Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork

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International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$364.50
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
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International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$45.00
Long-Term Tested: Marzocchi's Bomber Z1 Fork
A legendary product in its modern form. Learn how the new Z1 has held up to seven months of riding.
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Vital Review
s1600 Z1 review 355113

Within the industry, there have been countless products which have altered the way we perceive mountain biking. Well before Boost spacing, dropper posts, and even mountain bike specific 10-speed drivetrains, a motorcycle suspension company dabbling in mountain bikes pioneered suspension as we know it. They replaced elastomers with coil springs and open bath dampers, 26-28mm diameter stanchions with 30mm, and nearly doubled the industry standard travel for single crowns. The weapon that housed these changes was called Z1.

Fast-forward two decades and the Z1 has been reborn. The goal for the new Z1 was to follow the same ideology of its predecessor by providing performance and durability at a price the working man can afford. Since its release back in April, we’ve spent an additional several months using and abusing Marzocchi’s new Bomber Z1. Below is a full report of how it has done while out on the trails.






Strengths

Weaknesses

  • Small-bump sensitivity of the EVOL air spring
  • Volume spacers to adjust bottom-out resistance
  • Easy-to-adjust GRIP damper with infinite position compression placement
  • Thick 36mm stanchions, stiff crown, and stout chassis
  • Unique Marzocchi 'M' lowers offers a stunning appearance
  • Most impressively the price ($699 USD)

  • Quick-release thru-axle lever is a bit awkward to install and adjust
  • No 26-inch version (sorry dirt jumpers and die-hard 26-inch riders)
  • Boost 15x110mm axle configuration only
  • Limited offset options in the 27.5-inch version

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Highlights

  • 29-inch and 27.5+ models: 130-170mm travel options in 10mm increments
  • 27.5-inch models: 150-180mm travel options in 10mm increments
  • 6000-series alloy 36mm single crown chassis
  • EVOL air spring
  • Customizable clip-on volume spacers
  • FIT GRIP Sweep damper with smooth compression adjust and 23-click rebound adjust
  • New Marzocchi Bomber Z1 lower legs
  • 15QR x 110mm Boost axle with QR and tooled axle options
  • Aluminum 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube
  • 180mm post mount disc brake tabs
  • Internally adjustable travel by lower air shaft assemblies (sold separately)
  • Gloss Red (29”/170mm, 27.5”/180mm) or Matte Black graphics
  • Offset: 51mm for 29/27.5+ and 44mm for 27.5
  • Weight: 2,251g (4.96-pounds, 170mm 29-inch model, actual)
  • MSRP: $699 USD

It is no secret that the Marzocchi Z1 shares some features commonly found within the parent company's (FOX) lineup. The Z1 comes with the FIT GRIP damper, EVOL air spring, and 36mm stanchions, all of which can be found in the basic performance series of the FOX 36. Despite these similarities, there isn’t a direct overlap between the FOX 36 and Marzocchi Z1.

Starting from the stem and working down, the Z1 houses a massive crown. Its girth and bulkiness places the fork as a viable option for e-bikes. Unlike the pricier FOX 36 which is built around 7000-series alloy stanchions, the Z1 comes equipped with 6000-series alloy. The lower-grade tubes are thicker to compensate for the material property differences. The 29-inch version is available in a 51mm or 44mm offset, whereas the 27.5-inch version only comes in 44mm.

The rider's right side of the fork houses a FIT GRIP Sweep damper. This is the same damper found in more economical versions of the 36, but has been personalized with a custom gold compression knob that simultaneously adjusts low and high-speed compression. Instead of being indexed, the compression knob on the Z1 glides smoothly from fully open to fully closed, hence the “Sweep” name. On the other end of the damper, housed within a black cap, is a red rebound knob. With 23 clicks of adjustability, the Z1 offers rebound settings for 8-year-old groms to heavy-hitting 250+ pounders and everyone in between.

