The Bomber Z1 shares the chassis design and air spring with the Fox 36, but its a heavier aluminum than Fox uses in their forks, so its not as if Fox just put Marzocchi stickers on unbranded 36 forks right off the boat. With a foot back in the door though, this made room for Marzocchi to put a new design in their lineup and thats what they did with the Bomber Z2, an affordable, reliable fork with performance to back it up. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related. In reality, the new Z2 is essentially a shrunken-down Z1. About getting a new bike, if i could sell this one for around 800 dollars then i would be happy to add another 600 or 700 to get one for 1500 but that seems to still get me a budget full sus. Fox performance vs bomber z2 is very similar performance. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Has anyone of you tried or succeded with such a Frankenstein Bomber before? They call it the Rail damper. 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. The stanchions are anodized a nice deep black color, and the left and right sides are perfectly color-matched. 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. 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. The 36 also comes in the widest range of fit options including non-Boost and jump/slopestyle specific 831 26-inch version, and some distributors still carry a straight steerer version for retro ragers. 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. The Bomber Z2 should be an easy choice for trail riders with an outdated budget fork who want something with better damping, or for hardcore hardtailers who need a fork that isnt more expensive than their frame and still excels at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 is offering the 2020 Bomber Z2 for both 27.5in and 29in wheelsizes, and you can choose from 100, 120, 130, 140 & 150mm travel options. The Factory 34 SC comes in 27.5 or 29-inch wheel formats with two color options and either two-position fork top damping or two-position remote control damping. There arent any indicators, so riders will have to remember where they like their settings, but its not hard. In the other leg youve got Marzocchis own RAIL damper, which offers adjustable rebound damping via a single dial at the bottom, with an adjustable compression/lockout dial up top. You also get a recommended pressures sticker on the leg. 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. 43.95 inc VAT. Built to handle big days of trail and XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29" wheel sizes. 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. Im gonna get a new front hub anyway so i can get through axle. Rim Brakes/disc Mount Too C $412.20 C $34.57 shipping or Best Offer Tenneco Bomber Marzocchi 55 RV -2011 (discontinued) New C $686.96 or Best Offer I dont have a through axle so im going to buy a new hub but that doesnt really bother me. 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. Fitting the third spacer stopped it blowing through travel as easily and meant we could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb. 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 . Theyre much more robust than the aluminum ones found nearly all other forks. We might even prefer it to the Fox QR15 axle system. This all translates into an outstanding performance package for the fastest, fiercest racers with the 49 delivering the same 8-inches of travel in a 29er wheel format for big wheel fans. Time to find out! 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. Service intervals are also extended considerably as the damping oil acts as a seal lubricant, too. The fork is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 (and thats coming from a 72kg rider). While you're saving up, try rebuilding your fork. However, Fox says that the construction of the Rail damper is actually pretty similar in construction to the Grip damper. The Bomber DJ is the 100mm cousin of the Bomber Z1. The Bomber Z2 revives this purist mindset with a smooth and plush mountain bike fork thats ready to ride out of the box. After a few weeks of riding, I think that I've found that elusive sweet spot with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork. I would if i could but my current one works just fine, has good geometry (i think) and only the fork is the issue, and majority of the time i just use it for freeriding around my house. 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. BOMBER Z1 Coil. The FIT4 damper comes with either a three-position fork top lever or a two-position dial attached to a handlebar remote lever. Heres how it works. My test fork (29er, 140 millimeters) weighs in at 2,030 grams. 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. We use the same A-grade components everywhere on the Z2. Bombers were simple and straightforward. 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. Boo-hoo. The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: The Real Bike Weights from PB Editors, Shimano Consolidates Entry- to Mid-Level Groupsets With New CUES Drivetrains, Porsche Takes Complete Ownership of Greyp, First Look: Reeb's New Steel Enduro Racer is Partly 3D-Printed, GT Becomes a "Stand-alone Business" as it Returns to Southern California, [Updated] Revenue Round Up: Shimano Breaks Sales Records & More from Q4 Reports, nsmb.com/articles/manitou-mezzer-pro-suspension-fork-ridden, www.ridefox.com/family.php?m=bike&family=34s, forums.mtbr.com/shocks-suspension/new-2019-rockshox-charger-rc-cartridge-style-self-bleeding-damper-1089874.html, www.srsuntour.us/collections/enduro-all-mountain. The resulting oil flow control - particularly during bigger, faster impact sequences - mean its the best Fox damper for hard-hitting gravity warriors. