IRC Kujo tires, Cane Creek headset, XTR v-brakes
Bottom Line:
I am a clydesdale (280lbs) and this bike with this fork and wheels has held up admirably to anything that I throw at it. The adjustability is awesome. Just air up the shock to set preload adjust the rebound to full slow and you can take on just about anything. The quality s second to none. I doubt even a Fox would be as stiff and plush. And rock shox and manitou have nothing in this price range that even comes close.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Cael
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Submarine Rock, Sedona , AZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
internet shop out of business now
Strengths:
This fork works very well once you get the thing setup right. Had to play with the rebound damping a bit to find a good setting. Fork has great looks. I really like the lockout feature for climbing.
Weaknesses:
Fork is on the heavy side. Does not have compression damping adjustment. Rebound damping adjuster knob came off and was lost on one of the first rides with it. The manual should have more information on setting up the fork damping.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Mag 20, Judy SL, Girvin Fork.
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade, Marzocchi MX Pro , SRAM 9.0, Mavic 217, Hope Hubset, Hope Mini disc brakeset. Raceface Prodigy crankset, Easton carbon hb and sp. WTB saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork for the price and seems to soak up the bumps fairly well. I have not used to many different forks so cannot be a very good judge. I think that the Marzocchi manufacturing quality is very good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
EP @my shop
Strengths:
Light enough w/ that smooth Marzocchi ride. ETA is a lifesaver...best innovation for yrs to come. Stiff,STRONG Good customer service
Weaknesses:
plastic eta lever, rebound adjust(fell off...) and air cap 60mm of travel = 40 oz. haze
Similar Products Used:
judy's, shermans, blacks, newer RS garbage
Bike Setup:
03 AC, 04 mx pro w/eta, atomlab, raceface,thomson, hugi, xt
Bottom Line:
bought this fork as an EP and slapped it on my cad4 hardtail. This forked was buttery smooth and stuff. The flex (matted to a good stuff hub of course)is slim at best. The ETA really is amazing. You can have all mountain absorbtion and still climb like a HT. I have ridden alot of forks and Marzocchi is the only way to go. They are a bit heavier then other forks in the price range, but it is completely worth it. Can't even really tell the difference unless your on a scale. The only beef i had was that the ETA lever is a lil piece of plastic along with the rebound knob (which i lost on the trail)Got a new FS frame for 04 and as soon as i found out that 04 models are up to 120mm travel, i had to get myself one. Locked tited that rebound adjuster before i mounted the fork. The new ETA lever looks pimp and is no longer plastic. Nice play Marzocchi. Basically, this is a great fork for agressive all mountain use. The new 04 is sure to be better yet.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano Date Reviewed: March 14, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Joplin and San Juan Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
PRICE POINT.COM
Strengths:
I highly recommend this shock. Nothing comes close in its class. ETA works great!
Weaknesses:
None! Everything about this shock works well.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z2 Atom, Fox RL Float
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg Primo
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend this shock. Nothing comes close in its class. ETA works great! GREAT SHOCK! I had it for about a month and I took it for a few rides and it works great. I love it! If you buy a XC shock, this is all you need. The105mm can be brought down to 85mm and the 120mm can be brought down to 105mm. the steer is bomb proof.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chucky
a Cross Country Rider
from Western US Date Reviewed: February 17, 2004
Favorite Trail:
rocky and fast!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$199.50
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
2003 105mm. Great action - sucks up rough when needed, but not "squishy". Has taken everything I've given it - 2 to 3ft drops (160lbs). If it were a $500 shock I'd be happy, but I got got mine for $199.
ETA is GREAT! I love that I can reduce the height of the shock for hills and maintain two inches of travel while locked out!
Weaknesses:
Plastic ETA lever is a joke. Replace it with a 4mm wing nut and star washer before you break it and lose the screw. Be CAREFUL removing the bottom dampner screw - I know someone who blew the entire cartrigde while unscrewing (to add loctite) with FINGER pressure alone! Hold that plastic cap w/ pliers while working the alen wrench!
Bottom Line:
Probably the best deal out there for under $500. Get one - you'll dig it! Especially now that there is a 120mm version! Sure hope price doesn't go up!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver,WA,USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Newberry Caldera, OR
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Looks really cool. Lockout feature with small amount of travel. Convenient air pressure service point. Excellent installation and maintenance manual.
