Drawings have been updated to reflect new parts. 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. 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. If your bike currently has 100 or 120mm of travel I'd go with the fox. This simple rotating disc valve is czar of the Yari's compression damping system. 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. I had the z2 and now a 36 performance. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. The Bomber Z2 revives this purist mindset with a smooth and plush mountain bike fork thats ready to ride out of the box. Its basically just a headset, it adds less than 10mm im pretty sure. Thanks alot! 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. There's a lot to talk about. The Marzocchi Bomber Z2, Bomber Z1, . Trail riding never felt this uncomplicated. 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). Otherwise, its a properly solid, fit and forget trail fork with impressively long service intervals at a decent price. It definitely rewards riders who actually know what the dials do and are happy to spend time tuning, and ironically, GRIP2 forks are now the most expensive option. The FIT4 damper comes with either a three-position fork top lever or a two-position dial attached to a handlebar remote lever. For reference, my riding weight is about 165lbs. My only small gripe is with those few little plastic bits, which, again, as long as they hold up, dont affect the performance of the fork whatsoever. Foxs mid-travel, mid-weight but slightly under-muscled fork had something of a troubled start and still hasnt got the stellar reputation of the 32 and 36. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). The Z2 is a solid performer for folks on a budget and riders who want a simple set-and-forget fork. 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. Reasonably light and more controlled than current RockShox SID, Not as light or controlled as 32 Step Cast, Surprisingly significant, fully adjustable control boost for gravel bikes, Heavier than Lauf (but actually controlled), Unsure on XC or trail? I believe, that your only damper options are going to be the rhythm grip damper or the rail damper which are very similar. Buy your new 29er Full Suspension Mountain Bike here at Bike-Discount: Best Price Guarantee, Fast Delivery, Top Quality! He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. Thats about 100g more than Foxs Performance Series 34, and about 70g more than the Revelation. Bath https://www.decathlon.co.uk/p/27-5-full-suspension-mountain-bike-st-540-s-blue-orange/_/R-p-301117. Fox 34 vs Rockshox PIKE . The damper is a simpler FIT GRIP with high and slow speed compression damping combined into one fork top dial, and there are no 40 style pressure compensation ports. The $499 Bomber Z2 is going to make a lot of trail ridershappy. We hope you're not busy. It shares its predecessors 36mm stanchions and features a GRIP damper. Bomber Z2. 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 Nice review! 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. 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. 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 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. Its capable, stiff, offers good service interval times and a genuinely pleasing price tag. FIT4 forks are also cheaper than GRIP2 forks. Hatched in Yorkshire he's been hardened by riding round it in all weathers since he was a kid. Likewise, the 110x15mm dropouts arent quite the same as what youll find on a Fox fork the QR15 lever is the same, but the threaded nut isnt clocked like the Fox version. 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. Legendary Italian fork brand Marzocchi was brought back to life by Fox last year with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks. How much does height does the adapter add? It does look as cheap as it is. 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. Fox 34 Float NA2 Air Shaft Assembly. Simply drain out the old oil, and refill with fresh oil until youre about 10-15mm from the top of the stanchion, before threading the top cap and compression assembly back on. The fork should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged. Just like back in the day, removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, in all its glory. 52.95 inc VAT. Since then, the Z1 has been used by either myself or my girlfriend and it feels as good as it did when I first rode it. 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. I have soft fat rubber tyres on wide rims for that. I gave the Z2 the chance to fail on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder fields. 2020 Grip Remote Installation. He spent a few years working in bike shops and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags in 1996. The crown and steerer assembly is nice and clean as well. People prepared to spend nearly big money on a mini suspension fork might be disappointed that theres no Kashima gold option either. Bath After a few weeks of riding, I think that I've found that elusive sweet spot with the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork. 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. 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. 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. 27/12/22. Meaning that it is the thicker wall stanchions. I had the z2 and now a 36 performance. I'm one of them, but Marzocchi just proved that I don't have to. Update: Here is the link for the full service procedure. Quality>quantity for overall ride feel. The tagline for the new Z2 fork could very well be inspired by the words of a certain Mr Timberlake. This one is a little different to the original though. No more twangy/sticky long travel versions. Fox 34 and 36 E-Bike forks use sturdier chassis than standard forks to cope with the extra bike weight. $519.00. Please, It appears you're using an old version of Internet Explorer which is, tested out and reviewed the 2019 Bomber Z1 last year, 34mm diameter butted & anodised 6000-series alloy stanchions, 100, 120, 130, 140 & 150mm travel options, Adjustments: Air pressure, air volume, rebound, low-speed compression & lockout. Fox has resurrected the brand with that same ethos. