Submitted by
Sean Quinn
a Downhiller
from Melbourne Date Reviewed: June 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Jells Park
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Ferntree Gully Cycles
Strengths:
These forks have taken BMX style jump, flips and everything you can do to it.
Weaknesses:
dont land on the fork straight on or you'll break your wrist.
Similar Products Used:
ASR forks on an old huffy.
Bike Setup:
Was on my bike when i got it.
Bottom Line:
for use on cruise style and light bmx... not for downhill. but mine are just 80ml so it might make a bit of a difference.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
n K
a Cross Country Rider
from A'dam Date Reviewed: June 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$60.00
Purchased At:
second hand
Strengths:
Drop and no pop
Weaknesses:
nada!
Similar Products Used:
RST Gila T6 (who???) yep they done gone in the trash
Bike Setup:
Hardrock... Marz Bombers/nothing flash
Bottom Line:
Just came back from a week in Palma de Mallorca and by gum these forks saved me having many a face plants! They really do suck up and spit out all rocks and stuff even ones you miss, then still allows you to drop off 6ft (I know not high but high enuff for me) safely to the planet! When doing a hill climb pop the lock out and ease on up that baby... Liked em a lot and there so old! What an amazing difference they made to my ride. For all round XC there fab!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terence
a Downhiller
from Sydney, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: May 7, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Temporary fork swap off a mate
Strengths:
I used the air version. No need for special shock pumps, you can just pump it up with a schraeder valve tyre pump!Air preload is fully adjustable, run it low psi for dh, run it high for hucks and since it doesn't require a shock pump, you can do it on the trail whenever you want. Nice, stiff, little short travel fork. I liked it a lot, but....
Weaknesses:
it didn't react to sudden heavy forces directed to the front end, as though it was like a rigid fork, examples of this was when going back down on a wheelie, it just goes "booosh". I'm assuming air forks dont perform as well as coil. This was accually quite mysterious because it took drops and jumps pretty well. Also, it was a bit too linear for my liking but that can be changed by fiddling with the size of the air chamber thingy..
Bottom Line:
Apart from the little 'non-reacting-rigid-fork-like-feel' jiggle, its near perfect. I dont know about value rating cuz i didn't buy this, but i think they retail for like $600? If so, i give it 4.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kamikaze
a Cross Country Rider
from SPAIN Date Reviewed: February 5, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Forest near to my house
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
City Shop
Strengths:
Low maintenance, strenght, very good holding up the air in the bars for long periods of time (better than manitou for ex.)
Bike Setup:
XC Cr-Mo Ritchey frame mounted with diferent components
Bottom Line:
This fork is great. I push a lot of jumps with my bike, in the trails near to my house, and in 2 years I haven´t any problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Justin
a Weekend Warrior
from dunedin NZ Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004
Favorite Trail:
signal hill
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
thats $250 NZ . a mate
Strengths:
nice to ride, doesnt need too much attention, plush
Weaknesses:
after two years i killed them, cracked the right stantion up by the crown. bottomed them out a few times, and top out :(
Similar Products Used:
now have DJ3 insynic (came with bike)
Bike Setup:
02 GT chucker, 03 DJ3, alex DM24s,single speeded hussfelts soon to have hope 6ti
Bottom Line:
overall there a pretty good fork but once you start to use as jump/free ride forks they get weakend (expecially when doin 180's) did bottom them out a few times and occaisional top out. good forks for money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kai
a
from boston Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
hmmm...
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
warranty
Strengths:
Great fork at an even great price
Weaknesses:
probably not the lightest
Similar Products Used:
marzocchi exr (like a pogo stick), duke (nowhere near mxc), marzocchi marathon sl
Bike Setup:
steel GT single speed
Bottom Line:
I actually got this fork after a failed attempt with a marathon sl. Marzocchi makes some quality products but really sh** the bed with the marahon sl. Either way, i got this plus a few hundred dollars back (good customer service) and got back to riding. At 165 im not the world lightest rider, and i can and have bottomed this fork out (i run 50 lbs of pressure). I wish it were a little harder suspension, but life cant be perfect. if i could i would give the fork 6 chilis for value cause there is nothing even remotely close to this type of performace at this price. As for overall, there are better forks out there, so i cant give the perfect 5...4 it is
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cRock
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: July 14, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Strengths:
This fork just works and you don't have to think about it. Isn't that the best you can hope for?
Weaknesses:
It could be lighter. A little harsh over studder bumps.
