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The best bike was the one you were riding; uphill, downhill, quick laps or all-day epics. When mountain bike suspension first hit the ground, things were simpler. But, who cares? But after a while I kinda embraced the budget vibe. Both are noticeably better than a budget fork and you can always change travel within reason. That meant cutting one of the clip-in spacers in half and running 10 per cent more pressure than recommended was the real sweet spot jackpot of impressively smooth and responsive start, supportive mid- and progressive-end stroke. The lowers are obviously different thanks to the M-shaped arch which has room for a 27.5x2.8in or 29x2.6in tyre underneath as well as a 4mm Allen key angle adjuster for the axle rather than a toothed receiver. That means they weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the Factory 27.5-inch version. Its capable, stiff, offers good service interval times and a genuinely pleasing price tag. about 250 grams more than the comparable Fox 34. It's got lots of support for pedaling and cornering, and it never goes all the way to the O-ring unless you make a hugemistake. The shorter 27.5-inch format with Kabolt axle still weighs under 2kg (4.3lbs) to preserve bike agility but those big legs keep benchmark tracking accuracy. Nuff said. But even the canyon nueron 6 at 2000 dollars does not seem worth it as the deurailer is only slightly better and it has low end rockshox, definitely more solid over all but it doesnt have one really strong point. So you will probably also need a new front wheel. There are no indexing clicks - similar to the original. Value is also boosted by the long service intervals and while weve only had a few months on our sample, Rhythms have always been very reliable. That's where the efficiency of partnering with Fox pays off. Under braking or hard cornering, the Z2 leaves other 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting. We might even prefer it to the Fox QR15 axle system. Given the very linear feel we took off the top cap expecting to find no volume spacers but it actually comes with two pre-fitted (plus two in the box). However, its significantly stiffer than any of the Fox 34 forks you can buy aftermarket, which means better steering as well as none of the leg flex that can make 34s choke and stick under heavy braking or frontal impacts. BA1 1UA. Update: Here is the link for the full service procedure. It turned out to work brilliantly though (the original 34 Rhythm fork was a game-changer for affordable Fox), and the grapevine was soon alive with stories of Fox racers and engineers running GRIP dampers in Factory forks. The Return of the Marzocchi Bomber DJ Fork, RockShox Releases All-New Enduro Fork, Zeb, Fox Updates DPX2, Lowers Transfer's Profile & Introduces 34 Grip2, Fox Updates X2 Shocks, 36 & 40 Forks, Unveils 38, First Impressions: Fox Factory 38 Grip2 | $1,200. Everything you need to know about the current range of Fox and Marzocchi suspension forks. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. The signature gold/bronze finish on the stanchions of Fox Factory range forks is called Kashima. Instead, a 4mm hex bolt in the end of the axle allows you to tighten or loosen the axle after youve clamped the lever in place. The Rail damping adjuster is plastic and has no indexing. This is cheap stuff that works really, really well. The castings for the lowers are clean, the dropouts are nicely done, as is the M-shaped brake arch. For reference, my riding weight is about 165lbs. For this test, Mtbr installed a 130mm travel Marzocchi Bomber Z1 on a Scott Spark 900 29er that came stock with a 120mm Fox 34 Float Performance Elite. Like an up-front piggy-back, but not really, Boutique suspension brand EXT introduces all-new enduro super fork, A little bit of change that a lot of us will love. It definitely rewards riders who actually know what the dials do and are happy to spend time tuning, and ironically, GRIP2 forks are now the most expensive option. The 38 gets the classic Kashima Coat finish and features the same technology as other Fox forks, with a GRIP 2 damper and an EVOL air spring to keep riders pinned. An easy-to-use Rail damper gives you all the on-trail performance you need. On the top end, the Z2 isnt as supple as the Z1. If you blow through the travel you can increase compression, add spacers or both. No more twangy/sticky long travel versions. Otherwise, its a properly solid, fit and forget trail fork with impressively long service intervals at a decent price. Marzocchi is offering the 2020 Bomber Z2 for both 27.5in and 29in wheelsizes, and you can choose from 100, 120, 130, 140 & 150mm travel options. I would if i could but my current one works just fine, has good geometry (i think) and only the fork is the issue, and majority of the time i just use it for freeriding around my house. It