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Submitted by
alloyho
a Cross Country Rider
from westhampton beach, ny usa
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | porcupine rim | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$240.00 | | Purchased At: | nashbar | | Strengths: | super smooth and plush stroke, eta feature (great for steep fireroads and slow technical climbs , stiff, easy to set up | | Weaknesses: | yeah right... | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 rockshox judy xc, 2004 fox talas rlc, suntour xc | | Bike Setup: | 1999 santa cruz heckler x setup as an all purpose trailbike... | | Bottom Line: | bought this fork based on the reviews here and am glad i did. this is fork has the metal eta lever and 105mm of travel. feels bottomless... a touch heavier than the fox talas though comparable to the stock judy xc it replaced though the weight is not noticed once installed. this fork is a different animal than the judy though, way smoother, no stiction, no leaking (air or oil) and stiffer. to be fair, the judy served me well for the first couple of years, declining in performance thereafter (due to the plastic internal parts). the zoke inpires confidence for the east coast technical stuff (ringwood, case mt., etc). does bob a lot when cranking on the bars, more so than the talas. but what a great performing fork for the price at a third of the price of my talas. the eta is great for climbing and you can ride fast xc long island trails with better though a bit harsh at 30mm of travel handling and steering. get this fork if you want a do it all, set it and forget it, ripper of a fork. kick ass!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Reynaldo
a Weekend Warrior
from Costa Rica
Date Reviewed: November 7, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Santa Ana Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | PricePoint | | Strengths: | Light Weight, Bump Absortion, Control, great downhill performace. | | Weaknesses: | Strange noise from left stanchion, for a bumpy climb, ETA makes it for a jumpy ride, making you loose control sometimes. | | Similar Products Used: | RST Aerosa, MOZO Usa (really cheap price and performance) | | Bike Setup: | Jamis Dakar Sport 04, LX drivetrain and deraileurs, Deore Hubs, Deore Mec Disk, Candy SL's pedals, MX Comp ETA 120mm | | Bottom Line: | This is a great fork, don't get me wrong with the weakness, nothing is perfect, but overall, i would recoment this product to anyone that really enjoys trails, hard ascents and agressive descents.
This fork has already saved my life, when i fell into a dry waterstream in a quick descent, it just absorved the hit, put the front end back up again and let me climb the other part, like nothing, this fork is amazing, i thoug that was all for me, but suddenly, i was again in the track blazing down.
This is a truly hardcore agressive XC fork (120mm) | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
raj khemraj
a Weekend Warrior
from elkhart, ks
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | MRT | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Strong and smooth. Minimal maintenance | | Weaknesses: | ETA lever broke early on. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy xc | | Bike Setup: | Blur | | Bottom Line: | Great fork that can be set and then forgotten. It can take a beating and leaves you looking for more. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Corey
a Weekend Warrior
from Southern OK / North Texas
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | jensonusa | | Strengths: | Plush, smooth, rugged, soaks up rocks, holes, trenches, etc like a sponge. A sponge I say.
Awesome fork period. Considering its not a 600 buck fork it it is more awesome. | | Weaknesses: | um, no.
well, the fork was shipped with too much oil in both legs, apparently a common problem a year ago that is easily corrected when you change it the first time (25 hrs use).
and how could I forget, the manual sux. It is 3/4 inch thick and tells you nothing. | | Similar Products Used: | Judy junk that weighed a ton and doubled as a pogo stick. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 4500 with many upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | If you want/need a new fork and have 200-400 bucks to spend, look no further and buy this fork. There is no worries about if this is the right fork. You will have bought the absolute best fork in your price range and a few price ranges above.
When you first put the fork on it will feel a little sticky, not plush at all. You're thinkin, crap, something is wrong and I am going to have to send it back, get it fixed, and wait a few weeks before I can ride my new fork.
Don't worry, that is normal. Ride it , ride it and give it heck. In about 15-25 hrs of use, you will realize all of a sudden that....man this thing is smooooth. Its a break in period. The parts that Marz uses fit so tight with such little tolerance that you have to use them a little bit first and "knock the new off em".
Then change the oil (Golden spectro is cheap and great). The manual is of no use in this department, search the web for details and oil amounts.
Then forget about the fork except for normal maint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guillaum
a Weekend Warrior
from Montréal,Québec
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Strengths: | Very plush
Not so heavy
ETA works great | | Weaknesses: | The travel is not perfectly progressive | | Similar Products Used: | Marzos,Fox,RS | | Bike Setup: | Hardtail Deore,XTR.urban | | Bottom Line: | This fork is so nice when u first try it, very plush , soaks all bumps. After few weeks, u kinda don't remember u have a front fork, it works so great. With the small travel I did some urban,street, and its good, but for a 165lbs rider, I recommend to buy firmer springs. For example I have 35 PSI in it, never bottomed.
