Mg Marathon monolite one piece arch & sliders Marzocchi was there when Marathon racing was born. Endurance races and 24-hour events are increasingly popular, and components that address the unique needs of long distance riding are in high demand. Marathon racers want forks that are durable. They want smooth operation, mile after mile. These cutting edge designs satisfy those needs. These forks are experienced to the core, and they’ll see the sport of marathon racing into its old age.
Submitted by
Con Rinsrein
a Weekend Warrior
from upper state N.Y Date Reviewed: June 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Stiff and strong with great steering capability. Point and Go forks. Very plush and top quality design and build. Extremely reliable and very low maintenance requirements!
Weaknesses:
Manual is hard to follow. Get someone who knows these forks to set them up for you.
Similar Products Used:
All the top makes have run by me.
Bike Setup:
Giant Trance Frame custon built up.
Bottom Line:
Even after over 3 years of hard use this is one amazing fork. I know that they are the flagship XC fork and they were expensive but you really get what you pay for!...thought I would upgrade the fork when I changed to a new frame but these Marzocchi's are so darned good that I just cannot find anything that can better them and now on my Giant they are superb, creating a real flying machine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Nugent
a Cross Country Rider
from U.K Date Reviewed: July 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-brenin
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Great forks.....reliable and so adjustable. They needed to ware in at first but they have been super reliable ever since. Track great, brake great, exceptional seals and bushes and open bath oil lubrication and they do not lose air!
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
I've switched from Fox....like other guys here because the Marzocchi forks are better, more reliable, cheaper to buy and cheaper to service.
Bike Setup:
Thses forks are now sitting on a new Giant Trance 3
Bottom Line:
Great forks....they do everything I want without any fuss for all the reasons I have outlined above.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dan Dare
a Weekend Warrior
from Chester U.K Date Reviewed: May 13, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Karrimore Trail
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Stiff, smooth, reliable, very adjustable, excellent seals and bushings, steers well, needs no maintenance.
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
GT I-Drive, XT spec, etc
Bottom Line:
Simply top forks. I have not had them serviced in nearly 3 years because they perform flawlessly. These are very adjustable whether you are on or off the bike and the steering and braking is handled withh no fuss at all. The escence of a good fork is that it performs well years after you bought it, not just how it works in the shop. Can't believe that these are better than my Fox forks which I paid nearly £200 more for! I'm sticking with Marzocchi from now on as I am well pleased.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Garsfield
a Cross Country Rider
from Scotland Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
Merlin
Strengths:
Strong and lite, tracks well, very adjustable and dependable, very good seals and bushes, very plush, hard to top out, oil bath.
Weaknesses:
Bad instructions. I got the set up information by going to: http://www.cycle1st.co.uk/marzocchi1.htm
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Skareb, Rockshox SID, Fox,
Bike Setup:
2002 Marin Mount Vision much updated.
Bottom Line:
Excellent forks and still going strong. I had them serviced for the first time last week and the guys in the shop said that the stanchions were like brand new!! They have proved to be completely reliable with great control.The set up instructions in the manual are pretty poor and it took me a while to work out what to do but the best information on them came from going to this site: http://www.cycle1st.co.uk/marzocchi1.htm After that the performance has been fantastic.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
McGill
a Cross Country Rider
from Wyoming U.S Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Smooth and reliable. Plenty of adjustments to get the whole thing right for you. The seals keeps the air and the oil in and the debris out. Good tracker and holds up well on hard front braking.
Weaknesses:
Like others have said maybe the manual could have given more information.
Bottom Line:
These forks do what they say they do. Good reliable and low maintenance, they have not yet let me down in getting on for 3 years of hard riding. The seals or bushes are first class. Light enough and low flex plus a good tracker. I paid less for these Italian made forks than for the equivalent U.S made Fox forks, and nobody is going to tell me that these aren't every bit as good.... for less money!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Leroy
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah. U.S.A Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very reliable and plush fork that gives a gamet of adjustments. Strong and tracks well. Good under hard braking....doesn't squirm. Great seals/bushes. Better than the Fox and cheaper.
Weaknesses:
The Instruction Manual.
Similar Products Used:
Fox..Manitou..R/Shox..RST.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR Enduro etc...etc.
Bottom Line:
Great forks, after getting on for 3 years I have had no problems. Very adjustable on and off of the bike. The air seals work. Personally I have not had a hint of a leak from the positive or negative chambers but I know some of the early 2002 and 2003 ones had some issues. These have made my riding a pleasure. Before this...after transporting my bike to a meeting for 6 hours only to find that my Fox Forks has spilled most of their oil all over the back, I chose to look for Forks more reliable and less costly. These are it. Excellent!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ray
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney, Australia Date Reviewed: January 29, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Tracks well, doesn't lose air, works well when it's working
Weaknesses:
Left hand cartridge. After 12 months the negative chamber filled with oil. Replaced under warranty (after 2 month's wait!!) the new negative chamber also lasted about 12 months, but with lots less use as I had had a knee injury for 4 months. This time the Australian distributor said they would 'fix' it. It lasted 100km before it went again.
Australian distributor's level of service is pretty weak, also.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Z2 BAMs are about the closest thing I can compare them to.
Bike Setup:
First on an NRS, now on a Blur.
Bottom Line:
I'm a 75kg wimp. The best way to take a jump is to keep both wheels firmly on the ground. No way have I abused this fork, but it keeps breaking. Even that would be bearable if it could get fixed properly and quickly.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buck
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Really solid design and construction. Super reliable seals and bushes. Stiff and very smooth action. Adjustable even on the bike with the ECC 5 system. Needs very little maintenance and so dependable. No leaks of air or oil.
Weaknesses:
It took time to get the forks bedded in and if you replace the seals/bushings at a service interval you need to let them bed in too. This is no real problem. The manual is kind of vague though.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Float 100 RLC & F100 X, Manitou Axel, Skareb, Mars Comp, Pace RC 40, Rockshox Duke SL & SID other Marzocchi like Z2 BAM and MX Pro ETA.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR with SRAM, Easton, WTB perch, 959 pedals, Mavic 717 on Hope hubs and M4 discs with WTB Weirwolf 2.3 and Motoraptor 2.24.
Bottom Line:
A really good set of reliable and consistently top performing forks. I worked my way up thru the ranks to what I thought were the best...Fox. A few seals blown and oil leaks later I decided to try these Marzocchi forks and they cost me less! Well impressed...great performance ....fit and forget. That's what I like dependable rugged low maintenance units.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Smith
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: December 23, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
So reliable with no air leaks. Very smooth performance with no harsh bottom out. Good tracking ...steers very well on rough ground. Good steady brake performance with little end flutter, seals are the usual excellent Marzocchi quality. Tabs are so good that I didn't have to face them to fot Hope Discs.
Weaknesses:
The manual is not too clear and the seals need time to wear in.
