Strengths: Super strong. Super durable. Super plush.
Weaknesses: After three years and two different hardtail bikes riding nasty downhill and urban idiocy, the bushings are loose and the rebound cartridge has lost most of its adjustability, making it a little slow. Recently got a sucking sound from the right leg when i pull up the front fast or when it rebounds after blowing through most of the travel.
This is actually a strength. Three years of stupid abuse and it is still going strong, if a little long in the tooth.
Bottom Line:
Any fork that can withstand three years of bashing over loose boulders and logs, sucking up numerous drops to both dirt and concrete (many to flat), casing the stuff I couldnt clear, and keeping my ass out of the hospital on a sketched out stair gap or three is my bestest friend.
Recently serviced the fork and am debating on wether or not to send it in for complete rebuild or save up for a newer model. Whichever one is cheaper. Will keep it as a backup in any case.
Favorite Trail: anything you can put two wheels on
Duration Product Used: 2 Years
Price Paid:
$350.00
Similar Products Used: Z1 MCR (used and custom rebuilt by factory) Psylo. (POS)
Bike Setup: Bike 1; B1 DS rig w/ race face and XT drivetrain. Butcher rims. Assorted other bike geek parts. Bike 2; 06 Azonic Steelhead. Truvative cranks and bash. Butcher rims (Still mostly straight!) Hayes mechanical discs. XT drivetrain. Thompson stem and seatpost. Other assorted geek stuff.
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Submitted by
hernan castaneda
from Quito/Ecuador
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006
Strengths: anything, the feel, the track in the trail, stiffnes, eta, look
Weaknesses: one month ago I broke the crown, I fix it (marzocchi do not remomend this)
Bottom Line:
one of the best forks ever, it worked excelent until the crown broke, I fix it but marzocchi do not recomend this, but to find crowns or small parts in Ecuador is almost imposible and really expensive, so Im praying this beautiful fork will hold 2 months more to buy the new z1 light eta (that would be great.
Bottom line, fantastic fork, much better than the other I did mention. I only hope to find a marzocchi shop (MTB and moto) here at home. I broke it in really hard riding (almost 3 years) but it was the mos versatile fork I ever riden. 5 chilies for value (not a cheap fork but not to expensive for the quality) , and 4 chilies just because I broke it. Excellent fork!!!!!!!!!
Similar Products Used: judy xc, duke xc, marzocchi exr comp, manitou sherman something and manitou black
Bike Setup: Santacruz Bullit with 5th element, heavy duty mavic rims, hayes mag, etc.
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Submitted by
brandon nash
a Weekend Warrior
from san pedro ca usa
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004
Strengths: very smooth,plush.love the way it rides.love the lock out system.
Weaknesses: not too much travel.
Bottom Line:
im lovn the fork its great really strong.the plushness is great the lockout is great for going up hills hit tons of drops and jumps the forks work great.good for intermidiet riders.
Strengths: Badass look Very plush No flex at all. Great adjustability.
Weaknesses: IS standard disc calippers (not a real weakness) Dedicted axle would be better than QR20.
Bottom Line:
I definetly recommend this fork for people who ride hard and need a reliable fork. It handles drops great while sucks up every little stone. It has great varity of settings as while it's easy to set up. You can do dirt jumping, freeriding, or abuse it on street as well. It will handle nearly everything. It also climbs real great thanks to ETA.
Similar Products Used: Shiver Sc Sherman Flick (demoed)
Bike Setup: 01' GT Ruckus with XT, Deore and Saint
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Submitted by
Darius
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2004
Strengths: Stiff, plush, bomber
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I'm already a Marzocchi convert so I won't go on and on and on about how much Rockshox really and truly sucks the big one. I like the Talas but if you are big lardbutt like me, when you climb you will get brake rub from fork flex. Not so on the Z1/QR20. If you weigh more than 200 lbs, stop worrying about shaving grams off your bike, eat less pancakes, and get yourself a beefy fork like this one. The 32 mm stanchions and larger sliders are a noteiceable improvement over the 2001 Z1. This fork inspires confidence in the downhills, and climbs well with or without the ETA engaged. The ETA has proven more reliable than the ECC on my old Z1, which faded after six months and needed a new cartridge. But I actually prefer to climb without the ETA, because the Heckler geometry is just right with full fork extension. Slap a big tire on this thing and pick a bad line on purpose just for the fun of it and to get the guy on your tail, with his precious Psylo, in serious trouble. The stock springs a are a bit soft and dialing in the preload all the way just takes some of the performance out of the fork, so get yourself the extra heavy duty springs for $34. Spring replacement is a breeze - 20 minutes max and no special tools other than a socket wrench. The manual doesn't give any instructions on how to do this - I guess for warranty reasons Marzocchi now wants spring replacement done by certified mechanics. Just download the manuals for the Z1 MCR and follow the same procedures.
By the way it is still possible to find deals on the 2003 model for $300+. Also on EBay where I scored mine.
