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Submitted by
Gary McGregor
a Weekend Warrior
from England
Date Reviewed: July 3, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Kingsdown | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$225.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay.co.uk | | Strengths: | Great Looks and very RARE now in U.K | | Weaknesses: | on this one the steerer Tube has been cut to 6" and I need to have New one Original length fitted as wont fit my frame re too short | | Similar Products Used: | Dirt Jumper Pro | | Bike Setup: | 24SEVEN Hardtail "Darkangel" | | Bottom Line: |
HELP - ALL Suggestions WELCOME | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Downhiller
from usa
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | you | | Strengths: | everything there the best in the world better than 888 boxxers anything. i jumped off a 90ft cliff and nose dived and they didnt even bottem out. when i got out of hospital i caryed on rydin hard and there still gd. | | Weaknesses: | every thing there crap bottom out off a cerb + hevy | | Similar Products Used: | zooms | | Bike Setup: | bmx wiv i 26inch on the front and a 14inch on the back | | Bottom Line: | WELL I NEVVAAAAAHHHH!!!!!! | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rob ken
a Weekend Warrior
from canada
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | all season source for sports | | Strengths: | very durable
light weight | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | all the dj series | | Bike Setup: | kona shred | | Bottom Line: | this is a extremly good fork if your into dirtjumping and street riding its the fork for you | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a
from Halifax
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | friend | | Strengths: | strong, durable fork, great for dirtjump. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | mz comp | | Bike Setup: | 2003 .243 4130 | | Bottom Line: | the fork is a very durable fork, its not to heavy, and its perfect for dirtjump | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff Juarez
a Weekend Warrior
from San Antonio Texas, USA
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Sun And Ski | | Strengths: | great travel, looks, build quality. With the air assist and adjustments i have yet to bottom out the fork (but i dont doo HUGE drops) and im a big guy (6'5 230 lbs) | | Weaknesses: | adjustability is kinda difficult and annoying, but hey, if this really bothers you that much, your buying the wrong fork | | Bike Setup: | haro 8.3, shimano running gear, Titanium chain, hayes 9 brakes, DJ2 fork, toe clips....list goes on. whatever. | | Bottom Line: | Great fork, good deal, if you wine about adjustability, go somewhere else. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian "Disco Monkey" Buell
a Racer
from Ft. Worth, Tx.
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Urban | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | Shop employee | | Strengths: | Simple design
Bomb Proof
Air Assist a must
20mm axle | | Weaknesses: | Heavy (but it's a Dirt Jumper, so it's not a problem) | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Jr. T, Rockshox SID XC Long travel, Psylo Race, Manitou Black, SX Ti | | Bike Setup: | Specialized P1, Full X.9 system (X.9 rear der, X.9 shifters), Deore ft. der. Marzocchi DJII fork. Mavic Deemax wheels, 26x2.5" Maxxis Hook Worm tires. FSA FR handlebar. Truvativ Hussefelt Cranks (22,32,BG). SRAM PC69 chain | | Bottom Line: | This fork is awesome for it's intentions. I use it mainly for Urban and aggressive Cross Country. I am just getting into Dirt Jumping, i will give you my *beginner DJ info when I get more experience with this fork on that terrain*. For those of you looking for a fork that you can throw on your bike, Adjust ONCE and tear it up anywhere and everywhere.. Your a Dirt Jumper, Urban Assaulter, Clydesdale, or even a simpleton who doesn't mind a little extra weight.. this fork is for you. If your a Techno wheenie, gadget guru, need to adjust something every ride, light is right.. I think I'll keep my feet on the ground kind of guy.. stay away, you don't need this fork. Here is the breakdown as I have experienced. I am a 6 year Shop Technician, and have dealt with many forks. I chose this one because I got into the urban scene and needed a beefy no nonsense fork I could thrash. Yes, you have to let the air out, take off the top caps, and insert the long allen key into the fork to adjust rebound. if you want to whine about this, just do it once, and forget it. I have only adjusted mine once and it's been perfect since. If you don't want to, take it to your LBS, they will be happy to do it. Now, I use my fork for the local XC trail and aggressive urban. This is where the Air assist system comes in. for XC, I let the air out, for urban, I air it up to about 20 psi *this is a LOW pressure system, you should never need more than 45 PSI, this helps keep the seals long lasting.
