Wow. If it's heavy, I can't tell because the ETA works so well for climbing. If the travel isn't long enough, I wouldn't know, because I've been getting 4+ ft of air on trails and haven't bottomed yet. I'm hitting things now that I would have gladly crashed to miss before. It's so smooth feeling. I was considering going for something with more travel (140-150) but I'm glad I didn't because apparently 130 handles everything I throw at it, and probably more. This fork transformed my riding. If you can find one, get it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MIKE
a Weekend Warrior
from Kodak,Tennessee.USA Date Reviewed: December 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Bigfoot
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Local dude.
Strengths:
Marzocchi seals are the best.Stiff.Quality of travel.
Weaknesses:
Put a thin shim under the c-clip under the preload caps to eliminate the top-out knocking sound.Easy fix.
Similar Products Used:
PIKE.FLICK.
Bike Setup:
2005 Morewood NdizaST.
Bottom Line:
Marzocchi forks are solid! It's the original Freeride single crown fork.Has great stifness because of the crown & design of the M-arch.Nice longish axle to crown height.Easy to change the oil.Nice machined preload caps,etc.Marzocchi girls!! These forks are excellent & will keep going without breaking or giving you hassles.I love the seals because they don't friggin leak like any Manitiou or Boxxers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Schmuck
a
from Savannah, GA. Date Reviewed: June 7, 2007
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Very stiff, especially for a QR fork, smooth travel, HEAVY duty. LOW maintenance.
Weaknesses:
Weight, but for the type of bike you'd put this fork on its probably not a concern. My little ETA lever broke off.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Pike, Manitou Black.
Bike Setup:
Z1, Rhyno Lites, single speed with lots of Race Face.
Bottom Line:
unbeatable for the price, this fork is tough as nails and wonderfully low maintenance, 4 years have done nothing to it. Sucks up big hits but isn't so plush that it hinders out-of-saddle sprints. Not the best climber, but not terrible. The ETA and other adjustments aren't as efficient as on newer forks, but the suspension performance is still second to none. If you seek bells and whistles and flawless adjustments look elsewhere, but if you want reliability and durability let this be your first choice. Since getting the Z1 I've purposefully changed my daily commuting routes to include flights of stairs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack Moore
a Weekend Warrior
from Centerville, Ohio Date Reviewed: February 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
all Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
smooth, stiff, progressive feel
Weaknesses:
heavy (but is does say "FR" on the label, after all)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Xfly 100
Bike Setup:
C'dale SuperVactive
Bottom Line:
The travel feels bottomless. Very smooth for small and large impacts. I can't complain about the stiffness either, and for the money I paid it was a very good value. This is my 3rd Marzocchi fork, and I'll likely buy a 4th. For my type of riding I wish I got a lighter Z1, one with a lighter steerer tube, but this fork transformed the feel of my bike. Now to find a frame that matches the fork...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a
from portland or Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Follow up review.
Weaknesses:
Wont last forever.
Bike Setup:
'06 Steelhead. Z1 FR w/20mm axle. XT/Truvativ drivetrain. Hayes Mech brakes. Velocity hubs laced to Azonic Butchers (Best damn rim ever made) Thompson seatpost and stem.
Bottom Line:
Got a new '06 Steelhead and swapped the forks onto that. The Steelhead is much tougher than the BeOne, which was more of a lightweight DS racer. I am sorry to say that I am doing my best to destroy this fork now. Like punching grandpa in the gut over and over, I hit DH trails, stairs, loading docks, and other stunts with much more confidence in my frame. The fork is starting to show its age now, after three and more years of abuse. However, the seals are still good, the oil is changed regularly, the internals are working just fine. The rebound dampening has slowed considerably in the past months, and there is a tad bit of slop and stick in the first few inches of sag and travel. But still I have no reservations about pointing it through a boulder pit at full speed, or dropping stair gaps and loading docks. I will be sorry when she finally goes. Time to start saving for a new fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Davis
a Downhiller
from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada Date Reviewed: June 23, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Fundy DH
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Ebay (Where else?)
Strengths:
-$180 is a small price for a sweet purchase such as this... -Very little flex (I have the quick release version). -3 years no repairs needed (but I made some anyway.) -Extremely adjustable! -Buttery smooth, I have it setup that once it gets a little stiffer, so there's barley any bottoming out, but it's still smooth!
Weaknesses:
Pretty heavy, but once you ride with it for like 2 weeks, you get used to it and it feels rather light...guess it builds up your muscles...
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi MZ comp (2004), Manitou stance flow (junk, I got them new and they were locked out...returned and got another locked out set, thanks Manitou!) Rockshox psylo XC (really flexy)
Bike Setup:
Marzocchi Z1 Freerides (of course...) on a Haro Escape frame, maxxis high roller 2.5's (they grip like theres no tomorrow, and don't wear fast.) Tried other little things, but the Z1 Freeride is the best thing I could have possibly done!
Bottom Line:
It's getting harder to find the older Z1 freeride forks (2003-2004) and those 2 years I would have to say are the prime years of these forks. I've had mine for 3 years and it impresses me day after day, how long is it gonna keep going, I don't know! I didn't have alot of cash at the time, and i'm sure theres tons of people who are looking to upgrade there rigs were\are in the same situation as I was, 180$ has gotten me a wicked fork that i've used for 3 years and counting... This fork is incredible! I've tried several other *Major* brands, and nothing beats the performance of the Z1's!
Can't go wrong with a Marzocchi!