Similar Products Used:
Other Marzocchi, Manitou, Rockshox and Fox...which are expensive and prone to leaks.
Great forks, just the best I have used. They are reliable, smooth, stiff, rugged, hard wearing and inspire confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Travers
a
from Scotland Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Glenntress
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Beautifully made and finished. Stiff and solid without being unrealistically light. Very smooth. Excellent 5 way rebound control. Lockout that is easy to apply. Great tracking with very little deflection on hard hits. Amazingly good seals for an air fork.
Weaknesses:
Take a while to bed in and until they do it can be misleading as to their true worth.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SL Skareb, Mars Comp, Black, Rockshox everything, Ballistic 600, 800, RST 381, 481, MozoPro, Marzocchi Z1, Z2, Z3, MX Comp, MX Comp ETA, MX Pro, FOX F100X, Float 100RLC, TALAS, and Vanilla.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision, XT drivetrain, Hope Minis on X717 rims, XLR bits, Shimano 959 pedals, Continental Vertical Pro tyres, Maxis lite tubes.
Bottom Line:
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO MY PREVIOUS REVIEW. After nearly 3 years of really hard riding, this Fork is still the best heavy duty cross country fork that I have ever used. Totally reliable, keeps the air pressure....amazing. Marzocchi know how to design and manufacture Forks!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aidy Sainter
a Weekend Warrior
from Utah U.S Date Reviewed: October 30, 2005
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very well made. Very good bushes and seals with perfect air pressure retention. Very good tracking with little twist. Excellent adjustability off or on the bike. Low maintenance requirement with open bath system.
Weaknesses:
Poor instructions from the accompanying manual. Long bedding-in period ( But I would not trust a Fork that didn't )
Similar Products Used:
Forks from Rochshox, Manitou, Girvin, Pace, Fox and other Marzocchi over the years.
A set of Forks that was designed perfectly right from the start! Not often, in the MTB world, is there a product that delivers like it says it will but these Forks excell right from the the moment that they are bedded in. Provided that the owner has the experience to tune these Forks correctly with positive and negative air you got a piece of top equipment.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave Freeman
a Cross Country Rider
from B.C Canada Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Really smooth and totally reliable. Keeps it's air, very adjustable. Good tracking and great under braking. Bushes and seals are first class.
Weaknesses:
Manual is vague.
Similar Products Used:
Lots by Manitou, Rockshox, Fox and Marzocchi.
Bottom Line:
I always go back to Marzocchi as the stuff is just so good. Here is just another example...first class forks. Really smooth and totally reliable. Keeps it's air, very adjustable. Good tracking and great under braking. Bushes and seals are first class. Needs little maintenance and gives so much confidence.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C. Canada Date Reviewed: September 29, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Strong / stiff / fairly light / great trake r/ great under braking / no lateral flex / very smooth / very adjustable / excellent bushes / excellent air retention.
Weaknesses:
Product manual could be more informative and less generalised. Have to concentrate to get the + and - Air pressures right.
Similar Products Used:
Loads by Manitou, Rock Shox, Fox etc.
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak, Sram Transmission, Cloud 9 Shock, 959 pedals, Hope hubs Hope Mini brakes, Mavic 317 rims.
Bottom Line:
This is a term-of-reference set of Forks against which all other Marathon forks should be judged. They excell at their job. One of the best components that I have ever bought. After more than 2 years of hard riding they perform like they are new.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stu
a Racer
from Charleston, SC, USA Date Reviewed: September 26, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Harbison
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
response, stiffness, adjustments, lockout (I love the fact that it locks down and not up), very nice grey metallic paint job, cool stickers
Weaknesses:
slighly heavier than I would prefer but not a big deal
Similar Products Used:
'04 Fox RL 100, '04 Marzocchi MX Comp ETA, '05 Marzocchi Marathon SL
Bike Setup:
'04 Turner Burner
Bottom Line:
This is a keeper. I bought the '05 Marathon SL thinking it would be an improved version of the '04. Not true! The '05 was about 1" taller than the '04, even with it lowered to the 105mm setting. And the '05 locks out in the up position. This combination caused my front wheel to lose contact with the ground going up hill. It killed my forward momentum. The '04 locks down, but I haven't even used it. It has lowered my front end enough that I don't lose contact with the ground without locking it down. And I have much better control overall on all sections of trails. The fork is buttery smooth. It's a bit tight right now but I know that once the seals set in it's going to be phenomenal. The 5 position ECC knob for adjusting damping response to suit the trail conditions is sweet. This fork totally rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rene Hoepelman
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Beach, CA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2005
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
reliable, no leaks, price, looks, excellent customer service
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, rock shock
Bike Setup:
a freekin mountain bike
Bottom Line:
Early 2005 I was in the market for new forks. I have two MTB's. So I started my research. Manatou and Rock Shox was out of the question. I was going to follow the crowd and go with FOX until I found a great deal on ebay to buy two 2004 marathon SL's from the same seller for $600. What a deal I get two Marzocchi forks for the price of one FOX. I checked back with MTBR, and reviews for the 2004 marathon SL's were excellent. So I bought both pairs for $300 a piece plus $15 shipping for both. I could not be happier with my choice, even 6 months later.
When I recieved the forks one of them leaked oil all over the inside of the box. I had my LBS install the good fork on my Klein. I called Marzocchi, with no questions asked they gave me an RA # and I shipped them the leaky fork. I live in Long Beach. One of the Marzocchi head quarters is here in Los Angeles so I pretty much get free overnight shipping.
I had a fork back within the week. The original was gun metal grey and they replaced with a black one. I really liked the gun metal grey color but what can you do. I believe they just gave me a new fork alltogether.
I am 6ft 185lbs. On my hard tail I have the fork set super plush to make up for lack of rear suspension, and on my Fuel 100 I ride much stiffer. I have no problem with either set up. They both work perfectly for what they are supposed to do. Im confident they will get me through the next 24 hour race just as well as they get me though the trails on the weekends. Im so glad to have went with Marzocchi.
You have to set them plush for the first month or two depending on how much you ride. Once they losen up and you have them dialed in you never have to mess with them again. They hold air perfectly. Dont lose the adapter that comes with the Fork its proprietary, not that you will need it for too long.
Anyway Im sure the Fox makes great forks. I bet all the high end forks on the market today are great but I went with Marzocchi and am very very very happy.
5 chilis for the actual fork itself and 5 more chilis for Marzocchi customer service They kicked ass!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Van Helsen
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C Canada Date Reviewed: May 25, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Stiff and light. Very smooth and no nasty bottom-outs. Tracks great. Reliable with the legendary Marzocchi seals.
Weaknesses:
Takes a little time to dial-in the right settings for your personal preferences, takes time for the forks to get well run-in. And the manual sucks.
Similar Products Used:
So many from Rockshox, Manitou, Pace, Fox and other Marzocchi.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4 Fsr with XT, RaceFace and Sram.