4 chilis for value cause its expansive. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Madsen
a Weekend Warrior
from Pleasant Hill, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: August 4, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | NorthStar MTB | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Online | | Strengths: | Hard core and can hold up to any thing you hit or run over. Will save your @$$ someday because you dont see soemthing and it just concours it! Came with a free head set for installiation. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, the rebound shock needs to be pumped once a year. (No biggy) | | Similar Products Used: | None, ONe of a kind. | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6500 (2004) Drops, MTB, Race | | Bottom Line: | Awesome shock and should be used by everyone that isn't PRO already, Pros can afford a better shock taht runs at 500$ or so. Best for Amatures and people who are looking for a great ride on any trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randal
a
from St. Louis
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Strengths: | It Will Take everything you throw at it | | Weaknesses: | None so far except only 1 color | | Similar Products Used: | Minute 1:00 pretty cool too | | Bike Setup: | Trek 6000 thousand frame with hollow poiunt true Vata Cranls, and big back wheel | | Bottom Line: | Ive TAKEN IT OFF 10 FOOT DROPS AND IM STILL ALIVE IM VERY IMPRESSED I WAY 230 LBS | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jon C
a Weekend Warrior
from Grand Rapids, MI
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fort Custer | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Price Point | | Strengths: | Value, simplicity, ETA option, looks | | Weaknesses: | Might be a little bit heavier than the higher end forks? | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Duke SL, Rock Shox Indy | | Bike Setup: | Azonic Propulsion, FSA XC300 wheels, Avid BB7 disc brakes, Panracer Fire XC Pro tires, Manitou Swinger 3way, Sram drivetrain, Race Face cranks | | Bottom Line: | This fork doesnt really need another positive review. But I have to give its props because there are very few high quality suspension forks that you can get for under $300! This fork just does its job and does it well. I havent had any problems with the ETA knob. The ETA gives the fork 2 personalities. You can bomb down hills with confidence, switch the ETA on and climb like a madman. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kirk
a Weekend Warrior
from San Juan Capistrano, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: April 28, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Joplin | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$199.00 | | Purchased At: | Universal Cycles | | Strengths: | I own 3 of these forks which are on alll 3 of my Kona Dawg bikes. They are all 2004 120mm ETA models and I LOVE them. For the price, I highly recommend them. Perfect for aggressive XC and can handle almost anything that gets in its way (except cars... LOL). They are strong and light with adjustablility. Lower the front to 4" for climbing or extend it out to 5" for downhill. Go out and buy one before the prices go up. Universalcylces.com were closing out the 2004 models for only $199. Of course, I jumped on it and purchased 3 for under $600. One Fox Talas will run you over $600. Hummm, what is a better deal on a fork that I can matchup with a Talas? 3 is better than 1. Marzocchi might be a stock or product you might want to invest in. Just read alll the reviews and most people agree. Happy trail riding! | | Weaknesses: | NONE | | Similar Products Used: | Fox | | Bike Setup: | 3 Kona Dawgs all with Marzocchi MX Comp 120mm, King Headsets, Raceface components, Sun Rhino Lite rims, XT drivetrain, Panaracer Fire XC tires. | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend them. If you can find anymore 2004 120mm with ETA, buy them. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a
from Jackson, NJ US
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Beacon Bicycles | | Strengths: | Plush ride, reliable, ETA, looks. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Chameleon | | Bottom Line: | I've taken this fork to Mountain Creek, skateparks, dirtjumps, and on long cross country rides. I've beaten this fork up and it has never given me a problem. It has a very plush ride and the ETA is so quick to set and really helps on those steep climbs. For the money there is not another fork out there that can compare. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gareth Brooks
a Weekend Warrior
from Chester, United Kingdom
Date Reviewed: April 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Snowdon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | Came with custom built bike | | Strengths: | None as of yet, very nice fork and extremely comfy | | Weaknesses: | I previously owned a marzocchi bomber Z1 fork which i'd owned for at least 4 years. I was used to the ease of adjustment with the dials on the top of those forks. This fork is adjusted via an air pump. So if you want to adjust it out on a trail you'll have to carry a pump! | | Similar Products Used: | Marzocchi Bomber Z1's and Rock Shox Judy's | | Bike Setup: | Giant VT, Marzocchi Comp 04 upfront and Manitou SPV 3 way rear shock (very comfy). XTR groupset. Race Face cranks. Magurra Julie Discs front and back | | Bottom Line: | Good all round fork. Let down by ease of adjustment | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wietse Willemse
a Racer
from Tilburg
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Loonse en Drunense duinen | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike2build | | Strengths: | Stiff/strong, plush, lot's of travel and adjustable travel (ETA) | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy XC 100mm | | Bike Setup: | Custom build Viper with LX components, shimano wheels | | Bottom Line: | I got myself the 120mm version of this fork and I'm amazed by the difference it makes. Like other reviewers here have mentioned before, this fork is really plush and soaks up everything that comes in its path.