Bike Setup:
Bianchi KingBee
Bottom Line:
The Marz fork rides nice and is very sturdy. You hear horror stories about the other forks in this price range, not so with the MXC. I've been riding it hard for about 9 months now through wretched clay mud it just keeps begging for more. The only flaw is that it does not take the sting out of small, quick bumps. On the positive side, it's smooth, predictable travel will save you in hairy descents and has never bottomed on me. If you're a bit of a "purist" looking for a fork you can just ride and forget, the MXC is what you've been looking for.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Downhiller
from boulder, colo Date Reviewed: June 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Starr Peak
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
seemingly cheap xc fork can handle fierce abuse. out of box spring rate stiff yet fork is plush
Weaknesses:
none so far. i will repost if i can kill this fork.
Similar Products Used:
z1, psylo, dj1, dj3, atom 80, judy
Bike Setup:
03 specialized hardrock with cheap jumper parts
Bottom Line:
well so far this fork has not broke!! i have hucked it off an 8 footer and cased the bike 10+ times at the jump parks and other spots, mostly on tall rhythms with 15-20 foot gaps. i have destroyed a rear wheel, tweaked the bb/pedals a little, crashed after a manual landing and dinged the front wheel pretty well, and pounded down a killer rocky singletrack. the fork is tough. i overcleared a double and landed flat in the well of the next double (about 9-10 ft to semi flat landing) and the fork did not bottom (my 01 monster t did on the same jump but probably needs a stiffer spring) or hit harshly metal to metal. i was impressed. steering is pretty good; a little sketchy on 20 footers, but its an xcish fork so the sucker is pretty stiff. if you are an xc rider who finds one of these for 150 bucks or less jump on it. it impersonates a z1 rather nicely.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Whitey
a Cross Country Rider
from Malibu Canyon Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Crags
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike on ebay
Strengths:
This fork came on my new Kona Bear. It was awesome from the first ride. Soaks up big and small hits and I never feel it bottom out. Super smooth.
Weaknesses:
None so far. I may go for the model with ETA to help on hills.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou magnum, Rockshox Duke sl
Bike Setup:
2002 Kona Bear, shimano hydros, wtb speed v seat, XT cranks and rear derailler, panaracer fire xc pros, shimano m24 pedals.
Bottom Line:
I love these forks. I ride a variety of fire roads, single track and rocky stream beds. This fork never even lets you know it is there. I mean that it soaks up everything so well that I never give it a second thought. Great company, great fork. Buy it. Any questions? Five flamin' balloons across the board.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ben Wichterman
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Cloud MN USA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Strength, weight, cost
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Duke XC & Judy II, Fox Forx Vanilla 2002
Bike Setup:
2002 Gary Fisher Marlin
Bottom Line:
I had no idea what suspension forks were until I had this one installed on my bike. My Marlin came stock with a Judy II which was more like a rigid fork than a suspension fork. I have a friend who has a Duke and a Fox on his two bikes, both of which I rode on the trails several times, before concluding that neither was for me. So, I did some research and came up with the MXC as the fork that was right for me. This fork is amazing! It chews up all the rocks and roots that used to throw me and Judy II all over the trails. This fork stands up and takes 4 foot drops like a champ. (I weigh only 145lbs...) I love this fork. I really liked the Fox too but the reviews on it weren't as convincing as the MXC's reviews. That and my friend's fork as been to Fox 3 times in two seasons. Marzocchi has a proven track record and you will not be disappointed with this fork. This fork was designed for serious XC riding and won't break the bank!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Gaudet
a Cross Country Rider
from Dieppe,New-Brunswick,Canada Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Conaught woods
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
bunguay's bicycle shop
Strengths:
Great rebound while in singletracks. Absorbs everything in its path. Good weight and very solid.
Weaknesses:
It came with an air preshure valve jammed, so the air pressure got to 0psi pretty quick but the shop fixed it up because the pump was WAY to expensif.
Similar Products Used:
bomber Z.5. Rock Shox duke xc,sid race
Bike Setup:
Rocky mountain Elevtion, stock
Bottom Line:
If your big or small this fork is made for you.It works great and is very reliable. I LIKE THE DAMN SHOCK!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Theodore Jump
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX Date Reviewed: April 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Emma Long Metro Park, Austin
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bicycle Sports Shop North
Strengths:
Reliability ( when serviced after 6 months of use the oil was clean and all seals and wipers were in tip-top shape ), rigidity, low maintenance, adaptability ( air spring )
Weaknesses:
Dropouts failed, dang-it, after 10 months and ~2000 miles of hard riding. Not sure if this is a weakness but it certainly leaves me unhappy.
Similar Products Used:
c'dale headshok, manitou black, fox, rs-1 ( back in the day )
Bike Setup:
'02 Spec Enduro with MX Comp 100; king hubs; mavc f219 rims; shimano 525 hydraulic brakes with avid rotors; xt drivetrain;
Bottom Line:
For the aftermarket cost and inclusion with the bike, and the overall performance for the ten months I have had this fork I give it the 5-flamers for value, minus one for the dropouts failing.
For the ease of maintenance, overall performance, adaptability, reliability, and the many miles I have put on it w/o a problem I give it 5-flamers, minus one again for the dropouts failing.
