Submitted by
frank tumar
a Weekend Warrior
from victoria Date Reviewed: April 22, 2005
Favorite Trail:
lots
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
pinkbike.com
Strengths:
none really although i did like the lookout feature
Weaknesses:
internal were horrible and the stanchens are the weakest things i have ever seen(they snapped up by the crown on a samll simple dirt jump
Similar Products Used:
all dj's, sheram jumpers, sherman flicks
Bike Setup:
good
Bottom Line:
if your a hard rider, even if your not dont get these forks. they will completely fail u.if u like your face the way it is i suggest not buying these forks. u will have wasted money on buying them and on replacements for the internals and they will snap.DONT get Z1 MCR's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
corey
a Downhiller
from northern VA, USA Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
watershed
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
very smooth travel. ECC worked great from day one.
Weaknesses:
flexy, cryofit lowers. not fond of the giant cracks in the crown.
Similar Products Used:
02 DJIII, 01 JrT
Bike Setup:
Kona Roast, avid 7" mechs, FireDHs, FSA V-Drive
Bottom Line:
this is a requiem for a good fork and a good friend. 3 years of mostly urban and freeride drop trails. never a hiccup or a whimper until it's final days. a solitary tear ran down my cheek when i noticed 2 long cracks in the crown around the steerer tube. i had to pull out the friggin' kleenex when marzocchi refused to warranty it. no choice but to spill a bit of my 40 on the ground in memory of a solid, supple riding buddy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Thomas DeLaney
a Cross Country Rider
from Fredericksburg, VA USA Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Snakebite Canyon in Cuba
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
FilzBuilt Bikes
Strengths:
Lifesaving 5" of travel. Plush as anything. Stiff as a board laterally. Bombproof. Easy to overhaul/maintain. ECC works great.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but then it's 5" of travel. What do you want? Brake bosses aren't removable.
02 Tracer w/Fox Float RL, Chris King headset & hubs, Mavic 317s, Avid mech disc brakes, XTR shifters, XTR derailleurs, XTR BB, XTR cassette, XTR crankarms w/AC spyder & RaceFace CD rings, Thomson stem and seatpost, Intense Team saddle (SDG), Easton Monkeylite carbon risers, ODI Intense grips, Avid SD magnesium levers, Time ATAC Carbon pedals, and of course, the Z1 MCR fork.
Bottom Line:
The guy who posted the review below mine is clueless and obviously either got a lemon, or bought it used and it wasn't set up right, or something. But don't believe him. This is the best fork I have ever RIDDEN. I have owned a few (see above), but I have RIDDEN even more. I race XC as well as do epic rides. I ride nearly 5 days out of a given week, and this fork (though heavy) is still the best fork I've ever ridden or raced (yes, I race it XC -- I've got the legs/lungs to do it). If you can get your hands on one of these, BUY IT. It's even better than their newer versions. It's simple to maintain (I'm a pro mechanic, but even a novice can do this), and it'll last you forever. It'll probably even outlast my Intense frame, which is similarly excellent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Cooper
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: June 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything fast, technical, and challenging
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Multnomah Bike Shop
Strengths:
Lots of throw for big hits and drops.
Weaknesses:
Where to start?
Similar Products Used:
'99 Z2, '99 Z5 air
Bike Setup:
GT Zaskar LE, with all the trimmings
Bottom Line:
This fork sucks. They blew on the first trail ride. Both cartriges had to be replaced. Two different oil specs were in the manual, and neither was correct. The new ECC slips unless you stand on the handlebars while climbing. Its a little to flexy for my liking. It handles the drops very well but is lackluster in all other characteristics. The stanctions have become loose in the crown and it creaks constantly. Save your cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike B.
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA, USA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
challenging stuff
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Cambria Bicycle Emporium
Strengths:
5 inches....ecc while it works....... and ahhhi think thats it
Weaknesses:
bond between crown and stanchions got loose on mine waiting to get my fork back from marzocchi
Similar Products Used:
z.5 coil...enough said
Bike Setup:
2001 mcr and 2001 giant AC 1 purple hayes...xt and lx stuff
Bottom Line:
its a great fork if you dont like doing 10ft or bigger jumps and 5' or bigger drops other than that its awsome
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Maxwell
a Weekend Warrior
from O.C. CAL. Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The long climb with the Steep decent
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
The Path Bike Shop Tustin CA.
Strengths:
Works GREAT!! ECC, Durability
Weaknesses:
WHAT?
Similar Products Used:
Manitou X-Vert
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse HollowPoint Z1 MCR,Stratos Helix Pro shock, Azonic bars,Thomson stem - seatpost,SRAM Drivetrain,Mavic 521 w/ Avid mech disc and WTB Weirewolf on front, Rynolite w/ Avid V`S and Hutchison Jumbo rear, LX cranks w/ 636 pedals. 33 lbs. of fun!
Bottom Line:
This fork is great for all around riding. I`ve heard about some of the ECC`s failing, but after a year of riding mine still lives. I did replace the stock srings with the heavy spring set up. At 215 lbs this set up seems much better. The ECC changed my life on the climbs. It took a few rides to get used to it, but what a difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Parietti
a
from nj Date Reviewed: March 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$270.00
Purchased At:
.com
Strengths:
great fork takes much abuse. looks good pimp style. quality adj. rebound +damper. real simple design
Weaknesses:
makes weird noise like springs are rubing against stantions. rather not have the ecc but cool to say myfork does cool tricks
Similar Products Used:
manatou x-vert, marzocchi atom 80
Bike Setup:
custom santa cruz bullit, thomson stem and p0st xtr most with some xt sun rinos with kenda kenitic 2.35's xt discs
Bottom Line:
i would never turn back and get a short travel fork again. marzocchi makes a real quality product with all aluminum products. simple to repair and overhaul ecc is cool but i really dont use it . bottomed out real hard a few times doing some drops and landing front end first. The fork made a realy loud noise was sure it was broken but nothing happened and i landed that sold me. Fork has saved me from fliping many times. buy this fork if u enjoy riding and have fun. dont buy if u race around the course dont look at interesting things to hit up and have fun only climbing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bob A
a
from Huddersfield Date Reviewed: March 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
Ver strong and reliable. Look the business. Very plush - you can't tell they're there! Marzocchi customer service. Obvious quality as soon as you get them out of the box.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, but who cares if they work better? Some have come with a faulty ECC like mine, but don't fret, just get it fixed under warranty.
Similar Products Used:
Tried some RS Judy Race. Quite scared - do they have any damping at all?
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS2, 2.3Fat66 Tioga DH's, risers etc plus 16 gears (22/36 and 11/28) operated by Deore thunbshifters.
Bottom Line:
When I first bought them the ECC didn't work but it was fixed in 2 days by Windwave, no problem. It now locks out RIGID. I would recommend these to any rider because they work wonderfully well under all conditions which should always be the main reason to buy. Some may be concerned about the weight but I'd rather have these than the (constantly failing it seems) RockShox. Just make sure you set them up right - take your time - and you'll be happy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott gilman
a
from Tempe,Arizona Date Reviewed: February 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$299.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
nice looking,lots of travel,stiff.ecc works well.need i say more?
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
rigid fork
Bike Setup:
01 trek bruiser 2.5 inch tioga tire in rear and 2.5 inch specialized tire in front,etc etc etc.