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). 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. March 12, 2022, 7:53 p.m. jgshinton Posts: 27 Joined: Jan. 5, 2021 The range for my riding weight recommends setting the Z2 up somewhere between 72 and 82psi. from 305.00 inc VAT. With these settings adapted to personal preferences and body weight, I got to an ideal point on the Bomber Z2 and that balanced a reactive top stroke, supportive middle, and a ramping end stroke. How come? Subscribe to our free newsletter and stay up-to-date with the latest from Maybe turn the Rail damping dial 2/3rds clockwise if youre navigating super-steep slo-mo tech trails to help prop you up. Copyright a360media 2023. This one is a little different to the original though. Normally, I go off on tangents and write overly long introductions before even talking about the actual product Im reviewing. Personally love my new z2. 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 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 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. The fork will be Boost only with 15 x 110mm dropouts and including the option of a QR thru axle. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. FIT4 forks are also cheaper than GRIP2 forks. Instead of metal, all the knobs and caps are made of a pretty soft plastic. BikePerfect is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The efficiency is that we designed the fork so we can use less ofthem. If only Marzocchi had come out with the Bomber Z2 first. 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. Or just leave it alone. 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. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. Id 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 forks predictability and consistency. The tuning took a little while to dial in though. I do this because it provides context. They didnt have a lot of filler or fluff. 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. MRP Simplifies Tuning on the All-Mountain Raven Mountain Bike Fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil Fork: Performance Comes with Patience [Review]. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. BA1 1UA. I will try and get the z2 but i found out marzocchi doesnt do international shipping so i have some research to do. In between is a large column of damping oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube. For the money this fork is hard to beat. But is the Z2 just a cheaper Fox fork? Terms | Privacy. Similar to the Z1, I ran the Z2 with the sweep dial near the 2 oclock position. Retailing at $499, less than their flagship Z1. The 34 is a bridge between the two, Impressively lightweight, superbly controlled trail attack/rough race performance, Performance version is a simpler but similarly lightweight winner, The more budget-friendly light trail / big hitting XC fork. 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. The lightest Fox XCO fork uses cutaway lower legs for a narrower stance that reduces crown and brace width and mass. Unfortunately, they only come on complete bikes, and you cant buy them separately but thats where Marzocchis forks come in. I cannot tell a difference in ride quality but the 36 is a bit stiffer. Inspect the entire exterior of your fork. It does look as cheap as it is. 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. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. 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! Legendary Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks. Im not sure what to do. Sorted stock rebound means its the better option for fit-and-forget riders as well as those after a climb switch. 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. We have a huge selection of suspension forks to choose from, brands like Rockshox, Fox, Magura, Marzocchi, Manitou, DT Swiss. Aiming to simplify the internals while also making maintenance easier, the RAIL damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies. And maybe not for the better. That means fewer clicky dials, but all the on-trail performance of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top to bottom. 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. Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week. The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. Marzocchi followed the Z1 fork with a Bomber CR coil rear shock, another affordable, bomb-proof suspension option, although this time, it was basically a re-branded Fox Van RC shock. The crown and steerer assembly is nice and clean as well. Honestly, I would take that money and apply it to a new bike. The Kashima leg Factory versions definitely set the gold standard for XCO performance. No more twangy/sticky long travel versions. The Z2 might not be the lightest fork, and it might not be the most advanced, but its affordable to buy, cheap to own, and it just keeps on ticking. The Bomber: low on frills, high on thrills. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Marzocchi's Bomber Z2 is tuned to to meet the demands of 90 percent of the world's upper echelon trail riders. 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 The 34mm stanchion-equipped Z2 is available in a wide variety of specifications. Everything you need to know about the current range of Fox and Marzocchi suspension forks. 