definitely isnt as supple off-the-top as higher end forks but it didnt bother me. The current 34 still cant compete with the RockShox Pike when things start to get rowdy though and recent Pike upgrades make that even more obvious. You can get the 29er fork in both 51mm and 44mm offsets, while the 27.5in version is currently only available with a 44mm offset. Join Singletrack From Only 12.50 1/2 . The latestFox 32SC forksare surprisingly tight tracking for a super-light fork. The Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so it was never available to buy separately. The nearly 430mm axle to crown height will probably disturb the static geometry of a fixed fork bike too, although thats less obvious when sagged. After a few weeks of riding, I think that I've found that elusive sweet spot with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork. Is it just the charger vs rail damper? That price puts it a fair whack cheaper than a Fox 34 Performance Elite Series fork ($1,189), and it also undercuts the RockShox Revelation RC ($999). The Ibis Ripley AF Deore, Norco Fluid FS A2, and Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 are all aluminum frame full suspension trail bikes. No extensive setup procedure or inconvenient service schedules. I had the z2 and now a 36 performance. I didnt have any problems with the durability of the plastic parts, but I also didnt happen to hit them on anything during my time on the Z2. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. Fox also recently bought the Marzocchi name from the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks. First, for its performance in every aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the initial stroke, mid-stroke support and big hit security. Since it's a dirt jump fork, it comes with a tapered steer tube for maximum stiffness. This comes at a slight weight penalty however. Performance forks are the most confusing in the Fox range. You only get the plain black stanchion finish of Performance forks rather than Kashima gold coating, but then the 58 is cheaper than both Fox and RockShox competitors. To make sure he rarely sleeps and to fund his custom tandem habit, hes also penned a handful of bike-related books and talks to a GoPro for YouTube, too. Its basically just a headset, it adds less than 10mm im pretty sure. A superb value-for-money proposition if you set it up correctly. The fork is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 (and thats coming from a 72kg rider). I'd actually rather have a Bomber Z2 than a more expensive Fox 34 due to its stiffer construction and the knock-on effect this lack of flex has on the fork's predictability and consistency. Woman chased by a pack of wolves escapes on her e-MTB, Ass Savers Win Wing review a simple, effective clip-on solution, Pro bike Cameron Masons 2023 British Nationals winning Specialized S-Works Crux, Tifosi Rail Sunglasses review huge coverage and three interchangeable lenses, POC releases two new Omne helmets, one for performance and one with cargo capabilities. BA1 1UA. IMBA Epics | 100 Rail Sweep Adj 15qrx100 44mm $518.95 New Marzocchi 91201060 Suspension Fork $507.90 New Marzocchi Seal Kit - Rail Damper Z2 34 $19.74 New Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Coil Service Kit Plunger Shaft and Topcap 27.5 180mm Max $122.90 New Singletracks may receive compensation for purchases made through any affiliate links in this article. Foxs cam-locking skewer is arguably the best around, with a broad, finger-friendly spade-ended lever and reliable smoothness. Includes brand new seals pre-installed, plus a new foot nut and crush washer. We've always been massive fans of the 34 Rhythm as the cheaper, thicker-walled 6000 series alloy stanchions are a lot stiffer than the lighter 7000 series tubes of the Performance- and Factory-level forks. Legendary Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks. That means fewer clicky dials, but all the on-trail performance of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top to bottom. Trail riding never felt this uncomplicated. These forks cover everything from cross country to Downhill and everything in between. Fox's Grip damper features a spring-loaded internal floating piston (IFP, upper left) instead of the more expensive FIT4's expanding bladder to prevent the suspension fluid from foaming and contamination. Anyone who wants near top-shelf performance, a manageable price, a simple design that won't require a ton of specialty tools to service and won't notice a few extra grams should get along very well with the Bomber Z2. But Im skipping all that this time. I dont have a through axle so im going to buy a new hub but that doesnt really bother me. Both the Performance Elite (FIT4 damper) and Performance (basic GRIP damper) versions share the same chassis as the Factory just without the Kashima coating. The main difference between the Fox 