Weaknesses:
On the heavy side. Damper adjuster knob fell off on first ride.
2002 Titus Switchblade,Fox Float RLC, SRAM gripshift and rear derail,Mavic/Hope wheelset, Hope Mini Disc, Chris King HS.
Bottom Line:
This has been a great fork so far. Nicely smooths out large to small bumps. Fork is a bit heavy at over 4 lbs. Quality of manufacturing is very nice. The only problem I've had so far is loosing the plastic damper adjustment knob whick basically just snaps into the bottom of the damper cartridge internal hex socket. I can still use an allen wrench to make adjustment. I recommend this fork to anyone who would like a great deal and a top performing fork that is not to weight conscious.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig Manning
a Weekend Warrior
from Sparks NV USA Date Reviewed: November 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$359.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Stiffness, Coil spring, ETA
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
Duke XC, Judy, all the way down to the MAG 20
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 90, Avid Mechanical discs, Mavic 317's
Bottom Line:
Superior fork, compared to the Duke XC, seems like I bought the Duke at K-Mart. Irons out everything on the trail, big hits, small bumps, braking bumps, tracks like it is on rails, was worried about changing from 80mm travel to 105 mm travel but actually made the bike handle better. ETA is great for climbing, makes climbing steep, loose hills a piece of cake. Had read about te ETA knob falling off and it was loose when the fork arrived, but I used loctite on it when I installed it and it had stayed put. Was considering a Fox, but for half the money, I got a fork the I think outperforms the Fox
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendan Brendan
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Skegg's
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
Plush, Bomb proof. Set it and forget. Air and coil. Stiff. ETA is great. The price.
Weaknesses:
4.2 lbs. is heavier than the fox floats, I don't think that I am getting full 100 mm of travel.
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL 1996
Bike Setup:
Superlight, xt,
Bottom Line:
Even though it is a bit heavier than the fox floats it is so much cheaper, if your on a budget, than get this fork. I wanted a Fox, but am so happy with this fork that I don't regret the weight. I am don't think that I am getting all of the 100mm of travel, but the jump up from a 60 mm judy travel fork is ridiculous. The ETA works very well for climbs, or sprinting out of the saddle. I changed out the plastic, with a link from an old chain and it works great. Buy this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
bike-components.de
Strengths:
rigid looks good ETA
Weaknesses:
Tad heavy
Similar Products Used:
stock fork
Bike Setup:
XT allover,X3.1 rims,dt hubs,martas
Bottom Line:
Great fork. i do a lot of uphill cycling and did not want complete lockout.MZ marathon sl was my wish but this fork is great and only costs half as much.Brilliant for disc brakes.A few 100grams lighter would be nice , but for the price i can not complain.Eta is great , quick and easy to use. Fork is really forgiving , if you make a mistake you can rely on this fork to rescue you.Has not bottomed out ,ever.No air loss so far. GREAT BUY!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Upper Bidwell
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
Hammer Head
Strengths:
NO FLEX. EASY SET UP.
Weaknesses:
NEED TO LOCK TITE SMALL SCREWS.A TAD HEAVY MAYBE.
Similar Products Used:
SEVERAL ROCKSHOCK AND TWO MANITOU FORKS
Bike Setup:
KONA DAWG.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP.This fork is awesome.I am a Enduro style rider.I like technical riding and I choose products for durability and customer service.I lost the rebound knob and needed brake bosses for another fork.Marzocchi sent me the parts I needed in a week at a reasonable price.WOW THEY DEALT WITH ME DIRECTLY. I have a Psylo XC on my hardtail and the fork needs parts to fix it.Rockshock will not deal with customers directly and I have had enough of it.It will be replaced soon with the Marzocchi on my Dawg I am buying the new Marzocchi Pro with 120 mm for the Dawg. The ETA is awesome.It works outstanding for climbing.This fork was the easiest set up of any fork I have used.Simple to dial in.The air coil setup is brillant.Air allows easy adjustment for rider weight.You could argue it is heavy but no flex.This is the stiffest fork I have ever owned.I feel for trail riding this is the real deal.The price and performance cannot be beat.I will buy only Marzocchi from now on.I like this fork so much I am buying the 120 mm version and putting this one on my hardtail to Replace the broken Psylo. I
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DLH
a Cross Country Rider
from Washington, USA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Simple to set up and dial in -- substantial feel with little flex - minimal bob when climbing in full travel - no bob climbing in ETA mode.