If you don't ride really hard and rough technical rock trails, 2-3ft steps up and down, fast descents like Porcupine Rim in Moab, OR you weight less than my solid 230# then you probably would never have seen the fork failure that I have.
For the rest of us, this is still a great fork, particularly for the money. I've gotten just over 2000 miles logged on this fork since June 1st 2002, on my Specialized Enduro. Most of these miles have been logged on the rocky and technical trails in and around Austin, Texas - with a huge percentage of them at Emma Long Metro Park Moto Trails which are definitely not "easy" trails either for you or your equipment.
I just got back from my now-annual vacation trip to Moab Utah where we did a solid week(+) of riding ( over 180 miles of trail riding in 10 days ) covering everything from Slickrock to sand-pits in Jackson Hole and the fork did wonderful there once I figured out the sage information of setting the air spring presure to accomodate how the terrain and temps would cause it to rise about an hour into my rides.
About My Cracked Dropouts
On my last ride in Moab, and my first ride back in Austin, I was noticing a creaking sound under certain conditions coming from the front of my bike, whether in the saddle or out. An hour spent in paranoid riding, stopping frequently to check things, cleaning and checking bolts and so forth, finally brought the failure to light. On both of the dropouts, on the metal that sits behind the wheel axle and below the fork legs, cracks had started from the inner-point ( near contact with the axle ) and heading towards the back at a slightly upward angle. I thank the gods that they did not snap off on me, while crusing down Porcupine Rim or any other of the trails in Moab.
At this point, my fork is on its way to Marzocchi, which I hope they will find a manu defect and replace the fork. We shall see.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
andy
a Weekend Warrior
from WA Date Reviewed: February 23, 2003
Favorite Trail:
DWELLINGUP
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
Bike Force
Strengths:
Good forks , nice rebound, good preload adjustments, nice plush travel.
Weaknesses:
there cr*p i snapped the right hand stantion
Similar Products Used:
pyslo
Bike Setup:
Avanti hotdog,De max rims, Hayes hydro, Hussefelts
Bottom Line:
Bloody good forks ,but for a person that likes jumping there not the best unless you jump like a pro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Toms
a Weekend Warrior
from Eng, Leighton Buzzard Date Reviewed: January 24, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Woburn Trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Bike Dock
Strengths:
100 ml travel/very light, plush.
Weaknesses:
none as yet.
Similar Products Used:
Psyhlo xc, dj 3, judy sl, Manitou black comp.
Bike Setup:
Gusset pigmy 3 piece+ring+prison bars.xt/hope hubs,on mavic d521's.Hope mini,dmr jump saddle,chain device+v8 pedals.odyssey stem plus loads more rad goodies!rock on!!ohh yer barracuda ghetto frame!!
Bottom Line:
Great value!!perfect for small jump specific frame!!!light weight and strong enough for the big stuff!!aslong as it not josh bender styly!!!still feels and looks like new!great seals!!hard wearing!small bedding in time!Rad for jumping with the right psi set up, as for downhill, and dual!!i weekly do 10ft doubles with no troubles!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Masters
a Cross Country Rider
from Centurion,Gauteng,South Africa Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Elandshoogte - MP
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Hatfield Cycles
Strengths:
Smooth , fast predictable ride , tuff looking , low maintenance , easy to adjust (air)
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
RST Gamma TL
Bike Setup:
Deore , LX , XT , Roox , Titec , Scwhinn Mesa GSX
Bottom Line:
THIS SHOCK IS GREAT !! You will not make a mistake by going for this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
a freerider, not
a Cross Country Rider
from mammoth mtn. Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002
Favorite Trail:
velocity
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$899.00
Purchased At:
mammoth sporting goods
Strengths:
cheap, great xc fork, fits a 2.65 tire well.
Weaknesses:
air fork, no control over compresion/rebound damper, not progresive at all.
Similar Products Used:
the black fork 100/80mm
Bike Setup:
khs fxt rage. I've replaced/upgraded to: race face prodigy dh 170mm cranks, truvativ dh b.b., truvativ bash ring, x-stem, protaper 50mm bars, irc kugo 2.65 front tire
Bottom Line:
there are many more expensive 4" forks on the market and since you'r looking at this review that means you want a cheap fork. I know this fork would last if you ride xc only.(it's intended use). I ride it like a freeride fork. I've done 20' doubles, 8' drops, dh courses at mammoth mtn.(not racing)and the fork still works. after about 3 months I blew out the left leg. I no longer put air in that side(less oil leaks out)and I double the other sides psi. the fork still works pretty good. if you ride mostly xc and go big only sometimes it is a great fork. if you like to ride anything just short of downhill all the time(like me), do you'r self a favor and buy the dj3. i gave them a 3 because they blew out.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
calum
a Weekend Warrior
from reading Date Reviewed: November 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
berkshire cycles(with a bike)
Strengths:
Smooth, strong,lighter than my previous fork very low mantanence(so far).
