@@JeffKendallWeed ...I knew early on that you aren't one to try to convince people that spending more means dramatic differences in performance when you said you are a Shimano 2 piston XT fan. It was something like..."They stop my bike, they're reliable, easy to maintain, and that's what I want from a brake." I LOVE the "no frills" reviews that you give. What I found with the Grip damper is, it just takes more precise pressure and volume reducers to get the small bump compliance to feel good, but not have it dive. I guess another way of looking at it is...for me, the "manual" things that make the fork work have to be more dead on, because it doesn't have nearly the adjustability to make up for any basics that might be off even slightly. For instance, I started off with the stock single volume reducers in my 36 Performance 160mm, and the the 15% sag felt good on bigger hit days, but the "plush" 20% felt better for average trail riding...and obviously I don't want to be jacking with that all the time. So....i added a second volume reducer, set the sag at 18%, and backed off the pressure just 4 psi. That was the sweet spot to get it to handle small bumps well, not dive, and still not bottom out on big hits. And INTERESTINGLY, I'm 175 lbs, and I run the compression damping just one from fully open, like what it appears you run. More than that...and it starts feeling harsh. I have contemplated upgrading to the Grip 2 this coming spring, but in truth...I don't think I would notice enough difference in performance to warrant the cost. The DPX2 on the Ripmo is never going to set the world on fire with plushness, so not sure spending a lot on a fork would really change the overall ride dynamic!
@@JeffKendallWeed i found the more settings i have to dial ,the less i acsually ride i hace a rockshox recelaton with 5 volume spacers and im totally fine and do not miss my kashima 36 from my fathers bike, im fine totally fine with the lower end and bonus , i can get another bike🤣
at 6'4" and 240 lbs i run a 140mm bomber z1 air on my Kona Honzo ESD and i just set it to the stock setup from the chart and thats all set it and forget it. Excellent fork
Interestingly I had a conversation with the Craig from Avalanche Suspension and he says his preferred fork to build a damper for is the Fox Rhythm 36 as the stanchions are thicker than the Fox 36 Performance, Elite or Factory and by extension he also said the Marzocci Z1 is the same exact chassis. So guess this means if you want to build a high end fork for budget price by a Z1 or a Rhythm and get his damper tuned for you. Seems like a killer idea to me.
On a side note I'm glad it is being brought out that Fox can indeed tune a shock for you. I have a Fox DPS 140mm in the rear and they put a stiffer tune on it for me because I'm 220lbs dry. It rides so much better than stock. Fox was really good at answering my questions about this too.🤙
@@acfella100 I think for most of us, especially heavy riders we would want the fork to be stiffer than more tunable. I can ride my Fox 34 Rythm in many different settings but what I can't control is the flex which takes away from dropping a steep on my front and turning. I don't think I would have considered the other options if I hadn't seen this video and comments.
@@justsayin3600 I think thats an extension of it being a 34mm as AVA says the Rhythm 36/Marzocci Z1 are much stiffer than Fox 36 and as he can build you a tuned (for you specifically) damper you get the best of both worlds. I am 245lbs kitted up. I replaced my Rhythm 34 on my Trance 29 with an Elite 34 with Fit4 and what I noticed is it flexed significantly more than the Rhythm. I dunno...just my 2 cents.
The Grip damper is pretty darn good out of the box. I set sag, followed the Fox recommendations and I haven’t really needed to touch it very often asides from adjusting rebound every once in a while. It will satisfy 85% of riders I think.
Crazy I just bought a Af and bought a Z1 today before I saw your video! I feel great now that I saved some money and got a great set up. I’m more of a set it and forget it if it feels good. Plus I my a 240 lbs rider, so a Xl AF and a Z1 sounds good 👍 thanks so much for your great videos, I wish I could shred half of your skills. God bless
Great review man. Had one of the original Z1s back in the day on my Santa Cruz Heckler. This review made it clear of how capable the fork is. Thanks for posting your experience with it.
So you would not recommend spending quite a lot for a single compression-ratio fork ? Just got myself an hardtail, limited supplies made for a simple Suntour I'd like to upgrade for something else...I imagine a Z1 could be good, but if still too basic, maybe Z2 and await for more funds etc...
Good stuff Jeff, as usual. My friend rode a current Spesh enduro that had a Z1 fitted and was blown away by the performance, he is an elite level rider and said it was as good as his year older 36 factory, high praise indeed.
Although I almost went with the GRIP damper (either in this fork or lower end Fox), I wanted the high and low speed REBOUND adjustment more than an extra compression adjustment. Thankfully, for 2021, Fox put the GRIP2 in the Float 34 fork. I am testing that fork and will have a review up in November
I'm one of those outliers, weighing in at 350, and riding a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 air on my Norco Torrent HT A2. Upgraded from 150mm of travel from my previous fork to 160mm, and set my psi at 110. I can't even describe how good this fork is. I glide down the chunkiest of rocks. I LOVE this fork. Although I've never ridden a Fox 36, I do have a RockShox Lyrik on my Rocky Mountain Instinct at 160mm. I really can't distinguish the differences. They're both buttery smooth.