*I'll make another review in a couple months after my Trip, see if it's still in mint shape than!*
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Felix
a
from San Francisco, california,usa Date Reviewed: February 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mt. tam trails
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$542.00
Strengths:
plush very adjustable good for dirt jumping and free ride duh
Weaknesses:
none,zip,zero,nadda
Similar Products Used:
dirt jumper 3, 66 rc
Bike Setup:
santa cruise jackel
Bottom Line:
get it or die tryin this is the best fork made if you free ride or dirt jump i demand you to get this sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet fork go get one now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from UK Date Reviewed: July 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
V stiff, supple, smooth, sexy matt black on my Kona Coiler
Weaknesses:
maitenance - strip down a bit fiddly, need to grind down a 10 mm socket to undo foot nuts, ETA top stanchion plug easilly damaged.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Z1 CR's
Bike Setup:
Kona Coileer Deeluxe, 20mm bolt through front, usual shorter stem, bigger bars, stronger wheels, bigger discs, fatter tyres than standard
Bottom Line:
Great forks super smooth, good small bump big hit capability set the air pre-load lower than suggested by marzocchi for a more supple ride much stiffer with a bolt through axle than the QR Maintenance is a bit fiddly, some of the materials used are suprisingly soft and easilly damaged for wexample when removing the eta top plug grind offthe dase of the socket (unless it is a snap on) as the nut part is so shallow it will strip!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bird Cristobal
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Pinas Date Reviewed: May 29, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Ridge 2 Tagaytay
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Ross Cycle Shop, Cartimar
Strengths:
-tracks good - feels bottomless - easy maintenance - ETA helps in Climbs
Weaknesses:
- weak ETA lever
Similar Products Used:
- 2002 Z1 Wedge
Bike Setup:
2004 Heckler, '03 Z1FR , Shimano Deore/XT group set, single track rims, Maxxis High Roller
Bottom Line:
I own a Super T which I use with my SC Bullit. It was my first HSCV damped forked and it turned me into an HSCV believer. Very plush at the beginning of the travel and damping ramps up when you need it.
So when I got the opportunity, I bought '03 Z1FR brand new from a local shop. I just bought it this year so it was already old stock, I was given a discount for it. It was a good thing that the LBS overstocked this model in particular.
Very good for aggressive XC and light DH/Freeride.
the heckler/Z1FR on ETA is a good combination for climbs and then when the DH comes, just make sure the ETA is turned off and off you go.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter
a Downhiller
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: April 10, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Tracks well, fairly stiff.
Weaknesses:
ETA failures, preload settings constantly back off, cheesey ETA lever.
Similar Products Used:
Various in the last ten years.
Bike Setup:
Bullit
Bottom Line:
This fork has been back to Zokie twice within 2k miles because of the ETA failing. It still doesn't work, but since I have waited over the 6 month service warranty period (400 miles in my case), my only option is to pay $180. for them to "fix" it again. They recommended that I try changing the oil (after 400 miles?). The preload adjustment knobs constantly back off to zero, even after their bandaid fix of putting an o-ring under the knob-not satisfactory performance from a $500.+ fork. They did offer me an '05 for $540. + my current fork, but I would come out ahead selling mine and buying a new one retail. I have been a loyal Zokie customer for six years, but am really begining to question that, especially since the '05 version is 40% more money (?). I guess they're at least trying to keep up with Fox pricing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Casey Jeszeck
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle Date Reviewed: February 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Woodland park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
Jenson Usa
Strengths:
Everything, incredibly stiff even with a qr. doesn't bottom. very plush too. great adjustability
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
MZ race
Bike Setup:
2004 kona scrap, 2003 Z1 FR, Maxis mobster in back highroler in front, both 2.5, lizard skins lock ons.
Bottom Line:
this is a great freeride fork, even though i use it for ocational dirt jumping it works for that too. this is a very good fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from portland, Or Date Reviewed: December 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Strengths:
Its a Marzocchi Z1 FR fork. What else needs to be said?
Weaknesses:
It dosent scratch my back or make me dinner.
Similar Products Used:
'00 X-fly, '01 MCR, '02 custom rebuild of MCR. Psylo (crap on a broken stick)
Marzocchi is the product of choice for anyone wanting the best bang for their buck. They rarely fall below par on quality, but when they do they will make it right. The customer service is exceptional, their product quality is exceptional. This fork is no exception. It has taken me down hairy chutes and off of scary stunts and drops. You dont even notice it is there. If you need a single crown fork for you urban assault or freeride needs, this one is it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adey Bennett
a Downhiller
from Penines Date Reviewed: December 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Nantmawr
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
eBay (where else?)
Strengths:
Super stif, fantastic travel and action. Totally bottomless. Tracks amazingly for a single crown fork. Plenty of travel for most FR stuff. Well pleased to find a new pair of coil sprung ones too.
Spesh' Enduro, Hope DH4s, Mavic 519s + IRCs, X-lite bar, Worldforce stem, Middlburn cranks (on the way!)
Bottom Line:
I've tried some of the best FR/DH forks as they came out. And these, despite being 2003 model, are superb. My favourite trails have just got faster! Well pleased, esp at £200 new!!!! If you can still find em, get em!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a
from PA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
This review is for the '03 Z1 QR20 FR. Use: hard XC to FR to light DH.
