Submitted by
Kapusta
a Weekend Warrior
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2004
Strengths: Felt better than the Mag 21 it replaced. At least for a while. Got a decent deal on it.
Weaknesses: WAY overpriced. Did not last. Air valves were terrible.
Bottom Line:
This review, like one I saw below, it rather after-the-fact. I used this fork for 1 year back in 2000. I was cleaning out some bike stuff tonight and saw this fork sitting there and realized it is the ONLY fork I have ever owned that is not doing some sort of duty on a bike somewhere. My x-vert is on my hardtail, my Z1 is still being abused on a friends bike, and even the old Mag 21 was still chugging along last I heard a couple of years back.
Back when I bought this fork I thought I was getting the cat's meow for only $270. Light, stiff, plush. I now realize that this fork was a piece of garbage when it came out in '99 and that is why I have never wanted it on any of my bikes since I stopped using it 4 years ago. Plush? It only got 50mm of stiction and travel. Stiff? The fork was so weak torsionally that the brakes were useless without a brake booster. After 1 year of use the play in the bushings was very noticable to the point of it being a little sketchy to ride. Light? Sort of, but it was 3.5lbs, not the 3lbs advertised. It leaked air. Getting air in and out was a nightmare, because not only were the valves impossible to access with certain v-brakes, but they were always stuck.
I know it is not fair to compair a fork from '99 to a current model, but I find I still have good things to say about my 2000 x-vert that I still ride occasionally. The Mag 21 may be sort of a joke at this point, but after 6 years of use it still held all of it's air, and the bushings were still solid. I never had one problem with it.
I guess it is sort of irrelavent to go on about a fork that hasn't been made for 5 years and I have not ridden for 4 years, but just in case you are reading this and considering buying a used one, I would say run away. I am a big Marz. fan, but making this fork was one miserable blunder. And when I think that this fork cost over $600 new....I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Strengths: Light weight and strong steering input. XC setup for fast steering. Easy to wheelie over stumps. At less than 3 lbs. Thats nice.
Weaknesses: Leak in the air seal after sitting over winters. Need to disassembly and put fork honey on the seals. Change oil and set oil level before pumpup. Pump up is a pain due to placement of airvalve next to brake.
Bottom Line:
The bike and frame will be retired this year to cruising duties. After 6+ years of abuse the bike frame it's tired and needs to go to bike heaven on the beaches. It's been a sweet ride at Saint Edwards park and Tape Worm. At 24 lbs it is going to be a sweet cruiser. I found some flame treaded tires with big white walls that are 26" x 2.125". I got a new set of Mavic Crossroc UST wheels. The fork is going to "M" for rebuild. Then it's beach time and Bert Gillman trail time for the Kona with my 4 and 2 year old daughters.
After 6 years of abuse it's been good. Oh, forgot to tell you guys, I weighed 200-210 lbs during the 6 years. My friend Bob and I would go into the jumps and get 4-5 ft of air. We did the woop-t-do and flew out on the other side. The bike and fork has fallen off the 5-6 ft platform at St Eddy (by the way, "Who took that thing down?"). So, when I say it developed an air leak after 6 years and sitting over winter. Well, that's pretty good. Just like my SID, the superfly needs TLC. Disassembly after dirty wet rides with regular oil changes and fork honey on the seals kept mine working 6 years. I think it needs more than an oil change this time. So to "M" it goes for rebuild than to bicycle heaven.
Similar Products Used: Rock Shoc SID, Judy XL, Z1 Bomber
Bike Setup: 1998 Kona King Kikapu large frame w/Fox 5RC airshock, Kooka Crank 3 color anodized, White Hubs, TI Stick, DT Revo, Red Al Nip, Mavic 517, Monkey Lite Rise, Race Lite post, Onyx, FSA Extreme Head, SDG TI, LX front, XT Rear, LX Brakes, XT Shifter/Brake Lever, Specialized Kevlar Tire, Specialized Ti Clip-on Ped all under 24 lbs.
