Submitted by
Roger Ramjet
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunny Brisbane Date Reviewed: February 28, 2006
Favorite Trail:
soft, with waterbars and pointing downhill
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Phantom cycles
Strengths:
Bombproof, durability, rebound adjustment, ass-saving capability, made in Italy, not Taiwan
Weaknesses:
They dont make 'em any more
Similar Products Used:
None, not interested in inferior copies
Bike Setup:
Cool flaming skull sticker, silver spokes and black rims, profile bar ends, XT and XTR, bald tyres for commuting
Bottom Line:
This is the fork NASA astronauts will use for their mountain bikes when they land on Mars.
Could this possibly be the XT thumbshifters of the fork world???
Simple, and it works. Should i be servicing them after 4 years of mud, dust and general abuse?
Upgrade the springs, learn to keep fork slightly compressed if you are out of the saddle and climbing and you'll never complain about these puppies. Fox are definitely more complex and more expensive, everything else is a wet noodle by comparison.
Keep it simple, keep it real, stick with coils.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ville
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland Date Reviewed: May 1, 2004
Favorite Trail:
röllimetsä trailssit
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At:
at second-hand market
Strengths:
-Smooth performance ja very stiff structure -follows the surface very well and rebound control is wide and effective. -cheap -good looking -I regard it's the easiest fork to maintain on planet
Weaknesses:
-At this price I don't find any weakness or dissapoinments on this fork!
Similar Products Used:
Sid Race, Marzocchi Z.1, Judy SL, Manitou black comp
Bike Setup:
GT I-drive xcr 2000
Bottom Line:
It eats all kind off bumps and roughs on the trail ahead however you ride, smoothly and without any uncotrollable bounces. I have Hayes hfx-9 on the front end and the fork don't flex under hard braking. The fork is well damped and controlled and it's smooth performance will make bumpy terrain feel like flat pavement. The progressivity is very good, I don't have ever bottomed it out alltough I weight about 95kg and my riding style is a mix of both xc and light freeride. The conclusion is that this fork is worth of money.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from bristol Date Reviewed: March 24, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$80.00
Purchased At:
LBS in Seekonk, MA USA
Strengths:
Cheap!!, Light, Looks pretty darn good, and It rides great. Stiff, and pretty plush under my 220lbs.
Weaknesses:
The Manual Sucks. It's got like 8 pages, and it covers ALL of their 2002 forks, in 5 languages. It's useless. My Fat A@@ could probably use stiffer springs, but that's not the fork's fault.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX Ti, Rockshox Judy, RockShox Psylu, Fox Vanilla.
Bike Setup:
Litespeed OBED Ti frame, single speed.
Bottom Line:
I have the SRX Coil with preload, and rebound damping Adjustments.
The Good: Firstly, the price. My friend bought it new at tht bike shop for $210 (including tax) on clearance last year. It was WAY too long for his older schwinn frame (i.e. CHOPPER FORK) so i traded him a shorter travel 2001 RS Judy for it ($80 on ebay). So my price for this was $80US. I wasn't even in the market for a fork, just doing him a favor. Figuring this would be a fork for a cheap "spare parts" bike that I would build up. I didn't even know what model it was, until i took the protecting tape off the back that was covering the model decal.
Once I figured out what Model it was, and read the reviews here on it. and decided to take the Psylo SL (2001) off of my single speed, and try this one out.
I've only ridden it a few days now, but it blows the Judy away, handles my weight better than the Psylo SL, and it feels about as good as the Fox Vanilla on my XC bike when i set it to 100mm, and put in the stiffest spring. No lockout or compression like the vanilla, but i'd never use it on this bike anyway ($350 less too).
The BAD: (not much!) First off, Recycle the users manual. It is useless. I couldn't even figure out from the users manual which model fork i had! The dealer had even written in the WRONG model on the cover. I looked it up on line to figure out the exact model. It was a little sticky on the small stuff at first, but It works good for me now. It just needed to break it in (the manual says 10-15 hours to fully break in the fork.) after a few rides, it was running smooth. I could probably even use a heavier spring, though as i have bottomed it a few times, on some drops.
Over all though, It's very plush, and has plenty of real travel.
Regardless of price, this is a great fork, for anyone looking for an econimic GREAT performing XC fork with the basic controls, and none of the stuff you never use. If you are a "set-it, and forget it" person for fork setup, this is a good one. You can do ALOT with springs, and Oil to tune this fork to your tastes. Just look at the other reviews. Most got them for under $250 US. If you can still find it Get it. It's well worth it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a Cross Country Rider
from Puyallup Date Reviewed: March 4, 2004
Favorite Trail:
the ones that Blaine makes
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Light and Plush great adjustability.
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Black, Marzocchi DH3 and Z3 long travel
Bike Setup:
Turner XCE
Bottom Line:
Just a follow up review, I have ridden this fork hard for two years, through alot of muddy trails. Just changed the oil, it looked great with very little discoloration. the seals and bushings look great. I switched to 10 weight Buzzys and it dramatically slowed down the dampening and still is very responsive at low speeds. This fork is tough to beat, if you can find one buy it. All the new stuff from Marzocchi in this price range is heavier and has an air chamber to deal with, if you can afford it the Marathon S would be a great choice -go coil-
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
jonny conine
a
from northshore Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003
Favorite Trail:
all northshore trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
Low maintenence coil springs and oil. Its basically a motorcycle fork. No air crap, or laim lockout that will eventually break or seize in some fashion. It works awesome, PERIOD! very fast and predictable, makes mntnbiking SAFER
Weaknesses:
Maybe heavy for a cross country race. Go get a light weight wet noodle fork if you want to race. However, you will probably break it or have to maintain it more than the MXR.
