Submitted by
Leotis Denetclaw
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterflow, NM USA Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Road Apple (off season)
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Marzocchi.....the best! The look, color, and ride.
Weaknesses:
Air Shock
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Judy XC, Marzocchi Atom Bomb, early Manitou.
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown frame, XTR components, Raceface cranks and BB, Ringle wheels, CT2 carbon bar, Syncros stem and carbon seatpost, and Sram shifters.
Bottom Line:
This fork Rules......wasn't to sure I should go with an air fork. Especially since I am a heavier rider, but so far the fork is doing better than expected. The fork is plush, great on the big hits and able to support my heavy rear end. I rode the first generation Manitou fork and the then the first generation Judy forks, they were very good for their time, but nothing like marzocchi's Atom Bomb. It was my favorite fork till I rode the X-Fly 80 fork. I would recomend this to any heavy rider. I understand that it may not be as plush for lighter riders, but overall it should be perfect for all riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey www.mtbfreak.com
a Racer
from Australia Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Fox Creek
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
on bike
Strengths:
durability, stiffness vs low weight, lack of maintenance, look cool
Weaknesses:
rim brake bosses should be able to be taken out if you want but cant be
Similar Products Used:
too many to list
Bike Setup:
team xc bike
Bottom Line:
I thought I'd better send in my take on these forks a couple of years down the track.
To be blunt, they have been absolutely superb.
Havent had to do anything to them at all and have given them some serious riding. These forks have taken everything I have dealt to them with absolutely no fuss. No leaks, big hits, little hits, no stiction, no wear or tear. Nothing basically. Thus far I cant justify upgrading to a lighter xc fork because there's nothing wrong with these forks even 2+ years down the track with no maintenance (I dont recommended doing that though). Won a XC race on them just last week and have won nationals sports class xc rounds on them too. Am aware of the gripe about not being able to take out the brake bosses but if you dont touch them you will be fine. Have done some big air in races on these forks and they always come up trumps. Luv you marzocchi!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Zeke McDaniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown, CT Date Reviewed: August 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Middlesex CC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
Pricepoint
Strengths:
Light, stiff, adjustable, switchable to coil springs, customer service
Weaknesses:
Stupid schrader valves
Similar Products Used:
RS Mag-21
Bike Setup:
Nishiki Alien (old school!), XT/XTR setup.
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 2001 X-Fly 80.
Great fork after riding all summer. I personally prefer air/oil forks for weight and adjustability reasons and this fork has not let me down yet. Eats up the big hits and is supple throughout with MASSIVE stiffness. Good damping control via the knob on top and no problems with anything creaking or coming loose. Wiper seals appear to be holding up and I've had no air or oil leakage.
Only problem with the fork was that the original shrader adapter was 0.025" too short to compress the plunger in the valve - darn hard to fill the shock that way. Got zero response from the main Marzocchi website *but* got a response from the Marzocchi USA site in < 4 hrs! They sent me a replacement adapter (3 days) no questions asked. Annoying, but great service and had the problem solved by the time I got the time to get the fork on the bike. Personally, I prefer the old Mag-21 needle type air filler to the screw-in schrader adapter - needles are everywhere for basketballs etc. and are very quick to insert, check, and pressurize as necessary. I don't like screwing in the adapter (awkward) and worry about the aluminum threads, but so far so good.
I really like this fork, overall 4 chilis only because I haven't used it long enough to rate long-term durability and maintenance issues. Money well spent so far - don't know why I waited so long to upgrade! Highly recommended.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denis Thibodeau
a Cross Country Rider
from Rutherfordton Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
9 mile trail, Marion NC
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
durability, adjustability
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
manitou,
Bike Setup:
Klein pulse pro 97, full 02 xtr, Cane creek Aeroheat wheels
Bottom Line:
Around here everybody rides marzocchi, no wonder cause they rock. Absorbs bumps like an olympic mogul skiier. Doesn't bounce when going uphill. I don't even want dual suspension anymore. If you need a fork look no further. Great for lightweight rider cause you can for 110lb rider. I weigh 175lb and set it to the suggested pressure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
J.R.
a Cross Country Rider
from Encino, Ca. Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Supergo (No Help Store)
Strengths:
Great looking fork with a reasonable weight.
Weaknesses:
Improper set up, improper oil level, leaking oil, unidentifiable clicking noise on rebound. Product and service online should be much smoother (i.e.Manitou) E mail tech and customer service do not respond, I have sent over 6 e mails with no response!!! be the judge.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou forks and Rock Shox products both smoother out of the box.
Bottom Line:
If your an expert rider with a tech shop then this a good fork, since it will need some TLC out of the box, but dont expect" a set it and forget it " installation scenario. As noted above the Marzoochi service is weak and undeveloped as far as dealing with real customers. They dont have the time to respond to real customer inquireies or questions. I not sure how they do it in Italy but in the U.S. a little customer service is appreciated at times. Maybe there a little preoccupied with the World Cup who knows. In any case go with a Manitou they have excellent and responsive customer service with a great product. Unfortunately, I am stuck with my fork due to buying with Supergo store also know as SuperNO. Good Luck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Bay Area Date Reviewed: April 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Hard to pick just one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$279.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Rigidity, damping, looks, reputaion, option to change to coil springs if desired.
Weaknesses:
oil level waaaay off as delivered, making fork only have about 60 mm travel. Funky adapter makes setting accurate air pressure not as easy as others. I will probably soon lose the tiny rubber caps for the air caps. A little harsh over small bumps, (we'll see how it feels after it's broken in)
Similar Products Used:
Mars, Lefty, old school Judy, Manitou Pro, Mag 20
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing the 2001 model. Believe the hype! This forks rocks! The price was right. Being an air fork it is not much heavier than the Mars that it replaced. My first ride I was not that impressed. It was harsh and loaded with stiction at the recommended air pressure, and according to my trusty zip-tie, I was getting about 60 mm of travel.
I did a little research and discovered a large number of these forks were coming with the oil level set to high. So I had to put a wrench on my brand new fork with only two rides on it.(ouch!) I found the oil level on the left leg set way to high, about 10 mm from the top. I removed enough oil to bring it down to 45 mm. I applied silicone oil to the wiper seals and it felt much better. Adjusted the air pressure and went racing.
So my third ride on the fork is race day. A grueling 22 mile course. The X-Fly bottomed 3 times, only on the hardest hits. I could probably add a tiny amount of air so it does not bottom at all.
The best fork I've ever used? Maybe. Definitly the best short travel fork, far better that the Mars. At least as good as the Lefty.
The only thing that prevents a top rating is the quality control. How hard is it to dump the correct amount of oil in a fork leg?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
t
a
from australia Date Reviewed: December 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
the brake bosses hold the forks together/air and oil in as well as holding the brakes on. that's why the manual says you should never remove them. moot point because they've been taught to remove themselves. i don't need to tell you what happens next.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rik Stevens
a Cross Country Rider
from Tarheel Country! NC Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
MTBR Marketplace
Strengths:
Super smooth compression, plush damping, light weight by any standard, 30mm stanchions, holds a track well, that inherent Bomber sexiness!
Weaknesses:
I'm not sure i get the full 80mm of travel at high psi's, non-standard shock fork, still a great fork though!
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC (somewhat flexy, heavy!, good damping though)
This fork rocks, I got a steal at $150! Super light, the compresson is great, and I always feel secure doing downhill switchbacks and the like because this thing has NO FLEX! Very durable and Marzocchi's tech support is the best in the business. I called these guys when one of my air valves popped off, within 5 minutes the guys had gotten my address to send me FREE REPLACEMENT PARTS and talked me through how to fix it myself, saving postage and helping me be better able to do my own maintenance. These guys ride, they know that stuff happens, they asked no questions about how it broke. They just want you back on the trail! No more Rock Shox for me, I'm gonna ride Bombers forever. Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter McCann
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: October 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Slickrock
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$575.00
Strengths:
Performance and reliability.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
lots
Bike Setup:
Aeon Isis Sl, King, RF, Thomson, XTR
Bottom Line:
Yeah, there were a few minor glitches in early production, but experience has shown that this happens far less often with the Zokies than with their competition. Most of the problems I'm reading here are due to lack of set up knowledge-something easily remedied with a little reading on their website or a quick call to tech support. Marzocchie stands behind the products, and once repaired, this fork has performed flawlessly through 20 months of hard riding under my 190lbs. in places like Moab and Durango. The fact is that this fork will outlst and out perform anything else in its travel range. So if you don't have anything better to do than break down your noodle-light plastic P.O.S. fork every ten hours of use, then go right ahead. As for me, I'd rather be riding. My primary goal in the sport is adrenalin charged fun (since '82). I've enjoyed some success racing, but have learned the hard way not to sacrifice reliabily for weight savings. Your not going to place with equipment failures. I am buying an '02 Z1FR (5"), and already have a friend who can't wait to buy my X-fly. Ride on!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fattirewilly
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Date Reviewed: September 24, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light(relatively, perfomance, and seal integrity
Weaknesses:
Overhaul costs
Similar Products Used:
Judy, SX-R
Bike Setup:
Airborne w/RF,XT,XTR ....
