Submitted by
michael cafaro
a Weekend Warrior
from staten island Date Reviewed: November 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
HO CHI MIN
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$325.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Light, strong, versatile
Weaknesses:
small bump sensitivity .
Similar Products Used:
Z1 freeride, Z3 light,
Bike Setup:
2005 turner six pack DHX Coil, XT all around,Race Face stem bars, seatpost. Kenda Nevegal 2.3 tires.
Bottom Line:
The fork was working okay at first, but soon stopped responding to various adjustments of pressure and lost all small bump sensitivity. I say working okay because I was the lucky owner of a 2004 Z1 freerdide that I regretted selling after this purchase. Changing the oil has always been easy on these forks, but on this fork it was a nightmare because you had to take this funky bladder out of the air side and not to mention a bottom bracket tool to remove the cap off the coil side. Not being able to change the oil I sent the fork to Marzocchi and had them put Z150 spring setup in the air side eliminating the bladder all together. Let me just say it was 200$ well spent. I now have a totally new fork that works as good or better than my old z1 freeride. If you are in the market for the sought after Z150 but can't find one, buy an All Mountain fork on closeout and send it out for the z150 setup. I hardly write reviews,but wanted to share my experience with those who have lost faith with Marzocchi after purchasing an all Mountain 1 2 or three. Happy Trails
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ross Macaskill
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
WHW
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Evans
Strengths:
Adjustability, smooothness, TAS
Weaknesses:
Other than crappy decals, none!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou x-vert.
Bike Setup:
Orange sub5, xt, hope Mono M4
Bottom Line:
So far no worries with any noises or leaks. The adjustability works well for me. My Orange Sub5 recommends a 125mm MAX fork length so the TSA came in handy although the fork didn't go down to the advertised 125mm but an extra 5mm hasn't noticable affected things. The TST is also great as I commute 15+ miles every day (50% road 50% smooth trail) and then usually go to some local trails or do some of the West Highland Way most weekends and it's coped fine with everything so far. I picked up a small stone chip in the right leg 2 months ago when I crashed but so far it's held the air in. Very smooth action that inspires loads of confidence. The only downsides would be 1)crappy decals as the stickers are already peeling and 2)the sharp brake dive but in saying that I am running M4's on 200mm disks so I can't grumble.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam Court
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: May 11, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dry, dusty....
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Chainreaction Cyles
Strengths:
Look good, I really like the all black stealth look, plush (once into the travel), adjustability, pretty stiff for such a long single crown fork. not too bad on teh eight side either. I have the ones with travel adjust. Seem to track pretty well. ETA is usefull on super steep climbs and all of the adjstments make a notable difference. Ais assit means that you don't need to swap spings etc
Weaknesses:
Hmmmm, this is where it starts to go wrong:
The post mount system didn't work very well - I had to file away part of my Saint Cailipers to move it over far enough to stop it rubbing on the disc.
Too much adjustability - I never use the travel adjust (mainly because its a pain - the 07 ones are better).
Annoying clunk (from new) - turns out the travel reduction adjuster was popping out slightly under compression. Also topped out.
Some flex - especially with a big rotor.
TST system slightly pointless - mine just stayed in DH mode and it is a bit annoying to adjust with gloves on.
Possinly a bit tall for its travel.
Similar Products Used:
Where do I start - Vanilla 130R's, 01 Z1 MCR's, 03 Z1 SL's, 66RC's, Pyslos (absolute rubbish), Pikes, Shermans etc
Bike Setup:
Orange Sub Zero (just about to be replaced by a Chameleon), Saint brakes, Hone cranks X-9 running gear, Hope XC hubs on XM321's, Easton finishing kit, Rasta King headset etc.
Bottom Line:
I loved these forks to start with - thought they where pretty plush, lots of travel and adjustability and not too bad on weight. But soon discovered, I don't need all of the features - and they cause problems. Mt TST system and rebound cartridge have popped - going to be 7 weeks till they are back in stock at Windwave the importer. Simply not good enough on a top end fork - if I'd paid full price, I'd be livid.