Bottom line. If you want a simple fork, you set and forget, this is for you. If you want to have control over your adjustments all the time, spend the extra cash and get the DJI *External Rebound, 1 side coil, 1 side Air Assist(on some models) some will come both sides air assist with Coil*
Rating - 5 Value because there is nothing better for the price, the air assist system eliminates the need to buy stronger springs, unless you want to of course. It's stiff and strong, comes in 20mm or standard drop outs.
4 overall only because some people will find the lack of external adjustments inhibiting.. in this case take hammer hit face.. or nearest person to you. If you were suckered into this fork without the FULL knowledge you needed in your purchase *ie: has rebound, but wasn't told it was internal* smack the guys you bought it from. Otherwise, you'll be a happy camper | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
james
a Weekend Warrior
from oc, ca
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | big bear | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | good looking, stiff as no other, stong.
| | Weaknesses: | not very plush, bottoms out once and a while, weighs like a ton of elephants,average trail fork for the most part, prety good at rockgardens but not the best. | | Similar Products Used: | judy tt(sucks/bottoms when you go off a curb), exr comp, dj3, vanillas and floats. | | Bike Setup: | 03 bighit, 04 fox vanilla rc, upgraded brakes, oury grips, getting 04 jr.t | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for jumping and hard hits baby! don't get it for downhill or freeriding. great fork for big gaps and what ever. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
REEK
a Weekend Warrior
from Baltimore MD
Date Reviewed: August 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Clementine loop in CA | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$169.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria bike | | Strengths: | Stiff. Basically a Z1 body, different guts | | Weaknesses: | not plush, bad as a trail fork when just out of the box. | | Similar Products Used: | Z1, Z2, Z3 QR20, Shiver SC, Bombshell wicked wendy, Psylo XC | | Bike Setup: | Giant AC1, XT/Race Face | | Bottom Line: | This is a super stiff fork with the body of a Z1 but cheapo internals. I like the air preload. It definitely lends to its adjustablility. But the stock springs are firm to start so you never really need the air assist. This is a big difference from the past where Marzocchi's were notoriously undersprung.
I have Z3 5 inch QR20 fork from 2001 and a bunch of spare Zokes parts lying around from years of tinkering with Marzocchis. I decided to put a second SSV pump in place of a dummy rod it had in it. The results were identical to what the problem is with my new DJII.
The DJII is great with low speed impacts but if you land a jump or at high speeds, the compression damping is WAY too much. You end up with what feels like a rigid fork, even with 5wt oil and the SSV's turned all the way down on both sides. So learning from the Z3 experience, I popped the circlip on the left leg SSV pump and removed the damping core to make it a dummy rod. Adjusted the right leg damping, put in 7 wt golden spectro. Now it's a trail fork. Better high speed response. Not sure why turning both sides all the way down didn't do the trick.
I also removed a spring from the right leg and ran one coil and one air leg. Better adjustability and more plush.