Bottom Line:
This fork performs wonderfully (I'm 6'4" and 220 pounds). I would check the air pressure occassionally and it never needed any. I looked under the dust caps and thought I was wasting my time. Anyway, after a year and a half of heavy use and NO maintenance, I got tired of the front wheel slopping back and forth between the front brakes when I hammered. This is a condition that developed slowly over time, and I dealt with it for a month or two.
After not being able to stand the rubbing any more I purchased a SX-R on closeout for $99.00 to use a back-up while I attemped my first Bomber overhaul.
Bomber parts are expensive: Top seals=$35, Bushings=$40(each), Parker seal kit ($40). Including oil, the overhaul cost me about $165. That's a lot more than my NEW SX-R. It realy blows my mind.
Anyway, after the overhaul (and 50 miles this weekend) the Bomber works good as new. No rubbing! The 5 turd overall rating is there, but value is only a 3. I guess you get what you pay for, but man I hate paying that much! I'll try changing the oil regularly to extend the bushing life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ron Posner
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: August 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Los Paulinos
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
It's light, stiff - as in no flex, tracks well, has a very plush ride, soaks up large bumps easily and is easy to tune. Top quality parts and construction. It's a joy the way it handles any ride condition you throw at it.
Weaknesses:
The only weakness is that you have to tune it to your weight and ride specs. Which means you have to set the oil volume and air pressure. Is that a weakness?
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, White Brothers SC-70
Bike Setup:
Merlin Mountain frame, Cane Creek C-2, Race Face 9-speed 42/32/20T chainrings, Caramba cranks 175mm, XT shifter pods, Precision Billet RD, XT FD, Mavic X517CD, DT Swiss 14/15/14 crossed, Chris King hubs, Salsa QR, XTR 8-speed 12-32 Ti, Ritchey Z-Max 2.1" K front, Continental Cross Coutry 2.0" K rear, IG-90 chain, XTR V-brakes, XTR levers, Titec ti bar, TNT HDS Ti BB, Sella Italia Flite XP Ti, Ritchey CroMo pedals, Thomson Elite stem and seatpost , Ritchey WCS bar ends, Yeti grips, ETC.
Bottom Line:
I highly recommend this fork. Forget the SID SL. Marzocchi forks are AWESOME. After you lube the stanchions and break it in you will love this fork. Since I do my own maintenance on the fork I did the following - 1. Downloaded the Technical Manual and the General Overhaul, Maintenance and Parts Manual pdf files off the Marzocchi website, 2. Purchased the Marzocchi tools (slider protector, oil seal press, driver and pump), and, 3. Purchased the main Marzocchi parts (O-rings, upper and lower piston seals, seals kit). Otherwise, have your local bike shop set it up for you. Once that's done, you can't go wrong with this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Doug
a
from CA Date Reviewed: July 23, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Bottom Line:
Help!
I put this fork on my wife's Titus Racer-X and because of her weight, 109 lbs, and her less than aggressive riding style, she can only get 55m of travel out of it. I have lowered the pressure in both legs to 9.0 psi, and still not enough travel. I was told to reduce one leg to 0.0 psi and only pressurize the other. This helped slightly, but did not completely fix the problem.
If you have some good ideas on how to significantly improve the travel for a light weight rider please let me know.
Thanks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
choyboy
a
from sydney,nsw.australia Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
VERY STIFF,BIG BEEFY STAUNTIONS,HAS VERY LITTLE TORSIONAL TWISTING.HAS ONE OF THE BEST DAMPENING ACTION FOR AN AIR SPRUNG FORK,VERY SMOOTH.ALSO HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING FORKS AVAILABLE.
Weaknesses:
HAS SOME FORE AND AFT MOVEMENT SIMILAR TO OTHER FORKS. THIS FORK IS A BIT HEAVY FOR AIR SPRUNG FORK.
Similar Products Used:
99 ROCKSHOX SID,00 MANITOU MARS.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS BEST AIR SPUNG FORK THAT I HAVE RIDDEN SO FAR. VERY EASY TO SET UP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
choyboy
a
from sydney,nsw.australia Date Reviewed: July 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
VERY STIFF,BIG BEEFY STAUNTIONS,HAS VERY LITTLE TORSIONAL TWISTING.HAS ONE OF THE BEST DAMPENING ACTION FOR AN AIR SPRUNG FORK,VERY SMOOTH.ALSO HAS TO BE ONE OF THE BEST LOOKING FORKS AVAILABLE.
Weaknesses:
HAS SOME FORE AND AFT MOVEMENT SIMILAR TO OTHER FORKS. THIS FORK IS A BIT HEAVY FOR AIR SPRUNG FORK.
Similar Products Used:
99 ROCKSHOX SID,00 MANITOU MARS.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS BEST AIR SPUNG FORK THAT I HAVE RIDDEN SO FAR. VERY EASY TO SET UP.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Layton, UT Date Reviewed: April 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bingham's in Sunset
Strengths:
stiffness, disc brake mount, adjustability, dampning, low air pressure with max air volume, very plush
Weaknesses:
weight, v-brake posts are the main piece keeping the sliders and arch together
Similar Products Used:
'98 Marzocchi Atom Bomb, '97 Manitou FS
Bike Setup:
Schwinn Homegrown, LX-XTR components, CT2 bar, Thompson seatpost, Ritchey WCS-TI pedals, Panaracer Fire XC Pro's
Bottom Line:
This fork continues the legacy of plushness Marzocchi is known for. Once the bushings are worn in, about 10 hours of use, this fork feels incredible. Fine-tuen the air pressure for to your likeness and it feels like you are riding with a Pro-Wind spring installed. I followed the Marzocchi setup instructions on the webpage and it is spot-on. I initially purchased the fork and noticed that the seals around the brake arch and sliders were dry-rotted. The fork was in a window display and never sold at the store. When it was noticed, before installation on my bike, Marzocchi was called and they said ship it to them. They completely rebuilt the fork and sent it back. I basically have a brand new fork and I love it. Marzocchi will stand behind their product. I have never had a problem with their tech support. I will never own another brand but Marzocchi. Even if a new bike comes with a differnt fork, I will install a Z-series fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lauri
a Cross Country Rider
from Kangasala, Finland Date Reviewed: April 2, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Strong and good tuneability!
Weaknesses:
Absolutely none, well maybe the price is just a little bit too high...
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Cyclepro Pinnacle Comp, Shimano LX,Shimano XTR, Nokian tires and so on...
Bottom Line:
This really is a very good fork. You can tune it how ever you want and it responses excellent ín big and small bumps. The weight is really not an issue for me, I think that this is a quite lightweight fork. And because it weights a little bit more than for example a Sid, it makes it stronger and you can make it go where ever you want it to go. First I didn`t get all travel from the fork(only about 65 mm), but then when I had ridden it a few times, the whole 80 mm came in use. The fork starts working well after about 13 hours of riding. I still suggest that after a few months from purchasing the oil should be changed, because of the bad oil from Marzocchi factory, I have heard that the fork works even better then(how is it possible?). The fork works excellent in -20 degrees too, it doesn`t get stiff like every other fork I`ve tested in snow conditions. Though this is an expensive fork, it pays itself back in every situation.
If you are looking for a cross-country fork and still want to do something radical sometimes with it, this is the right fork for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Stowe VT Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Stiffness,looks,tuneability
Weaknesses:
Setup is everything and very finicky
Similar Products Used:
Atom Bomb, Z-1 (the best), Rock Shox Judys
Bike Setup:
IF Custom Deluxe
Bottom Line:
This forks performance is totally dependent on setup. Particularly oil height. If you get it wrong, the fork will not get anywhere near full travel or it will bottom out all the time. When the oil is right, all the features you expect from Marzocchi are there. Tuneability, smooth travel, reliability. I was ready to sell mine when I finally found someone who knew how to set it up right. Now I love it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FrameBuilder
a Cross Country Rider
from Ontario Date Reviewed: January 13, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Strong and reliable...