The fork gives me way more confidence in comparison to my old Judy XC. Furthermore. It takes a lot of work out of my hands, because it steers and absorbs bumps just great. When racing on flat terrain or riding uphill I enable ETA which reduces travel to 30mm. I think it almost functions as a lock-out with the added benefit of lowering the front of the bike which makes climbing up those steep hills very easy.
I have never been this impressed about a mountain biking product before and recommend it to everyone who wants a strong, comfortable fork.
Marzocchi rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Orlando
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Razorback | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$299.00 | | Purchased At: | Pricepoint (with Cane Creek BB) | | Strengths: | Light, good handling fork. Holds air well. I rarely need to add it. I've taken it off drops over 6 feet without any problems. Came with a free Cane Creek bottom bracket. | | Weaknesses: | The ETA knob. It seems to work its way forward and the next thing you know your fork is locked down and you have no travel. The ride goes from good to suck real quick on descents. I took the nob off and I like the fork much better. I know, why buy the ETA? Well for the money It seemed like a good idea at the time. One other weakness is the internal rebound adjustment, not very easy to access. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judys, they suck. | | Bike Setup: | GT I-drive with Fox float RL | | Bottom Line: | I like the fork for the money. They are even cheaper now. if you are into XC this is a decent fork. Don't bother with the MX comp with ETA unless you like climbing. (Note difficulties mentioned with lever) Go for the regular MX comp and save a few more bucks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
matt w
a Weekend Warrior
from uk
Date Reviewed: February 14, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | delamere, uk | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | lasted 2 years of abuse | | Weaknesses: | stupid little lock out switch tht comes loose dead easily, then agen i d thrash them tho.
they pop out now as well wenever ther given th chance, need them servicing... | | Bike Setup: | orange airo, halo combats etc all gud stuff | | Bottom Line: | if u do come across these forks to buy somehow then as long as they are in gud nick then ur in for a gud buy, | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sam Chin
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Santa Monica mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$250.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Lock out, huge travel, smooth, light, tough. | | Weaknesses: | Ummm, it's a little bit heavier than the fork it replaced. The switch has not fallen off of mine, like other people's have. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox SID, Judy SL; Manitou Elite; Marzocchi '02 Bomber; Duotrack 7007 (sweetest fork ever) | | Bike Setup: | Bianchi Super GL | | Bottom Line: | The tiny bit of extra weight is well worth it. I accidentally went off a 4' drop recently. With the Judy SL, I would have died, or been rendered infertile. The Marz just sucked it up and kept me in the pedals. I can ride through trenches, over big rocks, anything. The adjustable air cartridge means it can be as plush or stiff as I want it to be. The ETA side is a WONDERFUL thing, especially with dual suspension, since it make climbing so much easier. I really like that the front end gets lowered and not just locked out. I also like that it is not total lock out. The supension left is enough to take care of the shallwoed downhills.
Get one of these used for cheap. It's a great fork. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Just some guy
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, Arizona, USA
Date Reviewed: January 24, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | 50 Year Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$239.00 | | Purchased At: | BlueSky - 2004 closeout | | Strengths: | This fork dramatically improved the handling of my hardtail. My curly brunet wife, whose maiden name ends in a vowel, approves of its Italian design and heritage. I think they both look nice too. ;-) | | Weaknesses: | I am not an experienced enough rider to recognize any limitations. | | Similar Products Used: | The OEM fork provided with my hardtail, which I thought was amazing until the Marzocchi replaced it. | | Bike Setup: | Cheap carbon fiber hardtail from eBay upgraded with Mavic Crosslands, XT cassette, Geax tires, and this fork. | | Bottom Line: | This is for the 120mm version, which improved the stability of my rather upright frame by making the fork angle more relaxed. This was an unexpected bonus.
