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Submitted by
Aiden Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Southampton, Hampshire, England
Date Reviewed: May 29, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Ho Chi Minh | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bultler cycles shop | | Strengths: | Strong good allrounder | | Weaknesses: | none really apart from weight but i guess it keeps the front tyre down when goin up steep hills :-) | | Similar Products Used: | sr suntour's | | Bike Setup: | Marin rift zone- wow! | | Bottom Line: | i bougt a marin rift zone n got thses bomber thrown in for free!!!!! hahaha great for most peoples purposes and even thought they cost alot youll se that its worth it, oh yeah n if u get some for free then youve done okay ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daemon
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: February 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Indestructible like most Marzocchi forks. Due to my blunders, it has been whacked at wrong angles many time but working fine ~
Damping control works greaT! | | Weaknesses: | Could have more travel, but it's not meant to be a long travel fork anyway and its short travel is good enuff for XC. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy C | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar Le | | Bottom Line: | Wonderful Fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from State College PA
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$135.00 | | Strengths: | Bomb proof, stiff, buttery smooth, reliable, adjustable, a work of art on a bike...but you already knew that because it is a Marzocchi | | Weaknesses: | too heavy..hahahahahahahha silly weight weenies, does it really matter that much when your fork is indestructible? | | Similar Products Used: | Z1, Z3, Marathon.....Manitou Black, Judy, SID. (if you really wanna lump those last three into the same category as a Bomber go right ahead) | | Bike Setup: | Barracuda A2M 'cuda comp, XT deraileurs, Truvativ Firex crank, Z2 up front, LX brakes (stay away they suck but that's a different review) | | Bottom Line: | The Z2 is the best thing to happen to my bike since the wheel. Once I got it dialed in it was 63 mm of travel that felt more like 80. Marzocchi's years of making motorcycle forks really shows with the simple yet effective open bath oil damped fork. To date I've never ridden anything as smooth as my Marzocchi forks the Z2 in particular is great because it has damping adjustments (unlike the z3) The Z1 is really sweet as well but its more travel than I need on my xc rig. Keep it Rubber Side Down | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco CA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | suum quique | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Stiff, plush, well made. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't really found one. Did have to upgrade to a "heavy" weight spring, which I settled on putting in one leg only after asking around and experimenting with both. Would be nice to have more choices of spring with the original purchase rather than having to buy another spring set. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Xverts, Marzocchi Xfly Z2 | | Bike Setup: | Moots YBB for now, tempted to put it on my Heckler. | | Bottom Line: | Love this fork. Now I know why my friends have raved about coil Marzocchi's over the years. Forget my nice words about Manitou previously on this site; now that I've ridden and taken a look inside the Marzocchi's there's no going back. Maybe a Fox Forx. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lorenzo
a Cross Country Rider
from Amsterdam, NL
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | rob akermans | | Strengths: | respond well | | Weaknesses: | started liking oil after about 8 months from purchased; i have now sent it to distributor for repair/replacement
thus summary is: low affidability? or maybe I was unlucky, although i believe that for what they cost they should do a 100% quality check
| | Bike Setup: | RM element race2001 | | Bottom Line: | good while it was working, lastest too little | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a Weekend Warrior
from TN
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | Nashbar | | Strengths: | super plush, low maintenance | | Weaknesses: | springs become too soft after a while | | Similar Products Used: | psylo race, older marzocchies, rock shox judy | | Bike Setup: | Litespeed Obed | | Bottom Line: | This shock is sooooo nice. Soaks up the big and small hits real well. Such a big difference from air shocks. My air shocks have more travel but not as responsive.
It was working so nicely that I didn't change the oil for a year, it was all dark and thick :S Don't forget to change the oil! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | stock on bike | | Strengths: | These things are sweet ass! I have only owned these for half a year but so far these babies are awesome! I race sometimes but mostly just bomb around looking for fun and these look cool and are indestructable! | | Weaknesses: | my friends are so jealous of it that they want to kill me. | | Similar Products Used: | SIDs, Judys, Mars | | Bike Setup: | lx,xtr,raceface,mavic,easton,rocky mountain oxygen race. | | Bottom Line: | I can't break these. Their too squishy and strong! I do ride xc but I love beating parts up while riding fast and aggressively. My buddy has a Z1 Wedge on his beast and he can't break it either. So if you love to ride hard and are getting pissed at buying $500 forks that are weak and crap I suggest you take a serious look into these as I'm sure they won't dissapoint you. Well, gotta go hit the trails so I guess I'll see you later | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
air time Marchetti
a Cross Country Rider
from Burnaby B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | jacobs ladder | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$399.00 | | Purchased At: | The cove bikeshop;Deepcove | | Strengths: | can literally beat the crap out of them for years without failure.Heh the harder you beat it the easier it fails right.../ totally wrong... Durable,easily adjusted,good travel and recoil,great control but I guess the missile helps.Slammed them into trees,had all kinds of front end contact haven't busted them literally yet.loves to suck em' up | | Weaknesses: | After about 3 years trying to beat them to death in different ways had an 0-ring failure pffff no doubt. I wouldn't call it a weakness.I think it was my fault, had them just cranked with pressure for what I was traversing. | | Similar Products Used: | I've riden all kinds and are still trying new susp/front/rear,but when I bought them they were definetly the bomb.Hard to find something comparable even these days heh but I'm still shopping.Don't get wrong I'd go with Marzocchi before the rest do to the superior quality | | Bike Setup: | Kona'Matto'{RENAMED}race light,stx shimano grip,missile 2.25 front,MAXXIS highroller 2.50 rear,21spd,16.5 cro-mo,under 30lbs when clean. | | Bottom Line: | good,good,good,good,good! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from Boalsburg, Pa
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$130.00 | | Purchased At: | MTBR classified | | Strengths: | Super smooth travel, Bomb-proof | | Weaknesses: | Weight, if you're into that sorta thing | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Magnum R, Rock Shox Indy XC | | Bike Setup: | Nothing too special, it's a pretty much stock Trek 6000 | | Bottom Line: | This fork is pretty rad. It sure slaps the snot out of the wieny elastomer jobs I've owned before. Plus it's built to last, my bike has taken one heck of a beating because I'm still in school so I have all summer to ride everyday and put my bike through hell. I've heard some complaining about their weight but I'm pretty sure you have to be a pro to honestly notice the half pound or whatever they have on most shocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rich
a Weekend Warrior
from Nottingham, England
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | supercycles, Nottingham | | Strengths: | This is a fit and forget fork, very little maintenance required, | | Weaknesses: | weight? | | Similar Products Used: | RST 381R, chrome came off stantions in 4 months | | Bike Setup: | 1999 GT zaskar, XT, Hope mini disks, Hope hubs with mavic X317 rims, Flite, Thompson, easton etc | | Bottom Line: | I bought this fork cheap, as it was old stock, I have been using it for two years now & have not had to do a thing to it, it is as plush now as when it was first fitted to my bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyler Durden
a Weekend Warrior
from Dearborn, MI
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Highland | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$159.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Smooth, plush ride on twisty, rooty, sometimes rocky Michigan singletrack | | Weaknesses: | None so far. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox, Manitou, White bros. | | Bike Setup: | Baby Blue M2 Stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | I bought this fork to replace the original 95 Judy on my "spare" bike because after every mod short of Englunds, the Judy sucked. Since this is pretty much a loaner to get friends to try riding, I figured I would go "cheap" and buy the '98 Z2 on clearence. First test and I was hooked! this fork is plush! I now have various 'Zokes on all of my bikes and can say I am extremely happy with all of them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jimis panousis
a Cross Country Rider
from greece
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | x-country | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Bottom Line: | the best shocks ever.when i bougth it i was very happy but when i tried it i was like a baby who just got his first present. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago,IL
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Plush, I like oil cartridge forks the best | | Weaknesses: | Heavy | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | lx/xt get avalanche | | Bottom Line: | It came with the bike which is part of why I bought it. I'm really not a racer so I don't care about the weight because it feels so comfortble bombing down a hill. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danno Soda
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Whistler | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Simons Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Awesome suspension, works like a charm. | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shocks (Suck!) | | Bike Setup: | '97 Rocky Mt. Oxygen Race. | | Bottom Line: | rides up to the Microwave station (7000' ft elevation) is great, coming down is a blast. The bombers really soaked up the rough terrain. Day one,I had the springs changed from med. to hard. Even though I weigh only 165 lbs. It worked great.
