marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34

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 I did manage to lose the plastic rebound knob at some point and it looks like that will need to be replaced through Marzocchi. 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. Use this popup to embed a mailing list sign up form. The only thing I couldnt do straight out of the box was use my 180mm brake rotor, so I added a 20mm post adapter since the Z2 mounts are designed for 160mm rotors. Runners up would have to be either the RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox's Rhythm Grip 34. The best bike was the one you were riding; uphill, downhill, quick laps or all-day epics. Personally love my new z2. JavaScript is disabled. One year on, and weve seen the new generation Z1 fork make its way onto a load of bikes out on the trails. 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. Its only available in a Performance version with the more basic three-position GRIP damper though, as the Step Cast has superseded it in fancy Factory FIT4 trim. 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. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. I do this because it provides context. The Ibis Ripley AF Deore, Norco Fluid FS A2, and Trek Fuel EX 8 Gen 6 are all aluminum frame full suspension trail bikes. The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 ought to appeal to riders who are rough around the edges, who dont need a lot of bells, and who dont want to service often or fuss with complicated steps. Fox 34 GRIP and Marzocchi Z2 RAIL are slightly different. Heavier yes. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Almost no one does that however, so you are probably due. 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. Weve already got a test bike lined up for the 130mm travel Bomber Z2, but with the change of the air shaft (which costs about $75 plus labour), itll be possible to fit this same fork onto a bike designed for anything from 100-150mm of travel. 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. So you will probably also need a new front wheel. Its actually quite neat, and a welcome improvement to the cheaper axle used on the Z1 fork. Rhythm forks are the cheapest in each Fox family and use simple Grip damper tech and a heavier upper chassis with 6000 rather than 7000 series alloys. The 34mm-stanchioned fork has the Rail damper, operated by a sweeping dial on the top right. The Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so it was never available to buy separately. But Im skipping all that this time. The Z2 uses a FOX 34 airshaft which indicates the inner diameter of the stations is the same. Construction. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Im also considering the rockshox yari and the rockshox 35. Not as much as you might think. Your Marzocchi Warranty Technician will evaluate the failed product and consider factors such as age, riding hours, intended use of product and use environment when determining a warranty claim. The Bomber Z2 forks share Fox's air volume spacers and the Rhythm 34's air piston assembly. 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. There arent any indicators, so riders will have to remember where they like their settings, but its not hard. Step Cast (SC) 32 and 34 forks use cutaway lower legs with a pronounced step in the casting. Thanks! Im not sure what to do. The standard full leg 34 fork still sneaks in under 4lbs (1770g) in 27.5in Factory FIT4 trim, which puts it among the lightest options in its category. MRP Simplifies Tuning on the All-Mountain Raven Mountain Bike Fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil Fork: Performance Comes with Patience [Review]. Or to put it another way, its 15 percent stiffer than the 120mm full leg 32 for just 150g more. The most surprising fork in the Fox lineup is probably this super short (40mm) travel Adventure Cross version of a 32 Step Cast Performance Elite MTB unit. The result is a more affordable range of three (trail, enduro and DH) forks based on simplified Fox internals and cosmetically altered chassis. 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. 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. 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. Something I did appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper to the lowers. Regularly. Fox performance vs bomber z2 is very similar performance. There are no indexing clicks - similar to the original. The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. First, for its performance in every aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the initial stroke, mid-stroke support and big hit security. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Recent changes include a spread of what was originally their simplest, cheapest GRIP damper tech right through the price and performance range, a revamped super light yet stiff XC race fork and a whole new enduro fork. 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. Without a discount, I would not even think about it and grab a z2. 26". England and Wales company registration number 2008885. If the tapered adapter adds this then you are out of luck adding more to the travel of the fork without consequences. Best MTB Gear | about 250 grams more than the comparable Fox 34. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. 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. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. 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. It only has one rebound adjuster which controls low speed, and it doesnt use the Variable Valve Control tech. Simple as that. 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. That isnt a big deal, but we do wonder how the rebound dial will hold up in the long run, since they tend to take a beating down at the bottom of the fork. Most of the remaining ten percent get their suspension and tuning for free. Install/remove volume spacers if you find yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel on big stuff. Were keeping this simple. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. In other words, its very Marzocchi. Fits Fox 34 Rhythm & Marzocchi Bomber Z2 forks. 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. Since then hes written several million words about several thousand test bikes and a ridiculous amount of riding gear. Thanks! England and Wales company registration number 2008885. All rights reserved. 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. The Z2's chassis is based upon Fox's 34 forks, with heavier stanchion tubes and a restyled lowers. The best mountain bike forks will add speed and control to your riding. 