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Submitted by
Al
a Downhiller
from Canada
Date Reviewed: May 31, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | strong, stiff, does not bottom or top out, simple design, no plastic parts | | Weaknesses: | none, unless you like plastic dials or are a weight weeny... | | Similar Products Used: | Marz z3, RS psylo, Boxxer, Manitou 6 | | Bike Setup: | planet x bommer single speed | | Bottom Line: | I used this fork a few years ago for urban, dirt jumping and DH and it was amazing. I weight 150 (170 with all my gear) and used the fork stock. Droped it 8ft to flat tones of times and it was super plush. 12 stair gaps to flat or into stairs and it handled it all beautifully. The big fat stanctions, beefy lowers took a crazy beating and never lost it's plushness. Never felt flexy. Very little upkeep, I never even opened it. Used it for dj, dh and street and it saved my butt more than once. I took a pedal drop, 6 feet to flat and my chain skiped sending me into a nose dive and the fork took it. I have never had a fork that I felt so safe on. Not the most responsive for DH but can handle the abuse... Only reason I got rid of it was cause I stoped doing the urban thing. I now ride a psylo (got it on sale for xc) and I would fear droping it off 2feet if the grim reaper were after me, cause it would bust and I'd kill myself anyways(my psylo broke in 30 seconds on a 2" bump, no joke! and with the cost of repairs I could have just gotten myself a nice xc Marzocchi and saved over a month of riding). I can not believe people get psylos for urban when the Marz dj's are out there and cheaper. The dj3 was perfect, no dials to break, just simple strong design so you can go ride! If you want dials, get the dj2 or dj1... My next fork will definetly be a Marzocchi. My buddy droped his z3 (Marzocchi xc fork) 6 feet to flat ttill it broke and they just gave hima new one, Rock Shox warranty takes months and costs a fortune.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON ROCK SHOX, THEY STINK AND THERE SERVICE IS HORRIBLE. I MISS MY OLD MARZOCCHI, IF YOUR RIDING STREET OR DIRT JUMPING GET ONE! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob James
a
from Aberdeen, Scotland, UK
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Every trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$32.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand | | Strengths: | Super plush, very reliable, looks, price | | Weaknesses: | never used marzocchis before, but mine had a steerer which seemed to be a fraction of mm too wide and as a result would not sit in my original headset properly. Also some stems would not fit. Never experianced this problem before. | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox, manitou | | Bike Setup: | now a 2002 Scott Octane freeride | | Bottom Line: | Mine had been heavily used for a couple of years before I got them (plating peeled off, slight oil leak in one side)but bought them as a temporary fork for a mere £20. Was very suprised with how well they worked (especially considering their condition!)and a year on, despite me neglecting them completely they still seem to be working perfectly. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Stuart
a Weekend Warrior
from Abbotsford, b.c, canada
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Amy Fischer | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | used | | Strengths: | IT's really plush. Extremely light for the amount of travel. generally feels good over small jumps and drops.(3/5 feet) | | Weaknesses: | It's too soft for climbing and it bottoms really easily over drops bigger than six feet. (this is on a ht) however, it's not very expensive compared to the z1, so this is expected. | | Similar Products Used: | z1, z2(pos), 2002 z3, 2003 drop-offs, atom bombs. (marzocchi all the way!!!!!!) | | Bike Setup: | 2003 oryx dd66 (gotta love chromoley frames) with blackspire ring god, deore derailler, hayes hmx, kona bar, ironhorse stem, king headset, shimano craks, blah blah blah.(i made it myself) | | Bottom Line: | I'd only suggest this fork for a full suspension bike , because at least then the rear shock takes some of the impact away. overall, this is a good fork(meant for the lighter rider) Its extremely light and should soak up the hits for most. I guess i'll just have to lose some weight. MARZOCCHI ALL THE WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! peace out | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lukasz
a Cross Country Rider
from Warsaw, Poland
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$120.00 | | Purchased At: | second hand | | Strengths: | sensitivity, dumping, looks | | Weaknesses: | very soft. you can fell it very well on uphill tracks. | | Similar Products Used: | RST crap, Judy XC and few others on other people bikes | | Bike Setup: | XT, hardtail, always-covered-by-dirt(tm) system | | Bottom Line: | Best buy for the money. Pretty durable, too. It is 3 years old and works just perfect, WAY better then a lot of new forks I tested. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mat
a Weekend Warrior
from Melb, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Secondhand | | Strengths: | These forks are so smooth and plush. Strong, durable, unbreakable!
| | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Rst Gila TL | | Bike Setup: | 03 Mongoose pro Rockadile LED- Alivio rear, Acera front, MGD cable discs, Alex rims, Z3 bombers. | | Bottom Line: | I bought a 2001 model secondhand, and was half-expecting to have to get a rebuild. After a weeks riding i found the only thing wrong with them were a few minor scratches, and the stickers are sort of peeling off. i'm fairly light (110 lbs) and i can't run them at their softest as they are just so plush. it's great after coming off a set of forks that i could barely get 20mm of travel out of. The seals still haven't leaked.
these forks are great for everything i have used them for- cross country, light freeride,trailriding,ANYTHING!
well done to Marzocchi on such a superb fork.