Weaknesses:
Right out of the box this fork had bushing play at least double that of my 99 Z2 Atombomb. I tuned it and adjusted it but it never felt close to the Atombomb. Too much play/flex made the front end unpredictable.
Similar Products Used:
99 Z2 Atombomb
Bike Setup:
Custom 853 Hardtail, Chris King/XTR
Bottom Line:
All last season I never did get the thing working the way I'd like. I'm not overly fussy about damping or spring rate so it' not like I was expecting coil/oil performance from an air shock. What bothered me was the play. I heard there might have been a recall for early Xfly forks with excessive play...anyone else heard that?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JC
a
from New York Date Reviewed: December 21, 2000
The need to constantly check pressure (inherent to all air suspension). Rebound adjustment location. Should include a sticker or two with purchase.
Similar Products Used:
'00 z.2 atom 80 (own), Rock Shox SID SL, XC, 100.
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC NRS 1, XT, Race Face, blah, blah...
Bottom Line:
I love this fork. As a heavyweight (208 lbs.), I always have to get a spring upgrade to get the right performance. And that adds $s. Now all that I have to do is check and pump, if necessary. The way this fork tracks, and performs is outstanding.
As for the adjustments, I have had no problems, particularly after reading the directions. In fact, the recommended pressure feels exquisite. It seems the best way to adjust a Marzocchi is to ease everything and adjust from zero. Particularly true of the rebound (xfly) and preload on the Atom 80.
It's a great fork the only lame thing is that they don't include a sticker with purchase!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeroen Swart
a Racer
from Cape Town SA Date Reviewed: November 30, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Grabouw Elgin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Excellent tracking, very tunable, brilliant rebound control
Weaknesses:
Heavy; Prone to foaming in the upper dampening chamber after successive big hits ; Creaking from the stanchion/crown interface ; leaks oil when changing air pressure settings when fork is inverted (keep it right side up when pumping air) ; Impossible to get 80mls of travel out of fork unless all the oil is drained out of the air chamber/openbath lower leg assembly! ; Bushings have play from the word go!
Similar Products Used:
99 atom bomb / various sids / RST mozo's / Manitou sx's
Bike Setup:
KHS alite 4000 / XTR / Crossmax wheels
Bottom Line:
To get the best perfomance:
1- Heat the crown with a heatgun and then dribble blue loctite between the stanchions and crown to get rid of the creak!
2- Drain all the oil out of the lower assembly and add a small amount eg 2cc of 10+ weight oil or grease to the bushings instead!
3- Keep the dampening chambers topped up with the correct oil volume to prevent foaming to some degree
4- Use the lowest air pressure that doesn't cause too much sag
5- Pry out the dust wipers and lube with silicone to the extreme
6- Repeat steps 2-5 regularly
7- Buy the 2001 edition which eliminates all of these problems!!! (except the weight)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stealthrider
a Cross Country Rider
from New York Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Lousy setup out of factory -- didn't flex at all originally. Manual is pretty poor.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Litespeed Tanasi
Bottom Line:
A lot of reviewers of this fork seem to either love it or really hate it. I've felt both ways at different times, which is largely attributable to the lousy factory setup of this fork. Upon receipt, this fork would not flex at all --it performed like an overweight, rigid fork. I wanted to toss this thing in the garbage! However, it turned out that the fork had been pressurized to over 80 psi. Dropping the pressure to around 25 psi seemed to help. The next problem was that the rebound adjustment was totally out of whack, which made the fork overly stiff, jarring and non-responsive to hits. Turning the rebound adjusters in each leg six turns counterclockwise helped increase the plushness of the ride. Lastly, carefully prying up the wiper seals and spraying some silicone lubricant on the stanchions below the seals -- as suggested by some of the reviewers below -- also helped. Now the fork flows over bumps, holes, small logs, curbs, even a reckless squirrel (which ran by me and then cutback suddenly under my wheels -- but amazingly ran off apparently unscathed!) smoothly. Pre-adjustments, I'd have to rate this fork one star. After all the tweaking, it earns five stars.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Bennett
a Racer
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: October 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Wolf
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
n/a
Strengths:
cool looks, rebound damping
Weaknesses:
First, the fork is claimed at 1500g (3.3lbs). My fork (uncut) weighed 1645g (3.63lbs).
Second, the axle-to-crown distance is way too long for the limited amount of travel. After 1 ride, I found that my head angle had slackened up way too much and my steering and climbing were being affected. To correct the problem, I popped in a spacer to drop the travel down about 20mm. This helped bring my head tube angle back in line, however, now I'm only getting 50mm of travel.
More importantly than the excessive weight and axle-to-crown distance, my fork is leaking. For the first 2 months, the fork was awesome. I'd check the air pressure every couple of rides and they were bang on. Then during a training ride, my fork began to bottom-out. When I got back home, I attached the pump to the left leg: 22psi - perfect, and then to the right leg: 0psi - not good.
I tried to re-inflate the dead leg and as quickly as I could get air into the fork, it was leaking out.
So, I tore the fork apart, cleaned everything, lubed the seals and o-rings and added fresh oil. Then, I tried pumping it up again. Now, the fork was holding air - or so I thought. I checked the fork later that night and it was still holding air. I checked the fork the next day before the ride and it was still holding air. However, after my first ride, it was back down to 0psi. So, while the fork is static, it will hold air, but after 1-2 hours of riding, it looses all of it's air in the right leg.
I tore the fork again, re-cleaned it, re-greased the o-rings, tightenend/loosened the air valve core, and added fresh oil. Unfortunately, this did not help. I even tried submerging the fork in water in hopes to find the slow air leak. Nothing. I called Marzocchi USA and they said to send the fork back. Unfortunately, since I race, I can't be without a fork for any length of time.
So, in order to still race/ride, I've been over-compensating in the good (left) leg, ie, using 40psi instead of 22psi. At least this way, I can get a complete race/ride in without having to worry about bottoming the fork.
And now, I've noticed excessive creaking coming from my fork. To ensure that it was the fork, I removed it from my bike and installed a rigid fork. The creaking was gone. Upon investigation, I noticed that the brake arch (which is cryo-fitted to the legs) is beginning to separate from the lower legs. There is a 2mm gap between the bottom of the brake arch and the top of the leg. I am assuming that this gap is the source of the creaking. Unlike the air leak, this cannot be remedied and I'll need to send the fork back ASAP.
Similar Products Used:
RockShox SID, White Bros SC72UL, Marz Atom Bomb and Z1
Bike Setup:
Seven Ti Sola
Bottom Line:
I think Marzocchi dropped the ball on this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
michael
a Cross Country Rider
from union city cali Date Reviewed: October 25, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the dirt ones
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
universal cycles
Strengths:
not even having it on my bike yet and pushing down on it on my carpet i can tell it had twice the amount of travel i was getting with my 99 z-2 super fly
Weaknesses:
well it could be a few ounces lighter but thats what makes it stronger than a sid or mars
Similar Products Used:
97 jusdy c,98 judy sl,98 mar z-1 bam,98 sid race,99 mar z-z super fly,00 mars cl,00 sid xc,now my 00 mar z-2 x-fly
Bike Setup:
santa cruz heckler large polished 1999,00 z-2 x-fly,race face stem and bar,lp bar ends,chris king disco tech hubs,mavic 317 rims,thompson seat post,selle ti flite gel,shimano xt front d xtr rear d,shifters sram attack,race face lp crank 20,32,4 x 11-30 shimano xt cassette,hayes hydro brakes ,shimano xt bottom bracket,salsa seat cooler quick release and salsa wheel quick release,cane creek ad-10
Bottom Line:
with a uncut steer tube the 00 z-2 xfly hits my digital scale that is acerate within 2 grames theres 28 grames per ounce and it weighs 3lbs 10 ounces well in reality it is about a few grams les than 10 ounces but closer to 10 ounces with a cut 99 z-2 super fly it weighs 3lbs almost 5 ounces so by the time my steer tube is cut i will have only gained around 3-4 ounces and gained twice the amount of marozacchie plush travel will post a ridden revie in about one month will give it 4 stars for now and if i find something wrong it will go downhill
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jesse
a Racer
from SSM ont canada Date Reviewed: October 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
the zoo
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Doesn't loose air like a sid over time super reliable even without boots in the wet
Weaknesses:
weight, heavier than the sid
Similar Products Used:
Sid sl, Manitou sx ti
Bike Setup:
Oryx Al XTR
Bottom Line:
if you want the lightest at any cost, get the Sid. Just be prepared to keep an eye on the pressure level and put boots on it and strip it down a couple of times per year. if you want your fork to always perform without cleaning it or adding air on a monthly basis, get a X-fly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul S
a Cross Country Rider
from Wallingford, CT Date Reviewed: October 5, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tyler Mill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Works great, looks awesome, very stiff
Weaknesses:
Can't use it on my Thule velo-vise bike tray because the disk brake caliper hits the mounting area.