I’m running the z1 140mm on my karate monkey. I weigh about 205 lb. really happy with this fork total game changer. Out of the box all I did was set up psi+ rebound recommended haven’t touched it since. My style of riding xc to some rowdy rock gardens and the fork eats it all up. So far no complaints.
I have had a Marzocchi Z1 for nearly 3 full seasons now and it started its career as 160mm travel fork on my aggressive trail bike (some Mexican brand called Belfort, it was covid stop gap) and now resides at 170mm on my rocky mountain slayer. I have beaten this fork silly plowing through some of the knarliest knar on the east coast of Canada and the US, hitting some of dumbest huck to flats, big jump lines and this fork has served it purpose incredibly well. It has yet to really show any weakness, it holds its own against most of it high end counterparts and it's incredibly reliable. It's strenght truly resides it's simple build and it's trickle down tech from the fox high end stuff. It's truly proves you don't need 1k to get out there and ride with the big boys!!!
For now I’m still on my 2001 Z1 Bomber and it’s still sucking up chunk very well. I’ve always loved Marzocchi Bomber forks for back in the day open oil bath spring forks were the fork to have and were very smooth. New bike day coming soon and I’ll be on Fox Performance and eventually Fox Factory. Thanks for the great video!
you can also buy and install a fox 36 grip 2 damper into this fork at a later time if you feel you needed it ... and i've heard the chassis is actually stiffer than the 36
Thank you for your review/opinion. thanks to you I bought myslef Z1 air and saved £400 for AXS dropper. if it's good for you its good enough for me. Stay hard!
Haven't ridden the Z1, but have ridden a Fox 36 Performance on a demo bike, even at 250lbs it felt very supportive and maybe even a bit more plush than the 36 Factory which I felt was just beating me up on a different demo bike. I've also demoed a Ripmo AF and found I liked the DVO suspension better than either of the Fox forks I rode. My own bike has a RockShox 35 Gold which isn't even close to the level of the Fox 36 or DVO.
just ordered mine yesterday! building up a knolly fugitive LT, I am coming from a yeti sb140 that had fox factory everything. so carbon & factory to alloy and performance level it will be interesting to see what things are like!
How about the servicing? I'm pretty used to working on my Fox fork and have all the tools for that. Is this the same? I think you said the lowers were the same as Fox so I assume it would be.
Excellent Review 😎 I Have a 160Z1 on my CF Warden its an Awesome Fork Running 105psi and Damper at 1 Oclock 2 for bigger stuff Rebound 10clicks Ride Vancouver LW Rider 😎 Best Fork For The Buck
I am 200 lbs. probably 215 with all my DH gear. I love the fox 36. I would be had pressed to get a cheaper fork. I do ride somewhat aggressively and put in 3 tokens. That said, if the bike came with this fork, I would probably keep it, if the progression is the same as the fox 36.
I've got both a Factory 36 and a Z1 and I can honestly say that I prefer the Z1, there's less fucking about and it just feels better for some reason, maybe because it's a bit heavier, dunno......
I am 235 lbs. My grip 2 I barely run compression and almost maxxed on rebound. I have 3 tokens and run 25 to 30% sag. I'm no suspention expert, just keep making adjustments to what feels best.
Hey Jeff, really enjoyed this review would generally echo your experiences with my own rhythm 36. I'm on the lighter side of things generally between 130 and 140 lbs on any given day and I'm generally a pretty aggressive rider in rocky northern NM. I've had a hard time getting the fork to ride as high in its travel as I want it to while still being able to get out of its own way when I hit bumps at speed, but that's not enough of an issue for me to have replaced it with a different fork yet. I've considered getting an air system like the DSD runt because I really love the IRT spring that came in the Manitou Mattoc pro on my other bike and its a similar concept.
In your video you mention you would never go coil. I guess Ibis didn't consult you when decided to not give new AF buyers the option to have an air fork. I understand that going to Z1 bomber now to keep the price point down but at least give the people the option to go coil or air :) A coil front and back may give you that motorcycle feel that some want but some of us still love the Ripmo AF as still a good climber with no bob and descender that can pop off things while not diving. Coil makes it feel dead.
Hi i just start watching ur videos and love it . I am trying to find video for handle bar adjustment mean how much forward or backwards u want ur handlebar so can u please make video on it
Fit4 suits XC type riding because of its 3 position compression switch. It’s not worse than or better than Grip2, just different. I think you’ll find Fit4 in 32, whilst you have a choice between the two on 34. I believe it’s only being phased out on 36
@@njhunt9910 I have Fit4 in my 36 Performance Elite forks on my 2019 Canyon Strive. Not exactly an XC bike lol but I take your point re the 3pos switch but so does the FOX FLOAT DPX2 Performance Elite shock that it came with. Again. Not really an XC bit of kit.
z2 on my bike im a big dude, and im always on the last 1/4 of the dampning dial. I'm thinking about going to the z1, I want the beefy chassis. and yea I should probobly use the tokens on my fork. I like it better than the fox34 as it feels more stable to me, and I have more confidence. I have a mix of trails around me from good climbs to fairly gnarly Dh stuff.