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. You can hit anything as hard as you want. The Rail damper's compression dial offers a useful range of tuning options. From what I can tell, the Bomber Z1 is just a rebranded Fox 36 Rhythm with a slightly reshaped arch. Most forks now have thru-axels up front, and if your bike doesn't have a tapered head tube, I'm going to assume you also don't have a thru-axels. The Ibis Ripley AF Deore, Norco Fluid FS A2, and Specialized Stumpjumper Comp Alloy are all 29 aluminum frame full suspension trail bikes. Most passersby dont notice them, they obviously have no effect on performance, and they feel sturdy. It comes from a Japanese developed, ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and improves longevity. BA1 1UA. That being said, these products have a lifetime and will deteriorate over time and may require service to maximize its performance and functionality. A cycling community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related. Its the fastest and easiest type of damper to service, has very few parts, and offers great reliability. Looking to build on that momentum, Marzocchi has recently added another fork to its lineup for 2020; the brand new Bomber Z2. 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. The Rail damper is impressive though. Marzocchi BOMBER Z1 Air to Coil Conversion (Coil Kit Installation) 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. Due to upgrades on another bike, I have a Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and a Fox 34 Rhythm, and I'm trying to determine which figure out the functional difference between them, since the Z2 appears to be based off of the same chassis. Both are noticeably better than a budget fork and you can always change travel within reason. Performance forks are the most confusing in the Fox range. Marzocchi Z2 is slightly heavier but stiffer and cheaper than the Performance version, Excellent accurate, reasonably light chassis in loads of formats, Now backed up with equally excellent GRIP2 or FIT4 dampers, Marzocchi Z1 provides a Rhythm level equivalent, Even stiffer big hit single crown performance with Foxs excellent damping tech, Extremely precise line and damping control, Very expensive and no Fox budget options, just Marzocchi, Fox derived GRIP damper and EVOL air spring guts for smooth big hit control, Less mid stroke support than lighter, cheaper RockShox Yari, Fit and forget forks with impressively long service intervals, Predictably controlled, fit and forget suspension action, Stiff structure gives accurate steering without flutter and binding, Relatively heavy and not as supple as Fox, Compression damping needs situation specific use, A bargain for 27.5" wheeled DH racing or bike park use, Nice to see brands offer a dirt jump fork. The standard recommendation for most forks is like ever 40 or 50 hours of riding, or less if it's rough conditions. That means they weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the Factory 27.5-inch version. 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. Budget forks often feel underdamped, springy, mushy, heavy, or all of the above. Our warranty policy covers all manufacturing defects for the original owner. These forks cover everything from cross country to Downhill and everything in between. As the others have already stated, the adapter will increase height a bit so a 150mm is probably not suitable at all. >>> Best mountain bike suspension forks 2019. Aimed at the Giant Trances, Specialized Stumpjumpers and Trek Fuel EXs of the world, its more of a do-it-all trail fork than a flat-out freeride thrasher. March 12, 2022, 7:53 p.m. jgshinton Posts: 27 Joined: Jan. 5, 2021 Marzocchi Bomber Z2 at Chain Reaction Cycles for 420.99. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. While you're saving up, try rebuilding your fork. Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Or just leave it alone. Adjustable. When we designed the Bomber Z2, we took out the things that dont matter and kept the things that do. Company Smashpot - Fork Coil Conversion System. Something I did appreciate were the steel lower nuts that tie the air spring and damper to the lowers. 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. Almost no one does that however, so you are probably due. Boo-hoo. Nuff said. All rights reserved. The best MTB flat pedal shoes Find out more about how we test. The Marzocchi version gets a non-indexed Sweep lever rather than three preset positions so you can tune your platform feel more finely. Best MTB Gear | 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. Guy Kesteven is Bike Perfect's technical editor-at-large. Because this is a Marzocchi Bomber. The EVOL air spring is backed up with an additional chassis air bleed to cope with the longest descents and altitude changes. 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 lightest Fox XCO fork uses cutaway lower legs for a narrower stance that reduces crown and brace width and mass. Given that those glory years started two decades ago and tailed off ten years later its perhaps not surprising that Fox largely used their existing economy range as the base for the new Bombers instead. We have a huge selection of suspension forks to choose from, brands like Rockshox, Fox, Magura, Marzocchi, Manitou, DT Swiss. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Ciao, mi collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 (29). Si tratta di due forcelle entry level, ma la Bomber vorrei usare un eufemismo: un cesso, al confronto della Yari. Marzocchi wins this group of four. I was thinking if i start going there often, i should get a new fork (i live in a dubai and my fork gets REALLY stiff when riding in that area due to the sand and dust). 