Submitted by
jack burnett
a Downhiller
from newcastle Date Reviewed: April 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
dont have one
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
internet
Strengths:
travel is amazing, good price, makes mince meat od rocks
Weaknesses:
weird noises
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi bombers 03 120mm
Bike Setup:
specialised carrARA
Bottom Line:
extremely good bike considering the way of peformance, dofinitly worth $200
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jon Benito
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: December 13, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Cameron Park
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
Bikes, Inc
Strengths:
Plush or stiff, super dependable and extremely durable. Marzocchi doesn't make them this solid for less than $700 these days. Both disc and v-brake bosses. Almost no stiction with 20mm axle.
Weaknesses:
QR20 is not quick release. Must have hex wrench (same size as shoe cleat) for unscrewing caps around the axle to remove front tire. Weight, but similar 130mm forks I've fooled around with were not as beefy 20mm hub not so light either. But that's really, really the only nitpicking I can come up with.
Similar Products Used:
Dirt Jumper II (borrowed), Mant. Black(owned), Headshock Super Fatty(owned, rarely worked), Rocks Shox Indy (Elastomers rule)
Bike Setup:
SC Heckler, XT
Bottom Line:
Very well built fork. Bought it in spring of 2002, had heaviest springs put in a year later, I'm 225. After all the beat downs this forks has endured it's still super plush. Fork progressively stiffens as it compresses, making it very difficult to bottom out but rolls over roots like butter. Compressed lockout aligns bike at great angle for uphills, flick the left fork switch and whooosh, full 130mm ready for another severe beating. The same kind of beatings that blew my previous forks in under 6 mos each. I'm only posting because I honestly can't believe I've never had to do anything more than change the oil 2x's a year. It has never had anything more than tiny sepage around the arch, which i'm told is normal. Keep this baby lubed and she'll take it forever. Best used on a frame that specs a 100-110mm fork.
If you can find one used for around $200, you're making a wise choice. This tortured thing is still much, much MUCH better than anything new that retails under $350.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Davis, Ca Date Reviewed: October 16, 2005
Favorite Trail:
clementine loop
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Purchased At:
speedgoat
Strengths:
none
Weaknesses:
Incredibly expensive for how weak and heavy it was. Nowhere near as smooth or well put together as a Fox fork.
Similar Products Used:
Foc float RLC
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Chameleon with SRAM drivetrain, avid SD7 brakes and xt hubs with mavis 517 rims
Bottom Line:
Bottom line is that the steerer tube broke away from the crown under mostly cross country stress. I could understand this happening if I was dirt jumping or something along those lines, but this fork at most saw 4 foot drops and smooth trails. My Fox fork has outperfomed this fork in every way and its about a pound lighter. I would have assumed a 5 inch travel fork with freeride intentions could survive frequent use, but from what I've heard since my purchase is that Marzocchi forks are for posers and can't stand up to the stress of real riding. All I can say is stay away from these forks, and I will never buy a fork from Marzocchi again.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Niko
a Weekend Warrior
from Grenoble, France Date Reviewed: July 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
used (merci Bernard)
Strengths:
The MCR/ETA is a MUST for the kind of steep up & steep down trails that we have here in the Alps : it really does help climbing as the fork is locked compressed, and 130mm travel make the downhill part fast & fun. Otherwise nice & adjustable damping, acceptable weight & very little service needs.
Weaknesses:
The MCR system lacks a middle position for flats trails : if you lock it it may be too hard, if you don't it may show bobbing. I don't care here in the Alps ;o)))
Similar Products Used:
Not much (manitou III)
Bike Setup:
FS (Giant ATX-D1100), Vbrakes
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for fun in the down part without much pain in the up part, this fork is for you! For the (oh pooooor ;o) ones who only ride flat trails, the new 5-positions ECC may be more adapted.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
eug
a
from north van Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
steed cycles
Strengths:
shiny and they work
Weaknesses:
little flexy (reg. dropouts)
Similar Products Used:
pogo stick when i was a kid, any push button click pen.
