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Submitted by
Patryk
a Weekend Warrior
from Bremerhaven
Date Reviewed: June 25, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | local bike shop and internet | | Strengths: | Light, kind of rigid, if you choose thin oil and springs it works like crazy on small bumps :) | | Weaknesses: | Not that strong but who cares | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi XC600 | | Bike Setup: | Unfortunately both forks have been stolen | | Bottom Line: | I have used two DH§ the first one with the not reinforced crwon and than the model after that with better metal adjustment system. i have like them very much very nice forks unfortunately both are gone i always am looking to buy one just to have it at home :) use now a DJ2 2005 year ride on!forca italia! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DorTheHun
a Weekend Warrior
from South Florida
Date Reviewed: September 21, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hard Rock | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Price (at the time), weight. Very easy to tune with different air/oil pressures. | | Weaknesses: | The adjustment knobs do absolutely nothing. Not the easiest to disassemble. | | Similar Products Used: | Answer Pro Forx (lousy spring/elastomer pogostick) | | Bike Setup: | Mrazek hardtail with mix of XT/XTR. | | Bottom Line: | I am writing this review as I am getting ready to slap some cash down for an X-Fly. At the time I bought the DH-3, it rode better than any RS or Manitou within twice the price I paid for it. I still feel that my DH-3 is plusher than many (affordable) forks out there. (Actually, my friend bought a GT Idrive-3, which came with some sort of RS (2001 model), and the thing rode like a pogostick. After riding my 4 year old DH-3, he bought a Marzocchi Z3 himself).
I have one fork leg set up with high oil level and almost no pressure. This leg is used to prevent the fork from bottoming out. The other fork leg is set up with low oil level and decent pressure. This leg makes the fork extremely responsive on the small bumps. The setup has been working well for over two years, just now I am starting to notice some oil seeping out on one of the legs. This is after 4 years of service, with three oil changes and original seals.
One thing that always bothered me about the fork was that the adjustment knobs did not affect the damping. At a standstill, there is a difference between the min and max setting, but in practice, it's useless. Also, the fork is not the stiffest thing out there.
Anyhow, I think that the DH-3 is one of the best aging forks out there. While Manitou and RS were playing around with high-tech elastomers (that disintegrated within a few months after installation), Marzocchi was frowned upon for using 'outdated' air-oil technology. Well, they are still at it today, and now everyone else is following. So in summary, my DH-3 rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sebastian
a Weekend Warrior
from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2001 | | Favorite Trail: | Trilha dos macacos, Brasil | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | bike store | | Strengths: | It's so plush and smooth
It's not as weak as i expected
it's incredibly adjustable
Strong and light (very much light than a Judy XC) | | Weaknesses: | Oil and air seals
Color (mine was green, nnow is in an awesome black matte) | | Similar Products Used: | Still none | | Bike Setup: | Vairo XR500 chromoly, Alivio-Deore, Rigida Explorer and Zac 2000 rims, amoeba handlebar, tranzX stem, ritchey logix ahead set, and of course, the Marzocchi DH3 | | Bottom Line: | I know i paid it too much, but it is a good price here in argentina, forks are way expensive (an sr suntour ulr is 300 dollars...)
I don't believe that this fork was make in 1996, it's incredibly pluch and smooth, even with air!!
I'm going to do the spring thing in about a month, and here says that with springs it's more smooth!
I guess that its travel it's short for DH, but i use it in XC and a little of FR, and its 77 mm are great.. if you have the correct iol height and air pressure, you'll never bottom out it!
Should buy this fork everyone that want an all purpose fork, and has a budget that doesn't allow you to buy the new marzocchi's.
Shouldn't buy it a Dhiller!
So, what else... if you still can get ones, don't doubt it
You'll never be disappointed!!!
Marzocchi rules!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Juha
a Downhiller
from Finland
Date Reviewed: September 17, 2000 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Back in the days it offered more travel than the others. | | Weaknesses: | Flex that looks and feels scary. Sticky feel. | | Similar Products Used: | ancient air forks, Judy DH, Bombers Z2, Z1, Z1 CR | | Bike Setup: | Specialized FSR | | Bottom Line: | It was in 1995, when I retired from competitive downhilling and the DH3 was one of the reasons to do that. The flexy Specialized with the sticky and flexy DH3 was so bad a combination that I completely lost my appetite for DH racing. Actually I remember that the sideways flex was almost as big as the rear wheel travel in the FSR and in general the flex of the DH3 exceeded the claimed 77 mm. (I suppose the travel should be up and down the sliders.)