Moving to the rider's left side of the fork is the EVOL air spring. This is the same air spring introduced in the 2018 FOX 36 lineup, but it has been equipped with a larger top-out bumper – an update found on all 2019 36mm forks. To keep the cost down, the lower air spring assembly is built with more plastic parts and lower-grade metals. However, the shaft is identical to the higher-end 36. The underside of the air spring top cap accommodates clip-on volume spacers so riders can fine tune the fork to match their desired bottom-out resistance. The Z1 comes with two of these spacers (one installed and one in a parts baggy), and additional spacers can be purchased online or through your local bike shop.

The lowers are the most unique part of the new Z1, following Marzocchi's tradition by forming the brake arch into a bold Marzocchi ‘M.’ Branching away from the original orange color (probably due to the recent color option of the 36), the lowers come in bright glossy red and matte black options. The glossy red lowers are only available in the longest travel options.

Installation & Setup

Initial setup of the new Z1 was quite simple. With only two damping adjustment knobs (compression and rebound), how difficult could it get? Of the few things needed to be done to get the bike rolling, removing the top cap on the air side to install an additional volume spacer proved to be the most challenging. Having the standard 32mm socket from FOX, we became aware very quickly that there were clearance issues with the burly crown. After filing down our socket substantially, we were finally able to get the tool to work but not without leaving a minor scar of remembrance on the fork. Understanding this compatibility issue, FOX did mill a 32mm socket with a much smaller diameter which clears the crown no problem.

On The Trail

From the first pedal stroke until now, the Z1 has felt very smooth throughout its entire travel thanks to the EVOL air spring. Originally found on the 2018 FOX line, this revamped system provides a larger negative air chamber which increases the suppleness of the fork. The difference is quite noticeable compared to the older system. The fork lacks any knocking and feels very solid thanks to the updated top-out bumper.

The Z1 has held up very well so far and we can only expect it to keep doing so many more months down the road.

While the new Z1 may not last a few seasons before any maintenance is required like the older open-bath predecessors, maintenance of the current fork is easier than ever. The dust seals/wipers are identical to those found in the FOX 36 and as such have held up as expected. Marzocchi recommends replacing the dust wiper and seals every 125 hours of riding, and we've gone 60 hours so far without a noticeable change in performance. The process for replacing the dust seals/wipers can be done in 15 minutes or less once you become familiar with the process. The oil in both sides of the lower legs wasn't all that dirty at the time of this review. The FIT GRIP damper has worked flawlessly, and we have not yet reached the point where we feel the need to service it.

What's The Bottom Line?

Marzocchi's Bomber Z1 fork offers great performance and durability at a price the working man can afford. The fork comes packed with modern features like the FIT GRIP Sweep damper, EVOL air spring, and Boost spacing. In many ways the Z1 holds true to its Marzocchi heritage, and yet has been updated to fulfill the needs of modern all-mountain, enduro, and park riders. With a burly set of uppers and the classic “M” style lowers, anyone who sees the Z1 will know it’s a Marzocchi. We said it during our first impressions, but it rings true at the end of our long-term review as well: at just $699 the Marzocchi Z1 is arguably one of the best value forks on the market.

Visit www.marzocchi.com for more details.


About The Reviewer

Lance Starling - Age: 30 // Years Riding: 17 // Height: 6'3" (1.91m) // Weight: 190-pounds (86.2kg)

Lance got his first mountain bike in 2001. Fast-forward 17 years and not a day has gone by that he hasn’t completely obsessed over the sport. This obsession has transformed him into a mountain bike guru whose love for picking apart components and gear is similar to a honey badger consuming king cobras. Nothing is left untouched. His playful riding style generally keeps him more in the air than on the ground and whatever tricks he lacks he makes up for with a good ol’ bar hump. Never at any time have consumers have had it so good and with over ten years in the industry as a certified mechanic and gear expert, Lance is devoted to helping those riders find the perfect gear to meet their needs.

