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Submitted by
schnappidaskleinekrokodil
a Cross Country Rider
from Hahahahahahaha
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2008 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | HAHAHAHAHA. Mr. Wozadlo.
Wow. HAHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from santa monica
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | silver moccasin, sam merril, palos verdes | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | 300 | | Strengths: | Maintainance free. Before I got the shock boots, I had to rebuild the shock after every single ride. Once I put the shock boots on and rebuilt it, the shock hasn't given me 1 problem. I've been riding on it every weekend for 3+ years and it's the only thing on the bike that I haven't had to touch. It still slides as smoothly as butter.
Heavy duty. I know I'm not doing the type of riding that it was designed for, but I still take 4 foot drops regularly. I'm 6'2" @ 170lbs and I don't think I've ever felt it bottom out. | | Weaknesses: | Adjustablity. As far as I can remember, there's not much you can do to adjust this shock. You can put a heavier spring in it if you weigh a lot. Besides that, you can limit the travel to 4" but I can't imagine why you'd want to do that. When this fork came out, it was state of the art; Nowadays, there's better things out there but they cost more. Anyway, it can't be too bad if there's people still making parts for it. Can you think of another fork designed in the 90's that people still make parts for? | | Similar Products Used: | bomber, sid, duke | | Bottom Line: | People can't help but notice this fork. It's huge. Don't pay a lot for one, but if you want to mess around with a fork with 6" of travel that won't give you problems, you can still find them floating around for killer prices.
I'm giving it 5 chilis for value because I can't think of a better way to spend 50-100 on a shock. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
C-dog
a
from Hamilton, MT, USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Blue Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$50.00 | | Purchased At: | Friend | | Strengths: | Huge, sexy beast, price | | Weaknesses: | damper belongs on the back door of a hatchback
| | Similar Products Used: | everything | | Bike Setup: | it's been on 3 different bikes | | Bottom Line: | I break stuff, but not this fork, the damper finally died on me and I'm going to a zoki Z1 but this fork took everything i threw at it like a champ, for the price i dont think there is anything that comes close, you can get replacement parts and upgrades from some machine shop that bought the rights to it and i did, I got the disc brake mount that mine didnt come with quickly and it fit well. Not as plush as a zokes or psylo but has very good big hit capability, It's fairly lite for what it is, its cheap and it is virtually indestructable, if you get the new damper for it I think that would eliminate the only weaknes and even up the plushness some. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jose
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado springs, Co, USA
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | palmer park | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$20.00 | | Purchased At: | my generous friend | | Strengths: | Smooth, light for its size, good travel, beefy lookin, strong, I could go on | | Weaknesses: | I had a little trouble putting it on my bike. wierd spelling of name | | Similar Products Used: | OWNED:rockshox judy xc, manitou x vert t, some sr suntour crap.
TESTED (on jumps, drops, xc and other stuff): manitou six elite, psylo race and sl, judy tt, marzcocchi bomber. | | Bike Setup: | Diamond back DBR with all LX and XT components | | Bottom Line: | I have no complaints. I have read through all the other reviews and am just glad I got a nice friend I just gave him a 20 and my old fork and he even did all the work! For the price I paid I could give anything a good review. very smooth but I don't like any triple crowned foprk because just harder to put on but its ok. If you want to get it get a cool buddy he has given out a 2001 stumpjumper fsr xc pro for $50, bar's, seats' and other stuff for free. And he might hool it up with some hydraulic (not disc) brakes for $5. and no I am not missing zeros | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dan
a Downhiller
from romania
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | a friend | | Strengths: | stiff & light | | Weaknesses: | it brakes very easy and it's made out of to many pieces...strange sunds commin' out | | Bottom Line: | i advice you to be carefull when you jump...it's NOT a resistant fork, but it's good for funn, don't use it at real downhill!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from New Zealand - UK
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rotovegas | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | No hassle fit and ride and forget design. Cheap. | | Similar Products Used: | Various rockshocks and bombers. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler R/S rear. | | Bottom Line: | I bought these when they first came out - swapped them for a crap Italian road bike that cost me NZ$1200 a year or so earlier. They are the original steel spring 6" version.
I drilled a small hole in the bottom of each axle mount which lets all the water and air out and stops them hydraulicing on big hits - and makes a cool swishing sound. I have replaced the seals and bearings once.
Never have a problem with bottoming and I weigh 100kg. Never get more than about 5 1/2 inches out of them tho.
Did well in a couple of club downhill races but generally just bomb about alot - jumps berms rocks etc.
You probably can buy better but unless you are racing why bother? Compared to other forks you can get at the price (RST etc) there is absolutely no competition. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonny
a Weekend Warrior
from oz
Date Reviewed: January 20, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Strengths: | BEEF
Lightish for such a big fork
strong
NO the CROWNS arnt plastic - DUH!
easy to service | | Weaknesses: | Requires constant attention to keep working nice
compresion cartridges are crappy
Flex | | Bike Setup: | coyote dual slalom hardtail, zzyxz | | Bottom Line: | SO they arnt a monster frigin T. Big deal. These forks go up and down, cost stuff all these days and are easy as to work on. They are a fork you dont have to worry about, just wack em on and go flog the heck outa them, they can take it. Just dont land sideways as they like to flex a little. When I got mine they had no bushings in one side so I made a set outa juice bottle lids. Sounds dodge, but hey it works and for the money these forks cost I dont give a stuff! Like what else could you get for this kinda money? Some dudies? Stuff off. Find some for cheap, put em on ya hartail and go off I reckon.
BTW. I just found another set on ebay- even cheaper. I'm gunna buy em.. heck why not. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom hensler
a Downhiller
from pa
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | looks strong | | Weaknesses: | very weak
very flexy
everything twist when you don't land perfectly
you can't tighten crown bolts enough to hold things straight because everything is made out of plastic and it strips with very little torque
bottoms very easy
not adjustable
| | Similar Products Used: | use monster t, mr. t, shiver, bokker,
NONE OF THESE PRODUCTS ARE SIMILAR TO THE ZZYZX THAT IS FOR SURE | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz super 8 | | Bottom Line: | the fork is cheap in price for a reason. i am not lying when i say that i have more confidence on a z1 than i do with that fork (and that is the z1 dropoff, not even the qr 20). the travel is smooth, but bottoms very easily. any fork that comes with crowns mad of plastic can't be a good thing.