Bottom Line:
This is the set of forks to judge all other hard X-country/Light to medium Freeride air forks against. And they will take a lot of hard riding not just X-country. I made a good choice to buy these and would but them again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Delaney
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver,BC Date Reviewed: April 3, 2005
Favorite Trail:
The next challenge
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Strong. Light. Good tracker. Tight legs. Steer well. Great seals and bushings. Very reliable. The best air forks for keeping the pressure. Smooth.
Weaknesses:
Fiddly to set up right and the instruction book is vague espacially on the neg air pressure ratios. Got to let them break in so you do not judge the performance on how they feel in the shop. Have a little faith baby!
Similar Products Used:
A lot of Marzocchi. A few Rockshox, Manitou, Fox and Pace.
Bike Setup:
Specialized M4
Bottom Line:
These forks have surprised me. I'm real cynical with all the bike world blurb about components especially the bull that comes from reading so called Bike magazines tests. But I got to say that I have yet to ride better medium travel forks than these. Not much more to say. Worth the money...deliver the goods.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Schofield
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada Date Reviewed: March 4, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
I'm reviewing the 105mm Fork This is a fork that has been given real thought to with strong design features like great tracking over most bad terrain, great ECC control with lockdown, good lateral stifness, fabulous smooooth action over just about anything except the most extreme downhill, oil bath system, great valving and most of all bushes and seals that really work and make an air fork dependable and reliable. Also the price is O.K
Weaknesses:
The instructions are vague and there is more info about set up on the net. Breaking in takes time but so what it means the bushes really work. Check the valves from time to time and get a tire valve core extractor tool to tighten the valves.
Similar Products Used:
Most of the range form Fox, Manitou and Rockshox also one or two flimsy Pace forks.
Bike Setup:
Common or garden but ace Marin Rift Zone pretty much as it comes but XT crankset and these forks plus CaneCreek Cloud 9
Bottom Line:
You get what you pay for with Marzocchi, real top quality forks that a group of experienced designers have thought about and carefully designed. The strength is that they have been making top motorbike& motorcross forks since 1949 so they know about seals and strength....I wouldn't use anything else on my motorbike so I know just how good they are. These MTB forks just rock. It's kind of hard to say too much about forks that do what they say they do. Just get them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Doran
a Weekend Warrior
from Upper St NY Date Reviewed: February 28, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
On Line
Strengths:
Fantasic feel to these forks as they soak up small and large hits equally well. Well made, steering is precise, very good bushings, oil bath, light, reliable, holds air well and a good price
Weaknesses:
Poor manual. I did not mind the long break in period because I know that translates into long life and durability.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Manitou, Rockshox and other Marzocchis.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision...stock apart from these forks and Shimano 959 spd.
Bottom Line:
Since I got these forks my riding has improved and the enjoyment too. No worries with these as they deliver how they should every time. I feel guilty that I hardly ever check the air pressures or get them serviced but they work, have great seals, great performance and they need no attention. This is what I like good reliable and dependable gear. I've adjusted the air pressure in the Fox rear shock more times in a month than this Marzocchi fork in a year.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Halsall
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: February 23, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Glentress
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Very strong and light with superb performance. 105mm is just the right amount of travel. ECC is excellent with outstanding rebound control. Very very good seals and bushes. Great tracking. Oil bath..
Weaknesses:
Takes a while to bed in. The manual is vague. I went to this site for the information on the best set up....http://www.cycle1st.co.uk/marzocchi1.htm
Similar Products Used:
Z1. Z2. Manitou everything. Rockshox and Fox(too expensive).
Bike Setup:
SantaCruz Heckler
Bottom Line:
Truely top notch forks with an excellent build quality. Tracking is what you expect from Marzocchi....spot-on. Get the air pressures correct from the start and you are away. I got the best information about the pressure ratios from the reviews section of www.cycle1st.com and since then my forks have performed unbelievably well. Again the sealing and the bushes is so much better than anybody elses forks ...even Fox. Maintenance with these forks is almost completely unecessary.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Racer
from australia Date Reviewed: February 21, 2005
Favorite Trail:
allof'em
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Nice and plush, good amount of travel, light, cheap
Weaknesses:
Flexy!!!
Similar Products Used:
'99 Judy hydracoils, '96 marzz Z1's(original)
Bike Setup:
litespeed obed fs 3" travel, pedals, handelbars,and wheels as well, plus some brakes to stop.
Bottom Line:
I bought the 120mm Sl Marathons. These are a very nice fork compared to what i was riding previous, very light out of the box thinking they are too light. Once I installed them I realised that my head angle was very different. Im 65kg/140lb so I set them up 20 and 40 i forget which at the moment but they are the munbers i used. Used mainly for XC racing e.g 8,12,24 hr races at least 100 racing hours and probably 500 just riding hours Took them on a 90km/40mile? To break them in, they took a while to get fully active but once they took a few hits they were nice n plush. The adjustible rebound is a great feature. climbs well doesnt suck up to much of the mountain and descending it feels great. the descent of this ride is very rugged lots of exposed sandstone rock exposed. when hit, the fork absorbed nicely and the travel didnt ramp up not quite like SPV valving but similar. one thing i did notice was how much these forks flex I have been surprised that they havent broken yet. it does say these are not downhill forks and i agree but some of the trails around here are quite agressive in parts. They hold up to their task. Just remember they are XC forks. If your a hard rider i'd go for a slightly stiffer fork but im using the 120mm version. The reason I got these was that they were cheap via OS ordering. And that they are Marzzocchi forks. tuning is a bit fiddly, I set mine and have left it as is
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
20_bandh
a Cross Country Rider
from Europe Date Reviewed: February 9, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
DOWNSHIFTCYCLES.COM
Strengths:
Robust, Plush, they work
Weaknesses:
Not the lightest, Instruction Manual is poo !
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox SID SL
Bike Setup:
DEAN hardtail, XTR and Race Face etc etc
Bottom Line:
I used to run SIDs but got fed up constantly having to repair and service them. Bought the Marzocchis (85mm) on account of their rave reviews on this site. I made a very wise choice and am chuffed to bits with them. These shocks work much better than the SIDs and remain true under hard braking. They arn´t the lightest but that doesn´t bother me. The only grumble I have is with the accompanying manual which was very vague when it came to the inflation pressures. I´ve already ridden 200 km´s on them and have had no bedding in problems whatsoever.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirtgirl
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal Date Reviewed: January 26, 2005
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
I waited until they put this baby on sale at half the price of a comparable Fox TALAS RLC. It locks down easy for the climb and handles the sick drops when fully extended. It actually gives me more control on the steep ups than my hardtail with a Mars Super fork. Tracks like a Marzocchi should. The dark gray color goes perfectly with the XTR disc brake.