I free-ride a Trek VRX 400 with Bomber Z1 CR now and I'm happy the days of DH3:s are over. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonny
a Weekend Warrior
from Aus
Date Reviewed: November 22, 1999 | | Duration Product Used: |
less than 1 month | | Strengths: |
Soooo Sooo Smooth
Retro DH look
Colours
Can use like a PACE fork if you wish
Cheap (if you can find one) | | Weaknesses: |
Flex, not as bad as alot of other forx, but its still there | | Similar Products Used: |
Rock Shox DH, XC, SL (crap!)
RST 261,161,461 (also crap) | | Bike Setup: |
Gt hardtail
DH3 (with spring) | | Bottom Line: | These forx are amazing for their time, I cant believe they were mad in 1995! The springs turn these forks into a fork better than a z2! If you can get your hands on a pair, go for it and don't look back. What I mean by using them like a PACE fork is tuning the lowers about so the brakes are on the front, feels pretty freaky but looks way different. I have a red anodized fork and the finnish is top notch, I got the forx second had and not a scratch was on them, which just goes to show the quallity of the fork. The forks travel is a smooth as silk with the spring upgrade and I leave the air empty as I'm only 68 kg. The oil is left to ramp up the travel, If you are heavier use a slight amout of air. A pressure of about 20 makes the fork just about rigid.The seals in this fork are quite good, I've read reports of them blowing but to this I say get the springs put in as it will take the pressure created by the air off the seals.By the way I also have xc 400's, these are good forks but nothing compaired to the sweetness of the DH3. I would recommend this fork to any one who likes to have fun on their bike. This fork would not look outa place on an XC bike or a freeride bike or even a to and from work bike.Well I think I have wrote enough, so what are you waiting for? Go find and buy this fork!!!
It get 10 chillies if i could give it. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ricardo Santos
a Weekend Warrior
from Porto,Portugal
Date Reviewed: October 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
serra d'arga | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
Stiff, smooth,leightweight | | Weaknesses: |
deals less well with fast and reapeted bumps | | Similar Products Used: |
marzocchi bomber z1
manitou spider r | | Bike Setup: |
full suspendend john luck with rst-53 rear shock | | Bottom Line: | Like no other product of its kind!It's smooth as butter, very stiff, lots of ajustments.Works well on small, medium and big bumps but it lacks a little more travel for those demanding DH trails. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dave boulder
a Cross-Country Rider
from yorkshire, england
Date Reviewed: October 2, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
DEATH VALLEY | | Duration Product Used: |
2 Years | | Strengths: |
we use it on a tandem with a combined rider weight of 23 stones, thats about 330ibs. apart from the obvious flex due to increased weight it has performed faultlessly. upgraded to hard springs 18mths ago which made a great improvement. we run it with a hope 185mm disc using hopes bracket for the caliper. it attaches through the holes on the lower fork leg. very professional bit of kit, recommend it highly | | Weaknesses: |
the only one is the flex but thats not so bad considering its strengths far outweigh this | | Similar Products Used: |
early rockshox, noleen chubby lt dual crowns on a solo bike | | Bike Setup: |
steel framed tandem thats also as flexible as the fork. makes for interesting riding. imagine building a bicycle out of liquorice... | | Bottom Line: | superb for the money. if you can still get hold of a pair and don't mind being behind the times (by all of 2 or 3 years) buy some. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
André Alves
a Downhiller
from Guimaraes-Portugal
Date Reviewed: September 29, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Penha DH | | Duration Product Used: |
1 Year | | Strengths: |
Very good on cross country. Lightweight. | | Weaknesses: |
Short travel to go Down-Hilling | | Similar Products Used: |
rock shox Judy DH
manitou spider | | Bike Setup: |
Sunn xchox (1996) | | Bottom Line: | It´s a great suspension fork with good perfomances, nice on every kind of terrain, and easy to do self maintenance. Easy to set up to diferente kinds of riding!!! I loved it! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Bowman
a Cross-Country Rider
from York, PA
Date Reviewed: July 23, 1999 | | Favorite Trail: |
Whitetail Ski Area | | Duration Product Used: |
more than 3 years | | Strengths: |
Smooth travel with springs. Very reliable.