With a little work, this can be a great fork. And you save a bundle versus buying a Z1. Of course you miss out on some of the other options of the Z1 but I've always just needed a rebound damper in my forks. No need for ECC, ETA, EIEIO.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Danny
a Downhiller
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: July 9, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Atomicbikes in California | | Strengths: | Now broken in, my dirt jumper feels like butter. I weigh 150 and dont ride any air in the legs.. I also dont have a fork pump. I have yet to see the fork bottom out. This is plenty of fork for any of you small time hucksters. | | Weaknesses: | Marzocchi thought it would be cool to have Dirt Jumper II on one side.. the sticker looks cool, but I think it would be even more hardcore if they put it on both sides. And does anyone know if I can get those white "Bomber" sticker like off of the Z1s? If so let me know. | | Similar Products Used: | My old Judy TT is like a pair of 2s next to my DJII. | | Bike Setup: | '01 Diamondback Team Issue.. '03 Dirt Jumper II.. Azonic Outlaw Wheelset.. Deore Hydraulic Discs.. Azonic Aggro Stem.. XT Derailleurs.. Deore Shifters.. Deore Crank.. Sweet Ride | | Bottom Line: | This fork rocks for the price I paid for it. The air adjustable preload/damping whatever is pretty nifty. If you want to you can lock it out. Its a pretty smooth ride once you break it in and seems to like a little abuse. It's a naughty little fork. Five Flamin Chilis. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Gabriel
a Weekend Warrior
from montreal,Qc
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | mount-royal! | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$460.00 | | Purchased At: | martin swiss crap cycles | | Strengths: | absoltely sexy look, myne is setup for my weight, 175 pounds with 30 PSI and the stock springs, bunynhoppin' off a sidewalk, gets onyl 2 " out of travel, everythnig is great about this fork! | | Weaknesses: | i dont understand why people diss up on this fork being weak, its strong as hell! sure it has flex front and backworads but no sideways flex at all! wut? do u really except every other fork to have no flex? every fork should have flex, with no flex, the fork would break, and it really aint that heavy, if u think it is then its time for u to go ryde outside and go to thegym and pump iron, if i can bunyjop my 40 pound hardtail 3 feet high how high cna u bunyhop yur 45 pound DH bike? | | Similar Products Used: | foxfloat,sherman breakout, DJ1( similar but not worth the extra$$ for the roebound knob) | | Bike Setup: | .243, doubletrack wheels, hussefelt crank, 6"hayes hyrolik, DJ2!!!! | | Bottom Line: | buy this fork, if u ryde urban/DJ/ freeride, u will never regret this purchase, if u use it properly, this | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tire snag
a Weekend Warrior
from nyc
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | all of nyc | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | came with my specialized bighit comp 03 | | Strengths: | Strong, stiff, durable, i did not bottom it at all. thru axle makes fork super stiff. | | Weaknesses: | adustubility is sub-par. low sensitivity. fork seams to sleep when riding trough rocks and root gardens. not a big deal though cause its not that bad. its a dirt jumpin fork anyway. | | Similar Products Used: | 03 z1, 03 super t, 03 boxxer. | | Bike Setup: | 03 bighit comp. stock except pedals, and seat. | | Bottom Line: | i have abused this fork for a full year-doing drops 6 ft+, dirt jumping, free riding and street riding- and i have not had any problems with the dj2. the adjustability is sub-par but does not affect the peformance of the fork. i never had to service the fork, nothing broke, the qr20 bolts did not strip-dont over tighten and they wont strip i guess... good all round fork. i would recomend this fork to any one who rides street or dirt jumps. dont buy if you gonna freeride or down hill. get z's or for freeriding. they have better adjustment and have good sensitivity. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Vic,B.C,Canada
Date Reviewed: May 5, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | hartland,mt. work | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Came with bike | | Strengths: | The stanctions,pretty plush with right psi,seemingly bottomproof,smooth urban/dj/fr fork | | Weaknesses: | On a FS,the fork doesent seem to start pressing down so easily,and when you drop anything it hammers your wrists a lil before it starts to move down for some reason | | Similar Products Used: | DJ 3,RS Boxxer,Judy TT,Exr;race;pro;comp,and (who hasnt) rigid | | Bike Setup: | 03 DeVinci guzzler w. fox vanilla r and 03 dj 2s w. hayes hfx 8 dh;8",and weirwolf 2.5";26" tires | | Bottom Line: | Nice fork,what can I say,ive had no real issues with it yet,allthough the part where it feels rigid for a second before compressing on my guzzler is sort of awkward/wierd | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Eildon | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Brunswick Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Strong castings, thick stanchion tubing, wicked crown. When maintained, performs well | | Weaknesses: | Not entirely plush travel.
Weight. | | Similar Products Used: | No other DJ/All Mountain forks | | Bike Setup: | DaBomb XLR8, DJII's, SRAM Drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | It is a great fork, it does what it was designed for, however it's no where near a Fox Vanilla. It was my first all mountain fork, it looked sweet and had a few features that i knew i need, and none i didn't.
If you want a Marzocchi fork for jumping or racing...then this i good, but if u want more, u'll need to invest a little more! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nathan
a Weekend Warrior
from Penetang, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Plush, Seems Bottomless, Stiff
Compared to Dj3...
better paint
QR20
more adjustability | | Weaknesses: | none so far... maybe weight... | | Similar Products Used: | Wal-Mart suspension | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Eureka 03
| | Bottom Line: | This fork came stock on my 03 Jamis Eureka that I bought a few weeks ago. For the price paid (1100.00 CAN) I was amazed to get a DirtJumper2.