GO AND BUY THESE FORKS NOW!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon Songster
a Cross Country Rider
from Moscow Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Headwaters | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | A buddy | | Strengths: | Much better feel then air shox, plenty of travel | | Weaknesses: | Heavy, not very adjustable | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Super Six | | Bike Setup: | trek 6500 | | Bottom Line: | Seems like a pretty good fork, its heavy but so what. Loose some weight if you care about the .3 lbs. It was a cheap upgrade from the manitou six I was using and it looks damn nice. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
will
a Cross Country Rider
from st cloud MN
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$160.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo.com | | Bottom Line: | i used the Z3 on my buddy's trek Y5. he has a fox vannila on back, so it took some of the attention away from it fork. but i rode on his bike before the Z3 went on, and i have to tell you, i felt damn invincible with that fork. it soaks up stairs and takes all the hit out of most drops. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter
a Racer
from Stockton, NJ, USA
Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$229.00 | | Purchased At: | performance | | Strengths: | No flex, compared to various Judys and SIDs I've used before. Very nice on rocky downhills; the wheel tracks a lot straighter. Gets full 4" of travel. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy for XC racing. The plushness hurts on technical climbs where I'd like to lift the wheel over obstacles. I've still not been able to get the quality of travel through the whole stroke. I find the initial inch or so is too "soft," then it firms up toward the bottom. I may change the oil this winter. Also, the instruction manual is harder to decipher than Chinese algebra. I felt like I could rebuild any Rock Shox, and if I screwed up, the manual would help me out. Not Marzocchi. | | Similar Products Used: | Various Rock Shox Judys and SIDs. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Heckler, XT, Fox Float rear shock. Black mainframe looks slick with polished rear triangle and polished Z3 which I "destickered." Gets lots of compliments. | | Bottom Line: | Thumbs up for stiffness and getting full, supple travel. Thumbs down for indecipherable manual, cheapo plastic rebound knob. I'm neutral on the weight because it's not billed as a lightweight shock. I give it three peppers because I like to do my own work and the bleepin' manual won't let me do that. With a better manual, the Z3 would get a 4... | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Munson
a Cross Country Rider
from Fort Collins, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Young's Gulch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Great fork with very smooth travel and easy adjustment. | | Weaknesses: | In cold weather the shock can stiffen a bit and travel can be slightly compromised. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | Merlin XLM, full XT, Kooka crank, Ringle hubs, Dean stem, Syncros carbon seatpost, SRAM carbon levers. | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for the weekend warrior or for a XC junkie. Easy adjustment, at low pressures absorbs the tiny bumps and the biguns' and at higher pressures will take anything you throw at it. Exceptional value for the price. Stands up great in race situations, although it does weigh a little more then some of the higher end shocks, it is able to preform with the best of them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kris
a
from Charleston, SC
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Nowhere near here | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$190.00 | | Purchased At: | pricepoint | | Strengths: | stiff and plush. | | Weaknesses: | a little heavy, but who cares | | Similar Products Used: | Judy TT-(TT=totally terrible?) | | Bike Setup: | 98 Stumpy, xt all over | | Bottom Line: | After riding a Judy, which is the biggest piece of deuce ever, my bomber just simply rocks! I'm heavy(195), but add a little air, which is totally easy, and you're off. I've done some 4 foot drops just testing it, and all I have to say is solid. Soaks up the little stuff and hammers the big stuff. Rock Shox=deuce, Bomber=rock solid | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vern
a Cross Country Rider
from Middletown CT
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Pedal Power | | Strengths: | Ride, stiffness, price | | Weaknesses: | Rebound adjustment | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou SXR, RockShox Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | Sugar 1, XTR | | Bottom Line: | An excellent fork, and an unbelievable value. Exponentially plusher and stiffer than anything else I've tried (see above). The bike is much more controllable in rough stuff, due both to the plushness and stiffness. The rebund is a pain in the @** to adjust, but the fork rebounds too hard out of the box, so it should be done. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mickey Dee
a Downhiller
from Everett, WA
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | jamr | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | I FREERIDE, NOT DOWNHILL!!! stiff, plush five inches, hard to bottom out, never blown a seal. | | Weaknesses: | they make this bone-crunching sound when I apply the front brakes, but all my friends bombers do it to, so I guess its not just the z3's. | | Similar Products Used: | other marzocchi's like dirtjumpers or z5s | | Bike Setup: | norco vps launch with z3 qr20+ | | Bottom Line: | BOMBPROOF!!! qr20+ is nice and stiff | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr. Costello
a Racer
from Black Hills, SD
Date Reviewed: June 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | not the last one i rode | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | Good fork, Super strong crown. | | Weaknesses: | i like it... | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | kona pahoehoe (now in 2 pieces), lx, xt, avid, thompson | | Bottom Line: | I had a major crash where my front wheel notched on a tree trunk, and them my frame broke in half...but my Z3 made it out unscathed. Pretty amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom Petro
a Downhiller
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Were the pavement ends | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Green Lake | | Strengths: | Smoth ride on the little stuff. Light weight and little maintence. | | Weaknesses: | Bottoms out everywhere need to buy thick oil and the toughest springs | | Bike Setup: | 01 Big Hit | | Bottom Line: | Great for a ride in the park but don't drop anything bigger than a couple of feet. I'm 200lbs. and starting to ride harder. They took the 10ft. drop with a flat landing they didn't break but they hit REALLY hard. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MntnMan
a Weekend Warrior
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | So. Mntn Res. | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$215.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Plush, stiff, light (compared to RS Jett), smooth, and looks great. | | Weaknesses: | Haven't found any yet | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Jett | | Bike Setup: | 2000 Schwinn Mesa GSX, Acera/LX derailleurs, Tektro, Mythos tires, bar ends, Marz Bomber Z3 Coil | | Bottom Line: | I love this fork. I noticed a huge difference the first time I road it. It seems lighter (may be my imagination) than the Jett, handles beautifully, smooths out the little stuff, handles the big stuff like trees, roots, rocks and small drops real well. Makes riding seem less like work now and much more fun. Found the fork on sale and couldn't be happier. And the bright silver finish looks cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Yeates
a Downhiller
from UK, Dorset