Similar Products Used:
Tried Rock Shox and Manatou.
Bike Setup:
Cove Stiffee, Chris King, Shimano XT because it shifts so well and its cheap.
Bottom Line:
The guy below with the Komodo is right, this fork works really well. It takes serious abuse and still works like new. It makes your bike handle like a dream. It will last and last because it is not an air fork which eventually will leak air. If you ride really hard and go down water bars all day you need a fork like this. It will keep you from getting monkey paw. If you climb and want a fork that can steer with precision uphill on steep tough slow climbs, this fork is for you. If you are worried about little bumps like a few reviewers here, maybe you should take up another sport or get some better grips and gloves. Marzocchi, this is a great fork, thank you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Aaron
a
from Puyallup, Wa. Date Reviewed: August 27, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Sun Top Loop
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Adjustability, do it yourself maintenance, rebound really works.
I replaced the springs with Mtn. Speed's, Speed Bomb X-firm springs and 5wt. speed juice to increase small bump sensitivity. The fork came stock with red paint on the springs which means it is their stiffest spring. It was too harsh of a ride. I weigh 185 and only use the rebound on steep downhills. remember to change the oil, differnt oil hieghts and weights will dramatically incease or decrease the plushness.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Ramjet
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Oztraylia Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
its big and its cheesy
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$470.00
Purchased At:
phantom cycles
Strengths:
silver specks in point job, the fact its not a gay-ass rock shock, whats with all aussie bikes speccing rox chox? its made in italy and good quality (believe it or not) works like a dream, the bigger, faster you go the more you appreciate it...within reason, its not a down hill fork. its stupidly simple, maintenance free after a year of mud and abuse and you cant get stiffer springs even
Weaknesses:
its not specced on more bikes. i want to upgrade to 2003 model with ECC cartridge, but this fork looks like it will last forever
Similar Products Used:
manitou six (they call it suspension) and psylo - 100mm of nothing then you bottom out
Bike Setup:
KHS softail, crapped out 8 sp drivetrain, thompson seatpost, LX v brakes and brake boosters, look road pedals
Bottom Line:
its saved me from a nasty accident many times. well worth the weight penalty. easy maintenance springs are cool. had to upgrade springs, i am 180lb and like a firm ride. other reviewers mentioned small bump insensitivity, well its big bump/speed capability more than makes up for it. i've hit a tree square on at speed and no damage, 12 months of abuse and this baby doesn't even look like giving up - giddyup!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Balance Beam
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland, OR Date Reviewed: August 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mackenzie River
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Fat Tire Farm
Strengths:
Reliable - no maintenance needed after 1-1/2 years Stiff, stout, light enough
Weaknesses:
not super-plush at low speeds
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-E, '03 MX-Comp
Bike Setup:
coil version of fork on Fisher HooKooEKoo steel hardtail
Bottom Line:
How much more praise does this fork need? I thought it was a great deal at $300, but if you can find it for 220 like folks below, don't hesitate! This fork is perfect for people like me who ride long, rough, steep trails and maybe the occasional loading dock and staircase. Not a racerboy fork - thats what SIDs are for.
It felt like I could ride the same rocky sections twice as fast with this fork than the Manitou - it is very precise, stiff, and confidence inspiring. Where this fork really shines is at speed and with bigger hits. It seems just a little harsh for a 100mm fork when going slow, even on small stuff. This is not a problem, though - I tend to ride much faster now anyway, and it just gobbles the baby heads and boulders at speed like buttered popcorn.
I've only bottomed out once, and not harshly, one time when I landed a 3-1/2' or 4' drop on the front wheel. Not too shabby - I weigh 195 or so (lighter riders may want to get lighter springs). It's saved my ar$e several times, actually, from clumsy landings that really should have dumped me.
I can hardly believe this is the "economy" fork from Marzocchi. It puts rock shox and manitou to shame. I've battered it for over a thousand miles in all weather, with no maintenance at all, and it rides like new.
The valves makes a cool mechanical "squish" noise and the black and red thing is way cool. I only wish it had the gothic lettering like the dirt jumpers.
By the way, I rode an '03 MX-Comp for a day on a rental bike, and it may be even a little nicer. It has 5mm more travel, but mainly the small-bump feel is nearly perfect.
I'm a tough grader - but this fork really does deserve 5 of those day-glo hairballs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Danville, CA, USA Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Pegasus
Strengths:
Stiff, and have had no problems.
Weaknesses:
Air model is hard to get the right pressure.
Bike Setup:
Allmost stock 2002.5 Rocky Mountain ETS-X50.
Bottom Line:
I paid a lot of money for my new bike, and after a year of riding I just don't think this fork is doing a good enough job. It should be more supple in my opinion. I don't think it is doing a good job on smaller bumps, although big hits are just fine.
While most of the reviews here rave about the coil version, I don't like this air fork's pressure settings. The Marzocchi web site says I should be using about 40 lbs of are pressure or something. I have more like 15 lbs, and using even their own shock pump amounts this low are hard to control and make accurate.
I'm considering getting a 2003 MX Comp-ETA. I think that this might better suit me. I'm hoping that half coil half air will be better.
I wanted to rate this air fork lower than 4, but since I haven't had any real problems other than performance I didn't think I should. I gues I have to say it's better than average, cause I know other forks aren't this good, but I want more. My advice? Sounds like the coil version would be great for aftermarket purchase, it's both cheap and reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Acworth Date Reviewed: May 30, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
price point or somehwere
Strengths:
Price/stiffness/low maintence
Weaknesses:
?