Bike Setup:
cove 2K g-spot 26/24. custom build, evil black bike
Bottom Line:
forks are okay for general bike riding. Wouldn't be doing too much moto X style jumps, or anything larger than 5 ft to flat landings. Reliable, low maintenance. Somewhat shore capable (see above). Contemplating going for triple clamp, just don't want the extra coupla pounds because riding up will blow/suck that much more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a
from northeast Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
Incredible features. Owned it 2 years and never had a service problem
Weaknesses:
none... maybe the color?
Similar Products Used:
Rocksox, Manitou, etc.
Bottom Line:
Fantastic fork. Great adjustability. Handles everything I can throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Davies
a Downhiller
from Vancouver BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Whistler Downhill (A line)
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Cove Bike Shop
Strengths:
Great for the mountain, ranges from freeriding to Downhill or just cruising 'round. Good adjustments, I have the z1 QR20 version, excellent strength!!!!! very plush, doesn't flex too much, looks cool (Chrome with red stickers).
I AM SELLING THEM THOUGH, GIVE ME AN EMAIL IF INTERESTED! GOOD PRICE, MINT CONDITION!! (canadians please)
Weaknesses:
Not many they were a great fork to me but I'm moving to a triple clamp as drops and a huge 30ft tables are getting scarier, I think it's time.
I AM SELLING THEM THOUGH, GIVE ME AN EMAIL IF INTERESTED! GOOD PRICE, MINT CONDITION!! (canadians please)
Similar Products Used:
Jr. T's and Z4's
Bike Setup:
2001 RM6, with XT hub/derailers. frt. DoubleWide with 2.6 Gazolodi, rear Mavric 321 with 2.5 Highroller. Race Face Prodigy DH Cranks, soon to be Shiver with 8" rotors.
Bottom Line:
Well, I can tell you this baby is a Beauty! She soaks up the bumps, pops of the jumps, and huck over stumps. If your an extreme freerider then this fork is for you! Best single crown out there!
I AM SELLING THEM THOUGH, GIVE ME AN EMAIL IF INTERESTED! GOOD PRICE, MINT CONDITION!! (canadians please)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ Date Reviewed: July 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mt. Eldon, Flagstaff, AZ
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBC
Strengths:
Stiff, lots of plush travel, good bottoming resistance, adjustable, cool looks
Weaknesses:
Spring rate was a little soft. Never used the ECC.
I loved this fork. Hard to bottom, plush travel, confidence inspiring. Spring rate seemed a bit soft, but I was able to dial it in with the clickers. I rode everything from big drops to XC trails and I never had any complaints about the Z1 MCR. Toasted a frame, but the fork never whimpered. I will never use any other suspension fork stuff rules.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
scott
a Weekend Warrior
from tempe,AZ Date Reviewed: June 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$329.00
Purchased At:
supergo
Strengths:
ecc, very strong looks nice.(mine is the chrome and red.)nice adjustibility.can fit big tires.(i fit a 2.8 michlen downhill tire on mine.)
Weaknesses:
there is no product weaknesses
Similar Products Used:
riged 4130 cromoly fork
Bike Setup:
01 trek brusier one stock execpt for tires and the fronk fork and the seat.
Bottom Line:
this for does everything from cross country to urban assult it you have the money get it
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike is
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Muddy and Bloody
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
5 and a half inch of travel! Very plush with nice dampening A single crown :) Light for FR Reliable Nice looks.. Adjustable..
Weaknesses:
well only one.. the lock out broke after doing a 13 ft drop thats about it..
Similar Products Used:
2002 z1 wedge, psylo xc and sl Jr.t and shivers..
Bike Setup:
Black hardtail with silver fork.