listen most buy this fork b/c it is cheap. if you want 100 dollar forks, get out of downhill. do yourself the favor and spend an extra 300 for a descent used fork, and you ultimately will be saving yourself from a trip to the hospital | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nico
a Racer
from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | The Muff! | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$125.00 | | Purchased At: | From a friend | | Strengths: | Tough, light, stiff, Nice travel, hude crowns, stanctions (35mm), and air hole that blow cold air in your face (like mtb A/C) | | Weaknesses: | Twists when i crash or land crooked, hard to put front wheel on (w/ 20mm through axle kit), bottoms too easy | | Similar Products Used: | Super T, Monster T, Boxxer | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Norco VPS-2, XT derailers/disk brakes, Fox R rear | | Bottom Line: | This fork is da bomb; I paid 200 bones canadian and I am not complaining. This fork is huge and it works all you need is air holes in the top caps and a through axle to make it ultra stellar freeride action. The cold air action is the coolest thing I have ever seen in my life. It is extra loud on my VPS because of the monoCOCK frame but that just gives it some character. Bottom line this fork is fabutastic buy one if you can! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a
from vancouver BC
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$275.00 | | Strengths: | Good travel for the money, easy to overhaul, good fork in general | | Weaknesses: | a bit sticky in the wet( even with fork boots), not progressive enough( bottoms out too easily) | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi jr.T, Z1, Z3, Xvert. | | Bike Setup: | 1999 Norco VPS-1 | | Bottom Line: | For the record, I am a professional mechanic, and I work on forks all the time. The ZZYZX is great for the money, and works very well. For those who don't already know, the forks were designed and manufactured by Bullet USA, and Hanebrink in hopes of making an affordable DH fork. Hanebrink's was $2400 us when it came out!!!
That is the reason that you have to send the zzyzx to hanebrink for parts. Look at the Hanebrink forks, they are basically the same design except for a few small changes. Bullet USA only went out of business because they were not selling enough product to get by, like Raceface does( of which specs bikes with full component lines. Please do not put the fork down because Bullet is not here anymore. Hanebrink designed it IN CONJUNCTION with!!. Remember this, so go b*tch to Hanebrink if you have concerns. Anyways, use fork boots, keep it lubed, and have fun. It's a great fork for the money. Just a word of advice, invest for the 20mm through axle kit. I have it, and the difference is huge!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Downhiller
from aus
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very strong, good looks, nice action, simple, easy to maintain, good begginer dh fork | | Weaknesses: | a bit too simple for some. a bit of leakage on top and bottom caps | | Similar Products Used: | boxxer 2001, dnm ud180, wb ud180, rst sigma and xxl, manitou xvert carbon, | | Bike Setup: | wheeler five inches front and back | | Bottom Line: | nice fork for the money, good action for elastomer sprung. good begginner dh fork as low maintenance and good out of the box action makes it easy to use. good, strong fork. well finished. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juan M
a Downhiller
from San Diego, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 25, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Of a friend | | Strengths: | Looks, easily maintained, can be completely disassebled in like half an hour, simplicity | | Weaknesses: | kinda flexy, I have the Freeride with Elastomers, picky | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou X-Vert T (these really suck!) | | Bike Setup: | A Shwinn 24in cruiser, 26in front tire, Zzyzx Freeride fork, Hayes Disk, Rynolite front and Sun B.F.R back, THE downhill fender | | Bottom Line: | I paid prctically nothing for these forks so I don't regret getting these one bit! I had to order disk brake mounts for it (go to ATCracing.com, they own the rights to the fork and have all the new upgrades for it!!!!). They have a whole lotta stiction, but I found that properly torqing the brace bolts helps out some, and of course lube. I've been using Tri-Flow but I think I might switch to something thicker. I plan to drill out a small hole in the bottom of the dropouts for vents, but I'm concerned that I'll get water and dirt in the legs. The fork looks good and makes you feel more confident on those big drops. How can I make these 6 inches???? E-mail at: martinjc@spawar.navy.mil Thanks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pin Head
a Downhiller
from Seattle, WA
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Supermarket parking lot | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | thief in the alley | | Strengths: | Looks nice, nice and loud, flexes a lot | | Weaknesses: | It has no weaknesses at all if you use it to ride in a flat parking lot, with no rain or snow or mud. Don't go of curb or you may brake it. | | Similar Products Used: | WB UD150, Mr T "I pitty the fool", K-Mart one inchers | | Bike Setup: | Huffy hardtail, with metal rims, banana seat, lot's of rust | | Bottom Line: | That's what you get for buying cheap forks. Go by some $1500 forks, they will break too. Go to Big Bear mountian you will fit in just fine. Meet me in the parking lot, I have some crack for you......
Pin Head, Satan loves you 666 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
roger
a Downhiller
from quebec,canada
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | every thing
nice and stiff,long travel | | Weaknesses: | disc tabs not standered when you buy it | | Similar Products Used: | boxxer,mr.t,judy xlc | | Bike Setup: | specialized fsr comp converted to a downhill bike with the mountain speed rear link for 6.2 inches travel and every thing else is downhill parts | | Bottom Line: | this is a sweet fork and is a good downhill fork for the price | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean M
a Downhiller
from Onario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont World Cup DH Course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | 550 | | Strengths: | No Strengths, This Fork Licks A** | | Weaknesses: | Everything | | Similar Products Used: | White Bros. UD 180/DH2 | | Bike Setup: | Balfa BB7 w/ hayes, mavic, raceface, maxxis, shimano | | Bottom Line: | The Bullit Bros. Fork is the biggest peice of s**t I've ever ridden. The closest comparison is a 6 pound rigid fork. I cleaned it after ever single fuc**n' run, and it still did not work properly. The only way I got the thing to move was to launch off a big booter and land nose first. My white bros. fork is about a million times better. Your better off using a BMX fork on your DH bike then the ZZYZX. WORST MTB PRODUCT EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from ct
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$280.00 | | Purchased At: | someones home | | Strengths: | Everyone that is complaining must have a bad model of this. I bought mine off a guy that just had it rebuilt by hanebrink. This fork is awesome. It works in the rain,dry, cold or anything, hasnt bothered me one bit. I took it off a 7ft drop to flat and it took in the drop just fine. At my last race at Plattekill i was able to pass 3 people because of the speeds this fork let me go. | | Weaknesses: | The bottom brace is to big to fit a THE fender's bracket. | | Bike Setup: | Gt Lts 2000 DS | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork. I think if you have a bad set of these, send it to Hanebrink they will fix it up so it works perfectly. Great fork for a DHer on a budget. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thane Kramer
a Downhiller
from Wrightstown
Date Reviewed: September 9, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Neshaminy DH | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | 6" of stiff travel, looks, smooth performance | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | all sorts of downhill forks and my yz125 suspension | | Bike Setup: | san andreas dhs, zzyzx, vuelta wheels, disc, etc. | | Bottom Line: | I don't know what everyone's whining about, this fork is the nicest i've ever used, stiff enough for freestyle jumping, and i have yet to bottom it out, Mine has no "strange noises or peforms bad when wet", this fork simply rocks | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cliff Wight
a Downhiller
from Lumby
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 36DDD | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | everything. | | Weaknesses: | harsh noises | | Similar Products Used: | Crappy Boxxers, jr and mr t | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Bullit. XT and Zzyzx | | Bottom Line: | The people who have said bad things about these forks are right. There are good and bad Zzyzx. It must be a Monday and Friday thing where the workers slacked. IF you manage to get yourself a good set, they are the most usefull thing. They are super plush and responsive when properly adjusted and cleaned/maintained. If you do have one of the bad ones, then chase all the threads on everything, clean the hell out of it, buy some white lightning and some Rancho suspension boots and replace all the c-clips. This, if properly done and torqued will give you the sweetest ride. Make sure you put tons of white lightning grease in them.
