Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Suspension Fork [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

For those who are consider themselves "Old School" in the Mountain Bike world know that the Marzocchi Bomber is a bomb proof fork. Now, the new Z1 Bomber is not only bomb proof, it's also modernized. It adds more traction while taking those big hits. Check out what our friend Maxwell thinks!

Overview

First and foremost, this fork shreds!

After many years of using an old Rockshox Revelation on my 2014 Specialized Stumpjumper, I decided to give the bike new life by updating the bike with a Slacker headset and a 150 mm Marzocchi Bomber Z1. This resulted in a 66.5-degree monster that crushes the downhills. A breath of new life for my cherished bike.

I was super-duper impressed with the small bump sensitivity and how this fork eats rocks for breakfast. I have had the opportunity to ride more expensive higher-quality forks, and I would say that this fork can ride with the best of them. The 36 mm stanchions provide plenty of stiffness to fit my riding style. This was a massive change from the previous 32mm stanchions.

If the more keen-eyed readers have figured out, I decided to mount a boost spacing fork on a non-boost bike. How did you do it? Did you ruin your hub? Are you damaging you prized most glorious fork? To this, I will say nay. For I have obtained the skill of wheel building from a great sage found below the Timpanogos mountain. I obtained a hub from the great Shimano and using this learned skill, I created a magnificent wheel to fit this most amazing fork. Three hours later the bike was ready for a ride. Unfortunately, it was dark, and my ride was postponed.

On a cloudy Friday afternoon, I chose the most radical of trails to attempt my ride. This fork would need to withstand the worst of the worst in order to prove that it was worthy of belonging to my bike. The drops, jump, and rocks were nothing compared when matched to this new fork. The sensitivity kept the front wheel stuck to the ground unless I chose to get some much-needed air time. This fork allowed me to fly into the air without absorbing any vertical gains. The loose gravel was no match for the increased traction gained from my buttery fork and my Continental Tires. I knew that this fork could provide the proper squish I needed.

A month has now passed, but I am anxious to return to the desert trails with my Marzocchi Bomber Z1. This fork has provided me the confidence I needed to improve my skills on the mountain. The fork is the heart of the bike and just like Rod’s stepdad Frank has been revived and ready to fight. Many of not reinforced takeoff ramps await and by and by my Marzocchi Bomber Z1 is ready to ride them all.

Final Thoughts

Only one great statement remains above all others. More than the great revival of freeride. More than the proper squish. More than the sweet decals and aluminum adjustment dials. More than the stiff and crisp 36mm stanchions. More than the simple yet compliant fit grip damper. More than the many mispronunciations that are synonymous with the Marzocchi Brand. More than all this. Last and finally, this fork shreds!