In 1997, Marzocchi launched the Bomber Z1, a suspension fork that stood out from the crowd both technically and visually. No lightweight construction or unsuitable spring and damping elements, but a thick chassis, steel suspension and robust oil damping were the trump cards to set new standards in riding comfort and grip at the time. With the new Z1, Marzocchi relies on the same features, but of course with new technologies.

The Bomber Z1 is no longer a downhill bike, but the fork should be able to handle everything from easy trail rides to bike park excursions. It is available as a 27.5-inch and 29-inch version and offers suspension travel in increments of ten from 150 to 180 millimetres and from 130 to 170 millimetres respectively. In contrast to the past, the fork no longer shines in metallic orange but in glossy red or matt black.

Fox in Marzocchi fur

Since Fox took over Marzocchi in 2015, it comes as no surprise that the inner workings of the Z1 come from the US suspension specialist. Marzocchi promises that the fork will once again offer very good riding performance. It impresses with sensitive air suspension and proven damping from the Grip series, installed in robust 36-millimetre tubes made of 6000 aluminum.

The sales price is really interesting, because at 699 US dollars - prices in Swiss francs will follow - it's almost a bargain. For this money, however, there are only limited setting options. But although it's cheap, the internals are by no means bad: the new Fit-Grip damping with rebound and compression adjustment and Evol air suspension with adjustable volume are impressive. Despite the low price, the Z1 is also said to be very durable, so it's no cheat.

Bomber 58 for downhillers

With the Bomber 58 double crown fork, Marzocchi also offers downhillers an inexpensive alternative to the top models from Fox and Co. For just under 1000 dollars, however, there is also a lot of high-end here: The Bomber 58 has 40 millimetre thick stanchions that conceal the new Fit-Grip damper and the proven Evol air suspension.

The damping can be adjusted in terms of rebound and compression, while the suspension can be adjusted in terms of air volume as well as air pressure.

Marzocchi's downhill fork is only available as a 27.5-inch version with a 20x110 millimeter thru-axle and offers 203 millimeters of travel. As with the Z1, the color variants are "Matte Black" and "Gloss Red".

The first ride on the Z1

On the one hand, Marzocchi is regarded as Fox's inexpensive suspension fork brand and yet it is stated that the Z1 should still deliver excellent performance today, just as it did in 1997. Inexpensive and still good? With a little skepticism, but with the thought in the back of my mind that there are also expensive suspension systems that work disappointingly, I set off for the trail. When hopping around on the approach, the fork already feels very promising.

The first trail is then like a revelation, because the Z1 handles the fine, fast hits like a steam iron. The following root passages are also no problem. The fork swallows big hits cleanly, but lets you feel the end progression well, which in turn is important when overcoming obstacles and jumping. Likewise, on steep descents where you are hanging on to the brakes, the fork is high enough in its travel that it still has reserves for further impacts.

Conclusion

Although it is not exactly light at 2.24 kilograms, the Bomber Z1 impresses on the first ride without any negative conspicuous features. The minimal adjustment options are also pleasing. They are effective and you don't have to be a suspension guru to adjust the fork to your needs. There is also a sticker on the back of the Z1 with setup recommendations to help even uninformed bikers. The classic therefore seems to be a real buy. However, long-term testing will show whether it is as robust and durable as Marzocchi promises.

www.marzocchi.com