A little late for me because i have the fork since january when i bought the GT force elite 29. I always ride with the adjust fully open... 🧐 mmmmm...well total lockdown since April didn't help ridding the bike a lot 😄 I am heavier but didn't try anything besides fully open compression. Not many videos about settings or details with this fork, awesome👍
I am 250lbs with gear semi-aggressive rider. I have a 36 grip 2 on my FS and a Z2 with the rail damper on my hardtail that I picked up for 300 bucks. I have also had forks with the grip damper. Honestly I can't tell a difference between the grip and the rail damper. The Z2 isn't that bad, but Its definitely not as good as the grip 2 for my weight. I would also never run 34mm stanchions again. If my 36 broke tomorrow I would probably get another grip 2, but if I lost 40 pounds or so then I would go with the Z1 instead.
Is there any difference between Fit 4 and Fit Grip? Looking for a budget enduro fork for my hardtail and didn't notice much difference between bomber Z1 and fox 34 performance 😀
You said you use 1/6 into adjuster for damper. Can you briefly explain what is the difference between pumping more few more PSI and using full open adjuster rather than keeping the pressure the same and adding compression (1/6 in your case). Is there a different curve?
Help me out here, I'm confused about the usage of "damping" by turning the top dial. Personally thought that dial was for locking the fork up for climbing and that you adjusted the dampening solely by adding removing air (and tokens for the progression rate). I'm on a Fox Performance Elite FIT4 (3-pos.adj.) so apart from the three positions of "lock out"there is a "open mode adjust". Is that maybe more like what the Marzocci has and then no lock out options?
Yea the fit4 'open adjust' is similar to the dial he's showing here. It's the low speed compression adjustment for when the big dial (3 position) is open.
Hey Jeff, I just want to ask if you have an idea about the SR Suntour Durolux36 EQ? I'm torn between this two forks and I dont know what to choose. I'm riding an aggressive hardtail. Thanks
You won't be able to tell them apart, they are basically identical. The Z1 is a rebranded 36 Rhythm if I recall, so just slightly heavier than the Performance, but same internals.
Thinking that you need the nickname of jack rabbit or something... the way you just pop around terrain is enviable. I've been running a new Z1 coil and it's been so damn smooth, especially noticeable on a hardtail -- very little chatter over roots and those lovely rumble strips before some turns that people have created for you (I feel I have a great amount of front wheel grip). I have a Fox 36 Rhythm on my FS and as much as I can tell... there's little differences. One criticism I have of the Z1 is, I don't know if I'm an idiot or just bad luck, but I did strip the lower mount for the caliper and needed to use a Helicoil, even with using the correct nm torque.
The reason I would go for the Grip 2 is that I like to make my bike as poppy as possible like I run %10 sag and have rebound a click off fully open. This works great for skipping over roots and popping off everything... However it's super sketchy on G-outs and drops and I think that high speed rebound could do the trick.
10% sag?! Wow, I can't ever go that firm! I love the traction of the more traditional amounts of sag. I don't set my bikes up to be extra poppy, I set them up to land in a controlled fashion. As evidenced by my big crash this summer, making it any easier to leave the earth will just mean I end up carcassing myself that much more lol!
@@JeffKendallWeed your setup is a lot more logical and probably what I should be doing. However after riding a trust message for a few months (then selling it) I came accustomed to a supportive front end and can't go back.
Jeff, I have the Fox34 performance with the grip damper. I'm a light guy (130lbs with rocks in my pockets) and I've found the suspension on my 140/140 occam is hard to get just right. I'm a fairly aggressive rider and want to keep the bike "poppy", but I pay for that in the chucky stuff. Would the grip2 help the bike to be poppy on the flowy stuff and provide stability when the trails get rough.
Hey Philip, the 34 fork is fine for many folks, but personally I do not get along with that fork at all. It's way too flimsy for my riding style. I really liked the Occam with the 36 fork set at 150mm travel. I don't think the Grip2 vs Grip is all that noticeable on such a short travel application. If you do anything I'd suggest going for a 36 at 150 travel- maybe even a Z1 to keep the costs down. Also, I always set my bikes up to handle the rough and low traction first and foremost, then rely on pumping and bump jumping to get that playful style.
Running one and I dig it. Really no reason to go Fox for me. The 150 mm fork comes with 3 volume spacers installed and I did not get around to messing with it for a while and I should have Running one spacer now and I am fairly aggressive rider at 145 pounds and the fork is so much better for my style. I wish the compression had indexing so I knew exactly where I had it but I could easily make little marks to know where to return it too.
Ya an indexing compression adjuster would be nice but for such a small amount of travel, just going off a rough guess of the clocking has been fine IMO. The new 38 only has 8 clicks of HSC, so not a whole lot more specific. I'd say that's about as precise as the LSC adjuster on the Grip/Z1!
