A good front suspension is key for a smooth and controlled ride when riding your mountain bike on trails, enduro courses, or downhill tracks.
If you think your current fork is not doing the job, this post is precisely what you need.
In this post, we’ll compare the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and the newest version of the Fox 34 to help you choose the right option for your riding style.
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Marzocchi Bomber Z2
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 offers excellent performance for riders looking for a high-performance suspension fork for their MTB. It comes with:
- 34mm stanchions
- 130-150mm of travel
- Air spring technology to adjust the fork’s travel and stiffness
- Marzocchi’s Rail damper system for improved performance and adjustability
Is The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Any Good?
Yes, it’s a reliable, high-performance fork at an affordable price point, with a good balance of stiffness, control, and plushness. The Rail damper and Float air spring are highly adjustable, and the fork’s durability and reliability have been praised.
Fox 34
The Fox 34 is an MTB suspension fork designed for aggressive trail riding and enduro racing. It comes with:
- 34mm stanchions
- A range of travel options typically from 130-140mm
- Air spring technology lets you adjust travel and stiffness of the fork
- Fox’s GRIP 2 damper system for improved performance and adjustability
- High adjustability allows fine-tuning the fork’s performance.
Is The Fox 34 Any Good?
It’s one of the best mountain bike suspension forks available, with a high level of stiffness, control, and plushness.
It’s reliable and durable, but comes at a high price point. Many expert riders think it’s worth the investment for its performance and longevity.
Marzocchi Bomber Z2 vs. Fox 34: Quick Comparison Table
Factor | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | Fox 34 |
Performance | Plush and forgiving. | Stable and responsive. |
Damper & Airspring | Rail damper and Float air spring. | GRIP 2 damper. |
Weight | ~2000 grams. | 1820 grams. |
Adjustability | Highly adjustable but fewer options. | More adjustable. |
Travel | Wide range of options. | Limited options. |
Stiffness | Less stiff. | More stiff. |
Cost Efficiency | Significantly cheaper. | More expensive. |
Marzocchi Bomber Z2 vs Fox 34: Detailed Comparison
Now, we’ll take a closer look at the most important factors. Let’s start by comparing the overall performance of the two forks.
Performance
Winner: Tie. Depends on terrain.
Both the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and Fox 34 forks deliver excellent performance on the trail.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 offers a plush and forgiving ride, making it ideal for technical and aggressive trail riding.
The Fox 34, on the other hand, offers more stability and responsiveness, making it well-suited for fast and flowy terrain.
Damper and Airspring
Winner: Fox 34
The Fox 34 features the GRIP 2 damper, which is highly adjustable and offers excellent sensitivity and plushness.
In contrast, the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 features the Rail damper and Float air spring, which are also highly adjustable but offer a slightly less sensitive and more linear feel.
The Fox 34 is especially good for riders who value precise adjustability.
Weight
Winner: Fox 34
Weight is an important factor. A lighter fork can improve overall bike handling and maneuverability.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 weighs around 2000 grams, while the Fox 34 weighs in at 1820 grams. This makes the Fox 34 the winner in this category, especially for riders who prioritize weight savings.
Adjustability
Winner: Fox 34
Both the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and Fox 34 forks offer good adjustability, allowing you to fine-tune your suspension to your specific riding needs.
However, the Fox 34 wins in this category due to its greater number of adjustment options, including externally adjustable low-speed and high-speed rebound and compression.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2, while still highly adjustable, has fewer options overall.
Travel
Winner: Tie
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 has a range of travel options, from 100mm to 150mm.
Meanwhile, the Fox 34 offers 130mm and 140mm travel options, but shorter air springs are available if you want to reduce the travel.
Both forks offer plenty of travel options, making it a tie in this category.
Stiffness
Winner: Fox 34
Stiffness affects the bike’s handling and control on the trail.
The Fox 34’s larger 34mm stanchions and tapered steerer tube make it stiffer and more responsive, so it wins in this category.
Too much stiffness can make the ride uncomfortable, though. Finding the right balance for your riding style and terrain is key.
Key Takeaways
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is good if you want the following:
- More plush and forgiving ride
- More affordable price point
- Good overall adjustability
- A wide range of travel options
The Fox 34 is good if you want the following:
- More stability and responsiveness
- Highly adjustable GRIP 2 damper
- Lighter weight
- Superior stiffness for better control on the trail
What To Consider When Buying Suspension Forks
Both the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and Fox 34 are good, but you can consider the following factors if you’re still indecisive:
- Your Riding Style: Lighter forks with less travel are for cross-country, while heavier and more robust forks with greater travel work best for downhill riding.
- The Terrain: Tailor your bike’s suspension to the terrain you’ll ride. Smooth trails need less travel, while rough ones need more.
- Compatibility: Make sure the suspension fork is compatible with your bike’s frame, wheel size, and steerer tube diameter.
- Adjustability: Look for forks with adjustable settings, such as rebound damping, compression damping, and air pressure, to fine-tune the fork’s performance to your riding style and terrain.
- Weight: Consider the weight of the suspension fork, as lighter forks can help reduce overall bike weight and improve handling.
FAQs
Can you adjust travel on Marzocchi Z2?
Yes, the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 allows you to adjust the travel between 100mm to 150mm in increments of 10mm depending on the wheel size.
Why are Fox shocks the best?
Fox Shocks are highly regarded for their quality, durability, and performance, but there is no definitive “best” shock.
Are Fox Shocks good for daily driving?
Fox Shocks are not typically used for daily driving, as they are specifically designed for use on mountain bikes.
How much sag do I set my Fox 34 fork to?
A sag of 15% is good for a firm ride, while a sag of 20% delivers a more comfortable one.
Can you reduce or increase travel on Fox 34?
Yes, you can reduce or increase the travel on a Fox 34 by changing the air spring assembly.
Can you put a Grip 2 damper in a Marzocchi?
No, the Grip 2 damper is proprietary to Fox forks and cannot be used in a Marzocchi fork.
What springs fit on Marzocchi Bomber?
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 uses an air spring, which can be adjusted using air pressure. There are no coil springs available for this fork.
Which shocks give the smoothest ride?
Shocks with high-quality damping technology, such as Fox 34 GRIP2 or RockShox Pike Ultimate, are generally considered to provide a smooth and controlled ride.
Final Thoughts: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 vs Fox 34
Both suspension forks are top-tier. The right pick depends on your needs.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 offers a forgiving ride at an affordable price point, while the Fox 34 provides superior stability and adjustability. The Fox 34 is also lighter in weight and stiffer.
Hi dear visitor! I’m Sebastian, a bike maniac who loves to spend a lot of time on two wheels in nature (I love white chocolate, so I absolutely need a calorie-burning balance that’s fun to boot ). Blogging is my second great passion. That’s why cyclinghalloffame.com regularly features new bike-related content.
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