Date Reviewed: September 28, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plenty of travel I got the 100mm great looking very smooth when pushed down. No bumps or rough parts | | Weaknesses: | none! | | Bike Setup: | Specialized P3 Original spec | | Bottom Line: | A lovely pair of forks that havnt let me down yet! If you're riding your bike hard, slalom, downhill etc these are great value for money! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike brunt
a Weekend Warrior
from halafax
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | minister hill trail | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclesmith | | Strengths: | Very nice feel,very strong,even when it does bottom out it does it very unnoticeably, long life | | Weaknesses: | Had a small problim with crown coming loose from stantion
but it is a custom model with different crown (z3.5)
missing 15 mm of travel | | Similar Products Used: | Rox Shox Judy TT (on friends bike) | | Bike Setup: | specalized p3 2000 ( a bullet proof hard tail with seat stays as big as a road bikes top tube) | | Bottom Line: | great fork, would like stiffer springs and the rest of my travel a little heavy but when you use Alex Supra Pro rims the wieght of your fork is not even something to think about. Buy it if you want a nice fork for a nice price. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY
Date Reviewed: September 1, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point, Stillwell | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$279.00 | | Purchased At: | Jensonusa.com | | Strengths: | Machined finished looks great, PLUSH and smooth like butter! When compressing the fork, you feel it go down smooth with no sticky feelng - unlike manitou and rock shox forks. Absorbs all the big hits - I got the 100mm version. Great looking "M" Arch. | | Weaknesses: | NONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Mars CL, Rock shox Judy XC, Rock Shox mag 10 | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Rocky mountain slayer with avid discs, sun rhino lite rims, XT build kit. | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is go out and buy this Fork!! Marzocchi is HIGH quality. I'm very satisfied with my purchase. The fork is like eye candy and also makes you a better rider. Weight conscience people might find the fork heavy because it weights about 4lbs. No big deal in my opinion. My slayer is 31.5 lbs so my bike is heavy to begin with. Go out and buy this fork if not the z3 then buy any other marzocchi fork. These are high quality forks!! 5 Flamin' Chilis!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Barker
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Catharines, ON, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | It's still a secret. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | from cdn distributor | | Strengths: | 2001 Bomber Z3 100mm. Smoothe like butter, strong like bull, lasts like steel. Fork feels absolutly fantastic - no harshness. Damping is superb - very well controlled. No noise like spring clacking or anything. And stiff as can be. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. And I trust it will stay this way. | | Similar Products Used: | Ridden: 2000 Manitou SX 80mm
Tested/worked on: Rock Shox SIDs, Judys, Psylos, Jetts, Boxxers(only decent RS product). Manitou Mars', SX's, X-vert's. Cannondale Headshocks (almost all), Lefty and Lefty Ti. Marzocchi Bomber Z5, Z4, Z3, Superfly, Jr. T, Shiver. | | Bike Setup: | Kona Mokomoko frame. Stratos helix expert rr. shock. The fork. Full XT, Thomson post, King Dread Set, Profile stiffy stem, XT/Mavic 618's, AND......THE FANG!!! - a rear tire by Manitou...if you ever find one..buy it!! It rails in loose or kinda damp conditions. | | Bottom Line: | YOU CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO BUY THIS FORK!!!!..or any one from the Marzocchi line. They absolutly, positively, unquestionably, undesputibly fooking rule. The extra pound will only make you stronger, hehe. We got one in the shop, never been overhauled for 4, count em, FOUR years of hard, dirty, no-boots riding. We pulled it apart to find the internals imaculate. The bushings weren't even worn out, nor were the seals (dust or oil). They don't call em bombers for nothin you know. NOW GO BUY ONE!!!!!
6 chilis!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
greg
a Weekend Warrior
from whittier ca la
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | big hard hits , no problem.goes over wash board like its not even there.stiff!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Weaknesses: | none!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | judy race hydrcoil, marzocchi Z5 | | Bottom Line: | been riding for a long time. by far the best shock i've ever
used.handles great ,takes the big hits no problem.dont have to avoid the big hits , just point and go. for the money and over all veiw , its a great fork you cant go wrong. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
db
a
from australia
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | it's a shock, but that's it | | Weaknesses: | too light for one thing. adjustment is ineffectual, for another. but the major disadvantage is that they LEAK OIL (after two months). and marzocchi do not back up their product with warranty. | | Bottom Line: | do not buy marzocchi - they do not support their product with warranty. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ewan
a Weekend Warrior
from Canada
Date Reviewed: June 4, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | B/S trail | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | local bike shop | | Strengths: | Plush, buttery travel. Open bath and easy to adjust. | | Weaknesses: | Except for the weight, nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou spyder R, Judy | | Bottom Line: | This is a great shock which has stood up to all the abuse I put it through. I haven't had one problem with it since I bought it even though I biked in -30 weather, and put it through hell and back. A great buy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Kitcher
a Weekend Warrior
from Ipswich, Suffolk, England
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | ipswich trails | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Re-cycle | | Strengths: | Its strength! Has anyone ever made this fork flex? Butterly smooth too. Bring the psylos price down by £200 rockshox,and you might have a contender | | Weaknesses: | Weight, but then, we all have a few pounds to shed, don't we? | | Similar Products Used: | RST 281, 381, Rockshox T2 | | Bike Setup: | Giant Team world cup, Maguras, sunn rims, you get the picture | | Bottom Line: | I've had these forks since last year, and they'd been around for 3 years before that! Bought from re-cycle with a years warranty, giving them 5 years would have cot them nothing in the long run.
Put it like this: who else makes a fork that runs as well as it did when it came out the box four years down the line? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robbie Gibb
a Cross Country Rider
from Hudson, Quebec, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bromont Express | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Full cycle | | Strengths: | This shock works wonders, If got the Z'3 light, they are very plush and can be adjusted easily. | | Weaknesses: | The seals, like on many of the Marazochi forks, leak. I just had one seal replaced and the next day the other seal broke. I am not an agressive rider either | | Similar Products Used: | Z'5 flylight's, Judy TT, Judy XC | | Bike Setup: | 2nd hand Kona Kilauea | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork for the intermediate to rookie racer. If your a more serious racer you'll want a bit more. Apart from the seals these shock's are a blast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Canton CT USA
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Bluff Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Benidorm Bikes and Boards | | Strengths: | Plush fork, really smooth, nice range from stiff to soft. I love the Mag Arch it has, Sick coloring too!! STRONG | | Weaknesses: | None, besides that it might be alittle heavy, but u couldnt get this kind of durability out of SID | | Similar Products Used: | Other Marzocchi's | | Bike Setup: | 2001 Pisgah, full xt, Avid mags, Marzocchi z.3 | | Bottom Line: | Just read the strengths, that voices my opinion very well.