Bottom Line:
good fork.i am sixteen years old and weigh 215 and this fork can still handle 3ft drops and up.go buy this fork if your into freeriding or urban assult.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nate Rasmussen
a Racer
from Madison, Wisconsin Date Reviewed: January 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
any good drop
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
This fork is plush, stiff, and has sucked up just about every drop I've thrown at it so far. Aluminum preload, rebound, and ECC adjustment features are far more more durable, not to mention better looking, than plastic (Rock Shox and others). Legendary Zokes quality.
Weaknesses:
The springs are a little too plush for my taste, riding style and 180lb weight. Also, the confidence boost it provided has already earned me an ambulance ride, broken helmet and a concussion.
Bike Setup:
Bump AP Blaster 16" frame, North Shore DH, Thompson seatpost, Azonic stem & bars, arch rivals, Cane Creek C-2, Ringle platforms, all XT with Rhyno Lite rims.
Bottom Line:
I havn't had any trouble with this fork yet (yes, dammit, "fork" is singular). If you want a slick slider that can take it all, go with zokes. Once I pop in a set of stiffer springs, this fork will be pretty close to perfect. Of course, It looks cool too. A real chick magnet. 5 flaming dog craps all around.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: January 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
No flex, smoooths the bumps, very easy to service. Awesome over stutter bump garbage trails. Ability to steer out of ruts without flexing. Inspires confidence and aggressive riding.
Weaknesses:
A bi7ch climbing a +35 degree grade when your ECC is No-Show
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC, Marzo Atom 80
Bike Setup:
FSR Enduro 99% custom, frame only left original.
Bottom Line:
Updated Review:
Marzocchi sent me a TWO ECC cartridges (By mistake I assume) when I e-mailed and contacted them about my defective unit. They also sent me a pint of their 7.5 weight oil which was also cool, all at no charge. I waited until late fall to replace the ECC unit, and discovered that the left leg had a low oil level, although it has NEVER leaked. That might be why the ECC failed. Anyway, servicing it, replacing the ECC and new oil, was relatively easy, only took one hour, being my first time. Now the fork is perfect, and the ECC hasn't blown up yet. Probably was the oil level.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg W
a Weekend Warrior
from Conn. Date Reviewed: January 7, 2002
Favorite Trail:
anything downhill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
Supergo.com
Strengths:
-Nice and pretty! -ECC is great! Hasn't failed yet, and it's fun laughing at my buddies who don't have the lockout up a big hill! :p -5" travel -External preload, rebound, and lockout are nice.
Weaknesses:
-Fork oil was too low when I got it, easy fix though.
Similar Products Used:
Mozo/RST, Rock Shox, Marzocchi z.5, hollow steel...
Bike Setup:
Mongoose Vailiant w/disks, Big Ring Protector bash guard, and a brand new tube!
Bottom Line:
This fork is great! It is a huge step over my stock Manitou Sx-E fork. It makes every jump and drop I do a nice soft landing. My friend has a Z.5 which isn't bad but its lack of ajustments and inch less of travel made me move to get the Z.1 MCR. Plus since it's last years model I got it for a sick deal too, $330.
People have been saying that their ECC have been failing, mine is working great, I've had no problems what so ever. If your fork is bottoming out on stuff... your fork oil is probaly low, I could bottom mine on a bunny hop when I got it.
The bottom line is, get this fork! You will not regret it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sam
a Racer
from Fremont, CA, USA Date Reviewed: December 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Sticks & Stones
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Marzocchi
Strengths:
It's got the travel I need, feels smoooth everyday, takes punishment, I can climb it, and it looks good on my bike!
Weaknesses:
It's bottomed out a couple of times, but no harm done, still feels like a dream. Oh,can't get an 8-inch rotor.
Similar Products Used:
Judy Race, Z-3 (sucks)
Bike Setup:
GT Ruckus, Chris King Hubs and Head, Hayes disc, Azon Shorty, Turbines, Basically all the cool stuff that lasts
Bottom Line:
I bought this fork because I hoped it would be able to stand all the things I love about riding. I love to hammer up, hammer down, hit the drops and the jumps. I have beat other forks into the ground, but this one takes it. Feels like butter, ECC works all the time, and is virtually maintenance free. Recommend it to any hardcore riders who want their monies worth.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dusty Nuts
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth WA, Australia Date Reviewed: November 23, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The last one i rode
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bike Force-Malaga
Strengths:
PLUSH travel soaks up all the bumps and really does build up the confidence improves control in th rocky stuff too
Weaknesses:
Only the ECC prob...it stopped working...thing is i didnt even notice as i rarely use it anyway...now at least i cant forget to switch it off when i go down hill:) Throws the head angle on my hard tail way out but hey now its much nicer on the back and goin downhill
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi DH-3-nice fork but doesnt compare
Bike Setup:
Avanti Aggressor 2001 model frame with lx setup
Bottom Line:
I thought i knew what plushness was until i whacked these on these suck bumps harder than you m@m@ :) I now can fully appreciate them as they are in the shop getting the ecc fixed...its been one week and apparently there is some problem with getting another part so it may take another week
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Bristol Date Reviewed: October 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
www.coloradocyclist.com
Strengths:
Plenty of plush travel, soaks up the bumps extremely well, improves downhill control
Weaknesses:
Weak weak weak lockout cartridge, have had 2 fail.
Similar Products Used:
Marzo Atom 80, Judy XC
Bike Setup:
2 wheels, ect....
Bottom Line:
I will ride this fork a long time . I will rebuild yearly, but I am giving up on the lockout. The lockout cartridge fails to function after a dozen rides, turning the lockout lever does nothing except increase the rebound dampening. So I just removed the damn lever in the unlocked position, and ride... Sure wish I had it for the big hills though, it would be nice to remove a few inches from the front end on those climbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg G.
a Weekend Warrior
from Dartmouth, N.S. ,Canada Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
all of them
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$650.00
Purchased At:
Scotia Cycleworks
Strengths:
Plush, Stiff, EEC actually works (this time). Oh yeah and its a bomber.
Weaknesses:
Oil Height not set to right level from factory. Easy fix though.
Similar Products Used:
Jr.T, SID, Z5, Z2, etc...
