Hard to believe: The Marzocchi Bomber Z1 was released in 1997. Thus, the classic will celebrate a round birthday in 2026. Well, almost. The suspension fork is a full 29 years old and that is reason enough to dust off our popular test for you!
Marzocchi Bomber Z1 – the retrospective
When Marzocchi sent the first Bomber Z1 into the race in 1997, its fork internals were absolutely revolutionary. The combination of oil cartridge plus steel spring and thick fork tubes was groundbreaking, many other suspension fork designers still relied on elastomers and the like – unfortunately not particularly efficient. The first Bomber Z1 forks set new standards in terms of suspension comfort and traction. The MTB community was thrilled, the new system was simply fun. Marzocchi was able to build on these old successes time and again and has since brought several reissues of the cult fork to market.
Marzocchi now under new flag
Today, the Italian brand Marzocchi belongs to the Americans Fox Shox, the company was acquired in 2015. For us, a real gain, because since then, the new editions of products like the Bomber Z1, Z2 or Z contain not only the experience of Marzocchi but also a lot of technology from Fox.
Among other things, owners of a new Marzocchi will now enjoy the “Float EVOL” air spring with increased air chamber volume of the negative chamber for a smoother response. The progression of the fork can be further refined here with volume spacers (click system) and adjusted to taste. Also nice: The “Grip Sweep” damping with adjustable rebound and a continuously adjustable low-speed compression stage. Caution, if you want to make changes to the high-speed compression stage, you will need to deal with the shims inside the fork.
Positively noted in the selection
With the Marzocchi Bomber, you have a choice: How much travel do you want? From 150 mm to 180 mm of travel is possible, as well as the choice between 27.5 inches and 29 inches. All models come with a tapered steerer and a post-mount 7” disc brake mount, as well as the in-house thru-axle with quick release lever.
Our test Marzocchi Bomber Z1 – numbers & facts
- Stanchion diameter: 36 mm
- Wheel size: available for 27.5“ & 29"
- Travel: various models, 150 - 180 mm
- Cartridge type: Grip Sweep
- EVOL air spring
- Colours: available in the typical black/red design
- Axle: 15 x 110 mm Boost
- Steerer tube: tapered
- Offset: 51 mm
- recommended application area: All Mountain, Trail
- Weight: approx. 2,300 g
- Price: 899.00 Euro RRP
It gets exciting: Marzocchi Bomber in the test
Is there anything better than pulling new bike parts out of the box?
...we have an unboxing for you…
The test bike is selected and polished, the Marzocchi fork is on the way. The wait for delivery was tough. But finally, it’s time to take the cutter and unpack the good piece. Visually, the Bomber Z1 reminds us of the old days - the massive stanchion and lower tubes combined with the “M”-shaped fork bridge evoke memories. Technically, however, the fork is supposedly up to date – we will see! We can hardly wait for the first test round, but before the test comes the wrench. The fork has to be mounted on the bike.
The assembly
Mounting the new fork does not require much experience or craftsmanship. Fork replacement is a topic in itself, here’s the short version:
- remove old fork
- remove all loose parts of the headset from the old fork
- thread onto the new steerer in the same order
- the new fork is pushed through the head tube
- mark the steerer where it needs to be cut to achieve the perfect cockpit height
- the fork is then pulled out of the head tube and cut (with a pipe cutter or hacksaw, best with a guide)
- the shortened fork is then threaded back through the frame's head tube
- mount spacer and stem – that’s it, the new fork is mounted
- fix brake caliper to the fork and install the wheel – done, let’s go!
Finally! Test riding!
“Sorry, darling, I have to test the Marzocchi!” To properly assess the Z1 suspension fork it’s not enough to ride it for a few hours on the home trail 😉. Various German bike parks, the Alps, and of course also on our home trails – we really spared no effort. We have thoroughly tested our Bomber Z1 for several months!