Great customer service. | | Weaknesses: |
Somewhat flexy. | | Similar Products Used: |
All Rockshox, Manitou, and K2 XC forks | | Bike Setup: |
Bianchi SuperIbex w/cane creek AD-8 | | Bottom Line: | If you have not put springs in this fork do it. I believe that it is the best three inch travel fork ever when it has springs. The air assist with springs makes it feel even better than a Z2. I could still cry and whine because I sold mine for a Z1 BAM. I like my Z1, but I would like to have my DH3 back for a different bike. Anyone want to sell me a DH3? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dado
a weekend warrior
from Slovenia
Date Reviewed: December 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I had Z2 before, but they stole my bike and I bought new one with DH3 on. I didn't like the air sprig working.It's only good for big bumps and it dive and bounce too much under pedaling when standing. Then I switched to coil springs, and the thing began to work much better. With this change the tavel was reduced by small amount, because the fork gain on progresivnes, and it's hard to bottom it. I run no air in it and it fits me well. You can run it even with negative travel. Just push the fork in, and release the pressure. It is not like bomber performer (dampening), but close. Still very stiff, reliable, excellent for XC racing, and cheap. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clint Sellen
a weekend warrior
from Aussie-Land y'all
Date Reviewed: November 21, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
My friend had these forks, and I thought they were pretty good. However, they would be ten times better if the dumbass would put springs in 'em. Unfortunately, before he got the chance, his bike was stolen, so I guess I never got the chance to try 'em like that. Some people say they approach bomber performance. Since he got his bike stolen I've been too lazy to get on and ride my bike, and I think I'm starting to like guys. Especially ones in those oh-so-tight bike pants. Anyway, five flamin' hot male strippers, minus one because it's outdated (air spring) technology gives....................... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pyro
a weekend warrior
from AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: November 20, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
WORD TO YALL. DIS IS A BOMBASS FORK. SOME OF MY HOMIES SAYS THEIR OLD FORKS, BUT I TELLS IM DAT DIS FORK KICKS BOOTY. THESE FORKS ARE GOOD ON MY GANGSTA BIKE, I HAVE A HYDRAULIC MUSIC SYSTEM ON MY BIKE SO IT COMPRESSES THE FORKS WHEN DA BASS BEATS KICK IN | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mikko Mellin
a weekend warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: September 16, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I have had it now 1 month,and i have had bad luck with it!
The puzzle is that the sliders are able to move little a bit in the lowers.
If someone has had same problem with DH3,i would like to know how to solve
this problem!Because when im driving,the KLONK KLONK noise makes me wanna kill myself,But the smoothnes and progression is good. | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Pan
a downhiller
from Adelaide-Australia
Date Reviewed: September 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Hi, I'm a bit of a loser I bought a second hand diamondback cromo hardtail frame that came with thrashed out xt and a single frount chain ring with a bullet bros chain device. It also came with dh3's that is about the only thing that still works.I'm a gug and can't be bothered using my fork pump so i pump them up at the servo, I've already blown the seals on the forks twice already and had to pay $40+ to get them rebuilt. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
john
a downhiller
from SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
500$ YA SEE ITS CHEAP FUNKY & COMES IN RED . I TACKED THIS BASTARD ON TO MY HARDTAIL AND HAVE PROCEEDED TO THRASH IT FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS. STILL WORKS FINE MORE STICTION THAN WHEN IT COME OUT OF THE BOX BUT SO WHAT. SO IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING BUYING AN 80mm JUDY, DONT GET THIS BABY. ALSO DOING THE XC THING IS POSSIBLE IF TAKE OUT THE SPRINGS AND BEEF UP THE AIR PRESSURE. THIS DOES COME AT THE COST OF DH COMFORT. SO IF YOU OWN RS INDYS SUCK S#@T! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fabriikin Oilsson
a cross-country rider
from Finland
Date Reviewed: April 22, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
This things soo smoooth.I`m really amazed of this fork`s function.It eat`s rock`s for breakfest and absorbs every little bump like a bomber,but of course alittle bit more stiction,naturally.I love it. But one thing I wonder about is how the heck do I open these!!!!!.