Also the air system is very sticky - I don't think air is Marzocchi's forte - they should stick to coil and oil. I'm going to change them for some 07 Vanilla R's - better support, lighter and no silly functions to break
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Gilbert
a Weekend Warrior
from Philippines Date Reviewed: April 3, 2007
Favorite Trail:
any... as long as it rocks!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Looks, durability, functions, easy settings, provides suspension when needed.
Weaknesses:
Hmmm.... hmmm... none so far
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi bomber z1, fox vanilla RLC, rockshox revelation.
Bike Setup:
All Mountain.... bla.. bla.. bla..
Bottom Line:
Just read the manual to set your specific needs, provides the suspension when needed. Looks cool and tough at any given terrain, durable cause most of my forks are made by Marzocchi never had some problems with them. Easy to maintain... really a great value for your money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Blake
a
from Winnipeg Date Reviewed: March 31, 2007
- noticeable flex (especially with an 8" rotor) - TST (compression) cartridge hadd to be replaced within a year - a bit expensive for what it is - some controls awkward or difficult to use - leaked a lot of oil, all at once, for no discernible reason - made an annoying topping out sound for a few months
Similar Products Used:
Black 100/120, Rock Shox SID 100
Bike Setup:
FS - 6" travel
Bottom Line:
First off, I should mention that I have the 110 / 130 mm travel model. For whatever reason, the 150 was not available in Canada at the time I bought the fork.
The good: the ride is buttery smooth, and quite adjustable. I've used the bike for just about everything: all degrees of XC; DH, and urban (stairs, 3' + drops, etc). The ETA makes a huge difference for climbing, which is needed, as this fork has a pretty tall axle to crown height. Marz was pretty quick with the warranty replacement of the TST.
The not so good: The TAS (110 - 130 adjust) is a pain to operate, and after one attempt, I just left set at 130mm. If I did mostly XC, I would use it more, I suppose. The TST (compression) sometimes has a vague feel, and the cartrige needed replacement after about a year of riding.
As I use mech disc brakes, I installed an 8" rotor for DH. I know the fork twists a lot, as I can hear the caliper rubbing the rotor almost every time I make a sudden turn.
The fork was somewhat pricey (around 800.00 Cdn + tax), and that was with a bit of a discount, too. There is no pedaling platform of any sort, which is a bit disappointing, considering the cost.
So, overall, while the fork rides fairly well, and has never left me stranded, I'm not sure I can justify giving it a great rating. I'll say 3 out of 5 for both the value and the overall rating.
Next time? I think I'm going to run with a Pike 454. Almost bought one instead of the AM1 late in the 2005 season, but had no opportunity to test ride it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
All Mountain
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia Date Reviewed: November 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
Very plush. Nice tall fork with a good stiff crown. Great stiffness for a QR fork, with reasonable low speed compression damping. Tracks well through the rocks and doesn't skip a beat.
Weaknesses:
A lever on the TST dial would be nice, and would make it easier to turn with gloves on.
Similar Products Used:
RS Revelation
Bike Setup:
Titus Motolite, RP23 shock, Mavic 819 rims
Bottom Line:
I'd recommend this fork for riders who like to ride the trails on the aggressive side. As it's QR, not a fork for one who likes to get in air time. If you like coil plushness and going down, then consider this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Super-Clyde
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: November 11, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Lumpy ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$430.00
Purchased At:
BikeAngel
Strengths:
Pretty stiff for a QR fork. 150mm of usable travel. ETA minimizes the need for compromise between climbing geometry and descending geometry. Air/coil is a good combo that greatly diminishes the possible need for a stiffer coil spring. Lots of tuning options. Aesthetically pleasing.
Weaknesses:
Some degree of brake dive depending on how much air preload you are willing to live with.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Minute 1:00, Cannondale Headshock
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 3, Race Face cranks, Avid 8" discs, XO twist shifters with X7 RD, XT hubs with Mavic 317 and 717 rims.
Bottom Line:
My new favorite fork. I have always read and heard that Marzocchi and plushness are synonomous and now I know why. This is one bump eating mofo which makes it easier to carry speed over rough spots in the trail.