Weaknesses:
Not very progresive and can't take big hits.
Similar Products Used:
zoom+judy tt.
Bike Setup:
Cromoly frame, 24severn/dmr kit.
Bottom Line:
Buy this fork, but dont expect it to be able to take anything more than 10ft.Also dont go ridin it to hard in the first week as it needs some time to bed itself in properly. Don't buy this if you are a big hit freerider,or a cross-country racer who needs really low wieght forks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from England Date Reviewed: October 21, 2002
Simply an amazing fork! If you have $200, and want the best fork 4 ya money, you buy this fork!
I have no complaints about the fork. It had hardly any break in period, contrary to popular belief. I rode it hard for an hour, and it works like a beast! And the decals are correct too. For all the critics out there, this fork rulz!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Erickson
a Weekend Warrior
from Gaithersburg,md, Montgomery Date Reviewed: September 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Gambltil state park, DC Urban assult
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$102.00
Purchased At:
out of QBP
Strengths:
tAKES ALOT TO HURT THEM.
Weaknesses:
THE ONLY THING I CAN THINK OF IS THE INTERNAL PRE LOADING
Similar Products Used:
MXR
Bike Setup:
SURLY INSTIGATOR, URBAN ASSULT
Bottom Line:
THESE FORKS HAVE BEEN THROUGH A LOT. I HAVE BEEN OFF DROPS FROM 3 FEET TO 5 1/2 FOOT DROPS ON TO FLAT CONCRETE. AND THEY WORK LIKE THE DAY I BOUGHT THEM. THEY HAVE 100MM OF TRAVEL WICH IS GOOD IF YOU PLAN ON RIDING A LITTLE HARDER.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob H
a
from Manchester Date Reviewed: September 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
coed y brenin
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
chain reactions
Strengths:
Fast work in time plush suspension and great stength
Weaknesses:
none seen as yet
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Specialised rockhopper with marzocchi MXC's
Bottom Line:
Awsome forks which with TLC will get better with age
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brian K
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, MA Date Reviewed: September 16, 2002
I was on a budget and couldn't believe I could afford a 2002 Marzocchi. I got the 100mm coil sprung version (yes the MXC comes in air and coil-sprung, just like all zocchi forks). I am in no way disappointed. I was riding a Rockshox Jett before this that came with my cheap bike, so of course this is a world of difference. My riding has gotten sloppier because this thing soaks up anything so well. I have less need to pick a good line. It also make any small drops I do a piece of cake. Eventually I expect to be able to go off stuff I didn't think possible with this baby.
So 5 flaming poos' for value and 4 overall, because I'm sure there are better forks out there, but not at this cost.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Christchurch, New Zealand Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Bardenas Spain
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Mikes Bikes Dublin
Strengths:
Smooth, strong, sweet! and go exactly where you point em.
Have just upgraded the front end from Suntour after promising to do so for a year. Wished I had done it sooner. Have ridden the single tracks around the Dublin mountains for 1 year on the old forks and the Marzocchi MXCs are on another planet. For the price they are a must buy!!. Are running the pressure at 25psi ( i am 72kgs )and they bob while climbing out of the saddle so will probably up the pressure to 35psi. Another Marzocchi convert!!.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Douglas Crumpler
a Cross Country Rider
from Essex, England Date Reviewed: September 12, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Catons Lane
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bikedock.com
Strengths:
Plush travel that gets better every ride. Takes abuse from heavier trails. Soaks small bumps enough to still feel the trail but takes larger stuff in its stride.
Weaknesses:
Flex is apparent but the low pressure 2.1's probably make me paranoid. Would of preferred the red decal set but for some reason got the white EXR stickers apart from the Fork label? The paint can get scratched by flung up stones bit of a shame when trying to maintain a nice looking bike.
Similar Products Used:
SID's, Z1's, rigid!!