Bottom Line:
Really good but the lock out broke too quick.. I still like how Marzocchi make their forks especially single crowns. But, they should make something like U-turn by rockshox.. it could work.. Also, price is a little bit much I think,,;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Downhiller
from Fort Collins, CO Date Reviewed: May 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Shoreline
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$379.00
Purchased At:
Cambria
Strengths:
Got it close out...rules...plush, smooth like a baby's ass...takes a beating and still delivers...definitely worth the extra green...
Weaknesses:
The stock springs are a little weak...I have bottomed them on a few 8 footers but they are ok...no big deal. Other than that, it kicks boo-tay.
Similar Products Used:
Zocchi Z.2 Alloy (only 63mm but smooth as silk, Z.5 Air (blew through the seals with that one, but still a good fork for the money), crappy Rock Shox SID
Bike Setup:
Surly Instigator, XT drivetrain, Azonic 454 DH cranks, Primos, D521s laced to XT Disc Hubs, Hayes, MRP Single Ring Rollers, TANK Headset (Sweet for Slalom)
Bottom Line:
This thing rules...I am a little upset that the springs are somewhat soft, but I do not believe that takes away from the overall performance of this fork. The Lock-Out feature is a blessing for long climbs, but I wish someone would invent something that lightens the #$@#ing bike as a 35 pound demon up a 4% grade is no fun at all. Buy one, if you can find it as they are going the way of the dodo...its worth every penny.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew Long
a Downhiller
from Cleveland, TN Date Reviewed: May 13, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Scott's Bicycle Center
Strengths:
Cross country: she climbs like a goat, and if you're on a suicide climb, lock her out and it changes your geometry to a climbing machine. Absorbs small bumbs that allows you to stay on the pedals while passing in the rough.
DownHill: SHE SHINES! this fork will turn any XC to a FR or DH rider. takes hits and begs for more
FreeRide: heaven. This is what the shock was designed for and it shows. 6ft. drops onto pavement... who cares. I don't even bother pulling the front end up on 1-2ft. drops... just roll of them with this beast.
Weaknesses:
-Got in trouble at work b/c i wanted to many days off to ride... -6ft+ drops look fun now... -had to get another for my other bike b/c i was in love.`
Similar Products Used:
Shiver SC, Psylo Race, Z.1BAM. By similar i mean they were shocks... none heald a candle to this shock.
Bike Setup:
TRECK OCLV Y-Superlight. Hayes disk, sid race rear shock, a crap load of other toys...
Bottom Line:
SWEEET! YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jdawg
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Auburn's Quarry/Motocross Trails
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Local Bike Shop
Strengths:
Strong as the boulders I ride over...The ultimate essence of plushness! This fork is the ultimate single crown with all external adjustments. I have bombed downhill and smashed into big rocks...does the fork whine, complain, bend, or throw me off my bike...no, it just sucks them up and begs for more! This fork is perfect for moderate downhillin', urban assault, and extreme dirt jumping.
Weaknesses:
What U talkin about "weakness."
Similar Products Used:
Dirt jumper 1 and the mini Shiver...Both excellent single crown forks
Bike Setup:
Trek 6000 frame...5 inch Z1 Mcr Bomber, Thomson stem, Thomson seatpost, XT drivetrain, LX cranks, MRP bash gaurd, Rhyno Lite Rims, Pro Taper 2" risers, 2.3 downhill front tire, XT hubs, Primo platform pedals.
Bottom Line:
For those who have the extra money, buy this fork...it is so much nicer, stronger, and plusher than others on the market, especially if you are into dirt jumping, moderate downhilling, or urban assault riding. If you are concerned about weight, this fork is not for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob Scullion
a Downhiller
from Aberystwyth,Wales Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Downhill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Summit Cycles
Strengths:
it has 5 inches of smooth travel with lockout,and they dont need to be serviced every 5 seconds, what more do you want ?
Weaknesses:
They are quite flexy, and that is about it .
Similar Products Used:
Rock shox pshylos, the less said about them the better ! Manitou black , not bad at all , have not got the same reputation as Marzocchi .