Weaknesses:
I'm 130 pounds and this puppy is set up really stiff for me.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first long travel fork with a lockout. I've also had a RS Judy, Manitou Mars Super, and a Z3 QR20.
Bike Setup:
'99 XCR 2000 i-drive, Azonic head lock, Race Face carbon riser, SL 120, XT shifters and disc brake levers, XTR fron disc brake, XT rear disc brake, XT tubeless wheels
Bottom Line:
Best bang for the buck for epic rides with steep climbs and technical downhill with rocks and drops.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jean de Baptisie
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta Ga, USA Date Reviewed: January 20, 2005
Favorite Trail:
various
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Build quality. Smooth consistent performance. Strong, reliable, smooth bushes. Stiff with Top tracking on any terrain. Low maintenance and excellent reliability. Good value for money. Low weight for such a well built Fork (take note Fox!) Adjustability - off the bike and on the bike and so much USEFULL adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Poor instructions on set up. Long breaking in period.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Racing Shox F100 X,Fox Racing Shox TALAS RLC,Manitou Black Elite 100,Manitou Skareb Super,Marzocchi MX Pro ETA
Bike Setup:
2004 Specialized S-Works Epic.
Bottom Line:
Excellent Forks. Take time to set them up carefully and adjust the air setting as they bed in and you have a seriously great pair of forks that will deliver the goods in all but the most extreme of conditions. Definately improved my riding skills.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Twizo
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: January 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Strong and not too heavy. Good design and super smooth. Easy to maintain and very consistent. Very pre-tuneable to any desired setting and then more tuning available on the bike via the 5 position rebound adjuster with lockdown.
Weaknesses:
Takes a little time to ease the bushes into full working order and the instructions are a little vague.
Stonking pair of forks. So smooth and so tuneable and I haven't had them serviced in nearly 2 years of hard use. Great bushes giving stiff and fast steering with minimal tip flutter under hard braking better than the Fox and cheaper...well better than the paper-mache SIDs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gerry LeRoy
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh,Pa. Date Reviewed: December 5, 2004
Favorite Trail:
roller coaster
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Smooth performance and good travel on the 105mm model. Stiff, light, strong, reliable, consistent, great seals or should I say bushes, tracks the ground like Bloodhound...all the usual stuff that you expect from Marzocchi.
Weaknesses:
Like they say...the instructions are non too good but I followed the example of some other Guy who did a review here and went to cycle1st.com for the info. And they have stiction until they get ridden for a few times.
Similar Products Used:
Fox/Manitou/Rochshox/Pace/Magura/Girvin.
Bottom Line:
Five Star Forks. It gets boring when a product is so good but you have to say it because when you have ridden so many forks you just can't take this kind of performance for granted. Smooth performance and good travel on the 105mm model....I'll repeat.. Stiff, light, strong, reliable, consistent, great seals or should I say bushes, tracks the ground like Bloodhound...all the usual stuff that you expect from Marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geo Carlisle
a Weekend Warrior
from North Wales Date Reviewed: December 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Gwydyr Forest
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
www.cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Excellent quality of craftmanship in design and construction. This fork holds it's air very well and delivers an exceptionally smooth and controlled ride time after time. The secret is in having the patience to set up the forks carefully in the first place. They are fairly light but not too light and so they are strong and track well on positive and negative cambers. They perform well under hard braking with no worrying nose dives and climbing is helped hughely by the ECC5 which is a cartridge that gives 4 rates of rebound adjustment and then a full lock out position. Some of the best bushes and seals of any fork anywhere.
Weaknesses:
As other reviewers have said, the instruction manual could be better. The seals that people are talking about are actually bushes and these are tight at first but if they were not then I would be worried. Silicone spray applied before helps to speed the bedding in period and soon the forks are silky smooth.
Similar Products Used:
Fox Racing Shox F100 X, Float 100 RLC, Manitou Black Super, Manitou Skareb Elite, RockShox Judy TT, Sid Race.
Bike Setup:
klein attitude
Bottom Line:
The Marathon SL has got to be one of the finest medium travel forks out there. With its adjustability, consistentcy and reliability it stands head and shoulders above its peers.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dermot Paisley
a Cross Country Rider
from Ireland Date Reviewed: December 3, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
A good design team have put these forks together because they work so well. Very smooth, very stiff, corner well. No chatter when you brake hard and very consistent. They are miles better than the Rockshox SIDS. And they are as goos as the Fox air shocks and maybe better but much cheaper. I like the way the seals and bushes are very good quality and the air stays at the pressure you put it in.
Weaknesses:
Stiff at moving up and down at first and the instructions does not explain what the negative air pressure should be.
Similar Products Used:
Fox, Rockshox, Manitou, RST and Marzocchi.
Bottom Line:
This is a blinding set of forks that just eat up the ground. They are strong and very smooth, very reliable, great at tracking the ground no matter how rough it gets and they need nearly no maintenance. I was getting a set of Fox but I can see nothing better in how Fox make the forks and I paid much less for these Marzocchi forks with every bit as good a performance. Top class forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
philip
a Cross Country Rider
from NSW Australia Date Reviewed: November 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
www.cyclehub.co.uk
Strengths:
Really reliable seals, great tracking, excellent tuneability, top class bushes, solidly made with a solid riding feel to it and cheap for all that you get compared to Fox. Much stiffer than Pace or Rockshox air forks.
Weaknesses:
The instructions are vague on pressure settings but by trying different set ups I got it just right.
Similar Products Used:
Fox and Rockshox and Pace and Manitou everythings.
Bike Setup:
Heckler XT hope
Bottom Line:
Really impressive Forks! Top class for air retention, solid tracking, versatile tuning, reliability, bushes, seals, build quality and value for money. These could be about the best forks for all round trail riding out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben S.
a Cross Country Rider
from Allover USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Otis
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$385.00
Purchased At:
Speed Goat
Strengths:
Lateral Stiffness, Solid build, Marzocchi quality
Weaknesses:
Yes, the Manual is a bit confusing. The machined circular groove on the top of the EEC top cap is at a stress point when being torqued back on.
Similar Products Used:
R/S this, Manitou that...
Bike Setup:
K2 Razorback, Hayes, Sun, Truvativ...
Bottom Line:
An outstanding performer. The break in is worth the wait. Like every one else I had to play with the PSI's, but once you find what works for you, it's head and shoulders above other forks at and above this price. Setting the oil level can be tricky. It's easiest to go with the manual on this one, but if you must, Marzocchi says 44 to 55 MM from the top of the stanchions. It is very important that you compress the Neg. airspring rod all the way in for proper measurment. the 50/150 cc works though. the Top cap thing I mentioned was probably bad luck, but I didn't get close to the 20 NM Marzochi speced for torque. Chris at Speed Goat gave me a contact # for Marzocchi. Very nice store by the way (He told me to call back if Marzocchi didn't help). Marzocchi agreed to give me a warrenty replacement topcap free of charge. Only took a week to arive. They also told me to just make sure the cap is "snug" vice bringing it to torque. All this aside, the fork has worked amazingly well on lots of different terrain. The ECC lock down is sweet for climbing too. I'm sticking with Marzocchi now!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Ainsley
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL Date Reviewed: November 22, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Utah
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
Construction, performance, reliability, tracking, sturdyness, finish, adjustability and value for money.