Bike Setup:
idrive 2.0 XT,XTR
Bottom Line:
I have had two of these forks. the frist one was junk. It had more sliding problems than skin on pavement. And the ECC did not work well at all. It took new bushings and seals to smooth the fork out. But the new one is great out of the box. No probems at all.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DiscoStu
a Weekend Warrior
from Vermont Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Snake
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Plush When It Works Stiff Long Travel Decent Weight (4.3 Lbs) ECC
This fork did not work from the start. It came with a bad ECC. I called Marzocchi and they sent me a new cartridge. When I opened up the fork there was no oil in the left leg. I replaced the ECC and filled it with oil, but within half an hour all the oil had leaked out of the fork through the seals on the left leg. I called marzocchi again and they are sending me new seals. For the short while that it did work the fork was plush and the ECC seemed to be a nice feature. So far I am very dissapointed with this fork.It seems the quality control should be better on a fork of this price. I don't reccommend anyone should buy this fork unless they know beforehand that it is not a dud like mine.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darius Teter
a Weekend Warrior
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Date Reviewed: October 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Khujirt to Bad-Olsziy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Mud Sweat and Gears
Strengths:
Plush, lock-out, stiff, no twist with heavy disc breaking, weight
Weaknesses:
None found yet
Similar Products Used:
Z1 X-Fly 100mm, Judy XC 100mm, Sid XC
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Isis, Easton bar, Bontrager race dic wheels, Thompson post, XTR, RaceFace North Shore, Avid mech discs, Cully pedals
Bottom Line:
Switched over from the Z1 X-Fly 100. No comparison. The fork is infinitely tuneable. Plush on small stuff, progressively stiffer. Coil and oil beats air hands-down for anthying but XC racing. I go thte QR20 option and this has made allthe difference in the world. With the old fork,the legs twisted under heavy disc braking because of the differential load on the left side of the hub. I could actually see the wheel lean over to the left and it pulled the steeering that way. Breaking and tracking performance have improved dramatically. Just for fun I rode a gully full of baby heads and this fork just ate them up. The extension control cartridge actually works. I've got my bike setup with risers and a 50 mm stem. That combined with the long fok (it is a full inch longer from crown to dropout) make it hard to keep the front wheel on the ground for steep climbs. Now I just reach down and flip the leve while pedaling, weight the front end to compress the fork, and it stays down. Takes about two inches off it, bringing the head angle to perfect climbing position. At the top of te ridge, flip the lever again, while pedaling, and bam, I;ve got full travel again. I'm huge so I run heavy duty springs, and it is just right with the compression pre-load almost fully dialed in - about one inch of sag or 20 percent of full travel.
Best of all is the confidence this things inspires on landings. This must be the lightest, stiffest 5 inch travel single crown fork on the market. No regrets, five flaming dog poops. The price as always, is too high for a fork. But that is true of all decent forks on the market.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from CA Date Reviewed: October 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$490.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Lots o travel, external rebound and dampening adjusters, easy to lock out even though I have'nt found a use for the ECC yet.
Weaknesses:
No problems so far and don't expect to see any The price of forks and parts in general is out of control
Similar Products Used:
X-Fly 100mm (only similarity is that it's a zokes)
Bike Setup:
S.C Chameleon set up for freeride Z1 MCR Azonic shorty & barz Hussefelts with rock ring rhynolites Nokian other stuff
Bottom Line:
This is my first bike using Zokes with coil springs. My other bike has the X-FLY 100mm. There is just no compairing them. I will never go for another air fork( I'm not saying there is any thing wrong with my X-FLY but the feel of coils rule!)The MCR was the perfect choice for this last bike build. The one thing I did notice is there is a little foreward and backward flex, I've read this is common with Z-1 single crowns. Don't know what else to say about it except it does what it's supposed to do and it's a Marzocchi
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
ryan smith
a Downhiller
from west hartford ct Date Reviewed: September 13, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any thing with drops!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Strengths:
this fork will blow any other out of the water. i rode the fox vanilla 125 rlc, and it wasn't as good as the z1. the ecc comes in handy for me. i'm 14 and wiegh 110, and my bike is setup with a big riser and short stem. so when i climb the hills on 7 and 11 at killington, i realy on the ecc. this fork rules!
Weaknesses:
they don't give you any stickers in the box.
Similar Products Used:
doesn't matter
Bike Setup:
who cares, it doesn't make a difference.
Bottom Line:
this fork rocks!!! buy it now! you don't need next years z1 FR, it's the excact same thing. at coloradocyclist.com, there like 375. buy it and you won't regret it! 5 flamin dog craps all around!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Portland, Or Date Reviewed: September 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Browns Camp
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
Came with bikes
Strengths:
I own 2 Marzochhis and my wife owns 1. They are all great performing forks. They last forever and you may never need to upgrade your fork.
Weaknesses:
Marzochhis new way of packaging seals with the wipers
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 4 on an old diamondback & a rock shox mag 21 on an old specialized
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffe Hardtail with Z-1 MCR Santa Cruz heckler with 98 Z-1 Kona Manomano with Z-3 Light
Bottom Line:
I love my Marzochhi forks and my wife loves hers. They are all great riding forks and have held up over the years with routine maintenance. I rebuild my forks once per year replacing the seals. When I went to rebuild the forks this year I was told by my LBS that you can only purchase the seals packaged with the fork wipers at $50.00 bucks per set. This will make the maintenance on 3 forks quite expensive compared to the 10 bucks per seal I used to pay. Has anyone else run into this? Anyone know of where I can purchase some oil seals in bulk? Ive lowered the value ratings on the forks but still have to give them a high overall rating. Thanks
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eugene Lee
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles Date Reviewed: September 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
JPL - El Preito
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
SuperGo
Strengths:
Amazingly plush travel, ECC is great for climbing because it lowers the geometry of my bike.
Weaknesses:
None found so far...
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit, blah blah blah
Bottom Line:
I wanted to post this review to commend Marzocchi on their wonderful service. Due to an error on MY part, my fork kinda busted on me. However, they fixed it for no charge within a week, so I was only without my bike for a very short while. Kudos to them!!!
I wish people that have problems with their forks, for whatever reason, would try to get the items serviced or repaired before posting a negative review. If the fork "blows out" on you within a couple rides, it's obvious you have either a lemon, or something was setup wrong. Why blame the manufacturer for your misfortune? not all products off the assembly line are perfect, and when you see the multiple favorable reviews of the product, you must concede that you are in the minority. Give the manufacturers a chance to make good, and if they don't them flame them.
I'm so sick of reading "product x exploded on my the first time I took it out... it sucks, blah blah blah." If the products were REALLY that bad, they'd be out of business.
Sorry for the rant... I just think that those types of reviews don't provide any value.
PS... I lucked out and got a deal on my fork, but the standard $500 price is a bit steep... great product nonetheless for those not financially challenged.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Lizard James
a Downhiller
from Chatsworth Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Woosley
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Wheel World
Strengths:
Very Plush. Makes a paved road out of a mine field. When it worked it was the pride of my ride.
Weaknesses:
Blew the fork on my third ride. Tons of oil leaking all over the trail and my wheel. Sad to see my money dying on the dirt.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou X-vert super.
Bike Setup:
2001 Specialized enduro pro. Chris King head set, monkey lite bars, azonic shorty, azonic love seat, panaracer DH fire pro tires.
Bottom Line:
According to Marzocchi I am within the weight limits. I am 200 lbs. and the stock springs are rated to 210 lbs. This is a free ride/ light downhill fork so I can't figure what went wrong. I upgraded from the X-Vert super which I never had problems with. I just hope this is a fluke happening. My friend is sponsored by Marzocchi and says that they will take care of it and I hope he is right. I will raise my rating if they fix it and have no further problems.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
A Racer
a Racer
from Canada Date Reviewed: August 25, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$800.00
Purchased At:
local shop
Strengths:
5 inches of plush travel, QR-20 stiffens things up, ecc is great for the climb back up, no maintence compared to my X-Vert Carbon on my DH M1
Weaknesses:
heavy compared to RS Psylo
Similar Products Used:
RS Psylo XC, SL, Race, Z1 Drop Off, Xvert Carbon, Super T, Monster T, and Stratos S7 (awesome fork), and Sid XC (also nice fork)
Bike Setup:
Intense Tazer FS with Z1 MCR QR-20, Sun Single Wides, Hope Bulb hubs, DMR LRP chain guide, Profile Cranks, XTR, Avid Mechanical Disk (the best)
Bottom Line:
This is an awesome plush fork. Though intended for freeriding I use it as my DS race for and it's great. Though I wish I could use all 5 inches of tavel racing is hard so it setup with 4. Anyone who has the money buy this for good for anything even XC with my dad.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
zet1
a Cross Country Rider
from Austria Date Reviewed: August 21, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$366.00
Strengths:
travel, ecc (in theory)
Weaknesses:
ecc (practically), oil leaking (running) through rebound knob on top of right leg !!