Perfect downhill fork (6) inches and cheap too. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Downhiller
from ct
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Price, stiffness | | Weaknesses: | couldnt find any only tested | | Similar Products Used: | nope | | Bike Setup: | n/a | | Bottom Line: | I demo'ed this fork because i am looking into buying it. I liked it because of its stiffness. Right now i have a Gt Lts 2000 Ds with a Judy Xl on it. The fork is not stiff at all. Bottoms out over everything. I really like how this fork worked. I took it off some nice drops and didnt bottom out just used enough travel for that drop. Me being 14 cant afford a 1200dollar fork so this is the way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Quinn
a Downhiller
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | price, weight, travel, plush as | | Weaknesses: | seals let in alot of water and mud | | Similar Products Used: | DH3, Boxxers, Monsters, | | Bike Setup: | Haro Extreme, ZZYZX, RooX, Tiogas, Kore | | Bottom Line: | These are very good forks they are cheap and sport alot of travel. they are worth every few dollars u pay for them. very plush and stiction less just as long as you clean and oil them reguly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Downhiller
from New York
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | The Omen | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Price | | Weaknesses: | ALL ASPECTS OF PERFORMANCE and more!!! | | Similar Products Used: | White Bros. UD180 & DH3, Marzocchi Monster T, Rock Shox Boxxer | | Bike Setup: | Intense M1, White Bros. DH3, Race Face NorthShore cranks, Hope 04 disc | | Bottom Line: | This product is the worst manufactured product on the market, and let me tell you why. People like this fork because of how it looks with the big stanchions. Big stanchions = more friction. This is by far the stickiest fork I have ever used. I had to rebuild it after every race. As if it didn't perform horribly under dry conditions, when it got wet it stuck to the point where if you put all you weight into compressing the shock, you got if you were lucky 2 inches of travel. For those of you that know the NORBA circuit, there was that Mt. Snow final race where it rained all night. Well, I took a hit during my race that should have compressed the fork maybe 5 inches but because it was slightly rainy out, the left stanchion bent and costed me my race. For those people that like the ZZYZX, you obviously haven't tried a decent fork. There's a reason why people are selling them for $300 and Bullet Brosthers went out of business. The Bottome Line: This fork is absolutely the worst thing you can do to yourself and your bike. If you care about the sport, don't buy the fork! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MARCO VAN DER WILK
a Downhiller
from LUMBY,BC CANADA
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | 4TH FLOOR | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | LARGE TRAVEL FOR A LITTLE PRICE, AND NOT TOO HAVE TO REPLACE SEALS EVERY RIDE. | | Weaknesses: | NOT AS SMOOTH AS SOME OTHER FORKS. | | Similar Products Used: | BOXXERS, MONSTER T | | Bike Setup: | CUSTOM BUILT GARY FISHER JOSHUA F1 6 3/4 FRONT TRAVEL 7 1/2 REAR TRAVEL. YES 7 1/2 REAR TRAVEL !!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Bottom Line: |
THESE FORKS MAY NOT BE AS PLUSH AS A BOXXER OR A MONSTER, BUT I RATHER BE OUT RIDING THAN REPLACING SEALS EVERY RIDE. THIS FORK IS THE MOST RELIABLE FORK THAT I HAVE USED.
BEST LONG TRAVEL FORK FOR THE BUCK AND BEING THE MOST PROBLEM FREE. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
armyboy
a Downhiller
from halifax
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | randy's | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | low cost!
works great | | Weaknesses: | NO DISK TABS
hard to find throu axle kit | | Similar Products Used: | monsterT, manitou Xvert | | Bike Setup: | Norco torrent hard tail, zzyzx, mrp chainguide , raceface | | Bottom Line: | works great and it's really stiff but it has no disk tabs! this is a real pain because hanebrink offer a disk brake-throu axle kit but they charge a whopping $190. that's alot for tabs and axle mounts. but other than that it's a great product at a good value. if anybody know an alternitive place where i can get disk tabs and throu axle mounts please email me. this product is prefect the beginer who wants to break into the downhill scene or for the rider who just doesn't want to dump $1200 on a fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Racer
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mono Cliffs | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Bobmproof Design
Big Travel
Good for heavier riders like me | | Weaknesses: |
Frame Fitting (doenst fit on my old frame because of bulkiness) | | Similar Products Used: |
Boxxers, XC-Verts, Mr. T
Monster T | | Bottom Line: | This fork is incredible for absouloutly the most insane stuff you can throw at it. I have it on my freeride bike right now and it is incredible nice plush travel. No problems with the fork except one of the drop outs was a little off sent it to thje factory and asked to have it shipped over night when they were finished (i paid a little extra) but i got the fork back in 5 days. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Art Ruiz
a Downhiller
from Puebla Mexico
Date Reviewed: November 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
any thing scarry | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Real strong, smooth | | Weaknesses: |
little adjustment , to heavy. | | Similar Products Used: |
foes F1, Xvert R, | | Bike Setup: |
San Andreas DHS Helix pro | | Bottom Line: | I'm an exroad racer mi last ride was a Muzzy Kawasaki ZX750RR so I have a pretty good idea on how to set up a suspencion and the first thing I could'nt set up properly was the sag of the fork so I order softer spring from bullet bros. and that did'nt solve my problem because they were to soft for my weight (175-180 lbs.)and the combo of soft and hard didn't felt wright so y finish using the fork springs of a CBR900 and that felt great because they are progresive all a had to do is make 3 kind of spacers out of green nylon (it does'nt wait much)to work as an adjustment for spring preload, the other problem is rebound of the fork the oil cartridge does'nt realy works with this spring set up so the fastes way to work out this problem is by running the rebound of the rear shock slow and a couple of more turns (making it harder)on the spring preload. finally to solve the problem of maintanance after every ride do'nt buy rubber boots for a motorcycle because the air that comes out from suspencion tuves gets trapped in the rubber boot and slow downs the compresion of the fork, make your self neopreen boots they work great just add a lot of grease before you place them on. and you will have a great working DH fork., | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Johnson
a Downhiller
from Mission B.C.