I'm relatively new to mountain biking. My bike has a Suntour xcr 34 coil spring fork. I wonder how capable this Fork is? Is it a bad fork or is it okay. It came on a 2021 bike that I bought
Yeah, it's from a company called Motion Instruments. Here's a tad more info on the system: ruclips.net/video/QkiK_n9NTcg/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/9hOEoSlDUhY/видео.html
I think comp damper will dynamically resist travelling and give you linear counter force when fork diving into the travel. Meanwhile, adding air pressure can change spring rate which alters both sag (static)& give you progressive counter force (dynamic) (due to ideal gas characteristic: PV=nRT) which may not desirable.
compression slows the travel while more air pressure hardens the travel. With more pressure, it will feel like a pogo stick while on the contrary, with more compression, the fork will feel more sluggish on the suspension which is lots of the time desired.
Isn't the Z1 literally just a rebranded Fox 36 Rhythm? I've also heard that the Z1 will take the Grip 2 upgrade kit for the Fox 36, so you can upgrade the internals.
Keep crushin' these videos Jeff! Another interesting video! How often should the average Joe check their air pressure in their suspension and also the app you're using to check your suspension is Ibis' "shock tune" tech? The Shock tune seems very useful, but that is only available on current models? Can someone get it on an older model?
![Kumamoto Masters Japan 2024 | Gregoria Mariska Tunjung (INA) [5] vs. Akane Yamaguchi (JPN) [2] | F](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EIjZybhsWqA/mqdefault.jpg)
**Manuals the entire trail** "I'm really happy with the fork!"
haha so true, he spends more time on his back wheel than on both
Haha yea I'm jealous too
Hahaha!
I’m deceased 😂
Landing gear is important to planes as well. Haha! 😀😇😎
Thanks for acknowledging that you don’t need the high dollar options to still go out and have a a quality ride 👊🏼
It's the truth!!!
@@JeffKendallWeed ...I knew early on that you aren't one to try to convince people that spending more means dramatic differences in performance when you said you are a Shimano 2 piston XT fan. It was something like..."They stop my bike, they're reliable, easy to maintain, and that's what I want from a brake." I LOVE the "no frills" reviews that you give.
What I found with the Grip damper is, it just takes more precise pressure and volume reducers to get the small bump compliance to feel good, but not have it dive. I guess another way of looking at it is...for me, the "manual" things that make the fork work have to be more dead on, because it doesn't have nearly the adjustability to make up for any basics that might be off even slightly. For instance, I started off with the stock single volume reducers in my 36 Performance 160mm, and the the 15% sag felt good on bigger hit days, but the "plush" 20% felt better for average trail riding...and obviously I don't want to be jacking with that all the time. So....i added a second volume reducer, set the sag at 18%, and backed off the pressure just 4 psi. That was the sweet spot to get it to handle small bumps well, not dive, and still not bottom out on big hits. And INTERESTINGLY, I'm 175 lbs, and I run the compression damping just one from fully open, like what it appears you run. More than that...and it starts feeling harsh. I have contemplated upgrading to the Grip 2 this coming spring, but in truth...I don't think I would notice enough difference in performance to warrant the cost. The DPX2 on the Ripmo is never going to set the world on fire with plushness, so not sure spending a lot on a fork would really change the overall ride dynamic!
@@JeffKendallWeed i found the more settings i have to dial ,the less i acsually ride i hace a rockshox recelaton with 5 volume spacers and im totally fine and do not miss my kashima 36 from my fathers bike, im fine totally fine with the lower end and bonus , i can get another bike🤣
I had a RockShox Dart 2 in a relatively bad condition and still had a great time with it.
Put the bloody front wheel on the ground! i'd buy a second hand fork from this guy... barely used!
Surprised you managed to have enough front-wheel-on-ground time to get a good impression lol
Hahaha fair point!
first youtuber ive seen to lay out his sponser at the start
i like it good work
at 6'4" and 240 lbs i run a 140mm bomber z1 air on my Kona Honzo ESD and i just set it to the stock setup from the chart and thats all set it and forget it. Excellent fork
Interestingly I had a conversation with the Craig from Avalanche Suspension and he says his preferred fork to build a damper for is the Fox Rhythm 36 as the stanchions are thicker than the Fox 36 Performance, Elite or Factory and by extension he also said the Marzocci Z1 is the same exact chassis.
So guess this means if you want to build a high end fork for budget price by a Z1 or a Rhythm and get his damper tuned for you. Seems like a killer idea to me.
I think this is the reason Kazimer from Pinkbike put Marzocchi uppers on Fox 36 Factory lowers. Best of both worlds!
@@mattbender7317 yeah you are probably right. Get near 38 stiffness at a budget price.
On a side note I'm glad it is being brought out that Fox can indeed tune a shock for you. I have a Fox DPS 140mm in the rear and they put a stiffer tune on it for me because I'm 220lbs dry. It rides so much better than stock. Fox was really good at answering my questions about this too.🤙
@@acfella100 I think for most of us, especially heavy riders we would want the fork to be stiffer than more tunable. I can ride my Fox 34 Rythm in many different settings but what I can't control is the flex which takes away from dropping a steep on my front and turning. I don't think I would have considered the other options if I hadn't seen this video and comments.