The right setup for the first test ride
The first impression was directly positive. On the first trail, we noticed how incredibly well the fork responds right out of the box. We deliberately left our test Marzocchi in its original state and did not change anything inside the chassis. A classic sag adjustment via the air chamber (air pressure recommendations are printed) and adjusting the rebound were necessary, nothing else. The continuously adjustable GRIP Sweep damping was also left completely open, it should only be further closed in extremely rough terrain or as a climbing aid on forest roads.
How the first round with the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 went
The response is buttery smooth and even the smallest roots on the trail are absorbed. You glide over the trail and the riding comfort is amazing. Combined with the brutally stiff chassis that guides the 36 mm wide stanchions, you achieve incredible steering precision - even when the terrain gets rougher. In terms of line choice, you can fully rely on the chosen line being maintained, because nothing and no one can throw the Bomber Z1 off balance.
How does the Marzocchi Bomber perform when it gets rocky?
They can all handle a bit of trail. But how does the Bomber perform in tough conditions? Going straight into nasty terrain with a new setup is not for everyone, but our Bomber Z1 performed really well, so we dared to test it in various rock fields.
A strong progression of the spring characteristic curve from halfway through the travel allows you to fully hold on to larger stones and jumps, as the fork does not bottom out through the travel. Even in the original basic setup, this was already noticeably felt, and with the help of the internal volume spacer click system, you still have the option to enhance this effect.
Stage 2: The Marzocchi Bomber in the Alps
The ultimate test for all MTB parts: “Real” mountains. The weekend in the Alps was therefore (for purely professional reasons, of course) unavoidable. Here too, we started with the basic setup, and lo and behold… even on rough trails in the Alps, the preset setup of the air chamber was sufficient. If it gets bumpier than expected, the compression stage can be easily adjusted with the help of the GRIP Sweep damping. However, this happens continuously – for us, rather a point of criticism. The adjustment works flawlessly, but the lever is very easy to operate. We accidentally adjusted it repeatedly in the heat of the moment. If you come into contact with the fork while pushing, in the lift, or at a tabletop, the setting is quickly changed. A ratchet would definitely help here.
The Marzocchi suspension fork in detail
Overall impression after a few weeks of testing
In addition to the impressive performance, we were also convinced by the solid overall impression. The robust lower tubes along with the bridge and the 36 mm stanchions not only provide a Look that can be compared to old Marzocchi forks, but also an enormous stiffness.
Test of the Marzocchi Bomber Z1 – conclusion:
Before the test, we were really skeptical: Legend or not! Can it also convince like it did back then? Is it just as much fun and perhaps even adds a little more (thanks to modern technology)? We say clearly: Yes! The new Marzocchi Bomber Z1 impresses with a pristine response, enormous stiffness, and good progression. With the Marzocchi you can easily tackle rough terrain and have sufficient adjustment options. If you want to delve deeper into the setup and have very specific preferences, you can also make further changes inside the fork with a click system to further personalise your riding experience. Also important: In terms of price, Marzocchi bike parts are absolutely competitive.
Zoom in and see the big grin. The test rides with the Marzocchi Bomber at MTB were really fun!
Advantages & Disadvantages: What we noticed in the test:
✅ smooth response
✅ easy to adjust
✅ high progression towards the end of the travel
✅ very robust and stiff
✅ good price-performance ratio
❌ too light, continuously adjustable GRIP unit (often adjusted accidentally)
❌ slightly heavier than comparable suspension forks
Please note: Our test was some time ago and refers to an older model version, since then the suspension fork has been revised several times. Does it still make sense to read the test? Of course, after all, the fork has continued to evolve since then, but it has remained true to its base. Modern versions offer even more options, today there is also an E-optimized model available, so a fork specifically for eMTBs.
Read more in the Bike Blog
Tests around the bicycle | MTB in the BMO blog
MTB material in the Bike Mailorder online shop
Marzocchi brand shop | MTB | eMTB | suspension forks