Similar Products Used:
Manitou junk/Rockshox judy/indy-junk
Bike Setup:
Access frame/XT/Marzocchi MXR/Sun Rhynolights
Bottom Line:
My bike is set up XC for a clydesdale and strength first weight second. This fork was perfect for me, because I wanted to get the most bang for the buck. Without a dought this is the most bang for the buck in front suspension. I wish I would have gotten several.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt
a Racer
from san diego Date Reviewed: May 9, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Stiff and predictable and nice BLACK color. Nice adjustability.
Weaknesses:
Maybe a little heavy for some people that might race and need a light light fork with lockout, but this fork works much better than light race forks if your going to ride some serious mountain terrain.
Similar Products Used:
Atom Race 80mm
Bike Setup:
Jamis Komodo with all 2003 XT and a THUDBUSTER seatpost and AVID Mag brakes with 7.0 Levers.
Bottom Line:
This fork works better than a Atom Race 80. I thought you couldn't top an Atom Race but this fork is better. It works like my forks on my Motocross Bike. You can hear the oil doing its job and you can set the springs stiff which means you probably won't need to upgrade to stiffer springs. I weigh 195 and didn't have to put in stiffer springs. It also has 100mm travel which is very very important if your going to ride down waterlogs all day or do some jumping. If you can locate one of these forks do it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Weekend Warrior
from Saint Joseph, MI Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side
Similar Products Used:
Manitou, Rock Shock
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000
Bottom Line:
This is an excellent fork for the money. Much better than anything Manitou or RockShock has put out. It is very predictable and dosent leak. Give you bike a cheap but quality upgrade and buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from US Date Reviewed: April 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$275.00
Strengths:
Coil Light Stiff Smooth Tough
Weaknesses:
Haven't found any yet
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Xvert, Rock Shox Duke XC, Rock Shox Sid, Manitou Skareb
Bike Setup:
Kona ManoMano
Bottom Line:
This is the best all around shock I've used. Smooth on everything from small stutter bumps to bigger hits. I can't notice any flex whatsoever. I carve turns faster now than ever before because of this fork. I have honestly become a better rider because of the MXR. It has instilled much more confidence in my riding. The pre-load and rebound controls actually work on this fork! You can notice a difference when you turn the knobs, unlike some other forks. It may be a little heavy for world class caliber racers, but for beginner racers like me, it works fine. After a lot of research, I decided on the 2002 Marzocchi MXR. Man, am I glad I did! This is the best coil fork around. If I could give more than five chilis, I would
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andy Will
a Weekend Warrior
from Westerville, OH, USA Date Reviewed: March 1, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Mohichan
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Very Stiff Price Rebound adjustment
Weaknesses:
Disc Tab
Similar Products Used:
Judy XC
Bike Setup:
Trek 7000 with hayes
Bottom Line:
The fork is great for the price and I think it will hold up great. The rebound knob also does an excellent job. The only problem is the disc tab. It is a peice of crap. They are all made a little wrong because I have one and so does my father. They are just a little off and when you put the disc adapter on it is not possible to adjust for the problem. We had to file off some of the tab and add coustom aluminum washers. After two hours of work on both forks we had them working but they still squeaked a little. The fork is also very smooth compared to Manitou and Rock Shox.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael Smith
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada Ontario Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Bronte Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$225.00
Purchased At:
Re - My Sport
Strengths:
Amazing fork super plush and tons of stiffness to take to the trail.
Weaknesses:
is there any?
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shocks Judy(crap) RST Gila(better then Judys)Rock shox Duke XC(soso fork)
Bike Setup:
Iron Horse Desperado, Avid Disks,Easton Lite EA50 Seatpost Shimano XT Ea50 Flat Bar Mavic Wheel Set Kore Stem Selle Italia Evolution 3 Saddle
Bottom Line:
This is an exellent fork for the money. Iv seen this fork on new 2003 1.5 grand bikes why do you think this for is on it? The fork is a little heavy but its nothing to worry about
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Calamvale Quarry
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Flashing Pedals @ Acacia Ridge
Strengths:
Little or no flex 100mm of plush, non-stiction, progressive travel long life bushes and seals Easy to work on Heaps of rebound adjustment The valving really works well on small bumps at low speed A reasonably lightweight for what you get
Weaknesses:
None other than lack of colour choice here in OZ.
Similar Products Used:
RST gammas (pogo sticks), RS Judys,Jetts
Bike Setup:
Avanti Barracuda
Bottom Line:
I have had just under a year of hassel free suspension. I saved for quite a while and spent more than I wanted to but these forks are the way to go. If anything i would say these are cheap for what you get. These forks give you lots of confidence on even the roughest rock garden. I am not that quick in races but i am certainly up there in the down hill parts of a race. I have down bigger drops than mates with 6" dualies and still to date only bottomed out once (6" to flat drop). These are predominatly the 2001 Z1's which were and are still proven to be one of the greatest forks around. Buy one, You know you want too!!
- ride on and ride hard -
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Lancaster
a Weekend Warrior
from Houma,Louisiana,US Date Reviewed: February 17, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$219.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
Good travel although not a full 100mm, Absorbs everything, very simple to work on ( change oil, springs etc. )
Weaknesses:
Only one color, rebound adjustment knob falls off, just take it off after adjustments and keep it in your tool box.