Weaknesses:
Screws on ETA and rebound tend to work their way out - locktight them.
Similar Products Used:
Practically every fork known to man. .. way too many really.
Bottom Line:
I have owned 5 Marzocchi's, 3 Fox Forx, 4 RockShox etc.. This fork for a cross country rider is an excellent choice. ETA works --- I don't really know why other fork builders lock their shock out at full travel, when reduced travel is more efficient for climbing. I tend to set my fork up a little stiff - so small bump absorbtion suffers a little - but can be set up very plush. It is a great technical terrain @ low speed fork - front end can be picked up and placed exactly where you want it -- NO FLEX -- certainly less flex and less climbing bob than the Fox offerings, particularly the 120mm version. At speed the fork works very well and has a solid confident feel. There is a better high speed, big terrain fork out there -- and it is called a Marzocchi Z1 ETA -- if you want to go big go there -- if you want 100mm+/- this is your fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes.com
Strengths:
separates the men from the boys. excellent fork in every way. adjustable rebound nice. adjustable pressure also nice. ETA way cool and oh so simple and easy, even while riding.
Weaknesses:
for the money it could be lighter. 4.3 pounds is too heavy for a gram counter. true, technology requires higher prices but 4.3 pounds?? for the price i would think 3.7 or so would be more enticing to the sceptic. oh well, it is still a damn good fork regardless, so i'll shut up now
Bike Setup:
EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Bottom Line:
extremely adjustable, responsive, good looking, and screams "give me your worst!" all in one package. also, the manual is nicely laid out and easy to read. like i stated above: for the price paid, it would be nice to see it go on a diet. Manitou's skareb is priced close to the MX Pro and is a clean 1.3 pounds lighter. it also commands a strong rating from riders like us. Marzoochi is netorious for damn good forks, but the consumer will not tolerate "engineering laziness". hella good fork, though. but don't pay full price, wait until it goes on sale or something.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Orton
a Downhiller
from Reno, Nevada,USA Date Reviewed: August 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
anything going down
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Smooth, Responsive,air coil blend is sweet, gentle to the touch, but likes the beatings,ETA kicks
Weaknesses:
Rebound nob sticks if overturned
Similar Products Used:
manitou black, rock shox duke, marzocchi Z3
Bike Setup:
specialized enduro pro,xt components, heavy duty xc/freeride
Bottom Line:
Buy this shock! I do enough xc to justify the air side and more than enough freeride to need the coil side. I wasn't sure about having any air. But this shock eats up the jumps and drops.My rear shock has a lock out and with the ETA, the bike turns into a billy goat. It is easy to use on the fly, so I can switch quickly to turn back into a plush downhill ride. Anyone looking for a smooth ride that will take a good sized hit needs this shock. If you are strickly a downhill rider, you will want something with abit more give to it. But overall a fork this nice is a beautiful thing.5 flaming dog poos from me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
enver
a Cross Country Rider
from zagreb Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
sljeme
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
unbelivable strenght,no latteral movement what so ever,great damping,very plush,lots of travel
Weaknesses:
rebound adjuster knob can and will jam if overturned,bit on the heavy side but ill get used to it
Similar Products Used:
manitou sx-r,sid-xc all of them are not even near to the marzocchi exprience
Bike Setup:
cannondale xt,lx and stuff
Bottom Line:
just buy the damn thing
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Hall
a
from Maine Date Reviewed: August 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
The Bog
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
Ski Rack (Bangor)
Strengths:
The color is so cool it look so pimp on my Kona Dawg. The eta lever is very usefull for those climbs that seem to never end. The wieght which is really reasonable for the cost of the fork. The fork also seems very smooth after a short break in period.
Weaknesses:
The eta lever was not on good when i first got it.(it fell off int the first 15 mins of my ride) oh well not a real problem i just locktited it down and it has not been an issue since.