Similar Products Used:
98 Judy SL, 99 SID XC, 98 SID, 98 Z2 BAM, JUDY XL
Bike Setup:
Schwinn 4-banger
Bottom Line:
Awesome fork, I've only used it 3 times but I'm in love with it. You don't use all 80mm of travel during normal riding. I get a little less then 70mm. But then I took it off a 4 foot drop off, and the rest of the travel kicked in. It still didn't bottom out though!! And I weigh 190lbs! The SID I had on there before would have exploded if I tried the same with it. I think the low pressure, high volume system will make this an incredibly reliable fork. I am very impressed and would recommend this fork to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Junkyardsbrother
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson Date Reviewed: October 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
We have none in Tucson, so don't come here
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Came with Santa Cruz
Strengths:
Looks cool, reliable, low pressure, stiff
Weaknesses:
No long travel upgrade. Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Judy with springs, Judy with elastomers
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight. Riser bar with bar ends (it just makes sense).
Bottom Line:
After reading all the BS about this fork, I had to put in my 2 cents. It works great. The trails are rocky as hell here, and I weigh 195 lbs. My seals hold air perfectly. Never leak. Never have to add air or top off before a ride. I do get 80mm travel. Last 15 mm is stiff which is good. Put tie around stanchion and ride, and you will see it is moving more than you think. Rebound damping control really works. A couple of clicks makes a big difference. I would like to try 100 mm of travel, but Marzocchi doesn't offer a conversion kit, even though they have them for many of their other models. I agree that out of the box there is stiction, but lift the dust caps off, and squirt lots of silicon lube into the leg and that problem will be solved. I am a big coil spring fan because they will never let you down. I was hesitant to buy an air fork, but it has been totally reliable for 6 months (riding 2x per week).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
Tracks Well. Low pressure air chambers don't need constant attention.
Weaknesses:
Stiction. Reliability.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Judy w/ Englund cartriges
Bike Setup:
Litespeed hard tail w/ XTR, Spinergy wheels, Race Face cranks.
Bottom Line:
I really tried to like this fork but I'm afraid it's let me down rather badly so far. First, out of the box it had a tremendous amount of stiction, which liberal applications of oil both above and below the seals only partially cured. I also think the suspension action is overly progressive, meaning that the soft initial travel tends to be absorbed as pre-load, leaving realtively little effective travel before the fork really starts to stiffen up. I have to admit, however, that it does track well, which is a nice feature in the extremely rocky terrain around here.
However, the kicker for me is that I blew out a seal after only a few months of use (I am not particularly heavy, either -- 160 lbs / 72.5 kilos). I consider this level of reliablity unacceptable. I am sending the shock back to Marzocchi, and in the meantime (because I gotta ride), I'm getting a 2001 SID Race. Maybe the SID will be too flexy for me after the Zoke, perhaps not,but a little extra flex is worth it if the seals stay intact. Based on other people's very positive experiences with the Z2, I can only suggest that while Marzocchi may have an excellent design, they may also have a bit of a quality control problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
olli olli
a Weekend Warrior
from germany Date Reviewed: September 22, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
used (6 months old)
Strengths:
don't know yet
Weaknesses:
don't know yet
Similar Products Used:
Superfly
Bike Setup:
Steel HT w XTR grouppo
Bottom Line:
I can give a review of the fork, but tell of a problem I had with the used fork, I bougt:
After installing the fork, I heard a quiet clicking. I deinstalled the fork and tried to find out what the clicking came from. It came from the place, where the stanchions were bonded to the crown. 2 days ago, I sent the fork to the german distributer and he told me, that the splicing at the first forks that were manufactured was handworked (and therefore not so exact as the machine-made).
He promised me to maintenance the fork and build in a brand new crown&stanchions and also to overhaul all the sealings. For free!
He also promised me to send the fork back to me within 1 week, and I hope I do not have to pay anythig. That is great! And that means I have a nearly new fork. For 200§!!!
As I can not post this review without rating, I give the fork 4 chilis cause the distributor is great.
BTW: The german distributor is Sport Szene.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a
from Santa Monica Date Reviewed: September 18, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$499.00
Strengths:
Exceptional looks and build-quality. Doesn't flex - goes where you point it. Fantastic performance once you change the oil.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy. Comes from the factory poorly set-up - have to change oil/rebuild to get it to work properly. Bad attitude from the Marzocchi tech department.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Sid, Judy with Total Air Cartridges, Marzcchi Bomber
Bike Setup:
23 lbs. hardtail .... blah, blah, blah
Bottom Line:
Ok. The Z2-Xfly is a great fork whose reputation has all but been ruined by poor set-up from the Marzocchi factory. Here's the deal: The Z2-Xfly uses an oil bath splash system to keep the internals lubricated. While changing the oil, I discovered that Marzocchi had failed to add the 7cc of lubricating oil to the bottom of each fork leg. On top of that, there was 15cc too much oil in each of the main oil reservoirs. Seems Marzocchi can’t follow it’s own tech manual. Could this be the cause of my forks lackluster performance and only 60mm of travel?
I purged the fork of all the oil, added 7cc of oil to the splash reservoirs at the bottom of each leg and added the recommended amount of oil (60cc I think) to each of the mail oil reservoirs. Sealed it up, pumped it up and now I'm in Marzocchi shock nirvana! It took a total of 30 min to perform this maintenance and now the shock rocks! Floats over everything in the trail, won't bottom-out and I'm getting between 75 and 80 mm of travel! And it’s been like this for over 2 months!
If you own this shock and are unhappy with it's performance, check to see that you have oil in the lower reservoirs and make sure that Marzocchi didn't add too much oil in the mains. Download the tech manual from the Marzocchi site and follow the instructions. It's easy. You'll be gad you did.
One more tip: The air chambers are low-pressure. Do yourself a favor and get the shock pump from the Marzocchi site. It's designed for accurate low-pressure readings and the bleed valve really helps you get the right setting. Most other shock pumps are designed for high-pressure and won't give an accurate reading. At $599 retail, Marzocchi should have included the pump with the shock.
Marzocchi has such great build-quality but that their set-up of these shocks just sucks. Their tech guys didn't give a rats ass that my shock sucked either so they suck too. Despite them, I now have a killer front shock!
Anyway... hope this helps someone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil T
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Kings Gulley, Sligo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
airbomb.com
Strengths:
Looks, relative exclusiveness...
Weaknesses:
Price, crappy seals..
Similar Products Used:
RST mozo pros, Obsys Carbon air
Bike Setup:
Sunn Exact Flex, SRAM, blah blah...
Bottom Line:
Just got the fork put on at the local shop as I was feeling lazy about getting out my old hacksaw, bought a new pump, pumped up the right side, fine. Pumped up the left side, reaching 35psi and then HISS - oil and AIR starts coming out from a seal on the stanchion below the air intake. Can get no pressure on that side. I'm gutted,I was looking forward to a monster ride tomorrow morning but now i hope that the guys at airbomb will take it back. Maybe I'll get lucky and they'll let me pay more to upgrade to a ATOM. In conclusion I'm hella P123ed and disappointed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a
from Palmdale, CA Date Reviewed: September 8, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
Johns right! I've never seen anybody mention it before, but oil leaks out every time you check the pressure. Leaks right into your gage! Ruined one of my digital gages! What's up with that???
Marzocchi said it was "normal" when I brought it up to them. God I hate that answer...
Get a coil and oil bomber, stay away from air 'till they get it right.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a
from Palmdale, CA Date Reviewed: August 29, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Weaknesses:
Play in the Sliders and stanchions.
Bottom Line:
OK, I have to post this because I swapped my Z2 Xfly for a TRUE Bomber - an Atom 80. Coil springs rule. A fork's primary job is to smooth the bumps, and NOTHING does it like a coil Marzocchi.
"Where the hell did all the bumps go?" After riding on air (Z2 Xfly), I forgot how smooth a coil Marzocchi is. EEEEEEhaaaa. This is sweet! Marzocchi coils rule. Period. The steering is more precise than my NSX. I mean this thing goes where you point it - and now!
