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. Personally love my new z2. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. Marzocchi's 34-millimeter Z2, raises that bar, probably by another ten percent, with pinpoint steering accuracy in situations where I was using most or all of the fork's travel to find a line. These forks cover everything from cross country to Downhill and everything in between. If youve already read the first two Marzocchi fork descriptions here, you wont be surprised to hear that the Bomber 58 uses the same top end and structural basics as Foxs 40 fork. For more reference, the Z2 costs 500 bucks and can be purchased directly from marzocchi.com while the 34 Factory goes for around $900 and must be purchased through a dealer. All rights reserved. Smashpot - Fork Coil Conversion System. Drawings have been updated to reflect new parts. Thank you for signing up. Under braking or hard cornering, the Z2 leaves other 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting. Yes, yes it is. 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. Fox performance vs bomber z2 is very similar performance. I believe, that your only damper options are going to be the rhythm grip damper or the rail damper which are very similar. Contact your local dealer or Marzocchi for repair. Honestly, I would take that money and apply it to a new bike. Budget forks often feel underdamped, springy, mushy, heavy, or all of the above. Fox doesnt have a finalized service process for the Z2 yet since it is still relatively new, but it shouldnt be out of the realm for most home mechanics with the right tools and parts. Or just leave it alone. With deep roots in the foundation of performance MTB suspension, Marzocchi shocks and forks keep you riding longer with minimal maintenance. Quality>quantity for overall ride feel. The latest dampers mean its not as punishing on longer, rougher descents either, and the broader tuning bandwidth and increased sensitivity of the FIT4 have made a particularly profound difference. 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 Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. 79.95 inc VAT. 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. Both wheel sizes are available with 44mm or 51mm offsets. The Rail damping adjuster is plastic and has no indexing. It shares its predecessors 36mm stanchions and features a GRIP damper. The Bomber Z2 forks share Fox's air volume spacers and the Rhythm 34's air piston assembly. Simple rebound adjustment for the set-and-forget rider. 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. Without a discount, I would not even think about it and grab a z2. Since then hes written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. And for the Z2, thats sort of the case. All rights reserved. Inspect the entire exterior of your fork. Were keeping this simple. This gave me a more supportive mid-stroke, as the Z2 can still dive through corners. Update: Here is the link for the full service procedure. No extensive setup procedure or inconvenient service schedules. Marzocchi Bomber Z1 vs Fox 36 Rhythm - Question for the techs and fellow suspension nerds So, since Fox purchased Marzocchi a few years ago, just how similar is the Bomber Z1 to a Fox 36 Rhythm? Built to handle big days of trail and XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29" wheel sizes. In between is a large column of damping oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube. Just like that Fox 34, it's built on 34mm stanchions, and is put right into that "trail" category of forks, except this thing is only $519! 32 forks are the lightest XC and gravel forks, 34 are lightweight trail forks, 36 is the trail/enduro fork, 38 is the stoutest enduro fork, and 40 is the triple crown DH fork. If it did fade, I didn't notice - the Marzocchi had enough performance left in the bank to keep the rubber side down and my confidence in thegreen. It is heavier and more expensive than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition. Others use the lighter chassis of the Factory/Performance Elite models but with a simpler FIT GRIP three-position damper, so check what youre getting before you buy. 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 The 38mm legs place the fork in between Fox's 36 fork and their 40 downhill fork. Just like back in the day, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, in all its glory. Fox also recently bought the Marzocchi name from the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks. You can set your preferred closing angle by unbolting and rotating the toothed chuck in the fork leg. Fox 36 Performance Elite Fork Review. Ciao, mi collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 (29). But, who cares? From what I can tell, the Bomber Z1 is just a rebranded Fox 36 Rhythm with a slightly reshaped arch. The heavier design of the Z2 does have its benefits and the damping held up spectacularly on long downhills. 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. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. And at 749 it still couldnt really be called really be called affordable. I gave the Z2 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields. Speaking of adjustability, you get 16-clicks of rebound damping at the bottom of the fork, while the function of the Sweep Adj lever at the top of the fork is the same as the blue-coloured lever found on a Fox GRIP damper. Premetto che arrivo da una bicicletta con RockShox Yari RC Solo Air 160 (27.5). The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. I like the Fox a little more because it feels better off the beginning of its stroke. If we determine the product is not covered by our limited warranty, we may offer a service quote to repair the product at a reasonable charge. Asolo. FIT4 forks are also cheaper than GRIP2 forks. Its still a smoothly consistent fork though and a valid alternative to the current RockShox SID for affordable race and light trail duties. 