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX
Bike Setup:
2002 Diamondback frame with the 2001 components and these great forks. Love em'.
Bottom Line:
This is the fourth different fork I've ridden on and by far the best. The only thing I can say to the one that had rebound control problems would be to change the 7.5 wt stock oil to 10 wt. I did alot of research and pricing before deciding on these and I'm not sorry. They don't have every bell and whistle, but you don't pay for that either. Great all around fork, easily maintained, easily adjusted and easily takes anything I could throw at it without killing myself. Very plush. If you don't team race, then my recommendation: Buy
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Denis
a Cross Country Rider
from Alameda CA Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$249.00
Purchased At:
pricepoint
Strengths:
best coil springs fork around for the price that I could find on spec. and so far I have not been disappointed. That fork has saved my ass on rough and technical downhills a great number of times already. It has not bottomed out yet, but I do go to 93-95 mm of travel regularly. On very rutted trails downhill, it mostly feels like you are on a flat and smooth surface, this is how good it has been! This fork is good at any speeds I can tell so far.
Weaknesses:
like most XC forks, it does flex a bit, and you can feel it when steering through tight turns or when front braking hard. the rebound knob is really crabby, they could have done better
Similar Products Used:
Manitou
Bike Setup:
Superlight XT
Bottom Line:
extremely good value for that price, and independently, just a great fork!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a
from Oregon Date Reviewed: January 4, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$215.00
Purchased At:
Price point
Strengths:
Light, stiff, cheap, plush. . .I really like this fork!
Weaknesses:
Silver color. That's it, that all I can think of.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy XC, Manitou 4, Manitou X vert r, x vert DC, 1999 Marz. Z1, Stratos, White Bros. . .
Bike Setup:
Custom steel hardtail, XTR.
Bottom Line:
I got the 100mm coil version and converted them to air with a couple of homemade valve stems. Now they weigh an honest 3.5lbs and are smooth and well damped. Marzocchi has come a long way since I had a 1999 Z1, I think the damping is better on my cheap new fork even though I can't adjust compression! These are really one of the best forks I have ever owned. Unless you are into shaving 4 seconds off of a 2 hour ride by having the absolute lightest fork out there, I say pick one of these up before they are gone!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
air
a
from berkeley,ca Date Reviewed: January 3, 2003
Favorite Trail:
annadel
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
price point
Strengths:
plush ride with better control
Weaknesses:
gained 3/4 of a pound, but who can feel that? 75mm travel with stock red springs and my weight (180)
Similar Products Used:
sid xc air
Bike Setup:
sugar 2
Bottom Line:
changed from the 80 mm sid xc air fork to the 100 mm coil mxr. the ride feels much better. i have much better control. can float over stuff that used to throw the bike around. the small bump smoothing is wonderful and the bigger stuff is much easier. the springs have red paint on them (?heavy). i'm 180 lbs and only get about 75 mm of travel on them. i could try to find lighter springs but it's low priority since i love the ride. the longer travel did change the geometry of my bike somewhat, which i can feel on pavement, but i can't tell on the trail. i got the air caps just for fun- $20 at universal. i might try some combination of air and lighter coil springs if i'm bored and it's raining
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Phillip Neill
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando, FL Date Reviewed: December 9, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Santos, Razorback, Tsali
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Price Point
Strengths:
durability, damping, lack of flex
Weaknesses:
no lockout, if that's important
Similar Products Used:
'02 Rock Shox Judy SL, older Marzocchi coil 80mm
Bike Setup:
K2/Proflex EVO 4000
Bottom Line:
This review is for a "02 MXR 100 coil.
My fork was very compilant from day one, no break in necessary. It absorbs small bumps as well as big hits with very controlled damping. The rebound control actually works, as compared to my Rock Shox.
According to my zip tie, I ocassionally hit the full 100mm travel but it doesn't bottom harshly. The stock springs are perfect for my 200lbs and XC riding. The weight(3.8lb) is acceptable for the performance. At 200 miles, I completely disassembled the fork to clean it and change the oil. Everything was clean and wearing well. It is very easy to convert this fork to air, just remove the springs and use air specific top caps($40).
This is the single best mountain biking product that I have purchased. I would not hesitate to reccomend it or purchase another one myself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Ramjet
a Cross Country Rider
from nelson bay Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
everywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles
Strengths:
i love to gloat, these magnificent examples of wog craftsmanship have saved my balls more times than i care to remember...have not found the limits of their capabilities, but certainly know mine...
Weaknesses:
the 2003 models have super funky lock-out system - reduces travel to improve traction/balance for uphill while still offering 3" travel
Similar Products Used:
rigid steel forks
Bike Setup:
KHS softtail, not enough XT bits
Bottom Line:
one of the all time greats? dont believe me read the rest of the reviews...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ay
a Cross Country Rider
from Ottawa, On, Canada Date Reviewed: October 31, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Kanata Lakes
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
LBS (FreshAir)
Strengths:
Good value, stiff, very responsive to med. and large hits and high speeds.
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy, could be more responsive to the little bumps and roots and low speeds.