Now I've upgraded to the yr 2000 RMB Thin Air with the Z2 Atom 80.Z2's are great. But not sure about the stock med springs, as I liked the feeling of my old shocks with the hard springs. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Speve Eddington
a Racer
from oregon\washington
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Elk Creek fish ladder trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | feels nice out of the box. | | Weaknesses: | seals could be better, alot better. fork bottoms out like crazy and leaks oil. new seals and stiffer springs didn't fix the problem for longer than a few rides. | | Similar Products Used: | asorted single crown manitou, rock shocks. | | Bike Setup: | urban assault vehicle. | | Bottom Line: | bulk up seals (like XXX sid), add some ti springs, and you would have a damn good ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stani
a Cross Country Rider
from Ann Arbor, Michigan
Date Reviewed: July 31, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Potawatomi | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | plush
no lateral flex
no ugly sounds or feelings at the ends of its travel | | Weaknesses: | heavy (but its performance makes it worth it) | | Similar Products Used: | 2 years of die-hard rigid fork riding
tried Judy SL and others | | Bike Setup: | GT Xizang, King, Mavic Cross Max, XT/XTR, Thompson Elite | | Bottom Line: | This fork works like it should! I came to riding MTBs from motorcycles, but rode a rigid fork for 2 years because every suspension fork I tried felt like it was some kind of cheap plastic spring. They flexed, creaked, and felt bad when bottomed out or the tire left the ground. The Z2 atom bomb isn't super light at 3.9 lbs, but it soaks up small and large bumps so well that you forget it's there. It's worth every penny and ounce. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michal Mikler
a Downhiller
from vancouver baby
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | nicoles pole | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | plush travel, smooth considering im only 14 and weigh 120, bam arch, travel | | Weaknesses: | damping knobs broke off too easily, combined z1 with bottom of z2 for more travel,hehe, works like a baby | | Similar Products Used: | rock shocks sid race , surprisingly | | Bike Setup: | Norco bigfoot, xt components, rhyno lite rims awesome | | Bottom Line: | its a decent shock, pretty expensive new though, way better than sus-fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | plush, adjustable | | Weaknesses: | heavy, tops out, seals suck, not enough travel | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox judy sl | | Bike Setup: | santa cruz heckler w/ rock shock super deluxe | | Bottom Line: | this is a very plush shock. but for its weight, you don't get much travel in return. it tops out like crazy too. i ride pretty damn hard and was told these shocks are practically indestructable. well, not for me... i just blew a seal out for the 4th time! i even had the thing sent back to the manufacture to be rebuilt with new seals and bearings after the 3rd time. i think it's time for me to retire this puppy and give manitou a shot! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Graydon
a Cross Country Rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Bottom Line: | I've owned a pair of Marzocchi shocks for approximately 2 years. I recently took them apart for their annual oil change and seal inspection/replacement. When I removed the Hydraulic Cartridge, I discovered it was cracked up the side. I was not surprised to hear that my forks were out of warrantee and that the replacement part would cost me almost $300.
I would not recommend Marzocchi shocks to anyone. I recommend everyone with Marzocchi shocks to inspect them carefully (inside & out) prior to the end of the one year warrantee.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Young
a Weekend Warrior
from Ft. Collins Colorado USA
Date Reviewed: May 14, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Green Mountain, Thunder Valley DS | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Absorbs everything, easy to adjust, responsive | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Bike Setup: | Dual Slalom racing | | Bottom Line: | The best fork out, period | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Howard Chan
a Cross Country Rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | plush, comfortable, easy to tune, very good & sensitive dampening and rebound, good steering rigidity, predictable fork action | | Weaknesses: | might be a bit heavy for the weight conscious racer or rider. | | Similar Products Used: | RST | | Bottom Line: | Good x-country fork, although my fork travel is only is 63.5mm, it still provide good suspension and dampening.
Good fork from a reputable company. Should not worry getting this brand | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Morgan Hill, CA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Henry Coe South | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Super smooth travel. Excellent dampening control. Top notch construction/workmanship. Classic Marzocchi. | | Weaknesses: | Only 70mm travel. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy | | Bottom Line: | I'm giving this thing 5 flaming heaps of dung. I'd have liked a little more travel, but the 70mm of travel you do get with this fork is super smooth. I weigh 190, and the stock springs weren't quite right. They were rated for riders between 150 and 180 pounds, or so. After upgrading to the stiffer springs through Marzocchi, I've got perfection. I can't bottom this fork out. Pricepoint sold me this thing for only $250 too, so 5 flaming dung patties for value too... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ED Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from England
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | extremely plush and good adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | tad heavier than some, but performance cancels that out. | | Similar Products Used: | Rs judy sl | | Bike Setup: | LX XT rock lobster with mavic x 517 | | Bottom Line: | very cool good for every type of single track conditions not good for jumpers and downhillers but that is quite obvious not good for weight freaks but exelent for someone that enjoys good handling and quality.won't rust! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Silver 23
a Weekend Warrior
from Amsterdam The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Lago di Garda in Italy -Bike Festival- | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Butter smooth suspension
Nice white colour
Adjustability | | Weaknesses: | Damping knob breaks off too easy
Too bulky looks
Too heavy fork
It will leak oil within a year
it is NOT a stiff Fork, even the Rock Shox Quadra is stiffer! | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Quadra
Rock Shox MAG 21
Rock Shox JUDY SL Current Fork! | | Bike Setup: | used on a GT Bravado LE with GTX III tubing XT setup with Mavic Ceramic rims and Ritchey add ons. | | Bottom Line: | This Fork works great, if this is your first fork you made a pretty good choice. But in due time you will find some shortcomings. Nevertheless no reason for not bying it.
This fork will not bottom out on you, I tried hard to get it to bottom out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew Stitt
a
from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date Reviewed: March 7, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | a sweet single track full of mud | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | They entire unit is quick reponding, smooth travel and enjoys punishment. If the shock was any better God himself would have made it. | | Weaknesses: | ??? none. | | Similar Products Used: | Z3's | | Bike Setup: | Orxz Gold 4000 frame. XT front and rear with LX brakes, hubs and cranks. | | Bottom Line: | Save your money and but this shock. I bought it used so it is two years old and it shows no sign of fatigue. If you buy a pair of Indy's thinking you will save money your wrong. The Z2 is worht the weight and price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Whitlock
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethesda, MD, U.S
Date Reviewed: February 29, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | anything on the East Coast | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Plush. the kind of plush that makes you want to go riding in the rain, just to feel the fork work. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | jett C, Marzocchi DH-3, judy XC | | Bike Setup: | Cannondale Caad3, XT,LX, Azonic | | Bottom Line: | Buy this fork. it has great seals, works well, and feels like it has more travel than 80mm.Oh- and it looks like a million bucks.I do not cre what anyone says about weight. its travel is soo sweet that I would take it over any SID, SX carbon or air fork anyday. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M N
a Cross Country Rider
from Vancouver, BC, CANADA
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Route 69 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This fork was absolutely awesome. It had the plushness I wanted, nothing was gonna rust, and adjustability was excellent. | | Weaknesses: | I have ONE small complaint: The rebound adjuster is kinda hard to use sometimes. | | Similar Products Used: | Indy XC | | Bike Setup: | Trek 8500 - LX, XT, Hayes Disc f/b | | Bottom Line: | Couldn't be better for the performance, weight, and adjustability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve danyo
a
from seoul + atlanta + san fran
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | all steep singletrack descents | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | smooth, strong, easily maintained, stiff, not an air shock | | Weaknesses: | none (and I find fault in everything), although perhaps it's not the best choice for top-level XC racing (and other such forms of road cycling). But that's not a weakness! | | Similar Products Used: | 1999/98 SID, EFC, 1998 Z-1 BAM, 1999 Z-1 BAM, 1999 Z-1 Drop-off, Stratos MX-6, Amp F-2, Mag 21, rigid | | Bike Setup: | KHS Team w/ '99 Z-2 BAM (3"), and now swappable with a '98 Z-1 BAM (4") for certain applications | | Bottom Line: | I'm evaluating the 1999 Z-2 BAM. Great value, great quality, plushness, strong, reliable but serviceable, adjustors actually do something, steel springs, oil bath, good seals, stiff, no air.