Strengths: Light weight. air sprung. low maintnence. stiff. color, i love the flashyness of them, matches well with ly king kikapu
Weaknesses: no disc break bosses, but then agiv v breaks are lighter, and they stop you about the same. lack of adjustabilty.
Bottom Line:
this is the best xc fork i have ever put in my rig, its just a shame that i need to sell the bike, but then again a new bike will be nice. there is little to know flex and or torqu twist. this fork is very stable in any area of riding, singlettrack, freeride, climbing, or downhill this fork will do it all. i had the broblem of getting only half of the travle listed, so i got tem rebuild and not i get full travle, its nice to know that i get a whopping 63mm, whats that, 3 inches? i would suggest this fork to any looking to get one, new or used. i love em and i rate it 5 flaming rodies
Similar Products Used: psylo xc, judy, z2 bam, x-vert(pos), sid(pos)
Bike Setup: 1998 kona king kikapu with the works, xtr monkey lites, bomber forks, fox air vanilla rc rear shock. nokian gazzalodie mud 2.3 rear tire, kinda 1.95 front tire. xt hubs. x517 front rim, rhino lite rear rim.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Nedman
a Cross Country Rider
from Williams Bay, WI
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2004
Strengths: It's light
Weaknesses: Leaky seals, HORRIBLE customer service at Marzocchi, short travel, and ugly
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing this fork a little late; haven't used it for well over 2 years. Thought I'd submit this review so that someone doesn't make the mistake of buying one used. This is about the worst fork I ever put on one of my bikes. I only used it for 3 months when the left seal began to leak. Soon after it wouldn't hold air at all. I tried to contact Marzocchi with no success. Probably should have took it to my LBS, but I really don't trust them(only one shop within 20 miles)to do anything except very low end repairs. I had my old reliable Manitou laying around, and put that back on rather than wait and lose valuable riding time. If Marzocchi could have given me any sort of answer or service after repeated attempts perhaps I wouldn't have been so unhappy with the product. I know that these guys make a lot of good forks now, but I'll never buy one. For now I'm happy with my Manitou Mars- never a leak, and takes a beating.
Similar Products Used: Amp F2, Manitou SX, Manitou Mars, Trek/Showa
Bike Setup: GT Avalanche w/XT derailleurs, G/S Plasma shifters, LP bars and barends, Moxey post, Cane Creek headset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Blanchard
a Cross Country Rider
from Snowmass Village CO
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2002
Strengths: Once adjusted properly it gives a great ride.
Weaknesses: When new it leaks air a bit. Once I rebuilt the shock it held air much better and only lost a few pounds in one fork leg over the course of the entire winter. (While in storage).
Bottom Line:
This is a great shock especially for the price I paid. Once rebuilt it holds air very well. It is lite weight and provides a very nice ride.
Similar Products Used: Manitou Ti spring, Rock shock
Bike Setup: Specialized FSR, Marzochi Superfly, Chris King Head set, Mavic 517 XTR, Avid Arch rival 50's front and rear (great brakes) SRAM 9.0 SL
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Elton
a Cross Country Rider
from Bristol
Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Strengths: Cheap (at the time) low maintainance (at least i never did)
Weaknesses: Lack of travel (i only ever gor about 50 - 53 mm) colour, the yellow aint so nice - all in all a bit ugly, no disc mounts, not the lightest XC top line fork - having to remove brakes for air!