Photos by Lance Starling

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Post a reply to: Long-Term Tested: Marzocchi's Bomber Z1 Fork

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First Rides: The Reborn 2019 Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork
The Z1 made waves long ago. Does the newest version hold up to its storied history?
s1600 Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork Review 437211.jpg?VersionId=PCCtwl7JYSQFIU

If you’ve been riding bikes for over a two decades or ask your seasoned shop guy (you know, the only mechanic who can setup cantilever brakes within a reasonable amount of time) which fork changed suspension as we know it, one product will come to mind: Z1. Well before the year 2000 and the frantic Y2K computer-crash scare, mountain bike forks consisted of slim tubes containing rubber-like chunks of plastic known as elastomers. Riding with dampers at the time was like playing a spontaneous game of Russian Roulette, but replace the bullet with a shower of fork fluid. Anything offering over 2.5-inches in travel was deemed undesirable as the name of the game was “lite.” It didn’t matter if you rode cross-country or downhill, there weren’t massive variations between the two and everyone was pretty much on the same stuff.

In 1997, however, a motocross-centric suspension company that had wiggled their way into the mountain bike scene threw the entire industry upside down with the introduction of the Z1. The Z1 replaced elastomers and explosive damper cartridges with coil springs and open bath dampers, swapped popular 26-28mm diameter stanchions for larger 30mm tubes, and devoured ultra-lite brake arches and crowns with absolutely humongous bolt-on chunks of aluminum. It laughed at the industry-standard 2.5-inches (64mm) of travel and supplanted it with a plush and predictable 4-inches (100mm). The Z1 came with a weight penalty that paid zero [flat tires] for the norms and made every racer cringe at the thought of hauling the thing uphill during a race. Even so, the Z1 was the fork that changed everyone’s opinion on suspension. It also opened the minds of riders towards valuing performance and durability more than weight.

Fast-forward a few decades and we find ourselves witnessing another rebirth of this classic fork: the 2019 Marzocchi Bomber Z1. Although it doesn’t contain the same technology and specs as the 1997 original (thank goodness for that!), we were told the new Z1 holds true to the former’s ideology: prioritizing performance and durability over pretty much everything else. Over the past month we've been putting the new fork to the test, hucking everything in sight as we begin to evaluate if this is true.

Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Highlights

  • 29-inch and 27.5+ models: 130-170mm travel options in 10mm increments
  • 27.5-inch models: 150-180mm travel options in 10mm increments
  • 6000-series alloy 36mm single crown chassis
  • EVOL air spring
  • Customizable clip-on volume spacers
  • FIT GRIP Sweep damper with smooth low-speed compression adjust and 23-click rebound adjust
  • New Marzocchi Bomber Z1 lower legs
  • 15QR x 110mm Boost axle with QR and tooled axle options
  • Aluminum 1.5-inch tapered steerer tube
  • 180mm post mount disc brake tabs
  • Internally adjustable travel by lower air shaft assemblies (sold separately)
  • Gloss Red (29”/170mm, 27.5”/180mm) or Matte Black graphics
  • Offset: 51mm for 29/27.5+ and 44mm for 27.5
  • Weight: 2,251g (4.96-pounds, 170mm 29-inch model, actual)
  • MSRP: $699 USD
  • Available: May 2018

Feature Rundown

Times have changed dramatically since the launch of the pioneering 1997 Marzocchi Z1, and today multiple manufactures are pumping out various big-hitting suspension forks. Despite an increase of competition, the 2019 Marzocchi Z1 has unique features that set it apart.

First and foremost are the lowers. Nothing screams “Hey, I’m here. Check me out!” with as much intensity as throwing some loud and noticeable pigment on a component. Fork manufactures have been doing this from the beginning, but it appears to have ramped up exponentially in recent years. Once black, then green, a little bit of white, some orange... The past few years have been nothing short of a painter’s paradise. With the release of the new Marzocchi Z1 and RockShox Lyrik, the new “in” color has begun to shift towards the lowest of the visible wave frequencies (red). Those who don't want red will be please to know the new Z1 is offered with classic black lowers as well. Red lowers are only available on the longest travel forks (170mm for 29/27.5 and 180mm for 27.5).