Similar Products Used:
Z2
Bottom Line:
I used this fork just for three rides (hard cc, little bit fr) up to now: ECC is not working, after 1-2min back in default position during climbing!!! Oil is leaking through the rebound knob on the right top leg. Even if bike is layn down on the ground!! Not at all as smooth as my old Z2BAM in the first 2 cm of travel.....I am disappointed by the appearance of this years forks, ever been a marz_freak, but this shocks me truely, right through the heart
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HOE-C
a Weekend Warrior
from MILAN - ITALY Date Reviewed: July 10, 2001
Incredible difference with my previous forks! Z1 is plush and soft. It gave me a different feeling with my bike. I'm now more confident and I can ride faster over the obstacles.Z1 looks robust and I think it really is. Don't trust in those light forks because less weight means less strength. In fact for the next year other manifactures will follow Marzocchi: RS with their DUKE series, Manitou with BLACK series.
ECC cartridge is useless for me.I can climb very well keeping the fork at 130mm.I have the MCR version because I've bought it used. Be careful, don't forget the ECC closed when the downhill starts.
If you are a freerider buy the best single crown in the market and forget air systems and lightweight forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kyle
a Weekend Warrior
from Whitecourt Alberta Canada Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Revolution Cycle Edmonton
Strengths:
nothing
Weaknesses:
the rebound doesn't work, the lockout has never worked and i can bottom the fork out while pushing it in on flat ground
Similar Products Used:
doesn't matter because everything is better
Bike Setup:
doesn't matter
Bottom Line:
My fork works like the Specialized hubs on my bike and I am pretty darn sure that specialized puts dead hamsters in the hubs. So Marzocchi probably put rats in the 2001 Z1 MCR Qr 20+. If you want the fork save your money and get a Z3. They work 100000000000 times better. I would give it less than zero if you could.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Yannick WAECHTER
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$420.00
Strengths:
stiff, solid, smooth, efficient, good design, easy and performant lockout (really gives you ability to climb quite everything.. Tried many times!)
Weaknesses:
Hem... Seems to me that the full travel is actually a bit less than 130mm; overweight (2kg)? Maybe, but reliabilty is at that price (there's no plastic pieces, everything is Al)
Very happy with this fork, which has already saved my head several times in fast/hard downhill; don't know how I could have survived 1 year with the tiny Manitou SX 76mm travel (stock). Choice was difficult, between of course Z1 MCR and Psylo SL; but just go check out reviews about the psylo SL: reliabilty is very poor (XXX seals,rapid play in stanchions...); Rock Shox has improved these points for the new psylo '02, but I don't want to buy immature products; I need a good fork NOW!!!; yes, psylo is efficient, new high-tech light fork but it's VERY far from Marzocchi in terms of solidity, reliability, and quality/price ratio; plus, Marzo gives opportunity to upgrades older Z1 with the very efficient MCR lockout! Such respect to consumer is impressive.. Oh, and before buying the fork, I e-mail to marzo about MCR lockout problems related in the reviews: they admit the problems on some recent products and promise to replace in case of problem.. Well, respect is the right word, hey! Let's bike with Marzo...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Buster
a Cross Country Rider
from Germany Date Reviewed: July 5, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, effortlessly tunable.
Weaknesses:
ECC cartridge
Similar Products Used:
Judy 80s (not at all similar!)
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Expert.
Bottom Line:
The ECC cartridge failed on the very first ride. It's going back to Marzocchi under guarantee, but I will be without a bike for 3 weeks. The ECC was a big plus point when choosing the fork, so I'm not happy.
Otherwise, the fork is everything I wanted it to be - lots of travel, a plush ride and very solid. The extra weight (versus a Psylo) is unnoticeable.
Still, you can't give it five chillies if it don't work!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Strengths:
Extension Control Cartridge (ECC), extremely plush, laterally stiff.
Weaknesses:
Only 1 - The ECC on my fork crapped out after about 5 months of use. This was replaced under warranty by Marzocchi. Hopefully this one won't break.
Similar Products Used:
1999 Rock Shox Judy 100, really old Rock Shox Mag 10.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8500 LT (hard-tail), Marzocchi Z-1 MCR, Dual Hayes Hydraulic Discs, LX/XT drivetrain, Rock Shox Seatpost, various Icon and Bontrager parts.
Bottom Line:
Excellent fork for any technical type of riding. Absorbs big hits with no problems. The ECC works great for climbing steep inclines (especially since I'm running this fork on a hard-tail). I've lowered my stem a bit to keep a little more weight on the front wheel while climbing. The options for adjustability of this fork allow a rider to really dial-in depending on terrain. Hope this fork lasts longer than the piece of garbage Judy 100 that rapidly deteriorated after 1 year of use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange, CA Date Reviewed: June 27, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Any in Chino Hills
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$370.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Company - Lake Forest
Strengths:
5" (130mm)of PLUSH travel, Rigid and Fork Lock Out (ECC).
BUY THIS FORK! 5" of travel for those unexpected drops or rocks. The extension control cartridge (fork lock out) makes those long climbs alot easier. Because of my size (300Lb) fork flex was a problem, but not any longer. No more rubbing brakes in sharp turns. Fork made a "squish" sound on the first ride but that has now stopped. Worth the cash. This fork was another good recommendation from the pros at the Bike Company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nick
a Weekend Warrior
from Seattle, WA, USA Date Reviewed: June 22, 2001
Favorite Trail:
tiger mtn
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
mtbr classfied's
Strengths:
very plush travel, service-ability, tuning ease, cool graphics also, a solid fork that i depend on.
Weaknesses:
noisy for first few rides, but it goes away. this isn't really a QR fork, as there are lower clamps that secure the 20mm skewer.
Similar Products Used:
Z2, Z1 drop off
Bike Setup:
Intense SLX, with all the goodies. 38lbs
Bottom Line:
buy the fork, you won't regret it. everyone and their mother is an Marzocchi dealer. you can get away with a lot you don't think you could. the QR is kinda a pain, but worth the troubble because the performance is so close to a tripple, without the extra 2 lbs. very stiff, running a doubblewide on Marzocchi's hub. very stong front wheel setup with hayes 8". you must be ready to run a stong rim to be able to use the fork to its full capibility. otherwise you will break the wheel before you reach the max performace of the fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Newton, Ma USA Date Reviewed: June 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Whistler/Blackcomb, BC
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
at a shop I work at.
Strengths:
Extremly Soft snd long travel!! No problems with it and there is no problem with the weight.
Weaknesses:
NONE!
