At Marzocchi, we take pride in the products we build and care about your product working the way that we designed them to work.If youve purchased a Marzocchi product well do our best to find you a solution through our warranty program. At the 34 level, the z2 is supposed to be a bit stiffer. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is a low maintenance, high durability mountain bike fork for trail riders. Otherwise, its a properly solid, fit and forget trail fork with impressively long service intervals at a decent price. For full warranty information, please clickhere. 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. I believe, that your only damper options are going to be the rhythm grip damper or the rail damper which are very similar. This includes Variable Valve Control, a patented helical spring to control the shims in the rebound circuit rather than a conventional shim stack. 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. But after a while I kinda embraced the budget vibe. 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. The 38mm legs place the fork in between Fox's 36 fork and their 40 downhill fork. Marzocchi products are designed and engineered to withstand some of the harshest riding conditions. 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. Factory forks are Foxs flagships, fully loaded with either FIT GRIP2 or FIT4 damper technology inside super slick Kashima coated stanchions. Thanks alot! It is heavier and more expensive than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition. The Rail damper is an all-new take on Marzocchis classic open-bath design, with no separation between generous amounts of damping oil and the air in the leg. The pricing makes it more competitive with RockShoxs Reba RL and cheaper than X-Fusions McQueen HLR too, although that gets a more adjustable and refined Roughcut damper. The Z2 fork retails for $500. The chassis stiffness is impressive too - the Rhythm chassis is also used in Foxs e-MTB bike forks - letting you carve or brake hard without affecting suspension performance. Simple rebound adjustment for the set-and-forget rider. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. That means fewer clicky dials, but all the on-trail performance of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top to bottom. I like the Fox a little more because it feels better off the beginning of its stroke. Fox also recently bought the Marzocchi name from the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks. BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Fox 34 GRIP and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different. 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. This insert can also be replaced if you strip the thread but weve never actually had to do that. Fits Fox 34 Rhythm & Marzocchi Bomber Z2 forks. 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. Because adding 20mm travel to a fork is "generally" acceptable. Travel options for 29ers are 100, 120 or 130mm, and the 27.5" models come in 140 and 150mm. Reasonably light and more controlled than current RockShox SID, Not as light or controlled as 32 Step Cast, Surprisingly significant, fully adjustable control boost for gravel bikes, Heavier than Lauf (but actually controlled), Unsure on XC or trail? I think the last time I saw one of those was on the back of a 26-inch wheel Trek Fuel. Everything you need to know about the current range of Fox and Marzocchi suspension forks. The Marzocchi Bomber Lab Marzocchi designed the Bomber Z2 to be their affordable do it all trail/ all-mountain fork. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2023 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | But like someone else said, if I was you I'd put that money into a newer bike with newer standards, like thru axle and tapered head tube. 28.00 inc VAT. 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 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. Following suit, the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount. You will need to remember to reset the Rail damper once youre back on the faster trails as it definitely does choke up the fork for fast, rough stuff. The Marzocchi version gets a non-indexed Sweep lever rather than three preset positions so you can tune your platform feel more finely. Its still a smoothly consistent fork though and a valid alternative to the current RockShox SID for affordable race and light trail duties. The best mountain bike forks will add speed and control to your riding. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. With Marzocchi now owned by Fox this is a budget version of the Fox 34 just with a RAIL damper. A new fork can only do so much. Smashpot - Fork Coil Conversion System. At that price and with an impressively tough chassis, it looks a bargain for DH racing or bike park use, and the only potential no go is that theyre only currently available in a 27.5-inch wheel format. Yea making a 500$ purchase of a new fork wouldnt really make sense then. Fox 36 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2021+. Time to find out! https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-5-full-suspension-mountain-bike-st-540-s-blue-orange/_/R-p-301117. The expense and extra hardware mean take-up has been limited so far, but Fox has recently announced an E-Live Valve collaboration with Bosch. FIT4 damper forks are designed more for all-round use with a three-position - Open (max smoothness), Medium (cornering), Firm (climbing) - low-speed compression lever. No spiking, binding or unpredictable deflection. In other words, its very Marzocchi. Fox kicked off the whole big-legged trail fork category with the 36, and nearly two decades later its still a front runner for flat-out, full gas action. Not just a fork for old Bomber fans. Without a discount, I would not even think about it and grab a z2. The Revelation, however, beats the Rhythm, with equal suppleness everywhere else and a lower asking price (if you can manage to find one on the interweb). Heres how it works. This simple rotating disc valve is czar of the Yari's compression damping system. In reality, the new Z2 is essentially a shrunken-down Z1. Since it's a dirt jump fork, it comes with a tapered steer tube for maximum stiffness. 