I wish I would have held back on my review of the Z2 Xfly. Every rumor you've heard about the excessive play between the Sliders and stanchions is true. Mine is in the shop right now. Only 300 miles on it, and after a rough weekend at Big Bear on some seriously bumpy singletrack, I noticed the play. Felt like the headset was loose. NOT. Turns out the oil bath system is more of an oil splash system and they are actually having to fix the problem with a major redesign in 2001. They are moving the air spring and oil bath from the bottom to the top of the fork legs. Hmmmmmmmm.
Doesn't matter. Their coil spring full oil bath forks are absolutely bulletproof, work superior to air or coil fork, are stiffer than the CEO of Viagra, and look killer with the Cryo fit "M" arch. Stop listening to all of us waxing poetic about these things and buy one and enjoy.
Marzocchi's are not heavier than the other forks. They are an engineering work of art and a quality masterpiece. The other forks are plastic, cheap pieces of crap that sacrifice quality, plushnes, reliability, and steering precision for the sake of lower weight numbers. A compromise is just that - A COMPROMISE!
Buy a Real Fork. Get a Bomber.
3 chilis because the coil Bomber is SO SUPERIOR!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a
from Illinois Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mc Dowell Loop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Strengths:
Excellent build externally. Very little flex.
Weaknesses:
Poorly designed internals. Significantly heavier than advertised. Less travel than advertised. Expensive.
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC & SL with and without England cartidges..63 & 85mm. Manitou Xvert Super. Bomber Z1
Bike Setup:
Y2K Tracer
Bottom Line:
Debated hard and long on which fork to use on my Tracer. Because of the Marzocchi reputation I chose the Z2 over Manitou and RS SID 100 or XC. After 3 months of messing with the fork I sold it and installed an Xvert Super. The Fly was a pain. Felt mushy thru the first 60mm of travel then ramped up sharply with a max travel around 70mm. Requires frequent lubing of the seals to prevent stiction. Popping up the dust covers are a pain. Oil leaks out the shraeder valves while modifying air pressure. Maybe they'll get it right for 2001. Until then save your money !!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, California Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
The Ones with Dirt onum
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Minimal Flex Buttery smooth through the entire stroke
Weaknesses:
Weight (get stronger, it's worth it when the bike is pointed downhill)
Similar Products Used:
various Rock Shox, 'Zokes 98 Z2 Bam, Headshock
Bike Setup:
'00 Santa Cruz Superlight, Chris King's, Race Face System, Monkey Lites
Bottom Line:
For those of you complaining of the amount of travel, put a little testosterone in your riding. The stroke ramps up quickly at the end of the travel for the real hard impacts and stays soft through all the small bumps. I thought I was getting only about 60mm until I landed a 4 foot drop front first and the Zokes cradled me home with all of its travel. Oh, and if you want your bike to go where you ask it to go, the competition has nothing on Marzocchi. I thought the disassociated, rubbery feeling was innate to steering a single crown on aggressive terrain until the Zokes came into my life. Now I'm in control with confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from West Bloomfield, MI, USA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Pontiac Lake, Highland Park, Potawatomi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Sturdy Design (flex almost undetectable), looks, quality build (finish, no air leaks).
Weaknesses:
1. Too heavy for the travel you get, i.e. usable travel 55 mm with correct air pressure and oil volume. 2. "Jacks up" the front of the bike too much (crown to axle length appears to be too long versus comparable forks from the competition. This make the steering somewhat slower (i.e. slackens the head tube angle). You feel it especially over tight and rooty single track (switchback turns, etc.). 3. Too expensive for what you get.
Ellsworth Truth @ 23.1 lbs - needless to say more.
Bottom Line:
I really tried to like this fork. However, the useable travel in my case was only about 55 mm and this isn't competitive. I tried all kind of different air pressure (ranging from 12 psi to 30 psi, I weigh 155 lbs and ride mtb since 15 years = expert level) levels and various oil volumes but the Z2 XFly never achieved its claimed 80 mm of travel. The only way to obtaine the 80 mm of travel was to completely deflate both air chambers ... silly! The travel as such or to put it in other words the quality of travel was good.
I'm now on a 2000 SID XC and besides of knocking off 0.5 lbs in weight the fork gets at least around 70 mm of usable travel (60 psi). Compared to theZoke the finish isn't that great (e.g. "goldish" or brass color coating of the stanchions doesn't look professionell) but as long as it doesn't interfere with the function of the fork I can live with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diab Rabie
a Cross Country Rider
from Indian Trail,NC usa Date Reviewed: August 6, 2000
Favorite Trail:
catawba river front
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
LOoks,rigid, damping, plush
Weaknesses:
price, weight.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
fsr xc crossrdes,moky lite, chris king, thompson,xtr,time,
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review. I got my shock back. It now feels great. I have only gotten to ride it once but i am confident it will be great. While i waited for shock i got to watch a zoke rep siminar on rebuilding my nfork and others. Simple design once you see it opened up. I think this fork will live up to its hype. thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Cross Country Rider
from Northern Kentucky Date Reviewed: July 24, 2000
somewhat time-consuming to get TOTALLY setup... MSRP price...
Similar Products Used:
'99 Z2 BAM, RockShox Judy XC, blah-blah-blah
Bike Setup:
'98 Santa Cruz Chameleon, King wheelset, RaceFace crankset, etcetera...
Bottom Line:
I was very hesitant to sell my BAM. I never had any type of maintenance problem with it. The '00 Z2 X-Fly does, in fact, require a bit more maintenance and TLC...The weight difference is significant, though neither fork is in any way "light-weight"...which is not a significant concern for me. I have only had the fork for a few weeks, so I will certainly follow-up once I've beaten the absolute snot out of this thing, I'll post another review. Basically, it is easily setup, once you have actually taken the time to break it down and REBUILD it. This way, all the seals can be lubed and oil volumes can be checked and/or changed. The problem I've encountered thus far has to do with the bushing sleeves inside the fork legs...they seem to slide a bit if you are not careful with the overall air expulsion/inflation. Again -- TLC. The quality of the ride is quite solid and plenty plush. It is not a true "air" fork really, so there is no worry about flimsiness and bothersome "blowouts". It is, however, comparable to a coil/oil setup in it's tuneability and responsiveness. Hopefully, I will be enjoying this fork for quite a while! (Thanks again, Chris!) Buy the fork if you can find it on sale somewhere for well under MSRP. True "weight-weenies" need not apply. Performance-minded hammerheads, give it a solid look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from MI Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
pretty, stiff, interesting design, very smooth action, excellent rebound adjustment.
Weaknesses:
too long axle-to-crown, only gets 62-63mm travel.
Similar Products Used:
'97 atom bomb, manitou '00 sxr, white bros sc92ul, headshocks dd-60, angryasian...
Bike Setup:
heckler sl, angryasian fork, all xtr...
Bottom Line:
i was not happy with this fork. though it had it's positives, the negatives were just too much.
yes, i carefully tuned this fork, ranging the air pressure between 18 and 28 lbs (and very fast rebound), and could never get more than 63mm travel (including up to 25mm sag!!!) i was getting only 38mm of usable travel. if i went any higher with the air pressure, travel decreased even more! i let all the air out, and got over 80mm. i REMOVED all of the oil, aired it up to 20 psi, and got 63mm travel! TRIPLE checked the oil level (using a toomey syringe for accuracy),aired it back up, and still--63mm.
think about it: i purchased an 80mm fork, and was only getting 63mm--and that was only if i really slammed down, forcing the fork through all of its travel. when i contacted marzocchi regarding this, they told me to check the oil, and ignored the rest of my inquiries re: limited travel.
next problem: very long axle-to-crown. i noticed this fork seemed to jack up the front of the bike. i measured an axle-to-crown of 459mm. i had e-mailed marzocchi earlier, and they stated the axle-to-crown was 460.5mm. published measurements were 445mm (incorrect). mine is definitely 460mm.
the problem is that this is a very long fork. my atom bomb is only 432mm. th z-2 raised the front of my bike by over 1", thereby messing up the handling--in a major way. climbing was much more difficult, and the steering felt "floppy". (and before someone suggests i put on a lower stem, i already had a 120x10 stem, in the NEGATIVE rise position. im a master mechanic and an RN, so critical thinking is my strength).
oh, and this is not a light fork: 3.6lb with 7" steerer.
it doesnt make sense: here i had a heavy(ish), long fork, that only gets 63mm travel.
sorry folks...this is not my idea of a well designed fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from Indy Date Reviewed: July 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
dirt ones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Many, especially the one that counts. . .plush. Easy to tune, stiff and everyones favorite great looking!