Super smooth travel. Fantastic compression damping. Rebound knob that really works. Very tunable...see below. Stiff. Durable. Fantastic tech support. (Great job Ronnie.) Fantastic customer service (Very easy to purchase parts direct from Zoke.) Very easy to work on. ETA allows my Bullit to climb better than my XC Trek HT. Zoke has extensive experience with making forks and it shows. Very versatile. One tough fork that will handle anything between hard xc and FR. No SPV!!! I want my fork sensitive to all hits. SPV really limits a forks small hit sensitivity.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy. But hey, when you make a stiff fork from metal that's what you get.
I'm still undecided about the QR20 system. I guess I'd say it's both a plus and a minus. It makes wheelset changes (which I do often) very easy but I question it's durability. I did snap the QR lever bolt and replced it with the hex tightened thru axel which is much nicer.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Forx. Float and Talas. Nice forks also but nto as tunable or as easy to work on.
Manitou Slider. Nice but not as tunable and I don't care for some of the plastic internals and I disliked the SPV on my fork.
Bike Setup:
03 Bullit most built for hard trail to moderate FR. Getting a Super T to use for the occasional DH.
Bottom Line:
I'd buy the Z1 again in a heartbeat if needed.
When I first got this fork I had a tough time dialing it in for my riding style. It did ride nicely out of the box but I'm pretty picky with how my stuff rides and I felt the fork dove through too much of it's travel to easily on the downhills. After playing with the oil levels I was able to set the fork perfectly for my type of riding. this fork is very tunable by simply raising or lowering the oil heights in the stanchions. Understanding how the oil heights affect your Zoke will really help you get the most out of your fork.
Marzzochi has a very helpfull tech department that has just great with all of my questions.
Until I'm thoroughly convinced otherwise I'm sticking with Zoke's.
(Hey Marzzochi, how about an ETA on the Super T!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill
a Downhiller
from Breckenridge CO Date Reviewed: July 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$399.00
Purchased At:
mail order
Strengths:
STIFF as HE*L, 32mm stanchions, available in 20mm AND QR, HSCV cartridge, buttery smooth, easy to maintain, ETA is sweet, marzocchi has really good customer service if there is a problem, and good tech support also if needed. Also if you lose your owners manual marz has ALL their manuals at their website via adobe acrobat. Oh yeah, PRICE is RIGHT!
Weaknesses:
The newer (O4) ETA levers are sturdier and better designed so as not to be prone to breaking. This hasnt been a problem for me, but some people have claimed to of broken off their ETA levers.
Similar Products Used:
Foxx 125R, Manitou sherman breakout
Bottom Line:
If you can still find one of these GET IT, they are SWEET. The newer Z1's are good too, but much more costly. You cant go wrong with this product. Marzocchi ALL THE WAY!!!
In response to the previous posts claiming that marzocchi has bad service, I just gotta laugh. Try giving rockshoxx a call sometime with a problem, now THAT is truly a frustrating experience. I'll never ride archaeic rockshoxx again!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Morgan
a Weekend Warrior
from Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Fujimi Panorama
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
Stiff, Stiff Stiff no flex at all smooth operation, no chunks, creaks, did I say no flex? not made by rock shox!
Weaknesses:
its a pig, no wonder they don't advertise the weight!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Flick, RS Duke, Marrazochi X-Fly
Bike Setup:
Azonic Sabre - King hubs, headset, Hayes brakes, Thompson seat post, and stem all others XT
Bottom Line:
Incredibly stiff, tracks like a dream and doesn't wobble like RS does, a bit heavier than the Flick, without the funny clunking noise of the manitou, this is great for a intermediate free rider like me. I changed oil to slightly heavier weight 15 wt at level plus 5 cc, this allows better adjustments but slows compresion down a lot (subjective) pry up the dust caps, and slick honey them and your break in times turns to a non-factor. I have noticed that the rebound on the ETA side seems to self adjust, though it could be from me flicking it to far when useing the ETA etc. I really don't think this thing has a bottom, as I haven't found it. the lock out allows me to haul my fat bottom up the climbs with a minimum of difficulty, and damn if it doesn't flat out look good! what more to say.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike V
a Weekend Warrior
from Littleton, CO USA Date Reviewed: April 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Jefferson County Open Space Trail System
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Super stiff, ETA, Smooth Travel
Weaknesses:
Maybe a little heavy, but worth every once when you get on the trail.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Rock Shox
Bike Setup:
Turner 5-Spot, Avid Disks, Race Face Crank, SRAM Shifters
Bottom Line:
This fork is the best. Most rides I do start with fairly long climbs, the downhill back being the reward. Use the ETA to lower the fork height on the climbs, you still get reasonable travel to soften those logs & rocks while being in a great climbing position. Relase the ETA on the way down and have fun. I weigh about 190 and hit the trail pretty hard, the Z1 doesn't deflect or flex, it goes where I point it & absorbs small, medium, and big bumps extremely well. I wouldn't want another fork & recommend it for any trail rider who wants more confidence in their front end!!!
After one year I have no complaints and remain completely satisfied.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom
a
from Cleveland, Ohio Date Reviewed: January 25, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Vultures Knob
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
32mm stanchions, built strong, kick a** looks, the ETA rules when doing XC
Weaknesses:
From the factory the springs were way too weak. I only weigh 180lbs and thing bottomed out on pansy drops w/ the 2nd stiffest spring they make. I ended up putting the stiffest springs they make in it. After that it seems much better, but I really haven't had a chance to beat on it since it's been snowing so much lately.