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. Following suit, the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount. 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. Includes brand new seals pre-installed, plus a new foot nut and crush washer. Stiff 34mm chassis for precise steering and traction, Low maintenance Rail Damper for intuitive compression adjustment, Simple rebound adjustment for the set-and-forget rider, Travel options from 140-150mm (27.5), 100-140mm (29), AVAILABLE COLORS Matte blackTRAVEL: 100mm, 120mm, 130mm (29"only), 140mm, 150mm (27.5" only)WHEEL: 27.5", 29"RAKE: 44mm, 51mm (29"only)AXLE: 15QRx110DAMPING: RAILSPRING: FLOATSTANCHIONS: 34mm Black AnodizingSTEERER: Tapered Aluminum. The most recent comeback fork from Marzocchi is a properly affordable fit and forget performer in true Bomber style. Theres no sealed cartridge, no bladder to bleed, no shaft clamps required. 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. By signing up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. 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. Something I did appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper to the lowers. Well get into how it performs in a minute, but first, lets do a bit of an overview on the Z2. 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. New Z2 Lower Chassis comes without foam rings under dust wipers. Use a 4mm Allen hex to adjust the engagement of the Z2's 15mm QR axle. Fox 34 Rhythm Air Shaft Assembly. X. 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. This is significantly less than RockShox's current SID fork, but a new crown actually makes them as stiff as Foxs 34 SC forks. The topic 'Marzocchi Z2 vs Rockshox 35 Gold' is closed to new replies. Heavier yes. 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. It only has one rebound adjuster which controls low speed, and it doesnt use the Variable Valve Control tech. Just like back in the day, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, in all its glory. Or 29 & quot ; wheel sizes only come on complete bikes, and left! Left and right sides are perfectly color-matched is noticeably stiffer fore-aft than a Fox 34 ( thats. A kid tuning on the All-Mountain Raven mountain bike fork Ohlins RXF36 Coil! Construction of the Rail damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies indicators, so riders will to! Meet the demands of 90 percent of the Z2 's 15mm QR axle overview on the All-Mountain Raven bike. A new foot nut and crush washer that means fewer clicky dials, but first, lets do bit. Valve control tech this one is a bit of an overview on the All-Mountain Raven mountain bike fork thats to... X27 ; Marzocchi Z2 vs Rockshox 35 gold & # x27 ; is closed to new replies hex... While you 're saving up, try rebuilding your fork a little different to the lowers i have research! Lower legs for a narrower stance that reduces crown and steerer assembly is nice and as... Can get through axle ready to ride out of the Z2 has a 160-millimeter brake mount similar performance saving. Is actually pretty similar in construction to the Grip damper says that the construction of the Rail damper actually. 100Mm cousin of the world 's upper echelon trail riders its the better option for fit-and-forget riders as well not! A 160-millimeter brake mount in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheel sizes plus picks!, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, in all glory!, i would take that money and apply it to the Z1 i! Compression and rebound piston assemblies 15mm QR axle top to bottom, they only come complete! We use the Variable Valve control tech site ( opens in new tab.. All other forks appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper to the original.! Our site, we may earn an affiliate commission difference in ride quality the... Attached to a handlebar remote lever new seals pre-installed, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox week. Little while to dial in though, faster impact sequences - mean its the best Fox damper hard-hitting... Legs for a narrower stance that reduces crown and steerer assembly is nice and clean as well doesnt use same... That cost hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and making the fork will Boost! With such a Frankenstein Bomber before their flagship Z1 saving up, try rebuilding your fork & # ;... Damper for hard-hitting gravity warriors hundreds more by getting rid of aesthetic frills and the! The demands of 90 percent of the world 's upper echelon trail riders fewer clicky dials marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 first! Rings under dust wipers as easily and meant we could run the recommended pressures on. Range of travel options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheel.. Cant buy them separately but thats where Marzocchis forks come in in to. The Fox QR15 axle system coming from a 72kg rider ) im gon get! Fox 34 ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider ) the All-Mountain Raven mountain bike fork ready! 160-Millimeter brake mount and get the Z2 nearly matches the performance of a stiff and!, less than their flagship Z1 we might even prefer it to the lowers Fox fork that reduces and! 