Similar Products Used:
'00 Z5 Flylight, '01 Z2 Atom Race, '99 SID XC
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight, XT, Easton bar & post, Chris King headset, Shimano 575 rims, Avid discs
Bottom Line:
Good value, lots of travel (I have the 100mm coil version) and stiff. Could be more responsive on the little rocks and roots and when the going is slow (hence the 4 chilis). Though I don't typically do drops I have noticed it bottoming out on a bigger jumps (over 3'). My ideal fork would be to take the MXR and give it the small bump responsiveness of the Z2 Atom race. Getting the full 100mm would be nice as well since I only get 93mm.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Duarte, California Date Reviewed: October 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint.com
Strengths:
Stiff, good adjustability, sweet feel.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Rockshox, Manitou
Bike Setup:
Giant NRS w/ XTR
Bottom Line:
Great forks. On the fly adjustability works really well. You can set them to be PLUSH or stiff. These forks have saved me on some scary rocky downhills that I wouldn't have attempted with my last pair of forks (Rockshox). I just can't figure out why they're so inexpensive. heheh. I've tried more "exotic" forks but they just didn't compare to the MXR's.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Darius
a
from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Date Reviewed: October 6, 2002
I had a lightweight SID on this bike, which did what is was meant to do but was too noodly for aggressive riding or technical rocky terrain. The MXR (100 mm, coil/oil setup) adds almost a pound but with really big improvement in performance. Much stiffer with no noticeable twist/brake rub when climbing out of the saddle, good tracking, and a great combination of responsiveness on the small stuff plus big hit performance. It took only one ride to break in, and if my other Marzocchi is any indication, this will be problem free for at least a year of hard use. Compare this to the Psylo which is aimed at the same market but plagued with problems right out of hte box. Someone said they got it for $250 from Pricepoint - that's a deal, grab one while they last.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gordo
a Weekend Warrior
from Bellingham Date Reviewed: September 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
911
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
PricePoint
Strengths:
Very tuneable, very stiff and very smooth travel. Looks good too.
Weaknesses:
weak manual, The rebound adjustor looks a bit weak.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox Judy's
Bike Setup:
K2 Animal, Set up for trail riding. My fork is the 100mm version.
Bottom Line:
Great Balance and a very stiff front end, This fork gives one the confidence to ride many stunts that you would otherwise walk. I use to ride a 98 Rock Shox...the thing was crap. Now I know what good forks are like now.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milo
a Cross Country Rider
from Orem, UT Date Reviewed: September 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Moab!
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
totally, every bit of it!
Weaknesses:
Not a bit.
Similar Products Used:
Mars Elite, SID Race, Fox Float
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel, nuff said?
Bottom Line:
after lots of agonistic searching of this site, I took the advice of all these people screaming about it here, and got one to replace my blown SID. My Trek seems like a new bike - faster times with better control, less fatigue. Great product. How'd they do it for cheap?
the only guy complainin below was pissed over the manual - even he said the shock is great. yeah, it was a joke of a manual, but who gives a hoot anyhow? this thing is too easy to adjust. I threw the manuel out with the box anyhow.. cause im keeping this thing on my bike. I got the 80mm with oil/coil. weighs 3 1/2 lbs.
is it just me, or is this like the best shock out there now for xc racing? wha's up with that? Who'da guessed... MARZOCCHI
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cisco Kid
a Cross Country Rider
from Arvada, CO Date Reviewed: September 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
White Ranch
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
beyondbikes
Strengths:
Huge list of strengths, just read the other reviews below. Strong. Very limited flex for a 175 lb rider (nearly non-existant). Plush. Stiff. Very adjustable.
Weaknesses:
Not a singular one.
Similar Products Used:
Many Marzocchis, SID Carbon, Ti, and the Fox Forx Float 100RLC.
Bike Setup:
Expensive, too much to list. Ellsworth.
Bottom Line:
Marzocchi has raised the bar and set a new standard with this shock. I have used many Marzocchi's, my previous favorite being the Atom Race. WOW. This shock redefines performance, and is only $350? What a shocker. It even looks good with the white/red.
Excellent front wheel control, cornering, ruts, roots... plush plush plush, yet a very stiff feel. You can run this thing easily with air or coils. Very fast to change, have done it on back of my truck. Soaks up the nastys keeping that wheel locked to the ground. Improves cornering at high speed. Better singletracking.
I don't understand how they can make something this good for f$%$ing cheap. I had the top of the line POS Fox Float 100RLC on this bike after the Atom Race, and it was a huge disappointment. All those colored knobs looked cool, but what a sad joke. That Marzocchi's MXR can make the Fox 629.00 fork seem like Kmart crap is a statement to how superior Marzocchi's engineering is.
Get this shock if you cannot afford the Marathon S, or are not as concerned about the weight.
YOU WILL BE HEARING A LOT ABOUT THIS SHOCK - MY GUESS IS IT WILL BECOME KNOWN AS ONE OF THE MUST HAVE EQUIPS.
Marzocchi's DA BOMB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA Date Reviewed: August 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
El Corte de Madera
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Speedgoat
Strengths:
plush, stiff, little maintenance, very nice paint job
Weaknesses:
rebound adjuster knob is on bottom of left leg. It's hard to get to. It's plastic and cheap On my fork, the thing can easily fall out. Speedgoat folks told me to put it with my other tools. Good idea. My friend's adjuster knob is really stuck in there, so check yours before you ride.
Similar Products Used:
Speedgoat Modzilla (Judy body with Eglund cartridges)
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight; Bontrager stem and bar; Gripshift 9, Speedgoat custom wheels (Valiant ceramic with XT hubs); SRAM 9 rear derailleur; XT front derailleur; Truvative Stylo team cranks with RF Evolve BB; etc. etc.
Bottom Line:
I have the 80mm coil version, though I've measured 90 mm after taking some very big hits. The forks started out very good and after a few rides just got plusher as they were broken in. The stiffness is amazing compared to the Judy. Maybe this is apples and oranges, but that doesn't mean the Marzocchi's aren't very stiff. Steering is amazingly precise, even in rocky, fast corners. It never has bottomed out, even when it gave up 90 mm on some occasions. (Yes, I was very surprised to get more than 80 mm.) If 80 mm is good for you, I see no reason to even try any other fork. It's like riding rigid forks but with the bumps taken out of the trail.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kevin
a Cross Country Rider
from singapore Date Reviewed: August 22, 2002
Favorite Trail:
mandai
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
cycleworx.(tUpper thomson rd)
Strengths:
plushness,stiffness and super light
Weaknesses:
i haven't experienced anything much.juz started using for 3 months.