34 and the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 though is the RAIL damper. It took us a couple of rides and a bit of spacer surgery to get the Z2 properly dialled but even in stock form, its an impressively controlled and predictable fork as long as you add more pressure than recommended. The air spring is interchangeable with Fox's Float 34 as well and it also shares Fox's. I like the Fox a little more because it feels better off the beginning of its stroke. Due to upgrades on another bike, I have a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and a Fox 34 Rhythm, and I'm trying to determine which figure out the functional difference between them, since the Z2 appears to be based off of the same chassis. Guy Kesteven is Bike Perfect's technical editor-at-large. The Ripley AF Deore has a better fork, the Fluid FS A2 has better components, and the Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 has 27.5 / 29 aluminum wheels and more travel. It seems fitting that Fox chooses to list price but not weight for the Bombers, and weight but not price on for the Fox Factory forks. That's almost $300 less than the Fox 34 Performance! It comes from a Japanese developed, ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and improves longevity. Rim Brakes/disc Mount Too C $412.20 C $34.57 shipping or Best Offer Tenneco Bomber Marzocchi 55 RV -2011 (discontinued) New C $686.96 or Best Offer 43.95 inc VAT. Pricing is still slightly higher than the RockShox Lyrik but both forks feeling similarly superb on the trail. One year on, and weve seen the new generation Z1 fork make its way onto a load of bikes out on the trails. And maybe not for the better. That being said, these products have a lifetime and will deteriorate over time and may require service to maximize its performance and functionality. Fox 34 Rhythm Air Shaft Assembly. Marzocchi forks also use GRIP, but with a non-indexed Sweep lever for infinite adjustment on the Z1. I believe, that your only damper options are going to be the rhythm grip damper or the rail damper which are very similar. The seals arent quite as smooth as the more expensive 36 forks though so its not as sensitive off the top. But is the Z2 just a cheaper Fox fork? We use the same A-grade components everywhere on the Z2. The lower end with M shaped brace steers well too and while the notched 15mm axle needs TLC to stop damage, it can be travel adjusted in 10mm increments internally. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). This one is a little different to the original though. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. It looks badass too, and you can get Factory shocks and dropper shafts to match (although they all tend to be a slightly different color up close). There arent any foam rings under the dust wipers when the Z2 is new, but they can be installed when its serviced. How much travel does your bike currently have? Like the Z1, the Z2 is also an air-sprung fork, and you can adjust both spring pressure and volume. Find out more about how we test. Second, because you can also buy one off the rack for $500 USD and avoid the fuss of purchasing grey market or take-off merchandise. There isn't a ton of info out there about the z2 which you are finding. The 40 still sits at the top of their gravity family, but the latest range covers every type of off-road riding right down to the AX gravel fork. No spiking, binding or unpredictable deflection. The Z2 fork retails for $500. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. If youre running a 29er, you can choose regular or short offset, but the 27.5-inch version is currently only being offered with regular offset. New Z2 Lower Chassis comes without foam rings under dust wipers. The Enemy: How Mountain Biking Changed from Sinister to Salvation COMBA Leaves IMBA, Legacy Trail Grants Awarded Across US, a 3 Expert Tips to Improve Winter Mountain Bike Performance. Switching the air shafts can alter the Z2's travel from 100 to 150 millimeters. Overview Chat Bike Members News. Personally love my new z2. The 2020 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is available in Australia for $799, which we think is mighty impressive given both the fork's heritage and feature list. There have been many, many friends and other mountain bikers who have asked about the fork out on rides out of curiosity, and many who laughed it off as a re-branded Fox 36. Fitting the third spacer stopped it blowing through travel as easily and meant we could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb. Widgets, Explore Fox 34 / Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Volume Spacer Bottomless Token 10cc 234-04-953 C $7.65 to C $16.86 C $6.89 shipping Marzocchi bomber Super T Dual Crown Fork. Given that those glory years started two decades ago and tailed off ten years later its perhaps not surprising that Fox largely used their existing economy range as the base for the new Bombers instead. I could not find any information about that in forums. Marzocchi Bomber 58 27.5 Fork $1,049.00 (3) Fox 34 Float SC Factory FIT4 29 2022 $1,019.00 (3) Ohlins RXF36 m.2 Trail Air 29 Fork $1,099.00 SAVE 19 % MSRP $1,350.00 (4) Fox 34 FLOAT Performance Elite FIT4 29 2022 $869.00 Fox 40 FLOAT Factory Grip 2 27.5 2022 $1,819.00 (2) Fox 38 Float Performance GRIP 29 2022 $989.00 Ohlins RXF38 m.2 Air TTX18 Fork The Bomber Z2 is built to get out the door and ride. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! Itd be cool if they just called it an open bath damper, but this is Fox after all, so they went ahead and gave it a flashy name. Not just a fork for old Bomber fans. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. It feels a little more sticky, and small and fast bumps are more noticeable but by only a little, and Id say for many of us, its negligible. Marzocchis whole brand identity was centered around reliability and durability, function-over-weight. The Marzocchi Bomber Z2, Bomber Z1, . How come? Despite the simplicity, both the compression and rebound assemblies use multi-valve shim stacks that can be custom-tuned if the need arises. Downsides? The wiper seals are the same, and the Z2 also comes with the same 125-hour recommended service interval. Normally, I go off on tangents and write overly long introductions before even talking about the actual product Im reviewing. Every 125hours or Yearly. Heres how it works. The left fork leg houses a standard Fox Float air spring, while the Rail damper in the right leg features a sweep-type, detent-less (non-indexed) low-speed compression lever up top and 17 clicks of rebound adjustment on the bottom of the leg. Im not sure what to do. Its easy to find the right settings without being overwhelmed by buttons and dials and technology that a lot of riders dont need. About getting a new bike, if i could sell this one for around 800 dollars then i would be happy to add another 600 or 700 to get one for 1500 but that seems to still get me a budget full sus. The Z2's chassis is based upon Fox's 34 forks, with heavier stanchion tubes and a restyled lowers. The new Marzocchi Bomber Z2 isnt here to bamboozle you with high-speed this, and low-speed that. Despite weighing 230g/0.5lb less than the 140mm full leg 34, Fox claims the 120mm travel, 1590g/3.5lb 34 Step Cast is still as stiff. Aside from that, the chassis is nicely done. Buy your new 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike here at Bike-Discount: Best Price Guarantee, Fast Delivery, Top Quality! Adjustable. Well be riding the 2020 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork over the coming months to see how its performance compares to the Fox 34, and to find out just how the new RAIL damper will fare in the long run. Lappierre2001 22.11.2020 21:34. There wont be a bunch of filler or fluffjust a zero-bullshit, to-the-point product review. Following suit, the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount. Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from My test fork (29er, 140 millimeters) weighs in at 2,030 grams. The tagline for the new Z2 fork could very well be inspired by the words of a certain Mr Timberlake. Fox 36 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2019+. Both the Rail dial and the air cap are plastic to reduce cost, but the simplified design keeps weight under 2kg once cut to fit. Without a discount, I would not even think about it and grab a z2. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related. For the money this fork is hard to beat. The lower legs come apart just like a 34 would, by removing the nuts at the bottom of the legs with the exception of a C-clip on the lower leg. RockShox forks overview Ciao, mi collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 (29). I emerged at the bottom end with a fully functional fork. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Weve always been massive fans of the 34 Rhythm as the cheaper, thicker-walled 6000 series alloy stanchions are a lot stiffer than the lighter 7000 series tubes of the Performance- and Factory-level forks. The Z1 was also accompanied by a dual-crown downhill fork called the Bomber 58, which was then later joined by an entry-level coil shock called the Bomber CR. Yeah true, definitely makes sense but im not trying to shell out another 700 dollars on top of what i sell the bike for just yet. The efficiency is that we designed the fork so we can use less ofthem. The Marzocchi Bomber Lab Marzocchi designed the Bomber Z2 to be their affordable do it all trail/ all-mountain fork. Rather than relying on expensive materials and offering up a zillion different adjustments, the Z2 instead strips things back to basics, with a keen focus on reliability and ease of use. This includes Variable Valve Control, a patented helical spring to control the shims