With 150mm of travel, this is the first fork I've had that I did not miss the travel I had given away to sag. In fact, you can actually feel the benefit when the wheel stays in contact with the trail over potholes, ruts, dips, etc.
They have a remote available for the TST ( 5 position preset damping control and one is compression lockout), but I'd rather have one for the ETA. I probably won't cough up the $105 for the remote as it just isn't that important to my riding style and I only see myself ever using two, maybe three of the settings.
But Marz didn't just build these for me, so I don't mind that there are some features that I won't likely take advantage of. I see it as being very versatile if you choose to do some fiddling. I'll find my own preferred settings and then leave it except for the ETA which I'll use frequently.
The only thing I can't comment on is durability. If this thing holds up, I'll be sold on the brand. Great match for the Giant Reign frames that so many are choosing to buy and build themselves.
For the price I paid, I have to give up 5 and 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christoph
a Weekend Warrior
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: November 8, 2006
Favorite Trail:
ulmitzer
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$600.00
Strengths:
Plush, predictable travel. eats up the trail. ETA=nice feature for steep climbs. Stiff. TST, I use it mostly on all mountain (middle positiion).
Very good fork. TST should come with lever. If rear shock is up to the fork (150 mm of travel)there is no sweeter ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Downhiller
from UK Date Reviewed: November 1, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Anything dry and dusty
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
CRC
Strengths:
Loads of plush travel, ETA is really useful for going up (as they are long forks and its better that faffing with the Fox or RockShox version). TST (although it stays on DH mode most of the time), Stiff for a long travel QR fork - there's no rotor rub round corners etc. The price is awesome as well - £320 for CRC....can't complain at that. I like the adjustable travel (although don't use it!) as if I could be bothered, I could shorted the travel.
Weaknesses:
My fork/hub combo is a pain with the post mount (using a Hope XC front hub) and I've had to file the caliper holes to enlarge them so that I can get the caliper across enough to stop id rubbing on the rotor. I've also for a knock when the fork rebounds, it sounds like its topping out, but its not. I haven't had it sorted yet as I don't wnat to not be riding (I'll wait till the weather is real grim) and I only paid £320 for them.
Reducing the travel is a pain as you need to let all of the air out and then pump it back up.
Similar Products Used:
Various forms of Z1's (from the very first to the latest!), Fox Vanillas (the 07 Vanilla R's just lost out to these!). Manitou Blacks (hopeless!) etc.
Bike Setup:
16 inch Orange Sub Zero, Easton finishing kit, Saint brakes, Hone cranks, X9 shifting, King headset, Hope XC hubs and E-13 bash ring.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic forks - super plush and seem to take everything that you through at them (I've been jumping with mine and they hacen't complained yet). The price was what attarcted me to them combined with various features, some of which are good, others not so!
I like Marzocchis, I like the way they feel (don't like RS, they always feel a bit 'wooden' and dead) and understand how they work internally so can strip them etc. The knock when rebounding to full travel is a bit irratating - if I'd paid £500 for then I'd be savage. But for now I'll live with it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Preston Stempler
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Valley, VA, USA Date Reviewed: October 19, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Strengths:
Beautiful ultra-plush ride. TST, ETA, offer plenty of options for different styles of climbing.
Weaknesses:
Durability, durability, durability!
Bike Setup:
Intense 6.6, All Mountain 1, Fox DHX air
Bottom Line:
I have never ridden a more plush predictable fork; it is truly amazing to ride. The front wheel almost never leaves the ground giving fantastic control. That being said, I do not like, nor do I recommend this fork to anyone except a bicycle mechanic. I fell and scratched the inner tube and all the air bled out along with some oil. With this type of damage, you can either replace the steerer tube, crown inner leg unit(which is an expensive proposition), or sand and epoxy the gouges and, in my case, replace the seals (and it still is leaking down). In any case, to design a fork that is this vulnerable to average trail damage is poor design and planning. Shock boots might have prevented this from occurring, but they are out of fashion. The second unrelated issue is that the oil is aerating and messing up the damping, filling up the lung and blocking the passage of air in the leg (that is my poor understanding of it). Apparently, Marzocchi is now experimenting with different low-foaming oils. Bottom line: I don't expect to spend $650 for an extremely vulnerable fork that wouldn't work right even if I hadn't scraped it. If it continues to leak down, I will buy the steerer tube, crown and inner leg unit and sell it to someone who has the time and desire to mess around with this tempermental (albeit amazing-riding) fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford Date Reviewed: September 22, 2006
Favorite Trail:
7 Stanes Scotland
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Adjustability, ETA slam down for climbing, performance. TST used fully and partially open works well. This fork suites aggressive cross country riders who are looking for a long term servicable fork.