SICK FORK!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cor P Fauld
a Weekend Warrior
from Colditz
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Winterberg | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$248.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bike2build.nl | | Strengths: | Fork feels very stiff and the ride is perfect. No adjustments, no maintenance, not to heavy (1760 gram). | | Weaknesses: | Till now everything is OK, but I can't test him a lot now, because there is a lot of snow. The fork is maybe to soft for people over 100 kg. | | Similar Products Used: | Rigid forks. But now I had enough money to buy a new fork. I decided to buy a fork from 2000, because they are a little cheaper. Bike2build.com in the Netherlands did have this Marzocchi Z3 for a good price, so I had to go for. | | Bike Setup: | VooDoo Hoodoo, STX-RC group, LX derailleur, IRC Notos CAF 26x1,7. | | Bottom Line: | If you are around 70-80 kg and you are a 80 mm XC rider, you don't need adjustable compression and rebound damping. Therefor this fork is a very good buy. But it could be a little bit lighter.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from SoCal
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2001 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Solid, Dependable, Fairly priced | | Weaknesses: | They are a bit heavy at 4.0 lbs | | Similar Products Used: | Z1 MCR, Z2 X-fly, Mars, SX-R, SIDs, Judys | | Bike Setup: | Kona full | | Bottom Line: | The 2001 Z3 has adjustable travel. It takes a bit of disassembly, but you can choose between 80(3") and 100mm(4") of travel. I like that. Bombers are stiff, ultra-reliable, and a PERSON from Marzocchi always answers the phone. Perhaps they have taken care of the soft spring problem, my old Z2 had the preload all the way in. This new Z3 is perfect just a few turns in (I'm 170 lbs). The rebound damping control does NOT work as well as I had hoped. However this is in comparison to the Z1/Z2 line. The damping control still works better than any Rock Shox. If weight is a big concern these forks are probably not for you. You may need a Mars or so. Just don't buy Rock Shox. We've got more SID pieces laying around the shop and more messages on Rock Shox's warranty line than you can shake stem at. Besides SID's are FAR too flexy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Burdach
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | mount arther | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | GEARDS CYCLES | | Strengths: | DONT NEED MUCH LOOKING AFTER
SMOOTH RIDE | | Weaknesses: | THEY SUCK WITH A SOFT SPRING
somtimes bottom out | | Similar Products Used: | rock shox judy
ROCK SHOX SID 00 | | Bike Setup: | gt lts 4000 FRAME
mavic rims
stx rc componets | | Bottom Line: | sweet fork but a lot heavyer than a air fork
really awsome for down hill and the oil dampeners
make a huge diffrence.
they also have reverse travle or (top out) for big kicking springs
best fork you can get you hands on to
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alec Davies
a Downhiller
from Saundersfoot, Pembs
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | ne where with drops and trials stuff | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Bierspool Cycles | | Strengths: | Big Lowers, Hard, Dont flex to much | | Weaknesses: | If not serviced can got a bit rubbish | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy Race, Bomber Z4 | | Bike Setup: | DS1 for trials and a bit of DH | | Bottom Line: | These are very good forks, i used mine for mainly trials and they stook up to it for a year untill the lowers came away from the upers and sprayed oil everywhere. It was probably due to the fact i hadnt had them serviced in a year. But that is not a problem, they are being replaced which meen FREE SERVICE wahoooo. Any way, these are good forks as long as they are kept serviced! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Teodoro Bogarin
a Cross Country Rider
from Culiacan,Sinaloa,Mexico.
Date Reviewed: August 1, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | none | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | rigidity,finish,plushness | | Weaknesses: | heavy,too plush,tends to bottom easily,elastomers degradated within the first six months of moderate use. dismantled for service in the fifth month and found it totally caked with dirt.installed new elastomers a bit harder and the feeling got much better. | | Similar Products Used: | manitou 3
rst
mag 21
x-vert 3-clamp
rs judy t-2,xc
fatty sl
rst 3-clamp
quadra 5,10,21-sl
| | Bike Setup: | conejo rabbit xlt with marzocchi z3 bomber and a mix of lx ,xt and xtr components | | Bottom Line: | this is a fork too plush when new,well looking and rigid.i think its okay for someone who wants the plushest fork but is not to take it to the limit.otherwise you'll have to change the elastomers/springs for something harder to avoid bottoming on big jumps and be careful on maintenance,something very little people can perform by themselves. oh,i almost forget. This fork has a very good
resell value,so if you dont like it ,there will always be somebody more interested in good lookings than in high performance and durability. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a
from Ottawa
Date Reviewed: July 5, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Cheap, functional, bombproof | | Weaknesses: | None that I have found, other than the shorter travel | | Bike Setup: | Norco Rampage | | Bottom Line: | Yes, the bottom line. Well people complain about weight, travel, and no boots. Honestly, unless you race, professionally weight doesn't really matter. The travel, if you are a XC rider, or enjoy urban, great F@#$in shock. I have never bottomed out and have landed solely on the front tire after a 3 ft drop and nothing. Rode out. As for the boots, maybe those should do some reading, you don't need boots for these shocks, there is a slider which is in place to clean the stacheons when in use. So, bottom line. They are called bombers for a reason. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TREV
a Weekend Warrior
from STONEY CREEK, ONTARIO, CANADA
Date Reviewed: May 27, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | BRUCE TRAIL | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | EVERY THING! PLUSH, RESPONSIVE, GREAT FOR CROSS COUNTRY, BUT ONLY CROSS COUNTRY! | | Weaknesses: | NOT ENOUGH TRAVEL, BOTTOMS OUT EASILLY IF ITS GIVEN THE CHANCE TO. | | Similar Products Used: | ROCK SHOX RS1 (YES THE FIRST RS FORK) ANSWER SPYDER
| | Bike Setup: | KONA, MUNI MULA XT DRIVE & BRAKES, SYNCROS/RACEFACE COCKPIT, SRAM PLASMA SHIFTERS | | Bottom Line: | THESE FORKS ARE THE BEST IVE TRIED FOR CROSS COUNTRY IN THEIR PRICE RANGE, BUT AS SOON AS I STARTED DOING 5FT.+ DROPS THEY BOTTOM OUT, BUT I DOES NOT SURPISE ME | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon
a Cross Country Rider
from Bethel, CT, USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush
Looks cool
no boots
strong | | Weaknesses: | plush
no boots
Springs too light | | Similar Products Used: | Indy XC, Judy SL, Headshok MC60, Indy C, Indy S, Jett XC | | Bike Setup: | '98 Fisher HooKooEKoo | | Bottom Line: | I just got this fork new and picked it up from the shop today. Man, was i excited because of all this hype about the BOmbers. When I took it for a spin today I:
Found it too plushy, I turned the preload all the way up and it was oversensitive to the little stuff, and that led to a shortage in travel when the big stuff came up. I only weigh 140 and I'm 16 years old.