Weaknesses:
They take a little time to get run in because the bushings are some of the best in the business, so it makes it hard to judge just how good these forks can be until you have ridden them for a few weeks. I had the same trouble as some other guy with the manual and the pressures. I wish I had seen the Cycle1st.com review on this fork as soon as I got it then I would have known the pressure ratio from the start. Do not judge the fork on how it feels in the shop.
Similar Products Used:
SID, Judy, other Marzocchis, Fox Float, Manitou Mars.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 3
Bottom Line:
This is one of the best and maybe the best fork that I have ever had in 15 years of mountain biking. Adjustability and performance are second to none. Reliability for an air fork is amazing. The open oil bath system lubricates every part all the ride and the stiffness and darn right amazing tracking make this fork a cut above its competitors. The cartridge in the right leg gives 5 positions of damping with the highest level being a virtual lock out. Over more than a year I have hammered this fork in all kinds of conditions and it still perfomms like new. Top forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Apgar
a Cross Country Rider
from Suwanee, Georgia Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Tanasi
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Supergo Bike Stores
Strengths:
Strong and lightweight air fork with potential of the 120 mm model for agressive XC and light freeride applications. Seems infinetly adjustable, considering positive and negative air chamber pressures, oil height and oil weight variations, and the 5-position ECC function. Very little flex on the trail, even with disc brakes and the high crown-to-axle length. Titanium grey color is good match for most frames.
Weaknesses:
Bushings are stiff at first; stiction improves with small amount of silicone lube under the dust seals and/or Triflow on the stanchions. AS others stated, the manual is hard to interpret, and the initial air pressures should be on the low side for breaking the fork in, and getting proper sag. The clicker under the right-hand cap of the ECC chamber has a small limiting pin in the threaded bolt that is easy lost.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Marzocchi Z4 Air; 2001 Rock Shox Psylo Race Air.
Bike Setup:
2004 Santa Cruz Blur, Large, with Hayes Hydro. Discs, CrossRoc UST Tubeless Wheelset, XT/XTR Components.
Bottom Line:
Originally the bike was set up with all parts transfered from a 2001 GT I-drive 1.0. It made for a good ride, but the steerer tube on the Psylo was short for the longer headtube on the Blur. The lock-out also left the fork with maximum extension for uphill climbs. So the geometry was off, but I still prefered the upright riding position of the 125 mm Psylo. When looking for a replacement, my budget goal was to stay below $350, and that precluded most new Fox forks with waranty. I wanted to stay with an air fork to match the Progressive 5th Element shock. Read good things about the Marathon S and SL, and have been impressed with the general reliability and stiffness of their forks. Despite frame waranty issues (that last a year or two!), I personally like the slacker head angle of the Blur (? 68.5-69.5) with the 120 mm Marathon. It elevates the bb from 12.5 in. to about 13.25 in., helping with crank clearance in rock gardens. What I found was running 23 lb. air in the positive chambers, and 3X this , or about 85 lb. in the negative chambers, affected an exposed stanchion height of 115 mm and a zip-tie travel of about 105 to 112 mm. with rider wt. of 170 lb. This is about right for my style of riding, and spares the low back discomfort of the "racer's lean"! When the fork breaks in more, I may run higher pressures. Climbing requires a firmer grip, but is helped by the ECC #5 lockdown. Descending is confident, and the fork soaks up all but the largest bumps. I would buy this fork again, if it remains reliable. At present, it has earned the 5 pepper rating.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ruben Diez
a Cross Country Rider
from Zaragoza,España,Europe Date Reviewed: November 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Strengths:
Muy buen tacto,muy buen recorrido,barras de 30 mm,ECC5,mejor precio.Una de las mejores horquillas para mtb,tanto para xc como apra enduro light.The best fork of 600 $
Weaknesses:
El unico problema es el peso 1,800 gr,pero vale la pena por su calidad.The only problem is the weigth.
Similar Products Used:
Rs indy sl
Bike Setup:
Orbea Lanza 2005
Bottom Line:
Es la bomba,una maravilla de horquilla,la recomiendo a todo el mundo.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tatsio Nuvolari
a Weekend Warrior
from U.S.A Date Reviewed: November 8, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strong, well built, light and great design with seriously smooth performance. Good tight seals with negligable air leakages, very adjustable with the 5 position cartridge. Lock-out. Stiff with first class tracking.
Weaknesses:
The bushes are very tight at first and take some time to wear-in but once done they are excellent at preventing ware and the ingress of filth. The manual is confusing in realtion to air pressure settings. I got my best information by reading the review on http://www.cycle1st.co.uk/marzocchi1.htm
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1, Z2, Fox Racing Shox F100 X, Manitou SX-R, Mars Comp, Black Elite, Rockshox SIDS, Pace RC36, Girvins.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision/Marzocchi Marathon SL. XT running gear, Hope Hubs/Mavic X317/Panaracer fire XC Pros, Formula B4, Oval Stem & H/bars, X-lite S/post.
Bottom Line:
As much as I try I can't really fault these forks they have performed perfectly once they had bedded-in. I had problems setting them up because I couldn't get the positive to negative balance worked out, but I saw the review above..(Product Weaknesses).. and now it's a breeze. So many Air forks that I have tried like Fox, R/Shox SIDS and Pace have been too flexy for me, but the Marathon is solid, tracks like a train on rails and even on cambers doesn't lose direction. Couple that with the ultra smooth performance and they don't bottom out with a clunk. No flutter at the bottom of the forks under hard breaking and no plunge through the travel like the SIDs and Manitou...just great forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkeley, CA Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
www.speedgoat.com
Strengths:
lateral stiffness, smooth stroke through travel, ECC5 really works, cool not-quite-gray color and graphics, doesn't lose air, valve caps are metal, textured steerer tube holds stem better
Weaknesses:
air pressure recommendations in the manual, like everyone says
Similar Products Used:
'00 Marzocchi Z1 X-Fly (100mm), '99 SID XC (80mm)
Bike Setup:
'01 Titus Racer-X
Bottom Line:
Okay, first off, when people say the "seals" need a long time to bed in, they mean the bushings. The seals never change. Marzocchi purposely uses long-wearing, stiff bushings that clamp against the stanchions so the fork doesn't need as much maintenance. A bushing kit--without labor--costs $50 retail. I had to have my LBS replace the bushings on my SID every six months because Rock Shox uses crappy bushings. Oh sure, they feel plush out-of-the-box, but I was spending $150-200 a year on bushing replacement. I put about 4000 miles of trail and road on my X-Fly before the bushings needed replacing. Rock on, Marzocchi!