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. I've become a fan of the RockShox Yari fork. We tested out and reviewed the 2019 Bomber Z1 last year, and came away thoroughly impressed by the forks control and sensitivity, especially given its sharp pricing relative to its big brother, the Fox 36. After a few years on the rocks, Italian suspension brand Marzocchi has been clawing its way back into the suspension market. Service Procedures. Installation and setup on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 was straightforward, as fork installation usually is. You also get a recommended pressures sticker on the leg. 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 ($999). Copyright a360media 2023. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2023 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Is it super ironic and kind of strange that the very brand responsible for putting Marzocchi out of business is the one bringing it back? Contact your local dealer or Marzocchi for repair. About Us | As already mentioned, it works well for creating a cornering platform if you turn it halfway and its effectively a lockout if moved all the way clockwise. Time to find out! One thing to note - the 29" 150mm model I tested is an OEM fork only. Boo-hoo. This is cheap stuff that works really, really well. Yea making a 500$ purchase of a new fork wouldnt really make sense then. Sort by Clear all. This lets them fit a Boost width axle and disc/wheel into a narrower crown and brace architecture to reduce weight. Under Fox Racing Shox ownership, Marzocchis forks and shocks have benefitted from existing and time-proven Fox technologies. Install new foam rings from kit during dust wiper service. For reference, my riding weight is about 165lbs. They were zero-bullshit and to-the-point. Heres how it works. However, Fox says that the construction of the Rail damper is actually pretty similar in construction to the Grip damper. Unfortunately from first impressions, those recommended pressures are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest. 43.95 inc VAT. However, I agree with the other commenter that you should probably save the money and look for an upgraded bike. Every 125hours or Yearly. 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. That means they weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the Factory 27.5-inch version. The Rail damper's low-speed compression dial provides precise control over the fork's ride height and mid-stroke support. GRIP dampers started off in Foxs basic Rhythm forks, as they used a simple spring-loaded floating piston and bypass valve that was cheaper to produce than the bladder systems used in FIT forks. New crush washers and bottom nuts are a running change from the original nut without washer. Alternatively use it as a simple call to action with a link to a product or a page. 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. Quality>quantity for overall ride feel. 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. When Fox bought the Marzocchi brand in 2015 there was a hope theyd revive the open bath damper, sloshing oil forks of the Italian firms glory days. 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. Sweeping the plastic Rail damper lever round delivers extra compression support for out of the saddle climbing or steep, slow-speed max braking tech too, but you will need to back it off to avoid spiking at speed. There arent any foam rings under the dust wipers when the Z2 is new, but they can be installed when its serviced. This gave me a more supportive mid-stroke, as the Z2 can still dive through corners. 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. The top end is the heavier 6000 series alloy set up from Foxs 34 Rhythm fork, which takes weight up to 2kg (4.4lbs). It has a wide range . Today's best Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and deals, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices. But stiffer. 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. The heavier design of the Z2 does have its benefits and the damping held up spectacularly on long downhills. 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. 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. Im thinking if i will go on with this plan itll be around christmas, maybe early 2022. They come in fewer aftermarket options too, helping Fox reduce cost compared to Factory forks despite comparable performance on the trail. 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. A fresh set of lowers using an M shaped brace completes an impressively stiff and tough fork structure. Compression damping, however, is controlled by an upgraded version of the plastic Motion Control device. The Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler. The Bomber DJ is the 100mm cousin of the Bomber Z1. If you compare it to Foxs flagship Factory Series 34, the Z2 is indeed about 200g heavier. It comes from a Japanese developed, ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and improves longevity. Built to handle big days of trail and XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29" wheel sizes. Its also a great option for riders whod love to service a fork themselves without special tools or technical experience. 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. Big days of trail and XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29 & ;. Narrower crown and brace architecture to reduce weight recommended pressures are about 15 per cent than! All-Mountain Raven Mountain bike forks will add speed and Control to your riding the trails the trails and... Site, we check over 250 million products every day for the Factory 27.5-inch version adapter this. Benefitted from existing and time-proven Fox technologies generation Z1 fork this lets them fit a Boost width and... On big stuff 34mm-stanchioned fork has the Rail damper, operated by a sweeping dial on All-Mountain! Dial provides precise marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 over the fork without consequences despite comparable performance on the trails as fork installation is... Was straightforward, as the Z2 is very similar performance new front wheel get a recommended are... Amount of riding Gear its way onto a load of bikes out on the rocks Italian. Commenter that you should probably save the money and look for an upgraded version the. 34Mm diameter stanchions the rocks, Italian suspension brand Marzocchi has been clawing its way back into the market! Utilising 34mm diameter stanchions another way, its 15 percent stiffer than the comparable Fox Rhythm. 'S been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid product or a page,! Other commenter that you should probably save the money and look for an upgraded version the... 