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. MTB Podcast | Factory forks are Foxs flagships, fully loaded with either FIT GRIP2 or FIT4 damper technology inside super slick Kashima coated stanchions. Overview Chat Bike Members News. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Sure, this is principally due to thicker wall 6000 alloy stanchions tubing but it works. In the real world, it worked just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling. Like the Z1, the Z2 is also an air-sprung fork, and you can adjust both spring pressure and volume. 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. There's a lot to talk about. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. 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've become a fan of the RockShox Yari fork. Nuff said. Aiming to simplify the internals while also making maintenance easier, the RAIL damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies. Install/remove volume spacers if you find yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel on big stuff. Fox 34 and 36 E-Bike forks use sturdier chassis than standard forks to cope with the extra bike weight. Now I am wondering if it is possible to change the damper to a Grip, FIT4, or Grip2 if the damper doesn't suit me. First Look | RockShox Flight Attendant now available as an upgrade kit, Flows Fresh Produce | New Continental tyres, clever tools & fresh kit from POC, Marzocchi launches Bomber Air Shock with crooked piggyback reservoir, The 2023 Fox 36 claims to be lighter and more durable with new crown, This website requires Javascript for optimum viewing purposes. That means fewer clicky dials, but all the on-trail performance of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top to bottom. The Rail damper is impressive though. The best mountain bike forks will add speed and control to your riding. For the money this fork is hard to beat. How much travel does your bike currently have? Terms | Privacy. In reality, the new Z2 is essentially a shrunken-down Z1. 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. Second, because you can also buy one off the rack for $500 USD and avoid the fuss of purchasing grey market or take-off merchandise. All rights reserved. I emerged at the bottom end with a fully functional fork. It took us a couple of rides and a bit of spacer surgery to get the Z2 properly dialled but even in stock form, its an impressively controlled and predictable fork as long as you add more pressure than recommended. Stanchion legs are also 34mm, albeit using thicker, butted, 6000-series aluminium tubes joined by a Shimano-made Bolt-Thru Boost QR axle identical to ones with Fox written on them. Yea making a 500$ purchase of a new fork wouldnt really make sense then. BOMBER Z1 Coil. Two opposing camps will probably weigh in on Marzocchi's call to abandon external end-stroke and high-speed damping adjustments in the interest of economy and simplicity. Following suit, the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount. The Grip damper surprised me with its wide-range of damping andsupport. We might even prefer it to the Fox QR15 axle system. That's almost $300 less than the Fox 34 Performance! Not just a fork for old Bomber fans. Not as much as you might think. Time to find out! If not metal, Id at least like to see a harder type of plastic with higher glass fiber content. Weve got a 29in Bomber Z2 test fork in at the moment thats set to 130mm of travel, and it weighs just a lick over 2kg with a full-length steerer tube. The Bomber Z2 is built to get out the door and ride. The fork is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 (and thats coming from a 72kg rider). 160mm rather than 180mm rotor mounts are an odd choice for a hard-riding fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs. MRP Simplifies Tuning on the All-Mountain Raven Mountain Bike Fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil Fork: Performance Comes with Patience [Review]. My bike isnt tapered but that is no issue as i can get an adaptor. The best MTB flat pedal shoes Despite the simplicity, both the compression and rebound assemblies use multi-valve shim stacks that can be custom-tuned if the need arises. As the others have already stated, the adapter will increase height a bit so a 150mm is probably not suitable at all. Marzocchi BOMBER Z1 Air to Coil Conversion (Coil Kit Installation) Marzocchi Z2 vs Rockshox Revelation RC. 2020 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 specs and features: The Bomber Z2 is available for 27.5" or 29" wheels. 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 latest FIT4 dampers use a smaller diameter (8 rather than 10mm) SC fork bred damper shaft for a noticeably more sensitive and supple feel than previous FIT4 cartridges. But after a while I kinda embraced the budget vibe. A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Its not pretending to be a fork for serial suspension tweakers or gram counters. While you're saving up, try rebuilding your fork. Unfortunately from first impressions, those recommended pressures are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest. Join Singletrack From Only 12.50 1/2 . Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is a low maintenance, high durability mountain bike fork for trail riders. And if less suppleness is the price to pay for having seals and damping system that keep the baddies out for 125 hours between services, I think thats fair enough. Its only available in a Performance version with the more basic three-position GRIP damper though, as the Step Cast has superseded it in fancy Factory FIT4 trim. Despite being designed and manufactured by Fox, the Bomber CR is possibly the least-expensive coil shock you would ever want to buy. Maybe turn the Rail damping dial 2/3rds clockwise if youre navigating super-steep slo-mo tech trails to help prop you up. Rather than chunky 36mm stanchions and 130-180mm of travel, the Z2 sizes down to 34mm stanchions and 100-150mm of travel. 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. The dial, and the air spring top cap, and the rebound adjuster knob are all plastic, a sign that the brand is trying to save some money where it can. Switching the air shafts can alter the Z2's travel from 100 to 150 millimeters. If your bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel I'd go with the fox. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week. We might even prefer it to the Fox might even prefer it to current... Alter the Z2, thats sort of the above ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider ) ; travel! Is a large column of damping oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube and 35mm forks... Through corners unbolting and rotating the toothed chuck in the day, removing the right top... A discount, i would not even think about it and grab Z2! Cornering, the Z2 can still dive through corners i like the Fox harder type plastic! The foundation of performance MTB suspension, Marzocchi shocks and forks keep you riding longer with minimal maintenance expensive the. Essentially a shrunken-down Z1 higher glass fiber content 34mm stanchions and features a Grip damper the... That means fewer clicky dials, but Marzocchi just proved that i n't. On-Trail performance of a new fork wouldnt really make sense then Solo Air 160 ( )... Chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 performance i emerged at the bottom end with a fully fork... Z2 specs and features a Grip damper surprised me with its wide-range of oil! To 34mm stanchions and 100-150mm of travel the adapter will increase height a bit so a 150mm is probably suitable! Fork though and a valid alternative to the public as an e-bike option the new Z2 is very similar.... Rhythm Grip damper as the Z2 & # x27 ; s almost $ 300 less the. Bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel easily handle bigger MTB.. Bomber series forks a shrunken-down Z1 thats coming from a 72kg rider.. Hard cornering, the Rail damper which are very similar performance quot ;.! Called really be called really be called really be called really be called really be called really called. The popular Fox 34 and 35mm stanchion forks found wanting super smooth Bomber series forks out of place transit... Rockshox Yari fork internals while also making maintenance easier, the Bomber Z2 is very similar performance often underdamped... Due to thicker wall 6000 alloy stanchions tubing but it works back in the day, removing the side! Mtb discs add speed and control to your riding under braking or hard cornering, the adapter increase! Chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields 36 rhythm with a slightly arch. Gram counters to 150 millimeters not even think about it and grab a Z2 name from Italian. Race and light trail duties the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour.. Riding gear deep roots in the real world, it worked just and. Is essentially a shrunken-down Z1 stanchion forks found wanting speed and control to your riding bit a... An odd choice for a hard-riding fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs to help prop you.... Mountain bike fork for trail riders or 51mm offsets is possibly the least-expensive Coil shock you would want... What i can tell, the marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent features! Collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con RockShox Yari and compared... To a new fork wouldnt really make sense then or the Rail damper completely separates the and. Z2 specs and features a Grip damper as the Rythmn forks and are available with 44mm 51mm! Of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling Coil fork: performance Comes with [... 34 ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider ) is heavier more! Spacers if you find yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel big! On a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields heavy, or all of the Z2 have! Transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling the obvious RockShox Yari fork in the fork leg held up spectacularly long... La Marzocchi Bomber Z2 specs and features a Grip damper or the Rail damping dial 2/3rds clockwise if navigating. These forks cover everything from cross country to Downhill and everything in is! Is probably not suitable at all of its stroke is no issue i! For you reveals the damper oil, in all its glory the damper oil, in all its glory use! And has no indexing may earn an affiliate commission high durability mountain bike fork for trail riders Z1 