The 85mm version is a perfect match, geometry-wise, for the Racer-X. Even through difficult terrain, a finesse rider doesn't need 4 inches of front travel, especially when you can crank the ECC back to position 1 (least rebound damping) over the fast stuff and it feels as though you just cranked up the compression damping instead. It totally helps keep your weight back while still tracking superbly over the rough stuff. I credit the excellent negative spring with providing the right balance of plushness and stroke return speed.
Using position 1 or maybe 2 is awesome for downhill corners and hard stops too. It's a major help in preventing that stink-bug effect (not that the Racer-X has much anyway) when you have to stop hard on a downhill. It also prevents the front wheel from tucking under on downhill corners, which is what creates that feeling that you're about to pitch over the front, even on fairly mild corners.
On the other end of the spectrum, the ECC in full-on position 5 makes climibing a whole lot easier, mostly in reference to keeping the front wheel on the ground and staying in control on steep climbs. I wished it compressed the fork a little more (I get about an inch), but it's a lot better than dealing with a fork that goes full open (loses all its sag) the second you pitch upward, like the X-Fly did.
It tracks better than I thought any fork could. Nothing seems to faze it. Plus instead of a shiny, smooth steerer tube like most bikes, it's got a textured one that, theoretically anyway, provides a stronger, more secure clamping surface for the stem.
And if it helps, I'm 190lbs (with Camelback) running 35 psi in each positive chamber, factory-set oil weight and height, and then I pumped up the negative chamber until the fork compressed on its own (about 130psi, I think) and then backed off the pressure 5 or 10 psi. Don't forget to lube your stanchions with Judy Butter or something else approved by Marzocchi.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phillip Jones
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham Date Reviewed: October 28, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Really good design and well constructed with top attention to the finish. Seals are very good with little leakage and better than Pace, SIDs or Fox. Straight tracking even on the off camber terrain. Excellent braking rigidity. very adjustable with the option to tune with positive and negative air before the ride and then 5 positions to adjust on the trail.
Weaknesses:
Not a lot of info about the negative air pressures and they take time to get broken in.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox SIDs. Pace, Fox, Manitou, other Marzocchi...etc..etc.
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSR
Bottom Line:
Great performance from the top air fork on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Deacon
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho Date Reviewed: October 12, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Strongly made and very well designed, really smoooth like butter and totally reliable. Tracks like on rails. Keeps the air and holds tight on hard braking.
Weaknesses:
Waiting time for the seals to break in and the manual is none too good for pressure settings.
Similar Products Used:
Endless.
Bottom Line:
These forks are maybe the best cross country and medium freeride forks on the market. Super stiff, so smooth, the cartridge delivers so many rebound settings and I can lock out for the grunge climbs. If you can't set up this fork to your liking then it's operator problems. No hassle holding air....I just never have to give the pressure a second consideration as the seals they hold so well, really great and to think that I nearly was going to but a Fox that cost so much more. Marzocchi rule!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris Prescott
a Weekend Warrior
from York U.K Date Reviewed: September 28, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Coed-y-brenin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Well designed forks from the seals to the ECC cartridge, from the sliders to the excellent tracking.
Weaknesses:
You have to let the fork seals wear in slowly ...use a little silicone grease before every ride and that works wonders.
Similar Products Used:
Fox F100x, Float 100, Manitou Black Elite, marzocchi MX Pro, Rockshox Duke Sid Race.
Bike Setup:
Marin East Peak...
Bottom Line:
Great Forks, Great performance, great tracking, great climbing with the ecc cartridge, great braking, great seals, great adjustability, great reliability..have I left anything out? Just a great set of forks that does what it sets out to do and does it really well. No nonesence, no problems, and they will do more than just X-country.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles G III
a Weekend Warrior
from Houston, TX Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Chisos Basin Ring, Big Bend State/Nat. Park
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Sun & Ski Sports
Strengths:
Very stiff, great weight. Incredible adjustability, love the ECC. Good looks, gunmetal gray metallic. After a month of regular use, excellent value for dollar.
Weaknesses:
Nothing mechanical so far. I don't personally like the bosses for V-brakes, they've got these crappy little black plastic caps for filling the holes.
Similar Products Used:
`03 R/S Pilot SL, `02 R/S Judy
Bike Setup:
Stock `03 Marin East Peak w/ `04 Marzocchi Marathon SL's
Bottom Line:
After one months use, absolutely fantastic fork. I still haven't figured out all the adjustments, I just know that it works when it supposed to. The ECC is flat out crazy, but you've got to play with it and get accustomed to the little things. For instance, when you switch on the fly, it's not as instantaneous as one might imagine. You've got to jar it out of one position for it to catch in another, if you can follow that. It's not the lightest fork, but when you tip the scales at nearly 200 lbs., lightest is not always the bestest. Bottom line, buy this fork. The bike on the other hand....Well see my review.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mauro
a Cross Country Rider
from Switzerland Date Reviewed: September 23, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Pian di Nee
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$600.00
Purchased At:
Base Bike
Strengths:
(105mm version) Sitff, ligth, air retention, plush once you find the right pression and good sliding attitude.
Weaknesses:
A little work to adjust at the right pression, the pressions suggested in the manual are too high.
Similar Products Used:
Z1, SID's, some air Manitou, Fox RL
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mounain ETS-X70, CrossMax wheels, many ReceFace parts
Bottom Line:
It takes some time to brake-in and get the stiction away. If you keep the seals well oiled, it works perfectly and slide well all the travel long. I check the pression every 2 months but so far I didn't notice any leake! Marzocchi did the miracle again, I was so happy with the plushness of the Z1 (1st version) and I'm even more happy with this new Marathon SL.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, Oregon Date Reviewed: September 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Fullcycles.com
Strengths:
Stiffer than my Rock Shox SID, different levels of travel for different terrain. Lock down setting for steep climbs make climbing much easier. Ideal for X-country racing and riding.
Weaknesses:
Seals take a long time to seat.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Rock Shox
Bottom Line:
At almost half the price of the an comparable Fox shock...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jock Halsall
a
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: September 18, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
great looking fork in White and with performance to match. The best Crosscountry fork I've ridden. Solid & well built. Open bath lubrication witha superb 5 position rebound adjuster and lock-out. Tracks the trail as well as anything. Really smooth on small or big hits. Not bad value for money. Traditional excellent marzocchi reliability.
Weaknesses:
Give it time to get run-in and ignore the manual. The longer I ride these the better they seem to feel.
I replaced the Fox float that came with the bike with this Marathon SL. Do I need to say more...an awesome fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jud
a Weekend Warrior
from BC Canada Date Reviewed: September 9, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Really good alround fork. Good travel 105mm, Stiff and light and tracks the ground straight or turning in any conditions. Ecc is just the business. Dependable for an air fork and very tune-able so much less expensive than Fox.