Similar Products Used:
MArs EXR (stock) got hit by a car so i got a new fork weeeeeeeee
Bike Setup:
Dawg with a bunch of stuff
Bottom Line:
Great fork works really well in the Maine enviornment and i cant say this enough i love i love it. Alot
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Serge Viau
a Weekend Warrior
from Rancho Santa Margarita,CA Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
The Path Bike shop
Strengths:
Great overall product
Weaknesses:
ETA lever, An aluminum lever is available for $3 at www.thepathbikeshop.com
Similar Products Used:
Rockshock Jett --> Bad
Bike Setup:
KHS Comp ST, soft tail.
Bottom Line:
I am a big guy and It works great. I bottomed my old fork a few times, it never happened with this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
steve3
a Cross Country Rider
from long island ny Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
adrenaline-the best!!!
Strengths:
Stiff, maintainance free (almost), smooth. ETA is a practical feature
Weaknesses:
Some may want to slow the rebound with 10wt fluid.
Similar Products Used:
Marz only!
Bike Setup:
tomac 98 pro
Bottom Line:
This fork is light years ahead of my 99 z3 100mm. Stiffer, better damping, better seals. ETA simply works, better than compression lockouts. Fit and finish is great. Beautiful design. My break in period was minimal. I was sketchy about air at first, I weigh 190 and am an aggressive rider, but others told me that this 1/2 air fork can take it. SO far 200+ tough miles with no problems. It's great that Marz gives you this much in a competitive price range.
BUY FROM ADRENALINE PRO SHOP!!! They are the best. You call up Jenson and they say make a deal in their ads, but it isn't true. Adrenaline gives you the best price and always gives a fair deal.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
BOB
a Cross Country Rider
from Marysville CA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Upper bidwell Chico
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Hammer head cycles
Strengths:
Simple design.Stiff plush.Very simple to adjust.Works very nice.
Weaknesses:
Plastic ETA lever.
Similar Products Used:
Psylo R .I have owned several forks but only one other air fork.3 manitou forks also
Bike Setup:
Kona Dawg.All XT drive train with Race face cranks.Salsa 44 tooth bash ring.Salsa semi rims Xt hubs.Deore discs.Marzocchi Mx pro fork.
Bottom Line:
For the money fantastic.I tryed to like the Marzocchi MXR fork on my Dawg.The lack of rebound and not very plush made me look at replacing it.I read alot of reviews and went with the MX Pro.I am sure you could spend more and get a little better performance.But why. I am a trail rider who loves technical riding.I ride hard 3 to 4 days a week.I am on a budget that is why I boubht this fork.I think for seriuos trail riding this fork is simply awesome.I have a 2001 Psylo R which has one rebuild on it(on wifes bike now).It is a okay fork but required a bit of time to dial in.The MX Pro is easy to dial in.Very simple fork yet really nice performance.I have not had the fork very long but I have taken it to Upper bidwell a few times now and it just works really nice.If you have ever ridden in Chico Upper bidwell you know it is very technical.Boulder fest.The fork outperforned every other fork I have ever owned in the rough. I will thrash it on the BMX track, urban riding, and alot of burly trail riding.I will post a follow up review but my inital thrashing says awesome.I really like it. I bought the fork because of the reviews here.I bought my Kona dawg because of the reviews here.Everything that has been well reviewed here that I have purchased has held up.This web site is valuable to the budget thrasher.High price and high tech gizmo crap does not always mean better. Almost forgot the Eta is awesome.Fantastic and way better then any lockout.This fork is value packed performance.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marino
a
from edmonton Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Bottom Line:
hey everybody this is just an update to my previous review....as mentioned before this is a rad fork for any bike... but here comes the bad news... I have been chatting on and off with several store trying to get a replacement eta lever ( having one custom made was silly expensive ) and found out that the distributor is totaly sold out and severly back ordered ( big freakin surprise )and to buy the actual zocchi part is like 15-20 bucks canadian, so I had nothing to do but use my creative genius and here is what I have come up with. This part is about a million times better and stronger...AND the best PART IS THAT IT WILL COST AROUND A DOLLAR!!!! heres what you do you go to the local rona or revy or home depot and you buy: 1 (m3*16mm) machine screw; 1 3or4mm wing nut ( the lower profile the better ): 1 3mm lock washer and 1 3mm nut... best to get stainless for obvious reasons... now put the wingnut onto the screw upside down and screw on the nut underneath the wingnut and then slide the lock washer on and then screw the entire asembly into the eta module ( you will probably have to grind the screw down just a bit for a good snug fit so play with it) now you have a really good replacement eta lever, i used a dremel to reces the screw head and the nut into the wingnut macking the entire device very low profile and it works like a dream, it is solid and much easier to grab and use then that piece o sh#%$t that the fork comes with,,, if any one has any questions about this or it doesn't make sense email me and I will email you a diagram, explaining more thoroughly....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003
Favorite Trail:
gridley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$205.00
Purchased At:
employee deal
Strengths:
many
Weaknesses:
As has been noted countless numbers of times, eta knob is made to break, and it's placement causes it to be accidentally tripped constantly.