Weaknesses:
None. Can't believe a moron writer for Bicycling magazine compares this fork vs. a Mantitou Mars. The idiot pressures the fork up to 40psi turns rebound control to max (10 turns) then reviews the fork as "sluggish". Yes this is a moron writing for bicycling magazine!
Similar Products Used:
Rcok Shox, Manitiou, White Bros.
Bike Setup:
M4 Fsr XC
Bottom Line:
The best air forks presently available. Great response on rapid successive hits. Get one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Johnson City, Tennessee Date Reviewed: July 20, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Muddy Hollow to Blue Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush, Stiff, Plush, Stiff Looks great too
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC 97/98 Marzocchi XC400 (back in the day)
Bike Setup:
97 Santa Cruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
What a great fork. Not a single regret for puchasing this fork. It tracks so well as compared to a Judy it is amazing. Saving weight at the fork is not your best investment. Save weight on tires, pedals, seat post, etc. My weighed 3.5 pounds with the steerer cut to a little over 7 inches. That small amount of weight I more than make up by downhilling faster, not crashing or not being as fatigued as someone out there on a SID. I would not even consider a new SID. This fork is in a completely higher class. BTW for tuning advice, go to Marzocchi.com
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from bozeman, montana Date Reviewed: July 17, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Grassy Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
precision, plushness, looks
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rock shox, headshock, noleen
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain element t.o., XTR, raceface, easton monkey lite
Bottom Line:
an awesome ride. this fork is so predictable in the corners and the ruts. it holds any line you set and will re-adjust mid-turn with just a little counter-steer. rocks and roots are soaked up without a quiver. a great carving tool. the polished look makes it stand out and even the some Harley guys were admiring it the other night on my roof rack. the stiction gets much improved the more you ride and the cleaner you keep the seals. i was worried about the weight of the fork at first, but the precision more than makes up for it. the SID line of fork wobbles all over the place and your wheel pays the price for it as well. this fork does not have that problem and is great for someone who wants a lightweight fork for their trail bike. be aware that you can change a spacer and get 100mm of travel. have your dealer check his technical manual---much better than the owners manual. their website is much better as well. smooth, plush, and precise. and beautiful.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Diab
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlotte, NC USA Date Reviewed: July 11, 2000
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Z2xfly looks nice and is very sturdy.This inspires confidence. If it is fixed it looks like it should be a very good unit.
Weaknesses:
It will not keep air. Mine keeps losing air and i got to keep pumping it up. I did not check it yesterday and it was way low causing me to endo in a drop in. needless to say i was pissed off. Dealer says getting parts. Marzocchi says the same. They think the seals or seal is bad. This ain't good for my riding. Hope its fixed soon.I actually meet someone on the trail that had the z2xfly and he had a problem with this obvious clicking sound. He said he was without his shock for three weeks. He got it back and it was still clicking. He told me that dealer said that it was normal. Didn't sound normal to me!!!!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou sx-e
Bike Setup:
Fsr xc time pedals, thompson seatpost,monkey lite riser,xtr, crossride wheels
Bottom Line:
I purchased the zoke hoping for excellent performance, durability and reliability. So far I haven't been able to get any. I will give zoke a chance. Hope for the best.wITH A SHOCK THIS NEW AND EXPENSIVE i THOUGHT THAT RELACEMENT WOULD BE IN ORDER. OBVIOUSLY THE SHOCK WAS DAMAGED OR DEFECTIVE FROM THE GET GO. Now I am stuck with the fork waiting for a fix. I think this is bad business practice and frankley I am very disappointed. Buy this shock if you think I am one of the unlucky smucks out there and you won't be.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: June 23, 2000
Favorite Trail:
South Ridge, Mt Pinos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Plush
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer-X fully tricked out.
Bottom Line:
To Biknben,
Yes the low pressure sucks for shock pumps. Forget the gage on the pump. They vary all over the place anyway. Pump it up with the pump and then check the pressure with a high quality digital Auto tire gage. I got a quality digital gage at Costco that works great with this fork. I'm 185 lbs and keep my fork at 30 lbs each leg.
Did you actually lift the seals and then squirt fork oil on each leg? That no kidding made a big difference for my fork. I was not impressed at all with the stiction out of the box. But after doing this, the fork came alive. Now after 200 miles, I love it more each ride. Just Awesome!
If you've ever ridden a bomber, you know what smoooooth is all about. This Z2 X fly is the closest I have seen in an air shock to that level of plushness.
I look forward to reading about the MARs in the review. But I am curious about the mags comment on the SID. Everything else I read about the SIDs waxes poetic about the weight, but says it flexes all over the place and has no steering precision. Like I said before, a forks primary job should be to steer precisely and absorb bumps, anything else like light weight is secondary.
Good luck.
Don't just survive your life, LIVE IT!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
biknben
a Racer
from Robbinsville, NJ Date Reviewed: June 21, 2000
Favorite Trail:
porquipine rim
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Steering Precision.
Weaknesses:
Too many to list...read below!!!
Similar Products Used:
Old Judys, Headshoks, SIDs, Wht. Bros.
Bike Setup:
GT I-Drive, Full XTR, etc. <25 lbs.
Bottom Line:
I think I got the lemon...I haven't been happy at all since getting this fork. First, the owner's manual sucks. Doesn't provide any useful info. How about some tips, recommended pressures, troubleshooting, maintenance how-to's??? Out of the box it hasn't been smooth. After lubin the hell out of it it hasn't gotten better. If I lower the pressure it doesn't improve and bottoms out. The larger air chamber is a great idea but the pressure is soo low I can't get a consistant reading from the pump. I think I'm running 35#s or so but who knows. The pumps is good quality and works fine on other shocks. 80mm of travel...that's a dream...they better check the ruler. I've been fighting the urge to have the shop tear it down and rebuild it. They haven't seen many of the Marz air forks and don't want to be bothered. Gonna end up paying a fortune. Gotta have special tools. Only good thing I can say is that it has precise steering. Having large diameter tubes and legs which are pressed into the crown will make the bike go where you point it.
Bicycling Mag just got done bashin the fork in the August '00 issue. They were more abusive than I was. They said it didn't come close to the Mars 1 it went head-to-head with and both didn't come close to the SIDs. That means the Z2 X-Fly is pritty damn low. I haven't been a big fan of the RockShox offering but am reconsidering.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: June 12, 2000
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Awesome
Weaknesses:
nada
Bottom Line:
Hey guys, we need to consolidate these reviews under MARZOCCHI Z2 X FLY.
For a tip on how to get rid of that initial stiction, see my review under Z2 X fly.
Awesome fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maniaco
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix,AZ. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: June 10, 2000
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Functional italian made wrist savers. Oh did I mention They function and feel like an actual suspension?
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox, Answer Manitou
Bike Setup:
2K Rocky Element Race, See the review
Bottom Line:
I like them I sit and stare at them and wonder why my car cant have shocks so nice HE HE HE. The only thing I think im gonna do is put a little fork oil in them like the guy said in the review before mine. If the oil can make them better then they already are then there is a fork god after all because they truly are perfect.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: June 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Mt Pinos
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Does exactly what a fork should, and perfectly.
Weaknesses:
nada
Similar Products Used:
atom bomb
Bottom Line:
I forgot to pass along an excellant tip that Charles at hammerhead told me to do. To get rid of initial stiction and help break in the fork, carefully lift up the dust seals on each leg and squirt about 1/2 teaspoon of fork oil in there. Bounce the fork up and down a few times. Reseat the seals. I did this and WOW did it make a difference. Night and day. Mucho Bettero. Try it, you will be impressed.
This fork rules!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Muench
a Cross Country Rider
from Rochester, NY USA Date Reviewed: May 31, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Tryon Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Steering accuracy, very little leg flex under braking, very easy to maintain. THe best for for the clyde racer.