Bike Setup:
Merlin Malt 2, D521/D521CD on LX hubs. Deore Transmission, FSA Cranks with 22T&33T chainrings, Custom designed and engineered Bashguard/Chain Guide, Cane Creek C2 + other stuff waiting to be upgraded
Bottom Line:
These forks are the best first time upgrade, but if you want to do anything a tiny bit more adventurous (anything more than 3 foot drops are a no go) save up. Excellent for everyday use with no maintenance but keep an eye on the seals especially if your trails go through trails during harvest time as the dust gets everywhere. Some flex but its all in the right places as the bushings are sweet keeping everything straight. Buy these forks if you want an excellent looking and performing fork, just make sure they're in stock as you have to wait 3 weeks while Marzocchi make a new batch for you!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Quentin the great
a Cross Country Rider
from dunedin, New Zealand Date Reviewed: August 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
signal hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Looks, travel, smooth ride and excellent steering
Weaknesses:
umm may be just the damping issue but i dont need to mess with that anyway
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox duke xc and judy xc
Bike Setup:
2001 Avanti Competitor
Bottom Line:
Had my doubts cos it was to cheap 4 zoccies but i only had them on my bike for a minute before i realised how great these little boys were. On the trail i thought the 100mm of travel may be to much 4 me (have been running 63mm on my crusty old judys) but i was wrong climbing was great steering was unmatched and after a long downhill my arms were fine and i hadnt rattled my eyes out as per usual.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jorj
a Weekend Warrior
from Windsor, England Date Reviewed: August 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$195.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Cheap, stiff, simple, stealth looks if you peel off the nasty decals
Weaknesses:
Some people might need external adjusters
Similar Products Used:
Zoom CH650
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro Pro frame, Mavic Crossroc UST, XT discs etc, about $2700 worth
Bottom Line:
Got this cheap fork to hold up the front end of my new frame, and can't see a good reason to upgrade. I weigh about 195lb and run 40psi in the fork, uses about 75% of the travel on the biggest stuff I actually land (concrete staircases), stock damping and oil level works fine at these settings. Steel steerer tube is a confidence booster. The obvious upgrade would be Fox Forx Float RL/RLC (i.e. 100mm air fork, about 3.8lb) but that fork is $600/$700+ in England, spending the extra $500 on a week's vacation in a good riding spot will improve your riding more than a fork upgrade. Obviously, its aimed at XC/Enduro riders, so you'll want something beefier if you ride big. An easy 5 for value, and another 5 overall 'cos its good enough and sooo cheap! 2003 model will probabaly get 32mm tubes compared with this years 30mm, should be even better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge, UK Date Reviewed: August 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Anything in the peak district
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
JE James, Sheffield
Strengths:
Stiff, light, cheap, hard-wearing and long-lasting.
The ARE light (whoever was complaining about weight probably had MXR's - the coil sprung version), the squishing sound is the turbulent flow of oil rushing through the SSV damping system (whoever said they went quiet when they 'bedded in' probably hasn't changed the oil since he bought them and hence is running oil levels too low.) The squish sound is good and healthy. (When you understand the SSV system, you'll understand why) They are a great fork for the money, they certainly won't need replacing due to wearing out; more likely you'll just eventually have enough to upgrade to a high-end fork.
Compared to my mate's DukeSLs, they aren't quite as stiff in torsion, or bending, and weigh a little more. The dukes feel a bit plusher, but as legend has it, "while other forks wear out, Marzocchis wear in", so they just need more riding. Their performance is genuinely comparable, their cost is LESS THAN HALF!
It's worth remembering air-sprung forks require a little more maintenance than coil sprung ones. Regular oil change, pressure checks, and seal checks. The dust seals are great on these forks, but the cleaner, and better greased you keep the stanchions, the longer the seals will last, and the plusher they'll feel. On the other hand, bombers need some hars treatment, just to get them moving smoothly!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Benge
a
from UK Date Reviewed: August 1, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Comfy, like a beanbag. Reliable and strong, like Boxer the horse.
Weaknesses:
Heavy, like a brick. Bob a bit, like a sailboat.
Similar Products Used:
RST airs, RS Judys (Judies?)
Bike Setup:
Sub-22. w00t.
Bottom Line:
I was going to get rid of these heavy steel coil things because my bike was supposed to be light. But now I don't think I will. They're a bit weighty, true, but they're so comfy and predictable and worry-free. It's like sitting in an armchair.
One day I will probably put in something lighter that has a lockout (don't like bobbing). But I keep putting that day off, because these simple MXCs are so *wholesome*.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luke
a
from Canada Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
poo pass at COP
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
very plush, can take anything i throw at it, smooth, no more sore forearms!
Weaknesses:
there is a mix up on the decals as to which model they correspond to. Mine came with red decals- it should be a ecc model if it has red decals, but does not have ecc.
