If you are looking for a new suspension fork for your mountain bike, you might be wondering which one is better: the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 or the Fox 34.
Both forks are designed for trail and enduro riding, and both have 34mm stanchions and air springs. But they also have some differences that might affect your decision.
Below, we will compare the two forks based on their performance, features, weight, adjustability, travel, stiffness, and price.
Bomber Z2 vs Fox 34: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Marzocchi Bomber Z2 | Fox 34 |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | Plush and forgiving | Stable and responsive |
| Damper System | Rail damper | GRIP 2 damper |
| Weight | Approximately 2000g | Approximately 1820g |
| Adjustability | Highly adjustable | Highly adjustable |
| Travel Options | 100mm to 150mm | 130mm to 140mm |
| Stiffness | Less stiff | Stiffer |
| Price | Around $519 | Around $749-$869 |
Performance
Both forks offer excellent performance on different types of terrain.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is more plush and forgiving, making it ideal for technical and aggressive trails.
It has a Rail damper and a Float air spring that are highly adjustable and provide a smooth and linear feel.
The Fox 34 is more stable and responsive, making it well-suited for fast and flowy trails. It has a GRIP 2 damper that is highly adjustable and offers excellent sensitivity and plushness.
Features
The main difference between the two forks is the damper system.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 has a Rail damper that uses a sealed cartridge with a single rebound adjuster and a compression dial that controls both low-speed and high-speed compression.
The Fox 34 has a GRIP 2 damper that uses a FIT cartridge with four independent adjusters for high-speed and low-speed compression and rebound.
Weight
The Fox 34 is lighter than the Marzocchi Bomber Z2.
The Fox 34 weighs about 1820 grams, while the Marzocchi Bomber Z2 weighs about 2000 grams.
The weight difference might not be noticeable on the trail, but it might matter if you are looking for a lighter bike.
Read Also: Fox 49 vs. 40: Compared
Adjustability
The Fox 34 is more adjustable than the Marzocchi Bomber Z2.
The Fox 34 has four independent adjusters that allow you to fine-tune the fork’s performance to your preference and riding conditions.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 has fewer options, but it is still highly adjustable and easy to set up.
Travel
Both forks have a wide range of travel options, depending on the model and wheel size.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 offers from 100mm to 150mm of travel, while the Fox 34 offers from 130mm to 140mm of travel.
You can also change the travel of both forks by swapping the air spring assembly.
Stiffness
The Fox 34 is stiffer than the Marzocchi Bomber Z2.
The Fox 34 has a stiffer chassis and crown that provide more precise steering and handling.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is less stiff, but it is still strong enough for most trail riding situations.
Read Also: SunTour XCT vs. RockShox Judy: Compared
Price
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is significantly cheaper than the Fox 34.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 costs around $519, while the Fox 34 costs around $749-$869.
The price difference reflects the difference in features and quality between the two forks.
Conclusion
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 and the Fox 34 are both great suspension forks for trail and enduro riding, but they have some differences that might make one better than the other for your needs.
The Marzocchi Bomber Z2 is more plush and forgiving, while the Fox 34 is more stable and responsive.
The Fox 34 is also lighter, more adjustable, stiffer, and more expensive than the Marzocchi Bomber Z2.