Bottom Line:
I have never used a better fork for what I do. I am 100% certain that any 4 or five inch travel fork from Rock Shox or Manitou will not work as good as the MX pro from Marzocchi, or any zocchi for that matter. I am not sure why exactly why this forks work so well, and forks like the Manitou Black Elite (original equipment on my bike) suck so bad. Amazingly, the competitors will charge you more for a comparably inferior piece of machinery. This fork does what a suspension fork is supposed to do. It erases small to medium sized bumps and softens the big hits, and it works better the faster you go. The only forks that work as well are those made by Fox, and those are very pricey. I reccomend this fork for any rider, minus the weight weenie SID having type. If you have a Manitou or Rock Shox fork, swap it out for this one, or the MX comp, and you will not believe the difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Katy, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Rocky Hill Ranch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint.com
Strengths:
Stiff, great action, lots of travel (105mm), great on small and big hits, ETA lockout on hills
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side, ETA lever is plastic, rebound adjuster knob screw was loose from the factory
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float 100 RLC, Marzocchi Z5 Air, various Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
2001 Gary Fisher Sugar 4, XT F&R, and STI pods, Cane Creek C2 headset, SRAM PC 99 chain, Avid SD 7 brakes, Truvative Firex crank, XT BB, Salsa Shaft seatpost, WTB Speed V saddle, Bontrager Mustang rims, XT hubs, Panaracer Fire, Cane Creek AD 5, stock bar & stem, Serfas Connector grips
Bottom Line:
Great fork for the price. Take out the ETA lever screw and the rebound knob screw and put blue LocTite on them, then resassemble before riding.
Tried it for the first time at Rocky Hill last Sunday. Lots of rocks (1 uphill that's basically baseball sized loose rocks for a mile) to try it out on. Rode 16+ miles of singletrack with lots of up and down elevations, creek beds, and fast, rough, double-track downhills. On the rough it makes the bike more stable. Big hits on sharp step-ups don't blow through the travel. Nice and plush, takes the edge off well. I weigh 195 plus gear. Ran 45 lbs pressure in the air leg, rebound set about 1/2 way in from full out. Rebound works very well. Descents were a breeze. Flat sections and longer uphills were greatly improved with the ETA with it's 30mm travel locked out. Overall, I'm very impressed.
Nearly as good as the Fox Float for far less money. Slightly less stiff, and travel quality on the broken in Fox is a bit better. I'm hoping that break-in makes it better, and if so, it will be about the best upgrade I've made to the bike. Reliabilty with my Marzocchi Z5 Air previously on the bike was outstanding, so I'm expecting nothing less here. That fork did not leak air in 2 1/2 years.
I recommend this fork to anyone who wants a quality cross country fork for a great price; especially anyone who wants to keep from spending more on springs (Dukes need springs for anyone over 160 lbs.), and wants a flex-free fork (SID is too flexy for anyone over about 165 lbs.) or whoever can't get their hands on a Fox Float.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: June 27, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Feels good so far during the break-in period. ETA works nicely uphill (no problems yet with the lever).
Weaknesses:
Plastic Rebound Dial, extended maintenance
Similar Products Used:
Judy Rock Shox, Manitou
Bike Setup:
FS
Bottom Line:
I haven't used it enough to really give a review, but before my 4th ride, when I went to adjust the rebound, I noticed that the entire adjustment assembly (plastic dial and interior screw) were gone. Also, the manual says that after every ride you have to pry off both dust caps, blow some compressed air inside the seals, then spray some silicon grease. I'm not a bike mechanic and hate to mess around too much with my bike so for me this is a negative. Otherwise, it works fine and am looking forward to when this thing really breaks in. Would give 5 chilis but for the damage to the rebound control. If anyone has had similar problem or has a suggestion, please post on thi board.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Spain Date Reviewed: June 25, 2003
Scott Expert Racing, XT Hydraulics, Mavic, XT F/R derailleur.