Although you can race on it, and do well, it's not a full-on XC race fork. Don't evaluate it as one. If you want to win your XC races, prepare to shell out the bucks for something lighter that merely takes some of the edge off most of the silly, groomed XC courses. If you ride rough trails and want more control, less flex, more durability and more useable travel, and you are mating the fork to a hardtail or a short-travel rear suspension frame, then the Z-2 (or 4" Z-1) is the way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mossy
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz CA
Date Reviewed: January 26, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Silky smooth stroke - always a good thing
Precise steering
Clean, detailed all-alloy construction | | Weaknesses: | Heavier than Judy/Englund combo it replaces
Could use more travel
Pogos during out-of saddle climbing (what plush fork wont?) | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou SX-E
Judy XC
Mag 20
| | Bike Setup: | Klein hardtail w/Answer Bodyshock post, XT all around | | Bottom Line: | Very sweet stuff. The fork's lateral stiffness, smooth compression and rebound, and (what should be) durable construction makes any weight penalty negligible.
I was a tad disappointed in the amount of travel -- I didnt realize how much more my Judy/Englund setup had -- but the quality of the Z2s 70 mm nearly makes up for it. No harsh bottoming, and the fork works equally well on small and big hits alike.
I've only had the fork a few weeks, so I'll re-post if anything blows up. At $239 from Supergo, the Z2 alloy is a very sweet deal. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Warner
a Cross Country Rider
from Newcastle, UK
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Hamsterley Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Very rigid, tracks well with a smooth action. Pre-load & damping easy to set. Open bath system means little servicing required, even with the UKs mudfests - good mud clearance too. | | Weaknesses: | Almost too plush. Heavy. | | Similar Products Used: | Pace Evo II, Rock Shox Judy Race | | Bike Setup: | Kona Kula, XT/XTR | | Bottom Line: | Having riden friends bikes with the Pace & Rock Shox forks, I'd say only the Pace comes close to this for performance. Whether its XC, singletrack or gnarly downhill, these forks seem to cope with it all, and come back for more. I'm a fat biffer and I've only bottomed them out once.... Wouldn't hesitate to recommend them, and would spec them on any future purchases. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Plymouth
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | CAMBA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Plush and wonderful to ride. I had a RS that came with my Schwinn. It functioned. That's about all I can say about that. The Z2 Bam on the other hand allows me to ride faster with more cofidence that I won't loose control of the bike from equipment failior. If I go down, I want it to be my fault, not the bikes. Great shock. I recomend it to anyone looking for a fork upgrade. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thanassis Manias
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece
Date Reviewed: January 14, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | easy to adjust,unbreakable, excellent tracking, hot looks | | Weaknesses: | just heavy, but who cares? | | Similar Products Used: | xc600 xc700 judy sl | | Bike Setup: | mongoose VRS-3 full XT, Control-tech bars, Kore seatpost,flite saddle and other race worthy specs. | | Bottom Line: | Marzocchi is a pioneer! When the bomber was launched no one was using the open bath technology. Now almost all of the forks are using the same technology. Marzocchi is 2 or 3 years ahead of its time! If you want an honest fork and you don't worry about the weight, THIS is the fork for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny Mccormick
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 26, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Don River (Jigga what!!!) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Silky smooth,
Responsive,
Good looks,
Stiff. | | Weaknesses: |
No disc brake tab,
A little heavier than my desire. | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy,
Huffy rigid. | | Bike Setup: |
'98 GT Avalanche with XT, LX. | | Bottom Line: | I can't complain cuz it's better than what I had to put up with. But they could have made it a little lighter and with a disc brake tab. I live in the northeast and disc brake is a must up here. But unsurpassed ride and handling earns this fork 5 chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ZER0
a Cross-Country Rider
from NM
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
nice paint and stickerscrown boltsdisc brake mounts | | Weaknesses: |
Pricehard to adjust
require tools to adjust dampingless adjustability than a judy heavier and easier to break because they contain more parts than other forksstictionlow quality feel of travelthey are a high maintenence fork which require a dealer to service them | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox SID
Rock Shox Judys
Manitou SX | | Bike Setup: |
trek | | Bottom Line: | Marzocchi Bombers are for stupid people who like to buy foreign made euro-trash because it costs an arm and a leg and makes them think their bikes are better.. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wayne
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lawrenceville, GA
Date Reviewed: December 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Well built
Well Engineered | | Weaknesses: |
Should include all parts neccesary for installation | | Similar Products Used: |
Rigid
RS Quad 21R | | Bike Setup: |
Giant ATX 880 | | Bottom Line: | Can't comment on long term yet. Noticeably stronger, less flexy, that Q21R. Tracks incredibly well. Doesn't require constant attention to stay on the trail like the Q21R. Very plush over roots, rocks, washboard, etc. Looking forward to cold weather riding. This thing won't turn into a 2X4 when the temp drops. My ONLY gripe - purchased this fork from supergo, it was shipped in a plastic bag inside of a supergo box - no manual, no star nut, nothing but packaging filler and a supergo catalog. I don't know if this is Marzocchi or supergo, but a fork like this should come with the star nut and the bracket to allow the use of canti's. The Easton steerer tube ID is smaller than a CR-MO but larger than other alloy steerers. None of the local bike shops had a star nut that would fit as-is. Star nuts for CR-MO steerers were too large and would break during install, alloy versions would drop right through the steerer. Finally had to use a bench grinder on a CR-MO star nut to get something that would work. Not a major pain but how difficult would it be for the M guys to throw a $2 star nut in the bag with the fork ? I switched to V brakes because the special bolt-on hanger bracket for canti's couldn't be found. This bracket should also be included when you buy the fork. Overall - great product - poor packaging/marketing/sales execution. 5 flaming cats for the fork - subtract 1 for poor packaging/marketing/sales execution. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
lcunnion
a Weekend Warrior
from usa
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
absolutely gorgeous when set up with my maguras...the crown, the brake arch, and my brake booster create this real piece of art. so lovely.adjustable with cnc machined controls (no plastic here!)works like a charm.marzocchi will swap out the crown and steerer to accomodate 1 headsetsnow i can pump my bike a few inches higher into the air than i could with my rigid | | Weaknesses: |
I could have gotten the z.2 x-fly from supergo for only $30 more than what i had paid for it. ($229). that really eats away at me at night.5mm of negative travel sometimes makes me question if i have my headset/stem/steerer mounted right. it jiggles...it's heavy, but i feel safer with its industrial strength qualitydecals are a bit garish. i kind of like the simplicity of the 99 judys decals. | | Similar Products Used: |
judy c (demo'd)
and my rigid cro-mo fork | | Bike Setup: |
94 stumpjumper
ritchy headset
magura hs33
specialized/bontrager/lx 32 hole wheels soon to be upgraded to mavic121/irc missle/xt 36 holes | | Bottom Line: | well for $229 you get a really nice fork (won't say the best in the price range since 99 z.2 x-fly is stupidly low priced at supergo) but i keep trying to convince myself that coil & oil is better for me.