This may only be a temporary thing, but the fork makes weird slushy noises inside.
Overall I am very satisfied with this fork...it is an XC fork with huge ass stanchions.
The weight doesn't bother me...the performance makes it feel light because for the most part, it eliminated most bumps from the front end. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Johnny 5
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2000 | | Favorite Trail: | Malibu Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Simply looks b!tch!n
Travel is smooth like butter
Heavy heavy & heavy
Easily adjusted to suit any rider
Don't gotta spend mucho dinero, a definite plus! | | Weaknesses: | NONE!
Unless you count all the phony's givin this fork a bad rap! | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou, Rockshox, Headshock, & other Bombers. | | Bike Setup: | Klein Attitude Race(w/ the sweet 2 tone blue finish) XTR group Raceface,Canecreek,Ringle,& RPM Lites (which perform great considering that I weigh over 200 lbs.) | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line, this fork works great! For all y'all throwing a hissy fit with the no fork boots. Try going for the white bros. fork sliders wipers whatever they call them damn things. Definitely aids in preventing debris from being trapped in the chamber thus alleviating some stanchion damage like tiny little scratches.
I say go and get it if you still can. So far I havent had any problems with them yet. All y'all looking for a great fork for the money stop looking cause here it is.
Trust me I hand picked all of my stuff and cost was one of my deciding factors and this fork didnt cost much and the ride just blew me away!
I agree with one of the dudes below, spend your saved cash on your girl since that would definitely get all y'all more action.
5 flaming turds for value and 5 more flame on for pricing! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Morgan
a Cross-Country Rider
from Greenville,SC
Date Reviewed: December 4, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
DuPont trails...or pisgah | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Strong, reliable,VERY reliable...ease of maintenance,works wonderfully | | Weaknesses: |
I would personally like boots...the guts get dirty after long hard muddy riding... | | Similar Products Used: |
not similar--Headshok..
Judy XC, SL
Manitou SX | | Bike Setup: |
Bontrager Privateer S XTR,XT,LX, Rolf Dolomite wheels | | Bottom Line: | Everybody should quit thier wamby-pamby-sissified-son-of-a-sissy whining. Dont worry about wieght. You see, you need to worry about weight that turnes circles. Like wheels...wheels make you faster...thats what you feel when you accelerate-or when you climb. You wont feel the lightness of a SID when you ride-likewise a 'zoke. Cranks also--have light cranks--they are rotating weight--also your BB...that is weight you feel...worry about a set of good tires--a light wheelset. Then worry about your fork...get a marzocchi...these are the most bombproof forks, and they are workhorses! they soak up everything. quit being magazine wh-res, and stop getting all your information from overpayed editors who ride whatever they are given--be a 3000 dollar santa cruz, or a 400 dollar univega...get your sources and information on your parts you want from a local bike shop..talk to the mechanic--he/she is what sees the mechanical things such as forks..wheels,frames, so be it. they will know what is best. I work at a shop, and i cant tell you how much warranty work we have to do for rock shox forks...those things really do suck! do i see manitous that need work or worse-warranty???NOPE...do i ever see marzocchi's that need work?? NOPE! theyre bombproof! so if you read magazines,keep your whining to yourself...ride it first...ON THE TRAIL, not in the parking lot. This fork, and this company kicks ass....screw rock shox.you want lightweight??? get on a diet! otherwise...ride. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aaron
a Weekend Warrior
from Las Vegas, NV
Date Reviewed: November 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dead Horse Trail | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Laterally Stiff
Plush
Reliable | | Weaknesses: |
Seem to be missing about 8mm of travel | | Similar Products Used: |
'95 Headshock DD2
'96 Judy XC
'97 Judy SL w/Englands
'97 Indy SL | | Bike Setup: |
On my '96 Trek 970 steel hardtail. | | Bottom Line: | Even I took a big hit on weight (vs the Judy SL w/Englands), this fork is much plusher and laterally stiffer. This is important since I weigh 195lbs. I like that I don't have to take the fork apart and lube it every couple of months. Just have to change the oil every 6 months or so. My only complaint is that I cannot get the full travel out of this fork, no matter how light the pre-load is. But then again, manufacturers lying about the travel is nothing new. It is a good 60mm travel fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alasdair
a Weekend Warrior
from auckland, nz
Date Reviewed: September 28, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
rigid
love the blue
soaks up all the bumps | | Weaknesses: |
no boots | | Similar Products Used: |
1st time with shocks | | Bike Setup: |
Extreme hardtail (chro-mo) | | Bottom Line: | I REALLY wanted shocks - ended up with a a choice of brand new (boxed)'98 z3's, or '99 RS Judy c's (ridden twice). Judy's had more travel, but everyone i talked to said GET THE X3's.....so i did, without even seeing them. I paid $300NZ ($150US).. the best money i have spent on my bike since buying it. I weigh 70kg (150lb)and they are set up just about right. The have bottomed out dropping off tables and stuff around town, but i spose that's to be expected. With both wheels on the ground, it's smooth as a babies bottom, even with slicks pumped to 100psi. I've had them 6mo, and the novelty still hasn't worn off. Every time I ride i go looking for things to ride over, just to see the front wheel go up and down, while i stay perfectly level. would like to try a shock (bomber) with 3-4inches of travel.....oneday. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jethro
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary AB
Date Reviewed: September 17, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
kelowna to commando bay (so far) | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
Stiff laterally: Pinch bolt crown: ease of maintainance: Plush travel | | Weaknesses: |
2.5 inches?? wheres the othe 0.5
set up out of box for under 150lb rider | | Similar Products Used: |
RS Quadra '95
RS Judy 96-98
Manitou 4
Marzocchi Z3 L.T. | | Bike Setup: |
RMB Element race with race face cranks, front thumb shifter, Fox Vannilla R (800lb spring) Pulstar hubs/ Mavic 221 rims, Syncros seatpost, Controltech bars, Brodie stem | | Bottom Line: | This for felt great at first. Its stiffness, its plush ride, then I rode it hard. Too soft springs, so put in a set of 200+ Speed springs (I'm 220lbs). Huge improvement. Then I got better going down and I wondered what happened to the last 1/2 inch of travel? The fork would bottom at any provication going downhill. On the flats and climbs it was still sweet. I also blew the seals in about 30 hrs of riding. (probably form blowing all the way through the tavel all the time on descents). They now reside on my wifes Kona Lava Dome. They are great for her (with the stock springs). I think this a good fork overall for a hard tail (with the right spings in it) but a dualie with more than 2 in the rear is to much for it. I still want to know where that last 1/2 inch went. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jaromir
a Cross-Country Rider
from Prague
Date Reviewed: September 8, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Looks
plush | | Weaknesses: |
none | | Similar Products Used: |
Marzocchi XCR2 | | Bike Setup: |