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Phslyo Race, X-vert super, Shiver, Monster T's
Bike Setup:
Intense Tazer FS w/ all the original components except the fork
Bottom Line:
The Bottom Line of this fork is that it kicks ass!!!! I never noticed any weight problem and it is great on the downhill sections. The one thing that you can't do with this fork is bottom it out. But i dont see that as a problem. The final word is that there is no other competion to the MCR's. They kick ass!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miles
a Weekend Warrior
from Hobart, Australia Date Reviewed: June 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any dirt one
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat.com
Strengths:
Looks cool, long plush quality travel, lockout is an added bonus, zero maintainence required
Weaknesses:
lockout changes head angle but that's a pretty minor problem
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 3, X Vert R, RST Mozo 3.5's(x2), 00 z1 qr20's, 00 z1 dropoffs. last 2 were mates forks
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler w\ Z1 MCR's (duh) Avid Arch rival brakes XT/stx also assorted Titec'n'Azonic kit & King Headset
Bottom Line:
Great fork, love the travel, makes my bike go where i want. Pricey but what price for performance like this baby gives? All my buddies and I use Bombers 'cept for one who's saving for a pair. Able to take head high (>6ft) drops and still not be a drag on the climbs. Haven't really bottomed it yet. i don't usually give 5 flaming dead horses but this product is a stand out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Herman Mills
a Weekend Warrior
from South Africa Date Reviewed: May 31, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Koranna 2 mountains - Free State
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$560.00
Purchased At:
Morningside Cycles
Strengths:
Smooth 5" travel and good finish. Lock out facility should be usefull, but have not used it yet. I eats ruts, rocks and dropoffs. Good performance compared to the Monster "T" forks I had on my DH bike before.
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy and noisy during the break in period, but its already almost gone.
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Monster "T", Rockshocks Judy - piece of @#$%$#, Manitou SX, 1998 Z1 Bam, and 1998 Bomber Z3.
Bike Setup:
2001 Schwinn straight 6, Z1 MCR's, full XT, Hayes disks etc.
Bottom Line:
An excellent balance between long travel, good allround handling and acceptable weight. The freeride fork ever, only surpassed by the Monster.. in the vertical dept.
Expensive though and probably only available aftermarket at this stage in any case.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Suria
a Weekend Warrior
from Dallas Date Reviewed: May 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Loch Raven Baltimore
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$429.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
Plush with plenty of travel. Feels strong with hardly any flex and yet is stiff enough.Has a lock out for climbing but I haven't used it yet. No big climbs in Dallas.
Weaknesses:
None so far. Break in period but probably is an advantage considering the tolerances Marzocchi put on their shocks.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit- XT equipped V-brakes but would like disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
This set up with the shocks has just made me a better rider and I feel almost as if I am cheating and taking lines that I would never have dreamed of taking previously. I love it. I am not going to win any XC races but I am having more fun riding than I have ever done in the past.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
T
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, lots of travel. Travel control
Weaknesses:
Not as stiff as I hoped. Bottoming out on 5'+ drops. No compression damping
Bike Setup:
Freeride bike with 5" and 5".
Bottom Line:
I am not a heavy rider and bottomed this fork out severely on 5 foot drops to grass sloped landings. This is with a 5" travel rear. Don't know how heavier riders find it. Will have to switch to stiffer springs and thicker oil.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jody leon guerrero
a Weekend Warrior
from dededo, guam Date Reviewed: May 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
chanel 10
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
shane
Strengths:
long travel; good tire clearance; pretty stiff; plush; it's a marzocchi!
Weaknesses:
ecc lockout (doesn't work anymore!...but who needs it?)other than that, it's f@*#n awesome.
Similar Products Used:
n/a - first real fork.
Bike Setup:
00 cannondale super v; xt ryhno lites with kujo dh's; lx shifters and brake levers; xtr v's; thompson laid back seatpost; race face bar and stem; piece of crap coda cranks (i'll change them when they break).
Bottom Line:
i'm a 245lb gorilla. since i've been using this fork, i no longer have to find a line when going down (i make my own). this fork has saved my ass a lot from endoing (5+ inches baby!). the only problem i've had is the ecc lockout. for some odd reason, it doesn't work anymore (maybe it's the abuse). this is the perfect freeriding fork for anyone doing less than 6 foot drops (if you're doing more than that...then your ass need a jr., super, or monster T).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: May 19, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Hartschorne Woods
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
* super tough, yet smooth * easy to maintain/service * extension control cartridge
Weaknesses:
* weight could be a problem for someone who thinks 4.5lbs is heavy. * having to wait for your friends at the bottom of decents.
99 Cannondale Raven Super V 700, Magura's Louise discs, Mavic 223 disc rims, Easton monkeybar riser bar, Maxxis 2.35 tires.
Bottom Line:
This shock has completely transformed my bike into a great freeride rig. I've yet to bottom it out. when going downhill, roots, ruts, drop-offs, rocks, logs, whatever, this shock makes you feel like you're on a cloud and then will beg for more. when going uphill, this shock will get you up some relatively steep climbs even without using the ECC!
weight is not an issue with this shock. I've yet to have my attention diverted from a climb because I thought the fork was too heavy.
I highly recommend this shock to anyone who does the majority of their riding on intermediate/advanced xc or beginner/intermediate dh trails.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
HELLBELLY
a Downhiller
from Hotlanta, GA Date Reviewed: May 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Mountaintown Creek, Man's Hell, Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$425.00
Purchased At:
mtbr.com/market
Strengths:
The Z1 is STIFF, plush, has a super-solid feel, and no lateral flex at all. I have the QR20+ version and it feels the same as my bud's Jr T when comparing tracking and stiffness. The chrome finish looks killer, and the brake arch allows for plenty-o-room for big tires; much better than the previous machined ones. The ECC works great. It makes climbing on my truck of a bike actually pretty damn good. Completely kills the wandering effect that otherwise occurs with a tall frontend on the climbs.
Weaknesses:
None, zip!
Similar Products Used:
Jr T, '99 Z1 Bam, Manitou SXR, SID 100, Super T.
Bike Setup:
Ellsworth Joker, Raceface/XT/XTR, Azonic stem/Raceface bar, Hayes brakes, Sun rims/Hayes hubs, Thomson post/Titec saddle, and of course a Z1 MCR QR20+
Bottom Line:
As I have said in the past(refering to my '99 Z1), this the fork to buy if you are ready to step up to the plate of big technical riding that can break you or your bike. I still feel the same, although the addition of the MCR system makes a great fork even better. The only way I would put something different(Super or Monster T) on my bike was if I never did much climbing and was doing more pure DH stuff. That is not the case though as all the best decents 'round these parts must climbed first and nobody wants to shuttle. Once again all the other manufacturers are going to be playing catch up on this. There really isn't anything that even compares. ROCK ON, MARZOCCHI!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geoff Sidney
a Downhiller
from Vancouver,BC,Canada Date Reviewed: April 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything with big drops
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$389.00
Purchased At:
Paul's cycling shop
Strengths:
This Z1 fork is the plushes thing i have ever used. I am totally stoked to take this baby for a serious ride on the shore. Maybe I'll bottom out?