the fork is gorgeous and pleasantly adjustable. right now, i've the preload and dampening set really progressively so as to make it almost as firm as rigid on small bumps but swallow up all the big bumps. you're headed for a large object, you pass over it, then you have to look back to make sure it wasn't just a figment of your imagination - that's how well it handles shocks.
also - kudos to marzocchi for making it possible to run a competative shock with a 1 head tube.
i just called them up and they told me to send in the crown and they sent me the parts i needed.
i'm not sure if swapping crowns is possible with the 2000 line though - it seems that everything is getting pressed into one piece these days - the 1&1/8 hegemony continues... ah well, one day, when i can afford a new bike that i like, i will be assimilated. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chico
a Weekend Warrior
from Mildenhall,East Anglia
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Thetford Forrest | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong,oohhhh so plush
excellent traking | | Weaknesses: |
NONE,weight doesn't matter when it is this good | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: |
Trek 7000,
Avid 2.0 levers and AR 50's
Time Aliums
Panaracer Fire XC Pro's 2.1
Titec Berzerker DH KTI | | Bottom Line: | This fork ...what can you say that hasn't been said allready. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Nanaimo
Date Reviewed: November 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
oakridge | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
plush
stiff
can take a beating | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Z3 lites, girvin chubbys, Z2 atom bombs | | Bike Setup: |
Kona Kula
Z2 Bam
Sun mammoth rims with kujo's
XTR levers with LX brakes | | Bottom Line: | I have had these forks for a year now, and i have never had any problems. I have beat the snot out of these forks, i have done 6 foot wheelie drops and they don't let out a whimper. These are great shocks, but i think its time to get a Z1 QR-20 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: November 9, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Plush | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy
Oil seals | | Similar Products Used: |
Cannondale Headshok
RockShox Quadra | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Obed hardtail | | Bottom Line: | I ride this bike 90% on pavement (hey, I live in the city.) Two months after I own this fork, I notice alot of oil all over the left leg. I take it back to my bike shop, and the owner says, oh this happens constantly, it's a problem Marzocchi had with this fork for quite a while ... the oil seals constantly break. I'm like, is it under warranty? The owner says, we used to think so, but then Marzocchi stopped reimbursing us. She suggested I pay for the labor and the seals ($40.00) and contact Marzocchi about having them reimburse me. I wrote a letter to Marzocchi and never got a response. So I'm out 40 bucks and I'm stuck with a fork that may spring a leak again. Kind of sad that such a reputable company like Marzocchi would basically just ignore their customer's letter. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Darren B
a Cross-Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
MN River bottoms | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
PLUSH!!!
Stiff
Bomb-proof | | Weaknesses: |
Weight (?) | | Similar Products Used: |
RS Quadra 5 w/Mtn Springs
Marzocchi XC 700
Girvin
Duotrack fork | | Bike Setup: |
Caloi Team XC
Z2 Bomber
XT everything
Sun Rims
Sachs Shifters
RS Seatpost | | Bottom Line: | Thai is an improvement over my blown-up XC 700. VERY plush and stiff. This is probably NOT the for for weight weenies, but being a clydesdale myself, I am more worried about blowing up my fork than weight. This is bombproof... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bria
a Cross-Country Rider
from Orono
Date Reviewed: September 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Sweet singletracks anywhere | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Insanely strong, extremely responsive, easy adjustments
PPLLUUSSHH!!
Quick around corners and stiff as can be | | Weaknesses: |
none yet (knock on wood) | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou (nice ride too) SX-R
Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: |
Gary Fisher Supercaliber
XT/XTR Drivetrain | | Bottom Line: | Incredible fork. I have loved every minute on it. It is quick, responsive, and insanely easy to adjust even on the fly. I have not had a single complaint about it thus far.It takes big bumps well, small bumps quickly and everything else like a dream. I would prefer this fork over any rock shox fork hands down, and like it much better than the head shock. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris Graulich
a Downhiller
from lebanon,PA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
douges casm | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Takes a lot of obuse.
Hard to break! | | Weaknesses: |
Bad seals. Not good for big air such as a 20 foot jump over a creek. | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou pro c , Rock shox judy sl | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn mesa gsx hard tail | | Bottom Line: | Its an all around good fork. I was able to pull a second place agianst all full suspensions in a downhill on it. But the bottom line is keep it strictly for cross country or you will be buying a triple clamp fork like me. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy Z.
a Cross-Country Rider
from Slovakia
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Small-Carpathian Mountains | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
downhills, stability | | Weaknesses: |
maintenance, oil-leak | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Carvemaster | | Bottom Line: | After 2 years of heavy use I had problems only with oil sealings - but on the other hand the service-cost are quite low. But the fork still meets my expectations. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a Racer
from Downers Grove, IL
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Mystic trail, Sedona, AZ. | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Increadibly adjustible, stout design, very forgiving, low maintenance. Saves my ass when I take a bad line. | | Weaknesses: |
None, too strong for that. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock shox indy, judy, That ol' Girven thing. | | Bike Setup: |
GT zaskar. Crap crank, Grip shift, syncros, nuke proof wheels. | | Bottom Line: | This fork lets me ride faster. I can take harsher, sloppier lines, without fatalities. This means riding harder in the singletrak. This fork saved me it's price in hospital bills the first week I had it. Of course, I'm talking about the atom bomb. As a Mechanical Engineer I can respect the design and function of this machine. As for the weight, it's all in the aluminum sliders, which is where I want it. If this fork ever dies I will only buy another atom bomb. I would rather ride rigid than ride any other fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeremy
a Cross-Country Rider
from Plymouth, NH
Date Reviewed: August 27, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Strong as hell
Incredibly Forgiving
Sexy looking (Chicks dig the bomber)
Best riding fork I've ever had | | Weaknesses: |
A little heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Judy SL
Marzocchi Z3 | | Bike Setup: |
Custom Merlin Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | The ride makes up for the weight ten times over. After getting used to this for I'll never ride a rock shox again. I just moved back to New Hamshire after a winter of soft sand and flat land in MA. The other day I was reacclimating myself to the rocks and roots of the north, and as I descended a nice winding single track, I couldn't stop thinking about how great my Z2 was working. Beautiful! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross-Country Rider
from El Paso, Texas
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Durability, unbreakable, tough,
adjustability | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
Kona Pahoehoe, Z2, chris kingk, esp 9.0 sl | | Bottom Line: | The fork save from major crashes as a begginer, now i had it set up at it's max, many people say it's to heavy, that doesn't matter at all, because of what you get, buy it if you don't want to have any problem. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JR
a Cross-Country Rider
from CO
Date Reviewed: August 10, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
like I'd tell you... | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
motoX technology
oil/coil
super adjustable
plush
bombproof!! | | Weaknesses: |
whaaa?!?!?! | | Similar Products Used: |
99 Z2 A-Bomb
RS 98 Judy/AC
97 SX-Ti | | Bike Setup: |
S.C. Chameleon
SRAM 9.0
XTR
King | | Bottom Line: | This fork is the best fork I have ever ridden. It is the only fork that has grabbed my attention from the get go. Barely had to adjust it (but I did). If you want the lightest bike, go buy a SID. When it breaks (remember that racers are FUNDED/SPONSORED), cry and check your couch for pennies and collect them. When the penny jar weighs more than you, buy a freakin' Marzocchi. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
NH dude
a Racer
from New hampshire
Date Reviewed: August 5, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
0077 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
very stiff
adjustable
smooth travel
looks | | Weaknesses: |
little heftier than my RS | | Similar Products Used: |
indy c and judy T2 | | Bike Setup: |
stumpy 98
scott pedals
z2
team control and master tires @ 221 mavic | | Bottom Line: | great fork smooths out everything i can ride stuff so much smoother now. people complain about the weight but you know how much it weighs when u bought it so then why did u buy
it great cross country fork for race day and everyday | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rastafrank
a Cross-Country Rider
from IL
Date Reviewed: August 1, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
secret trail | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
rigidity
plushness
durability
adjustibility | | Weaknesses: |
weight minus one star | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shock judys | | Bike Setup: |
96 team lts 96 z2 | | Bottom Line: | Mine is over three years old, 2nd owner,has seen lots of mileage and it rides as plush as the new ones.I had the travel upped to 75 mm and added some medium speed bomb springs max oil height and I weigh 200 pounds(just reference for those adjusting the spring rate). I have had the seals replaced once. Changing the oil twice a year is all the maintenace thats performedThe fork has been in the dusty desert of phoenix for 2 years and has spent a year in the midwest snow and mud. I ride all year round and this fork has never let me down.The bottom line is this is the toughest fork period. That's what comes with the weight. The weight is ok for trail riders, but for cross country racers its too heftythats all | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Strong.