Similar Products Used:
Rock Shox sid carbon.Rock Shox judy TT.Rock Shox Duke XC
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher 1.Full xt components.panaracer xc pro 2.0.easton components.
I've ridden this fork all over the western usa (ca,ut,az,co,nm)in all kinds of conditions and it keeps asking for more. great fork...I would not use any other fork. for the price the performance cannot be beat.Great job marzocchi you have won over a rider for life!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mikey Likes It!
a Cross Country Rider
from Westminster, CO Date Reviewed: August 4, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Many in Colorado
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
New from some guy on ebay!
Strengths:
Many many strengths. It is stiff AND plush. It can easily be converted between springs and air. It has external rebound and preload. It has disk and vbrake mounts. Travel can be adjusted from 80/20 to 100mm. Beefy lowers. Beefy nitrided stancions. Quality product.
Weaknesses:
None that I can see.
Similar Products Used:
SID Race, Marzocchi Atom Bomb, Marzocchi Superly X.2, new Rochshox Pilot XC, and various crud (manitou, et al).
Bike Setup:
Klein Mantra full suspension, raceface cranks, xtr derailleurs and cassette, salsa post, stem, and skewers, rhyno lite rims with real hubs, irc mythos xc tires, cane creek (creak creak) headset, shimano 545 pedals, and a selle italia trans am seat
Bottom Line:
This is actually better than the ultralightweight Superfly X.2 that I poked a hole through on a gnarly outcrop I slid down. I didn't think it would be quite as good, it is a little heavier. In fact, it is more adjustable and less flexy. Marzocchi has a real winner here.
I was pretty bummed that the X.2 Superfly bit the dust when it should have just gotten dinged. Also, I just did Hall Ranch in Lyons with the new shock, and it did a bit better. My Mantra is codenamed "ejection seat" and I did far less with this shock (only one brutally jarring over the bars). It seems beefy enough that for aggressive XC it will survive.
I got this from a guy on ebay who pulled it off of a brand new Kona full suspension bike. He put on one of those vanilla forks (rattle rattle calunk clunk - you've heard em) - hope he survives that POS, he seemed nice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Mirfield, W. Yorkshire, England Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Red Bull at Coed y Brenin
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
Absolutely excellent!! Plush, good rebound control, easily serviced, stiff and good looks.
Weaknesses:
None at all so far!! Oh, apart from taking a good number of rides to bed in but this means that they have superb reliability.
Gary Fisher Big Sur, with LX?XT mix, bontrager wheelset, avid v-brakes.
Bottom Line:
Completely transformed my bike!! An awesome fork and exceptional good value. These are in a whole different league to anything I have ridden before. Marzocchi have a customer for life!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
greg
a Cross Country Rider
from FL go gators! Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$310.00
Purchased At:
higher ground
Strengths:
plushness, stiff, light.
Weaknesses:
too comfortable. makes me ride more often causing drivetrain to wear faster.
Similar Products Used:
'97 rs indy xc, if one can call that similar.
Bike Setup:
'97 klein pulse race.
Bottom Line:
wow, i heard that after it breaks in it gets more plush and smooth. is that possible? the indy had less travel so it was shorter from top of crown to axle. now the head tube/seat tube angles are more slack. adjusted nose of saddle down a little and lowered seat 1/2" to compensate. with that, it still steers great, not as twitchy on the climbs, and it's pushed me farther back for decents. thanks marzocchi. i agree with another reviewer, i had to change my riding habits. i now float over those roots and rocks that i used to intentionally avoid. i can't believe i waited five years to upgrade my fork. doh! five falling nukes on bin laden for marzocchi's history. five falling nukes for their future.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Raonull Conover
a Weekend Warrior
from Montreal, Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Give me dirt
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Quilicot
Strengths:
Performance for the money. Feel. Looks.
Weaknesses:
Kinda wish the adjustment knobs were all aluminum. But I guess that get you an Atom Race. And takes away more mony. Oh well. (o'
Similar Products Used:
Manitou SX-LT (stock with bike). Z-5. Forgetable somthingerothers on numerous rental bikes.
Bike Setup:
2000 Specialized FSR Enduro. Thomson, Magura, Funn (h-bar) Shimano 545, SI Trans Am, added so far.
Bottom Line:
Best fork I've ridden. I got the 100mm -low hassel coil model. I can't bottom it and I am about 190 lbs.
Plush yes. Not soggy though! But the rebound and SS valving marvelous. Hardly punishing test for a fork-but this thing *glides* over cobble-stones. That is serious rapid response if you think about it. Smooths them right out-but doesn't feel like over cooked pasta (like me old manitou).
Also won't pitch me over the front if I do something stupid over reasonable drops. Doesn't suck much energy on climbs either.
Curbs, roots, rocks, nothing I've ridden touches it. Love descents. The control supplied is far beyond my previous experience. Price was an object. And Marzocchi was the brand. Just bomb/stupid-proof and feature rich for reasonable $$.
I feel like I could plow over a bus in complete control laughing all the way.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Charlie Apple
a Racer
from Reno Date Reviewed: June 18, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Steamboat ditch
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
came with bike
Strengths:
Responsive, cheap-still feels like top of the line, cheap upgrades, I like the 100mm of plush travel, light.