Mongoose Iboc 0G on XT | | Bottom Line: | WONDERFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUL. Much better than my former XCR2, even though the XCR was a great fork. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Bicycle
a Weekend Warrior
from B.C. Canada
Date Reviewed: August 16, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Dirk Digler | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
looks | | Weaknesses: |
slow rebound
weak | | Similar Products Used: |
Judy 100's
Judy XLC's
BOXXER Pro's
Judy C's
Head Shock
Judy XL's
Marzocchi Z.1 Drop offs | | Bike Setup: |
rocky mountain element race | | Bottom Line: | I'd have to say these are the worst Forks ever
I blew them first year,nows the worst,there starting to come apart,leaky,lots of flex cause they are coming apart at the stantions
they never perform correctly REALLY slow rebound im scared if i go off any drops they will just come apart, if i go down any scetchy decents and covered with baby heads and look down the shocks dont even rebound, the only time they ever work is on high speed single track when they dip from braking,they losten themselves after little riding which ruins my headtube
overall i give them one flamer | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Travis
a Weekend Warrior
from Logansport, IN
Date Reviewed: July 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Gnaw Bone | | Duration Product Used: |
3 months | | Strengths: |
plush
$$$$
Killer Looks
Better than a Manitou | | Weaknesses: |
None Yet | | Similar Products Used: |
Manitou
Rock Shox | | Bike Setup: |
Raleigh custom Built with race face components | | Bottom Line: | This fork is worth its weight in Gold. None better in this price range. Liek riding on a CLoud. This Fork work superbly. I can feel it working and I am only 140lbs. Buy one for you and for your neighbor. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Donski
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vernon , NJ
Date Reviewed: July 12, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
rocks roots | | Duration Product Used: |
6 months | | Strengths: |
feels like a limo ride-
torsionally stiff- | | Weaknesses: |
comes from factory set up for 130 lb riders-- i am 6' 3 225 lbs and the sucker was sailing me over the handlebars way too easy- had to spend $80 bucks to re-build with stiffer custom kit | | Similar Products Used: |
rox shox judy--
manitou | | Bike Setup: |
fork was factory equipment on a new gt I-drive xcr-2000 full suspension-- 4 of travel front and back | | Bottom Line: | i bought this bike because I liked the shock--
I need a shock that will put up with severe service,
and I heard this was on of the toughest
but it wasn't that great- I busted the dampener adjustment
and got whacked 80 bucks for the stiffer re-build kit
but now it is going strong, and I love it
it stays right on line, and soaks up hits so big its surprising.
I just hope nothing else goes wrong | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vanderjet
a Racer
from thunder bay ON
Date Reviewed: June 3, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
don't have on | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
stiff | | Weaknesses: |
doesn't come with boots | | Similar Products Used: |
indy XC
judy XC | | Bike Setup: |
kona Kilaeua XT divern | | Bottom Line: | the fork works really good a first or when just get it back from being rebuild. I've already had it rebuild twice and the rebound is beoming slow again. Maybe bomber should put boots on the fork, or give them away if you ask for them. Otherwise its a great looking and working fork. I give it 3 1/2 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Shakey
a Cross-Country Rider
from Vancouver Island
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Bottom Line: | Everyone seems to be able to recite all the standard bike magazine hype about shocks and components. This is disappointing, because a bit of free thinking would be much easier to read.
A half pound of weight on your bike is not significant. Lets put things into perspective. If you weigh 150 or 200 lbs you are better off skipping a meal than worring about a few ounces here or there on you equipment. No matter how light and jammy your bike is, someone will always ride past you one a 35 lb monster and kick your ass. It is much better to be comfortable when this happens.
This fork is very nice, and the fact that people complain about soft stock springs is irrelevant - bouncing and bottoming the shock in the bike store parking lot is not the same as riding on the trail. The shock has some nifty motorcycle style oil valving which ensures it will almost never bottom out during your ride - even though it is soft enough to give almost full travel on small to medium size bumps.
If you really want adjustments and gadgets, feel free to spend more money, but be aware that this fork has the same components in each leg. This feature makes it much more durable than most other forks, including the more expensive bombers.
Also, the Z4 is identical but lacking the preload adjustment, and is an even better deal than the Z3 for the money.
The forks -are- set up properly when you buy them. Learn to ride. If you are really picky (a mistake) - my advice is to spend a bit more time in the bike store and have them swap springs and oil weight until you get the damping and setup you want. Then ride and forget. What you should be doing is riding, not fiddling with knobs and adjustments.
The Z3 and Z4 forks are all you will ever need.
Spend your Z2 and SID money on your girlfriend, you'll get a lot more action for it... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alec Davies
a Cross-Country Rider
from Saundersfoot
Date Reviewed: May 18, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Great | | Weaknesses: |
NO | | Similar Products Used: |
RST 381
Indy c
z4
281 | | Bike Setup: |
Merlin M.A.L.T.2 | | Bottom Line: | GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT,GREAT... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob
a Weekend Warrior
from an egg cell and a sperm cell
Date Reviewed: April 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
strong goes where you point it, plush, strong, set up for 130 ;bs i weight 120 still f***ing plush | | Weaknesses: |
bottomed it oput third time i rode it, hard to get the front wheel on and off-i have a hope fatso-be warned | | Similar Products Used: |
'98 manitou spyder | | Bike Setup: |
spesh rockhopper | | Bottom Line: | kicks arse | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Westchester, NY
Date Reviewed: March 20, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Very soft, very responsive | | Weaknesses: |
NONE | | Similar Products Used: |
I used to have the Rock Shox Indy C that came with my bike. What a difference | | Bike Setup: |
I used a Gery FIsher Big Sur with the Z3 | | Bottom Line: | A terriffic fork for the money. Now that the industry is Dominated by Rock Shox and Manutou, It was great to see that Marzocchi is still going | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
aaron barnett
a cross-country rider
from Tacoma Wa
Date Reviewed: March 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I have the long travel version it is in the dropoff series with four inches of useable travel. I ride a Turner burner xce this fork is a perfect match for my steed, it actually has improved my technical riding ability by about 20%, it can handle any obstacle half the size of my wheel with minimal ease, it really gives you confidence when things get scetchy. I would recomend this fork to anyone, even you hardtail folks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a cross-country rider
from Milton, Ontario
Date Reviewed: March 1, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
This is a great fork for people who can't afford to spend a lot of cash. I read all the reviews and I think that the Z2 is better if you have the cash but the Z3 is good enough. I havent had any problems at all over the last year. BUY THIS SHOCK!!!!