Bike Setup:
2003 Jamis Komodo 19" all stock.
Bottom Line:
Pretty killer fork. It's obviously for the type of person who digs freeride. It isn't the most extreme fork out there but it should do until I graduate to a bigger and better bike. I would recommend this fork for someone looking for the best 5 inch travel single crown freeride fork out there (obviously a little bit biased). I tried the Fox forks and I love the feel of the Marzocchi better. The only thing I liked better on the Fox, by far, was the ease and range of adjustment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob
a
from Burt Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
West Seneca Dirt Jumps
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came With Bike, From Northstar Bikes, Lockport, NY
Strengths:
None
Weaknesses:
Weak fork, I broke the stear tube out of the crown within a weak of when I bought it as well as blew the valves for rebound.
Similar Products Used:
Feels the same as a shiver
Bike Setup:
Jamis Komodo stock execpt for: 2.5 Michelin Wild Grabber, Michelin Kevlar Tubes, Mosh Platform petals, and soon to have new fork, not sure what yet.
Bottom Line:
This fork is garbage!! Within the first week I had it I broke the stear tube out of the crown, and blew the rebound valves, these were covered under waranty but only after a fight with the company by my dealer, when I got them back they were 40 mm short of oil, they claimed that the oil had not cycled through when they checked that out, but I thought that since they made the fork they should understand how to change the oil, there were also no directions on how to do this in the owners manual, so that was another call to the company and walked through by the tech support on how to do it, there is also horrible directions on how to adjust the fork in the manual!! I would not recommend this fork to anyone, and if you get it in a package sell it before you use it. My freind has a shiver and that is not any better, they both were sent back to the company at the same time, we also didn't see them for over 5 weeks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Tehachapi, CA USA Date Reviewed: November 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
North Rim, Gooseberry Mesa, UT
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
AEBike.com
Strengths:
It's a 'Zoke! Stiff Plush Bottomless ETA!!!
Weaknesses:
Can't run anything wider than 2.5 - 2.7 front tire (depending on tire manufacturer)
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, RockShox, Fox
Bike Setup:
'03 XL Bullit; King headset; Thomson stem, seatpost; WTB Power V DH saddle; Azonic DW bars w/ODI S&M grips; Azonic HeadLock; XT shifters, chain, mech brake levers and derailleurs; Blackspire Badger FR cranks and Dewlie chainguide; Crank Bros Mallet OR Weyless B-37 pedals; Avid mech calipers with 8" Hayes rotors; XT hubs laced to RynoLite XL rims; WTB 2.5 Wierwolf (F), WTB 2.4 MutanoRaptor (R); Maxxis DH tubes
Bottom Line:
When I built this Bullit in March, I wanted to be able to pedal it up AND ride it down the places I ride as well as those places I haven't been yet! So far, the Z1 has let me do all that and then some!
It looks like it's meant to actually work! No frou-frou graphics or paint to worry about and a very durable finish that will take an incredible amount of abuse and still look good!
I weigh 235 with full riding gear and C-Back. I changed the springs to X-heavy and levelled out the 7.5 wt oil to factory spec BEFORE I rode it the first time. It took about 100mi for it to really finish the break-in cycle.
It's laterally stiff and vertically plush when railing a turn or nailing a drop, allows me to actually ride through tight switchbacks and lets me climb until I run out of leg!
ETA is an excellent way to change the head angle for climbing, yet still retain some measure of bump control. BTW, take the lever screw out, clean it, Blue Locktite the threads and tighten it properly and you WON'T lose it!!!
When I change this out next spring (and give it to my son), I'm probably going to the Z-150 so I can have the extra inch or so of travel, thru-axle, ETA AND still be able to steer the thing!!!
Won't ride anything BUT 'Zokes!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jim
a
from marin county Date Reviewed: November 1, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
stiffest, plushest single crown fork available
Weaknesses:
like they all say, not for dayglow-logo-spandex wearing weight weenies
Similar Products Used:
faox vanillas, rockshox psylo
Bike Setup:
turner 5-spot w/the goods
Bottom Line:
this fork is far more rigid than any others I've tried. I weigh 225+ and the psylo was a joke, flex like a noodle under breaking, turning, climbing, etc. fox is okay, but noisy (creaks/clunks) and after using the zoke & switching them back and forth, the fox feels like a toy. this thing draws lines like an artist.
my experience w/marz support was unlike the only guy who didn't 5 chile it below- my eta lever came loose (thought it had stripped, but it hadn't) I called the california marz folks & they sent me a stainless steel piece immediately. I thought they were super responsive.
this fork does everything I want & smoothly. I appreciate the eta when I climb steep pavement, don't use much on dirt, but I think its a superior design to straight lockout, and like lowering the front end in some scenrios. if there is a better design for the money, I haven't found it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
paul
a Cross Country Rider
from park city, ut Date Reviewed: October 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
too many to list
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
It's a Marzocchi, the 32mm stachions tubes have no flex, very stable, plush throughout travel, indestructible, looks good too!!!
Weaknesses:
none really, it is about a pound heavier than my 2001 Z1 but you can not tell at all while riding it.
Similar Products Used:
I have had a 99 Z1 and two 2001 Z1's, now a 2003 Z1FR. Before riding zoke's I had Judy's and a psylo, all p.o.s's.