Bike Setup:
Kona stinky d-lux, 24" wheels, single chainring, discs .
Bottom Line:
They are a truly excelent fork, I have raced on them for about a year and had no problems with them at all . I am getting a set of Super t pro's, I need to improve my race times and you can only get so much out of the fork . The forks have stood up to a hell of a lot of abuse and not complained once .
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda, California Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
there are more than one..
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$326.00
Purchased At:
Colorado Cyclist
Strengths:
130mm of travel from a single crown, adjustability, ECC, 7 quality of travel.
Weaknesses:
crown to dropout lenght, lack of a progressive stroke ie: blows through travel, additional $50 to change spring rate/fork travel, difficulty of servicability/changing travel. Flex and shuddering under braking (w/disc)
Submitted by
Guillaume Brochu
a Weekend Warrior
from Levis, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: January 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mont ste anne DH, Quebec urban assault, freeride, etc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
from a guy on ebay, got it new for a sweet price!
Strengths:
1)Very plush, smooth as butter on a hot day 2)Super sensitive, a toothpick-size rock activates it! 3)Very adjustable! 4)VERY stiff 5)5" of travel!!!!! 6)Looks very good... 7)Not too heavy 8)ECC, way better than a standard lock out since it keeps your fork compressed while you climmb! 9)Aluminium compression, rebound and ECC clickers, much better than crappy plastic knobs that breaks all the time!
Weaknesses:
1)Hard to adjusts precisely, cuz it's very sensitive 2)Changing the oil is a hassle, cuz you have to remove the clickers, remove the stanchiosn cap, and there are still the cartridges in the fork and they're really anoying while trying to measure the oil level 3)A bit noisy, but it's easily fixeable, just wrap an old road tire tube over both springs, and it'll be completely silent!
Similar Products Used:
RS Quadra 5 (not a real fork!), 2001 Marzocchi Z5 100 AIR (very good, but damping sucks, and it's not adjustable), 2001 Marzocchi Z5 80 coil (springs doesnt work good in a low end fork, it's like you don't have any rebound damping :( ), 2001 Marzocchi Z1 MCR
Very very nice, best single crown fork out there!!!!! I luve it, really, makes my bike feel sooooooooooooo much better! You can't go wrong.... Take a look at www.supergo.com ,they have a few dozens in stock for only 329$US, reeally cheap! C ya!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colten
a
from Victoria, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: January 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Urban
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$330.00
Purchased At:
The Bike Cellar
Strengths:
I have bought the QR20 version of this fork, and it sure beats the hell out of my old 5" Z5. It is stiff and solid, plush and looks great. Also has the ECC system.
Weaknesses:
The ECC lever hits my frame when turning if it is pointed out to the side. It does bottom out easily with Stock spring and oil, but that is easy to change and will happen to any fork. Tire Clearance.
I got this fork at an unbeatable price on Boxing Day for $525 Canadian. I was a little scared about them at first since it is alot of money for a small fork, but it is one of the best investments I have made. The ECC is great for commuting, and probably XC, but I havn't tried yet. I will be racing XC with my school with this fork and it should be nice. Bottom line, this fork is Stiff as hell, Plush, and looks great. 5 flamin chili's
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matthew
a
from Andover, Ma, USA Date Reviewed: January 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bow Ridge Trail, Lynn Woods
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
This thing lands any drop. The lockout feature proves to be very useful when climbing or road riding. 5" of travel rules.
Weaknesses:
Rebound dampening is hard to adjust precisely and slow.
Bike Setup:
Crappy ol' 1998 Trek Y3 with Shimano XT/LX componentry. Fox Vanilla X rear shock coil/oil, 4" travel.