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a cross-country rider
from south dakota
Date Reviewed: January 29, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
Had this fork on my old steed and absolutly loved it . but the rest of the bike was old and in need of replacement . So I sold the bomber to a good friend and now he loves it . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dan Swat Team
a racer
from Ma
Date Reviewed: January 9, 1999 | | Bottom Line: |
I am a 14 year old racer. I bought my GT Karakoram with out the Indy SL option due to financial reasons. Plus the fact I had an Indy C and disliked the overall style and feel of it. Much later ater my purchase I bought the Bomber, its awesome, stiff, heavy-but if your good enough you dont need to worry about weight, and its got tons of travel, plus it looks savadge | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derek
a weekend warrior
from CT
Date Reviewed: December 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
What can I say? The fork works perfectly every time I ride. When it is about 15 degrees (F) out to 75 degrees. It absorbs everything and anything. I have never had to repair or replace anything on it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nikolas
a weekend warrior
from Finland, the land of the ice and snow
Date Reviewed: December 11, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had this product about two months and it simply worked just like I expected
a good fork to work, until... SOME F**KING SHITHEAD STOLE MY BIKE and that
Marzocchi with it. What did I learn? I'll take better care of my next bike
and Marzocchi fork, which is Z2, BTW, not because the Z3 was bad (It wasn't!)
but they just had no Z3's in the shop at the time, so I'll give the Z2 a try.I'll give 5 stars because I was fully satisfied with the fork as long as
I had it.BTW if you see this bike somewhere on this planet, call the police
(not the band, but an officer): http://www.students.tut.fi/~nipo/sinilammas.jpg | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reedy
a weekend warrior
from Kent in the UK
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought a late '98 KONA MUNI MULA for £749 and it came with the Z3 LIGHT!This may be my first sus' but im wondering DOES IT GET ANY BETTER?They are crackin'! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jamie
a racer
from nova scotia
Date Reviewed: October 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this fork some time in augest and it kicks ass. A zokes came on my bike and i blew the stacition tube right uot of the crown. Then the shop gave me a quad 5. flexy piece of shit I weigh 110 and set it as stiff as it could go and could bottom it off curbs. than I did good in a race and my Dad got me a Z3 big improvement. Those other forks suck. I have only bottomed it once of a 6 ft drop. it just rolls over everything there is not a hint of stiction and I have been riding through mud and crap for weeks. the seals work good too . one thing thought------It is so healy the down hill forks laugh. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Rockford
a weekend warrior
from A trailer in a parking lot on the beach
Date Reviewed: October 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This is an AWSOME fork. You can get rid of any top out
by properly adjusting it. Go to your LBS and they should be able to help you dial it in. After that, you'll undrstand why Marzocchi OWNS the shock world.
Also, this is a great bargain compared to the Z2s. 50 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
KRISTOF
a cross-country rider
from POLAND
Date Reviewed: September 9, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE Z3 TOPPING OUT?
NOT AT ALL!THE FORK FEELS MUCH BETTER THAN A QUADRA 5.
IT LOOKS COOL, AND HAS PLUSH COMPRESSION,
AND REBOUND DAMPING IS EITHER FAST AND GOOD.
IT MAKES ME I'M GLAD HAVE ONE.
AT PRESENT,AFTER 3 MONTHS, I GIVE THESE FORKS A FIVE CHILI RATING. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny Leeming
a cross-country rider
from Clitheroe,England
Date Reviewed: September 2, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
They the best fork I've ever had. The Z3's are the first Marzocchi I 've had so I can't comment on the others but if they as good the Z3's, Marzocchi are definatly doing something right that the others arn't. I've had RST's, Manitou and rockshoxs and they all crap compared to the Z3's. All my mates love them as much as me (and that a hell of alot). There the bomb off all forks. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a
from weekend warrior
Date Reviewed: August 31, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had these forks for about 2 months and for the price they are pretty cool. They have good progessive springs, good rebound, they look mad and they are very adjustable. If i had any complaint at all it would be that they don't have adjustable damping but who cares, if that really worries you then buy z2's or something else. In conclusion they kick fat arse!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a racer
from B.C. CANADA
Date Reviewed: July 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I just got my fork a little while ago (about a month) and I love it! I have ridin some pretty narley and wicked trails and it takes every thing I throw at it! definatlly a good value. It leaves the Judy XC in the dust even though it is a bit heavier, I dont care about the weight, just dont have that extra donut before the ride and it will even out. Sweet F------ fork | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Txirrindulari
a cross-country rider
from Sopelana, Basque Country
Date Reviewed: July 18, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I'd like to start saying that the fork works OK, untill it gets broken. My 97 model (bought in March '97) has had trouble with the play between bars and stanchions for four times. Every time Marzocchi has mended it free, but it keeps breakeng. The fork is heavy, but I bought it because it seemed to be reliable. Call me an idiot. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Robinson
a cross-country rider
from North Vancouver, BC
Date Reviewed: July 14, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I THINK THAT THE Z-3 IS THE NICEST FORK I HAVE EVER HAD. I HAVE HAD 3 FORKS IN THE PAST; INDY XC, Q 10 AND JUDY T2, SOME PEOPLE PROBABLY THINK THAT T2 IS BETTER, BUT NOT ME. I THINK THAT THE Z-3 BEATS ALL THOSE FORKS AND I THINK I AM GOING TO STICK WITH BOMBERS BUT TRY THE Z-1 FOR 1999. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Krzysztof Dabrowski
a cross-country rider
from Prague, Czech Rep. Europe
Date Reviewed: July 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This fork is great! This fork is the best! This fork is fantastic! This fork is ............. I love it !