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE, Chris King hubs, all xtr, Mavic 317's, Thompson stem and post, Monkey lite, Wtb lazer , Intense system 4's, Hayes disc's
Bottom Line:
This fork keeps getting better and better. I am a true believer in the Z1's. They are called Bomber for a reason. I can service them myself. The 32mm tubes are so much better than the older ones yet the earlier models were great too! I have ridden the FR SL and they are a little lighter but come with more headaches of getting set up properly. The Z1 Fr is simple and gives no fits and you do not feel the extra weight. It climbs great for cross country riders and descends great for those who like to bomb down wicked trails. I would classify myself as an all mountain rider or a trail rider but there is no category for that so I chose cross country. I do alot of cross country riding and the Z1 has never felt too heavy and has allways responded to every situation I have encountered. It makes me feel one with my bike. This thing FFFFLLLLOOOOWWWWSSSS!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
erick
a Cross Country Rider
from Olympia Date Reviewed: October 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Deep Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Peak
Strengths:
OOOHHHH MMMMYYYY GGGGOOOODDDDD!!!! What an awesome fork!! I was a Manitou Man until last week. Buttery smooth over the small bumps, there when you need it on the bigger bumps. Smoooooooth action. Marz front fender actually works too. I now know where the extra $150.00 over the Manitou Black's price went -into the internal dampening components and the larger castings of this fork.
Weaknesses:
I didn't find this fork sooner. My bad.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 3 (1995) poor quality, Manitou Six (2000) good fork -lasted 2 years, Manitou Black Comp (2002) also a good fork, Manitou Black (2003)-killed it in only 4 months!!
Bike Setup:
GSR Hooligan DS DH Hardtail built for speed!!, Chris King everywhere, DH tires and rims, etc., etc., etc.
Bottom Line:
Strange how a change of perspective is like a breath of fresh air! Not knowing any other fork product other than Manitou, I never knew that you were not supposed to feel every little pebble in the trail. I expect the Z.1 fork to improve my speed/performance by a factor of 2 or more as I can roll over so much more of the smaller terrain rather than try to steer around it (Manitou was quie harsh over the small stuff). All becuase the buttery smooth action of this fork just soaks up the small stuff like it wasn't even there. And with the large downhill front im/tire setup, it's extremely stable over the meedium and larger trail anomolies as well. Quite impressed with this fork -if you couldn't tell already. Bottom line ... BUY THIS FORK AND YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Maine Date Reviewed: September 11, 2003
Favorite Trail:
City Forest "Wood Piles"
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
mbstore online
Strengths:
Travel, plushness, ETA and reputation
Weaknesses:
Not for weight weenies
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, and then two 02 Pyslo SL's
Bike Setup:
2003 Heckler (L) Z1, full XT, 5th Element coil, Avid cable disks, Monkeylite carbon bars, 80mm Holtzfeller, Race Face ISIS and 2.5 Weirwolfs
Bottom Line:
Just got back from the first ride on this thing, wow. I read up on forks and lusted over the TALAS RLC. Talked to users and checked this mbreview stuff. Decided the best value and reputaion for my use was the Z1 FR. I'm not disappointed. My other bike is a Turner XCE (addict, I know)and I had the Pyslo SL's on both bikes. The Heckster just begged for more travel and the Z1 suits it fine. I've heard they need 6-10 rides to break in. This first ride was far better than my Pyslo in ride quality and the stiffness came through in the technical stuff. Bomber is a good name for this fork. I took it on a fairly fast narrow downhill with some whoops, babyheads and a root patch thrown in. Like butta, really! My Pyslo would handle this OK, but not the bottomless feel. OH, and the ETA? That is the balls. I rode down this 100 yard stretch of whoops, switched on the ETA jumped on the fork to compress it and rode back up. Back down and then up again, FUN and down and up again. I can climb as well on this Heckler with the Z1 and 5th as I can on the Turner with Romic and Pyslo. This is important 'cause I'm 56 and don't have any HP to spare. This Heckler Z1 combo is gonna hurt me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flacowboy
a Racer
from South Korea Date Reviewed: August 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Wolmyeong Park (DH)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
www.mtbstore.com
Strengths:
This fork is awesome!! It looks great .. color is very intimidating to competition. 32mm stantions.. no flex whatsoever! IS brake mounts and don't have to cover the worthless posts (because they are non-exisitant) Price is great too!! Can't touch a Fox for this kind of money WOULDN'T WANT TO!!
Weaknesses:
Some might say weight... not this racer/XC rider!! If you think it's too heavy.....GET MORE MUSCLE BUILT AND STOP DRINKING ALL THAT BEER!!
Similar Products Used:
Fox vanilla RLC, Fox F80X air, Rockshox SID, Rockshox Psylo U-Turn (Crapola),Manitou Black Elite,Manitou Six & Six sport 03's --(STAY AWAY FROM THESE!!THEY BRAKE)
Bike Setup:
Hard tail W/6" discs XT everything, Woodman bar ends & grips and a Bontrager stem, Mythos 2.1s, Sun rims, Selle saddle and a polar s720i HRM/Comp.. not that it matters much..
Bottom Line:
I've tried a bunch of forks and many platforms.. all types of trails and road too.. THIS FORK RULES!! I can't even begin to describe the control you feel when you are descending down some of the most technical down hill stuff (on an XC platform)..... Wow uphill ability with the ETA!! 30mm of free travel.. nice and stiff too.. feels like the F80X's travel...I get alot of laughs from racers when they see an XC setup with a Freeride fork.. Not when they are looking at me up on the podium... from the crowd. I highly recommend this fork to even the lightest rider... It's grrrrrrreattttt!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Strengths:
This fork is sweet. Very Stiff, Very Plush, but also Very Heavy...but the heaviness gives the ride a better solid feel. I've never had a coil shock (only air) and this is great, no screwing around trying to get the air pressures dialed in.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a little heavy...but like I said, I think the burliness gives it a better feel on the downhill.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Marathon, Z2, X-Fly
Bike Setup:
'03 Id
Bottom Line:
It's a big, thick solid fork - not for you weight weenie types - that's for sure. Great Fork, however. I tried my buddy's Fox Vanilla 125 and the Z1 made the Vanilla feel a little squirley. Also, going from the Marathon to the Z1 (2 lbs. extra) was a bit tough to get used to...at least for the first 1/2 ride until I started on the downhill! All in all, if you want a very solid, fun, plush ride, and don't mind an extra lb. or 2, go with the Z1 coil for sure.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a
from Alaska Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Stiff!