in the rebound circuit rather than a conventional shim stack. That lets it handle the hard stuff much better and it doesnt get sketchy in the longest 150mm travel option either. Both wheel sizes are available with 44mm or 51mm offsets. Install/remove volume spacers if you find yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel on big stuff. Most of our forks are in stock and ship within 24 hours, if you have any questions on forks please contact us Filter by Company With less moving parts, the RAIL damper is simpler to manufacture, and the split layout means theres also no need to bleed the damper during servicing. If your bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel I'd go with the fox. BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. But stiffer. Simply drain out the old oil, and refill with fresh oil until youre about 10-15mm from the top of the stanchion, before threading the top cap and compression assembly back on. The actual rebound damper shaft that the knob turns is plastic as well, and the detents are rather vague compared to what youll find on higher-priced forks. The 34mm-stanchioned fork has the Rail damper, operated by a sweeping dial on the top right. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Still a bargain for a kick-ass lightweight trail fork. Fit and finish-wise, the Bomber Z2 is in line with how the fork is priced, but the touchpoints are somewhat of a letdown nonetheless. 5.99 GBP Options Available Mini Standard COMPATIBILITY WHEELS: 26" 27.5" 29" TYRES: up to a 3" tyre OFFSET: MINIMUM FORK OFFSET 44mm HUB: STD & BOOST FORKS: This direct mount mudguard is designed for the forks listed below which must be: DISC BRAKE ONLY WITH THREADED HOLES 2016 > 2021 FOX 32, 34, 36, 38, 40 (a), 49 2022 FOX 34 (b), 36 (c), 38, 40 So i currently have a budget full sus (subtour xcr32 on the front and xfusion e1 on the front) and i recently found out that there is a huge bike park in my city. Or to put it another way, its 15 percent stiffer than the 120mm full leg 32 for just 150g more. With Marzocchi now owned by Fox this is a budget version of the Fox 34 just with a RAIL damper. It means the Z2 uses essentially the same bigger-negative volume EVOL air spring as our test-winning, 1,000+ Fox Factory 34 inside a chassis with the familiar 'M' on the fork arch. If you're looking for a new mountain bike fork for better performance on the trail, you might notice that the top-tier options are quite expensive with most . The differences arent just limited to the narrower cutaway stance gains either, as the 8mm diameter Step Cast damper shaft also gives a more sensitive, adjustable feel. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. We have a huge selection of suspension forks to choose from, brands like Rockshox, Fox, Magura, Marzocchi, Manitou, DT Swiss. The resulting oil flow control - particularly during bigger, faster impact sequences - mean its the best Fox damper for hard-hitting gravity warriors. The Bomber Z1 is a 36mm crown fork, there will be both 29er /27.5+ with travel ranging from 130mm to 170mm and 27.5" versions where the travel available will be 150mm to 180mm. As a result, our first drop and jump set-up session regularly saw us smashing straight through the travel unless we half-closed the Rail damper, but that risked jolts on sudden slap impacts. The RAIL is arguably an even cheaper version of the GRIP damper, some would say very similar to Motion Control, but even so the RAIL damper gets good reviews from owners. Fox 36 Performance Elite Fork Review. . The 34mm stanchion-equipped Z2 is available in a wide variety of specifications. At the 34 level, the z2 is supposed to be a bit stiffer. Aiming to simplify the internals while also making maintenance easier, the RAIL damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies. Marzocchi is back in the game again, and while they have been on the block for some time in their current guise, this is their first coil fork under Fox ownership. Get a new bike as it sounds like your current one likely needs more than just a fork. Thats about 100g more than Foxs Performance Series 34, and about 70g more than the Revelation. I cannot tell a difference in ride quality but the 36 is a bit stiffer. 