The manual is less than perfect, but a 2005 version that is somewhat better is available at http://www.marzocchi.com/system/8369/2005-bomber-en.pdf
Of particular interest are the instructions for setting the rebound damping using the supplied adjusting rod. It does make a difference for me. The factory setting seemed to be about the middle of the control range. Maximum damping works better for me.
I found it useful to pour some of oil out of the right leg of this fork into a clean glass measuring cup so that I could see the adjuster and properly insert the rod. Even with very clean oil the distortion makes it difficult. Without oil covering the mechanism, it is easy.
Adjustment is enough of a hassle that I ended up buying a MX Pro ETA for my wife's identical bike. It has an external adjustment for rebound at the bottom of the fork but otherwise seems the same.
It is amazing to fly down the trail over rocks and the huge erosion ruts that often cross the jeep roads around here without any concern at all. Nothing the trails I have ridden so far can throw at this fork seems to present any difficulty.
My wife is convinced it even helps her climbing, especially where there are lots of loose stones and rocks. Me, I am still a slug going up. ;-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nunya
a Cross Country Rider
from Modesto
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$230.00 | | Strengths: | Very tough, nice design, stiff resistance, great response to small and big hits. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy. | | Bottom Line: | Great shock for the price. I have a few friends with five and $600 shocks who say my shock is just as good as their's. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Vince
a Weekend Warrior
from Cerritos, CA
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Fullerton Loop | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$260.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Blowout | | Strengths: | ETA, Plush, Looks | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, no external rebound adjuster (maybe I'm just being cheap). The product manual also sucks. It says that the rebound is adjustable internal, but I still don't know how. Maybe I'm just a retard. | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Six Black | | Bike Setup: | 02 Gary Fisher Tassajara w/Deore groupo | | Bottom Line: | You can adjust this as plush or as stiff as you want. The ETA is excellent for climbing. I wanted a SID, but $500 is ridiculous (why are mtb products so overpriced?). If you want a replacement/upgrade fork this is a excellent bet. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Racer
from Berkeley
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Downiville: Butchers | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$300.00 | | Purchased At: | www | | Strengths: | One coil spring.
ETA (!)
Stiff
Light, for a real xc trail fork.
Air spring retains air well.
100mmm or 120mm option.
Interfaces with my disk brake well: no squeeks or problems (came with rim job option). | | Weaknesses: | Lame plstic ETA lever breaks easily, after 8 months of xc riding.
No fork seal covers.
One air spring (lame compromise) | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Marz. Atomb Bomb 70mm (was great, sold it to a happy camper for $30)
2004 RS Sid (is great, for climbers)
| | Bike Setup: | 1998 Kona Lavadome steel hardtail with lots of dents and scratches [ :) ], but no rust.
2004 Hope Mini Mono disk (terrific).
Dave's Speed Dream rear wheel: tubeless or tube dual compatible (now using WTB tubless -- sweet).
Ti. seatpost & Ti. rail saddle, makes for a "soft" hardtail ride, frinds can see my ti. seatpost flex during rides...cool. | | Bottom Line: | Marzocchi MX Comp ETA is a great value and overall terrific for aggresive trail riding. Most riders would not need anything else.
Even though my ETA lever broke, still rides great. Acutally, I like the simplicity, less thinking. (But i liked it better when the ETA worked., esp. on those 20+ minuits steep climbs, helps out psychologically.)
I'd get a RS Sid (or a M. Scarab) for more serious xc racing or the M. Z1 ETA if your trails are blessed with a lot of jagged stones and drop-offs.
For the riders blessed with more cash and ambition: go bigger with the Z1 ETA (for the trail joy riders) or lighter with RS Sid (for the climbing freaks).
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from colonial heights va
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pocahontas | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Cobblestone bikes | | Strengths: | works like its supposed to, looks Kewl!! like any bomber,ease of adjust, quick breakin period,ETA is great for climbs, easy to change back and forth on the fly | | Weaknesses: | none that I can find | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou Magnum( not even similar in performance) | | Bike Setup: | Devinci Guzzler,ATAC pedals,Ergo bars | | Bottom Line: | I was going to bunny hop a small tree and did not do it right. I went into crash mode mentally and before I could brace myself the darn thing had gone over the tree and my back wheel was bouncing up. my old fork woth its lack of travel would have put me into an endo for sure. I hit the nastiest lines I can find and this fork keeps me from feeling so beaten up when the day is done. If you want a fork that will cushion the big stuff yet still give you a feel for the ground under you,that climbs like a no shock bike,then lets you forget where the brakes are as you fly down the trail, and corners and brakes super stiff go for this one | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jace B
a Weekend Warrior
from Topeka, Ks
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Too Many | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$228.00 | | Purchased At: | Cambria Bike | | Strengths: | Stiff
Smooth
PPLLUUSSHH | | Weaknesses: | Manuel is the worst I have ever seen. EVER | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Judy XC, Indy SL, Indy C | | Bike Setup: | M400, STX-RC all the way--OLD school and lovin it | | Bottom Line: | This fork should be sold at Toys R US, with all the plush stuffed animals. I can't get over how nice this fork is. I bought it soley based on the reviews here. I thought if this many people say it so, it must be.
