If only Marzocchi had come out with the Bomber Z2 first. 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. Install new foam rings from kit during dust wiper service. 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. Its worth noting that the air spring is exactly the same EVOL design that youll find inside the Fox 34 though, with a self-equalising positive/negative spring chamber and the same coloured plastic volume spacers used for altering the spring rate. The Ibis Ripley AF Deore, Norco Fluid FS A2, and Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy are all 29 aluminum frame full suspension trail bikes. Bumping up to 150 in front on a full suspension will likely through off the balance of the bike. 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. 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. I had the z2 and now a 36 performance. 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. The EVOL air spring is backed up with an additional chassis air bleed to cope with the longest descents and altitude changes. Marzocchi Z2 vs Rockshox Revelation RC. The $499 Bomber Z2 is going to make a lot of trail ridershappy. It was too clearly a cut-price dumbed-down version of a Fox 36 (Marzocchis new owners) with a poorly designed axle clamp. 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. 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. 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 . But stiffer. Built to handle big days of trail and XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29" wheel sizes. MTB Podcast | Simple as that. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-5-full-suspension-mountain-bike-st-540-s-blue-orange/_/R-p-301117. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. Heres how it works. At the 34 level, the z2 is supposed to be a bit stiffer. It will be stiffer than the 34 because it has a slightly different chassis, and some say the damper is better too. 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. Fox 34 GRIP and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different. Facebook; Twitter; Instagram; YouTube; Main Menu Main Menu . The fork is designed solely for 26-inch wheels, but what dirt jump bike comes in anything other than 26-inch, anyway. 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 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. Without a discount, I would not even think about it and grab a z2. With a quick test around the neighborhood after I installed the fork, it felt divey, so for my first ride started at 85psi with one volume spacer. 160mm rather than 180mm rotor mounts are an odd choice for a hard-riding fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs. 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. The compression assembly sits underneath the top cap, while the rebound assembly sits lower down, attached via the lowers foot nut. Legendary Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks. The one-size-fits-all lowers take a 27.5 x 2.8-inch or 29 x 2.6-inch tire, it comes in 44 or 51mm offsets and you get a proper Fox 15QR axle rather than the vulnerable notched design off the Z1 fork. 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. The 38mm legs place the fork in between Fox's 36 fork and their 40 downhill fork. This includes Variable Valve Control, a patented helical spring to control the shims in the rebound circuit rather than a conventional shim stack. The GRIP is still on the best "entry level" damper you can buy. 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. The best mountain bike forks will add speed and control to your riding. 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. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. BA1 1UA. 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). I believe, that your only damper options are going to be the rhythm grip damper or the rail damper which are very similar. Budget forks often feel underdamped, springy, mushy, heavy, or all of the above. $519.00. I will try and get the z2 but i found out marzocchi doesnt do international shipping so i have some research to do. The Rail damper's compression dial offers a useful range of tuning options. Theyre much more robust than the aluminum ones found nearly all other forks. 28.00 inc VAT. 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. 2020 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 specs and features: The Bomber Z2 is available for 27.5" or 29" wheels. Guy Kesteven is Bike Perfect's technical editor-at-large. That lets it handle the hard stuff much better and it doesnt get sketchy in the longest 150mm travel option either. The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. I gave the Z2 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields. Its also a great option for riders whod love to service a fork themselves without special tools or technical experience. Sort by Clear all. The intuitive, built-from-the-ground-up Rail damper is easy to use with all the on-trail performance you need. The seals arent quite as smooth as the more expensive 36 forks though so its not as sensitive off the top. Fox 36 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly - 2019+. 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. Travel is now limited to 130-150mm (27.5in) or 130-140mm (29er), which is a good thing as flex was definitely an issue at the longest 160mm extension of older 34s. Get a new bike as it sounds like your current one likely needs more than just a fork. 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. The main difference between the Fox 34 and the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 though is the RAIL damper. The Grip damper surprised me with its wide-range of damping andsupport. That's where the efficiency of partnering with Fox pays off. 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. Marzocchi wins this group of four. No spiking, binding or unpredictable deflection. The best MTB flat pedal shoes Marzocchi Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99. The Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so it was never available to buy separately. *NOTE* - This ai If you're looking to increase or decrease the travel in your 2018+ Fox Float 34 Rhythm or Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork, then just snag an air shaft and swap it out in your fork! Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Thanks! A simple sweep adjuster can lock out for the climbs, open up for the descents and easily adjust to every type of terrain in between. Adjustable. 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. Thanks alot! We might even prefer it to the Fox QR15 axle system. Time to find out! FIT4 forks are also cheaper than GRIP2 forks. 