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses? Z1 and weak do not go together.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Phylo Race. Manitou X-vert. Marzocchi Z5, Jr.T
Bike Setup:
'01 Rocky Mountain Pipeline. The Z1, Race Face: x0 seatpost, prodigy crankset, DH stem, riser handle bars, B/B, Grips, Pedals, as well as Magura Clara discs, and a nifty THE fender
Bottom Line:
After mouching for deals to build my Freeride dream bike, Pipeline, I finally got to ride the thing a month ago. I had a freinds 99 Jr T on it, but he wanted it back. So I was out to buy a new fork. It came down to a new Jr T a Phylo Race or the Z1. After testing them out I decided the Z1 would be the best choise. It was just as plush as the Jr.T, even though there was less travel, it was almost as convenient as the Phsylo and it looked sick! And I have yet to signifficantly bottom out this bad boy. Buy this bike if you want to play hard but want the freedom of a single crown fork
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Cafferty
a Downhiller
from Moscow, Idaho Date Reviewed: April 24, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Bald Moutain
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$460.00
Purchased At:
Paradise Creek
Strengths:
Lock out is a great idea...saves your strength for the downhills, when you need it the most! sweet, smooth, and very usable travel.
Weaknesses:
none yet...I love this bad boy! I wish I'd have gotten the through axle option, but oh well...
Similar Products Used:
piece of sh*t stock manitou, psylo sl
Bike Setup:
fsr enduro, pretty much stock...the MCR is the first upgrade I've done so far (the bike's only about five months old). in the future i'm planning on profile crankset, new tires, seat, etc...
Bottom Line:
Oh baby...this fork is everything I'd hoped for and more. took a trip down to Moab for spring break, and this thing shined like a shooting star. drops, roots, rocks, ledges, jumps, it handles em' all. actually, handles isn't the word i'm looking for...it laughs at em' all! I need to get stiffer springs (I weigh 230 lbs.), so it bottoms out occasionally, but it still kicks ass regardless. I've had a few occassions where I've landed a little forward on the bike and this shock saved me from going over the bars. It makes the nastiest of bumps petty, and it will improve your riding by leaps and bounds...talk about a confidence builder! I actually am nursing a broken ankle right now; not because of the fork itself, but because it gave me the confidence to go big...I didn't quite make it though. still, this thing whoops any other single crown fork I've ever tried, and it'll probably take a year or two for other suspension manufactures to catch up to marzocchi and the MCR. granted, the price is a little steep, which made me a little hesitant at first, but the performance of this fork more than makes it worth it. Now enough reading...go out there and buy this fork! (how's that for a plug?)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
keit wolff-moore
a Downhiller
from Portugal, Serra D'Estrella Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything that goes down and fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Bike Scene Guisborough, UK
Strengths:
The fork is s really stiff for a single crown. I got the 20mm achsel and even under heavy braking the front wheel doesn't bend over to theside the disc is on! It is really easy to adjust and I love the lock out even though most of the time I don't bother because my 30lbs rig just doesn't like going up big hills.
Weaknesses:
Yeah that break in period noise you get is quite anoying and at first I thought somethin' was wrong, but it soon passed. They are a little soft, so I had to tighten the spring up a lot, even though I only weigh 70 kgs. Maybe I just like a big hit absorbtion approach.
Similar Products Used:
Ritchey Logic Rigid= Best Fork in the World, even now! Manitou 3's=Broke at the crown after three months! Rock Shox Mag21=Oil everywhere and no stiffness Marzocchis (with loads of holes in the drop outs and two adjuster barrels)= After 6 months the forks had so much play they didn't work anymore! And last Pace RC-37's= These were just s$@t. They flexed everywhere. After 3 weeks one of the drop outs fell out. Then 1 year later the hydrolics emptied themselves into the airchamber. Soon after the spring stack collapsed. Then the oilcartridge went again and after a recent crash they were all twisted and came back from the factory still bent, but they say it'll work the way it is supposed to! They still are under warranty, lying in the corner of my room!
Bike Setup:
Orange Patriot 2000. Grip shift, fr. XT r. XTR, Mavic 321 on Hope Sport rear and Bulb Front. Hope C2 brakes with 165mm on the back 185 up front. Answer Taperlites, and loads of other cool stuff...
Bottom Line:
Buy these forks, even if you don't want the lock out they are fantastic. After just one ride I knew these would blow my even more expensive Pace forks out of any situation you would put them into. I really ride hard, I know what I can do and what not, when I come off it is usually because something is wrong with my set up or mechanical failure. I always treat my stuff really well, giving it all the maintenace. Here also a lot of my time is saved, because all you really have to do is rub 'em with a damp cloth. Only niggle is that noise in the beginning and the potential of the lock out wearing out so soon as seen on a lot of them. Well it is a new technology and if you look at the first Rock Shox and what has become of suspention now, you do the math! Have Fun. Oh yeah see if any of you can catch me here in the UK, we still ride, even with this f£$%&@g business about stopping foot and mouth. Remeber you silly politicians it is air born and you can't stop birds from flying around and spreading it. Which as it so happens you were warned about months, no 3 years in fact before it broke out. Well you reep what you sow and now everybody has got a bucket full of your incompetence to deal with. C U and remember it is about fun!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Hunt
a Cross Country Rider
from Beverly, MA USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Seaside Cycles, Manchester, MA
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy, Girvin Cross Link w/ NR-2 shock
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Fox Vanilla RC coil-over, Grimeca System 8 discs...
Bottom Line:
I'm not one who normally would take the time to write a review, but I am so pumped about the Z1 that I couldn't help myself....
There aren't enough superlatives to describe this fork!!! Just got back from my 5th ride on the new steed - this time from some real proving grounds in Dogtown, Gloucester with BIG rocks strewn all over the trails. Can't believe the sweet performance - just point and shoot and the fork does the rest. Slow technical weaving to full speed bombing through rock fields, the Z1 just eats up everything in places where I would have endoed multiple times on my old Proflex. You have to experience it to understand. Buy it - you'll be amazed like I am right now.
BTW - The Heckler is awesome - love at first ride. Thanks Seaside for pointing me in the right direction.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jeremy riggs
a
from pen argyl , pa usa Date Reviewed: April 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1.00
Purchased At:
bike king, clinton, nj
Strengths:
the fork is on a specialized big hit bh pro frame. i have only ridden the bike four times since i bought it a week ago, but i have to say that the fork is great. it takes huge hits really well while still doing a descent job with the small stuff.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
judy long travel, manitou x-vert, sid 100
Bike Setup:
hayes 8 inch front, six inch rear, all xt except for cranks(specialized big arms) irc kujo dh tires, 24 in rear wheel 36 hole hubs, azonic stem and seat, richtey seatpost(junk) and bars,
Bottom Line:
the fork is great for this bike. the bike would suffer with a different fork. the complete bike sold by specialized has a z3 air on it. why they would put an air fork a "freeride" bike confuses me. go with the bh pro frame and build it up
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brandon Barber
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: April 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Anderson Truck Trail
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$420.00
Purchased At:
North Of The Border Bikes (VORTEXCYCLES.COM)
Strengths:
Super plush. Chicks dig it. Costs less than a car.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't do my laundry. Doesn't make crashing hurt less.