send me aswer`s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! .Any way it rulez my universe! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Florida
a downhiller
from COLRADO
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my DH3 for a year now. Only did one upgrade to it, that was the springs. It works just like a bomber. Haven't had a problem with it yet. The thing soaks up everything. Another real cool thing is the removable brake hanger thingy for those of us with V brakes. Thhis fork kicks asss! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William
a cross-country rider
from Harderwijk The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: April 6, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought it two years ago and then he was rather expensive but after two years there has nothing been broken down i didn't have any oil damage it is rather old but a lot of people use it all across the world and if you can buy it because you couldn't buy any better put springs in it and even now it is the best bcause it is an Marzocchi. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo Fletcher-Smith
a weekend warrior
from London UK
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I got this fork second hand for 100 pounds. They still work really well, soooo plush and no bottoming out. I use them for both DH and XC they are very light and excellent value for money. I'm going to upgrade them to bomber springs to give even better performance. Wicked forks, go get some now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jesse
a weekend warrior
from tää on herjaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
Tää teehoo kolomone on ihan sonta haalukka, sillä se ei toimi hyvin ja on myös hieman homahtava varsinkin punaisena. En ikimaailmassa ostaisi tätä, sillä oon hinde ja tykkään pomppivasta atomista. KeidasXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Yksi chili on tälle pasimysiinille liikaa. Kaiken kukkuraksi tää saisse toimii saissesti ja on ärrästeetäkin paskempi, en sano että tämä on paska, sillä tämä on ihan vitun paska ga-baari. Tämä sopii köyhille hooille joilla ei oo varaa ruokaan. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris King
a downhiller
from Washington D.C
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
DH 3 is the best fork i've ever ride! It works perfectly in DH and XC.
It is cheap and works good! It is better than Bomber z1!
I didn't like it when I had it on air-oli. Iswitched springs on it and it is very good now. 5 stars !!!! xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Duane Starr
a cross-country rider
from Albuquerque New Mexico
Date Reviewed: March 30, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I bought this shock 2 years ago and put the springs in it and rode it and have only changed the oil once and thats it for maintenance. This fork is super smooth and much lighter than the new Marzocchi's, it also has no stiction and still suprises other riders with its bump handling and tracking ability. I weigh about 150lbs and run the fork with zero air pressure which gives about 1/2 inch of sag but the fork is very progressive and you get full travel with no harsh bottom out. If you are a light weight rider drop the oil height from 60mm to 70mm and you should get full travel no problem. For the money there is no comparison with anything on the market right now. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kooze
a racer
from New Zealand
Date Reviewed: February 24, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I've had my dh3s for about 18 months and have done serveral thousand kms on them racing both xc and dh. The weather here is quite shitty , I don't run boots on them and I've only blown one lot of seals. The performance is excellent, people complain that air/oil does't perform on the small stuff but if you adjust the pressure for a quarter of the travel as sag they are really plush and still have plenty left for the big hits. They aren't hellishly stiff so a fat hub is a good idea. They may not be the newest coolest thing but I'd recommend them for xc racing and general riding, they're not really stiff enough and don't have enough travel for dh but they're great on a hard tail. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Geall
a downhiller
from Middlesbrough, UK
Date Reviewed: January 28, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
I ride for Team Animal (you might have seen us at the Grundigs). Tim Ponting usually comes 16th at Grudigs. I broke the world bunnyhop record with these forks, they are light, they absorb bumbs, what more do you want? Can I just say that MTBR is a lovely place to visit and that it is very informative.
Stevie
XXXX | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
laurent MEUNIER
a downhiller
from auvergne (france)
Date Reviewed: January 5, 1998 | | Bottom Line: |
THis fork is a really good fork but with spring it is better ( really plush and no bottoming ). you should put spring in it .it is a little to flexy but for xcountry it is good.i changed the seals one time because they don't like the pressure but since i have spring no problems. you should put spring in it . | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric zwart
a racer
from lexington ky
Date Reviewed: December 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I GOTS THAT THERE 2 TRAVEL VERSHUN OF THE DH 3 AN' I AINT
NO CUMPLAYNTS FRUM IT 'CEPTS FO IT GOTS ITSELF A BEASTLY
TOP OUT
JUST THOUGHT I'D LET YOU ALL KNOW THAT NOT EVERY
PERSON FROM KY OR ANYWHERE HEREBOUTS' IS A GODDAM
HICK. THANKS 'YALL!!!!!!!