Date Reviewed: November 7, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
silverstar | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
looks,strength,plush | | Weaknesses: |
hard to work on clunking noise | | Similar Products Used: |
Rockshox boxxer all marzocchis rst delta hl and rst hi5 rockshox dho | | Bike Setup: |
Trek y with zzyzx original dh stratos helix pro dh boulton swing arm with 6 3/4 inches travel | | Bottom Line: | good fork needs to stay oiled this fork is huge and will smooth everything out | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
joe wilson
a Downhiller
from washington
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
beacon hill | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
good looks, very plush | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
judy xl, jr.t, x-vert R | | Bike Setup: |
ellsworth dare | | Bottom Line: | great fork, very plush, great downhill fork for the money | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BIO
a Downhiller
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: September 3, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
look good | | Weaknesses: |
just about evereything else. | | Similar Products Used: |
Z.1
Boxxer | | Bottom Line: | Alrigt, that's it! Completely disreguard my two reviews of this P.O.S. below! I have turned this piece of Sh!t into an oil bath fork, drilled out the damper mount, put on boots, put lube under the boots, and shaved down the bushings. These sons of b!tches are still sticky as hell!!! I am replacing them with a Z.1 Bomber, which actually feels progressive, and has small-bump response. With these, I might as well be riding a ridgid fork down the hill, except for drop-offs. Even on those, they bottom out very harsh. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Weekend Warrior
from Redwood City
Date Reviewed: July 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
all of the above | | Weaknesses: |
none of the above | | Bike Setup: |
Bullit, Z-6 xtr king rhino lites | | Bottom Line: | Anyone who has a ZZYZX get it upgraded to a Z-6 or Z-7 by Hanebrink. I had a freeride with squishy elastomers, now the fork is plush, plush plush. Anyone that is not satisfied with their ZZYZX send it to Hanebrink. Dont forget to get your fork boots | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Utah
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Plush | | Weaknesses: |
None | | Similar Products Used: |
Hanebrink | | Bike Setup: |
FSR Elite | | Bottom Line: | Those idiots at the bottom of this page don't know how to spell. It has a lot of sticken... what the hell is sticken???? The costumer service is bad.. COSTUMER?? costumers are like dressmakers... probably make dresses for the dicklicker fag named greg who wrote that review.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
zzupo
a Downhiller
from ca
Date Reviewed: July 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
san juan | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
with the new hanebrink seals and boots i have never had to do any maintenance, hanebrink upgrades are superb | | Weaknesses: |
origenal damper is crap, little flexy, | | Similar Products Used: |
monster t, hanebrink lt
foes f1, mr t, | | Bike Setup: |
kona stab homebrew | | Bottom Line: | if you have one of these forks you need the hanebrink boots, and you might consider upgrading the damper to a hanebrink model (the 6 inch or the 7 inch travel). i got them from a friend and he just filled the spring side with automatic transmision fluid and with the boots and seals i have never done any maintenance, i have even ridden in the rain and mud...... check out the hanebrink site for list of upgrades5 stars thanks to hanebrink upgrades | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kev
a Downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: June 23, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Good fork once you get 5-6 inches out of them. Great value for money. | | Weaknesses: |
Dont work well when it's wet | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shoxs DHO | | Bike Setup: |
Mountain Cycle San Andreas DHS | | Bottom Line: | Excellent fork for the money, try using a product called Bike Shine, Motorcycle shops use it to keep their bikes looking shiny, it comes in an aerosol can. It's basically a silicon spray and I use it instead of the oil supplied, try it on the stanchions the difference is amazing, super smooth!!!, also worth applying to your rear shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BIO
a Downhiller
from IDAHO
Date Reviewed: June 19, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
BALDY MTN. | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
EVEREYTHING | | Weaknesses: |
SORT OF SLOW | | Similar Products Used: |
GIRVIN CHUBBY, ROCK SHOX BOXXER | | Bike Setup: |
PRO-FLEX BEAST | | Bottom Line: | I WAS RIGHT. THESE ARE AWESOME FORKS. IF YOU WANT TO GET A BETTER FORK THAN THIS, YOPU HAVE TO PAY ALMOST TWICE AS MUCH TO GET A ROCK SHOX BOXXER. WHEN I FIRST HAD THESE FORKS, THEY MOVED SORT OF SLOW, AND HAD REALLY BAD SMALL-BUMP RESPONSE. THEN I DRILLED OUT THE BOTTOM OF THE FORK LEGS, LIKE BULLET USA TOLD ME TO DO, AND HOLY SH!T!!! WHAT AN AMAZING DIFFERENCE!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Norm in Japan
a Downhiller
from Japan
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Fuji | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
New upgrades from Hanebrink are great | | Weaknesses: |
No one knows about Hanebrink taking over Bullet | | Similar Products Used: |
Jt.T | | Bike Setup: |
Norco Bomber | | Bottom Line: | Hanebrink has taken over Bullet forks and is now making a bad ass upgrade for 190 bones. you can send your fork to them and they wil do the whole thing for you. I got new seals and bushing with the hanebrink fork boots and heavy springs for $230 shipped to my home. The turnover time is fast too. Check it out? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Downhiller
from Bear Valley, CA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Cape Horn to Immigrant | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Plush travel and stiff design run over or thru anything. | | Weaknesses: |
lock out if filled with water, easy to fix but still a pain. Too much play between the upper tubes and lower legs causes a lot of noise and a noticable wobble that pretty much cancels out the stiffness of the design. Also because of this play each leg moves independantly even with a thru axle. This causes the rotor on my Hayes brake to bind a bit. So for brake performance has not suffered, but the howling is driving me insane. | | Similar Products Used: |
RST Hi-5 | | Bike Setup: |
I ride a 98 Marin B-17 with a Fox Vanilla RX. Great ride. Won my first downhill race on it bone stock! | | Bottom Line: | A decent fork especially for the price. Bullet has gone out of business and that would be a good reason to avoid this fork but Hanebrink has parts and they are great people to work with. If I could figure out how to fix this play between the lower and upper legs I would raise my rating. But for a downhiller on a budget I could recommend it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from California
Date Reviewed: June 14, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
The fork ever made | | Weaknesses: |
None at all. | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou, Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: |
Intense M-16, XTR Components. | | Bottom Line: | Is there any mounts for disk brakes available for ZZYZX?? If So, Can I use any disc brakes for it? Please email me with the answer at ACE1230@hotmail.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bio