Bottom Line:
Good-looking fork. The ETA helps when climbing but I thing this fork is more for climbing down, we feel secure and going fast this fork swallow everything. Great fork for jumps, may be too heavy for only 105mm. Unfortunately the feeling on level ground is worst, small bumps are not absorbed and make the long distance outings uncomfortable. For XC choose smth lighter.
Good Product for overall use, good working quality.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MarkMass
a Weekend Warrior
from Massachusetts, MA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vietnam
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Plush, reliable, low-maintenance, linear travel with the coil plus the benefits of air preload, stiff, consistent manufacturing. General availability from distributors.
Weaknesses:
Plastic ETA lever and no shock pump.
Similar Products Used:
'00 Marz Atom Bomb, '98 RS Judy, '02 RS Sid SL
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur Ano, '02 XTR shifters/brake levers/cranks/ derailleurs, Avid CPS disc brakes, King headset, RaceFace Deus stem, RaceFace low-riser bar, Thompson Elite seapost, Serfas saddle w/Ti rails, custom wheelset with SRAM 9.0 hubs
Bottom Line:
This fork rocks on my Blur! The increased travel and Marz reliability has allowed me to do things that I wouldn't try before (the SC Blur helps aswell)!
Typical Marzocchi plushness and reliability at the cost of added weight. You can't go wrong here.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Arnold Schnitzelgruber
a Cross Country Rider
from München Date Reviewed: June 14, 2003
The Marzocchi MX Pro (without ETA) I have is one of the best forks you can buy. It is plush, stiff, has a wider range of rebound adjustment, and looks great.
What else is to say? Buy one, or I come over and beat the s.hit out of you b.astards!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marino
a Cross Country Rider
from edmonton canada Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
kicks huge ass
Weaknesses:
damned palstic eta lever
Similar Products Used:
lots of stuff fox, rs, mantitou, high end and low end stuff
Bike Setup:
really sweet 853 steel pimped right out
Bottom Line:
this is a really wocked fork... it is super plush, sucks up anything that you could ever throw at it and still begs for more,,, just like others have written, you will find yourself looking for ugly sh@%#t to ride over just to feel this fork work its magic... an example I just got back from two hours of seriously gnarly trails, full of roots, like riding on railroad ties....just ugly...but this fork loved it and made riding throught that mess like riding on some regular old single track......but I do have to complain about two things #1 the eta lever is a very pathetic joke,,, why the hell is it made of plastic?? I am in the proces of having a dial type of lever machined since I already broke the factory lever off ( big piss off ) and #2 I guess a minor gripe would be that you aren't given a shock pump like some other manufacturers are doing...big deal you can get one for around 40 bucks canadian... Bottom line this is a super rad fork and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a solid xc fork that you can ride all day, and still beg for more... beautiful fork looks hot and rides like a sweet young college coed... awesome
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, Oh Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Smoothness, ease of use (one easy to turn switch)
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
RS Judy TT (came stock)
Bike Setup:
GT Idrive, Marz, Cane Creek, Mostly Stock
Bottom Line:
Well worth the money. I'm not much for specifics, but I could really tell a difference (to my surprise). The Judy catapulted me into the ER, but not the Marz, smooth... Haven't really got the feel for using the ETA, but it works pretty easy. Great upgrade, and not over the top for the price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
LUVIN_XC
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
PLUSH...PLUSH...PLUSH. Took like 5 or 6 rides to break in shock. But was better out of box than any RS, Fox, or Manitou for sure. Best shock out.
Weaknesses:
ETA lever is plastic. Had a better one made at a local machine shop. Doesn't come with pump, (like US $35 more).
Similar Products Used:
RS (tried Most), Vanilla, all junk
Bike Setup:
99 Fisher Joshua, all XT comp, Cane Creek Cloud Nine Rear.
Bottom Line:
These new zokes are the best shock around. Would have paid double or more for this kind of quality. The MX Comp and Pro are the best series for XC ever. I also agree with the big guy factor stated earlier. This shock has worked for me perfectly and I'm also a guy over 6 foot and about 235 lbs. This shock just gets better with time. Way to go Zokie!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dorfpunk
a
from germany Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
my local forest trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
320
Strengths:
Stiff, smooth, easy to dial in and looks better than any other (non marzocchi) fork. ETA is much better than expected and way better than themagazine reviews I have read for it.