This fork rocks. When riding in rutty, rocky rooted trail this for holds the line you give and plows it's way through. If you are tired of the flex of JUDY then hop on the Z2 X-Fly and you will never go back. As for the xtra weight, you will never notice when you are riding, all you think about is how weel this thig works!! For all of you none normal riders(125lb health nuts) this is the fork for you, if you are a big strong guy/gal this fork will never let you down. See ya on the trail!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rockohaulic
a Cross Country Rider
from Palmdale Date Reviewed: May 24, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Sequoias, Mt Pinos, Anderson Truck trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Smooth. Very fluid. Light Responsive Stiff Cool looks
Weaknesses:
Not cheap
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Atom Bomb Rock Shox Judy
Bike Setup:
Titus Racer-X Totally tricked out
Bottom Line:
Killer Fork. Awesome. There aren't enough "ooo's" in smooth. I came off a Marzocchi Atom Bomb and I was skeptical that air could work as good as a coil. I was wrong. The Z2 Xfly is a better fork. Much better. More travel. Lighter. Much better adjustability. And smooth. This fork works with a fluid motion that is unbelievable. The low pressure design means that this thing will be as reliable as my Atom Bomb. I got this fork with my Titus Racer-X, so I can't tell you that it made the bike steer more precise than my old fork, but the steering precision of the bike/fork combo is steller. Without a doubt the most precise steering I have ever seen.
Sure, there are slightly lighter forks on the market. But every component has compromises. You can't have everything. With a fork, I expect it to steer with precision, and smooth out the ride. To compromise in these two areas is to compromise on the whole reason for a suspension fork in the first place. I'll compromise in weight and enjoy my rides a hell of a lot better than the guy on some light weight noodle. The fact that it is the best looking fork out there is icing on the cake.
For cross country, this is the best fork you can get.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Pickard
a Racer
from Charlottetown Date Reviewed: May 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Brookvale
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
light, awesome looking, easy maintanents
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID SL/ SID Race
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Vertex Team Only 2000/ full XTR
Bottom Line:
its a great fork even for the money and when your looking for something in it range its a great fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob L.
a Cross Country Rider
from Frederick, Maryland Date Reviewed: May 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Gambril/watershed
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light for a Zoke. Performance. Looks really sweet.
Weaknesses:
For my weight (250lbs.) I have to run the pressure pretty high, around 48psi. This makes it kind of stiff on the small bumps.
Similar Products Used:
z-2 alloy, z-1
Bike Setup:
Airborne Lucky strike, Xt, Syncros
Bottom Line:
A big step in weight reduction from the z-2 alloy and 10mm more travel. This fork performs great in the rocky technical singletrack that it calls home. It soaks up the big hits with ease. I run the pressure high so its a little stiff on the small stuff, but thats not what I need it for anyway. Looks great, rides great, Marzocchi is King for the clyde class.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
brian smart
a Cross Country Rider
from bellingham, wa Date Reviewed: April 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Chutes and Ladders
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Ease of tuneability
Weaknesses:
canti studs are STRUCTURAL (!?!?!?!) who ever reads this do not remove the canti studs if you're running disks. These studs keep the lower legs attached to the crown. Just had a friend get reamed at the Zokes booth because they did just that. This seems to be really a goofball way to have the integrity of the fork legs. Other than that, it's a sssuuuuupppppeeerrrr plush ride, but I'm coming off a '97 Rockshok JUDY XC, so from elastos to air/oil, big change. I am nervous about the exposed stancions though, but the BC rep told me to just wipe the seals clean after eacha ride and not let the dirt dry.
Similar Products Used:
judy xc
Bike Setup:
kona king kahuna
Bottom Line:
I really do like the fork, it's going to make for a very plush ride. I'll still play around with the air pressure and rebound. Really like the relocated air valves from last year. With the exception of the canti stub thing I really like the fork. Just be forewarned, it's unlikely Zokes will warranty, read the manual, it's in there somewhere.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick Underwood
a Cross Country Rider
from Missouri Date Reviewed: March 22, 2000
So far this thing has been great to me. I was coming off a Superfly on which the air leaked, but the '00 seals seem to have taken care of the problems associated with air loss. Coming from the Superfly, I was pleased with the extra 10mm of travel, it really makes a difference. Like the Superfly, there has been some initial stiction, but it has pretty much gone away. Some say that these forks are prone to stiction problems, but after the break in period everything but the smallest bumps break through to the real travel of the fork. I've also found that you can use fairly low air pressures in the fork due to the slightly progressive travel. The location of the schraeder valves is a whole lot more user friendly. The thing performs as good as any air fork. It's really stiff, but the penalty is the weight ~3.7 lbs. I considered this when I got my new bike, but I figured I could deal with the extra weight to get a fork that actually performs well. The s*xy new M arch looks sweet and hopefully will attract less mud than the old machined arch. The only problems I see with this fork is the weight issue, but if you're like me and are in the 200 lbs range, then there is no real alternative. This fork flat performs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Collin
a Cross Country Rider
from Columbia, Maryland Date Reviewed: March 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Schaeffer Farm, GTN, MD
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Soft Supple ride. Air adjustable
Weaknesses:
Price
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Spyder, Manitou Pro 5 xc
Bike Setup:
98' Klein Mantra F/S
Bottom Line:
Great fork, sucks up small and large bumps very well with no sticking. It took me a while to get used to the wide stance, as my Manitou forks are quite a bit thinner. The wider stance seems to make it want to track in one direction or another, making it a bit difficult to ride with no hands to give my back a rest in smooth areas. I guess they're wider to accommodate disk brakes. I sort of wonder why they didn't put a rubber boot over them. They are a little bit heavy as well, but I don't care that much about weight as I don't race, and the added weight helps condition me. If you like a soft ride, expensive forks and don't race, you'll probably like these forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAN HALL
a Weekend Warrior
from ROCHESTER Date Reviewed: March 8, 2000
Favorite Trail:
DURAND EASTMAN PARK
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
GREAT FINISH AND QUALITY, EASY TO ADJUST, VERY PLUSH AND ACTIVE.
Weaknesses:
HAD TO RETURN AFTER ONE RIDE, TO MUCH OIL FROM THE FACTORY, ONLY GETS ABOUT 70mm OF TRAVEL.
Similar Products Used:
JUDY SL 80mm, SID 63mm
Bike Setup:
99 stunpjumper, full XTR drivvetrain, XT brakes, King headset, raceface bb, rf turbine cranks
Bottom Line:
Marzocchi took care of the fork under warrenty. It feels awsome now, much more plush then the SID. I was hoping for some more travle.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jimmy Lee
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica, CA Date Reviewed: February 18, 2000
Favorite Trail:
All the Dirty Ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
PLUSH stiff infinitely tuneable looks PLUSH
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
Z2 Alloy, Headshock, various Manitous and Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Race Face stuff, Rolf Dolomite Wheels, Easton Monkey Lite bar, Chris King headset
Bottom Line:
I'm falling in love all over again with all of the local trails. This fork has the package. The damping on both the compression and rebound is Butter, BeBe. With the air pressure range at 15-40psi, it's sensitivity to all the bumps, big and small, will remind you how technology really does make your life a little more comfortable. I've yet to tear it down for routine maintenance (oil change, wiper seals), so where it ranks in that department is left to be seen. I'm am truly impressed with this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick Price
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA, USA Date Reviewed: February 16, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Noble Canyon
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Adjustable. Lighter than previous Marzocchi offerings. Solid Design.
Weaknesses:
Requires some maintanance. Still heavier than other air forks.
Similar Products Used:
RockShox Atom Bomb
Bike Setup:
`00 Titus RacerX
Bottom Line:
I really like the adjustable nature of this fork. With a low pressure pump you can dial in the air pressure to set the fork up plush, stiff or anywhere in between. The rebound adjustment also works well. With the fork properly lubed the stiction is minimal. The feel is similiar to the Atom Bomb. The only negative has been keeping the fork lubed. Without routine lubing of the stanchions the stiction is very noticable. When the fork sits over night it often "freezes up" and requires some strong pumping to get it moving again. I haven't checked the oil levels in the open bath chamber, but when I have some time I'll give it a look.
Over all the fork seems solid. I like the fork but I think the gap between it and it's competitors is shrinking. It's still the best fork around for the non-race crowd.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam E.
a Cross Country Rider
from Jasper, AL Date Reviewed: February 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Laurel Mtn, Asheville, NC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Plush, Tracks perfectly, no leaks, actually WORKS!!!
Weaknesses:
ummm... I sure can't think of any.
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC, 99 SID XC, Manitou SX pro
Bike Setup:
Specialized Stumpy Pro, STOUT+517 wheels, XTR drivetrain, and, of course, my beautiful Marzocchi bike jewelry!