a Downhiller
from Hailey, ID
Date Reviewed: June 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Baldy Mtn., Sun Valley | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Look Awesome, feel very Plush | | Weaknesses: |
?????? | | Similar Products Used: |
Girvin Chubby, RST Hi-5. , RST 381 DH, JUDY DH | | Bike Setup: |
Pro-Flex Beast | | Bottom Line: | Hey! Randy! Are you a F*cking Moron?!?! What the he*l are you talking about?!? The ZZYZX does too have disc brake mounts!! They also have a Through axle. I just purchaced this fork earlier in the week, sl I cannot give it 5 chilies. I have ridden it enough to know that it is a quality fork, though. So, Randy, stop being a di*k and just admit that they are awesome forks!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Downhiller
from Russian River area, CA
Date Reviewed: May 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
green valley or tahoe area | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
can't comment | | Weaknesses: |
can't comment | | Similar Products Used: |
zzyzx
answer X-vert | | Bike Setup: |
specialized FSR
level betty | | Bottom Line: | tried a bike with the zzyzx fork, but didn't really ride enough to formulate an opinion - so I was looking thru this site for info from other riders with more experience. (I'm thinking of getting a used GT with zzyzx.) What really burned me was this Wozaldo jerk's comments - his kind of egotist attitude doesn't serve the sport at all - it just creates doubts as to the validity of this product review site. I am grateful to the rest of you people that gave honest reviews though. I am an ex-bmx racer (1973-1977) and ex-pro motox racer(1975-1985) thinking about getting into DH racing & have been riding my wife's Mongoose (no suspension) into the ground, regularly destroying components (she is pissed). so I'm looking for a reasonable used ride now. Keep in mind WOZALDO !!! - there are a lot of berzerkers out there, who can leave you in the dust - even riding with poor equipment. BOTTOM LINE: my experience in racing is that the racers with the humble attitude are usually both the most knowledgable and the quickest riders. WFO won't win races if you don't have the ability to ride technical sections. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chrizbo
a Racer
from Dunedin
Date Reviewed: May 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
DH:Signal Hill XC:Whare Flat | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff,looks too damn funky,eats rocks for breakfast.Saved my ass numerous times. | | Weaknesses: |
People complain about the seals,but if you lube 'em up regularly and carry oil with you you'll be sweet.Mine are still only 4 inches.Not the most supple fork in the world,but awesome on big hits | | Similar Products Used: |
RST Hi-5s,Judy XLs,X-Vert Rs,Bombers. | | Bike Setup: |
I use an Avanti Moto with a RockShox Deluxe rear shock. | | Bottom Line: | Damn good forks for the Money.I have the 98 Freeride version,and my only complaint is that my forks are still on the stock 4 inch travel.I didn't get an owners manual with them and have been trying every possible avenue to find out how to put them up to 6 inches with no luck.If somebody out there knows,PLEASE email me at dunedinsbestflat@xtra.co.nz and tell me how.Please. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Racer
from napa,ca
Date Reviewed: May 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
st. charles private trails | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Eric the turbo turd is a realy arrogant fool that thinks people will be impressed with his funky message that he left. I think probably all serious mountain bikers ride dirt bikes, and Eric is the kind of arrogant bastard that gives mountain bikers a bad name. | | Weaknesses: |
I'm not sure yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Votec tripple clamp, RST HI 5, rock shox indy c with england air, girvin vector 2, manitou FS, several dirtbikes with showa forks | | Bike Setup: |
Right now I have a porsche Bike S full XTR, race face cranks and rings, and the custom stem and handlebar setup for this specific Votec fork. I'm in the process of getting a ZZYZX. | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is eric (the anal racer) is an arrogant bastard that should be banned from MTBR.com because he is a disgrace to the rest of us mountain bikers | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil
a Downhiller
from Hampshire, UK
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Buckand Rings (Steve Geall's Jump spot) | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Yeah they're not perfect but they're damn good. I recently got the 20mm axel kit for my Originals and they seemed to loose some of their stiction?!
I dont care what Eric The Rocket Wozadlo says (he's a W*nker with a big EGOOOOOO)...great value for money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John B
a Downhiller
from st. paul
Date Reviewed: March 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
good fork for price | | Weaknesses: |
lack of spares | | Bottom Line: | from their disconnected telephone lines and that their web page is gone I would say they have closed their doors. Too bad, many products far worse are still around (1 watt headlights)
Five stars for their contribution to the sport. Without them we would still be paying $2000 for the same fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred. Duc
a downhiller
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This Fork Kick a**, it's the best fork i've have ride.....
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.....
It's a big tubing i mean a REALLY BIG TUBING and A LOT OF TRAVEL for the money it's pretty ***** but you have to get one . ihave a FSR and it's really good, for the ride, it ride like HELL and it gets the 6inch it's supose to...(it's the original one)SO BEY ONE IT'S THE BEST FOR ON THE MARKET.....
AND ONE MORE THING ......IF SHAUMS MARCH RODE'SIT I THINK IT'A FU**ING GOOD FORKSO I GIVE 5 CHILLIE'S FOR ME ...AND 5 CHILLIE'S FOR SHAUMS.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WizZKiD again
a downhiller
from Sydney.
Date Reviewed: January 21, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Ah, tony from canberra, if that rider was at the '98 nationals at mt majura
when his jr t's broke, that was me. It wasn't the Jr T's fault, they rip,
It was a f*$ked up quick release that snapped, made my wheel fall out and
made my arm break. That's why i bought ('97) zzyzx's, for a cheapish thru- axle dh fork. My Jr T's are 4 sale actually, in great condition, for $550. Bargin.
Feel free to e-mail if interested, though be quick, cause if it keeps raining, i might put 'em back on!! I'm gonna try some other dude's waterproofing tips for my zzyzx's. i'll write bak if they work. i've calmed now, so they get 2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
WiZzKid
a downhiller
from sydney
Date Reviewed: January 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I reviewed these forks a few weeks after i first got 'em. gave 'em 5 chillies
Well, then I rode in the rain. Yes, the rain, not a 4-ft puddle. I dig what the pommy dudes have been trying to say. cheers, mates. zzyzx's suck total crap cause they seize up, totally, at the sight of water. This is unacceptable for a
Aus $1500 fork. I've had them seize with thru-axle and normal drop-outs.
Total shit, man. Also, maintaining them after every ride or so, to keep them going alright is unrealistic for most people, including me. So, screw these forks, just wish i had enough $$ to buy some boxxers or something. Even Scott Unishocks are better...