@@justsayin3600 I think thats an extension of it being a 34mm as AVA says the Rhythm 36/Marzocci Z1 are much stiffer than Fox 36 and as he can build you a tuned (for you specifically) damper you get the best of both worlds. I am 245lbs kitted up.
I replaced my Rhythm 34 on my Trance 29 with an Elite 34 with Fit4 and what I noticed is it flexed significantly more than the Rhythm. I dunno...just my 2 cents.
That moment you like the video at 17 seconds ago it was released because you know it’s good.
Thanks Aiden! I do appreciate that!!!
I don't understand why this dude doesn't have 1,000,000 subs yet.
So glad Fox rescued the Bomber line.
Agreed!
Long live the Z1!!!!
@@Egcmikey Bam!
The Grip damper is pretty darn good out of the box. I set sag, followed the Fox recommendations and I haven’t really needed to touch it very often asides from adjusting rebound every once in a while. It will satisfy 85% of riders I think.
Agreed!
Alaska!!!!! Sorry, I'm easily excited when my home state gets a shout-out!
Thanks for breaking this down. Been curious about this fork. Now I’m convinced it’s sick!
Crazy I just bought a Af and bought a Z1 today before I saw your video! I feel great now that I saved some money and got a great set up. I’m more of a set it and forget it if it feels good. Plus I my a 240 lbs rider, so a Xl AF and a Z1 sounds good 👍 thanks so much for your great videos, I wish I could shred half of your skills. God bless
Great review man. Had one of the original Z1s back in the day on my Santa Cruz Heckler. This review made it clear of how capable the fork is. Thanks for posting your experience with it.
Hi Jeff, I just subbed.
That was a smart review, good work👍🏻
240 pound aggressive rider. Grip 2 36 is amazing, I’ve blown up all other “standard” adjustment shocks. Worth the money for heavier riders,
So you would not recommend spending quite a lot for a single compression-ratio fork ?
Just got myself an hardtail, limited supplies made for a simple Suntour I'd like to upgrade for something else...I imagine a Z1 could be good, but if still too basic, maybe Z2 and await for more funds etc...
I am 250 and have the Grip 2 36. Ditto
Good stuff Jeff, as usual. My friend rode a current Spesh enduro that had a Z1 fitted and was blown away by the performance, he is an elite level rider and said it was as good as his year older 36 factory, high praise indeed.
Although I almost went with the GRIP damper (either in this fork or lower end Fox), I wanted the high and low speed REBOUND adjustment more than an extra compression adjustment. Thankfully, for 2021, Fox put the GRIP2 in the Float 34 fork. I am testing that fork and will have a review up in November
I'm one of those outliers, weighing in at 350, and riding a Marzocchi Bomber Z1 air on my Norco Torrent HT A2. Upgraded from 150mm of travel from my previous fork to 160mm, and set my psi at 110. I can't even describe how good this fork is. I glide down the chunkiest of rocks. I LOVE this fork. Although I've never ridden a Fox 36, I do have a RockShox Lyrik on my Rocky Mountain Instinct at 160mm. I really can't distinguish the differences. They're both buttery smooth.
I’m running the z1 140mm on my karate monkey. I weigh about 205 lb. really happy with this fork total game changer. Out of the box all I did was set up psi+ rebound recommended haven’t touched it since. My style of riding xc to some rowdy rock gardens and the fork eats it all up. So far no complaints.
Thats great to know. Thank you
Rad! Good to know! I'm on a Tallboy and am not stoked on the aost stiff as a rigid bike RockShox Recon fork. I'm considering upgrading to a 140mm.
I have had a Marzocchi Z1 for nearly 3 full seasons now and it started its career as 160mm travel fork on my aggressive trail bike (some Mexican brand called Belfort, it was covid stop gap) and now resides at 170mm on my rocky mountain slayer. I have beaten this fork silly plowing through some of the knarliest knar on the east coast of Canada and the US, hitting some of dumbest huck to flats, big jump lines and this fork has served it purpose incredibly well. It has yet to really show any weakness, it holds its own against most of it high end counterparts and it's incredibly reliable. It's strenght truly resides it's simple build and it's trickle down tech from the fox high end stuff.
It's truly proves you don't need 1k to get out there and ride with the big boys!!!
For now I’m still on my 2001 Z1 Bomber and it’s still sucking up chunk very well. I’ve always loved Marzocchi Bomber forks for back in the day open oil bath spring forks were the fork to have and were very smooth. New bike day coming soon and I’ll be on Fox Performance and eventually Fox Factory. Thanks for the great video!
Bombers were awesome back in the day - nothing but plushness.
Picked up a z1 on sale and at a discount. 436 bucks is a wicked deal. Cant wait for them to arrive
Just helped me make up my mind about what to put on my hardtail....Marzocchi it is. Good enough for Jeff, good enough for me.
Great video bro. Just what I needed. Many safe miles. Aloha.
JEFF ALWAYS PUTS OUT GOOD STUFF!
Jeff looks at the rear tire, " time to replace", looks at the front tire, "ah, still good", (-; . Wish i had that problem
I also have both (which I bought with my own money) and I agree with all of this analysis.