Similar Products Used:
'02 Psylo SL and XC, '99 Judy XLC & XC
Bike Setup:
Weyless 67
Bottom Line:
I continue to be impressed with this fork. It makes my Psylo SL look and feel like a toy. That fork has now been banished to my commuter bike where the lock out comes in handy. The Z.1 isn't light but that is okay by me because it is so stiff. The springing and damping are right on for my weight (under 190) and riding style so that it has not yet bottomed out harshly. The steering percision is way better than my Psylo and a whoole world better than the old Judy's. Those things feel like wet noodles to me now. Hard to believe they were at one time high end forks.
The ETA lever works and you can use it on the fly. I like that it still gives you some suspension but doesn't bob much at all when climbing so I find it more useful than the U-turn and lock-out systems on my old Psylo. I use the ETA when riding long distances on pave bike paths just to reduce the head & seat tube angles so I can get power to the crank a bit more effectively. What else can I say, awesome fork!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
D. McNeill
a Weekend Warrior
from Tasmania, Australia Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Treadlies
Strengths:
Stiff, beefy, plush and looks pretty serious too. ETA makes riding to the top of your favourite trail slighty more bearable.
Weaknesses:
It might be a little on the heavy side but it more than makes up for it.
Similar Products Used:
'98 Z1's
Bike Setup:
'03 Haro Escape 8.2
Bottom Line:
After a few months of trail riding, dirt jumps and a bit of urban this fork hasn't complained once. It soaks up almost everything on the trail and when you push it past it's limits it bottoms out smoothly. As far as 5" single crown forks go, I couldn't really ask for much more.
The ETA system does what it's supposed to but while riding uphill the fork makes a noticeable top out noise everytime the wheel bounces off a rock or root. It's no big deal though.... I didn't buy this fork to ride up hills.
The only thing I'm worried about is the plastic ETA lever on top of the fork. It looks vulnerable to crash damage. Apart from this it's a great fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
GEBE
a Weekend Warrior
from Washington Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Blanchard
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Great Shock, rolls over anything, feels good, looks good.
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side. Customer support has been non-existent.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou sherman
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth ID
Bottom Line:
Great shock, little heavy. The ETA lever fell off during the first ride. Three months of emailing Marzocci and asking to purchase another has resulted in zippity doo dah from them. There are other great shocks. Think about customer support when buying. These guys don't care.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales, UK. Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
These forks are awesome man, I've been riding them for about three weeks now and they have done quite a few miles. They took a little time to bed in but now are the smoothest, plushest fork I have ridden, I have ridden Vanillas, Floats etc but these forks are the best by far. They eat everything from stutter bumps to big hits and are so smooth on drops and jumps, I have used the full travel once but can't say that I felt them bottom, they are buttery smooth and are the best fork that you can get for the money, Vanillas come no where near, they are well stiff and track perfectly. Sure they are not the lightest fork out there but who cares about weight anyway!! Bottom line, perfect fork for the money nothing comes close really, 130mm SC oh yeah VERY SMOOTH!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Deke
a Weekend Warrior
from CO Date Reviewed: June 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$430.00
Strengths:
It's a Zoke. It's plush.
Weaknesses:
Uses all the travel.......but not harshly.
Similar Products Used:
Judy, Lefty, Black, Psylo, and most MX forks.
Bike Setup:
DS w/Z1 and all the sturdy stuff.
Bottom Line:
I won't say this is the best fork ever, but for a MB SC fork the action is SSSSWWWWEEEEEEEEEETTTT!!!. Uphill it's a little squirrely when ETA'D, downhill it'll soak up the chop just like you want. It's the fork if you wanna go fast down the choppy stuff and do some drops less than 5 ft. along the way. If you climb to bomb, the Z1 is tops on my list.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Edmonds, WA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Barlett Wash
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$525.00
Purchased At:
Downhill Zone Seattle
Strengths:
stiff smoooth confidence inspiring
Weaknesses:
heavy?
Similar Products Used:
Pyslo SL Black Elete
Bike Setup:
Titus Quasi Moto
Bottom Line:
This is the most fun you can have on a mountain bike and still climb reasonable well. The travel feels bottomless and for me never quite seems to bottom out. The new and improved ETA feature allows you to lower the front end by 1 1/4 inches and still have enough travel to work with. Several time I've forgotten to release the ETA lever at the top of a climb. It's possible to release the ETA on the fly. The Z-1 is an order of magnitude stiffer than the Pyslo, and is as smooth as the Black without the annoying tendency to harshly run out of travel. This fork gave me the confidence to tackle some stuff I've pass on in the past. For those that are obsessed with weight, unless your a racer, forget about it and enjoy the solid feel of what that extra pound buys you. If you are a racer, what are you doing here?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
FoolCyclist
a
from Corvallis, OR USA Date Reviewed: June 15, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$415.00
Strengths:
stiff, tracks excellent, super plush, smooth, sensitive, ETA rocks, looks killer, easily tuned and adjusted
Weaknesses:
tire clearence with Nokians
Similar Products Used:
most of the 5" single crowns
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffee FR, Z1 FR, XT Hydros, XT and Race Face drivetrain, Race Face stem and bars, Thomson post, Karve saddle, XT/Singletrak wheels, Maxxis or Nokian tires
Bottom Line:
This is the best 5" fork you can buy.