Similar Products Used:
SR Suntour- piece of junk!, RST 180 (just like having a ridgid)
Bike Setup:
Schwinn with xt all around, bomber mxc
Bottom Line:
wow! what an incredible shock. Gone are the days when i would come home with aching forearms- I have yet to bottom it out, even on 6 foot drops and the like! If you are looking for marzocchi quality, but dont want to pay $1200 this is the best fork you can buy. Awesome value
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Warren
a Weekend Warrior
from London,UK Date Reviewed: June 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$247.00
Purchased At:
Bonthrone
Strengths:
Styleee looks. Quality of travel No adjustment
Weaknesses:
No external adjustment. No boots
Bike Setup:
Diamond Back XR1 - Rear-Fox Vanilla - Avid SD1 V's - LX/Deore w/ Race Face chainrings
Bottom Line:
This fork has improved the bike immensely from the Manitou Magnums that it came with. Single track performance is heaps better and as the fork is so stiff, the bike goes where I point it. The travel quality gives me the confidence to hit the lumpy stuff while leaning and at speed. Now all I have to do is improve the underdamped rear end. Want to improve your bike get this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Nova Scotia Date Reviewed: June 17, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Cape Split
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
came on bike
Strengths:
PLUSH VERY STRONG DOSEN'T BOTTEM OUT LOOKS GOOD IT'S A MARZOCCHI
Weaknesses:
IT SQUEEKS
Similar Products Used:
ROCKSHOX DIKE XC(not even close)
Bike Setup:
2002 rocky mountian stratos -->stock
Bottom Line:
Great fork for money sqeeks but it;s still new. If you are looking for a good reasnably priced fork GET IT.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mondy
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester, England Date Reviewed: June 12, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Tom Royle UK
Strengths:
100mm travel big beefy never bottom out ( I weigh 200). PRICE
Weaknesses:
front to back flex and strange squishy sound until bed in properly.
These Shox are the dogs danglies they take big hits with ease bearing in mind i weigh 15st and never seem to bottom out even when set at relativley low prossures i run mine at 40psi, the only thing with these is they need a lot of time to bed in and to lose the squishy sound.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luc
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 29, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Full Cycle
Strengths:
Smooth with the small and big stuff. Not much side to side movement either.
Weaknesses:
No big ones. Maybe the fact that it doesn't have an external damping control but the factory setting works for me.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou 3, Judy's ,etc.
Bike Setup:
2002 Kona Muni-Mula
Bottom Line:
These forks are just amazing and they will inspire confidence in any rider. I bought a mid-range Kona, standard with the Bomber, and my bike rocks just like a more expensive bike with this shock. I've hit some big stuff at speed and the MXC soaked it up without a problem. Go to your local bike store and test ride them.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sigmund Jakhel
a Cross Country Rider
from Slovenia Date Reviewed: May 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
A local hill called Sv. Katarina (St, Catherine)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Cuk, local town called Idrija
Strengths:
Smooooth ride! Air spring is infinitely adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Needs special pump to adjust, very sensitive to air pressure. Marzocchi pressure chart is cuckoo... way too high pressures for rider weight
Similar Products Used:
Zokes, RS Jett
Bike Setup:
2002 Cult (Made in Slovenia!) LX - Deore cranks, otherwise full LX, Marzocchi Bomber MXC front shock, Grimeca System 8 disc brakes (160 mm rotors front & rear), Kalloy susp. seatpost (will get replaced with something better soon)
Bottom Line:
A very nice fork. Butter sweet & silky smooth, once air pressure is right (which migth take a few tries). Need a special pump (a regular one will blow the air springs, as they are very small) that costs 30-40$ extra, but is worth the cost.
Eats all possible bumps nicely, has very nice oil damping (does not feel like a damn pogo stick), so you don't even feel the little bumps and cracks in the road, or small roots in the trail.
Simply pure pleasure to ride, at least for my preference and riding style.
The rider weight / air pressure table Marzocchi provides is totally cuckoo... maket the fork rock hard. I personally weight ca. 107 kg (200+ lb) and use 2 - 2.2 bars of presure (should use 3.5 - 4.5)
It is also possible to convert this for to coil springs for ca. 30$.
NOTE: Bomber MXC Air without ECC comes with WHITE text, while Bomber MXC Air WITH ECC comet with BLUE text. There was some confusion about this. There is also a sticker with the product name and specs on the back of the right leg.
