Marzocchi 66: Burly Coilness

Perhaps the fastest growing line of forks in terms of popularity and options has got to be the 66 line. With last year's introduction of the 66 line came ENORMOUS success for Marzocchi with their venture into the new realm of what I cal "single crown insanity." That is to say that this single crown fork can easily do what many dual crown forks should not attempt.
Most riders understand that these are the single crown cousins to the massive 888 fork line. With that genetic relationship comes high expectations, yet the 66 continues to surpass them cleanly, without a struggle. The one area that I think many riders misread about the 66 is that it makes the perfect freeride fork, at ANY any degree of level or aggressiveness. On that note, I strongly encourage most riders to first consider the Z1 FR series of forks, which offers a much lighter front end for better handling and plenty of stiffness. In my opinion, a decent percentage of 66 riders could have (or should have) actually decided upon a Z1 FR fork instead of going all the way up to a 66, IF they were supplied with a more accurate perspective.
One of the reasons that riders obtain an inaccurate understanding of this fork is due to the saturated nature of reviews and comparisons that this fork receives. For example, Mountain Bike Action, in my humble opinion, did a great disservice to the FR community when they published a comprehensive comparison between 3 "equivalent" forks: Fox 36 TALAS RC2; Manitou Nixon Elite & the 66 RC. From my view point, none of these forks are comparable to each other. The Nixon series is most closely related to the All Mountain series (perhaps capable of light freeride), the Fox 36 most closely associated with the Z1 FR series (AM - Moderate FR)and the 66 stands alone as the one extreme freeride fork. A rider looking at purchasing the Fox 36 should not immediately consider the 66 as the most comparable fork.

intestinal parasites in humans

With that said, I will not get off my soap box and try not to preach any more against riding the 66 when other options should be considered more appropriate.

For those of who should be considering the 66, you are also probably considering at least one dual crown (unless you're set against having a dual crown for general reasons). Here's just some nice background insights into the Marzocchi 66 forks:

• Heavy single crown forks
• Utilize Marzocchi's heaviest spring kit (except the 66 SL)
• Sweet buttery Marzocchi "coilness" (a word I made up)
• Capable of 25 foot drops
• One serious, extreme freeride fork - not always the best choice for standard or traditional freeride
• Several to choose from, so get the one that is best for you (don't worry about what "everyone else" is getting)

Now let's take an upclose look at the 66 chassis. Keep in mind that Marzocchi has had so much success with these designs that they have now been incorporated into the All Mountain, Marathon and MX fork lines:

No other fork manufacturer demonstrates the same intense level of emphasis on the fork crown. I refer to it as "crown emphasis." The new lower profile crown positions the stanchions more in direct line with the steerer, instead of further in front of the steerer. This makes the fork more laterally stiff because the design is more horizontally focused from east to west, so to speak. With those changes the over all ride height of the 66 forks has been reduced dramatically by 30mm. In other words, in comparison to the 2005 66 150mm chassis, the 2006 170mm chassis offers 10mm less ride height, despite providing 20mm more travel. Increasing the stiffness of the fork is not something that I could have expected to improve, but then again that's why Marzocchi is a leader.

For myself, the 66 arch is a thing of beauty, where innovative engineering refuses to meet art half way in compromise, but somehow still manages to look sick, vicious, or whatever other term you want to apply to it. The fact is though, that this is perhaps the most important factor to the 66 fork success. The arch is integrated into the sliders (lower legs) in such a way that it is impossible not to notice. The distinctive line suggests how vital lateral continuity is not just important when under horizontal forces are being applied, but also when both legs are enduring impressive amounts of vertical stress. With the lowest arch in the industry (and who can argue that this doesn't translate into the the strongest/stiffest arch), these legs act together when force is applied from any angle. The arch just looks so intrusive: it HAS TO BE INCREDIBLY STRONG!

Continuing on the intrusive nature of the 66 arch, comes the 20mm thru-axle barreling its way down, twisting from a lateral position, to a vertically defiant postion. Unyielding to the 1,000's of pounds of pressure that you will inevitably throw at a fork of this grotesque a nature, you will not have to wonder at this marvel because you can visualize how each piece of the 66 chassis joins your own rebellious assault against the mountain. Thru-axles like this just shouldn't need to exit - but it does. I guess we humans just cannot get away from all those skull-cracking activities no matter how perilous the danger is.

2006 MARZOCCHI 66 VF2
The most affordable 66 is a solid performing fork.

2006 MARZOCCHI 66 SL
As a dual air freeride fork, the SL model offers a few nice advantages over its coil counterparts.

2006 MARZOCCHI 66 LIGHT ETA
Take advantage of the lower ride height and put this version of the 66 on a freeride bike that you plan on doing some pedaling with.

2006 MARZOCCHI 66 RC2X
Never mind the gizmos and gadgets, get the best damping capabilities of the bunch, with GREAT tunability!