Similar Products Used: 2001 Z1 MCR/QR20, MX Comp, Fox Talas
Bike Setup: 2003 Heckler, Weirwolf 2.5 up front, Conti Vert Pro 2.3 in the back. Avid mechs
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Submitted by
Dave
a Downhiller
from Fort Wayne, IN
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004
Strengths: Stiff, plush, predictable
Weaknesses: weight, the little plastic lever for the ETA
Bottom Line:
This for is great. It is a replacement for my 02 z1 freeride that got damaged shipping it back to marzocchi for a new ECC valve. The larger 32mm stanchions and QR20 make for a noticably stiffer fork with better stearing precision. I also upgraded the right top cap to an airassist cap like what is found on the 2003 models. It makes the fork much more adjustable. I weigh 250 and I am running the stock springs with 7psi in the right leg and full preload on the left leg. The fork runs a little lower in the travel then normal which helps to offset the long axle to crown legth of the fork and keeps the head angle from being to slack. I also have not bottomed out despite my best efferts.
The ETA works like it is intended. I don't use it riding in Indiana because the uphills and downhills come to quick but while I was in Moab in october I got a ton of use out of it on the long climbs.
The fork is heavy but the durability and reliability on top of performance are well worth the weight.
The only downside is the little plastic lever for the ETA. I stripped two out by turning it to far while riding. I bought and upgraded aluminum one from Marzocchi and it seems to do the trick.
Purchased At: Replacement for old fork damaged by UPS
Similar Products Used: '02 Z1 freeride, Cannondale Lefty
Bike Setup: Specialized Enduro Hardtail, Hayes 8" Rotor up front, 6" in the rear. Usual heavy strong goodies
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Submitted by
Jesse Jesse's last name
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003
Strengths: 30 to 32 mm tubes do make a difference in stiffness from the older forks. High speed compression damping has also improved. Older Z1 fealt harsher in this area. Otherwise a typical Marzocchi fork - plush, stiff, strong. QR 20 is pretty nice and easy to deal with when wheel removal is necessary. I think this fork also climbs better with ETA off.
Weaknesses: Taller axle to crown versus the older Z1 forks. The extra inch or so compared to the '99 Z1 I used, until it was ready to kill me, has caused a lot of geomety fiddling to be necessary. There are also some tolerance issues with the top caps and damping rod circlips that cause clunking noises over small bumps (Marzocchi will give shims for this if you call them). No more V brake studs - means I had to toss my beloved Magura HS 33!
Bottom Line:
After it breaks in and I find a good handlebar height to deal with the slacker head tube angle, it will be a fine replacement to my 99 Z1 BAM that had to be retired after 3+ years of hardcore pounding on Austin's and Phoenix's most technical trails. Good prices to be had on '03 if you can stand to be a year behind the current look (not much else changed).
Bike Setup: Titus Quasi Moto, usual bits, Z1 FR QR 20, Marta
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Submitted by
Mike xxx
a Downhiller
from Knoxville, TN,,USA
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2003
Strengths: It is stiff & looks great. Lockdown feature is great !
Weaknesses: No compression adj. I need the e-heavy springs !
Bottom Line:
I really like it alot ! I Traded a 01 Monster-T for it to put on my Stab & the Z.1 works better than expected..Although i probably need X-Heavy springs because i bottomed it a little on a 4.5' to flat landing downtown! I like the lockdown knob:makes a big difference" when you need to get places fast or climb,etc! Tire clearance could be slightly better-but a 26" D-Wide & 2.7" Mobster fit's -but just barely enough -gotta keep the wheel perfectly true or else it will rub the fork ! Sweet fork- the newer QR system rocks !
Weaknesses: ETA has very poor rebound damping? Is this only a problem in my fork? Makes a noticable sound (I can feel it as well)when bunnyjumping in the normal mode. If anyone knows about this please email me. Tire clearance is also a weakness
Bottom Line:
The first day with this fork was awsome. The feel was excellent and it soaked up everything. The second day was even better. During the whole summer I was stoked about the performance. Then a couple of weeks ago the fork started to bottom out easily and it has to much sag. IT also makes a "clonky" sound when bunnyjumping. It feels as if the rebound is to fast though I have it set at the slowest. I know I need to change oil but Im not sure how much there should be in there.
Dont get me wrong though, this is probably the best freeride SC fork yet....Its jsut that my fork needs some service
Similar Products Used: Z3 100 air, Z3 coil, some rock shox
Bike Setup: Freeride HT
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Submitted by
trig
from donny
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003
Strengths: Damping is awsome
Weaknesses: Err, mine have a crack in the lower legs which is currently about 10mm and growing
Bottom Line:
They really are as good as eveyone here goes on about, but well, as said earlier: mine are cracked. The crack starts from the seal and goes diagonally down, on the tyre side. They now have started to creak. To replace the lowers, i'm told will cost £200. I could buy some new Dirt Jumpers for that much and they're a pretty similar fork - just a slightly different damper. So i'll just ride them until they die, which as Marzocchi say "may cause injury or in some cases, fatality". Oh, well
Strengths: 2003 Z1 QR 20 Bomber I can even take the wheel off via a QR 20 MM axle.