Adjustable springy thingy.
Green. | | Weaknesses: |
$500.00 on sale?
That's the ONLY thing that sucks about Canada | | Similar Products Used: |
slinkies of ranging tube thicknesses | | Bike Setup: |
stumpy, rhino lites, 636's, LX/XT, bontrager, blackspire, a bent seatpost from sears, and panaracer. | | Bottom Line: | They haven't failed yet. If your wife will let you, go now, and buy some. If they are used and you don't know the guy, don't buy them. Most people, like me I'm sure, have TRIED to break these forks. They make a lot of noise when they bottom out, like, so what? The posers won't like this fork because it weighs too much and doesn't match their spandex or power bar squeezy liquid thingies. The stickers will scratch too, so wrap the fork legs in light weight protecto tape (sold at all your favorite shops for about $16.00/ft) before you do something you'll regret.Great fork. Stay tuned for winter update | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross-Country Rider
from Pleasanton, CA
Date Reviewed: June 24, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Pleasanton Ridge,Purisima Creek, Mission Peak | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
plush,active,adjustability,strength,smooth travel,mud clearance,looks,reputation, | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou Pro, RST | | Bike Setup: |
Marin hard-tail, Marzocchi Bomber Z2!! | | Bottom Line: | What a ride! I cannot put into words the fun I've had with this fork. This fork is adustable in every way possible. The smooth travel allows me to float over sections that I would be cautious at before. Even on the climb, small ruts, rocks and roots are hardly noticeable. I heard alot about the weight, but I'll tell you, the only time I noticed the weight was when I was installing the fork. The quality, durability, and all the features of the fork more than make up for the extra .7 pound it weighs. Whatever fork you have now, dump it and go for a Marzocchi any of them... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DP
a Cross-Country Rider
from Lowell MA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
'Nam or Bow Ridge | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
tough and smooooth | | Weaknesses: |
Steerer tube pinch bolts | | Similar Products Used: |
Most of the popular cross country forks | | Bike Setup: |
Litespeed Owl Hollow hardtail,XTR,RaceFace, Z2 Bomber | | Bottom Line: | Been beating this fork up pretty good for a few years now, putting in 2 or 3 days a week in the winter and 5 or 6 the rest of the year, the more technical the better. Put in some heavy springs (I'm only 165 lbs, but kinda aggressive) and replaced the seals and oil a few times when they needed it. I've got a ton of friends that ride, so I get to try out a lot of different forks, and the only one that comes close to the level of performance and durability seems to be the White Bros. Manitou flat out s*cks. RockShox are OK if you can stand replacing damping cartridges once a month. The only major problem I had with my Bomber was snapping the steerer tube pinch bolts (twice). Finally replaced the entire crown with the newer press fit model; that should solve that problem. Anyway, I'd recommend the Bomber to anyone looking to buy a high performance fork for heavy use, especially with the new models being quite a bit lighter and coming with the press fit steerer crown stock. Zokes rule. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cmd
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greece
Date Reviewed: June 16, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
PLUSH, stiff, super low maintainance, cheap(here in Greece), European product | | Weaknesses: |
Heavy | | Similar Products Used: |
Indy XC, Manitou Spyder-R, RST Mozo, Judy XC/SL, | | Bike Setup: |
Hardtail | | Bottom Line: | This is the best performing fork ever! One year of hard ridding and is as good as new. I only change its oil once every 5 or 6 months and that's it. It has superb low speed sensitive and gets harder as you speed up. It realy helps you go faster. The only problem is its weight. If you want the lightest try something else (maybe a Super Fly), if you want the best, it's the Z2. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Beaverton, OR
Date Reviewed: June 11, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Porcupine Rim | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Bottom Line: | This fork is so smooth - just awesome all around. Stiff and supple on the little bumps, and begs to be slammed in corners. As a 210 lb rider one good dump before the ride and I've lost more weight than the difference between these real forks and toy SIDs. Zokes rock! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Yummy
a Cross-Country Rider
from VA
Date Reviewed: June 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Any | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Takes big bumps well, fairly plush ride | | Weaknesses: |
Stiction, lots of it. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Mag21 | | Bike Setup: |
'99 GT Avalanche, LX/XT | | Bottom Line: | The fork takes big bumps very well. Almost spoils you. But it's insensitive to smaller bumps, regardless of preload. Perhaps its my weight (I weigh only 165lbs), but either way, the fork actually rides and lifts the front end of my bike over small bumps rather than absorbing them. I had a Mag21 before, and it was much more sensitive to smaller bumps. Also, the stiction on this fork is just awful. This probably has a lot to do my main problem with this fork. The fork's weight doesn't help much either. Two chilis. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gar
a Cross-Country Rider
from Kitchener
Date Reviewed: June 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
plush, way cool | | Weaknesses: |
a bit on the porky side | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
Z 2 with the heavy spring kit | | Bottom Line: | If you weight more than 175, get the heavy spring kit or you will think this fork is way too plush. I had a lot of bobbing on uphills, especially out of the saddle climbs. It still bobbed with the preload and damping maxed out. No problems after the heavy springs were added.Great fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Delaware
Date Reviewed: June 7, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
adjustability,
stable steering,
solid design | | Weaknesses: |
unknown | | Similar Products Used: |
none | | Bike Setup: |
hardtail Cannondale build-up | | Bottom Line: | As a novice mountainbiker, I wanted a fork that could work for me as I develop and increase my riding ability. This fork is a '99 Z-2 BAM. As a 200 pound rider I am still comfortable with the stock springs adjusted to 12 out of 16 revolutions on the preload settings. It works well considering I haven't dropped off any cliffs yet. Steering is stiff with the 3.5 inches of travel. I haven't become a fanatical rider yet, although I can envision it. This fork should take me far. Does anybody really care if this fork weighs a half pound more than some others. I like this fork. Having raced motorcycles and worked with suspensions, I feel that it is a quality product at a moderate price. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross-Country Rider
from Durango, Colorado
Date Reviewed: May 30, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
anything above 6000' | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Plush, Plush, Plush, Plush | | Weaknesses: |
this for has no weaknesses | | Similar Products Used: |
RockShox Judy XC
Rockshox Judy SL | | Bike Setup: |
Cannonwhale m500 (ol curdler) all XTR phatty shiz. | | Bottom Line: | RockShox makes lousy little snapping weenie forks. This is the best fork money can buy.. It's not uncommon for us to get 5000+ of downhilling in a day here, and this is the only fork that i've tried that leaves me wanting to go right back to the top.. Big Hits are a pleasure.. Weight concerns are for little sissies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Cross-Country Rider
from parsippany, nj
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
the torn | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
butter smotth travel, unlimited tunability, better than tha rest | | Weaknesses: |
long break in period | | Similar Products Used: |
manitou carbon pro, rock shox judy xl, judy xc | | Bike Setup: |
schwinn s.20 fully modified | | Bottom Line: | this fork beats out any other fork out on the market in its travel range...its the best for small and big bumps...i only bottomed this thing out once when dropping 4 feet...its a helluva lot better than the indy xc that came w/ the bike! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: May 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Rigidity, Plushness, Adjustability | | Weaknesses: |
Weight, but if your not racing, what does a little extra mean when you get so much? | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou Pro | | Bike Setup: |
Klein Pulse Pro | | Bottom Line: | After a year of harding riding by a 200 lber, the fork is a sweet as ever. Before I got it, I would go down at least once a week while riding hard on my old fork. Since I got it, I only go down when I make a mistake. Fork saved my bacon a few times too. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Miguel
a Cross-Country Rider
from NYC
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Blue Mountain (so far) | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Its all good! | | Weaknesses: |
The earth below my fork! | | Similar Products Used: |
I don't care about what I've tried before, and neither will you. | | Bottom Line: | It's amazing I forget that I'm on a trail. They should name it the Super Z. Point and go. All should be armed with guns like these. 3 months so far and theres no stopping me. One recommondation try stiffening up the adjustments when on hard pack and you'll stick llike glue. The super glue shock. I've wasted to much time writing and your wasting to much time reading. GO GET ONE! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross-Country Rider
from N.Ontario
Date Reviewed: May 14, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
used for slightly over a month | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
-stiff
-responsive, plush, whatever...