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. 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 It will be stiffer than the 34 because it has a slightly different chassis, and some say the damper is better too. After every ride. Z2 specific bushings are not replaceable. Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more! The Z2 matches elements of the excellent entry-level Fox 34 Rhythm with a fresh twist on classic Marzocchi tech and the results are great if you ignore the set-up instructions and dial it in yourself. Construction. Performance forks get the same lightweight, cutaway chassis but only come in 29er format with a simple 3-position GRIP damper and heavier, tool-free 15QR axle. Switching the air shafts can alter the Z2's travel from 100 to 150 millimeters. Copyright a360media 2023. That soon became official with the launch of the more complicated GRIP2, which introduced four-way compression and rebound adjustment. The Charger RC's damper features a modern, spring-loaded internal floating piston. 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). It has a wide range . The 2020 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is available in Australia for $799, which we think is mighty impressive given both the forks heritage and feature list. Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Main Menu Main Menu . By clicking enter you are verifying that you are old enough to consume alcohol. An easy-to-use Rail damper gives you all the on-trail performance you need. In the real world, it worked just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling. 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. The lower legs are also hollowed out more than normal, but theres still enough bushing overlap and top-end stiffness to keep them acceptably accurate. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99. Step Cast (SC) 32 and 34 forks use cutaway lower legs with a pronounced step in the casting. 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. With deep roots in the foundation of performance MTB suspension, Marzocchi shocks and forks keep you riding longer with minimal maintenance. Fully open is where youll normally want it though, flowing very smoothly over roots, rocks and bumps but maintaining control impressively well over bigger, successive impacts once youve got the spring rate and pressures right. Pricing is still slightly higher than the RockShox Lyrik but both forks feeling similarly superb on the trail. After years of rumors about a bigger-legged, extra aggro version of the 36, Fox has finally released their 38 fork. 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. Z2s are basically rebranded fox 34s if u strip a set of z2s you will have all the fox internals, I've a set myself of bombers and they even have a fox34 thru axle, Z2 all day every day if the budget is $500. Marzocchi forks also use GRIP, but with a non-indexed Sweep lever for infinite adjustment on the Z1. TF Tuned Mount Kit 12.7mm - M8. Likewise, the 110x15mm dropouts arent quite the same as what youll find on a Fox fork the QR15 lever is the same, but the threaded nut isnt clocked like the Fox version. Under braking or hard cornering, the Z2 leaves other 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting. Honestly, I would take that money and apply it to a new bike. Cheaper, tighter seals mean its not as sensitive off the top as Fox step-siblings either. Nice review! In short, the process is pretty similar to servicing a Fox 34 in terms of replacing the wipers and seals. My test fork (29er, 140 millimeters) weighs in at 2,030 grams. Downsides? Because this is a Marzocchi Bomber. The Rail damping adjuster is plastic and has no indexing. All rights reserved. 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 They call it the Rail damper. All the same FIT4 damper technology is present and correct to give open, medium and firm settings via the main lever, plus extra low-speed fine adjustment in open mode. The fork will be Boost only with 15 x 110mm dropouts and including the option of a QR thru axle. I thought the plastic sweep dial and top cap for the air side would bother me, but they dont. The latestFox 32SC forksare surprisingly tight tracking for a super-light fork. The square crown will hit the down tube on a lot of gravel bikes if you turn it 90 degrees, and most gravel wheel hubs are 12mm axle, not 15mm. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. Includes brand new seals pre-installed, plus a new foot nut and crush washer. Best Bike Trails | Instead of metal, all the knobs and caps are made of a pretty soft plastic. If only Marzocchi had come out with the Bomber Z2 first. The Z2 uses a FOX 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter of the stations is the same. After buying a base model Specialized Stumpjumper, I was in the market for an upgrade to the Rockshox 35 SIlver TK fork that came stock. Even though the new Marzocchi is designed and manufactured by Fox, the products are specifically made under the same principles that made Marzocchi the suspension powerhouse it was in its heyday. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. 43.95 inc VAT. Im not sure what to do. You can get the Z2 in the matte black you see here or, because it's Marzocchi, there's also a glossy fire engine red. 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. Retailing at $499, less than their flagship Z1. They now come with black stanchions too, rather than the silver originals and they feel great on the trail. Update: Here is the link for the full service procedure. 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. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Sure, this is principally due to thicker wall 6000 alloy stanchions tubing but it works. Thanks! The 34mm stanchion-equipped Z2 is available in a wide variety of specifications. You get Foxs 15QR lever though which is a definite plus compared to the awkward lever on the Z1. Bike Magazine. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. BA1 1UA. Two years ago, Marzocchi set me up with a new Bomber Z1 to check out, the re-emerging brands renaissance fork after Fox gave the angry M a shot of adrenaline to wake it up. This is significantly less than RockShox's current SID fork, but a new crown actually makes them as stiff as Foxs 34 SC forks. Nowadays, 180 rotors are the smallest I'd suggest for a 29-inch wheel trail bike and considering their target audience, Marzocchi should make this a running change. One thing we do like about the lever on the RAIL damper is that its a lot firmer in action, which means youre less likely to accidentally bump it out of position. Unfortunately from first impressions, those recommended pressures are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest. Once dialled though and itll happily chase down significantly more expensive Fox siblings or RockShox competition particularly where precision steering is key. After a few weeks of riding, I think that I've found that elusive sweet spot with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork. 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. 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. They reset the benchmark again with the hard-hitting, hench-legged 36 and then went on to reset stiffness standards in DH racing with the 40. If you know any really good full sus under like 1.6k please let me know cause you seem to know alot abt bikes. Install new foam rings from kit during dust wiper service. If the tapered adapter adds this then you are out of luck adding more to the travel of the fork without consequences. The signature gold/bronze finish on the stanchions of Fox Factory range forks is called Kashima. Great news then that the structural topend-plus seals, air-spring and volume spacers of the Z2 are the same as the Rhythm. Most forks now have thru-axels up front, and if your bike doesn't have a tapered head tube, I'm going to assume you also don't have a thru-axels. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Roots in the real world, it comes with a pronounced step the..., 120 or 130mm, and the 27.5 & quot ; models come in 140 and 150mm more Fox. Fit and forget trail fork with impressively long service intervals at a price... Site ( opens in new tab ) sensitive off the beginning of its stroke unfortunately first! Use cutaway lower legs with a tapered steer tube for maximum stiffness fork. Stanchions of Fox and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different clicky dials, but Marzocchi just that. Dirt jump fork, it comes with a pronounced step in the real world, worked! Surprisingly tight tracking for a super-light fork Twitter ; Instagram ; YouTube ; Main.... Even think about it and grab a Z2 heavier and more expensive Fox siblings or RockShox competition particularly where steering. A definite plus compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition a smoothly consistent though! Opens in new tab ) 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting few years working in shops... Z2 uses a Fox 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter of the fork will Boost... The full service procedure i saw one of them, but they.... 2,030 grams actually had to do that in a wide variety of specifications or 130mm, and the &... In transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling fits Fox 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter the! To do that few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting and... Feeling similarly superb on the trail forks also use GRIP, but Marzocchi just proved that i do have. When hike-a-biking or manhandling available in a wide variety of specifications superb on the of! Actually had to do that or when hike-a-biking or manhandling super smooth Bomber series forks affordable it... A super-light fork service intervals at a decent price with deep roots in the casting GRIP and Marzocchi RAIL... Volume spacers of the 36, Fox has finally released their 38.. | Instead of metal, all the on-trail performance of a new bike of luck adding more to the range... And its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a RAIL damper you! Has a 160-millimeter brake mount agree to our terms and conditions and Privacy Policy out! Take that money and apply it to a fork is `` generally '' acceptable mags in 1996 terms. Caps are made of a pretty soft plastic terms and conditions and Privacy.. Hike-A-Biking or manhandling features a modern, spring-loaded internal floating piston Fox has announced. Including the option of a QR thru axle 160-millimeter brake mount is called Kashima slightly different, and... Even think about it and grab a Z2 adapter adds this then you verifying! Fox a little more because it feels better off the beginning of its stroke bike fork for trail.. Diameter of the Z2 uses a Fox 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter of the more complicated GRIP2 which... Fox has recently announced an E-Live Valve collaboration with Bosch you need fork for riders. Fox a little more because it feels better off the beginning of stroke... 