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bang for the buck 29", boost, 120mm fork help....

2414 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by timber715, Dec 21, 2021

timber715

Discussion Starter · Dec 20, 2021

About to make a second bike (HT xc) and am scouting for a decent fork. I was eyeing the Marzocchi Z2 until I cam across the issue it had. I have checked Reba, Manitou Machete and somewhat confused what to choose. Anyway, I am open to suggestions... and although I prefer to stay in that price range, I might be willing to shell a bit more if I need to. Thanks

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Karmatp

· #2 · Dec 20, 2021

Z2’s are great forks, I think any issues are rare. I have one on my single speed and it’s wonderful.

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BigHerm

· #3 · Dec 20, 2021

I ran a 140 Z2 for a year, half on a MiddleChild and half on a Wildcat v2. Great fork, problem free, and friends who tried it out were impressed by its smoothness. It definitely punches above its weight class ($$).

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mack_turtle

· #4 · Dec 20, 2021

I read a lot of reports of the Marzoccchi Bomber Z2 rattling. sounds like the bushings are deforming, allowing the stanchions to rattle around in the lowers. just something to watch out for.

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BadgerOne

· #5 · Dec 20, 2021

Also reports of the rebound knob breaking off unceremoniously and without apparent impact. While I understand the Z2 is a price-point product, Fox doesn't seem particularly interested in maintaining Zokey's rep as a bombproof product. I was interested in one myself but so far the reported issues have kept me away.

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jf45

· #6 · Dec 20, 2021 (Edited)

The Marzocchi Z2 would not be my first choice for a XC HT.. even at 120mm... if you want something that is super easy to service at home and is still down below the 500USD mark, a Manitou Machete Comp would be my choice. The price is OK, the damper is OK, not great and the fork is not XC-light (~1900g). Can be upgraded with a VTT damper then the weigh is still not super XC-Light , but it's still cheap-ish in total and you've got a great chassis (like the R7 Expert) and a great damper.

If you are even more on a budget, a Manitou Markhor + ABS+ damper (~1900g like the Machete, but smaller 30mm stansions..) is even cheaper, still a great fork, easy to service and simple to tune at home.

If you're more of a weight-weenie on a budget, the RS Reba (~1600g) is probably your best shot. Or maybe this 2021 OEM Fox Factory 34 SC (~1500g) at 650ish (40% off): FOX Racing Shox 34 Float SC 29 FIT4 Remote-Adjust Factory Boost Fork - 2021 | Competitive Cyclist

The RS Reba Motion-Control damper is not that great (but can be upgraded to the SID Charger dampers that are OKish).. and the FIT4 is.. ehm.. cool if you're light-weight, not so cool if you need to tune it..

Our XC "fleet" is currently a mix of FS and HTs.. with manitou VTT, manitou ABS+, Fox FIT4, RS MoCo, RS Charger RaceDay and RS/Spezs Brain.. I would give a nod towards the VTT fork as my "precious" while better half, she's probably going to say the "RaceDay" fork is her current favorite XC-fork.. (and yes.. we both believe in N+1...🤦‍♂️))

XC-Light, Good & Cheap are hard to find in one package - on what parameter are you prepared to compromise? I would focus on "good" & right price.. and give up a little on weight.. YMMV.

Buy used - maybe an option?

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timber715

Discussion Starter · #7 · Dec 20, 2021 (Edited)

I use to have a marzocchi and love them, very plush (but that was 15 years ago).
I have access to a rockshox SID RL3 WORLD CUP AIR FORK at the same price range but am not familiar with it. Is this any good? it has charger 2 damping.

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jf45

· #8 · Dec 20, 2021 (Edited)

timber715 said:
I use to have a marzocchi and love them, very plush (but that was 15 years ago).
I have access to a rockshox SID RL3 WORLD CUP AIR FORK at the same price range but am not familiar with it. Is this any good? it has charger 2 damping.

Not bad. Last regeneration RS SID - top dog model. A bit lighter than a current Reba, a bit more than the current SID. The damper is not bad. Classic XC so to say. Contains a lot more oil than the current race-day charger damper, so less "service intensive". Guess, and this is more just my opinion, drawbacks are the carbon crown and carbon steerer.. harder to cut, need more care. Carbon steerer worries me a bit on a MTB.. less on a road bike. But that's maybe more me just being old & grumpy..

as lightweight aluminum steerer also need due care

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timber715

Discussion Starter · #9 · Dec 20, 2021

jf45 said:
Not bad. Last regeneration SID. A bit lighter than a current Reba, a bit more than the current SID. The damper is not bad. Classic XC so to say. Contains a lot more oil than the current race-day charger damper, so less "service intensive". Guess, and this is more just my opinion, drawbacks are the carbon crown and carbon steerer.. harder to cut, need more care. Carbon steerer worries me a bit on a MTB.. less on a road bike. But that's maybe more being old & grumpy.. as lightweight aluminum steerer also need due care

thank you for the reply... will check it out and probably be on top of my list

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GKelley

· #10 · Dec 20, 2021

Happy Marzocchi Bomber Z2 owner here. No complaints.

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eb1888

· #11 · Dec 20, 2021

For your use I'd go with a 32mm Machete for $465. Link.
I'd add an ABS+ compression damper Manitou Part Code: 141-26532-K013
See it here. Manitou ABS+ Damper Kits | Shockcraft
And an ABS+ tuning mini kit. Manitou Part Code: 141-32511-K001
Here. ABS+ Tuning Mini Kit (Manitou) | Shockcraft
Have your shop do the order or contact Manitou. Fork is available on their site.

You'll get plenty of help getting it how you want it.

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Cary

· #12 · Dec 20, 2021

On the cheaper end, Fox 34 Rhythm takeoff. An amazingly good performing fork for entry level. At the higher end, Manitou R7.

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palmasi

· #13 · Dec 21, 2021

Cary said:
On the cheaper end, Fox 34 Rhythm takeoff. An amazingly good performing fork for entry level. At the higher end, Manitou R7.

This. I have a 36 Rhythm with 150mm and it doesn’t hold me back at all. They are around 500-600 brand new takeoff

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timber715

Discussion Starter · #14 · Dec 21, 2021

eb1888 said:
For your use I'd go with a 32mm Machete for $465. Link.
I'd add an ABS+ compression damper Manitou Part Code: 141-26532-K013
See it here. Manitou ABS+ Damper Kits | Shockcraft
And an ABS+ tuning mini kit. Manitou Part Code: 141-32511-K001
Here. ABS+ Tuning Mini Kit (Manitou) | Shockcraft
Have your shop do the order or contact Manitou. Fork is available on their site.

You'll get plenty of help getting it how you want it.

Thank you, I love my Manitou Mcleod and the tech support by Manitou. But at this price range I can buy a roskshox sid and avoid the complications. I am from asia and tech support is kinda lacking here for Manitou. I even bought my Mcleod from the US and ship it here bec they don't carry the item locally.

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