Lastly, the big travel is great, but that's it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MATT
a downhiller
from Washington
Date Reviewed: January 14, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought these forks a month ago and I haven't regreted a day of it since. I'm getting a true 6.3 inches of travel out of mine ( after a little internal customizing which can get you up to 7 inches of travel!)and it is butter smooth. I give this fork five chilis because it is only about 550 beans at Jenson's mail order and It gives huge travel. They obviously don't have that plush feel of a zoke but thats fine with me because It costs a 1/3 as much as a monster or super T. Throw out the Bullet Bros lube and use Finish Line's chain Lubricant( not the wax, but the one with the green screw on cap) and that makes a huge difference, along with fork boots. Plus lube every thing that moves or touches moving parts. If Shaum March rides it and wins then all you winers out there who gave it one chile should stop dissin the fork and work on yo skills boy!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a downhiller
from sydney, nsw, australia
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks kick ass they must be correctly lubed but they rule!!!!!!!! run over anything or anyone you want!!!! These are the greatest fork in the history of forks chunky the best offset for maimum turning and a great feel!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sabin
a racer
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: January 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Yes Yes, Chicago is as flat as your ma ma's ass after child birth but I needed to raise the front end of the Rubicon before taking it to CO. I got mine for $200 new outa a demo deal. If it werent for the price I would have been as mad as the rest of you one chilie raters. The clunk clunk noise sucks in its self. These things are heavy as hell and they arent smooth but feel like sex in the shower, dig it? Good but Id rather do what feels good. Im still on the quest. Unless you can get em for as cheap as I did. Get somthing else. I sold mine for more than I paid and bought some Manitous from Supergo for $219. one inch less on the ride height but hell I saved a lota weight up front.Ill let you know about them soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a downhiller
from Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks are not worth the money. They have tons of stiction out of the box. I have tried everyting possible and they still don't work as well as they should. Do not buy these. Spend more money and get something that works. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason B.
a weekend warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: October 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Australian brand D.H , Freeride frame ( Craftworks ) with six inches of adjustable rear . I have been running Z1 Bombers until I bought a second hand pair of Bullet's.
The first ride I thought , what the hell, why did I buy these things for they were sticking and made a lot of noise and not very plush.
So I strippeed them down washed everything out with Shell lite( white Spirits)
Packed them up with a tacky marine grease and threw some Yz 80 fork boots on also changed the rubber bump stops around at the end of the spring side as this stopped my clunking noise also inserted sponge rubber around the spring.
I cannot beleive the eefect this has done I now have a fork twice as good as my old Z1's and have not had to service them once have done over 100 hours of hard core riding dust, water , mud......
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John B
a downhiller
from saint paul, mn USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I gave the DH original fork a good review and 5 chili's. I do maintenance every other ride and use forkboots. Since I have bought the fork the dampner has leaked, the bushings have worn conciderably and I discovered that one fork leg is thinner than the other (i.e. when torqued to their specs the left slider binds badly until it's backed off to only 15 in/lbs from 30. I have also learned the hardway that you should NEVER loosen the fork brace or triple clamps without marking the tubing so as to not rotate the stations in the sliders as the tubes are not perfectly round and it compounds wear and play in the bushings. Also they don't tell you to check the alignment of the fork tubes in the triple clamps as they will bind severely if they are not aligned. Make sure to check your torques because they only appear to torque one of the two bolts at each clamp point and the other is finger tight. I have been trying to email them for a week and have never received a response as to weather they still make the inverted downhill pro fork. I would think for a sale they might answer. I did not believe the previous reports here about poor service but am now a believer. As much as I don't like Rock SH** I am going to get a Boxxer this fall and sell my DH Original after I throw some new bushings in it (if I can get them!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete
a downhiller
from Cali
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks cane ass i just resently put them on myUzzy DH and i have raced twice and one one of them and came 4th in the other i recomentd these to any downhiller i used to own a pain of high 5s they are soooo shit five inches my arse and the sticktion!!!!!!!!!!!!Zzyzx Five chillis for these beasts | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alex
a downhiller
from montreal,que.canada
Date Reviewed: September 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I think this freaking zzyxx is a piece of shit. this summer I jump a little bridge in bromont (bromont riders will know what i'm talking about) when I landed this krapy frok broke in two pieces, then i dislocated my sholder because of that fuccing fat ass suspension. With that i need to fix it every time I use it. So don't buy this shit, it is maybe good looking but it doesn't worth the 700 bucks (can)it coast. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BadMofo
a downhiller
from Sonoma
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got the fork out of low budget...anyways, it has the travel as expected but the friggin klunkin noise really trips my head as if something is loose or something..That was expected as I have heard from previous ZZYZX Orig DH owners..Now, is there a retrofit, trick or what have you to silence the klunking noise inside? Bullet Bros. customer service is a bit%@ to deal with..for now, I'll rate it 3 chillis bec of the noise and somewhat subpar damping...it might go up if the noise goes away..email me bros...I need to silence the gun.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Frank
a weekend warrior
from CA
Date Reviewed: September 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got the fork and I love it,But I'm curious about all the maintanence everybody says it needs. What do I need to do to maintain it ? Thanks for your help.Most of my riding is on the downhill trails at Big Bear which except for during the springtime are usually dry.I already have boots on them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TONY CASEY
a weekend warrior
from WANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND
Date Reviewed: August 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
GREAT FORK ESPECIALLY IN THE DRY!!!! MAIN REASON FOR PURCHASE WAS TO LIFT FRONT END OF MY FSR. ONLY NEGATIVE IS THE SUPPLY TO NZ THE FORK BOOTS WHICH HAVE BEEN PROMISED FOR A LONG TIME KNOW.......IS THERE UPGRADE KITS?????THIS SITE IS GREAT HOPING MORE PEOPLE WILL SHARE THERE KNOWLEDGE...IE. HOLES DRILLED IN BASE OF FORK HELPED HEAPS ANY OTHER IMPROVEMENTS | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a downhiller
from Reno, Nevada
Date Reviewed: August 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Well all Have to say is these forks kick ass, and anyone considering buying a pair...DO IT, they are money well spent, I wiegh 135lbs. and I have one blue spring(easy) and a black one(hard) and I get anywhere from 5-5.5 on average, oh and one more thing if you like to show off to your friends, nieghbors, etc. these are the fork to do it with, Have had mine a month and my friends are still trippin out on them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ZZYZX
a downhiller
from US
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
BEST fork i had so far.
it is not as loud as others say.
easy to maintain
GET JUDY BUTTER
kick ass fork
PLUSH as hell!!
love this thing
THIS IS HUGE ASS WORTH FORK!!
get it!!
forget the drilling hole thing if u maintaince it everyday..
ride it in the rain or mud.. this shit can handle it
just clean after.. takes 10mins..5 chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaveK
a weekend warrior
from Bellingham, WA
Date Reviewed: July 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These things are smooth, solid, easy to maintain, heavy, and a lot of fun to ride. A couple things I've found that make them work even better are to drill the vent holes (I put holes in the top caps with several small holes around the damper) and with the wheel installed loosen the arch clamp so that the outer tubes can find their center, then tighten the clamp back up (not too tight). I also put lizard skins for rear shocks on them, this has significantly reduced the maintenance required.The only fork I can compare them too is my Z-1's with speed springs, and they completely blow the Z-1's away in every way except you have to maintain them more. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
COCO CABELLO
a downhiller
from Chile
Date Reviewed: July 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
ZZYZX`98....Desde que tengo esta horquilla,10 días, he sentido un molesto ruido dentro de uno de sus brazos. Especificamente el izquierdo en donde vann el resorte de retorno.