This fork is great! This fork is the best! This fork is fantastic! This fork is ............. I love it !
This fork is great! This fork is the best! This fork is fantastic! This fork is ............. I love it !
This fork is great! This fork is the best! This fork is fantastic! This fork is ............. I love it !
This fork is great! This fork is the best! This fork is fantastic! This fork is ............. I love it !
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael J.
a racer
from Memphis, TN
Date Reviewed: June 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Okay, I've bought several shocks since I've been riding, and about the '98 Z3...it is the best cross country shock ever designed. Maybe the 97s had a problem with bottoming out, but not the 98s. The rising rate springs prevent that now. AND if you send your 97 shock to Marzocchi, and have them rebuild it, they will put in all of the new technology! Now is that great or what? Ever since I got my Z3, I will never buy any brand other than Marzocchi. It is stick free. It's not too heavy(3.5 lbs). It's oil dampened and very adjustable. What else can I say, anyone in the market should at least try it. It seams a bit tense for the first 5 minutes or so, but once the oil starts flowing through it, it's the best ride around. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
simon
a cross-country rider
from woodstock
Date Reviewed: May 29, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
they rock! I'm around 125 so I don't get all the travel but hey, I'm not complaining. so smooooooth. sure they are heavy but i don't care, my gary now is around 30 lbs, but I don't care. best fork around. And tey are cheap, I got them for around $300 cnd. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alistair MacGregor
a cross-country rider
from CANADA
Date Reviewed: May 19, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I recently got a '98 Rocky Mountain Oxygen Race that came with the Z3 alloy as standard equipment. I admit that I haven't tried out too many shocks in my time, but a friend of mine has a '97 Rocky Oxygen with the Rock Shox Indy XC and in my opinion, Marzocchi blows them away. They are a really stiff shock and the rebound is great. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Spanky
a cross-country rider
from Canada eh
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WELL I GOT ONE AS A GIFT AND IT IS GREAT
U KNOW WHY?
CAUSE IT IS HEAVY
IT IS BROKEN
IT TOPS OUT
IT HAS PIDLY TRAVEL
SPEND THE EXTRA MONEY FOR A Z1
I DON'T REALLY THINK THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED A BOMBER
CAUSE IT ISN'T THE SAME AS THE Z2 AND 1 IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN CALLED SOMETHING ELSE LIKE A SNIPER OR SOMETHING | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Blake
a cross-country rider
from Seattle,WA USA
Date Reviewed: April 13, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I read alot here about the Z3 topping out. I'm 6'03 and weigh 230 and my Z3 is flawless... Tops out a few times per ride. This is the most robust fork on the market at this price point..Thats why I bought it. It has served its purpose well,
and I got it on sale for $200 installed! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint
a weekend warrior
from Atlanta, Georgia
Date Reviewed: February 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Best fork for the money. Way above any Indy and as good as most Judys. Excellent adjustability from super plush to darn near locked out. Great looks too earn respect from want a be fork riders. Heavy yes! Trail earter? Yes. Complain all you want to about this fork but do ride it. The difference you'll discover over your Indys is amazing. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ryan
a cross-country rider
from canada eh
Date Reviewed: November 30, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
good price
good adds
good performance, really good performance
good looks
good and stiff
heavy
buy one | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James McGuinness
a weekend warrior
from Lachine, Que. CANADA
Date Reviewed: October 16, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Can you get any better for the money. Indy's have plastic adjusters, and don't have the oil damping, same with the RST Mozo. I paid $250 canadian. I couldn't be happier with the preformance. Needs alot of stanchion grease attention. Watch for play in the stanchions as well with the V-brake power | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a weekend warrior
from USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
The best fork in the world, but I snapped it and and I have a pair od Rock Shox Judy DHO and I haven't snapped them yet, but I bent them. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth
a racer
from Brantford
Date Reviewed: August 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I just bought this fork and I think it is one of the best forks for the money I Would recommend this fork to anyone who wants good suspension for not alot of money. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nuno Fernandes
a weekend warrior
from Lisbon, POR
Date Reviewed: June 2, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I dont't weight much but i found this fork extremely reactive to small and big impacts. I´ts got a soft dumping in the begining but a strong one in the end. Sure they´re very plush, they got a great look (The bomber series were extremely well manufactered), just like a motocross fork, they're cheap and, extremely important, very rigid. So please, don´t compare it to a Quadra 5 or a RST 461, it´s an offense to all of us.
I recommend it to everyone! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BikerX
a racer
from Auburn, Maine
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
125lb, 5-11, Junior Sport Class Racer
Worst 1st-
Makes an annoying clunk when it tops out (frequently)
Is very springy
HEAVY even with my alloy stearer
Save the Best for Last
Very Rigid
Extremely adjustable even with stock springs and elastomers
VERY PLUSH
Great Looken
Little Stiction
All Around good fork for budget, or a more expensive bike
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guillermo
a weekend warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: May 21, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Are these the coolest looking cheap forks or what??? OK, so they do have an anoying clunk when they top out, but hey who cares??? they'r still amazingly plush and rigid!!!!!
Clunk advice: IGNORE IT!!! it does NOT affect the performance. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
yt
a downhiller
from
Date Reviewed: May 15, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
this is the plushest thing on the planet.No this not in the wrong place i mean the z-3 | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DAN
a weekend warrior
from ONTARIO CANADA
Date Reviewed: February 12, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE Z3 TOPPING OUT? THE FORK FEELS NO BETTER THAN A QUADRA 5. IT LOOKS COOL, AND HAS PLUSH COMPRESSION, BUT REBOUND DAMPING IS EITHER TOO FAST OR GRABBY AND SLOW. IT MAKES ME WISH I HAD STAYED WITH MY RST 461'S. ANY TUNING ADVICE WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED. AT PRESENT, I GIVE THESE FORKS A ONE CHILI RATING. | | Overall Rating: |
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