-tough
-adjustable | | Weaknesses: |
-a bit heavy, but an extra pound doesn't bother me too much | | Similar Products Used: |
-'97 Judy XC (awful fork0
-'96 Quad 21 R (better than the Judy, but not by much) | | Bike Setup: |
blizzard, z.2 alloy | | Bottom Line: | Great fork. Moving from a Judy XC to a Z.2 offers a world of difference as far as performance goes. The bomber is soooo much more responsive and stiff. It really does make pre-99 Judy's look like toys. It's not as easy to rebuild as a Judy, but the rebuilds are so infrequently needed for a bomber that it really doesn't matter a whole helluva lot. I just did my first oil change after about a month on the trails, after the first oil change you can wait a lot longer in between subsequent ones. The alloy shares the identical internals, adjuster knobs, damper, and arch with the higher end z.2's with the exception of its crown and lowers. Works out to be marginally heavier. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Racer
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: April 30, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
2.5 inches of butta' smooth travel | | Weaknesses: |
none. period. | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox Judy XC | | Bottom Line: | I could never get my Judy to perform the way I felt it should. Speed Springs, Risse cartridge, didn't help much. The Atom Bomb is the best controlled, most plush fork you can buy. To the folks out there who have trouble working on them - its not as hard as it seems. I completely disassembled mine and rebuilt it in less than 30 minutes when the seals blew. Marzocchi sent new seals under warranty. Apparently they had a run of bad oil seals on some of the early forks. Even when they leak they work perfect!! I couldn't say the same for a Judy with a blown cartridge. Trust me - this is the best fork on the market. Why do you think Rock Shox switched to a similar design ?!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross-Country Rider
from purcellville, va
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
durable, good tunability | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
white bros sc 90 | | Bike Setup: |
rocky mountain altitude | | Bottom Line: | best thing about this fork is there is no stiction to overcome. you can set the fork up stiffer because of this and get a trully incredible ride that will eat-up any trail. try stiffening yours up and rip it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dale
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore, Md.
Date Reviewed: April 24, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | Best upgrade I made to my Bike. Now this is a Fork that performs!!! Had a Rock Shock Judy XC and I could never get it dialed in to perform the way I thought a Shock should. Tried putting in Speed Springs and Judy Buttered the sucker constantly, but nothing seemed to work. Got the Zoke, put in Heavy Springs (I'm 210 lbs.), and now my bike Screams!!! Noticed a big difference down hill as well as climbs. Overall bike handling improved tremendously. Even cornering improved. The fork is smoooooooth and plush. Trust me, you will never notice the added weight in this fork. What you will notice is that instantly you become a better rider. This fork ROCKS!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Bottom Line: | Amendment #1 to initial review below. Regardless of my difficulties in installing/swapping out my springs (I'm a better person for it), this is the best damn fork out there. Yes, it's a tad obese, but the difference in stiffness and smoothness should convert even the biggest (smallest?) of the Weight Weenies. The dual rate spring kit is high recommended. There may only be 2.5 of travel, but the quality and plushness more than make up for the lack of quantity.Sean | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross-Country Rider
from Milton Keynes (UK)
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Adjustment that works. | | Weaknesses: |
Weight | | Similar Products Used: |
Sia, Judies, Quadras | | Bike Setup: |
Kona Lava Doom | | Bottom Line: | Unbeatable value for money. Stiff and responsive. The on the fly adjustment really works. As I said to my mates: I'm not fiddling these nobs for my own joy this make a difference. The preload and re-bound adjustment make setting this for quickly to suit what ever you ride a sinch. Their only fault, a bit chubby, but you'll love anyway... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago, IL
Date Reviewed: April 9, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Palos | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff as granite, ultra-adjustable, plush like a phat booty | | Weaknesses: |
Wee bit hefty, tough to work on yourself | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy SL, Indy SL, Girvin | | Bike Setup: |
Jamis Dakota - z2 (duh) - Thudbuster Quadrapivot - misc. other goodies | | Bottom Line: | Don't get me wrong, I love this fork. If Marzocchi could shave some girth off this bad boy, it would stand alone as the best XC fork out there. My other issue is a rider's ability to service the fork themself (at home, with the usual bike/standard tools). I recently upgraded to the dual rate springs (nice), but they were a bear to get in there (RS always seemed much easier). I suggest letting your favorite wrench do it. Unfortunately, depending on where you live, they end up sending it to Marzocchi anyway. Unless your shop is saving you dough on shipping/handling etc., I suggest just calling the Company directly and dealing with them. In the meantime, I've got it set up the way I want it and hopefully there will mininal downtime going forward! The above said, it's a great product at the end of the day. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave
a Racer
from napaCA
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
skyline racetrail | | Duration Product Used: |
tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: |
fork is stiff as a boner and as supple as a motorcyle fork | | Weaknesses: |
it weighs too much for gram counters | | Similar Products Used: |
manitou fs, girvin vector 2,indy C, porsche votec, rigid cromo. | | Bike Setup: |
Porsche Bike S, full XTR drivetrain, DX brakes, irc tires, Votec fork,Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | If you seek full speed downhills or on the single track this for is for you, If your a F U C K I N idiot and you go to the shop every weekend to weigh your bike, this fork isn't for you | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jumper
a Cross-Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: March 25, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
San Juan | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
Will go through anything | | Weaknesses: |
They don't come on all bikes | | Similar Products Used: |
POS JUDY, Manitou sx | | Bike Setup: |
Schwinn Moab Red Bullet | | Bottom Line: | I pick no lines. This thing feels damned good in the air. But one now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Mosier
a weekend warrior
from MD
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I spec'd this fork with my 1997 Jamis Dakar. The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is the best performing XC fork I have ever tried. I used to race expert motocross for 11 years and this is the only XC fork that compares to the performance of decent motocross bike. The fork is easy to set up, very rigid and allows for exceptional tracking. You can fly downhill and not worry about flex or poor response. This fork will save you on big hits. I keep hearing people complain about the 4lb weight. Get a life and hold off eating your next Big Mac. Lose a pound yourself and enjoy the best riding XC fork on the market. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MOUNTAIN GOPHER
a cross-country rider
from copiague n.y.