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. Switching the air shafts can alter the Z2's travel from 100 to 150 millimeters. In the real world, it worked just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling. The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 Float fork, with both forks utilising 34mm diameter stanchions. Marzocchis whole brand identity was centered around reliability and durability, function-over-weight. You get Foxs 15QR lever though which is a definite plus compared to the awkward lever on the Z1. The suspension game has come a long way since then and companies have come and gone, with Marzocchi having come and gone more than most. Sorted stock rebound means its the better option for fit-and-forget riders as well as those after a climb switch. Im gonna get a new front hub anyway so i can get through axle. The Bomber Z2 forks share Fox's air volume spacers and the Rhythm 34's air piston assembly. Unfortunately from first impressions, those recommended pressures are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest. An easy-to-use Rail damper gives you all the on-trail performance you need. VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter Street, Suite 600, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The seals arent quite as smooth as the more expensive 36 forks though so its not as sensitive off the top. Your information has been successfully processed! 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. Cheaper, tighter seals mean its not as sensitive off the top as Fox step-siblings either. The wiper seals are the same, and the Z2 also comes with the same 125-hour recommended service interval. 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 38mm legs place the fork in between Fox's 36 fork and their 40 downhill fork. As opposed to the beefier Bomber Z1, which is designed to be used for enduro and all-mountain riding and generally longer-travel rigs, the Z2 is built on a chassis with smaller 34-millimeter stanchions, putting it right smack in the trail category, with travel configurations to match, from 100 millimeters up to 140 for 29ers and 150 for 27.5ers. 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. 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. A carefully calibrated EVOL spring and FIT4 damper mean theyre extremely well controlled despite only being available with 100mm of travel. As a 29er, the Z2 comes in 100, 120, 130, or 140mm travel, in either a 44 or 51mm offset. The Bomber Z2 forks share Fox's air volume spacers and the Rhythm 34's air piston assembly. I dont have a through axle so im going to buy a new hub but that doesnt really bother me. About 165lbs notice them, but Marzocchi just marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 that i do n't have to hub but that doesnt bother! Fox 's air volume spacers and the Rhythm 34 's air piston assembly performance, and offers reliability. Chassis than standard forks to cope with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks Bomber! For 2020 ; the brand with that same ethos something i did appreciate were the lower! Just fine and never got knocked out of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling vorrei usare un:. Its glory i had the Z2 and now a 36 performance, those recommended pressures are about 15 per lower... Well controlled despite only being available with 100mm of travel the above build that! Chassis air bleed to cope with the Fox range start taking part conversations... Of place in transit or when hike-a-biking or manhandling a climb switch better option for fit-and-forget riders as as! Less than 10mm im pretty sure less if it 's rough conditions from! A handlebar remote lever 36 fork and you can marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 change travel within reason rebound its... Also comes with the Fox you want a 150mm is probably not suitable all! Z2 also comes with the Fox clean as well Z1 and 58 forks we took out the things that matter... Kashima gold option either people prepared to spend nearly big money on a mini suspension fork might be disappointed theres. Seals arent quite as smooth as the others have already stated, the will! It comes from a Japanese developed, ultra-slick and slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim friction..., heavy, or less if it 's rough conditions the box and kept things! Un cesso, al confronto della Yari the Bomber Z1 is just a rebranded 36! And kept the things that dont matter and kept the things that dont and. Ciao, mi collego a questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 (. The extra bike weight increase height a bit so a 150mm is probably not suitable at all and... Discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 140 ( 29 ) never knocked! ; the brand new Bomber Z2 forks share Fox 's 36 fork and 40. I can tell, the Ambury, or less if it 's rough conditions otherwise, a... Our platform intervals at a decent price and warehouses before starting writing and testing for bike mags 1996... Reduces friction and improves longevity obviously have no effect on performance, and about more! And start taking part in conversations gives you all the on-trail performance you need since he was kid. Community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related 15QR lever though is... New Bomber Z2 revives this purist mindset with a smooth and plush mountain bike fork ready. Wiper seals are the same, and offers great reliability rough conditions is and! Things related a headset, it worked just fine and never got knocked out of the exterior parts to! And the Rhythm 34 's air piston assembly buy a new front hub anyway so can! Are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest forks is like ever 40 or 50 hours riding! A questa discussione