From small to big hits, this fork takes it all. If this is possible, it has made me a better rider. I dont always look for the smoothest line, I let the fork take up the hits. My job is to RIDE. I can't say enought about this fork. If I could come up with more money I would buy another for a back up. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex
a Cross Country Rider
from The Netherlands
Date Reviewed: November 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Veluwezoom | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$270.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike2Build | | Strengths: | Strong and stiff fork, price, looks, the way the air spring works, ETA cartridge | | Weaknesses: | not on this fork so far :-) | | Similar Products Used: | 2001+2002 Rond 2Stroke S, SR Suntour, Manitou Skareb Elite | | Bike Setup: | Stevens M9 hardtail, DT Onyx/Mavic X223 wheel, Magura Louise disc brakes, SRAM X7 shifting | | Bottom Line: | Oh my goodness what a relief this fork is. My bike originally came with a Manitou Skareb. Considering it's weight it's really doing okay, but not a confidence builder with it's lack of stiffness. And the air cartride isn't aimed at riders my posture too, max pressure still gave a far too soft ride. Good thing they fitted a lock out then.
This fork feels and looks so much better. The air cartridge feels like steel springs I had before and that really suits me well. Altough this is an air fork, it even weighs a bit more than a fork with springs, but the bike doesn't feel any heavier than this, so I am really, really happy with it. ETA cartridge is a very nice touch with the 30 mm travel left to do a little work over bumps. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pat
a Cross Country Rider
from aurora, co
Date Reviewed: October 22, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | mary's loop GJ, CO | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$219.00 | | Purchased At: | cambria | | Strengths: | more travel, 120 mm is very nice. The ETA is a cool feature, especially for climbing | | Weaknesses: | none really so far | | Similar Products Used: | rock shock pilot xc | | Bike Setup: | 03 fisher tassajara, stock except crank brothers candy sl | | Bottom Line: | Great fork for the price!!! Liked my XC a lot but it could not handle a lot of stuff. More travel than the xc 80 mm, 120 is very nice. Handles drops well and more rugged terrain well then my old one did. Makes the ride more plush. Great on downhills, ETA is great for climbing. Far superior to Rock shocks. Wanted an oil shock but this air shock rules and is a major upgrade compared to what I had. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dimitri
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | All Greece | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$330.00 | | Purchased At: | Frederik | | Strengths: | Mine is an MX Comp ETA 2005, but can't find a way to add it! Good and reliable. Strong and sticks on trails. Very beautiful. | | Weaknesses: | Haven' t found one yet! | | Similar Products Used: | RST Gila T4 that came with my old bike | | Bike Setup: | Ideal Traxer '04 with full Ritchey Pro spare parts, full Shimano New XT disc peripheralls, Rigida Taurus wheels with XT hubs and Kenda Karma tires, Fizik Nisene saddle and finally Marzocchi MX Comp ETA 2005! | | Bottom Line: | The fork is great and responds to any movement! Haven't tried it a lot but I feel it sticking on the ground. Also takes my fear away at high speed movement in the wood with close trees. The 2005 is much more beautifull as it has no holes on the top, they made it thiner there and it looks more beautiful and stiff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert
a Racer
from Milan, Italy
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | 200 | | Strengths: | Stiffness, plush, wide range set-up, ETA works perfectly, no air-pressure loss (right leg) even after 6 months, zero-maintenance fork. | | Weaknesses: | a bit heavy (1900 grams) for weigth-maniacs. | | Similar Products Used: | Rock Shox Sid Race 80 mm., Marzocchi Marathon SL 105 mm. | | Bike Setup: | Dedacciai 0 hardtail steel frame, XT, V-Brakes, tube tyres (I'm not so keen on tubeless tyres). | | Bottom Line: | This is an excellent all-round fork. I bougth the 105 mm. travel version, I can say to be completely satisfied about the fork behaviour, it seems a downhill fork onto big bumps but it has a good stiffness onto small ones. It's precise, sensible, okay it has a little "inertia" while cornering but once You're experienced about it, You love it. A VERY GREAT FORK !!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marty Farty
a Weekend Warrior
from Northwestern Ontario Canada
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | The Paju | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$200.00 | | Purchased At: | www.bikeroom.com | | Strengths: | PLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSH
ETA works
V-brake compatible (i'm just an old fart - leave me alone!)