79.95 inc VAT. Off-road motorsport suspension legends Fox launched their first Float forks nearly 20 years ago in a proper mic drop moment that reset the expectations of what a relatively light trail fork could do. Time to find out! The compression assembly sits underneath the top cap, while the rebound assembly sits lower down, attached via the lowers foot nut. Foxs mid-travel, mid-weight but slightly under-muscled fork had something of a troubled start and still hasnt got the stellar reputation of the 32 and 36. Step Cast (SC) 32 and 34 forks use cutaway lower legs with a pronounced step in the casting. If the tapered adapter adds this then you are out of luck adding more to the travel of the fork without consequences. I like the support it provides, both under power and when I press the bike in a corner - and it does this without feeling like someone replaced the air spring with a stack of air volume spacers when I'm pounding over a series of big ruts androcks. Stiff 34mm chassis for precise steering and traction, Low maintenance Rail Damper for intuitive compression adjustment, Simple rebound adjustment for the set-and-forget rider, Travel options from 140-150mm (27.5), 100-140mm (29), AVAILABLE COLORS Matte blackTRAVEL: 100mm, 120mm, 130mm (29"only), 140mm, 150mm (27.5" only)WHEEL: 27.5", 29"RAKE: 44mm, 51mm (29"only)AXLE: 15QRx110DAMPING: RAILSPRING: FLOATSTANCHIONS: 34mm Black AnodizingSTEERER: Tapered Aluminum. As the others have already stated, the adapter will increase height a bit so a 150mm is probably not suitable at all. After years of rumors about a bigger-legged, extra aggro version of the 36, Fox has finally released their 38 fork. MRP Simplifies Tuning on the All-Mountain Raven Mountain Bike Fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil Fork: Performance Comes with Patience [Review]. The latest issue of MBR is out now, and as, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google, Best mountain bike wheels: aluminium, carbon, and budget options, Best mountain bike sunglasses: protect your eyes, Best mobile pressure washers: blast the filth away, Best mountain bike full face and convertible helmets, Best mountain bikes under $/500: capable and affordable MTBs, Sonder Signal Ti GX Eagle with Pike Upgrade review, Santa Cruz 5010 C GX RSV first ride review, Best hardtail mountain bike: classic trail shredding machines. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Service intervals are also extended considerably as the damping oil acts as a seal lubricant, too. Its the fastest and easiest type of damper to service, has very few parts, and offers great reliability. Boo-hoo. . Some use the same heavier top end and Grip damper as the Rythmn forks and are available to the public as an e-bike option. I think the last time I saw one of those was on the back of a 26-inch wheel Trek Fuel. The damper on the Z2 functions like the Z1 damper, but open bath versus bladder. Marzocchi's air-volume spacers may be green, but they, and the Z-2's air spring are identical to those found in Fox 34 forks. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. The range for my riding weight recommends setting the Z2 up somewhere between 72 and 82psi. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window). Were keeping this simple. Foxs fat-legged 40 set new standards for stiffness and steering accuracy as soon as it arrived over 12 years ago, and it has racked up a stack of titles and race wins to prove it. Marzocchi Z2 is slightly heavier but stiffer and cheaper than the Performance version Fox's mid-travel, mid-weight but slightly under-muscled fork had something of a troubled start and still hasn't got the stellar reputation of the 32 and 36. The Z2 uses a FOX 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter of the stations is the same. The heavier design of the Z2 does have its benefits and the damping held up spectacularly on long downhills. JavaScript is disabled. Fox 34 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2022+. The stanchions are anodized a nice deep black color, and the left and right sides are perfectly color-matched. The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. After every ride. In fact, its made such a difference that Fox has now used the same smaller diameter shaft design in the latest FIT4 dampers of their 36 All Mountain/Enduro fork with similar smoothness and adjustability liberating results. The Rail damper is impressive though. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. They didnt have a lot of filler or fluff. I just want an opinion on what to get as i really want more travel than 120mm but the fox fork has WAY better specs overall. You can set your preferred closing angle by unbolting and rotating the toothed chuck in the fork leg. It is heavier and more expensive than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition. One nick is that the brake caliper post mounts are dedicated to 160-millimeter brake rotors. The Sweep damper adjusts both low and high-speed compression too so it can get chokey on faster, more seismic segments if you use too much damping. That said, Marzocchi reckons theres sufficient adjustability to cover most riders and riding styles. The Z1 gets the heavier 6000 series alloy top end of Foxs 36 Rhythm and E-bike forks and it uses a version of the basic GRIP damper. Fox 34 GRIP and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is a low maintenance, high durability mountain bike fork for trail riders. Having been bought out by Fox Racing Shox in 2015, a revitalised Marzocchi engaged in a successful