Weaknesses: The factory didnt call to tell me to wake up and buy this fork!
Bottom Line:
This is my first 20mm through axle fork ever, and I must say the difference in incredible. It feels like I went from a single crown to a double..or close to it. Landings are forgiving and rock gardens are no sweat. Like Butta! I would reccomend the Zoch over anything out there. plush, stiff and yet not bottoming out like the Fox. Buy this or the 150mm which rips also. The ecc works well also locks down to 2 inches for those *itch climbs.
Similar Products Used: 02 Fox Forx Vanilla 125R, 00 Manitou super x-vert,96 RockShox Judy
Bike Setup: 02 Ellsworth Joker, raceface diabolus 70mm stem, Titec Hellbent bars, Hayes 8" disk (front) 6" rear, Atomiclabs trailpimps on Hope Bulbs, Thompson post, wtb seat, Maxxis 2.35 High Roller/MoFo
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Submitted by
Ryan Lindh
a Weekend Warrior
from Coldbrook
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003
Strengths: first off this is a review for the 04 z150FR, 150mm single crown
this thing is BEEFY! wow this fork is really stiff! amazing trackig. crazzy smoth. eta is great. steel stantions, steel steer tube (is like .5 a inch thick! WOW!) great dampining
and it looks way cool!
Weaknesses: iffy tire clearence, better then the o3 forks but still not great
QR20 flaps should be made of steel
Bottom Line:
WOW! this fork is amazing!! this fork just wont quit, it sucks up every thing i throw it at, soo far its taken drops up to 8 feet, no botteming! I know some people think 150mm is to much for a single crown fork, minds will change after rideing this thing!
any complaints are tire clearence, fits my 2.5 RollerPros fine a 2.7 should fit but thats about it.
the QR20 is better then last years, easy and quick to use but the flaps are made of alunimum, they are pretty easy to brake, im getting burlly steel ones made to replace them
even wih thos little issues, this is still BY FAR THE BEST FOR I HAVE EVER USED!!!!
Similar Products Used: 03 Dj2, 03 sherman breakout (pretty good, but i not as smooth as the z150) 02 Dj1 01 Z1MCR
Bike Setup: 03 BigHit Comp, Hozzofelliers, Hayes hydros, SingleTracks, 2.5 tires and a z150
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Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from NorCal
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Strengths: Very plush for SC fork. ETA!
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
I purchased this along with a Mavic D3.1 UST, 2.5 tire and 8" rotor to beef up the front end. WOW! What an amazing combo. The bike is super stable on the landings now. This setup completely changed the bike.
I thought the added wait would have an adverse effect on my climbing. Not so! Due to the ETA I am averaging 1-2 MPH more in some areas on my climb to the local DH run. The ETA works so sweet! Just flip the switch and jab down on the front while riding. Turns it into a stiff 80mm climbing machine. No more front end bob at all! The wheel stays planted on the ground.
I have so much more confidence on the decents now. I run right over things I was avoiding before. I rode a bike with a Jr T and can tell you that this fork has very similar traits.
Bike Setup: 2003 Specialized Enduro, Mavix D3.1 w/ Michelin 2.5 front rim & tire, 8" rotor
2" riser bar, 70mmx10 degree Race Face Diabolus stem
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Submitted by
p
a Downhiller
from .
Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003
Strengths: 32 mm legs, beefy crown, QR 20 mm, flat black and gothic look
Bottom Line:
The best single crown fork out there right now. Anyone from from xc riders to freeriders will appreciate this fork. Hands down the best feeling and strongest 130 mm single crown fork available. ETA is pretty cool also. I'm setting my bike up for downhill, with dual crown forks so im selling it, if you want a sweet deal on a mint set of Z1's w/ less than a week of riding e mail me.
Submitted by
QZETSCH Roland
a Downhiller
from Bertrange, Luxembourg
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003
Strengths: Stiffness, crown
Weaknesses: Damping, no instruction manual,
Bottom Line:
Ok, I have read many articels about this fork, and all of them where very positive. But as always not everything is like what it schould be. This fork is deffinetly a good one, and I am sure about that, but it has to work. Mine is a bit strange, it makes some noise like if metal was hitting against other metal. I think it comes from the inside of the fork. I don't know... If you want a good fork buy one of this but hope that you get one of this 90% that is working. Otherwise you want get happy, ... like I do. It is still 100% better than this Rockshox Psylo bull.... If it works, and I have riden some that work they absolutely needs 5 Chilis It is a fork that is good for everything but XC. It is for everyone that loves good strong material whit- when they work- the best damping you can imagine, you will never go to the bottom if you adjust it well. Have a nice ride