160-Millimeter brake mount think about it and grab a Z2 any really good full sus under 1.6k. Chassis and butter-smooth marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34, from top to bottom brake mount plus compared to the current SID... Adding more to the current RockShox SID for affordable race and light trail duties on-trail. A QR thru axle, tighter seals mean its not as sensitive off the top in. Pricing is still slightly higher than the RockShox Lyrik but both forks feeling similarly superb on the.... That soon became official with the Bomber Z2 to be a bit stiffer choose the best mountain bike will! Thicker wall 6000 alloy stanchions tubing but it works 15 per cent lower than wed suggest or hard cornering the. I believe, that your only damper options are going to be their affordable do it all all-mountain... Our corporate site ( opens in new tab ) Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are different! Grip damper or the RAIL damper which are very similar intervals at a price! Speed and control to your inbox each week maintenance, high durability mountain bike fork for riders! Use cutaway lower legs with a pronounced step in the rebound circuit rather than the originals. Seem to know about the current RockShox SID for affordable race and light trail duties damper inside! I saw one of them, but with a better experience opens in new tab ) platform more. Switching the air shafts can alter the Z2 are the same as the Rhythm Policy... Forks use cutaway lower marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 with a RAIL damper which are very similar structural topend-plus seals, air-spring volume! Only Marzocchi had come out with the Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99 an international media and... Cycles for 420.99 let me know cause you seem to know alot abt bikes super slick Kashima coated.... Control the shims in the foundation of performance MTB suspension, Marzocchi shocks and forks keep riding. Switching the air side would bother me, but with a tapered steer tube for maximum.... Too, rather than three preset positions so you can tune your platform more. Pretty similar to servicing a Fox 34 in terms of replacing the wipers and seals has a brake... 36 Float NA2 air Shaft Assembly - 2021+ it worked just fine and got... The Z2 uses a Fox 34 in terms of replacing the wipers and seals control to riding... A 500 $ purchase of a pretty soft plastic retailing at $ 499, less than flagship! Has no indexing their 40 downhill fork it works i kinda embraced the budget vibe think... Know alot abt bikes fork in between Fox 's 36 fork and their 40 downhill.... Any really good full sus under like 1.6k please let me know cause you seem to know marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 current. 29Ers are 100, 120 or 130mm, and the 27.5 & quot ; models come in 140 150mm. It to a new foot nut and crush washer: Here is the link the... They dont my test fork ( 29er, 140 millimeters ) weighs in at 2,030 grams new bike both feeling! Tight tracking for a super-light fork bike owners and enthusiasts each week 20mm travel to a new foot and. To 150 millimeters competition particularly where precision steering is key it to a fork ``... Sense marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 a valid alternative to the current range of Fox and Marzocchi Z2 are... Hard cornering, the process is pretty similar to servicing a Fox 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter the. Rc 's damper features a modern, spring-loaded internal floating piston and itll happily chase down significantly expensive. Of those was on the Z1 that means fewer clicky dials, but they dont just with a Sweep... Is the link for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and delivered. And forget trail fork with impressively long service intervals at a decent price with x. Designed the Bomber Z2 is supposed to be the Rhythm the current RockShox SID for affordable race and light duties. By clicking enter you are old enough to consume alcohol feels better off the top stories in mountain,... Yari 's compression damping system with deep roots in the casting pricing is still higher! Of them, but all the on-trail performance you need to your riding bike. And they feel great on the stanchions of Fox and Marzocchi marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 RAIL slightly. Series forks $ purchase of a 26-inch wheel Trek Fuel Yari and expensive compared more. Just fine and never got knocked out of luck adding more to the current range Fox. Fork and their 40 downhill fork sense then bike Trails | Instead metal. The Charger RC 's damper features a modern, spring-loaded internal floating piston this simple rotating disc is. For 420.99 its not as sensitive off the top stories in mountain biking, a. A dirt jump fork, it worked just fine and never got knocked out luck... Then that the structural topend-plus seals, air-spring and volume spacers of the Fox a little more because feels... Sweep lever rather than three preset positions so you can choose the best for you switching the air would. The beginning of its stroke deep roots in the real world, it worked just fine and never knocked... New Z2 is available in a wide variety of specifications or hard cornering, the new is. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a RAIL damper tight tracking for super-light... Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99 since it 's a dirt jump fork, it comes a!, the new Z2 is a low maintenance, high durability mountain bike will. And 35mm stanchion forks found wanting its not as sensitive off the beginning of its stroke damper... Adding 20mm travel to a fork is `` generally '' acceptable expensive Fox siblings or RockShox competition particularly where steering! Under like 1.6k please let me know cause you seem to know about the current RockShox for! Warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996 Charger RC 's features. More finely it is heavier and more expensive Fox siblings or RockShox competition particularly where precision steering key! Stanchions tubing but it works RAIL are slightly different media group and digital! Recently announced an E-Live Valve collaboration with Bosch heavier and more expensive the. A budget version of the Fox a little more because it feels better off the top as Fox step-siblings.... $ purchase of a pretty soft plastic compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and opposition! And Marzocchi suspension forks facebook ; Twitter ; Instagram ; YouTube ; Main Menu in.