Marzocchi Z1: Perfect Balance

To start off with, the Z1 series offers the 2006 fork that I am most excited about: perhaps the most versatile fork on the market, the 2006 Z1 Light ETA/TAS. No more need for any of those ZAM1 “franken-forks!”

When Marzocchi introduced the 66 series in 2005, a decent percentage of Z1 riders made the transition to what I casll “single crown insanity,” as many dual crown riders also switched over to a 66 extreme freeride fork. In my opinion one of the greatest misjudgements that riders are making right now is overlooking the Z1 forks and jumping straight to the 66 when it may be unjustified. However, even with all of the jumps up to “burly coilness” the most popular Marzocchi line remains the Z1 series of forks and it’s easy to understand why.

Choose any of the Z1 Bombers and you really can’t go wrong. In fact, DSC believes that most potential and experienced freeriders still need a Z1instead of a massive 66 fork. First of all, the weight savings is significant. If you’re considering these forks, chances are you’re not a weight-weenie obsessing over every gram or ounce, and I’m certainly not that way either. The benefits of saving about 1.5lbs. in a fork (over a 66) can be considerable though. Keeping the front end lighter dramatically improves the rider’s ability to control the front end, especially in tight, technical situations which a lot of freeriders need and like. Being able to maneuver in and around the cockpit naturally, with ease, is vital to standard or moderate freeriding.

Unless you’re planning on taking 15 foot drops or more, the Z1 damping systems and chassis will serve your needs well. With the way that marketing and magazine articles influence riders for the good, they can also mislead riders to moderate misunderstandings so that the rider makes a good choice but perhaps not the best one. 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.

For those of who should be considering a Z1, you are also probably considering at least one dual crown (unless you're set against having a dual crown for general reasons). Z1 Bombers are simply too versatile to overlook for the average freerider. Here's just some nice background insights into the Marzocchi Z1 forks:

• Decently light for their application; not too heavy, not too light
• Sweet buttery Marzocchi “coilness” (except for the Z1 FR SL)
• Capable of hard core rock gardens and up to 10-15 foot drops, depending on your weight and the landing characteristics
• Best choice for most new or exploring freeriders and even much of the experienced ones
• Quick response steering for optimal handling
• 20mm thru-axles provide added strength and stiffness
• Best for a mixture of all mountain, extreme all mountain and moderate freeride
• Decent climbing ability, especially if you get Marzocchi’s ETA
• Three high end models to choose from, so get the best one for you (don’t worry about what “everyone else” is getting)

Now let’s take a look at the Z1 chassis. Keep in mind that, like Marzocchi cartridges, the Z1 chassis has remained relatively the same over the years, with appropriate fine tuning each year to ensure that you’re not just getting the “same old Z1.”

Thick at every angle, flaring out forward and rearward, no other suspension manufacturer places as much emphasis on the crown as does Marzocchi, and with good reason. If the fork is super stiff at the top end, it is more likely to remain stiff at the bottom end. The Z1 crown is specifically design to take on forward and vertical stress, perfect for steep, challenging rock faces with harsh transitions and pulse-stopping hucks, while also maintaining lateral continuity.. This crown has been around for a long time, succeeding with perpetual revisions and adaptations – certainly not a potential weak spot for the Z1s.

The 2006 Z1 Arch is beefier than it looks. If you have any question about it, just stand a Z1 in between an All Mountain and a 66 fork. With the lowest arch in the industry (and who can argue that this doesn't translate into the strongest/stiffest arch), these legs act together when force is applied from most angles. The arch integration is smooth and sleek.

I’m such a HUGE proponent of the 20mm axle for several reasons:

1. The sliders (lower legs) are forced to be significantly stronger & stiffer than standard dropouts, specifically immediately above the axle because the 20mm thru-axle’s incompliance can actually cause the sliders to crack if they are not reinforced well enough
2. The thru-axle itself makes for a stiffer bottom end, increasing lateral continuity
3. 20mm hubs usually offer a higher flange height for a stiffer better spoke leverage and shorter spokes for less flex under braking, resulting in slightly improved braking results
4. 20mm hubs also offer a larger bearing diameter for smoother action, greater weight load distribution and therefore longer bearing life with decreased performance fade

MARZOCCHI Z1 SPORT
The most affordable Z1 Bomber is a solid performing fork. With a newly redesigned SSV (Speed Sensitive Valve) damping cartridge controlling an open bath dual coil system, you’re guaranteed unrivaled Marzocchi plushness. You really cannot compare the MX series plushness and reactiveness to this level of “coilness” (a word I made up). Though affordable, it is absolutely superb!

MARZOCCHI Z1 FR SL
If you’re considering a Fox 36 dual air fork, you really ought to seriously consider the Z1 FR SL because they are so similar. Both have:

• dual air compression chambers
• he ability to operate between 130mm – 150mm (though the 36 can drop down to 110mm, which you probably won’t use if you’re getting a 36 anyways)
• 20mm front thru-axles for added strength and stiffness
• RC2 cartridges (though different, they are still somewhat similar)
• light weight specs (Z1 FR SL is a little lighter)

MARZOCCHI Z1 LIGHT ETA/TAS
This is the 2006 fork that I am most excited about, because it is SO darn versatile – almost perfect, really. Most riders are not aware that the Z1 Light has the TAS (Travel Adjustable System) because Marzocchi doesn’t have it listed that way on the website, but it is in fact travel adjustable between 130mm – 150mm. It also comes with Marzocchi’s ingenious ETA lock-down feature, making it easily the BEST climbing freeride fork on the market – hands down, no competition there. The TAS feature also maks it a welcomed addition to a frame maxing out at 130mm on the front end (of course you could cheat a little too with about 140mm of travel without compromising the bike’s performance – not that I’m advocating that you frame manufacturers out there). Then, to get you beyond mere all mountain applications, Marzocchi empowers it with the brand new RC2 damping system, Marzocchi’s top-of-the-line freeride cartridge.