Weaknesses:
none yet
Similar Products Used:
psylo sl, x-fly, manitou black elite fork
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Denali, XT, Marzocchi,
Bottom Line:
The marzocchi MXR is one of the best shocks I have ever ridden, it felt if not just as good, then better then the other more expensive high-end shocks I have ridden. Holds up when racing but great for goofing around. If you are looking for a great shock at a great price, then this is the one for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Alberta, Canada Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Favorite Trail:
TNT
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$280.00
Strengths:
-Looks great -Smooth controlled stroke -Rigid
Weaknesses:
-No problems with the fork, but as another rider mentioned the munual is useless. Very general and no overhaul instructions.
Similar Products Used:
98 RS Judy (3 cartridges and a set of bushings in 1 year)
Bike Setup:
Hardtail
Bottom Line:
This fork makes a huge difference compared to my last rock shox. The damping is very controlled. Cool squish sound as the fork compresses and rebounds (a nice little reminder that the damping is actually working). This fork is quite stiff. I had to adjust my riding because this fork goes over the obstacles and absorbs them rather than flexing around them. It is even more awesome after some break in time. It is the best fork for the money if you want a good trail fork and aren't a weight weenie.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Roger Ramjet
a Cross Country Rider
from Canberra, Oz=tray-lee-yah Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Lake Burley Griffen Bike path
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
Phantom Cycles
Strengths:
Fork comes in a big blue box with heaps of bubble wrap which provides hours of entertainment. Its not made in China, taiwan, japan or the US. Its simple and quality, with nice sparkly silver paint. It makes a very satisfying squishy sound on compression. Essentailly the same fork as their more expensive models. Unless you have money to burn you'd be a fool to get anything else, reliable, maintenance free...plush You can convert to air- cheaply!
Weaknesses:
Coil spring a tad soft for 190lb heifers like myself. makes my girlfriends bike's Manitou sixs look very ordinary (i chose the bike ouch!)
Similar Products Used:
Chromoly rigid forks, RST circa 1992, manitou six's
For 730 aussie pesos there is no alternative, i have done the research...if you are patriotic then buy SIDs or Manitous and enjoy all the spine tingling performance that a wed noodle provides. RS and manotuo have been making suspension forks since the mid 80's. Marzocchis have been making forks for motor bikes since 1929 - its a no-brainer dude! Marzocchi's make the best forks, MXR is best value/performance combination
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
lasse pettersson
a Weekend Warrior
from Östersund Date Reviewed: May 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
FR
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$333.00
Purchased At:
cyclecomponents.com
Strengths:
Long Travel, Light, Overall good
Weaknesses:
Can't find any, maybe that it sounds a little!
Similar Products Used:
Manitou Magnum
Bike Setup:
Cyclepro Zyclone, Deore, Easton,
Bottom Line:
Good damper overall.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Telluride Co,USA Date Reviewed: May 26, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Eider Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Came with bike
Strengths:
Strong, Plush and very reponsive to small and large obsticals. 4 inches of travel is great
Weaknesses:
I wish it had a lockout
Similar Products Used:
manatou SX
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Instinct
Bottom Line:
This is a great fork. It does everything you could want from a cross country shock. Its not the lightest fork on the trail, but it seems very durable. A lock out would be nice since I keep the fork soft to enjoy the 4 inches of travel.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ian Blair
a Weekend Warrior
from Blaine, WA Date Reviewed: May 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$304.00
Purchased At:
universalbikes.com
Strengths:
Lots of travel, 100mm, it takes all the abuse i can dish out. A real out-of-the-box performer
Weaknesses:
The worst manuel I've ever seen. It's geared toward the hi-end DH shocks with general info on the other shocks.
If you don't count every gramm and and want an exellent fork for good price, that's your fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adrian
a Weekend Warrior
from Brisbane, Australia Date Reviewed: April 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
calamvale quarry
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$400.00
Purchased At:
Flashing Pedals, Acacia Ridge
Strengths:
Super Plush 100mm of coil sprung travel. I am a light rider and have the preload set just off full soft. Have tried hard to bottom out but with no luck. stiff and tracks really well. No oil leaks.
Weaknesses:
The rebound adjuster is held in by one little plastic pin. But the axle protects it from being riped out. other than that no weaknesses.
Similar Products Used:
Rst gamma, rockshox jett
Bike Setup:
Avanti
Bottom Line:
Unreal fork for the money. The speed sensitive valve works really well. It looks great and has a great feel on the track. Compared to my last pogo stick (RST gamma), this fork is unbelieveable. recomend to someone who wants a fork to take the hits and stay in contact with ground.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Leeds, England Date Reviewed: April 29, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$205.00
Purchased At:
Winstanleys
Strengths:
Super plush fork action, 100mm travel, has bottomed out yet, very good damping, good tracking, have a front mini bolted to it and it doesn't affect it under braking
This fork is way better than my old manitou, I'm glad I made the upgrade. For the price this is the best fork money can buy at the moment. Plenty of adjustment. Marzocchi has a customer for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Chesapeake,VA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Poor Farm's Tech section
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Universal Cycles
Strengths:
Stiff, does not flex and holds the line no matter what the terrain. The faster you go through the rough stuff or downhills, the better the fork responds. Super smooth action. I have yet to bottom this fork out and it still has a lot of room for pre-load.
Weaknesses:
NONE! I ride aggressive and have had NO problems with this fork. No leaks or problems with the seals.
For a heavier person, I am at the 200 mark, this fork is WAY better than either my original RS Judy or the one that was on the bike I test rode. I will never go back to RS. Marzocchi has a customer for life.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JBO
a
from Atlanta,GA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Blankets Creek
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$350.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Eats up small bumps, hugs the ground, stiff lateral resistance, great travel
Weaknesses:
????