Love a good tech video!
The other thing you didn’t mention is the far superior color scheme on the marzoccchi!
you can also buy and install a fox 36 grip 2 damper into this fork at a later time if you feel you needed it ... and i've heard the chassis is actually stiffer than the 36
This was a great review. Such a great video.
Your like a acrobatic bike rider. How you have such control is beyond me.
Good review, Jeff.
You do the best reviews
Great honest review and opinion! Thanks mate!
Thank you for your review/opinion. thanks to you I bought myslef Z1 air and saved £400 for AXS dropper. if it's good for you its good enough for me. Stay hard!
Great stuff Jeff 🚴😉🏴🏴👌
Thanks Nick!!!
Thanks for the tech video. The intro is cool
I rave about this fork as well! Its the best and I have a 36 grip2 as well!
Haven't ridden the Z1, but have ridden a Fox 36 Performance on a demo bike, even at 250lbs it felt very supportive and maybe even a bit more plush than the 36 Factory which I felt was just beating me up on a different demo bike. I've also demoed a Ripmo AF and found I liked the DVO suspension better than either of the Fox forks I rode. My own bike has a RockShox 35 Gold which isn't even close to the level of the Fox 36 or DVO.
Man. You took that turn on your front tire!!! I thought i was getting good. I will never ride again now. Thanks. Lol.
Good on you for wanting to ride trail, if you ever get to Kentucky or southern Indiana let me know I have some good trails to hit.
Hi Jeff. Greetings from Australia. Gread video as always. May I ask the length of stems you usually ride on your trail/enduro bike??
just ordered mine yesterday! building up a knolly fugitive LT, I am coming from a yeti sb140 that had fox factory everything. so carbon & factory to alloy and performance level it will be interesting to see what things are like!
Would appreciate your views on a full coil Back and front suspension. Really great job , every time man.
How about the servicing? I'm pretty used to working on my Fox fork and have all the tools for that. Is this the same? I think you said the lowers were the same as Fox so I assume it would be.
Brian, the whole thing is Fox components. I don't do damper rebuilds, but all the fork seals on the lower legs and the fork oil is all Fox stuff.
Lol so strange to see youtubers themselves to be on the other side and in the comments section with the rest of us!
Excellent Review 😎 I Have a 160Z1 on my CF Warden its an Awesome Fork Running 105psi and Damper at 1 Oclock 2 for bigger stuff Rebound 10clicks Ride Vancouver LW Rider 😎 Best Fork For The Buck
Definitely getting a Coil Fork My Z1 😃
I am 200 lbs. probably 215 with all my DH gear. I love the fox 36. I would be had pressed to get a cheaper fork. I do ride somewhat aggressively and put in 3 tokens. That said, if the bike came with this fork, I would probably keep it, if the progression is the same as the fox 36.
I've got both a Factory 36 and a Z1 and I can honestly say that I prefer the Z1, there's less fucking about and it just feels better for some reason, maybe because it's a bit heavier, dunno......
I am 235 lbs. My grip 2 I barely run compression and almost maxxed on rebound. I have 3 tokens and run 25 to 30% sag. I'm no suspention expert, just keep making adjustments to what feels best.
Thanks Jeff...Great info!!!! 👍🏾✌🏾
the trick is to either do a coil upgrade on a 38 or a grip2 into the z1 coil 🤯
Hey Jeff, really enjoyed this review would generally echo your experiences with my own rhythm 36. I'm on the lighter side of things generally between 130 and 140 lbs on any given day and I'm generally a pretty aggressive rider in rocky northern NM. I've had a hard time getting the fork to ride as high in its travel as I want it to while still being able to get out of its own way when I hit bumps at speed, but that's not enough of an issue for me to have replaced it with a different fork yet. I've considered getting an air system like the DSD runt because I really love the IRT spring that came in the Manitou Mattoc pro on my other bike and its a similar concept.
I'm 125lbs, I run 35 psi in my fox 36 and compression and rebound fully open, about 30-35% sag (similar settings on almost any other fork)
I am 136 lbs but I ride my fox 34 rythm on the closed adjustment because I dont want to go over the bar
In your video you mention you would never go coil. I guess Ibis didn't consult you when decided to not give new AF buyers the option to have an air fork. I understand that going to Z1 bomber now to keep the price point down but at least give the people the option to go coil or air :) A coil front and back may give you that motorcycle feel that some want but some of us still love the Ripmo AF as still a good climber with no bob and descender that can pop off things while not diving. Coil makes it feel dead.
Hi i just start watching ur videos and love it . I am trying to find video for handle bar adjustment mean how much forward or backwards u want ur handlebar so can u please make video on it
Hey Jeff. Cool vid but I’m curious, where would the fit4 sit in relation to these two forks? Cheers
Fit 4 in terms of performance is regarded as less than even the g1/grip (non grip 2)
@@RealMTBAddict grip and grip 2 is actually lighter than a fit 4 damper. They're slowly phasing out the fit 4 system
Fit4 suits XC type riding because of its 3 position compression switch. It’s not worse than or better than Grip2, just different. I think you’ll find Fit4 in 32, whilst you have a choice between the two on 34. I believe it’s only being phased out on 36
@@njhunt9910 I have Fit4 in my 36 Performance Elite forks on my 2019 Canyon Strive. Not exactly an XC bike lol but I take your point re the 3pos switch but so does the FOX FLOAT DPX2 Performance Elite shock that it came with. Again. Not really an XC bit of kit.