Weaknesses:
Plastic ETA lever. 98mm travel - nothing wrong with 98mm but it says 105 on the box. Disc cable holder useless with anything larger than road tires
Similar Products Used:
rock shox psylo xc and sl, RS jett, Manitou SX - LT
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized enduro with some added bits and pieces
Bottom Line:
Great fork - best I've used by far. Find it almost disturbing that its this good out of the box and these forks are meant to get better over time.
Looking for a new fork I wanted a slightly longer fork than before but with some kind of length(travel adjustment for climbing, a pre load that works and the strength to make me confident in harsh conditions. This fork totally meets the requirements.
If you are thinking about getting this fork I'd recommend it BUT first check your crown to drop out length. This fork is about an inch longer than my old 100mm Manitou so if you are going up from 80mm it will be a big jump.
This fork is for aggressive XC, light freeride and touring (epic ride stuff). If you are into big jumps get a Z1 if you want to race get a marathon but if you are somewhere in between this may be the fork for you.
Not the lightest, not THE best but the best you'll get for the $$$
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen
a
from Boise, Id USA Date Reviewed: May 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Hulls Gulch
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
Idaho Mountain Touring
Strengths:
Adjustability and stability on trail. No pressure inconsistancies. Longer travel.
Weaknesses:
ETA Arm is plastic. Color, wish they would allow you to choose.
Similar Products Used:
RS Sid, Psylo, Judy
Bottom Line:
If you are a guy over 220 lbs, this is the shock for you. The external rebound control is a great addition. It's responsive when you need and stiff when you don't. Best shock I've ever ridden. I'm 240 lbs, I've given this shock every thing I could throw at it, and it just keeps coming back for more!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Cross Country Rider
from Perth, WA, Australia Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lots
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
N/A
Strengths:
I was a bit skeptical at first but after trying this fork out I have decided the ETA is a godsend. Looks great, plush plush plush even at 80mm. (didn't dial it out to 105mm) I haven't ridden it on an XC trail (borrowing this bike for a week) but it's great on the road and going over and dropping off kerbs (curbs). Not the best way to test it, I know, but it's not my bike :)
Weaknesses:
Plastic ETA lever looks flimsy, and it would be better if it was a remote lockout.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Six Sport (Broke it a couple of days ago)
Bike Setup:
Merida XC Mission Speed frame, XT Hydro discs, XT shifters, XT front/XTR rear mech, RaceFace Forged cranks, VP-133 pedals (mine), Mavic X223's on M-475 hubs w/ Hayes 6" rotors (mine also). Titec Enduro flat bar, Mike mini barends, Mike Light Stem, Mike light post, Mike Saddle. (Bike is a loaner from a mate at my LBS while I wait for a replacement fork for my Raceline Comp, hence the swapping around of some parts)
Bottom Line:
Great fork for XC racing. (The person who owns the bike races Elite class Men's XC) Apart from the Placcy ETA lever and not having a remotely locatable lockout (minor gripes really) the only other thing I can fault with this fork is that I don't own one. :)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Howeler
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Lower Rock Creek or Noble
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$269.00
Strengths:
Solid handling little if any flex. Quality travel. Looks real purrty too.
Weaknesses:
Possibly the plastic ETA lever.
Similar Products Used:
Z1
Bike Setup:
00' Enduro FSR
Bottom Line:
The original Manitou SX LT that come on the bike was truly a wet noodle flexy fork...a poor product.
I think that this new MX series is going to really hurt the other manufacturers. This fork is a great epic XC fork -ride it hard all day long. The price/performance ratio is awesome. This shock feels very similar to a Z1 but with 1 inch less travel. It needs time for the seals to break in -then I'm sure it's going to be like butter. So far a couple of rides has shown it to track very well in the rocks and the feel of the travel is top-notch.
The ETA is very cool - I used it on a very steep climb and it really helped keep the front end down -I'll be using it on the long FR climbs for sure. It's nice not having to stop and get off the bike and twist a knob -like the Psylos.