Very impressive fork! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tyler
a Downhiller
from reno
Date Reviewed: April 2, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$350.00 | | Purchased At: | seirra cyclesmith | | Strengths: | very strong and durable | | Weaknesses: | the screws and caps on the bottom of the fork that holds the hub on snapped and Marzocchi had no problem replacing them. do not tighten these bolts past like 6 newtons (which is nothin at all, just a turn of the wrist) | | Similar Products Used: | bombers | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi dirtjumper II on a bighit comp. | | Bottom Line: | good, fork, i'll write another review once i have broken it in a little more, but other wise, just watch how much u tighten the screws!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
doug brummett
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Cruz, CA
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | anything in UCSC | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | It's stiff, looks tough, has nice plush feel at low speeds and low pressures. | | Weaknesses: | Doesn't lend well to xc/dh. It really stacks up in washboard sections, feeling almost as bad as rigid. Bolts that hold the lowers on stripped. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Fox RLC vanilla, 2001 Z1, various other marzocchi and rockshox... | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Santa Cruz Chameleon, xt build, swap betweenxc and freeride wheelsets depending on my mood | | Bottom Line: | This fork is great out at the jumps and even better doing big drops. The way that the air assist ramps up is suited perfectly for those applications.
The new QR-20 system seemed a bit sketchy at first, but has never caused me any problems.
My biggest gripe is that the first time I serviced the fork the aluminum bolts that hold the lowers on stripped. I have over 7 years as a paid shop mechanic and a degree in engineering. As soon as I flipped the fork over I knew the 6mm internal hex would give me troubles. Even being careful one of them stripped before I could get it unbound. Out came the vise-grips and I was able to service the fork. Marzocchi was kind enough to comp me a new set of bolts, this time they were the 12mm external hex that the Z1's have. They should hold out better.
Overall I think the fork is good. I ride everything from the dirt, urban, trials, freeride, and race dh a couple times a year. My only trail complaint is that the fork doesn't handle washboard, goats head rock feilds, or anything that is very rough. It kind of stacks and doesn't recover fast enough. It seems to do a bit better with lighter oil (2.5 or 5wt). But it still doesn't eliminate it. The end effect is that my arms and hands have to make up for what the shock isn't. Can't say that the fork claims to be up to this kind of abuse, so I can't really dock any points. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew
a Cross Country Rider
from Winchester, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | came with bike | | Strengths: | Good amount of adjustability, accepts a large tire which helps soak up some of the nasty terrain here in VA. It's easily serviceable and maintainable | | Weaknesses: | Though it's adjustable, it's hard to get the full travel out of it if you're a lighter rider. I'm 5'6" and about 145 (sorry big fellas) and I've had to drop the air pressure down to about 5PSI just to get near bottoming out on big drops...maybe that's a good thing for the bigger guys though.. | | Similar Products Used: | Just got back into MTB about 6-8 months ago...last thing would've been something RockShox | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Komodo with XT components and Hayes Mech brakes | | Bottom Line: | Overall, it's a great fork. It's beefy and durable, handles the big rocky terrain of VA's mtns very well provided you use good tires, and can be adjusted with relative ease. This particular one has the standard drop-out but I just bought one for the new build that's the QR20 drop-out so we'll have to see how that one goes. This guy is travelling with me to AZ in a few weeks for some desert riding so I'll see how it performs out there and maybe update my review after that. Generally though, Marzocchi parts are money well spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Joseph Morrissey III
a Racer
from Beverly Farms Massachusetts
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Red Dot | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$400.00 | | Purchased At: | Gearworks Cyclery Leominster Ma | | Strengths: | Serviceability!!!! Read on and youll find out
THIS IS THE HYUNDAI OF FORKS | | Weaknesses: | The Stanchion on the left cracked at the 6 o'clock position, VERY FLEXY at the crown, Rode like a bowl of oatmeal...only after Xtra heavy springs and air assist did it feel like it WAS safe for X-country......What RETARDED MONKEY DESIGNED THE "anything but" QUICK RELEASE ON THE 2002? 8 SEAL REPLACEMENTS AND 3 COMPLETE REBUILDS!!!