Looking past the paint, you’ll find historic style passed on. First introduced in 2000, the classic Marzocchi “M” brake arch is a prominent feature of the new Z1’s lowers. Contending with the infamous Monster T, this new brake arch design is arguably the biggest and boldest in Marzocchi history. Hollowed out in the back, the latest Z1 steps a bit away from its predecessors by shaving some unnecessary weight.

Making our way above the brake arch, the new Z1 houses 36mm stanchions and one of the heftiest crowns found in the industry. The stanchions are made from 6000-series alloy which and are thicker than other 36mm stanchions on the market. With the combination of thicker 36mm stanchions and a burly crown, the Z1 holds true to the mentality of stiffness over gram shavings.





On the driveside of the fork rests the new GRIP Sweep damper. This damper is modeled after the original FIT GRIP that the industry has learned to love for its level of performance while requiring less maintenance compared to other dampers. Marzocchi took what was already working well and made it even better with some improvements. Namely, a new damper shaft seal, IFP piston and O-ring, plus a hard anodized pressure tube.

Unlike most dampers that contain a low-speed adjustment knob that clicks, the GRIP Sweep damper’s knob rotates smoothly from fully open to firm. Internally, this damper utilizes preload-based, mixed, high/low-speed compression and a fixed high-speed rebound shim stack with adjustable low-speed rebound adjustment.

The yellow compression cap found on the top of the fork offers a unique appearance for the Z1 and feels very stout and study compared to others on the market.




Protected by a black cap, the red rebound adjustment knob is found at the bottom of the fork. With 23 total clicks, obtaining the right amount of rebound is possible for all.

At a price of $699, the Marzocchi Z1 is arguably one of the best value forks on the market.

Finally, the largest difference between the Marzocchi Z1 and FOX 36 is the overall burliness of the uppers. This is very evident with a side-by-side comparison of the crowns. The Z1 is simply much thicker. In addition to that, the tubes are thicker as well. So much thicker that Marzocchi has their own diameter volume spacer. Although they haven't provided data to show stiffness ratings to compare the two, it’s safe to assume the Z1 offers just a bit more stiffness.

Enough about specs. How does the Z1 perform?

On The Trail

We jumped at the opportunity to take the Z1 out for a spin on our favorite trails. Opting for the 29-inch 170mm travel version ensured we’d be able to take full advantage of everything this reborn icon had to offer.

Similar to switching your radio from Guns N’ Roses to Slayer, swapping out a FOX 36 RC2 for the new Marzocchi Z1 seemed to make our test bike, the Intense Carbine, display a harder attitude. Throwing a leg over the Z1-enriched rig and heading out to the hills, the fork provided a familiar ride to what we’ve been used to but with some stark differences. 

Climbing

One of the most profound features was the on-the-fly adjustability of the GRIP Sweep damper. With a smooth twist of the compression lever the 170mm of travel instantly became restrained to prevent any bobbing on long ascents. The firmness matches that of similar forks with the GRIP damper and is very impressive during long hauls. Coming across an unexpected bump, however, the firm platform does give way.

Although the Z1 is on the heavier side of the spectrum for long-travel single crown forks, its added weight wasn’t very noticeable on the trail.

Descending

Twisting the compression knob back towards the open position releases the beast, and every millimeter of travel is at your ultimate disposal.

The Z1 offered great small bump compliance while riding some of the rockiest and toughest sections of the trail we could find. The hard anodized 36mm stanchions glided smoothly past the low-friction seals. Unlike other manufactures which ship their forks off with dry seals, Marzocchi sent the Z1 out with lubed seals which really added to the overall suppleness of the fork. The increased negative chamber and overall simplicity of the EVOL air spring places the Z1 right up to the top as one of the smoothest forks on the market. 

Prioritizing small bump compliance has caused mid-stroke support to suffer in some forks during previous years. This is not the case with the Z1. We found the fork sitting higher in the travel than other forks tweaked to offer similar small bump compliance.