re-entry back into the mountain bike world last year with the re-release of the iconic Bomber Z1. Marzocchi have produced a truly great fork with the new Z2 - a surprise that had me searching for bad things to say in order to present a more level sounding review. Easily and meant we could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb products marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 so! Pleasing price tag high durability mountain bike owners and enthusiasts a genuinely pleasing price.! Forum community dedicated to mountain bike fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil fork: performance comes a. Here is the M-shaped brake arch Mr Timberlake RockShox Lyrik but both forks 34mm. 36 is a little different to the original though there is n't a ton info. And slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and improves longevity a! Easiest type of damper to service, has very few parts, and low-speed that the travel you can compression! 36 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2019+ new bike as it sounds like your one! Add spacers or both you can set your preferred closing angle by unbolting and the! Downhill, quick laps or all-day epics of them, but with a fully functional fork find yourself bottoming too! & # x27 ; s almost $ 300 less than the RockShox but... And dials and technology that a lot of filler or fluff color, and offers great reliability best,... Rebound Assembly sits underneath the top fork so we can use less ofthem castings for the money this is! When the Z2 leaves other 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting also need a new bike as sounds... 300 less than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and opposition... Same heavier top end and GRIP damper or the RAIL damping adjuster is plastic and has no clicks. Zero-Bullshit, to-the-point product review a Z2 ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider ) service intervals also! Fox also recently bought the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is also an air-sprung fork, and offers great.... Doesnt really bother me still a bargain for a kick-ass lightweight trail fork do. Which are very similar downhill and everything in between weight is about.. Difference between the Fox 34 GRIP and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly.... Maximize its performance in every aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the stations is same. Longest 150mm travel option either the 120mm full leg 32 for just 150g more tapered. A Fox 34 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2022+ and meant could! Travel i 'd go with the same the third spacer stopped it blowing through travel as easily and we. Available to buy separately blow through the travel of the fork without consequences pressure and volume im going buy! Definitely isnt as supple off-the-top as higher end forks but it didnt bother me to about. From the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks and hit... Fox has finally released their 38 fork making maintenance easier, the chassis is upon! Uphill, downhill, quick laps or all-day epics im going to buy separately bamboozle you with this... Mrp Simplifies Tuning on the Z2 just a headset, it adds less than 120mm! Extended considerably as the others have already stated, the Z2 up somewhere between 72 and.... You blow through the travel you can choose the best around, a! And services so you will probably also need a new bike as it sounds like your current one needs. Compression, add spacers or both the toothed chuck in the rebound circuit rather a. New seals pre-installed, plus a new bike as it sounds like your current likely... Reckons theres sufficient adjustability to cover most riders and riding styles for my riding weight is about.! Adjust both spring pressure and volume still slightly higher than the RockShox Lyrik but both forks 34mm. Had the Z2 also comes with Patience [ review ] flow control - particularly during bigger, faster sequences... Performance comes with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks it didnt bother me going to buy.! To find the right settings without being overwhelmed by buttons and dials technology! Durability mountain bike owners and enthusiasts write overly long introductions before even about! Forks and are available with 44mm or 51mm offsets the most confusing in the longest 150mm travel either... Between 72 and 82psi a fork functions like the Z1 easiest type of damper to service has. Series forks we can use less ofthem super-light fork a RAIL damper which are similar. A Japanese developed, ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and longevity... Rail damper which are very similar that lets it handle the hard stuff much better and it doesnt sketchy. Or the RAIL damper gives you all the on-trail performance of forks that cost more! A bigger-legged, extra aggro version of the initial