I was extremely happy with my 02 Z1 FR, but the 03 blows it out of the water. The new Z1 is better in every aspect, other than weight. But once you get rolling you wont even notice the weight of the fork. You always here people saying that the mark of a great component is that you never have to think about it. That is exactly what you get with the Z1. It can take anything I can throw at it and just keeps on working flawlessly. The ETA is so nice. Just flip the switch and push the front down and tough climbs and uphill switchbacks are made easy. I know that Fox owners like to tell me you can do the same with the TALAS, which is kinda true, but the Z1 blows the Fox away when it comes to ride quality. I honestly believe that the Z1 tracks better, is more sensitive, rides smoother, and is better valved than a Vanilla. I havent ridden the TALAS, but I imagine its the same story. When it comes to plushness, you can set up a Vanilla to be as plush, but you lose the big hit capability. With HSCV you get the best of both worlds.
If you are looking for an aggro trail riding, light freeride, jumping fork all rolled into one you should go with the Z1 FR.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Flash Mofo
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle, Wa. Date Reviewed: June 9, 2003
Favorite Trail:
mission ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
ebay, new in box
Strengths:
climbs much better than expected, very stiff, ETA is great, reliable long travel
Weaknesses:
weight (who cares, I'm over it already)
Similar Products Used:
Mazocchi MX-Pro and MXR, Fox 125RL and Talus
Bike Setup:
Titus switchblade w/ 5.7" rear, XT, discs, king everywhere and Conti 2.3 ust tires
Bottom Line:
Only 5 rides on it so far but I'm very happy! I'm more of an Epic XC rider with occasional light free-ride-3'+ drops, smaller gap jumps and stunts, but nothing too crazy yet. I needed a fork for my switch that could do 3k' climbs but offer 5"+ travel for faster&more technical descending. I considered the FR-SL but shyed away as I knew the ETA works better than the ECC, plus I figured the extra travel would be a waste if it was less plush/reliable due to the air spring. Previously I rode my MX-pro ETA, which I loved. ETA makes any fork a great XC fork, thats why I bought another marzocchi.
No regrets! I'm shocked at how well it climbs. ETA is so much better than lock out, I use it quite often. Mine seems to lock down to about 2.5" travel with the ETA on- perfect for singletrack climbs. Of course it's very "plush" downhill but I expected that, thats why I chose it over lighter forks. If you are an XC rider who wants the travel for technical and descents but are wary of the weight, don't be shy, go for it. It won't slow you down, an extra pound, thats like an extra water bottle. small price to pay for so much more speed on technical descents. I weigh 175 and am running no pre-load. The fork feels great. I think an oil change might get me another 1/4" or more- this seems typical for marzocchis, maybe too much oil and too light visc. That was the case on my MX pro as well. Also Marzocchis really do take 6-10 rides to break in, you will know when it happens. What can I say? I'm a marzocchi fan for life. Fox makes nice forks but nobody can touch marzocchi IMHO.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCUBAPRO
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: June 4, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Woods
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Revocycles.com
Strengths:
Plush, Looks Awesome, Nice Heavy Duty Decals (don't peel off like the Foxs'), Great Marzocchi Tech Support (someone actually anwers the phone).
Weaknesses:
None!
Similar Products Used:
Fox Vanilla RLC FORX
Bike Setup:
See Below
Bottom Line:
This is a follow-up on my earlier review. I have had this fork for over 10 months now and absolutely love it, now that it is broken in and I've changed the oil. It is super plush (same as the Fox Vanilla now) but is much more progressive in its travel than the Fox. The seals are much better and the ETA is the bomb. I fully recommend the Z1 to anyone who likes to bomb down rocky terrain; it takes anything you throw at it and comes back for more. Now that I've had this fork for a while now I am fully convinced that it is better than the Fox Vanilla Forx and will never trade mine in for any fork other than another Marzocchi!!! Five flamin' chillis all around. Good job Marzocchi!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from Munich Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bozen
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
stiff, looks, colour (mine is matt black), ETA, fender option
Weaknesses:
tire clearence, heavy (but i don´t care)
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy Race, Manitou X-Vert, Manitou Black Elite
Bike Setup:
Specialized Big Hit Pro, XT-discs with 203mm rotors, Thomson stem and post, Syntace vector DH bar, Flite, Shimano LX/XT, Vanilla RC
Bottom Line:
Great all around fork. Use the ETA very often to lift my big hit up the hills. Fork does bottom out on the bigger drops but thats o.k. for me - if it wouldn´t bottom, i wouldn´t use the full travel right? Very stiff even with quick release axle and 200mm rotor! very tunable damping. Fork works much better than my black in the freeride/hard trailriding department. Converts my Specci to an XC-bike on the uphills with 4 inches of travel adjustement! Very stable on the downhills. If Marzocchi would build a Super T with ETA i´d rather buy that one but until then the Z 1 ist a great all around fork for trailriding, jumping and epic rides. Tire clearence is limited thou - if you ride in muddy terrain, don´t use tires that are wider than 2,4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Leo
a Cross Country Rider
from Sweden Date Reviewed: April 2, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Strong, beefy, stiff - no flex, good looking - no V-brake bosses. It's also plush... :-)
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bike Setup:
SC Bullit 2002.5 with 5th, Hope discs, XT/WTB/FSA/TITEC parts, built for freeride/xc, 33 lbs!