Date Reviewed: March 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
just spent my entire income tax refund doing about $1600.00 worth of upgrades to my hardtail.one of the best was getting a Z2 BAM.after initial break in ( 2 hours of trail riding ) i could no longer feel any of the big hits.this thing has 3 inches of buttery ,plush ,smooth travel .the legs are very stiff for much better control on the single track ,no flex ! setup was a breez and those metal knobs on top actually do something.can't say that about rockshocks.should you decide to upgrade to disc brakes ,the mounts are already on the 99 .plan on keeping thes for several years.everyone talks about the extra weight of these shocks,but once you ride them , you really dont feel the difference.bought my ZOKES based on the positive stuff i read about them in here and other publications .trust me ,you won't be disappointed.best investment i ever made.there are not enough flames in here to describe how well thought out a =nd well made these shocks really are. TWO WORDS-----BUY THEM!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Minneapolis
Date Reviewed: March 4, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Under 4 pounds of pure plush front lovin' is the only way to describe this fork!!! My hardtail has a '97 Z2, which I just rebuilt, with over 2500 flawless and leak-less miles! No contaminated oil or interior damage. I've tested the SID and the SX-Ti, but they just don't have the plushness nor the tunability like the Zokes. I can't wait for my Z2 AtomBomb to be finished being painted red to match my Marin Mount Vision Pro, which has the new Manitou SX Carbon. The carbo has over 200 miles on it and still has too much stiction. I'll add .75 pounds to my 25 pound machine, but what the hell, I'm in it for the fun of it, not the WOW factor. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Squirrel
a racer
from Ohio
Date Reviewed: February 20, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is probably THE best performing fork on the market. The leaking oil is a problem though. A bit on the heavy side too. Still, the way this fork performs more than makes up for it's shortcomings. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Cratchet
a
from racer
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am so tired of these pro weenies who complain about weight. During the course of nearly every race I've done I've blown past one SID rider or another and just have to laugh. Its about time i i i i i i i i i i i i i ii ii i i i i | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Tucker
a cross-country rider
from Fayetteville, NC
Date Reviewed: February 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an update from my last review of June 4, 1998. My relationship with my Z2 is one of love/hate. I love the way it rides, but unfortunately, it has been sent back to Marzocchi three times. The first time, it was leaking. We sent it back and upgraded to the extra heavy coils. Then it rode fine, but shortly after going to Pisgah, NC, it began leaking again. We sent it back, and the tech informed the shop that he couldn't find the cause, but if it leaked on more time, they would replace it. Since then I have replaced the seals twice on my own. The rebound cartridge went out, so we replaced that. Between myself and Marzocchi, the fork has been rebuilt about six times in 14 months. It is now at Marzocchi being rebuilt...again, where they are saying that it is my fault because I have not been properly maintaining it. The seals blew this last time after my trip to Laguna Beach (that damn San Juan Trail). I'm not maintaining it properly? Excuse me, but my best friend is the head mechanic for his shop and I have probably rebuilt it almost as much as his SID. No thanks...where's the nearest Rock Shox dealer! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Bently
a downhiller
from Georgia
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
THIS FORK IS AWE INSPIRING! ALL OF ITS COMPONENTS ARE TOP OF THE LINE AND NEAR INDESTRUCTABLE! UNFORTUNATELY I AM ONLY ABLE TO GIVE IT A FIVE. I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS FORK! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthias
a racer
from Germany
Date Reviewed: January 27, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently purchased a GT Avalanche stocked with this fork. That was by far the best purchase of my entire life. In the past I had ridden on Sids---never again.
After blowing my oil dampener 3 times I decided it was time for a change. After reading good reviews of Marzocchi I decided to give them a try. They are superb. Their preformance is unsurpassed and they have the disk break tabs missing on Marzocchi's upper end forks. Buy Marzocchi, or no European racer will ever respect you. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a cross-country rider
from Chatham, Ontario
Date Reviewed: January 24, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have a Rocky Mountain Element Race that cam with a Z3. I broke a lower leg so I went with the Z2. What a great fork. Supperior plushness, and great rebound control. I am even impressed with their performance in the sub-zero temps. If you are thinking about getting a pair GET THEM!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Graham
a cross-country rider
from WA
Date Reviewed: January 10, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Bomber tread!? MY REAR POSTERIEUR! I caught a deal from Colorado Cyclelist
for my Z2... when i got it and installed it the perfromance made me feel like a could fall asleep while riding. As for oil leaks i have had no problems. However to those people who might own a 97 or younger bomber there is a very weak part at the point where the open bath meets the connection of the slider
leg. This has the possibility of causing problems if broken, or installed incorrectly. So if you experience oil leaks with a 97 or younger year bomber Z2
i'd look at your owner's manual to spot the possible trouble part. However other than this minor factory flaw (which i might add was refined in the 98-99 forks) the bomber is the best fork i have ever ridden. i give it a definite 5 chili's | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron Lloyd
a racer
from Canada
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
THis is the greatest fork ever! I race expert cross country, and I don't mind the weight. I am 115 pounds, and race a 26 pound bike, and am in top 5. Anybody who complains about weight sucks. This fork kicks, easy to service(you don't have to) great warrenty and the best ried quality ever. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brent
a cross-country rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These are the best forks around. You better learn how to change the oil seals yourself though. You don't want to have to deal with this company. I don't know about the people in Italy, but the people in this country are incompetent to say the least. DO NOT SEND YOU FORK BACK TO THEM TO GET IT WORKED ON !!! Even if it is under warrenty. You have been warned. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed Ferrero
a cross-country rider
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: December 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had a SID, Found it to be flexy and unpredictable if it wasn't pumped rock solid with air. After some searching I found the Z2. Incredible!! This thing goes where you point it, be it fast down hills or nasty technical stuff. Soaks up stuff I would go around with the SID. I can't say enough about this fork.