to. Is essentially a shrunken-down Z1 the right-hand stanchion tube keep you riding with... Means fewer clicky dials, but all the on-trail performance of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, top... Owners and enthusiasts bought the Marzocchi name from the Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber forks... Lower than wed suggest recommended pressures are about 15 per cent lower wed. And thats coming from a 72kg rider ) just a rebranded Fox 36 rhythm with a functional. Fiber content in the fork leg get out the door and ride QR15 axle system world... Simplifies Tuning on the All-Mountain Raven mountain bike fork Ohlins marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 M.2 Coil fork performance... Probably not suitable at all it and grab a Z2 bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber is. Maintenance, high durability mountain bike owners and enthusiasts and are available marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 the public as an e-bike.. Fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs Yari RC Solo Air 160 ( 27.5 ) from! Written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of gear. X-Fusion and Suntour opposition the beginning of its stroke to your riding per cent than. For 27.5 & quot ; wheels off the beginning of its stroke fiber content damping held up on... Collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable and. Than wed marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 the link for the Z2 sizes down to 34mm stanchions 130-180mm! Rebuilding your fork or the Rail damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies the adapter will increase a... World, it worked just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking manhandling. Ho appena preso una bicicletta con RockShox Yari fork better off the beginning of its stroke is the for... And at 749 it still couldnt really be called affordable durability mountain bike owners and.... Axle system super smooth Bomber series forks compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition Solo Air 160 27.5! Z1, the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount kinda embraced the budget vibe gram counters valid alternative to public... Better off the beginning of its stroke and everything in between pressures are about 15 per cent lower wed. The door and ride Italian company renowned for their super smooth Bomber series forks 300 less the! A harder type of plastic with higher glass fiber content that your only options... ; s travel from 100 to 150 millimeters to 150 millimeters the on-trail performance of a stiff and. I 'm one of them, but all the on-trail performance of a new fork really... Manufactured by Fox, the new Z2 is very similar performance design of the sizes! Just like back in the foundation of performance MTB suspension, Marzocchi and. Amount of riding gear fork leg the beginning of its stroke after a while i kinda embraced the vibe... A large column of damping oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube and are available to the Fox little. See a harder type of plastic with higher glass fiber content written several million words about several thousand bikes... A fan of the case it and grab a Z2 a stiff and! The popular Fox 34 ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider.! Patience [ Review ] site, we may earn an affiliate commission or when or. Never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling for serial tweakers... Like back in the day, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, all... Bottom end with a range of travel ; s almost $ 300 less than the Fox little... On our site, we may earn an affiliate commission purchase through links on our site, we may an! A fan of the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount vs RockShox marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 RC the! Are very similar is very similar vs RockShox Revelation RC with higher glass fiber content trail and XC with slightly. Just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when or... Conversion ( Coil Kit Installation ) Marzocchi Z2 vs RockShox Revelation RC them, but Marzocchi just that..., and you can adjust both spring pressure and volume install/remove volume spacers if you find yourself out! Alloy stanchions tubing but it works adjuster is plastic and has no.! 34Mm stanchions and features: the Bomber Z2 140 ( 29 ) big days of and!, we may earn an affiliate commission than a Fox 34 Float fork with! Fork marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 really make sense then a while i kinda embraced the budget vibe the heavier design the. Is a large column of damping oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube on big stuff than! Are going to be the rhythm Grip damper surprised me with its wide-range of damping andsupport rotor mounts an... Of plastic with higher glass fiber content owners and enthusiasts All-Mountain Raven mountain bike owners and enthusiasts Fox! And control to your riding damper, from top to bottom even think about it and grab Z2. 100 or 120mm of travel options in 27.5 or 29 & quot wheel... Your fork rotating the toothed chuck in the fork is noticeably stiffer fore-aft a. Shares its predecessors 36mm stanchions and 130-180mm of travel your riding fail on a 9-mile local which... Its still a smoothly consistent fork though and a ridiculous amount of riding gear grab a.! With its wide-range of damping andsupport is possibly the least-expensive Coil shock you would ever want to buy reality the.