Le pedí a un técnico especialista que encontrara el problema y él me indico que este se encontraba en los resortes de retorno. El problema, según él dijo, estaba en que estos eran demasiado largos y poco resistentes al pandeo. Situación que ocurre cuando yo la golpeo y la comprimo al mismo tiempo.
Estos resortes se doblan y golpean el brazo izquierdo en su parte interior.
No se si mi horquilla tiene defectos de fabricación o es algo frecuente.
Si alguien puede darme algún consejo, se le agradece de antemano:
cocosavage@hotmail.com | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MaKbEtH
a downhiller
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Waldo the rocket man, I wish I was as hardcore as you, but hey, doesn't everyone?! Here's the story, I've had the original ZZYZX's for a while now.
They are so simple to service you could do it blindfolded (=good!!), I've
got 'em on my Kona Stab, and 'cause it has a longgggggg head tube I can only get
5.5 inches. But damn, that's fine with me. They take a while to break in
but are still ultra plush. While not as smooth as my Jr T's (what are??),
they are still good. They corner and track awesomely, smooth out the biggest
drop offs and stair jumps and braking bumps and look absolutely SICK..I'd
buy a pair just to put on my bike and look at!...the huge size also feels
great, heaps secure if ya know whaddimean. They are a bit noisy, but just
make sure you're wearing a full-face or ear plugs..na they're not that bad..
Yep I like 'em. any gripes and I'll write this again (but don't wait around!) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Taylor
a downhiller
from Riverside
Date Reviewed: June 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have been riding the Zzyzx for about ten monthes now. The fork has loads of travel, and gets the job done for minimal money. There are better forks out there, but if you are a downhiller on a budget, looking for a fork that is inexpensive, with lots of travel; go for it! These forks do require a lot of maintenance, and have the tendancy to freeze up when wet or muddy. But, that can be solved with neoprene or rubber boots given out by Bullet Bros. @ races. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Neil Hammertime hurley
a downhiller
from CO. USA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
All you people dissin these forks are retarted they give you the best travel and quality for the money if you just think for a while and set them up right they kick ass. and Eric The Rocket Wozadlo you don't know jack youre bike is not a motor cycle and only people whos skills are not worth crap need to brag about their riding abillity on the internet get a life man it is a review not a braging session if ya wana do that e-mail the people at mtbr and ask for it. let your results and personality show how good you are. mt bikers are cool people not $#@%? holes. Any way I think the ZYZZX are some of the best forks for the money if you have ridden manny downhill forks these kick butt you need to know a little about bike mecanics though ya know like how to squirt a bottol on your fork legs, it is real hard. I say it is a good for for some one who is willing to spend the time with them. I have 5 big downhill forks right now including some of the Mz and Rs and I like these best with a wee work | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
watto
a downhiller
from australia
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
zzyzx forks are very cool. With the bolt through hub , disk mounts , upgraded seals and some motorbike boots they are the best downhilling forks for the money. I'm riding them on a DBR V.6 (98) and with a homemade 6 inch link on the back , this gives an overall plush ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
sketchyboy
a downhiller
from Australia
Date Reviewed: April 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had the forks for about 4 days now, and while I'm not overly impressed with the forks out of the box, they are still pretty bloody good for the money. I haven't done any tweaking yet so I may change that opinion when I've actually done something hardcore with them. Style points are a definite bonus. Chicks dig 'em!
Bolt on hub makes them heaps stiff too. A little noisy, but still a cool fork.
4 chillies so far......... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Philip Lord
a downhiller
from Tokyo
Date Reviewed: April 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I agree with everything chris says, These forks are good but you have to keep an eye on them, I've ridden these in pooring rain with no boots and they have stopped working altogether, but now I have boots (honda CB 250 custom) and there seems to be no problem with them any more. Do the hole drill thing, it helps alot, and another tip is to make sure the deralin seal things don't touch at the open ends but have a tiny gap when assembled on the fork (file them if needed)...this alows for a better seal.I'd also give these forks 4 chillies for price performance. but if you have money to burn get something better eg Mister T, Boxxer pro etx | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a downhiller
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: April 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had set of the '98 DH Original forks since December last year, and have raced our national DH champs and sundry other races on them - long enough to form an opinion. Everybody seems to be moaning about the seals and bushes, especially the Brits, and it's fair enough because they're not up to much. BUT, they're not large $$ forks. They're budget items which are good enough to lift your performance into the big league if you're a good enough rider to take advantage of what they offer in big travel, big hit high speed capability. No, they're not as stiff as everybody says they are, not with the standard dropouts anyway. The 20 mm axle option is a lot stiffer, but the question then is why do you need those huge legs if they're not that much stiffer than say a Bomber or XvertR in standard form?The forks are annoyingly noisy, clanking every time you hit anything. Its especially annoying over cat's eyes on the road, which you don't feel as much as hear. On a rough high(ish) speed descent, the racket is enough to make you think something's wrong. The problem is in the damping cartridge; if you undo the little nut on the bottom of the leg and push the damper rod up out of the way in to the fork, you can ride around in blissful (but bouncy) silence. I even had the cartridge changed to try and eliminate it, which worked for about 20 minutes, then back to sounding like a you're dragging a sack of horseshoes behind the bike.The official Bullet suggestion of drilling holes in the dropouts to allow the forks to breathe is a good one, but it does mean that you've got to get a heavier spring to compensate for the lack of the air spring effect. If you tap the holes, you can put screws in and get some measure of air adjustability. You can also use the little holes to lube and clean out the forks without pulling them to bits. Ah, yes, the lubing process. Run the forks in as Bullet advises, and they're sweet,with not too much stiction. To keep them that way keep them clean, and oil them every day you ride. If you ride in the wet, they tend to sieze up, even with the much-vaunted '98 seals. Go to the Honda shop and get some CR250 fork boots. Remember, Bullet is a USA company, and USA products (in NZ anyway) have a reputation for sunshine-only usage (probably because of the California minimum weight ethos). If you ride in the wet, buy high-end stuff from Canada or the UK.So, for performance versus cost, 4 chillies. For outright performance, 3 chillies. Call it 4 because I'm in a good mood. If you want some real downhill forks, don't buy hotted up XC forks (MR T's, XVert R's, RST Hi 5's), buy some Foes F1's. They are the most tunable, plushest, most bombproof, and most proven (that's the most important one) forks on the market. They're also about the most expensive. Pity about the scabby Formula disc they come standard with. Ditch it and get a Hope Hydro 185. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a downhiller