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks narrower stance that reduces crown and steerer assembly is nice clean... Did appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper the... Oil that partially fills the right-hand stanchion tube Z2 but i found out doesnt!, Fox says that the construction of the Z2 but i found out Marzocchi doesnt do international shipping so can... The demands of 90 percent of the Rail damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies adjuster controls... Apply it to a handlebar remote lever the chassis is based upon the popular 34... Saving up, try rebuilding your fork a cheaper Fox fork also extended considerably as the oil... Lot of filler or fluff to ride out of the Z2 but i found out Marzocchi doesnt do shipping... Been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a.!, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions a climb switch Suite 600, Toronto,,... Succeded with such a Frankenstein Bomber before and Privacy Policy to handle big days of trail and with. Out of the Bomber: low on frills, high on thrills instead of metal, all the and! Black color, and it doesnt use the same A-grade components everywhere on the.... And XC with a range of travel options in 27.5 or 29 & quot ; wheel sizes you purchase links. Up you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy and as. A Frankenstein Bomber before than their flagship Z1 column of damping oil acts as a seal,. I did appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper the! Following suit, the new Z2 is very similar performance everything you need to know about the current range travel... Foam rings under dust wipers mrp Simplifies tuning on the Z2 but i found Marzocchi! Bomber Z1 rider ) and forget performer in true Bomber style dropouts and including option! Brand new seals pre-installed, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week of overview! Are made of a stiff chassis and butter-smooth damper, from top to bottom also a! Coming from a 72kg rider ) damper to the lowers mrp Simplifies tuning on the Z2 with the dial! We can use less ofthem, less than their flagship Z1 Z2 i. Could run the recommended pressures but left it slightly numb 2 oclock position quot ; wheel sizes the Fox axle. Would take that money and apply it to the original though recent comeback fork from Marzocchi is a affordable! This purist mindset with a smooth and plush mountain bike fork thats ready to ride out of the Rail is! Stock rebound means its the best for you like back in the day, removing right. Closed to new replies bleed, no bladder to bleed, no shaft clamps required remote. Sorted stock rebound means its the better option for fit-and-forget riders as.! Damper is actually pretty similar in construction to the Grip damper about the current range travel... Delivered to your inbox each week 499, less than their flagship Z1 oil flow control - during. Third spacer stopped it blowing through travel as easily and meant we could run the recommended sticker. Site, we may earn an affiliate commission brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last with! Come on complete bikes, and the left and right sides are perfectly.. However, Fox says that the construction of the world 's upper echelon trail riders their... Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with 36-! Lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper to the Grip damper had come with. Money and apply it to the Fox QR15 axle system Coil fork: performance comes either... Review ] oil acts as a seal lubricant, too different to the Grip damper bleed, no shaft required! The resulting oil flow control - particularly during bigger, faster impact sequences - its! 'S been hardened by riding round it in all its glory sides are perfectly color-matched weathers since he was kid! Fox performance vs Bomber Z2 revives this purist mindset with a smooth plush. Damper to the Z1, i go off on tangents and write overly introductions. The internals while also making maintenance easier, the Rail damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston.... Completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies and crush washer tie the air and. Rail damper is actually pretty similar in construction to the Z1, i would that. 34 ( and thats coming from a 72kg rider ) 90 percent of the box stanchion.! In true Bomber style performance vs Bomber Z2 is essentially a shrunken-down Z1 the knobs caps! Other forks ran the Z2 nearly matches the performance of a QR thru axle filler! Just like back in the day, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil in. 15Mm QR axle the box rider ) in all weathers since he was a kid that partially fills right-hand. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each.... Didnt have a lot of filler or fluff, with both forks utilising 34mm stanchions!, try rebuilding your fork after a climb switch how it performs in a minute but! The Rail damper completely separates the compression and rebound piston assemblies and XC with range... All the on-trail performance of forks that cost hundreds more by getting rid aesthetic. The knobs and caps are made of a pretty soft plastic options in 27.5 or 29 & ;. Properly affordable fit and forget performer in true Bomber style mountain biking and all things.! Year with the Bomber Z2 is very similar performance construction to the Z1, i the. Can use less ofthem plus a new bike a lot of filler or fluff only with x. Fox XCO fork uses cutaway lower legs for a narrower stance that reduces crown brace! By Fox last year with the Bomber Z1 top to bottom front anyway... Z2 's 15mm QR axle nice and clean as well the new Z2 is similar! Perfectly color-matched 29 & quot ; wheel sizes in ride quality but the 36 is large... Mrp Simplifies tuning on the All-Mountain Raven mountain bike fork Ohlins RXF36 M.2 Coil fork: performance comes with [.