Similar Products Used:
'99 Z5 Air
Bike Setup:
'99 Kona Cinder Cone, Mammoth DH rims, Azonic shorty stem. Economy freeride hardtail/dirtjump bike
Bottom Line:
This fork works great!! I only had one problem, I blew the ECC Lockout and I'm in Okinawa, Japan on deployment so I have to wait until I get back in July to have it fixed. I must admit that I bottom it out almost every ride, but I am 210lbs so it makes sense. This fork is much stiffer and more plush than my buddies '00 jr. T. Perfect for urban, dirt jumping and retro downhill. This fork has saved me from a few hairy drops that a lesser fork would have ditched me on. I love it......I think I'll marry it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett Zerba
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: April 3, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Bottom Line:
i just got this back a couple of weeks ago after i had to send it in on warranty. the ECC cartridge was leaking, but the guys at marzocchi after like 3 weeks got the fork back to me. ever since i can't get enough riding time on it and there have been no problems except the fact that no matter how hard i go it won't bottom. i guess that isn't really a problem though. this fork kicks ass and i wouldn't put anything else on this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Nguyen
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: March 29, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Strengths:
PLUSH, PLUSH, PLUSH; this fork has no bottom! Smoothest fork I've ever ridden.
Weaknesses:
Slightly heavy but well worth extra weigh.
Similar Products Used:
Girvin Chubby LT, RocShox Judy 100.
Bike Setup:
DS freeride
Bottom Line:
Hadn't noticed before but Girvin was bouncy like a pogo and really heavy. Girvin also refuses to compress anytime below 65 degree weather. The Z1 has no such qualms. Ridden in freezing temps with performance degradation. It is the plushest fork I've ridden with nice rebounding. Single crown design saved some weight from double crown Girvin and has been every bit as stiff.
Don't know about the rest, but I've never been able to bottom the fork. Compressed lock-out is excellent idea that all long travel forks should addopt. It noticably aids in long climbs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett Zerba
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: February 28, 2001
Favorite Trail:
high rocks
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$340.00
Purchased At:
the shop i work at
Strengths:
extremly plush, looks cool
Weaknesses:
i guess when they first started shipping these out there were a few faulty ones. otherwise there are no other weaknesses except they're kind of noisy at first
Bottom Line:
just following up on the review i posted earlier about the noises the fork was making noises. it turned out that I got one of the ones that didn't have the ECC properly installed or something. Anyways like any time I've called marzocchi the customer service was great and they agreed to fix the fork no questions asked except what was wrong with it. I'm still waiting to get the fork back and will post an update to this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: February 27, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Fun fun fun, huge range of adjustability, buttery smooth travel, lockout is cool for long climbs.
Weaknesses:
your bike will not be an agile climber on short climbs with this bad boy on, heavy and jacks the head angle, but then again thats not what it is designed for, and you can always flip the lockout for those longer climbs, which is nice. also kinda expensive.
This fork is great for buildin up an all-around fun bike. The 5" travel is like butter, and makes DH oh so smooth. Thew lockout feature is good for those long climbs. If you like to spin uphill and rip down, this is a great fork, but be warned that it isnt for those who like to climb. Overall, if you buy this fork for what its intended for(urban, light DH, extremely rough/rocky trails) you'll be extremely happy. oh and the range of adjustability is amazing.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Moses
a Weekend Warrior
from Downingtown, PA Date Reviewed: February 26, 2001
Favorite Trail:
anything steep
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$475.00
Purchased At:
Planet Cycle
Strengths:
This is a sweet ass fork. Thats all there is to say. The travel is incredibly smooth. The ECC lock out is amazing when faced with a steep hill. It will enhance any bike with its downhill ability and awsome climbing.
Weaknesses:
This fork is great but it lacks a little in its stiffness.
If you are a downhiller that is tired of walking back up that crazy trail then you need to buy this fork. This fork is one of the greatest forks on the market and is well worth the extra money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Weekend Warrior
from San Clemente CA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$479.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
It's a MARZOCCHI,
Weaknesses:
Haven't had it long enough to find any yet
Similar Products Used:
MARZOCCHI Z1 CR 4" and I loved it, but I really love that extra inch of travel.
Bike Setup:
INTENSE UZZI SL, XTR TO THE HILT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bottom Line:
This is the SWEETEST fork on the market for an all round freeride setup.I can climb pretty well thanx to the lock out,and feel confident hauling ass back down.Not a XC or DH fork but cruzing right in the middle what I call the fun zone.My friends are all jealous and saving there money to get one. Buy this fork and you will be STOKED!!! 5 BURNING CHILIS
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JCintheBA
a
from Mountain View CA Date Reviewed: February 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Similar Products Used:
Z1 Alloy, Foes F1, RS Judy
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Heckler, Vanilla RC shock, Magura Louise brakes Blah...blah...blah
Bottom Line:
I rode a 4" Z1 for the past couple years and loved the fork. When a friend offered me a deal on a new MCR I jumped at the chance. After all, who could pass up another inch of travel...
I have had the fork out on a couple of rides and am very pleased with its performance. It is still a Z1, Stiff and oh so plush. It weighs about the same as my old 4" Z1 Alloy. The only flaw with the design of the fork is the wussy little lock down lever. I hear that Marzocchi fixed that already.
Extended it definately jacks up the front end a little but the bike doesn't feel like it is ploughing through corners. You can still climb but it takes a little more body english to keep the front wheel down. The extra travel did make my Heckler more of a point and shoot bike. I dont have to be as careful picking lines. I just point it where I want to go and hang on.
Compressed you get a very XC oreinted posture. I did a couple pretty technical climbs with no problems. On the long grinders the fork stays locked down. The ECC is a great feature.
If you live to ride downhill but have to grind your way up long climbs to do it, this is your fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Webster, NY Date Reviewed: February 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
All of them
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$550.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Man it's like a whole new bike. Sweetest ride you can imagine.
Weaknesses:
I think the stickers were installed by a monkey on crack
Similar Products Used:
Girvin Pro Carbon
Bike Setup:
Right now it's on my old K2, XTR, Raceface, blah blah I spent too much... will be building up a 2001 Straight 6 with it.
Bottom Line:
Got a nice deal on this fork from Universal Cycles, no tax, free shipping and a free King headset. I was gonna let it sit in the basement until all the parts for the new bike arrived, but boredom got the better of me one snowy day and I put it on in place of my Girvin Carbon. Next day, did a snow ride, HOLY CRAP! I can't believe how sweet this fork works. It's like a whole new bike. Riding over frozen footprints on the trail, it just soaks all that stuff up. Big hits? I only feel them at the back of the bike now. I did squirt some Slick Honey down the seals to speed up the break in.
The only thing I can say negative about this fork is that the stickers are just a joke. Maybe since I bought one really early, they were still figuring out what do do about decals. I hope they come up with something better. But considering the ride, that's not enough of a negative to lose a chillie. STRONG 5 chillies.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Garrett
a Racer
from PA Date Reviewed: February 12, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$340.00
Strengths:
its the plushest single crown fork i've ever riden. there's no flex at all like with other forks i've used. polished looks badass on my bike.