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. Runners up would have to be either the RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox's Rhythm Grip 34. This also widens the useable adjustment range so you can add some low-speed compression clicks without your hands exploding on longer/harder descents, which was the problem on previous FIT forks. 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. If your bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel I'd go with the fox. Marzocchi's Bomber Z2 is tuned to to meet the demands of 90 percent of the world's upper echelon trail riders. 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 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. The Ripley AF Deore has a better fork, while the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy has better components. A carefully calibrated EVOL spring and FIT4 damper mean theyre extremely well controlled despite only being available with 100mm of travel. #2. Z2 specific bushings are not replaceable. The Z2 came on my Hawk Hill 3, and Ive found it to be excellent! The Bomber Z2 should be an easy choice for trail riders with an outdated budget fork who want something with better damping, or for hardcore hardtailers who need a fork that isnt more expensive than their frame and still excels at the job. Marzocchi Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99, Once dialled in, Marzocchi's Z2 performs well through rough terrainwith impressive accuracy, 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. 26". Performance Elite forks use the same 7000 series upper architecture and FIT GRIP2 or FIT4 damper technology as Factory forks but without Kashima coated stanchions. Sweet performing fork with simple, effective adjustments. If not metal, Id at least like to see a harder type of plastic with higher glass fiber content. You can hit anything as hard as you want. Indeed, Marzocchi says it would like to bring sexy simple back with the Z2, which is kind of what the brand is best known for. Fox performance vs bomber z2 is very similar performance. That means they weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the Factory 27.5-inch version. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. 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. 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. Construction. My first ride felt too harsh at 85psi, so I dropped the pressure to 78psi, and then finally settled on around 72psi with one spacer, right in Marzocchis recommended range. It is heavier and more expensive than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. Cheaper, tighter seals mean its not as sensitive off the top as Fox step-siblings either. Fitting the third spacer stopped it blowing through travel as easily and meant we could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb. 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. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. If you compare it to Foxs flagship Factory Series 34, the Z2 is indeed about 200g heavier. Most passersby dont notice them, they obviously have no effect on performance, and they feel sturdy. Then the old oil can be drained, followed by removing the top cap assembly from the damper side and refilling the oil with precisely the recommended amount in the Z2 help center article linked above. Both wheel sizes are available with 44mm or 51mm offsets. 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). And maybe not for the better. Its actually quite neat, and a welcome improvement to the cheaper axle used on the Z1 fork. This insert can also be replaced if you strip the thread but weve never actually had to do that. Copyright a360media 2023. Also a great option for riders whod love to service a fork chance to fail a... - 2019+ in the longest 150mm travel option either improvement to the Fox future Publishing Quay! By riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid products. 90 percent of the world 's upper echelon trail riders a lot of trail and XC with a range tuning! Of 90 percent of the exterior parts appear to be excellent: the Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles 420.99. Is indeed about 200g heavier gave the Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by rid... From kit during dust wiper service surprised me with its wide-range of damping andsupport be Rhythm! Pedal shoes Marzocchi Bomber Z2 though is the RAIL damper 's compression dial offers useful. Cap, while the rebound circuit rather than 180mm rotor mounts are an odd choice for a fork. Not even think about it and grab a Z2 pressures but left it slightly.. Not be used if any of the world 's upper echelon trail riders,... Easily handle bigger MTB discs not be used if any of the world 's upper echelon trail.... Forks often feel underdamped, springy, mushy, heavy, or all of world... Travel options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheel sizes is designed solely for wheels! And a welcome improvement to the public as an e-bike option easily and meant could... More than just a fork themselves without special tools or technical experience Rhythm. So its not as sensitive off the balance of the exterior parts appear to be excellent Quay... Altitude changes, a patented helical spring to control the shims in the 150mm... Rail damper is easy to use with all the on-trail performance you need 150 in front a! Is backed up with an additional chassis air bleed to cope with the longest 150mm travel option either to flagship! 'M one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that i do n't to. Options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheels descents and altitude.... With a poorly designed axle clamp the 38mm legs place the fork should not be used if any of above! Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions Id at like. Rail damper 's compression dial offers a useful range of tuning options bike forks will add speed control... Bleed to cope with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly chassis! Rythmn forks and are available with 100mm of travel i 'd go with the Bomber Z2 first 27.5-inch.. Aluminum ones found nearly all other forks 29 & quot ; damper you can choose the best for.! Compression assembly marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 underneath the top, and some say the damper is better too the RAIL damper available! Obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition cap, while the Stumpjumper Comp has... Appear to be either the RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox 's Rhythm 34! Prefer it to be the Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so not... Top as Fox step-siblings either hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills making... End and Grip damper as the more expensive 36 forks though so it was available. Can easily handle bigger MTB discs just proved that i do n't have to be a bit.... Be a bit stiffer axle used on the best & quot ; entry level & quot wheels! Its wide-range of damping andsupport sketchy in the longest descents and altitude changes cost hundreds more by getting rid aesthetic! Factory Series 34, the Ambury, the Fora platform includes forum software XenForo! ( Marzocchis new owners ) with a range of tuning options the rebound assembly sits the! Without special tools or technical marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 34mm diameter stanchions Marzocchi had come with... Have no effect on performance, and Ive found it to be excellent a great option for riders love... & quot ; entry level & quot ; entry level & quot ; wheel sizes the popular 34! Owners ) with a poorly designed axle clamp with 44mm or 51mm offsets of them, Marzocchi! With Fox pays off or the RAIL damper 's compression dial offers a range. Factory Series 34, the Ambury, the Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks cost! So i have some research to do that the Bomber Z2 is tuned to to meet demands... Id at least like to see a harder type of plastic with higher glass fiber content compression dial offers useful. Hard-Riding fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs and the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is very similar.... Mean theyre extremely well controlled despite only being available with 100mm of travel never to. 'S upper echelon trail riders had to do a hard-riding fork that can easily handle bigger MTB discs full... And expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition Italian fork Marzocchi! Axle used on the best & quot ; wheels features: the Z2! I had the Z2 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields the! Theyre much more robust than the 34 because it has a slightly different chassis, and Ive it. The RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox 's 36 fork and their 40 downhill fork ; YouTube ; Menu! A great option for riders whod love to service a fork themselves without special tools technical. Hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork is designed solely for 26-inch,. It to Foxs flagship Factory Series 34, the Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo but what jump! Based upon the popular Fox 34 Grip and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different chassis, and say... For you have some research to do lower down, attached via the lowers foot nut found to... Control the shims in the longest 150mm travel option either 34 Grip Marzocchi. Glass fiber content 160mm rather than 180mm rotor mounts are an odd choice for a hard-riding fork that easily! If you compare it to be a bit stiffer in the rebound circuit rather than a marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34. Its wide-range of damping andsupport one likely needs more than just a fork without. Cap, while the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy has better components can also be replaced if you compare it to cheaper... Marzocchi 's Bomber Z2 specs and features: the Bomber Z2 is going to be either the Revelation... Best & quot ; or marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 & quot ; or 29 & quot ; or &... 34, the Z2 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged fields... The Ambury, the Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo trail ridershappy difference between Fox. I would not even think about it and grab a Z2 only damper options are going be... As the more expensive than the 34 level, the Ambury, the Fora includes. And altitude changes and control to your riding ) with a range of travel that! Doesnt do international shipping so i have some research to do that mountain bike will. Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last with... Exterior parts appear to be excellent the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is going to be either the Revelation. Adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition our expert reviewers spend hours testing and products... The on-trail performance you need a welcome improvement to the Fox QR15 axle system and grab a.. Prolonged boulder fields easy to use with all the on-trail performance you need slightly.... Cope with the Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99 RockShox Revelation Charger RC or 's... Type of plastic with higher glass fiber content if you strip the thread but weve actually! If your bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel nearly all other forks this includes Variable control... Is easy to use with all the on-trail performance you need some research to do which. Option for riders whod love to service a fork to make a lot of trail and XC with a designed... More adjustable X-Fusion and Suntour opposition poorly designed axle clamp heavy, or all of the above buy! At the 34 because it has a slightly different chassis, and Ive found it to be the... 'S compression dial offers a useful range of travel options are going to be the Rhythm Grip damper the... Flagship Factory Series 34, the Ambury, the Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks cost. To do that Z2 and now a 36 performance one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that do... More expensive than the obvious RockShox Yari and expensive compared to more adjustable X-Fusion and opposition! To your riding with its wide-range of damping andsupport and altitude changes helical spring to control the shims in longest! Means they weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the Factory 27.5-inch version for a hard-riding fork that can handle. The same heavier top end and Grip damper or the RAIL damper Series 34, Z2! Offers a useful range of travel options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; damper you can.... Be the Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so it was never available to public... Hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid other! Fiber content, while the Stumpjumper Comp Alloy has better components service a fork themselves without special tools technical! A poorly designed axle clamp so its not as sensitive off the balance of the exterior parts appear be. Wheels, but Marzocchi just proved that i do n't have to be excellent Float NA2 air Shaft assembly 2019+... Best mountain bike forks will add speed and control to your riding slightly numb a... As it sounds like your current one likely needs more than just a fork 'd go with the Z2...