5 Chillis for value - nice price for the performance 5 chillis for overall, despite the bad pressure table
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Stongo
a Cross Country Rider
from London, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$185.00
Purchased At:
bikecanada.com
Strengths:
Smooth, Eats up bumps, Amazing Steering, Light, Cheap, Dependable, Lots of Travel
Get this fork right away. I upgraded from a crappy low end shock, and the difference is unreal. It has improved my riding tremendously. Extremely plush, real adjustability, and with lots of travel, you can't go wrong. I am tall and heavy and cannot bottom it out. Amazing value for the money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Weiran Zhang
a Weekend Warrior
from Kent, Sheppey, UK Date Reviewed: May 6, 2002
Favorite Trail:
The Glen
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$160.00
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.co.uk
Strengths:
Great Strength
Weaknesses:
Non-adjustable travel Long break in period (or as I've been told)
Similar Products Used:
Magnum R, Z3, Judy XC, Psylo XC
Bike Setup:
Scott Vail (Deore groupset, scott components, various upgrades)
Bottom Line:
Wot a fork! i rode some on my mates bike, and theyre the plushest and stiffest forks Ive used! Even more that a Z3 and at a small weight. Brilliant damping system makes sure the fork rides smooth through stutter bumps, and it also lands well from jumps. At £139, its a must upgrade for all budget riders, even for hardcore riders!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jools
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney Date Reviewed: April 16, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Oxford Falls
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
Cyclery Northside
Strengths:
Strong, rigid, plush, adjustable, colour
Weaknesses:
none so far
Similar Products Used:
98 Judy SLs
Bike Setup:
Diamondback X-Link Pro frame (got it under warranty when my V-link snapped) its still got the crappy RST rear shock (thats next to go) XT all over
Bottom Line:
I was using my old Judy Sls on the new frame and they just didn't feel right - I've started doing some freeriding as well as XC and the old forks wern't up to it - I replaced a oil cartridge in the judys then bought stiffer springs and they still felt soggy and bottomed out all the time. I put the new forks on and and what I hadn't realised was just how flexy the old Judys were - I went on my local trail today - lots of steps and technical sections - these forks have an extra inch of travel but I was doing technical climbs better than I ever had before and the steering was so much more accurate and solid through the rough stuff. I did a few smallish drops and the forks were really solid - not even close to bottoming out. The spring rate increases as they compress and they just feel awesome. Now admittedly I'm coming from a high end but old shock (98 Judy SL) to mid priced new shock but the MXC is just miles ahead - this is the best money I've spent on my bike yet. I'll add another review if my opinion changes after more use.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tom Richards
a Weekend Warrior
from High Littleton, England Date Reviewed: March 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
High Littleton Trails
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
They came with my bike.
Strengths:
Nice and soft but don't bottom out. They look good. Good for dirt jumping.
Weaknesses:
Can't just fiddle with some knobs to addjust them. Probably a bit soft for XC Gay-boys.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou X-Vert, Bomber Z.1, Z.3, Z.4, Crappy SR Suntours.
Bike Setup:
24/Seven Dark Angel V.02, Single speed, No front brake, Standard apart from Primo Tenderizers.
Bottom Line:
Knob Out!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean Shaepherd
a Downhiller
from South Africa Date Reviewed: March 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Very stiff. Lots of travel for the weight and price. Very plush. Strong
Weaknesses:
Rebound slightly slow on factory setting.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Spider
Bike Setup:
Dual/Jump setup
Bottom Line:
This fork is great for the price, and I recommend it to anyone who needs a strong fork with 4 inches of travel. It is strong enough for jumping, but can still be used for XC and riding trails. I bought one of the first ones shipped into South Africa.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ken Zion
a Cross Country Rider
from Tokyo, Japan Date Reviewed: February 20, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Mount Hinode
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Stiff, fairly light compared to other forks in this price range, color, air option
Weaknesses:
Noisy during break-in, oil in shock squishes around at that time with the air.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou sx-r, manitou x-vert, marzocchi Z3.5
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper FSR XC, XTR brakes and derailleurs, Truvativ cranks w/FSA BB, SRAM Rocket shifters, Avid brake levers and flak jacket cables, Mavic Crossmax rims w/Panaracer Trailblasters, Thomson seatpost, WTB Momemtum C headset, Raceface SYStem and Airalloy bar.
Bottom Line:
So far a great fork for the money, on the air model you can adjust the fork to your liking with different amounts of air pressure. When almost maxed out the fork feels like a rigid fork, and when set up right feels plush a has a great control feel to it. I ride better with this than the Z3.5. I would recommend this fork to anyone who needs a good fork and can't afford an overpriced RS. I recommend taking the fork to a professional to have it set up correctly when making the change to air. 4 chilis for overall because of noisy break-in.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dennis
a
from The Netherlands Date Reviewed: February 17, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
Plush, looks, quality, and the price :)
Weaknesses:
I use discbrakes, so I really don't like the looks of those v-brake things...
Similar Products Used:
Standard fork (cheap ass suntour MG)
Bike Setup:
Giant
Bottom Line:
I'm really happy with the fork, it's really nice to cross through the woods with it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a
from UK Date Reviewed: February 16, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
www.chainreactioncycles.com
Strengths:
Plush! Can be converted from air sprung to coil sprung or vice-versa, easy (and infrequent) maintenance, stiff, tracks well and smooth action. Also look ace!
Weaknesses:
Getting the right air pressure in each leg is fiddly as is adjusting rebound damping
Bike Setup:
'93 GT Timberline, full XT, MXC's, Titec bits
Bottom Line:
Excellent plush fork for very little money
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from London, England Date Reviewed: February 3, 2002
Favorite Trail:
£164 (230 usd approx)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$232.00
Purchased At:
lbs
Strengths:
action, stiffness, looks, ecc upgrade capability.