Getting sendy is where the Z1 really impressed us. Although our tester hasn’t had problems with flex among modern forks in this category, the Z1 provided unmatched front end stiffness. This is most likely due to the hefty crown and thicker stanchions than other forks running a 36mm diameter.

In addition to stiffness, bottom-out resistance was exceptional. Our tester, who normally runs two or three volume spacers in the front, was satisfied with only one spacer in the Z1. Only on the largest of impacts was the entire travel consumed.

What's The Bottom Line?

The Marzocchi Z1 offers great small bump compliance, mid-stroke support, and adjustable bottom-out control. The GRIP Sweep damper glides smoothly from fully open to firm and can be set anywhere in between. Optimizing performance and durability over everything else, the rebirth of the Marzocchi Z1 holds true to its heritage and fills a void in mountain bike suspension. With a burly set of uppers and the classic “M” style lowers, anyone who sees the Z1 will know it’s a Marzocchi. At a price of $699, the Marzocchi Z1 is arguably one of the best value forks on the market.

Vital MTB Z1 First Ride Rating: 4.5 Stars - Outstanding


Also New - 2019 Marzocchi Bomber 58 Fork

Marzocchi is also introducing the Bomber 58 downhill fork, which shares many of the same features and ride qualities as the Z1.

  • Fits 27.5-inch wheels
  • 203mm travel
  • EVOL air spring with adjustable volume and air negative spring
  • FIT GRIP damper with compression and rebound adjustment
  • New 40mm chassis with Marzocchi specific lower casting
  • 20x110mm axle (non-Boost)
  • Gloss Red or Matte Black graphics
  • MSRP: $999 USD

Visit www.marzocchi.com for more details.


About The Reviewer 

Lance Starling - Age: 30 // Years Riding: 17 // Height: 6'3" (1.91m) // Weight: 190-pounds (86.2kg)

Lance got his first mountain bike in 2001. Fast-forward 17 years and not a day has gone by that he hasn’t completely obsessed over the sport. This obsession has transformed him into a mountain bike guru whose love for picking apart components and gear is similar to a honey badger consuming king cobras. Nothing is left untouched. His playful riding style generally keeps him more in the air than on the ground and whatever tricks he lacks he makes up for with a good ol’ bar hump. Never at any time have consumers have had it so good and with over ten years in the industry as a certified mechanic and gear expert, Lance is devoted to helping those riders find the perfect gear to meet their needs.

Photos by Lance Starling and Tyson Hudson

8 comments

Post a reply to: First Rides: The Reborn 2019 Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork

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Specifications

Product
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fork
Riding Type
Enduro / All-Mountain
Freeride / Bike Park
Trail
Wheel Size
27.5" (650b)
29"
27.5+
Travel
27.5": 100mm
29"/27.5+: 130mm
29"/27.5+: 140mm
29"/27.5+ and 27.5": 150mm
29"/27.5+ and 27.5": 160mm
29"/27.5+ and 27.5": 170mm
27.5": 180mm
Spring Type
FLOAT EVOL air
Damping
FIT GRIP Sweep damper
External Adjustments
Sweep Adjust compression damping, rebound damping, and air spring pressure
Crown
Single
Front Axle
15mm x 110mm (Boost)
Brake Mounts
180mm post
Steer Tube Diameter
1.5-inch tapered
Steer Tube Construction
Aluminum
Stanchion Diameter
36mm 6000-series alloy
Colors
Gloss Red (29”/170mm, 27.5”/180mm), Matte Black, Limited Edition White (2023 170mm 29" version only)
Weight
4 lb 15.4 oz (2,251 g)
Miscellaneous
• 2019-2023 version
• New Marzocchi Bomber Z1 lower legs
• Option of quick release or tooled axle
• Weight is for 170mm 29-inch model
• Offset options: 44mm, 51mm
Price
$729.00
What do you think?
Where To Buy
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$364.50
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
Free shipping on orders over $50 (continental U.S. only).
International shipping available. Some exclusions apply.
$45.00
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