CUM' ON BACK TO 'IS SYTE NOW YA'HEAR | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Airman
a racer
from south hill
Date Reviewed: October 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
at 3.2 lbs. it blows away any new marzocchi forks, claiming to be bam light.
with med stiffness bomber springs this is marzocchis all time best xc fork available. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a downhiller
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: September 24, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Regardless of the price (I paid $200), the DH-3 is one of the most comfortable, and controlable forks around. One of the few I've seen that can acctually use all its travel. I've had mine a year and cant see myself trying anything else. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Kay
a downhiller
from Czech Republic
Date Reviewed: September 18, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
It's good for beginners, coz it has only 77mm of travel.
It's cheap now, but on the other hand my DH3 stuck in first 10mm and don't know why - service man told me that every DH3 has this problem... -if you know something about it, writedown a message please.... | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt landsman gkwilly01@aol.com
a cross-country rider
from usa
Date Reviewed: August 13, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
plush, smooth and fine. these are the words that come to mind about the DH3, and now its around for less than 200 bucks. What are you waiting for, stop shoping around and looking at consumer reports, get it all ready. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wookie
a cross-country rider
from Weatherford, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: May 6, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
This is my review on the DH-3 with springs installed. With springs this fork is even more awsome than before. I used some hardware springs (for those wanting to upgrade get springs with an 8 1/4 length and a diameter of 20-21mm the coil diameter on my springs are 2.5mm and they are a little soft for my 225lbs but should be good down to around 180lbs). The hardware springs cost me $7.44 total including tax.The ride with the springs is much more plush than with the air springs. On the little bumps the feeling is almost imperceptible. It is also super smooth (no more stiction). One minor problem is that it will tend to bottom out a little more but just barely. Mine has only bottomed out once since the upgrade and that was down a 40 foot stair case (so I'm giving it a little leway here).Anyway for the price of the upgrade you shouldn't pass up on this. You will never regret going to coil springs. I would guess that it feels like a Bomber (havn't ridden one yet) with 3 of travel and a little more flexy.What are you waiting for? Go out and get some springs. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Allen
a cross-country rider
from Scarborough ME
Date Reviewed: April 27, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Bought mine used for $100 bucks, best money I've ever spent. Plush, stiff, great fork. I've ridden RS judy and indy. My next bike will have a Z2. Marzocchi rules.(right now anyway) | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Derrick Allen
a downhiller
from CT
Date Reviewed: March 31, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I LOVE THIS SHOCK IT IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Nuff said. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack Offalot
a downhiller
from Coral Springs, Florida
Date Reviewed: March 26, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I HAVE AN AWESOME MAGNA DUNGEON MOUNTAIN BIKE. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT TO DEATH! LAST WEEK I BOUGHT A MARZOCCHI DH3 SHOCK. I MEAN THIS SUCKER IS GREAT!!!
IT HAS MORE TRAVEL THAN MY FRIENDS ROCK SHOX QUADRA 5. WHEN I RODE OVER SOME PEBBLES WITH THE NEW SHOCK, I DIDN'T FEEL A THING. THIS IS A MIRACLE SHOCK!! I WOULD SUGGEST TO ANYONE WHO HAS A CANNONDALE, TREK, HUFFY, MAGNA, OR ANY OTHER GREAT BIKE TO BUY THIS AWESOME SHOCK.IT TRUELY IS THE BEST SHOCK I EVER OWNED. GOD BLESS ALL THE PEOPLE AT MARZOCCHI!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guilherme M. Herrero
a cross-country rider
from New York N.Y.
Date Reviewed: March 10, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
I set the Marzocchi up as soft as possible, the standart setting it is hard for 130 pounds riders. The Marzocchi is very plush!!! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wookie
a weekend warrior
from weatherford, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
After a long wait I finally recieved my DH-3. The first time I got to ride it was in a race and I must day I was very happy with the performance. The fork is super plush (even without the springs which I hope to get soon). There is very little stiction (even with 47psi in each side). With the price down to 199.00 at supergo what are you waiting for this could be the steal of the year. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil Bowman
a cross-country rider
from York, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Hiya Kids!
The DH3 is a great fork, but do not stop there. I raced downhill on it last
year, and I nuked the thing. Not to worry, I sent it back to the
company, and they said it was defective, and they would send me a new one.