I'll report after the break in period - but for now it's a wonderful upgrade.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: April 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
none
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
I love it
Weaknesses:
I love it there are none
Bike Setup:
Look ht 1.4 hardtail frame, marzocchi mx pro w/ eta fork, xt front and rear v-brakes w/ LX levers and shifters, xc cross country hy-ryze handlebar, xt rear derailler, xt front derailler, xt cassette, deore disc compatible hubs, mavic 221 rims, maxxis calibos cross country tires, look XC stem!!!
Bottom Line:
I love it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Evgeny
a Cross Country Rider
from Severodvinsk,Russia Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
VelomarketCSKA
Strengths:
This fork is real works ! Looks cool/àgressive on my bike with black frame and other components :)
Weaknesses:
A little heavy. Plastic rebound adjuster - I lost it at first day of riding :-( To expensive - $400 in Russia
Similar Products Used:
RST, Suntour XCR, Marzocchi EXR, some RS products
Bike Setup:
RockMachine Flash'02 Deore/LX, MXPro (without ETA), Formula Evo disk brakes
Bottom Line:
Àmazing fork - it cannot be compared with my old spring/elastomer one! Not a lightest spring'n'oil fork, but it's strong enough, rebound realy works. The only disappointment is plastic rebound regulator.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rounder
a
from RSM Date Reviewed: April 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Strengths:
Great stiffness, ETA works better than ECC, good tire clearance.
Weaknesses:
Not as plush as other air forks.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Rockshox, Manitou, and other Marz.
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC Ti with full XT.
Bottom Line:
I know this is subjective, but I do like the Fox a bit better. This fork is just not as plush even compared to RS air forks. I still like the fork especially the ETA because it still absorbs small bumps when climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy Arnold
a Racer
from Arden, NC, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah National Forest and Dupont State Forest
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$349.00
Purchased At:
BackCountry Outdoors
Strengths:
Stiff and Responsive! The Speed Sensitive Valving Floating (SSVF) really allows this fork to handle the rapid hit rooty staircases or the big rock drops encountered in Pisgah National Forest without giving up anything. The ETA switch really makes a big difference on steep climbs by lowering the front of the big by a inch and a half but still offering 30 mm of stiff travel.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
RSX 281, Rock Shox Judy XC, Manitou SX-R
Bike Setup:
Raleigh M-800, Sun Ryno LIte Rims, Panaracer Fire XC Tires, Club Roost Riser bars, Azonic Shorty stem, Race Face Crank
Bottom Line:
This is the ultimate fork for a aggressive Epic XC Rider/Racer. Dollar for Dollar it packs a wallop as big as some of the pricier forks out there. Marzocchi Continues to up the bar with consistent, reasonably priced forks that can handle the toughest terrain and rider. Its stiff, responsive, smooth as butter, and the ETA makes all the difference in the climb.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ken
a Racer
from San Luis Obispo, CA, U.S. Date Reviewed: January 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
morning glory
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
deal thru team
Strengths:
Eta is the best thing for climbing. The fork is stiff, buttery, fluid, rebounds great. This fork handles anything and asks for more.
Weaknesses:
nothing so far,but if anything, the weight. However, the eta makes up for that on climbing.
Similar Products Used:
manitou- sxr and mars.
Bike Setup:
xc race hardtail.
Bottom Line:
buy this fork. this fork has great compression, rebound, and takes anything the trail can dish out.It is stiff and buttery when you want it to be and has precise steering. The Eta makes me a faster climber and it's superior to the traditional lockout. This fork is built for fast and tough riding. If your a xc racer or a weekend warrior and like to ride rough and fast, then get this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Reed Uhlemann
a Weekend Warrior
from usa colorado Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
asdfasdfasdf
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
a store
Strengths:
eta is the BEST also the external rebound/dampening and the preload. beefy crown very stiff and plush wont bottom easly i love it and recomend it for aggresive xc or freeride
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
nrs3 w/ raceface diablous stem the fork 1.5 in riser handle bars
Bottom Line:
works great i rocemend it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jerry
a Cross Country Rider
from Tucson Date Reviewed: January 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
ETA is wonderful, solid, dependable
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
SId Race/ Judy Race / Black
Bike Setup:
Superlite XT
Bottom Line:
Best Shock I have used. Stiffer than the SID / smooth as butta, easily adjusted ETA, rock solid. The rebound actually does something, love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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