THE 2003 CROWN IS STILL FLEXY...SAFE ENUFF FOR THE PIZZA FACED PAPERBOY TO JUMP OFFA CURBS WITH. BUY IT IF YOU DONT WANT TO RIDE IT! AND ENJOY REBUILDING FORKS AND NOT WINNING! | | Similar Products Used: | HANNEBRINK ( VERY GOOD STUFF!), OLDER MR.T ( AWWWSOME)
ROCKSHOX JUDY XL ( THE BOMB BACK IN THE DAY) | | Bike Setup: | 2002 KONA ROAST | | Bottom Line: | DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY OR YOUR TIME! IF YOUR A BIG GUY AND YOU RIDE HARD YOUR MONEY WILL BE BETTER SPENT ELSEWERE!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Downhiller
from Adelaide, South Australia
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mach 2 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | JT Cycles | | Strengths: | Extra strong- these forks are probably the strongest type of fork around. Really good for freeriding. I have mine set up reasonably doft and they are really plush for downhill, stairs etc. Air assist is a nice idea, as it allows you to give a varied preload adjustment, despit not being overly easy to get changed. When used in conjunction with the preload knob, though, it is a good design. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy- these forks, despite being very strong are let down by their weight. If you are after a freeride fork then go with some 04 Z150 forks. The rebound adjustment is too hard to adjust. I haven't had mine adjusted yet, as I can't be bothered doing it myself incase a break something. The quick release axle system works well. But make sure you don't strip the quick release things. They cost $80 each Australian. The forks also seem to bottom out very easily, although I haven't had the air assist changed for a while. | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber EXR | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Bighit Comp, dmr v8's, da bomb bars, truvativ gigapipe and chain device, odi grips. Rest is standard. | | Bottom Line: | If you are after a sick dirtjump fork, or where weight isn't an issue, get these forks, or even the DJ3 as the only difference is the rrebound which I havn't even used. A good extra strong fork, with reasonable adjustment. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt
a
from canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5.00 | | Purchased At: | calgary | | Strengths: | Stiff | | Weaknesses: | Not much improvement from the dj3..hard to get setting to what I want | | Similar Products Used: | marzochi | | Bottom Line: | I havent had at all much trouble with this fork. There isnt alot of differance between the dj2-3 so im slightly disappointed. It handles drops fine but is set a little high. Sort of weird howa perfor shaermans than the dirt jumper series for dirt jumping.. I wouldnt recommand the dj2 but probably either the 3 or 1 or just a plain old sherman. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nate
a Weekend Warrior
from Jax, Fl.. USA
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Big Stantions, beefy crown. | | Weaknesses: | A little stiff but, LOL I came from a 7" Jr. T. | | Similar Products Used: | 02 7" Jr. T | | Bike Setup: | 04 .243 frame, Profile Crank, Evil SRS, D321 Rear, Doublewide Front both on Hope Bulbs, Hope DH4 brakes, Intense EX 909 2.5 tires. | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for Urban with light trials riding. It's OK on the trail, but I'm not a trail rider. Beefy looking. I'de buy another if I had to, or maybe try a DJ1.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jvd
a Downhiller
from Victoria, BC
Date Reviewed: September 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sofa king | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$450.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | It's got big stantions, good amount of travel
air assist nice feature | | Weaknesses: | The adjustments really suck. I haven't noticed much difference after adjusting the rebound. And everytime you adjust rebound, you have to let the air out, take off the top caps, attempt to adjust the rebound, then retighten the topcaps, and then re-pump your air assist. And then when it's not right, you have to go through the whole process. | | Similar Products Used: | Older z-1s and z-2s. | | Bike Setup: | Minuteman | | Bottom Line: | Don't buy this fork. The adjustments suck so much, it's not worth it. Get something that has external rebound...either the DJ1 or a z1. I wish I would have done that; it would have been easily worth the extra money. Booooooooooooo. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Caerphilly, Wales
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Glyncorwg | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Wades Cycles | | Strengths: | Very stiff, smooth, paintjob is cool and just really solid!! | | Weaknesses: | Internal rebound adj. is a crap idea, a real pain to fiddle with and get right, tyre clearance.