Bottom Line:
Had these for over two years now, i've never maintained them, which has caught up with me now! once the air was in and set up it has stayed there, and done over 1000 miles, only once did it loose air, after 6 months of use, i refilled it and its stayed up ever since!! last week they started flexing, then this weekend they got a bit worse and felt very dead, but still didn't feel loke they had lost air (well may be a bit) they are flexing v.badly, i have a feeling that it is the bushings???? the bottom line is...... i've had the 99 forks for a good two years only put air in twice (once to set up) never maintained them, and they have only let me down now (luckily at the end on an epic ride!!!)i've noticed in the reviews that noone has mentioned special tools etc, and if they are really nesessarary, where you get them, and how much they cost, same with seals and bushings, if anyone has any ideas as to what could be up with my forks, methods for fixing it'd be appreciated.!!! all in all pretty pleased with thier life on my bike, bit sad to bin them really... 4 for value (very cheap in UK at the moment) and 4 for overall, cos they have lasted 2 years, but lack travel and light weight....
Submitted by
shaun
a Cross Country Rider
from moss beach, cali
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2002
Strengths: steering precision, rigidity, adjustability, overall performance, great customer service. they fixed it twice when it was way out of warrenty.
Weaknesses: two trips back to marszocchi, one for seals, one for a cracked fork leg. 55mm travel instead of the advertised 60.
Bottom Line:
when my 99 was new the stiction was bothersome, when marzocchi fixed it they put 00 or 01 seals in and the stiction was gone. it stated to leak again so back it went. they replaced the fork legs and now i have a great x country fork. bontragers are shortish in the top tube, and i have a long torso, so my 150 mm stem puts alot of wieght foreward on the bike, which is fine because the bike climbs wonderfully and is quick. the short 55mm travel suits the bike when i am braking or hitting a rut. if i had 80mm it would pitch me. so it worked out. GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE from the guys at marzocchi. a great fork for this clydsdale's x county bike.
Similar Products Used: z2 atom bomb 80, various judy's, psycho or whatever the new rock shox is. (to boingy for my 210lbs)
Bike Setup: santa cruz bontrager racelight with all sorts of cool sh#t.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
AirKnight
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo, NY
Date Reviewed: October 25, 2001
Strengths: - It was pretty cheap when I bought it from SuperGo's closeout.
- Very durable
- Virtually no maintenance (I've never have to service the fork)
- Adjustability of air fork
Weaknesses: - Weight is not as claimed, it weighted at 3lbs 4.4oz at the USPS scale
- Travel is a pitty! They claim 60mm, but you will get 55mm if you're lucky. I've set the fork as suggested by Marzocchi, but I frequently bottom out the fork going downhill in races.
- Location of the air valve. It's hard to get the pump adapter to it especially with my Magura HS-33. They fixed this on other 2000 models though.
- No disc brake tab.
Bottom Line:
The Superfly is not made anymore anyway. But if I can make this choice again, I probably wouldn't buy the Superfly. The only mechanical problem I had was the blown seal, but that was within 2 weeks of owning this fork! It took Marzocchi almost 2 months to get it fixed and ship it back to me. But it's been working well ever since. The reason I wouldn't buy it again would be because of the lack of travel, no disc brake tab, and the weight isn't as light as claimed. This fork is OK if you just want some XC riding with minimal downhills. Once you start going downhill, the fork will bottom out quickly because it can only travel to about 55mm maximum (even though they claim to have 60mm).
Bike Setup: a Fisher with XT/LX components and XTR RR Rear Derailleur
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from fort lauderdale
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Strengths: the plushness over the small stuff and takes the big hits well
Weaknesses: none aside from the color is ruff
Bottom Line:
i have never had a problem with the seals and i only put air in it abaout every 2-3 months, i do only weigh 150 lbs but come on do you guys over inflate the let the air out, i admit putting air in it sucks but thats not to often like always user error that make all the harsh complaints maintain it and enjoy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bike Setup: rocky mountain f/s, race face cranks ti b/b, king h/s, mav whls, xtr everything else
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Marty
a Cross Country Rider
from Cleveland, OH
Date Reviewed: May 18, 2001
Strengths: Great Handling, great looks, great name. wonderful rebound.
Weaknesses: I blew the seals bunny-hopping in my driveway drunk. Ok, there I admit it....