Weaknesses:
The bushings take an age to bed in. And it takes a while to understand the best positive and negative settings. The manual is non too hot.
Bottom Line:
For hard Cross-country to light freeride this is one serious pair of forks. I never really got into the Rockshox thing because they are too darn flexy for me but I tried a lot of Fox forks. I like them but no point in paying so much more for a fork when these do the job easy as good. Any setting you want can be tuned into these babies,the air stays where you put it with near enough no leakage. Stiff, strong, nicely made, great tracking 5 settings for rebound and lock-down.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jim Millet
a Weekend Warrior
from Cumbria Date Reviewed: September 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Dalbeatie
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Cycle1st.com
Strengths:
Beautifully made and a nice piece of engineering. Good controls with the extention control being brilliant. Nice and stiff so it tracks great. Good at climbing with the lockout. 105mm is plenty for controlled descents at speed. Not a bad price.
Weaknesses:
They have to be used for a good 15 hours before they are smooth enough and the instruction manual is lousey.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z1, Z2, Z3, Z5, Manitou Black Elite, Rockshox SID, Psylo, Duke, Fox F100x, Float 100 RLC.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Sugar 2, Sram transmission, Raceface crankset, Hope hubs on Mavic 317 rims, Hope Mini discs, X-lite seatpost with WTB rocket saddle, Oval stem and handlebars.
Bottom Line:
I really like these forks, they are well made and functional. They are reasonably light but not too light so that flexing is not a problem a-la-Rockshox. They go where they are pointed and tackle the rough stuff with ease. I was worried about the air chambers leaking but I have no trouble. The seals are superb. Open bath oil system keeps all the internals well lubricated throughout the rides. They give me confidence on tough technical terrain especially hard descents in the wet. I'me made up with them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mig clark
a Cross Country Rider
from aberdeen Date Reviewed: September 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
black glentress
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$360.00
Purchased At:
bikesmart
Strengths:
Ecc, weight, toughness
Weaknesses:
manuall, bendyness
Similar Products Used:
RST gamma el,
Bike Setup:
Scott g-zero FX2, dts swiss rear shock
Bottom Line:
I got the 120mm travel ones form the states they are very good on climbs when using the(Ecc), the pressures in the manul are way to high I get no sag at the recomended pressures, Io have been give new confidence which last as long as i dont look at the fornt wheel which seems to move a bout 2 inches back and forth depending on what your hitting which gives a strange feeling that it might snap somewhere. after some healthy abuse they are still going stong very plush still the 120mm can take more than marzochie say. Pitty i didnt wait until the 2005 ones came out, for the travel adjust
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jo Filtcher
a Cross Country Rider
from AZ Date Reviewed: August 31, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Very good at tracking the ground so it goes where you point it with smooth or rough ground. ECC control gives any amount of rebound adjustment down to flat for climbing and they are pretty light too. Nice finish and you can see this is a well made piece of kit. The air seals have never leaked. Positive and negative air tuning.
Weaknesses:
Take time to loosen up to get them butter smooth but when you do they are great.
Similar Products Used:
You name it!
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Blur with Sram Transmission and Easton bits plus eggbeaters.
Bottom Line:
What a smooth pair of forks with fantastic adjustability. I've tried all this SPV jive and it never stays down. These babies work and keep working. Great air seals - positive and negative air chambers plus a 5 way ecc control. So adjustable you can get them tuned for anything even light downhill. They aint as light as my RShox SIDS but then they aint made of paper. Nice finish and solidly built.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gary Pickering
a Weekend Warrior
from U.K Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Tracking. Stiffness. Plushness. Structural integrity. Reliability. Air retention. Light weight. ECC. Reasonable price in comparison with it's peers.
Weaknesses:
The time it takes to run-in. Stiff seals at first. Inadequate information from the manual. Dubious pressure recommendations.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, Deore/ XT, M525 discs on Mavic X139, Easton, Sh 959 pedals, Thompson, Rocket V.
Bottom Line:
The Marathons give exceptional performance time after time and for an air fork show amazing reliability in both air retention and strong stiff steering. They are point and shoot. ECC gives versatility that makes climbing on a long travel fork a breeze. Fast descents are controlled and confident.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fred Weaver
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston Date Reviewed: August 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
cyclehub
Strengths:
Beautiful looking strong and very smooth fork. Also tracks very well. Reliable and needs hardly any maintenance. Superb ECC control to change the rebound settings and also gives lock-down for ease of climbimg.
Weaknesses:
Takes time for the friction in the tight seals to go. Takes time to get the air pressures right. Manual could give more info.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Marz Z2. F/lite, Fox 100X, R/Shox Duke, Psylo and Sids.
Bike Setup:
Specializes M4 FSR. XTR. Easton and Kore etc
Bottom Line:
Superb pair of forks, easily the best air forks I've ever used. Hardly any flexing in them even when hitting rocks on fast descents and braking in confidence inspiring. The ECC is so good for climbing, especially hard climbs. Overall this is a set of forks which are reliable, improves my riding, makes it more fun, gives me confidence and makes the bike look good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rod Garrison
a Weekend Warrior
from Knoxville,TN,USA Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Jenson USA
Strengths:
Excellent adjustability. Very rigid.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Cannondale F600 completely rebuilt with nothing original from factory. Much better now that it has a REAL fork. Trash the Headshock!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
So far this is a really good fork. I prefer fast riding with the ability to climb at a fast pace. This fork allows me to do just that. The Headshock was rigid and good for climbing. This fork has improved my climbing ability due to the adjustability and allows a fast, smoother downhill ride. After all the research I did, I can say without a doubt, this was a great purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JW
a Weekend Warrior
from SoCal Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$440.00
Strengths:
Plush, Strong, Great tracking, inspires confidence, So far very reliable, Nicely finished with good seals.
Weaknesses:
Take some time for the seals to loosen-up and bed-in. I've tried but so far, and for the price, these are excellent.
Specialized Enduro, Full XT, Hope Hubs, Hope Mini Hydraulic Discs, Mavic 317's...blah...blah
Bottom Line:
Excellent forks! Light but solid. Very little deflection on big hits. Confidence inspiring handling on tough descents. Great tortional rigidity, even under hard braking. Hardly any tip flutter under hard braking with discs. Incredibly adjustable. So far great Air seals. Really good value for money especially compared to FOX. ECC 5 way switch gives on-the-fly adjustment down to lock-out...what more do I need to say?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bill Travers
a Weekend Warrior
from Scotland Date Reviewed: July 31, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Glenn Tress
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Cyclehub.co.uk
Strengths:
Beautifully made and finished. Stiff and solid without being unrealistically light. Very smooth. Excellent 5 way rebound control. Lockout that is easy to apply. Great tracking with very little deflection on hard hits. Amazingly good seals for an air fork.