Weaknesses:
Durability of certain parts: Air seal failure, TAS & Rebound adjusters fell off and I was charged for replacements under garuntee. Product support(Windwave)is very weak - took over 2 months to get air seal replaced. Disconcerting knock from re-bound every time I hit a bump the size of a tree root or bigger. Cannot get full travel easily irrespective of using low air pressure. Product Weight = cuase they use durable components?? Need to buy a low pressure shock pump.
Similar Products Used:
MX Comp
Bike Setup:
Ventana Saltamontes 5 - 6" travel etc
Bottom Line:
This is a 10 month follow up report. I am (was) a big fan of Marzocchi forks for their legendry reliability / serviceability / performance, but I have to say that my experience has marred my opinion over the past months of use. Having said this now I have got most of the issues above sorted it is working very well and is very compliant.
I am unwilling to loose my forks for another 8 weeks to sort out the noise made from the rebound even under garunttee(see AM1 reviews 2005 made by others), and as I do not believe this is a critical fault I guess I will have to live with this. Furthermore, I am not encouraged by others expreience with dealing with Marz.
I have not seen many other forks with a similar slam down fork height adustment the same as the ETA, which is needed -as it is a tall fork and was one of the main reasons for buying this - but my MX comp beats this fork on value, durability etc.
If (when) the ETA breaks I will re consider my opinion.
This is not one of Marzocchis best forks, neither is is worse than some other products out there - just over priced and with lousy support service. If you can get one for half the retail price then I think it is a good deal - nuff said.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john holmes
a Weekend Warrior
from kansas Date Reviewed: September 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
axe mark
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
robdog's
Strengths:
filthy colour, adjustable like another, 168 lockdown
Weaknesses:
it ay cheap and it ay the best.(me likes to av the best)
Similar Products Used:
manitou blacks, judy c, white brothers (the best)
Bike Setup:
Giant VD 2 wiv a lot of top spec Sh*t ya know.
Bottom Line:
These bad hoes eat bumps like they're dead hungry. I ay never had a bad crash with these cuz they save me every time with their smooth controlled action. 'Adjustability' should be redefined as All mountain 1. The eta gets me to the top of the slope right on time and the 150mm gets me down in a smoothy stylee fashion that me pals are jealous about. Bottom line is buy these forks and ya girl will be lookin for a new choppa cuz yorn'll be spendin too much time in the woods!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan R
a
from Long Island, NY Date Reviewed: August 18, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glaicer Ridge
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
130 to 150 travel adjusment is great excellant for when I have to crank the fork down for more relaxed riding. The TST compreesion adjustment is nice lets you go from full lockout to full open. Great rebound adjusment very sensisitive took some time to set it right. Strong and Stiff the fork never wanders off line and lets me easily decend and go over what I want with no flexing or creaking at all. ETA is a godsend on a long travel fork, Especailly when the fork is set at full 150 and a technical climb is the next area of the trail your coming too! Super reliable Marzzocchi performance and rebuilding the fork is easy, great company no troublef from them ever. Bomb proof build from all their forks. I've owned a few!
Weaknesses:
Little on the expensive side for this fork, could be a little on the less expensive. TST is not on the fly at all. You need to remove all the air pre-load and then change the travel, finally repressurize the the air preload again once changes are made
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Jr. T, Super T, Z1 Freeride, 66VF MX Comp, and Shiver DC
Bike Setup:
Giant Reign 1 Built from Scratch with lots of goodies.