Weaknesses:
makes like a squeaky spring noise
Bottom Line:
this fork kicks ass. as for the noises i mentioned its probably just break in, its already less than it was. in my spare time when i'm not racing or training i just screw around on this bike and this fork is the ultimate freeriding fork-u can do drop offs head high and barely feel a thing. everyone talks about weight but it doesn't really seem heavy to me; its only like half a pound more than a phsylo. if anyone else has had this noise problem please email me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jaren johnson
a Weekend Warrior
from gilbert AZ, US Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001
Favorite Trail:
How can I pick soooo many
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Rage cycles
Strengths:
When I first picked up my bike I was shocked at how heavy it was, I have a new Titus Switchblade, The shock turned my bike into a heavy weight contender, I went with the lightest parts on te planet, and due to the shock weight my bike is almost 28lbs which is alot more than my M-4 I just sold. I will have to say that I have not complained about the weight sence my first ride. The MCR is incredable. I can throw it at any Arizona rock and it will pull me through every time. I might loose a little time up hill but I sure make up going down.
Weaknesses:
Just the weight, but then if it were any lighter it would prob suffer.
Similar Products Used:
Answer-Rockshock,nothing has compaired,when it comes to pure performance.
Bike Setup:
Frame Titus Switchblade,Orange with anodized (blk)rear triangle,with the long travel kit. Chris king head set(blk) Thompson seat post and stem(blk)Answer taper light risers RaceFace cranks(white) with (blk) rings Scram shifters and rear D XTR front Avid cable disc and levers Mavic 317 wheels with Hugi 240 hubs all black including spokes the tires are the Sodona Time carbon pedels Oh and RaceFace BB Ti.
Bottom Line:
This is a work of art, it is able to handle just about everything except real hardcore downhill stuff. It's perfect for freeriding. It is toooo Heavy for a cross country race, but after a long ride my body never feels beat up thanks in part to the Z1.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from california Date Reviewed: February 6, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$439.00
Purchased At:
jenson
Strengths:
lots of the sweetest travel this fork smooths out the washboard at 35mph takes big BIG hits.my balls are 50% bigger with the z.1
Weaknesses:
sad to say there is weakness to the fork,the lock-out.mine the lock-out worked fine for a little while,i actually prefer climbing without the lock-out.bad o-ring however MARZOCCHI's tech dept told me this would have no effect on fork performance.
this fork rules,all others are made by hasbro.takes big hits big drops.if you shave your legs you wont want it,but if you love riding and not worrying about cutting ounces,bombing down single track,and drinkin beer you'll gladly part with a little cash.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Geno
a Cross Country Rider
from Oak Grove KY, USA Date Reviewed: February 4, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Jenny Ridge
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$382.00
Purchased At:
Adrenaline BIkes 800-579-8932
Strengths:
Extreme Stiffness, The ECC lockout, and the lengendary Bomber quality.
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
There is nothing on the market to macth this Fork!
Bike Setup:
GT XCR 4000,XT/XTR,Chris King wheelset/headset, Yeti Grips, time ATAC pedals
Bottom Line:
I spend alot of time in the saddle. My usual ride is between 4 and 5 hours. I bought this fork to upgrade my old fork. I wish that I would have done that sooner. 5 inchs of travel with a lockout. This fork is awesome! Once people start riding this SID will be looking for a new job. If you race go with a Z-2 Atom 80 by Marzocchi, ride all day? Z-1 MCR. The one problem that I have seen is this baby causes you to ride faster and sicker! You need to get better fast or you will spend time wrecking. Ledges,chutes or roots this fork is for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DAVE FAFARD
a Weekend Warrior
from CANMORE AB CANADA Date Reviewed: January 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
THE BENCH
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$375.00
Purchased At:
REBOUND IN CANMORE
Strengths:
IF YOU ARE A MANIAC FREERIDE FREAK,THEN BY ALL MEANS DON'T WASTE TIME AND GO GET THIS SWEET ASS FORK.YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH BOMBERS,THEY ARE STIFF AS HELL AND THEY WILL DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING.WITH A NICE PLUSH 5 INCH OF TRAVEL IT'S PERFECT FOR DOWNHILL AND CC. NOW HERE IS THE SWEET PART OF THIS UNBEATABLE FORK,THE Z1 MCR COMES WITH A LOCKOUT SYSTEM,ONCE YOU GET IN FRONT OF A MASSIVE HILL YOU TURN THE SMALL LEVER AND PUSH YOUR FORK DOWN AT LET'S SAY 2.5 INCHES,IT WILL STAY LIKE THAT WHEN YOU ARE GOING UP HILL.WHEN YOU HIT THE TOP OF THE HILL TURN THE LEVER THE OTHER WAY AND YOUR BACK AT 5 INCHES READY TO GO DOWN THE HILL.
Weaknesses:
WELL THIS FORK IS A LITTLE HEAVIER THEN SID'S OR JUDY'S,IT WEIGHTS AT 4.5 POUNDS,IT'S NOT THAT MUCH BUT YOU SACRAFICE WEIGHT FOR STRENTH
Similar Products Used:
ROCK SHOCK XC BOMBERS Z3 LONG TRAVEL
Bike Setup:
I GOT MYSELF A ROCKY MOUNTAIN RM6 THE PERFECT FREERIDE BIKE
Bottom Line:
DON'T GO FOR THE CHEAP CRAP BECAUSE IT'S GOING TO BREAK AND NOT WORK WELL ANYWAYS,SO BECAREFUL OF WHAT YOU GET.LIKE I SAID, YOU CAN NEVER GO WRONG WITH BOMBERS,THEY WILL LAST YOU FOREVER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eli Krahenbuhl
a Weekend Warrior
from Cheyenne, WY USA Date Reviewed: January 9, 2001
Favorite Trail:
porcupine rim
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$458.00
Purchased At:
Dirt King
Strengths:
This fork is slick. The rebound lock-out lever lowers the front end for better climbing geometry and works flawlessly, so far. It has a full 5" of travel that once broken in is smooth, very smooth. I know this fork will clear an Intense 2.7" tire, which is a wide 2.7 incher.
Weaknesses:
The arch is painted and at close inspection doesn't look the greatest, but you'd never notice unless you sat down and looked at it close up.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou X-Vert and X-Vert DC
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Bullit: X-Kit, Sun Ringle RPM XXL Wheelset(sweet), Avid brakes and Speed Dial Ultimate L levers, Pro Taper handlebars, Thompson post, WTB Moto Raptor tires
Bottom Line:
If you want a single crown fork with 5 full inches of travel, this is the one. Anyone who races downhill or cross-country doesn't want to buy this fork. It's in between and doesn't do great at either job. What this fork is built to do is screw around on. You may call it a freeride fork, which fits it well, even though guys on the North Shore ride massive downhill forks. If you want to go fast down the hill and still be able to climb up hill(with lock-out), you just found your dream fork. I'm giving it 4 flamin' chilis on value because you'll be able to get it for $350 later this year, but I just bought a new bike and needed the fork now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eurosac
a Weekend Warrior
from wichita ks Date Reviewed: January 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cowboy up keystone co
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
this is one bad ass stiff mother with 5" off butter smooth travel and slick lockout
Weaknesses:
finish is not the best and takes a while to bed the bushes in
Similar Products Used:
rockshox judy,manitou carbon
Bike Setup:
specialized enduro
Bottom Line:
if you want 5" in a single crown fork this is the only way to go it's as smooth as a baby's ass with a great lockout that works lowering the fork and it's as stiff as hell,great fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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