| | Similar Products Used: | 03 Z1 Freerides, Marathons, Vanillas and Floats. | | Bike Setup: | Orange Airo, DJ2, Mini's, Truvativ cranks, just a real hardcore trail setup. | | Bottom Line: | I've only been riding these forks for about a week and I don't think that the forks have bedded in fully yet. They are really stiff and are starting to feel smooth. They are not as smooth as my Z1 Freerides were but I think they will be soon. The internal rebound adjustment is not a good idea, a real pain to get right, I only paid £200 for these mind which is £55 off so I'm very happy.
Bottom line, a very nice fork which is smooth and stiff, just a bit of a pain to get perfect. Five for value but only 4 overall coz of the rebound. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Hirsch
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | street | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | Tommy and Lefevbes | | Strengths: | The look, paintjob, QR20 Pro, stiffness, plushness... | | Weaknesses: | little tire clearance. It only fits a 2.5" tire MAX | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Marzocchi Z5 OEM, 2003 Dirt Jumper 3 | | Bike Setup: | Norco Rampage | | Bottom Line: | the fork is great. It is extremely plush and very stiff. I got the fork for 350 canadian NEW which is awesome. The dirt jumper 3 is similar except it doesnt have the awesome Matte black paint on it and no adjustments except preload. Most people say "get the DJ3 cause its cheaper" well, I got mine for an amazing price which was actually CHEAPER than a new DJ3
I recommend this to anyone. DJ2's rock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marko Haka
a Weekend Warrior
from Finland
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Sturdy, good technology, price. | | Weaknesses: | Hassle to adjust. | | Similar Products Used: | RS Judy XC, Headshox Fatty D | | Bike Setup: | DaBomb CR8, DJ2, DaBomb post, stem, bar, Deore/XT mix, Mavic F219Disc wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Can the damping get any better?
At the parking lot the fork feels mushy, moves alot and is like it was ready to bottom anytime.
Take of at pleasant cruising speed, the fork works just as plushly as it demonstrated, perfectly rounding off any hits and bumbs. Works like a tought, so much that you forget it. Atleast my fork makes a "klok" sound when it moves, and listening to that sound gives you an illusion that the fork might be bit stiff at the top, but ignore the sound and feel it up, it is not.
More speed, and wham! It is as if the fork was somehow swapped, it feels firm and predictable and is nowhere near about to bottom. Instead it persistantly keeps that perfect rounding off going on. All I can throw at it, like 4 feet drops (I'm learning, I'm learning :) ) to flat, and I never felt a hint of bottoming.
The DJ2 specific "internal adjustment" does suck. I think that should be a DJ3 feature. There will allways be the hassle to open the fork and fish with the adjuster stick for the dial. Is the privilidge to fish worth the 50$ in price (50$ atleast here in Finland)? If you have found the Marzocchi factory rebound allways good, you should probably go with the non-adjustable DJ3. If you are of the "adjusting" sort, the DJ1 or Z1 is for you. Get the DJ2 if you think the rebound sucks but you want to save the extra of DJ1.
Also, the airassist is a bit of a hassel, atleast if you dont own a pump. Besides, you cant put much anything in if you want the fork to have SAG and retain its sensitivity at the top (start of the travel). For comparison, I'm about 160lb.
The customer support in Finland is given to the Finnish importer, which did reply to my questions swiftly and professionally.
Anyways, this is easilly the best fork I've had. And I think it's a great fork. The SSV offers exellent functioning right from the cheapest MXC model up. Also, Marzocchi has good prizing and the forks look good (viewers oppinion...). Not to forget the sturdy design of the DJ/Z1 line.
I chipped one flaming chili from the value because of the "internal adjuster", for me the DJ3 would be the value king. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin
a Downhiller
from Kelowna
Date Reviewed: August 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kerplop | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$345.00 | | Strengths: | Great no flex....havent bottomed out yet off jumps with 21 ft gaps | | Weaknesses: | The 9mm drop outs made my axel fall out once but maybe it wasnt tightened:S | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 DJ 3 | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Devinci Guzzler 6' in back | | Bottom Line: | |
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$ 345.00