Bottom Line:
Awesome fork on a great bike from a very reliable company I wouldn;t even think of buying a fork from another company . So happy with this fork, complements my Reign so well. Handles anythng from basic trailriding to some light Freeirde stuff to. The adjustablity is remarkable and the toughness of the fork is as good as thier full DH and FR offerings. When my Reign was being built there was only three forks that came to mind, the All Mountain 1, Z1 Freeride Lite, and the Fox 36 RC2 Talas. The fox was way off the hook when it came to price, the Z1 was the almost winner but I decided to stick with a standard skewer instead of going to the 20mm Thur-Axel so the All Mountain 1 was the winner in the end. Best choice for my Reign right now. Since I'm trying to keep it as a Long Travel Trailbike with some Freeride involved too. Great for would totally suggest it for a longtravel frame .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Oxford Date Reviewed: April 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
7 Stanes Scotland
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Variable travel between 130 - 150 mm, servicable, bombproof, ETA for improoved climbing ability, and marzocchi renowned plushness.
Weaknesses:
Weight (over 5lb). Bit over priced.
Similar Products Used:
Marzoccchi MX comp (with ETA) - also very good - helped me to decide upon the AM1, RS Psylo Race - good when it came out but not plush and expensive to service, Manitou - fell apart, RS Judy TT say no more!
Bike Setup:
Ventana El Saltamontes with 5-6 adjustable rocker, Fox DHX 5 air, Thompson stem & post, WTB stealth saddle, Mavic UST, Hope pro 2 hubs, Easton riser, shimano lx discs, lock on grips, Bontrager Jones tyres.
Bottom Line:
This fork took some getting used to and was a little heavier than hoped(could have gone with the SL) but I always wanted a coil shock. (My other Marzhocchi is air). Having said this, it out performs all other shocks I have owned. I looked carefully at the functionality and being familiar with the ETA system only Pace seemed to offer a slam and compress function to reduce fork height on the fly - and this looked like a complex easy to break system. Fox look good but you have to spend a couple of minutes winding it down. I was warned off buying Pace and manitou from previous bad press but have heard little bad press about the Pace RC40 range since. Needless to say, Marzhocchi hold out on reliabiltiy and serviceability which counts for a lot as I want to keep my shock working for more than 3 years! I have not used the TST much other than in "downhill" mode which is very plush, but the ETA helps to compress the fork for climbing, and the TAS adjustment complements the 5 - 6 adjustable rear suspension perfectly that I have. XC riding alone is not enough to justify this forks' potential although you are warned off Freeride abilities, it can clearly cope with moderate drop - off's (I'm not sure I can!), stutter bumps, boulder fields, compressions, etc. I don't often get full travel but this is probably down to my riding abilities! I bought this as one fork that can do it all, XC or screaming down the Alps, and whilst it slows me down on technical ascents (the ETA is a must!)it gives me the confidence to let go on all other terrain. Like the new colour too - saved me getting a yellow frame!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaco
a Cross Country Rider
from escazu costa rica Date Reviewed: February 26, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
mhc
Strengths:
plush 6 " outta da box, easy adjustability, great looking black sliders and black machined lowers, good pricepoint
Similar Products Used:
talas 130
Bike Setup:
575
Bottom Line:
this is definately the fork for the 575. the talas 130 is good but its not up to par w/the aggro riding the 575 allows, specially since its limited to 130. also, the 1 click marz eta function is way easier in reducing height for steep climbs than the multiple click talas function, which i was really getting tired of since i use it all the time. sell your XC fox if your riding is more aggro and get this or the Z1 if you freeride
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
AL Le
a Cross Country Rider
from IL Date Reviewed: January 12, 2006
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Strengths:
Very stiff, ETA ,5 riding preload positions, low volume of air chamber.
Weaknesses:
2005 - Ugly desert color, turn from 150mm to 130mm uncomfortable,need for 20 clicks and have to release all the air pressure before change.
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanila rlc 130mm
Bike Setup:
Enduro Sworks 05 6"
Bottom Line:
Greate fork no need to replce the wheel hub to 20mm.
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
