Marzocchi MZ Comp – on used bike

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    • #81541

      So, I posted a while ago that I wanted to get my wife a good intro bike so that she could hit the trails with me. I was trying to decide on a K2 ZED or GT Aggressor. Well, I found a guy who was selling an 05 Hardrock Disc Pro for next to nothing. The frame and components were in good shape, wheels (ditch witch) ran true and tires were like new.. so I scooped it up. This bike came stock with the MZ comp front shocks.

      Not having any experience with this type of suspension fork, how do you know when it’s done? I believe these are spring loaded. Any way, took it out for a test run and it felt good until I started to take jumps. Like I said, not to familiar with the coil shocks, but there is absolutley no rebound damping. Once I launch and the front wheel leaves the ground I get a metal "clang" as the fork decompresses. This can’t be normal….. or is it?

    • #81542
      Any way, took it out for a test run and it felt good until I started to take jumps. Like I said, not to familiar with the coil shocks, but there is absolutley no rebound damping. Once I launch and the front wheel leaves the ground I get a metal "clang" as the fork decompresses. This can’t be normal….. or is it?

      That would be a normal thing for these type of forks.Alot of suspension forks will "pop" back like that,it is just returning back to the start of it’s travel.I know,it’s an unnerving sound,but somtimes you just have to get used to the way things are in reality.If I turn up my rebound on my Talas fork,it will return really slow and wont "pop" back like that,but when it’s set for normal trail use there has to be enough rebound to get the fork to return so it functions properly.And with a fork like yours that doesnt have any rebound,it’s just the way it is and there is’nt anything wrong with it except that it sounds like it’s going to fall apart.

    • #81543

      Ya.. the sound is un-nerving for sure, but it is what it is right? Thanks for the insight man.

    • #81544

      Admittedly I am not well versed in what components are best for each type of riding style but still, if I’m doing basic trail riding and I see something I can get air from…I’m taking it!!! I am also willing to bet that the forks have not been serviced in quite some time. In my research I am led to believe these are a lower end / entry level fork. They came on a 2005 hardrock pro disc, so I’m guessing the forks were manufactured around the same time frame (would they even manufacture parts for something this old?). No lock out. I like the bike but can’t justify spending money on a fork that is better equipped for freeride you know….. After all, I didn’t spend very much on the bike itself, and it is so my wife can accompany me on less aggressive rides.

    • #81545

      I’m diggin the site for sure. Good info, and folks like you willing to lend advice is always appreciated.

    • #81546

      The MZ Comp is a low-cost fork that is Marzocchi branded, but outsourced to a Taiwan company for manufacturing.

      It has either 80mm or 100mm travel, depending on which springs are installed, 30mm stanchions, spring preload and a "spring + elastomer" suspension.

      2005 Marzocchi Manuals

      This fork is not really worth servicing, and the clanging is pretty normal.

      If it becomes unbearable, you’re going to want to replace it.
      Maybe with something like this:

      I went through the exact same exercise on my old Specialized Rockhopper, and going from the stock Manitou Axel fork to a new Marzocchi MX comp (not the same as yours) made a world of difference. I paid $159 on eBay for my marzocchi, and I’m still using it, 4 years and a couple thousand hard miles later.

    • #637505

      I’m a bit late 13 years, no one is probably going to respond but is the MX comp made in Italy?

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