DSC Explains Those Confusing Marzocchi Terms

Open Oil Flow

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"Pumping rods are immersed in oil (Open Bath System). This system provides proper lubrication and cooling of the inner sliding parts. Furthermore, the oil volume works as a damping and setting element. The Open Bath system reduces the maintenance frequency compared to a sealed cartridge system."

What this means to the consumer is that Marzozzhi has stayed true to their original designs since 1949 when they first began engineering their own suspension designs. This hardly means that they are outdated (despite what Fox lovers will argue) as they constantly tune and re-tune the cartridges almost EVERY year. Did Fox change a thing internally from the 2005 to the 2006 forks? Not really, but Marzocchi did in most models. The changes themselves are not drastic, but then again, it is the subtleties that make the fork reactive more lively.

The open bath system also means though that your Marzocchi will come a little "sticky" out of the box. The seals come dry, ready to be broken in with some good hard riding before you get that Marzocchi super plushness. In many ways that is a good reason to buy a Marzocchi, new or used, because they get better with time. Be a little patient, allowing between 10-15 solid rides before your Marzocchi starts acting like you hoped it would, and then you'll be blown away when 9 months down the road it surpasses your expectations as a fork that is stiction free with an amazing feel to it!

SSV (Sspeed Sensitive Vavle)

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"_______________." In other words, nothing.

This damping system has been a staple of Marzocchi for several years. It acted as a "pedaling platform" long before the term ever even existed. The concept behind this technology stems from the desire to keep a suspension fork relatively static throughout the duration of a climb, in order to resist the annoying transfer of pedal power into suspension "bob." A speed sensitive valve remains closed until a compressional force is fast enough to open the valve, at which point the fork goes plush. Strong force alone is not enough to allow the suspension to compress, it must also be accompanied by speed. This separates your pedaling (a relatively slow force) from the trail at high speeds when you want your suspension to be fully active (fast force by comparison).
If your SSV fork doesn't seem all that plush while you're pedaling, then it's working. But I have found that SSV suspension forks particularly excel at tracking (keeping the wheel firmly on the ground). In my experience with my MX Pro ETA, the fork tracks extremely well for superb handling, especially when cornering through the roughest terrain when both traction and steering are vital. I have been extremely impressed with these forks, especially when you consider the price points that they represent.

Dual Air Damping

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"The DOPPIO AIR system is provided with three independent air chambers, allowing customization of settings according to the rider’s needs."

Stout heavy-weight Marzocchi suspension fork meets light weight air fork. This is an interesting balance between adjustability and light weight features that make for some seriously tunable forks. I strongly recommend that you read the DSC article titled Marzocchi's Doppio Air System for a better understanding and description.

Terrain Selection Technology

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"This is our very own on-the-fly compression dampening adjustment. Select between 5 modes depending on where you’re at on your favorite trail. from climbing to descending, it’s as simple as toggling the switch to fine tune your fork as you ride."

The latest and greatest (actually true this time!) in tunable suspension damping cartridges. This is my personally favorite damping system simply because it is SO versatile. Climbing, descending, rocky, smooth, single track, whatever it is that you do, there is a perfect setting for you just waiting to be tapped into. I strongly recommend that you read the DSC article Marzocchi's TST Damping System in order to gain the most accurate understanding of this incredible invention. This is the most tunable damping system that I have come across thus far.

Dual Compression Adjust

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"The new RC2 damping gives the rider increased trail tunability. It features two separate compression adjustments to tune both position and speed sensitivity. Position sensitive compression can be tuned to give the rider anti-dive tuning. The speed sensitive compression valve gives the rider complete control for bigger drops and hard landings. It allows the rider to tune their fork for all conditions. RC2 damping will be available in 888, 66, Z.1 and Z.1 Light fork models."

Dual Compression Adjust Plus

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"Each rider can adjust the spring preload and the air volume of the new 888 RC2X by simply turning 2 red knobs. By increasing preload the air volume is reduced, and the rider can have more progressivity without the need to open the fork or to put stiffer springs."

External Travel Adjustment

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"As you climb, simply flick a switch and the suspension will compress to the ideal height (depending on the riders weight). However, unlike a lock out mechanism, you’ll still have 30mm of travel to soak up some of the rough stuff. Truly having your cake and eating it too!"

This is essentially a lock-down feature that does not completely lockout, always leaving about 30mm of travel, regardless of how high or how low the fork sits in its travel. There is no set travel length or ride height, how low the fork is compressed is completely up to. Simply lean over the bars and shove the fork down as far as you can to get it REALLY low. I can get my All Mountain 1 ETA down to around 60mm for a really steep climb. For the best understanding, please read Marzocchi's ETA.

Travel Adjustment System

Here's what Marzocchi's website has to say about this feature:
"____________." Looks like nothing, again.