What do you think about the Ripley AF?
Jenson? Never heard of them are they a small national company ? When will they go international ?
z2 on my bike im a big dude, and im always on the last 1/4 of the dampning dial. I'm thinking about going to the z1, I want the beefy chassis. and yea I should probobly use the tokens on my fork. I like it better than the fox34 as it feels more stable to me, and I have more confidence. I have a mix of trails around me from good climbs to fairly gnarly Dh stuff.
A little late for me because i have the fork since january when i bought the GT force elite 29. I always ride with the adjust fully open... 🧐 mmmmm...well total lockdown since April didn't help ridding the bike a lot 😄
I am heavier but didn't try anything besides fully open compression.
Not many videos about settings or details with this fork, awesome👍
Late to the game, but worth a try: is the small bump compliance comparable between both forks (or is the Fox better at this metric)?
Can you adjust the lock out from open to locked, Rebound and the how much air is in the fork I assume you can
I am 250lbs with gear semi-aggressive rider. I have a 36 grip 2 on my FS and a Z2 with the rail damper on my hardtail that I picked up for 300 bucks. I have also had forks with the grip damper. Honestly I can't tell a difference between the grip and the rail damper. The Z2 isn't that bad, but Its definitely not as good as the grip 2 for my weight. I would also never run 34mm stanchions again. If my 36 broke tomorrow I would probably get another grip 2, but if I lost 40 pounds or so then I would go with the Z1 instead.
Can the travel be adjusted? From 170mm to 160mm? If yes, how? What do I need to do?
Is there any difference between Fit 4 and Fit Grip? Looking for a budget enduro fork for my hardtail and didn't notice much difference between bomber Z1 and fox 34 performance 😀
It looks like the 27,5 fork can easily fit a 29er and now it is on sale and you can get it for 200€ less than the 29 version should i risk it?
Is the eye chart to test for your concusions. That's what I use. Many more to come .
Would you recommend the mojo for an aggressive New England tech gnar rider? Mostly tight slower tech type riding. Thanks.
You said you use 1/6 into adjuster for damper. Can you briefly explain what is the difference between pumping more few more PSI and using full open adjuster rather than keeping the pressure the same and adding compression (1/6 in your case). Is there a different curve?
Help me out here, I'm confused about the usage of "damping" by turning the top dial. Personally thought that dial was for locking the fork up for climbing and that you adjusted the dampening solely by adding removing air (and tokens for the progression rate).
I'm on a Fox Performance Elite FIT4 (3-pos.adj.) so apart from the three positions of "lock out"there is a "open mode adjust". Is that maybe more like what the Marzocci has and then no lock out options?
Yea the fit4 'open adjust' is similar to the dial he's showing here. It's the low speed compression adjustment for when the big dial (3 position) is open.
@@SudoChuckwalla Thanks!
Hey Jeff, I just want to ask if you have an idea about the SR Suntour Durolux36 EQ? I'm torn between this two forks and I dont know what to choose. I'm riding an aggressive hardtail. Thanks
I’ve got a performance 36 on my fuel ex 9.8 and I’ve been thinking of going to Marzocchi
Theyre basically the same dude. Don't bother unless you're going coil
You won't be able to tell them apart, they are basically identical. The Z1 is a rebranded 36 Rhythm if I recall, so just slightly heavier than the Performance, but same internals.
As many premium forks as I've had, compression adjustments are something I rarely bother with...maybe I should save myself some money!
Thinking that you need the nickname of jack rabbit or something... the way you just pop around terrain is enviable. I've been running a new Z1 coil and it's been so damn smooth, especially noticeable on a hardtail -- very little chatter over roots and those lovely rumble strips before some turns that people have created for you (I feel I have a great amount of front wheel grip). I have a Fox 36 Rhythm on my FS and as much as I can tell... there's little differences. One criticism I have of the Z1 is, I don't know if I'm an idiot or just bad luck, but I did strip the lower mount for the caliper and needed to use a Helicoil, even with using the correct nm torque.
Sorry to hear about your brake mount! Helicoil is a great fix tho!
Great video!
How does the Marzocchi Z1 compare vs the Fox 36 Rhythm?
Seem pretty similar on paper; any differences? Thanks.
I know the Rhythm is OEM only, whereas the Z1 is available for purchase.
Performance/spec-wise, how do they compare?
I believe they are literally the same fork, the Z1 is a rebranded Rhythm, or so I've heard.
Got any 2nd hand front formal you are looking to sell. I have a feeling they are lightly used lol 😂
The reason I would go for the Grip 2 is that I like to make my bike as poppy as possible like I run %10 sag and have rebound a click off fully open. This works great for skipping over roots and popping off everything... However it's super sketchy on G-outs and drops and I think that high speed rebound could do the trick.