| | Weaknesses: | finding a low pressure pump for the preload (0-15psi), I'm going to make my own with an acetylene gauge and mini pump. | | Similar Products Used: | Just my judy TT for any length of time, but i've tried other forks on friends' bikes | | Bike Setup: | '03 GT Avalanche 1.0 with clipless pedals, panaracer fire xc pro tires and the mx comp eta fork | | Bottom Line: | I've only had the fork for a couple weeks, but i've been cleaning root farms the used to stop me cold and make me keel over (clipless noob). I'm also going much harder downhill than before. I think i could snip my brake levers off and not miss them at all. The old judy was great at allowing me to install a wheel on the front of my bike, but doesn't compare the the marzocchi otherwise...
Since I bought the fork for $233cdn + shipping, I can't give it less than two perfect scores. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric Tucker
a Cross Country Rider
from Oakland, Ca.
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | china camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$245.00 | | Purchased At: | bay area bikes | | Strengths: | great value for the buck. Stiff,bomb proof, plush on moderate to large hits. ETA actually works. | | Weaknesses: | Not as active as I'd like over fast stutter bumps.
Any suggestions on how to get it more active with out sacrificing mid to large bump eating capacity. Sure its a little, portly, after 2 rides didn't notice the weight
| | Similar Products Used: | Manitou sx, and mars. borrowed sid | | Bike Setup: | 2000 stumpjumper, raceface and wtb parts | | Bottom Line: | For the buck, reportedly more durable and stiffer than dukes, don't know about blacks. I search out more rutted and crummier lines with this thing. It turns my rig into a lounge chair over nasty rocky, rooted terrain. Eta is great
on long climbs. Maybe it's too much to ask for to get it to
rock on the stutters. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adrian
a Cross Country Rider
from Corner Brook, NL, CAN
Date Reviewed: July 27, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Marble Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$772.00 | | Purchased At: | TNT Pro Bicycles | | Strengths: | Strong fork, absorbes EVERYTHING you throw at it. ETA works like nothin i've seen before. It is very easy to use, and works awesome when you have to ride onroad, and uphill climbs. The 04' looks awesome, on top of everythin else, and looks sick with the 5 inches of travel (120mm version). Rides very smooth with 35-40 psi on moderate X-country with jumps, picnic table obstacles and other $hit. | | Weaknesses: | the only thing i can see as probably being a weakness, is not having an air pump for adjusting the air pressure in the right leg of the fork whenever you want. ($50 for a pump??) | | Similar Products Used: | Suntour M7600, 02' Rockshox Judy XC Air, 03' Rockshox Pilot C | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Giant Iguana, stock other then the 04 MX Comp w/ETA | | Bottom Line: | Marzocchi kicks Rockshox a$$. I was a rockshox guy for the past 4 years, riding nothing else but a rockshox fork, but after riding a Marzocchi, i'll never ride another. The 04' MX Comp w/ETA is an awesome fork for all around X-country riding. Soaks up everything you hit, with your arms feeling relaxed the while. Very soft if you want it soft, very very stiff if you want it. I recommend this fork to everyone, definately if you want a fork that you get what you pay for ($772 cdn) and ride agressive cross country.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Osama's Mama
a Downhiller
from Olympia WA
Date Reviewed: July 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | North rim #1 (capitol forest) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000000.00 | | Purchased At: | Jenson USA | | Strengths: | What ISN't strong on this fork?
Great amounts of adjustability with air preload.
ETA is a dream for climbs that make you wheelie
ETA is also great for urban riding on flat ground to get to your jump (don't forget to turn off ETA!! made me eat dirt)
Stiff
Plush--------->Plusher--------->Plushest!
New----------->One trail------->Several trails
Get's so plush you can't even feel it working! Makes trail bumps and rocks disapear! | | Weaknesses: | I kind of wish I had bought the Drop off 2, but now that I think about it, the MX comp is a much more versatile fork if you're not into 10 ft drops onto flat ground. | | Similar Products Used: | other Marzocchi forks | |
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$