Bottom Line:
I have been fed up with the best forks Rock Shox can put out there, and manitou just isn't in the same league. There is just no comparison. This is an air fork that feels as plush as a coil/oil fork. I have been amazed at how much more confidence it gives me, not to mention the bike lust of everyone I meet on the trails. Simply an amazing fork. If I couldn't have gotten this fork (suspension that works and that I don't have to worry about), I probably would've gone with a rigid. Yes, it hurts the wallet, but the ride improvement is worth every penny. Kudos to Marzocchi for an A+ product. Buy it if you like to actually have suspension, but not if you like sticky forks that don't soak up small bumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Racer
from Daly City, CA - USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs / Rockville
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Easy Adjustability. Plush! Smooth! "What a Fork should feel like"
Weaknesses:
Weight
Similar Products Used:
99' SID SL (63mm) Judy SL
Bike Setup:
99' Team Zaskar LE, Full XTR Group-O, Ceramic 517 rims, Race Face.
Bottom Line:
BAD-ASS! Simple as that! I did gain about 1 lbs. on my bike when it was installed. I use to run a 99 SID SL 63mm and my bike was @ 22lbs., now it's 23lbs. But "NO" regrets,,, I'll take "performance" over a one pound increase. Excellent race fork! Z2.XFly is very plush/smooth, doesn't "bob" on climbs when air pressure is high (race setting), you can't even tell the fork is there, "PLUSH/PLUSH/PLUSH". Worry FREE, set it and RIDE!
As for the price!, Ohh well, all high-end MTB stuff is damn to expensive but we gotta have our "toys"!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Burbank, Ca Date Reviewed: February 9, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Horse Trails in Woodland Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Great looks, build-quality and performance.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjusters a bit akward, maybe a bit heavier than I'd like.
Similar Products Used:
Rock shocks Judy xc, sl, Manitou X-vert
Bike Setup:
Voodoo Bokor .... blah, blah, blah .............
Bottom Line:
My X-fly is still pretty new. I've only logged about 13 hours so far in the dirt. The seals are still a bit sticky, but on the trail it tracks great. My understanding is that the ride will continue to improve once the seals and bushings have meshed with the stanctions - amazing as this fork is already heads and tails above anything I've ever ridden from Rock Shox or Manitou. No problems with the seals - no air-leaks so far. What can I say? The fork disappears when I ride. That is the best compliment any rider can ever give a shock. I'll check back in after I've put in some serious miles, but at this point, I'll give it 5 flaming big ones minus one for cost!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert G
a Racer
from Daly City, CA Date Reviewed: February 3, 2000
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Worry "FREE" Easy to adjust air pressure. Noticable change as you increase or decrease air pressure, easy to dial-in. "PHAT", Beautiful Fork!
Weaknesses:
PRICE!!! (damn that's expensive) Weight!!! (3.7lbs.) Coming from a 99' SID SL 63mm to a Zoke Z2-XFly I gained almost 1 whole pound on my bike,,, 22lbs to 23lbs. I went w/ performace as my priority than weight,,, I figured I can afford the 1 pound gain... & yes it's well worth it!
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, SID SL 63mm
Bike Setup:
99' Team ZASKAR LE, Full XTR Group-O 9 Speed, 517 Ceramic Rims, Race Face, Panaracers Fire XC.
Bottom Line:
Bad Ass!!!, for you X-County people! In exception of the weight issue this fork is "phat". The performance will over-look the weight issue. Very smooth, plush,,, "Race-Day-Fork" Don't get me wrong I'm also a huge Rock Shox "SID" fan,,, but if you want "worry-free", easy adjustability, & excellent performance... ZOKE Z2-XFly in the "bottom line".
Ride-On!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eddie kryk
a Racer
from euless(dfw) tx. Date Reviewed: January 22, 2000
Favorite Trail:
cedar hill state park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
extremely adjustable,short break in period.very plush travel
Weaknesses:
cryofit "m" arch not friendly to avid arch supremes.had to put 5mm of spacers behind brake boss to fit the avid's.
Similar Products Used:
98 atom bomb, 2 99 superfly's.as you can see i am a big marzocchi fan. best.
Bike Setup:
santa cruz s.l.,king/valiant wheelset,xtr,raceface,thomson,wtb,ad-10 rear shock
Bottom Line:
i ziptied the fork on the second ride and got 2 3/4" of true travel.i loved the superfly but it did not have enough travel.the x/fly matches up very well with the ad-10.bought my fork brand new for 385.00 from a heavy seller on mtbr.it weighs 3.5 lbs so i gained a half pound when i replaced the superfly(bike still weighs sub 24 lbs.)with the x/fly but it is worth every extra gram. eddie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Bartlett
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin Date Reviewed: December 30, 1999
Favorite Trail:
anything off road
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Light for a bomber. very stiff laterally. famous bomber damping. Damn good looking (if that counts for anything)
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Englunds,Atom bomb(98') RS Judy,Manitou
Bike Setup:
Psycle Werks Wild Hare XC
Bottom Line:
The Italians sure know shocks and shoes. They taught the MTB world what a real shock should feel and operate like all be it a little on the heavy side. They may have found the perfect compromise between motorcyle and bicycle technology with the X line of forks. The X-Fly is not as supple on the tiny tiny stuff as the coil sprung units, but anything larger than a marble disappears, and the big hits have identical damping charecteristics as the coil units. Bomber damping is just plain superior. This fork is light enough to race, but a great choice for harcore trail riders as well. Open bath hydraulics rule in the low maintenance department. The stanchions on my 98' atomb bomb have never shown any type of wear after 1000's of miles. I expect the same from the X-Fly, We'll see. At 140 lbs I run 21 lbs of air in the fork. Have not had to add any air in the month I've ridden so far.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Coker
a Cross-Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 16, 1999
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
light, stiff, supple
Weaknesses:
OK.. uh, I wish they were only 2lbs? :)
Similar Products Used:
EVERYTHING and I mean EVERYTHING in the last few months alone I have had: Ul72, Ul92, SC90 stock and with Englunds, Atom Bomb, Z1, Z2 BAM, etc..
Bike Setup:
custom Racerx, Z2Xfly, xtr,raceface. etc...
Bottom Line:
I posted the first review on these when there was not an actual Z2Xfly section, only a 2000 Sfly section I raved about it then and I still rave about it now Stiff, light, supple, very tuneable... not to mention the best looking fork out there... in short, it feels like a bomber... but it lighter and easier to fine tune to _exactly_ to your needs fork rocks man...
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Yura
a Cross-Country Rider
from Philadelphia Date Reviewed: December 16, 1999
Favorite Trail:
dirty ones
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Light Stiff Plush Low Maintenance Looks Cool
Weaknesses:
Still pricy forks, but oh well
Similar Products Used:
SID Race, SID SL, SID XC, Mars CL, White Bros. UL72, etc.
Bike Setup:
Y2k Trek OCLV, XTR, FSA Carbon Cranks, Spox wheels, etc.
Bottom Line:
Very stiff fork. I like a light bike, but I also like it to work well, so I went with this fork over the stock sid race. It steers all over a rock trail and can take the big hits very well. Super plush and is low pressure, so no seal problems!!!! Plug the bottom of the fork so mud doesn't get in there, but other than that just ride it and forget about it!! 5 chilis!!!
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross-Country Rider
from CT Date Reviewed: December 7, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Case Mountain
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Stiff Light Plush
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjuster placement
Similar Products Used:
SID Atom Bomb Judy FS Ti
Bike Setup:
IF Deluxe King/517 wheels RF/XTR drivetrain RF System and riser bar
Bottom Line:
This is the best performing XC fork I have ever owned. It is Marzocchi at its finest. Super stiff laterally but so plush over the bumps and it looks amazing. Tuning the fork can completely change the ride for whatever conditions you want.
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wade Carroll
a Racer
from Charlotte, NC Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah: Buckhorn Gap
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Super stiff, Super smooth. Full travel
Weaknesses:
None really. I can't find the damping knob or screw yet.
Similar Products Used:
Headshock Ultra Rock Shox XC 96, Rockshox SL 98
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, Fox Vanilla RC w/lockout
Bottom Line:
I thought I would be disappointed with the stiffness of any shock after the headshox experience. This is just as stiff but 10 times more plush and way better travel/damping characteristics
Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tsunami a wanna be
a Racer
from Mars Date Reviewed: November 13, 1999
Favorite Trail:
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Duration Product Used:
less than 1 month
Strengths:
Super Plush Super Stiff Improved wipers (claimed) Improved seals(claimed) Best Looking Fork out there Super Tunable Light for a fork this good
Weaknesses:
Rebound Adjusters in an inconvenient place (underneath fork legs) Hard to keep it nice and polished
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
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