Bottom Line:
If you're like me and occationaly tackle a 6-8' drop and need all the travel you can get, definitely get this fork. However, if you are more of an XC'er than a downhill/technical rider then don't get this fork, its much to heavy for your style of riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a
from Yorkshire, UK Date Reviewed: November 26, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
These forks seem to be very good. I'd not had sus. forks for years and everyone said get Z1's so I did. Lockout feature is very useful as I commute on my bike as well. To be honest all I notice is that I haven't got any suspension on the back of my bike!! Wish I'd got the 20mm axle option but I didn't know I could upgrade my Hope hub. Really good. Would suit anyone due to myriad adjustment possibilities and lockout function. Anybody who gives these a poor review has either not used them at all and is going off hearsay from their 'friends' or hasn't taken the time and effort to learn how to set them up and enjoy them (Or they're too afraid to take them back if they get a problem!).
Weaknesses:
The lockout didn't work when I got them but Windwave sorted that out with a full service FOC and now they are just grand. Huge travel means some bikes handling may be affected, but get used to it and it'll be ok!
Similar Products Used:
Tested Rockshox Judy Race and XC - they seemed to have no rebound control at all compared to my forks, and were very flexy. Rockshox Psylo's - felt a bit lighter but flexed more and the ones I tried had shagged buchings so felt like they about to fall apart.
Bike Setup:
Azonic DS2 Singlespeed 36/18 (XC seup), Avid Arch Rivals, Hope Singlespeed Disc hubs, big bars, 400mm seatpost, mudguards - for messing around and commuting!
Bottom Line:
Top stuff. They look nice, feel nice and last well. The importers/shops help you out well and they've got a good reputation. Plush after break-in period. Buy some!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a Downhiller
from North Shore. British Columbia Date Reviewed: November 6, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Nutcracker
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Marzocchi Rep..Product testing
Strengths:
Plush,responsive and tracks like it's on rails.
Weaknesses:
None as of yet
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Jr T,Z-2,Z-3,Shiver and Super T
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz 2001 Bullet,hayes,XTR,Raceface,Chris King. Basically as "High end" as one can get
Bottom Line:
Well for starters people....This review is for the 2002 Z-1 "Freeride" series.I find it strange there are reviews for this fork since it has ONLY been out for about a month and the reviews to date are for OVER 3 months.I'm lucky to get my forks directly from Marzocchi for testing purposes. Go figure huh?.....ANYWAYS.....For those who are considering this fork let it be known that your money will be well spent!! After a short break-in period this fork was taking hits that would kill other "extreme" forks. The ECC cartridge is great!!!! It allows the rider to compress the fork to climb better with NO PEDAL BOB at all,with a flick of a control on the fork you have 5 inches of what appears to be endless travel.The valve design is a plus as well,the faster you go the more it works to smooth out your ride!! Aside from the high price this is a good fork because you'll never have to upgrade in the future and it's basically great for all types of riding....EXCEPT for the XC rider who has kittens when his/her bike exceeds the 5 gram limit...You know who you guys/gals are :)
5 flamers all around for a great all around fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
gordon
a Cross Country Rider
from north bend Date Reviewed: October 19, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
smooth travel geat fork . nice lockout feature but really haven't used it.nice stiff stantions for a single crown
Weaknesses:
not wide enough for a 3" tire and it doesn't com in an all black setup
Bike Setup:
giant xtc ac2
Bottom Line:
I love the fork alot but the lockout seems like a waste.I never think about using it. I think I should have waited for a jr t or super t.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Midgetorama
a Downhiller
from Bozeman, MT Date Reviewed: October 18, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Online
Strengths:
Turning radius
Weaknesses:
The only way I could get any travel was to increase rebound. Compression was totally reduced and still no travel. I pounded this fork relentlessly to no avail. QR20 axle is only bushed to 20 mm...what a joke. QR mechanism was a joke too. "Tightening" the lever yielded a loosening effect. Sold the fork to a sucker for $300.00.
Similar Products Used:
2000 Jr. T Kicks the #$*@ out of this fork
Bike Setup:
2001 Bullit, Hope 8"ers, 2.7" front 2.4" rear. Race face blah blah blah.
Bottom Line:
Reconsider if you have chosen this fork. Thats just my opinion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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