I asked if first they could throw in some bomber springs because I had heard that it was now a possibility to put bomber springs in a DH3. They agreed (for a minimal fee). Now, I have bomber-like performance.(I know because I have ridden the bomber Z1) but I lack the extra inch of travel. That is alright though, because I ride mostly cross-country. The upside of the deal is that I still have compression and rebound dampening adjustability, and, I have the option of adding air. (5-25lbs) I am six feet, six inches tall, and I weigh two hundred pounds, and I run only ten pounds of air in each leg. Because of the low pressure, there is now NO stiction in the fork (before there was just a little) and the stroke has just a little bit of a progressive feel that the normal Bombers lack. Now that the Bomber is out, you can get a DH3 for $199. whereas it used to run $450. Then for thirty bucks more, you can have Bomber performance that will chew up and spit out any Judy or manitou. What are you waiting for. It also comes in cool colors! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Giovanni Franceschini
a cross-country rider
from Parma (Italy)
Date Reviewed: January 7, 1997 | | Bottom Line: |
Really a good fork! Far better than my old Mag 21 and, last but not least, at an incredible price of 200 USA $ (in Italy)
| | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Simon Short
a cross-country rider
from London, England
Date Reviewed: December 30, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Good value fork. Plush central. I run 2 bar air pressure and no.2 clicker on each leg. Only minus is a leaky seal in one leg. I really like the adjustability and I am going to try the spring inserts soon. | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fok Kar Yang
a cross-country rider
from Singapore
Date Reviewed: December 24, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
This is one sweet fork you wouldn't want to miss. Though I've wanted to fit a Bomber(which received so much compliments) on my Giant, the shocks ran out of stock soon as it reached my country. However the confidence of Marzocchi fork made me go for the DH3. Unbelievable! As soon as I fitted this fork onto my bike, compliments never ended. Those people who had Judys on their bike never imagined the plushness this fork gave. Also this cool red colour fork I had attracted the eyes of so many, that they just wanted to buy it for the looks.(But just too bad, I bought the last piece, phew~). And its not so much of the compliments that I'm happy with, its the way it works that really amazes me.
Though some feel its on the heavy side(not me!), I think it is really suited for cross crountry as well, actually the weight isn't a problem if you prefer a bump-free ride instead of a light bike. Maintenance wise, I'm not very sure but my EGS and my friend's XC 500 went maintenance free for 2 yours. Previously I own a Marzocchi EGS, I would consider that a very good fork too, but it is nothing compared to the DH3(of cos!). Three inches of travel, adjustability, plushness, excellent rebound, coolness(dun fall asleep)......Try it out and I promise you u won't forget the feeling. I wouldn't give this fork 5 stars if I can, 'cos I'll still be under-rating it. :-)
Since changing my suspension, my friends have been fighting over the EGS.
Now, I am very satisfied with my suspension, but the question is ARE YOU? | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Antti Kuitto
a
from cross-country rider
Date Reviewed: November 23, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
Really sweet fork,especially with coil springs. The real all around fork, just like MBA says. The action of fork is very smooth through it's whole 3 travel.
The new Bombers aren't any better than this fork. If you have a chance, you should test it immeaditely! | | Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew Bernick
a weekend warrior
from Wyckoff, New Jersey
Date Reviewed: June 18, 1996 | | Bottom Line: |
I've been riding with my DH3 for about 6 months now, which replaced my 4
year-old Mag 20. My old fork was modified with an Englund Long Travel Kit,
which boosted travel to 3, so I'm familiar with (and a fan of) long travel
forks. This DH3 rules! The travel is quite plush, yet never obtrusive.
Rebound is well controlled to the point of being unnoticable. The fork just
eats up rocks, logs and waterbars, all of which are plentiful on the east coast
trails I usually ride. Very little flex, although the brake pads do sometimes
rub a bit on the rim during hard side-to-side pedaling efforts. Marzocchi
recommends 50 lbs. of pressure, but I've found 40 lbs. to be ideal (I weigh 170
lbs.). Setting the pressure is a devil without either the Marzocchi pump
(available for $35 from Marzocchi) or a Silca floor pump with a screw-on chuck.
The Marzocchi pump is excellent and worth the money, I just wish it was
included. All in all an excellent value and probably the best fork on the
market today. | | Overall Rating: |
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