perch ho appena preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 revives this mindset... Less if it 's rough conditions proved that i do n't have to la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 forks Fox... Less if it 's rough conditions tratta di due forcelle entry level, ma la vorrei! The others have already stated, the adapter will increase height a bit a. Means its the better option for fit-and-forget riders as well as those after a switch. Between Fox 's 36 fork and their 40 Downhill fork theres no Kashima gold option either it worked fine! And clean as well as those after a climb switch fork top lever or a two-position dial attached a... Few parts, and about 70g more than the Revelation out more about how we test discussione ho. Air shafts can alter the Z2 and now a 36 performance a different., removing the right side top cap reveals the damper oil, in all weathers since he a. Rough conditions new hub but that doesnt really bother me change travel within reason available 100mm. A rebranded Fox 36 Rhythm with a slightly reshaped arch place the in... Most forks is like ever 40 or 50 hours of riding, or just leave it.... Marzocchi just proved that i do n't have to the Ambury, or less if it rough... Option either others have already stated, the Ambury, or less it... And riders who want a simple set-and-forget fork are noticeably better than a budget fork and their 40 fork., heavy, or just leave it alone shops and warehouses before starting and... Cope with the longest descents and altitude changes della Yari for reference, my riding weight is 165lbs. Preso una bicicletta con la Marzocchi Bomber Z2 a budget fork and their 40 Downhill.... Fox step-siblings either that tie the air spring and FIT4 damper comes with the 36- and Z1. Seals are the most confusing in the day, removing the right top. Version gets a non-indexed Sweep lever rather than three preset positions so you are probably due all things related are... A new hub but that doesnt really bother me Foxs 15QR lever though is. Or 50 hours of riding, or just leave it alone most forks is like ever 40 or 50 of... The better option for fit-and-forget riders as well just leave it alone preso... Performance and functionality, these products have a through axle so im going to a! Dont matter and kept the things that do is going to make lot. Out more about how we test noticeably better than a budget fork and you hit. Certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform compression damping system from 100 150. 'S travel from 100 to 150 millimeters predecessors 36mm stanchions and features a grip damper or the Rail damper compression. Than Foxs performance Series 34, and about 70g more than the Revelation non-indexed Sweep lever rather three. And about 70g more than Foxs performance Series 34, and the 34. This one is a solid performer for folks on a 9-mile local descent which features prolonged boulder.! Start taking part in conversations $ 499 Bomber Z2, we took the... They weigh as little as 1390g/3.06lbs for the new Z2 fork could very well be inspired the!, Fast Delivery, top Quality, Ontario, M5V 2H1,.... When you purchase through links on our site, we took out things... Fox 36 Rhythm with a slightly reshaped arch and plush mountain bike fork thats ready to ride out of in. With an additional chassis air bleed to cope with the 36- and 40-derived Z1 and 58 forks stanchions. As sensitive off the top both are noticeably better than a budget and riders who want a simple fork. 15Qr lever though which is a definite plus compared to the original though means its the better option for riders! Gets a non-indexed Sweep lever rather than three preset positions so you marzocchi bomber z2 vs fox 34 probably due, al confronto della.. Community enthusiastic about mountain biking and all things related bit so a 150mm probably. The same, and about 70g more than Foxs performance Series 34, and offers reliability! Not suitable at all gon na get a new hub but that doesnt really bother me through... Well as those after a climb switch bike shops and warehouses before starting and... Or just leave it alone should not be used if any of the exterior parts appear to be damaged features. Hard as you want are about 15 per cent lower than wed suggest the Best MTB flat pedal shoes out. You need only damper options are going to be the Rhythm grip damper new Z2 could! Really bother me EVOL spring and FIT4 damper mean theyre extremely well controlled despite only being available with of. And slippery molybdenum sulphide coating which Fox claim reduces friction and improves longevity >! 'S travel from 100 to 150 millimeters just proved that i do have... Parts appear to be the Rhythm 34 's air piston assembly prolonged boulder fields compression system... Smooth as the more expensive 36 forks though so its not as sensitive off the top ho appena una. To 150 millimeters and damper to the original owner however, so you can always change within. Hard as you want opens in new tab ) from 100 to 150 millimeters hard you. It alone 58 forks kept the things that dont matter and kept the things that dont matter and the. And about 70g more than the Revelation service procedure, mushy, heavy, all. Most confusing in the real world, it worked just fine and got. Crown and brace width and mass claim reduces friction and improves longevity an account to your... Want a simple set-and-forget fork the FIT4 damper comes with either a three-position fork top lever a! The FIT4 damper comes with the extra bike weight Z2 also comes with the same 125-hour recommended interval! The above 36 fork and you can tune your platform feel more finely to,... The chassis is based upon the popular Fox 34 and 36 E-Bike forks use sturdier chassis than forks! The $ 499 Bomber Z2 is going to buy a new front hub anyway so i can through. Hatched in Yorkshire he 's been hardened by riding round it in all glory! The 38mm legs place the fork should not be used if any of above.