10 chilis | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shadow
a cross-country rider
from Portland, OR
Date Reviewed: December 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I hope to NEVER mess with these again! The first one that I had shipped to me were leaking oil, so I sent it back, and in another 5 weeks, they sent me a new one which I put on. I've never been so uncomfortable on a fork as I was with that Bomber Z2! I switched to Rock Shox and now I'm more comfortable than I was with all the forks I've tried. Rock Shox are just plain THE BEST! (Atleast Judy XL's) which is what I have. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a cross-country rider
from Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Marzocchi builds the best fork; and that's it. I own a bike with Z2's on the front and they kick ass. Before, I had tried many other types of shocks. Everything from Rock Shox to Manitou. These forks were too rigid and choppy, they didn't have the same smoothness as the Marzocchi forks do. So what if Marzocchi's shocks weigh a little more, like it really matters in the end. The one thing I really admire about the Z2 is its damping cartridge, it's great. I also love the open oil bath design, which is the reason why these forks are so smooth and versatile. This is one fork where you actually get what you pay for (especially travel wise). This fork is strong, reliable, and built to last. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BillT
a cross-country rider
from Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Date Reviewed: November 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I love this fork ( '99 Z2 - polished)! I used to think that my Headshok equiped C-Dale (DD60 w/speed springs) was a great fork but the Bomber beats it hands down. More travel, much more plush (you really can't even compare the two in this area), and virtually the same stiffness. I love the ease of adjustablity with the fork. Weight, who really cares about a .5 to 1 pound when you have a fork that works so well. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a cross-country rider
from California
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
These things are the pitts. They are better than anything else I have ridden, but that doesn't make them good. Oil leak right out of the box. Xheavy springs that are just right for a 160 pounder. Then they developed a bunch of play. Sent in for repair and they lost them. Found them 2 weeks later, never read my letter. Replaced seals (what the hell for?!?) and sent wrong ones. The guys asked me if I would mind riding the other ones the sent. Fine by me, but then some other poor bastard out there doesn't have his forks. Shipped back, sent the right ones with new oil seals. Leaking oil wasn't the problem. Sent back again, they stroke me some more, yadda yadda yadda. The only way to be worse would be to deal with Rock Shox again. I wouldn't wish that upon anyone. When they work, they work ok at best. With the right springs and some tuning with oil height, they could be pretty nice. Service leaves a lot to be desired. Who is making a regular ridid fork for frames designed with front suspension in mind? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
al
a cross-country rider
from Santa Clara, CA
Date Reviewed: October 25, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my '98 Z2 for about six months now, and couldn't be happier. I really smashed it hard a couple of times on my last ride and it asked for more. If you weigh more than 190 get the heavy springs. Can't wait to stick a disk on it! Great stability... confidence inspiring... Great Fork!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a cross-country rider
from Kentucky
Date Reviewed: October 23, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just purchased the 99 Bomber Z2 (80mm or 3.1 travel)at NOC ($435 installed) while riding at Tsali last weekend. Rode all the trails for a total of 60 miles. The Z2 replaced a Rockshox Indy XC with long travel kit. It was like night and day compared to the Indy. Much better performance in all counts. The Indy was so flexy I used to saw the bars back and forth trying to stay on the trail. When I first rode with the Z2 I was running off the trail until I re-learned what flex-free steering precision was like. Jumping was effortless and soft. I guess the negative spring helps in popping the front end up and no harsh topping out clunk is felt. Travel and plushness perfectly complimented the rear suspension on my GT LTS-2. All in all I coudn't be happier with this forks performance or looks (polished model). How about 10 chilis! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
andy
a weekend warrior
from Victoria
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had this fork for the '98 summer and I was really impressed with it. My previous experience on forks include AMP F2, mag 21's and a Judy SL. This fork had little to be desired in the weight department but the reliability and performance was awesome. Now the '99 forks are coming out so I can't give this a full 5 chili's because now you can get the same performance in a lighter package so 4 chilis it is... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
cooldaddy
a cross-country rider
from OKC
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Awesome fork. My new bike came with a 89 Manitou SX Ti but in 6 months that fork was toast (tpc gone, stanchions gone) so I switched back to the Z2. It is so rigid and tracks so well, why did I even put with the SX??? I installed the aftermarked cartridge to control compression and that made it 100% tuneable. The bomber is worth the extra weight. 5 flaming peppers! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stephen Maeder
a cross-country rider
from UCLA
Date Reviewed: October 10, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Picked up a polished 98 z2 on clearance at supergo for $319. Without changing anything at all, it's perfect for me (6'0 173 lbs) and my riding style (hardcore singletrack with some trials mixed in). I can't believe how much stiffer and more accurate steering is over my old flexy quadra 21r... I flew through stuff with total confidence that really freaked me out before. Awesome fork! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sherman
a weekend warrior
from British Columbia, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had this for a long time. Pretty much ever since the thing came out. It has not had too many problems. The only thing I had to do to it was change out the springs so that I had heavy springs in it and I had to do an oil change. The seals are perfect and have not blown on me. I have rode it on all types of terrain and I love the plushness. The only problem I have had is with the crown bolts coming loose. They were real loose. I had a creak in it when I did an endo and I thought it was the head tube. I put some locktite on em and torqued them down and they are fine now. Probably at the present time it is going to be harder to get these forks but that is ok I am sure the new bombers are just as bombproof and plush as these first run models. The only complaint is the weight. I don't really notice it too much | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kusi Paskahousu
a racer
from Helsinki, Finland
Date Reviewed: September 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi. This fork is soooooooooo nice compared to my old Judy XC. I find I wipe out more now cause I don't mind the bumps and ride too fast. Never had this much fun with the old judy. Funny how rock shox are setting up the Judy line with oil for next year! My rocky mountain vertex is still a light bastard with this fork on it. 23 lbs!!!! No better xc/dh fork out there. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
biker
a racer
from Northeast
Date Reviewed: September 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Had a Z2 for about a year and a half. I wanted to increase my preload to get more actual travel so I got the heavy springs but that messed up the compression (not enough travel). So then I put a heavy spring in one leg and the stock (medium) spring in the other. Now it works even better than before (it was still awesome anyway). | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eddie
a cross-country rider
from euless,tx.
Date Reviewed: September 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
add me to the growing list of riders that are dumping their judys. got a 98 z-2
atom bomb, beautiful polished,that kicks judys ass hands down.went on a 15 mile
ride saturday after installing the fork friday night.i rode terrain that has
both rocky climbs and decents as well as cross country flats.this fork is really
da bomb.it handled everything i could throw at it.i was looking for rocks to
hit and roots to pound.this fork helps you keep a line no matter what.i never
even noticed the extra weight. this fork gets 10 stars!!!!!!!!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk wallace
a weekend warrior
from Marin County California
Date Reviewed: September 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had a Z2 for about a year now and I can say that they are the best perfroming shocks as far as absorbing bumbs smoothly and tracking at high speed. While they are heavy, the difference is only a few ounces and the trade off for most any one who isnt a climbing specialist cross country racer is more than worth it. The coil spring open bath is the best at responding to all types of bumps and does not have the rubbery feel of elasomer shocks or the stiction and lack of progressive feel of air shocks. They are the closet in terms of design to motorcycle shocks which are required to withstand far more severe conidtions and speeds. You cant go wrong with the Marzocchi. Your body will thank you every time you ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Bowersmith
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque, N.M
Date Reviewed: September 7, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
The Bomber Kicks Judy's ass! I have used Mag 21s, Judy SL and XC, Manitou Ti Springy thingy and nothing stacks up to or even comes close to my Bomber. Sure the Bomber ain't the lightest thing on the market, but at least it isn't weighed on the moon like some of Rock Shox products. Don't get me wrong Rock Shox and Manitou make good products, but they got lazy and now have to play catch-up Marzocchi. If you really think about it Marzocchi has been making shocks for motorcycles for years. They just had to go through the explode-master (xc-200 to 700) series before they realized that they could transfer the motorcycle technology to bikes. I hammer on this fork, it is easy to maintain and boings better than any boingy I have ever used. One tip though DON'T BUY REPLACEMENT OIL AT A BIKE SHOP go to a motorcycle shop and get the same shit a 75% the cost. This fork deserves 10 chillies. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve-n-sweden
a cross-country rider
from Uppsala, Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had my 98' Z2 BAM since last March. Got it as an upgrade for my rigid
bike. Alloy sterer ect. I'm not using the disk brake mount as I have M600-Vs.
I have tested other forks on friends bikes, RS-XC (noodle), Judy-XC, Headchok (mid level) in the cross country range of styles. Weighing 130#/60kg and riding XC rocky trails and singletrack I've been very pleased with my Z2. It's very stiff compared to any RoSh under the Judy range and it's performs better than the Judy-XC I tried. Performing meaning realy smoothing out the medium and bigger hits without clunking (bottoming out).
As far as the weight issue is concerned, well it doesn't realy concern me as i don't notice it and it does the job. As far as how it's not soaking up the small bumps... I see it like this. I can tell what kind of terrain i'm working with when i get some feedback from my front wheel. Similar to how I like to drive a manual transmission car rather than an automatic. Gives me a feeling for the road.I'm giving it 4 chillies as I am trying to be objective. I have not tested every other shock out there and I'm shure somewhere there is a better one (at what price??) strength, weight, and maintence wise. But as my Z2 is high strength, medium weight, low maintence and it does what I ask of it... I can say without reservation that this is the best shock I have tried.I'll be looking for a new bike in about a year and i'll be getting a Z2 for that one as well without a doubt.
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Viktor Andersson
a cross-country rider
from Sweden
Date Reviewed: August 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I think its a great fork that works very well in the condtions that we have here in Sweden. But it is a little bit to soft when you are clibing but this will be compensated by the great fealing when you are going down the mountain. I JUST WANTED TO SAY: THIS FORK IS GREAT!!!
.....and it kicks the shit out of Rock Shox with ist revesed damping
Sorry about the spelling :-)Maybe
| | Overall Rating: |
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