Marzocchi Super Z: A Freeride Fork that Rewrites the Rules
Freeride may have evolved, but it never vanished. It’s the stubborn, thrill-seeking sibling of mountain biking that refuses to fade into the background. And Marzocchi? They’ve been at the heart of it, from the monstrous Super Monster T to the industry-shaking Bomber series. Enter the Marzocchi Super Z: a modern reinterpretation of what freeride suspension should be—rugged, reliable, and unapologetically fun.
The Super Z isn’t trying to be anyone’s understudy. With its 38mm stanchions, travel options stretching up to 190mm, and the dependable GRIP X damper, this fork offers an ideal balance between simplicity and performance. It’s lighter, more accessible, and unapologetically aimed at riders who don’t need every bell and whistle but still expect a fork that performs when the trail gets rowdy. Think of it as the younger, scrappier cousin to the Fox 38—leaner, a little noisier, but just as ready to throw down.
A Tale of Two Dampers: GRIP X vs GRIP X2
When it comes to damping, Marzocchi’s GRIP X damper takes the spotlight in the Super Z. It keeps things straightforward: indexed adjustments for high- and low-speed compression, plus an easy-to-grab rebound knob. For many riders, this no-fuss setup is a godsend. You get what you need without spending hours chasing the perfect setting like a dog chasing its tail.
Now, compare that to the GRIP X2, Fox’s more advanced damper found in their Factory-level forks. The GRIP X2 adds high- and low-speed rebound adjustments into the mix, giving racers and tech nerds the ability to fine-tune their ride to the nth degree. Sure, that’s great if you’re charging down World Cup-level terrain, but for the everyday freerider? The GRIP X’s intuitive design hits the sweet spot. It’s the difference between a pocketknife and a Swiss Army knife; both get the job done, but one’s a little less complicated.
On the Trail: Small-Bump Sensitivity and Big Personality
Take the Super Z out for a spin, and it immediately makes its intentions clear. Small bumps? They’re absorbed with the kind of ease that makes you forget they were ever there. The mid-stroke support is predictable and confidence-inspiring, like a friend who’s always got your back. And when you push the fork to its limits on steep descents or through chattery rock gardens, its progressive nature shines.
The GRIP X damper does its job with noticeable, tactile feedback. Yes, it’s noisier than the GRIP X2—you might catch a bit of audible rebound—but some riders appreciate the mechanical reassurance. It’s a reminder that the fork is alive, responding to every nuance of the trail beneath you. Whether you’re carving a line through dense Welsh woodlands or dropping into an urban freeride spot, the Super Z feels like a natural extension of your bike.
Weight and Practicality: Lighter Where It Counts
One of the standout features of the Super Z is its weight—or rather, the lack of it. The GRIP X damper shaves off around 120 grams compared to the GRIP X2, making it a practical choice for riders who care about every gram. If you’re hauling your bike uphill for a killer descent, that weight savings can feel like a blessing.
And let’s talk practicality. The Super Z’s 200mm post-mount brake standard is as straightforward as it gets. No adapters, no fuss. It’s a detail that might go unnoticed until you’re wrenching in the garage, but it’s the kind of no-nonsense design choice that earns loyalty.
Who Is the Super Z For?
This fork isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. The Super Z is for freeriders, trail enthusiasts, and anyone who values performance without needing a spreadsheet to understand their suspension settings. It’s the fork for the rider who wants to hit a session at their local bike park one day and take on technical backcountry trails the next.
Meanwhile, the GRIP X2 caters to the racer types—those who live for meticulous tuning and thrive on shaving milliseconds off their times. If you’re the sort of rider who sees trails as puzzles to solve with your suspension settings, the GRIP X2 might be your go-to.
A Nod to the Past, Built for the Future
The Super Z doesn’t just ride well; it looks the part, too. Marzocchi’s signature M-arch design is a throwback to their roots, but with a modern twist. Available in shiny black or gloss red, the fork’s aesthetics are as bold as the riding it’s built for.
And that air spring? It’s got a clever trick up its sleeve, using the fork walls to hold air. It’s reminiscent of RockShox’s ZEB and gives the Super Z its own distinctive edge. Add travel options ranging from 150mm to 190mm, and this fork becomes a chameleon—comfortable on everything from burly trail bikes to freeride machines.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Ride
At £999, the Super Z positions itself as a fork that’s ready to tackle freeride’s modern demands without emptying your wallet. It’s not trying to be the flashiest fork on the market or the most technologically advanced. Instead, it’s a workhorse—reliable, adaptable, and unapologetically Marzocchi.
So, what do you think? Does the Super Z have what it takes to earn a spot on your bike? Let’s hear your thoughts, stories, or questions. After all, freeride is about the community as much as the ride.
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