Weaknesses:
travel? not really a problem but if they made a 120mm version of this for a similar price, that really would be something.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox judy XC, DH, Jetts, Various low end RSTs $20 chilli works, Suntours, Maz z5, z4, z3, z1 bam, z1 freeride, Dirt jumpers. Manitou sx r, sx lt, magnums.
Bike Setup:
A motley crew of parts. Cove Handjob, SPDs, 321 DH wheelset, single front ring (and I ride XC, thats how pathetic our hills are) with bashguard and chain device, DMR jumping stuff + raceface prodigy. shimano, all the usuall mid range suspects.
Bottom Line:
The fork itself isn't all that special. Simple air spring, no kind of damping adjustment. Quite stiff but not amazing. however, for the money, it is awesome. What are the alternitives? A Judy XC? A Manitou six? This fork will outperform by a long way. I recently built a new bike and I could have gone for a $500 super fork, but I chose this instead just because I knew it'll get the job done, and I was right. It smooths put the stuttering bumps, it sucks up the big hits, what more can you ask of a fork for this price?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Glen Robb
a Weekend Warrior
from Lower Hutt, New Zealand Date Reviewed: February 2, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Tifiti fire break/ street riding
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
On Yer Bike (came with bike)
Strengths:
Its Plush, very little flex, it tracks really well. It looks the part.
Weaknesses:
I've bottomed em' out once, but hey I'm a big boy!
I mainly ride street, and this fork handles drops really really nicely. And when I venture off road, I can't fault it, it preforms like a pro fork every time. If your on a budget, and want a great fork at a low cost, go Bomber and GET THIS FORK
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charles Brewer
a Cross Country Rider
from Westcott, England Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Leith Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Nirvana, Westcott
Strengths:
I can still focus while riding fast over rough ground. (I notice details like trees, potholes and stuff)
Weaknesses:
May be a target for thieves!
Bike Setup:
Scott Purgatory
Bottom Line:
Each time I buy a new component, this game takes on a new aspect. A month ago I had a horrible smash, though I've got a nice scar coming on now, when the original suspension on my bike decided not to bother compressing much. So I limped round to Simon's shop and bought a brand new set of forks. After two weeks (and major dropoff abuse by my son) I finally got to try the forks; they are outstanding.
Hammering down off Leith Hill at around 10 mph faster than I used to, I could still see what was happening and didn't bounce from juddery pothole to blurry log.
I can understand why the mags. have been giving these forks top rating! I'd recommend this fork for anyone upgrading from 'standard' versions on lower cost bikes, the difference is more than you could possibly inagine!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Brendon Gittins
a Weekend Warrior
from Toowoomba, Queenland, Australia Date Reviewed: December 5, 2001
Favorite Trail:
cheeseburger
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
everything - look sweet, strong design, smooth action and I still havent bottomed them out, even after a six foot nose dive. They also have a really good seal system.
Weaknesses:
none
Similar Products Used:
bomber z1 z3, judy 100
Bike Setup:
Avanti Hotdog. Mxc's, Truvativ cranks, deore running gear, alex rims, pro taper bars
Bottom Line:
I love these forks, they are the best feeling forks i have used in a long time, and the price what a bargain. I am now a Marzocchi convert. These forks are perfect for any heavy trail rider or light freerider. They suck up the big drops and are still smooth over the stutter bumps.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Colin
a Cross Country Rider
from Regina, SK, Canada Date Reviewed: December 1, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
bike shop
Strengths:
100mm of travel, extremely smooth, takes big and small hits eventhough I weigh 200lbs, nice looks
Weaknesses:
would of like to see it offered in 130mm of travel
Excellent shock for the money, I live in canada so it cost me $350 but it still worth the money. Defintely buy if your on a budget, enjoy trail riding and mild drop-offs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Beaux
a Weekend Warrior
from Guildford, Surrey, England Date Reviewed: November 15, 2001
Favorite Trail:
The Justice, Winterfold Hill
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$212.00
Purchased At:
Merlin Cycles UK
Strengths:
Sturdy, Reliable, Progressive. Take hits large and small without a any fuss.
Weaknesses:
A little tricky to get an accurate balance of air pressure (using 2000 Marzocchi Fork Pump)
Similar Products Used:
Marzocchi Z5 (00) and Marzocchi Z3 BAM 80 (00)
Bike Setup:
DeKerf Implant, Front Hope Mini, XT/Deore mix
Bottom Line:
I have the most faith in Marzocchi and once again they succeed. Had to buy a pair of 100mm travel forks for the new frame and these were the only ones I could afford but what a bargain! Handsome looking forks that look like they'll take some serious abuse. Out on the trails they eat roots and rock steps for breakfast, soak up the ripples and drops in a comfortable way even pumped to 45 psi in each leg (not sure yet what the recomended settings are yet). In the budget range I don't think anything comes close (Rock Shox suck on after sales;don't be tempted!) Buy Some!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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