Similar Products Used:
Manitou
Bike Setup:
SJ FSR-XC w/ all XT components and cranks, Mountain Speed bearings and FSR link, Chris King headset, Thomson stem, etc
Bottom Line:
Unbelivable performance!!! I can now ride longer cuz I can stay in the saddle longer and arms don't get as tired. Smooth on small bumps, but can soak up a big hit as well. Expensive, but I will still give it 5 flamers cuz the cost of going to the hospital or crashing my bike is much more.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
vincenzo
a Cross Country Rider
from salerno italy Date Reviewed: April 4, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
excellent perfomance-affordable price- very good value for money-looks good
Weaknesses:
i've experienced a little interference between the left leg and the HAYES mounting bracket,probably due to some non optimal final machining of that part of the outer leg-no serious problem
Similar Products Used:
MANITOU mars 2000,stock on the bike:never liked it right from the start-sticky action,easy bottoming if set plush enough,incredibly flexy under braking- maybe due to the extra braking power of the HAYES
This forks in my opinion works as a real fork for real mountain biking should :extremely smooth,delivers a nice,comfortable and safe feeling.On rough terrain the bars stay flat while the front wheel cycles up and down soaking up about everything-on the other hand i've never bottomed out,no matter how steep the descent.Truly wonderful fork,and easy to disassemble and mantain,too.Smooth action,solid feling,constant perfomance in all conditions-it's hard now for the rear FOX shock,even with the addiction of the MRP link(very good upgrade)to match the front end perfomance.The bike definitely handles great with this fork.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
dirt monkey
a Cross Country Rider
from Berkshire Date Reviewed: February 27, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Leith Hill
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
AW Cycles - Caversham
Strengths:
Price, performance and reliability. Option to run air/oil or coil/oil. Light weight
Weaknesses:
No options for colours in UK too.
Similar Products Used:
Bombers Z3 light, Z4 flylight.
Bike Setup:
Trek 8000, XT/XTR, Deore cable discs.
Bottom Line:
I upgraded from my trusty 1999 Z3 lights after a heavy stack that rendered them unrepairable. I was unsure about these as replacements due the 'cheap' price. After riding them for 3 months I have now seen the light - they are an excellent trail fork. I have experienced no flex under heavy braking and no problems with reliability taking them through wet sandy trails in the SE of the UK. These have reinforced my love of Marzocchi forks. The additional travel was a good upgrade too. Bottom line: A quality fork, light, strong and reliable.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
holden
a Racer
from wa Date Reviewed: December 28, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Strengths:
stiff as hell. wheel tracks true. still light weight.
Weaknesses:
air suspension travel ramps up quickly. although it doesnot bottom out.
Similar Products Used:
MArs SUPER, Manitou black 100-120mm, SID RACE
Bike Setup:
XC hardtail. Kona Kula
Bottom Line:
It inspires confidence, rides smooth, doesnot overly bob, stiff fork torsionally and laterally. May put in 100mm dampner kit and springs fork playing and free riding.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dodo
a Cross Country Rider
from SF Date Reviewed: November 20, 2001
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
This is quite a great deal fork. Strong, as usual highly adjustable, soaks up small bumps, sharp ones (I ran over my "test bump", 4" high root, as if it was not there), and everything in between. The rebound regulation is highly effective and the dumping is smooth and progressive.
Weaknesses:
It would be probably the best fork on the market with the ECC and maybe the option of an additional inch of travel. It would be a lighter version of the legendary (and still best, in my humble opinion) Z1.
Similar Products Used:
Many many many. Marzocchi, RS and Manitou
Bike Setup:
Demo
Bottom Line:
This is excellent fork AND one of the cheapest on the market. It is quite amazing what $300 bucks buys you today.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Michael
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: November 16, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Gravity Bowl in the Delta Watershed
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$290.00
Purchased At:
West Point Cycles
Strengths:
Easily adjustable preload/rebound controls, monolite sliders. I'm a 180lb rider, and it absorbs the little and big (3-4 foot) jumps without bottoming out. Nice and stiff, and handles well in the corners.
Weaknesses:
Would have liked to see an ECC cartridge and more colours than just silver (at least that's the only colour option here in Canada).
Similar Products Used:
RS 2001 Judy SL
Bike Setup:
Rocky Mountain Hammer Race, mix of Race Face/XT parts
Bottom Line:
A beautiful fork for the price you pay. No clicking or other "weird" noises like from the 2001 RS Judy SL. Absorbs both the small and big hits for all kinds of riders.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Allister
a Cross Country Rider
from Atlanta, GA Date Reviewed: November 14, 2001
Favorite Trail:
Dirt filled ones
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
123 Shocks
Strengths:
New SSVF Valving feels good. Wheel tracks well. Monolight arches. 3.8 lbs for the coil sprund version. A 21 mm socket wrench is all it takes to switch to an air fork which I have also done. Fork frops to about 3.4 lbs.
Weaknesses:
Rebound adjuster at the bottom of leg. You don't get the super slow to super fast rebound adjustment. The rebound still works just not on the same field as the Z.1.
Similar Products Used:
Forks from the big 3.
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight with Discs and Super X build.
Bottom Line:
This fork took the place of the Z.3 which was a great fork for the money. This fork rides well, and is worth the 3 bills. You don't have to spend alot to get alot. It does not steer as fast as my RS Duke SL 100, but it makes up for it when the speed picks up. Good Fork. Buy the Coil version and have them send you the Air Caps as well. Air Caps only 40 bucks extra to have the option to switch to air from coil. PS there is now the use of negative travel springs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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