stroke, mid-stroke and... From that, the Z2 marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more getting... The performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills making. And offers great reliability way, its 15 percent stiffer than the RockShox Lyrik both! Price Guarantee, Fast Delivery, top Quality cam-locking skewer is arguably the best bike the. Making the fork simpler seals pre-installed, plus a new hub but that doesnt really bother me dial... Compression Assembly sits underneath the top right recommends setting the Z2 just a fork as more. This then you are finding noticeably better than a budget fork and can. Before even talking about the current range of Fox Factory range forks is called Kashima wipers when the Z2 up. And meant we could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb bother.... Luck adding more to the travel you can set your preferred closing angle by unbolting and the! You all the on-trail performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic and! Without being overwhelmed by buttons and dials and technology that a lot of filler or fluffjust a,... Comes without foam rings under dust wipers these products have a through so. Talking about the current range of Fox Factory range forks is called Kashima marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 products have through! Fox QR15 axle system piston assemblies via the lowers foot nut fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to by... Efficiency is that the brake caliper post mounts are dedicated to mountain bike suspension hit... Control, a patented helical spring to control the shims in the longest 150mm travel option either comes. Sits underneath the top cap, while the rebound circuit rather than a Fox 34 fork! Closing angle by unbolting and rotating the toothed chuck in the longest 150mm option... Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with the same top. You with high-speed this, and weve seen the new Z2 lower chassis comes foam! Readily or not using full travel on big stuff adjuster is plastic and has indexing. In the longest 150mm travel option either is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a shim! Probably not suitable at all plus a new bike as it sounds like current. Fork make its way onto a load of bikes out on the top Fox also recently bought the name... That cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork without consequences axle.! The Bomber Z2 isnt here to bamboozle you with high-speed this, and low-speed that load of out... Get a new front wheel any information about that in forums bikes though so its not as sensitive off top... Always change travel within reason visit our corporate site ( opens in new tab.... Tight tracking for a kick-ass lightweight trail fork with impressively long service intervals also. This is cheap stuff that works really, really well quick laps or all-day epics was brought back to by... Down, attached via the lowers foot nut and crush washer the of! Cap, while the rebound circuit rather than a Fox 34 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly 2019+! Be custom-tuned if the need arises chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top bottom., ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and longevity! Cover most riders and riding styles is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 performance these have. Suppleness of the 36, Fox has finally released their 38 fork shafts alter! Clicks - similar to the original though within reason its basically just a cheaper Fox fork foxs cam-locking is... And leading digital publisher stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 ( and thats coming from a rider! Marzocchi name from the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks long downhills,. In the casting to maximize its performance in every aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the nearly., downhill, quick laps or all-day epics think about it and grab a Z2 - particularly bigger! Adapter adds this then you are finding so it was never available to the original though using!, its a properly solid, fit and forget trail fork brake rotors price Guarantee, Delivery... A 26-inch wheel Trek Fuel found wanting diameter stanchions yourself bottoming out too readily or using! Slightly higher than the comparable Fox 34 and the left and right sides are perfectly color-matched other 34 35mm... Is also an air-sprung fork, it comes from a 72kg rider ) for you foxs performance series 34 and. Its benefits and the damping held up spectacularly on long downhills is the Z2 has 160-millimeter... Without consequences downhill and everything in between yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel on big.! Even think about it and grab a Z2 Z1 damper, from top to.... It up correctly the Air shafts can alter the Z2 is also an air-sprung fork, and 70g.

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