from Antartic
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Creaky things these. You can hear the springs, terrable. No disc brake mounts what a let down. No through axle to stop wheel from coming off. Not very rigid at all. Looks like plastic. Don't get these go buy some nice forks which are speed senastive such as marzocchi bomber Mr T's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony
a downhiller
from Canberra Australia
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had this fork for 1 month. While it does have some stiction on small ripple bumps I have minimised it by using a 40 mm stem and getting the pre load set to my weight. The wiper seals work well but boots seem to be the go as they reduce any wear to a minium. Im using plastic bin liners cut into size and taped on. They are easy to make and I replace them when I lubricate the fork. The overall performance is excellent and confidence inspiring. Great value for money, though they are high maintaince. Short of forking out more money for a RST XXL the best fork in their price range. ps The Jr. T are made from Z1 bombers with extension on the legs, at a recent downhill a rider snapped his at the join. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
gucci
a downhiller
from ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: February 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Yes, the fork does need a break-in time and often lubrication during and
after that time, but man, if you follow those rules, it respondes as it
should for it's price, and it's a killer fat good looking fork. The '98
wipers work great, Bullet Bros. got the soft, medium or hard set of springs, (it comes with a set of mediums, you can in any way combine them according to your weight),disc brake mount and a great customer service for you. Go for it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Booth
a downhiller
from mpls, mn usa
Date Reviewed: January 15, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I don't know how many of you are riding the 98 model ( red sliders and good wipers) but it has performed great in the three months i have owned it. I have ridden in bad mud 3 times on the iron range ( red oxide mud extremely abrasive.) and have not had any contamination make it past the wipers. I have not had any noticeable wear on the bushings or sliders. I am using a shell grease that was designed for off shore cranes. Any commerical shell dealer can get it for you it is about $10 dollars a tube but well worth it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bierhaus
a weekend warrior
from California
Date Reviewed: January 12, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
just got the freeride fork, and i really like it. although it's a little soft for me i already got great advice and service from Bullet usa. Like the fork and i'm happy about purchase over White Bros. DC118. Also it looks pretty wild on my C-dale. Don't really know extreme downhill performance yet. So four jalepenos baby! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gloria Estefan
a racer
from Yorkshire,England
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
As a product reviewer for the fastest growing UK mag (mbr) we get to play with a whole bunch of forks and other gear. We're getting a well earned reputation with the manufacturers for really beating the shit out of stuff, not by abuse, just riding it day in day out through the real weather and conditions that you buyers will be putting it through. We may get pretty jealous of all that California sun where a shed load of products are designed for, but there's nowt like Yorkshire mud to form natures own grinding paste.
The Zzyzx look the donkeys danglers but we've chewed through three sets in under a month, terrible stiction, trashed bushings and seals slacker than Divine Brown's ....... All that leg circumference and surface area means everything just has to be run too loose to keep it from filling with crap or just sawing its way through the bearings.
If you want more detail read this months issue, there's a 2 page autopsy and a clinic on how to get the best from them if you're already lumbered. Plus sweet pictures of even sweeter girls in big coats on beaches and an oven chip grouptest - what more could you possibly need.
Glad I've found this place - it looks really useful. We can always do with as many testers as possible - that way the crap gets canned and the rated stuff gets rightfully raved. See you again soon, I've got a Raven to fix. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eli
a cross-country rider
from Gainesville, FL
Date Reviewed: January 3, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These forks have got to be the best deal going if you are looking to get a BEAST of a fork. Granted, a little tinkering makes all the difference in the world. Overtightening the crown or brake arch clamps will make this fork suck bad, so don't do it. Run over anything and dont think twice, ZZYZX does all the thinking for you. Put a little modification effort into it initially, and you will be rewarded. Oh yeah, anyone who says that you cant ride this fork XC just doesnt like suspension. Take the smoothest line my ass! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric The Rocket Wozadlo
a downhiller
from CA rules
Date Reviewed: January 1, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I am an elite downhiller and have an extremely fast and aggressive (animal like) riding style. I rage all the downhills. The Z1 bomber fork isn't very good,(still, way better than the zzyzx though) but with my riding skill I can still make it to the top of the podium, every time. I usually push my equipment to the limit, my mechanic has to tear these forks down every 2 training rides (I ride that hard), even on road days. Anyway most riders will never push the limits of these forks so it will probably feel perfect to them. But for me it's not enough but I'm still (incredibly)fast on it so until the fork companies listen to riders like me and build forks with 12 inches of travel like on my race Motorcycle, you will have to live with puny forks. I could only give these forks a two and anyone who would give them a higher rating just isn't riding very fast, or aggressively. See ya on the trails!! I'd love to ride with anyone, please feel free to e-mail me.Sincerely,Eric (THE ROCKET) Wozadlo | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lee Clark
a weekend warrior
from Cumbria
Date Reviewed: December 9, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The business - don't knock it till you've tinkered. Yes, it needs a few(!) adjustments out of the box/ But how about 7 of real, stictionless, super rigid travel that really does eat BIG rocks. It just takes a little sense to make them fly. And where else can you get 7 that genuinly weighs only 6lb!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a downhiller
from new zealand
Date Reviewed: December 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I agree, this fork sucks, I have spent $100 on state of the art lubrication(even KY jelly) and it is still like rooting a crack in a brick wall. Do not buy these forks, although I do have a pair for sale!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a downhiller
from usa
Date Reviewed: December 1, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
this fork sucks.it has tons of sticken and i bent one of the sliders. the costumer service is really bad to do not get this fork get a bomber SUPER T it is the best fork made | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan Bell
a downhiller
from Wellington, New Zealand
Date Reviewed: March 28, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Funky fork that really does the biz. Ride this baby in for a few hours and you have six of the plushest inches of travel available today. Super rigid - due largely to the massively oversized sliders ( these suckers are simply enormous - must be seen to be believed ). Top notch equipment that allows you to finally, really point where you want to go - and not care what obstacles are in the way. | | Overall Rating: |
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