Bottom Line:
I use it for everything, mostly aggressive XC, but also jumping, urban and some downhill. I'm 150 lbs and have bottomed it out when I did a 3 feet drop and landed on the front wheel...tacoed the rim. Otherwise the springs are exactly perfect for my kind of riding. The ETA works great for climbing, but the ETA lever is too small and hard to reach sometimes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
blake
a Downhiller
from L.A. , California, USA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
The Z1 is stiff, very plush, and the ETA is fantastic.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy, White Bros
Bike Setup:
Turner(kick ass company and frames)XCE, SRAM, Hayes Hydros, WTB dual duty wheels(tough wheels)Azonic bars
Bottom Line:
The Z1 intended purpose for me was to add a degree of adjustability to the front suspension I had on my trail bike. The fork I had was sticky, had 4 inches of travel and no adustments. What I got was very unexpected. Now I can actually climb better since I can change the ride height and descending has become so much more fun. I'm not as apprehensive in the rought stuff. My turner is so much more capable with the new Z1's! I weigh about 220lbs with camelbak so I really need a heavy duty. Even though I'm not doing huge drops, I believe this is the perfect fork for heavier guys who like aggressive trail/xc riding and since I've seen what the fork can do I have full confidence in my fork. I'll be looking to Marzocchi in the future for my downhill needs as well. I got more than what I payed for. what more can you ask for
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thorne
a Downhiller
from Wilton, CT, USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Smart Cycles
Strengths:
Very strong fork. Can be plush if costumized right. Can be put down to 30mm of travel. Very good looking.
Weaknesses:
Havent found any yet.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi dj II
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz bullit, z1 freeride, xtr/lx, hayes hydro, maxxis tires, 5th element.
Bottom Line:
Great fork for light DH, hard freeride, and possibly XC when put down to 30mm. Great buy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jordan Allen
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, SA, Australia Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mach II
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came on the Bike
Strengths:
Stiff as a rock, handles absolutly everything, no leaky seales, External Preload/Rebound/ETA, 32mm Stantions, Beafy Crown
Weaknesses:
Standard springs are too soft due to the needs of the ETA.
Similar Products Used:
Judy SL, SID 100's
Bike Setup:
Jamis Dakar XLT1, XT Group, Hays HFX comps, Mavic F219 rims, Kiosk Bars, stem, seat post, Fox RL rear, 2003 Z1 FR, Time Peadles
Bottom Line:
After the 3" of lateral flex from the sids which broke after I crashed into a car the Z1 are more than a welcome replacement. As yet no troubles from the the plushest fork I have ever had the pleasure to ride on, except that the stock springs bottom out quite easily off 5ft drops. Would recomend this fork to any Free Rider who is fed up with RockShox and the poor service of Answer
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeremy
a
from New York Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Falline at Plattekill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Steiners sports
Strengths:
Stiff,plush, adjustable, progressive stroke, the top caps are low profile so they clear the downtube on Xups, its a marzocchi, look siiick
Weaknesses:
NONE
Similar Products Used:
02 DJ1, Super T, Monster T, Jr.T
Bike Setup:
Clifcat Tankass w/ 24/26" trailpimps, Z.1, hayes 8" hydros f/r, XTR rear der., Raceface cranks, raceface diablous stem, nokian 2.6 tires, SDG big boy seat, Azonic fusion pedals.
Bottom Line:
This fork is awesome. i love it. i will rarely use the ETA, but it does work very well. i dont know why everybody comparest this fork to a fox vanilla, the Z.1 kills the Fox, a buddy of mine just bought a RLC for his playbike, and it does feel nice, but it seems to be more XC oriented, while the Z.1 is more of a hardcore fork. it is definately more beefy too. marzocchi is an awesome company that makes awesome forks. if your thinking about it. get it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SCUBAPRO
a Weekend Warrior
from Laguna Beach Date Reviewed: January 31, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Vulture Crags
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$519.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tech
Strengths:
Rigid-absolutely no flex, 32mm stanchions, large crown, looks great, seals do not leak (no oil ring on the stanchions), excellent rebound adjustment, ETA is great.
Weaknesses:
Comes with heavy springs-can't get softer springs!!! Weight, no compression adjustment, need a screw driver to adjust rebound.
Similar Products Used:
'02 Fox Vanilla RLC Forx
Bike Setup:
'99 FSR, avid discs, BETD link, Chris King....
Bottom Line:
Well designed, works great on fast decents and rocky terrain, plush but not as plush as the FOX (I traded my fox for the Z1!). Tech support is very good but Marzocchi made a mistake of releasing the product without softer springs available. Overall, an OK fork. You can actually use a FOX spring to replace the spring on the right leg provided you remove the black spacer. Minus 1 chili for the not having softer springs and another for not being as plush as the FOX.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross Country Rider
from Flagstaff Az. U.S.A. Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003
I got three years out of the Judy Race. About two an a half years to much. It was so bad I did not even want to ride my 4 banger any more. So I went for it and got the 03 Z 1. WOW!!. Now I have a new bike! My 4 banger handles the way it should have all along.Tracks way way better. Really holds a line at speed. I don't get much air, but do ride rocky trails and that is where I just point and shoot. I wish I would have built my bike like this from the start. I am 220 lbs. and the springs are just right for aggressive cross country. For once I didn't have to order stiffer springs. With the fork lock down, I'm getting about 40mm of travel. It just does not get any beter than this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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