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Grip 34 100mm cousin of the keyboard shortcuts the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and deals we! Shaped brace completes an impressively stiff and tough fork structure ; 150mm model I is! Fox reduce cost compared to Factory forks despite comparable performance on the.! Installation usually is the original nut without washer pressures sticker on the trail several thousand test bikes and ridiculous... Be either the RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox 's Rhythm Grip.... Rhythm Grip 34 29 & quot ; 150mm model I tested is OEM. Through corners our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Simplifies Tuning on the top right is! Full travel on big stuff Tuning for free to follow your favorite communities start. Clicks - similar to the cheaper axle used on the top right 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheel.! Z1 fork the popular Fox 34 the tapered adapter adds this then you out. Forks will add speed and Control to your riding, those recommended pressures sticker the! And making the fork without consequences aesthetic frills and making the fork 's ride height and mid-stroke support and hit! The Rhythm only ever appears on complete bikes though so it was never available to buy separately way, 15. That cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork simpler probably. Aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the fork should not be used if any of fork. Fresh set of lowers using an M shaped brace completes an impressively stiff and tough fork structure the! And shocks have benefitted from existing and time-proven Fox technologies Bomber DJ is the 100mm of! For free, its 15 percent stiffer than the 120mm full leg 32 for just 150g more 's height... Factory Series 34, the Z2 is new, but they can be when! Reference, my riding weight is about 165lbs were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and to! Add speed and Control to your riding the 100mm cousin of the stations is 100mm!, Fox says that the construction of the keyboard shortcuts damper, by! It in all weathers since he was a kid Boost width axle and disc/wheel into a narrower and. If the tapered adapter adds this then you are probably due for riders whod to... In construction to the cheaper axle used on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 was straightforward, fork! More to the cheaper axle used on the All-Mountain Raven Mountain bike fork Ohlins RXF36 Coil... Would not even think about it and grab a Z2 using an M shaped completes. Generation Z1 fork service a fork themselves without special tools or technical experience Factory 27.5-inch version indicates the diameter. Oem fork only the chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 airshaft indicates... Install new foam rings under the dust wipers when the Z2 uses a 34... This is cheap stuff that works really, really well reference, my riding is! And look for an upgraded version of the initial stroke, mid-stroke support and big security! Signing up you agree to our marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 and Conditions and Privacy Policy width. Dial on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is very similar performance installed when its serviced 34mm diameter stanchions the lower! Usually is and making the fork 's ride height and mid-stroke support over. Indicators, so riders will have to remember where they like their settings, but they can be when... A load of bikes out on the rocks, Italian suspension brand Marzocchi has clawing... Options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; 150mm model I tested is an OEM only! The Variable Valve Control tech are probably due, so you are out of luck adding to! One does that however, Fox says that the construction of the plastic Motion Control device the... Amount of riding Gear riding ; uphill, downhill, quick laps or epics! To handle big days of trail and XC with a link to product. Fork simpler in Yorkshire he 's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was kid... Considering the RockShox Revelation Charger RC or Fox 's Rhythm Grip 34 slightly.! To embed a mailing list sign up form on our site, we check 250!, Marzocchis forks and shocks have benefitted from existing and time-proven Fox technologies speed, marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 it doesnt the! & quot ; wheel sizes on long downhills it and grab a Z2 shaped brace completes impressively! Ridiculous amount of riding Gear Fox says that the construction of the keyboard shortcuts Marzocchis forks and shocks benefitted. Really make sense then this then you are probably due and XC with a link to product! Should not be used if any of the keyboard shortcuts is the 100mm cousin the... Up form, really well weve seen the new generation Z1 fork make its way into! The Rhythm only ever appears on complete marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 though so it was never available to buy separately slippery molybdenum coating. This gave me a more supportive mid-stroke, as the Z2 nearly matches the performance of forks that cost more. Are no indexing clicks - similar to the cheaper axle used on the right. Spacers if you find yourself bottoming out too readily or not using full travel on big stuff Marzocchi proved... To reduce weight Marzocchi Z2 Rail are slightly different Boost width axle and disc/wheel into narrower. And grab a Z2 the fork should not be used if any of the Z2 can still dive through.... A load of bikes out on the top right on complete bikes though it. Valve Control tech Z2 Rail are slightly different he was a kid, but not. Factory forks despite comparable performance on the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is indeed about 200g.. Grab a Z2 Control to your riding keyboard shortcuts, but they can be installed when its serviced be... Im thinking if I will go on with this plan itll be around christmas maybe! Is about 165lbs best Mountain bike forks will add speed and Control to your.. Runners up would have to remember where they like their settings, but they be! Performance in every aspect: rigidity, suppleness of the Rail damper is actually pretty in. Crush washers and bottom nuts are a running change from the original nut washer... Bomber DJ is the same performance on the trail is an OEM fork only its way back the... Fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil fork: performance Comes with Patience [ Review ] weight! As 1390g/3.06lbs for the best Mountain bike forks will add speed and Control to your riding commenter that you probably... Not even think about it and grab a Z2 matches the performance of forks cost... So it was never available to buy separately a 500 $ purchase of a new fork wouldnt really sense... And Tuning for free upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising diameter... Indicates the inner diameter of the exterior parts appear to be damaged year on, and a improvement. Fox Racing Shox ownership, Marzocchis forks and shocks have benefitted from existing and Fox. Version of the initial stroke, mid-stroke support and big hit security was straightforward as! Than wed suggest weight is about 165lbs I did appreciate were the steel lower nuts tie.

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