10% sag?! Wow, I can't ever go that firm! I love the traction of the more traditional amounts of sag. I don't set my bikes up to be extra poppy, I set them up to land in a controlled fashion. As evidenced by my big crash this summer, making it any easier to leave the earth will just mean I end up carcassing myself that much more lol!
@@JeffKendallWeed your setup is a lot more logical and probably what I should be doing. However after riding a trust message for a few months (then selling it) I came accustomed to a supportive front end and can't go back.
What tires are you running on your bike in this video?
Did you leave stock amount of air tokens in?
Jeff, I have the Fox34 performance with the grip damper. I'm a light guy (130lbs with rocks in my pockets) and I've found the suspension on my 140/140 occam is hard to get just right. I'm a fairly aggressive rider and want to keep the bike "poppy", but I pay for that in the chucky stuff. Would the grip2 help the bike to be poppy on the flowy stuff and provide stability when the trails get rough.
Hey Philip, the 34 fork is fine for many folks, but personally I do not get along with that fork at all. It's way too flimsy for my riding style. I really liked the Occam with the 36 fork set at 150mm travel. I don't think the Grip2 vs Grip is all that noticeable on such a short travel application. If you do anything I'd suggest going for a 36 at 150 travel- maybe even a Z1 to keep the costs down. Also, I always set my bikes up to handle the rough and low traction first and foremost, then rely on pumping and bump jumping to get that playful style.
Good stuff and topics
Running one and I dig it. Really no reason to go Fox for me. The 150 mm fork comes with 3 volume spacers installed and I did not get around to messing with it for a while and I should have Running one spacer now and I am fairly aggressive rider at 145 pounds and the fork is so much better for my style. I wish the compression had indexing so I knew exactly where I had it but I could easily make little marks to know where to return it too.
Ya an indexing compression adjuster would be nice but for such a small amount of travel, just going off a rough guess of the clocking has been fine IMO. The new 38 only has 8 clicks of HSC, so not a whole lot more specific. I'd say that's about as precise as the LSC adjuster on the Grip/Z1!
I'm relatively new to mountain biking. My bike has a Suntour xcr 34 coil spring fork. I wonder how capable this Fork is? Is it a bad fork or is it okay. It came on a 2021 bike that I bought
Suntour is trash, especially coil spring Suntour.
would you put these on an ebike?
WHATS THE APP CALLED FOR THE FORK? PLEASEEEE
I would like more info on the data thingy for the fork travel please, thanks!
Yeah, it's from a company called Motion Instruments. Here's a tad more info on the system: ruclips.net/video/QkiK_n9NTcg/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/9hOEoSlDUhY/видео.html
My gf has the z2 she is only 120lbs lol should she have somthing done to it? She has been runing at 58psi and damper all the way opend..
i can put a grip2 damper in the bomber z1 right?
Came off a 36 Performance to the Z1 and I don't know if it's just me but the Z1 feels slightly more supportive?
Interesting, they should feel virtually identical I would think, with the Z1 basically being a rebranded Fox 36
@@mrvwbug4423 that's why I said I don't know if it's just me, seems like maybe a pecebo
What's the difference between the z1 and the fox 36 performance (not the elite)?, they both uses grip damper.
weight
Great review, but I'm confused on one thing. Why increase compression damping instead of just adding air pressure? Do they have different effects?
I think comp damper will dynamically resist travelling and give you linear counter force when fork diving into the travel. Meanwhile, adding air pressure can change spring rate which alters both sag (static)& give you progressive counter force (dynamic) (due to ideal gas characteristic: PV=nRT) which may not desirable.
Compression adjust the speed of how fast your fork is able to compress
adding more damper will not change your sag point, adding more air pressure will. (in theory)
compression slows the travel while more air pressure hardens the travel. With more pressure, it will feel like a pogo stick while on the contrary, with more compression, the fork will feel more sluggish on the suspension which is lots of the time desired.
Is that a bicycle bell in 4:05, wow thats odd
I’m sure you know this but you can put the grip 2 in the z1 giving you a stiffer grip 2 fork.
Yeah I'll be doing that to my Z1 coil to control it a little better.
@@JeffKendallWeed Are you doing a review on the Z1 coil? That would be great 🙂
Try it with a grip 2 damper on it for a fair comparison!
Isn't the Z1 literally just a rebranded Fox 36 Rhythm? I've also heard that the Z1 will take the Grip 2 upgrade kit for the Fox 36, so you can upgrade the internals.
Yes it’s the same fork. So I’d upgrade to the Avalanche Suspension damper for just a bit more than a Grip2.
Z1 vs yari?
Keep crushin' these videos Jeff! Another interesting video!
How often should the average Joe check their air pressure in their suspension and also the app you're using to check your suspension is Ibis' "shock tune" tech? The Shock tune seems very useful, but that is only available on current models? Can someone get it on an older model?
As an average Joe, I don't check it. If it starts feeling funny I'll look into it more. But day in and day out doesn't need to be messed with.