Bottom Line:
I wieghed 190 lbs and was bunny-hopping in my driveway at 3am drunk as a skunk. blew my seals, both. So I hit Speedgoat.com and they sent me better 3rd party upgrades for like 30 bucks. As for performance I love the superfly, it has saved my lame butt many times from slight errors at 35 mph over tree roots. Its great I like it better than the new ones due it it's CNC'd latice break brace, I dig that kinda stuff. as for the seals, whatever, replace em' move on, its a great shock.
Bike Setup: 99 Ibis Alibi, Magura brakes, king headset, race face/xtr drivetrain.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Supadupa Fly
a Cross Country Rider
from Mililani, Hawaii
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2001
Strengths: Very stiff. Looks...to die for. (black/polished) Works for me.
Weaknesses: Must release front brake to put in air. No disc brake mount. (not necessary for me) Not as supple/smooth as coil shocks. Limited travel.
Bottom Line:
Good for my type of riding. Sure I could use more travel, but currently I don't feel I need it. I see the improvements made on the 00' model, but hey this forks rocks for me. Plus I got a really good deal on it. Drawbacks like having to release front brake in order to pump air is such a minor detail. Sheez, it only takes a second. I've read earlier reviews about the seals breaking... sorry guys. I've been riding mine for over two years now and they are just fine. Five chili's for value and Four for overall rating just because they changed the name for 2000.
Similar Products Used: Marzocchi xc-51 still have it. Manitou 2. junk Manitou Mach 5 sx. answer fs C-dale head shock
Bike Setup: Schwinn Homegrown. XT/XTR Mix. Kore, Azonics, WTB, Answer, Mavic, Cane Creek, Marzocchi.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Luis Ml. Gonzalez
a Cross Country Rider
from Santo Domingo, Dominican Rep.
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2000
Strengths: Good performance when it's working
Weaknesses: Not even close to 70mm The seals sucks. Lots of problems with air You have to dismount some V-brakes like the shimano XT to fill with air.
Bottom Line:
I have to say that at first it was working great, great performance and plush, although very short travel. But the it started having problems with the seals, bought the hole set for US$52 and then it happen again a month later so I bought another suspension. I wouldn't recomend it for anyone to buy it.
Similar Products Used: Marzocchi Z3 01' LT 100mm. Rock Shox Mag 21
Bike Setup: Giant XCR 2000, XT components 2000, TRuvativ Crankset
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
heatstroke
a Weekend Warrior
from Sarawak
Date Reviewed: December 20, 2000
Strengths: weight laterally stiff never needed to be serviced in over 1 year. Maintained sufficient pressure for about 15 XC rides between pumping.
Weaknesses: travel is minimal Daft engineers designed the valve location.
Bottom Line:
I really liked the fork, had it for over year. It was a whole lot lighter and stiffer than my earlier forks. Travel was limited to around 55mm but it handled most of the medium size bumps with no problems. It didn't soak up the jittery bumps though and wasn't enough for the big hits. I am 190 lbs and run the fork at 35 psi. I never had any maintenance problems, mainly cause I put boots on the things which kept all the dirt away from the seals. (I upgraded to a z1 X-fly - which is a whole lot better )
Submitted by
Noelle
a Cross Country Rider
from Memphis, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: October 20, 2000
Strengths: Very plush when it does work, esp for lighter female riders like myself, easy to adjust (you don't really have to remove the brakes to adjust air pressure, you should have been supplied with a fork valve shock pump adapter thingy with the fork). sturdy, strong, and very stiff too.
Weaknesses: Goofy yellow color. The superfly's seals were designed in hell!!!!! The seals blew during my first race (when i needed them most of course). only took 4 months to bust the seals and I only weigh 125 lbs.
Bottom Line:
The seals downright stink. Why pay for one of the "big three" in suspension forks only to have to fix the seals after 3 months???? If you don't like to refrain form riding simply cuz your fork is in the shop, get a SID or a Mars instead.
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