Weaknesses:
Take a while to bed in and until they do it can be misleading as to their true worth.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SL Skareb, Mars Comp, Black, Rockshox everything, Ballistic 600, 800, RST 381, 481, MozoPro, Marzocchi Z1, Z2, Z3, MX Comp, MX Comp ETA, MX Pro, FOX F100X, Float 100RLC, TALAS, and Vanilla.
Bike Setup:
Marin Mount Vision, XT drivetrain, Hope Minis on X717 rims, XLR bits, Shimano 959 pedals, Continental Vertical Pro tyres, Maxis lite tubes.
Bottom Line:
An excellent pair of forks. Unlike some flagship forks, these show no prima-donna tendencies and just do what they are supposed to do and work. Once bedded-in they perform flawlessly. I am most impressed with the astonishing versatility of these forks. I am also amazed that the seals are as good as they are, I haven't had to top-up the air pressure for ages. I was considering purchasing a pair of Fox forks which I have tried extensively. Whilst I would'nt say that the Marzocchi's are necessarily better than the Fox they are certainly equal in all respects and even better in some but at a much more realistic price. Basically, in my opinion, it's no contest...Marzocchi Marathons win hand down!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Robert
a Racer
from Milan, Italy Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$466.00
Purchased At:
aebike.com
Strengths:
Stiff, plush, nice travel for Full-suspended bikes, cheap.
Weaknesses:
Weight is not the lowest around forks circus.
Similar Products Used:
R/S Sid, FRM Air-Way.
Bike Setup:
FRM Be-Active, XTR.
Bottom Line:
This is for sure one of the best fork I've ever ridden. I've been using it since February, no problem so far. Very plush. ECC works aptly, You can feel the difference amongst 5 different position, total lockout is suitable for road uphill, for any other rough uphill You better use the other 3 intermediate positions. Awesome on rocky tracks, makes a downhill more funny and pleasant. Marzocchi manual should be more accurate about air pressure (too high, You better decrease it by 25% according to Your weight).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Goldman
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 29, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Strength, very stiff. Tracks well. Great design of lockout
Weaknesses:
A little heavier than SIDs (is that really a weakness?)
Similar Products Used:
R/S SIDs, Psylos, Manitou Minutes
Bike Setup:
X/C Race bike
Bottom Line:
I finally changed from my SID carbons after a couple of years of watching the tips flail around all over the place while riding. I researched many of the different stronger XC forks before settling on these. I am very pleased with them... I was worried about the weight to begin with but having ridden them the weight is really not noticeable. What is noticeable is the accuracy and control which these forks give me over the lighter XC - type forks. The flex and twist over obstacles which made riding the SIDs appears totally gone in the Marathons. The travel is also very plush. On my second bike I have Psylos with springs and the air sprung Marathons feel both stiffer and at least as plush. I feel that these forks would suit anyone who doesn't rate weight as the top priority on their XC bikes. On very smooth tracks you probably don't need the strength and then I would go for light weight. On normal tracks which have an element of rocky techie sections I would now always go for a little more strength.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tim
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle Date Reviewed: January 21, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
light, strong, stiff, dual pos air chambers, cheaper than a Float 100 RLC
Weaknesses:
typical marzhocchi owners manual, recommended air pressures are way too high
Similar Products Used:
tested Fox Float 100 RLC, Manitou Black Air
Bike Setup:
Titus Switchblade, Marathon SL, Avid BB Disc, XT/Mavic 317, Answer Pro Taper Carbon bar, King headset
Bottom Line:
I have the 105mm version. This fork is awesome. I weigh 145 lbs and have set the pos air chambers at 20 psi and the neg at 60 psi. (The Marzocchi recommended pressures are too high, just like in the '03 manuals.) I tell you this fork is smooth as butta. I set the ECC in the middle (3rd) position and a semi-soft rebound is just right for my riding style. The lockout works great, flip the ECC to the 5th position and the fork compresses but doesn't rebound to make climbing that much easier. I havn't noticed any uneveness of the fork in the compressed state like the guy below stated, but I have disc brakes so maybe I wouldn't notice anyway?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg keefer
a Racer
from austin Date Reviewed: January 2, 2004
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$440.00
Purchased At:
aebike.com
Bottom Line:
This is an addendum to a previous review that I submitted under the Suspension 2003 Categoryit should have been placed under this Suspension 2004 Category. This fork is far superior to my SID SL 2002, or any SID that I have ever ridden/raced on. Point the fork in whatever direction you want to go, and move. It tracks like a XC/RACE fork should track, confidently. I almost wish that I went with the 100mm version after riding my friends FOX F100X, which is the way to go, if you have the sweet hook up. The terralogic inertia-valve is on, or off, and you don't have to flip a switch. But anyway, my problem still exists with the lockout on this fork. I contacted Marzocchi, they emailed back, and the tech who emailed was knowledgeable of a problem with previous Marathons with a seal issue, which causes it to lock out unevenly or something to that effect. Which in turn causes the left V Brake to rub against the rim, almost as if your wheel is out of dish. But everything measures properly, no scraped up dropouts to blame or wheel out of true. Must be mechanical. To my discredit, I have not responded to the Supervisor who emailed me from Marzocchi, because I have been too busy riding it. So it obviously hasn't hindered my riding too much. I received a response from another Bike Shop that read my previous post, and they had the exact same problems with random Marathons too. I have been in contact with my LBS that I have all my time consuming work done at, and they have had mixed experiences too. One guy's marathon doesn't have the problem and another's does. So whatever. I am going to discs in a month and hopefully it will resolve the problem. But aside from the ECC issue, the fork is excellent, especially for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from Saint Charles Date Reviewed: December 5, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Strong, stiff, reliable. Predictable steering and handling. Makes it feel as though you put on a half inch bigger front tire.
Weaknesses:
None, really. Weight should not be compared to a SID because Rock Shox will always have to make the lightest fork. Thanks to Marzocchi for not being the one.
Similar Products Used:
SID, Judy, other Marzocchis, Fox Float, Manitou Mars.
Bike Setup:
Yeti ARC, XT, XTR, Mavic.
Bottom Line:
This is the best fork I have ridden. I challenge any owner of a SID to ride one off these for an hour off road. You'd be a liar if you said the Marathon was not the better XC fork, even for racing. The lockout works by not rebounding, the fork stays compressed. It makes it easier to climb in a bigger gear and negotiate switchbacks. Road riding is a little swifter too because you get into a pseudo mtb time trial position. I prefer it to the other brands extended lockout. I had a bomber in the late 90's then rode a SID for a few years. There is no comparison in ride and product quality. This Italian company has been making suspension forks(motorcycles) since 1949. Why would you trust anyone else, especially new players who charge $800?! Sorry Fox, I can't see spending another $200 just to have one of your stickers on my bike. The first edition in 2002 had some problems with seals and such, but the problems have seemed to be fixed making this the best XC fork on the market today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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