Mountain Biking - Marzocchi EXR comp query

I just got my 2003 exr comps. Their not new but a takeoff from another bike and are beautifully made compared to my rst's and in great condition (the sticker protection was still in place). But.... There is no damping mechanism that I can see when I've cracked them for a look-see. Ive trolled the web for a 2003 OME manual but everything I can find refers to 2004 and up, aftermarket or other models without specifically mentioning my fork. What I want to know is should the fork have elastomer dampers? should it have oil damping? In which case I can add it (oil), or does the 2003 EXA comp not have any damping mechanism? If thats the case then I've just bought a really well made rst gila t5 :mad:

Does anyone have some experience or info?

I've taken apart a ton of different forks. I don't remember the individual models.

If you want to increase the damping you can swap out the stock 5 wt. oil and move up to 7.5 or 10 wt. Go to a motorcycle shop and get some decent 10 wt. suspension oil.

Just remove the top caps, pour out the old, replace with new. Check the levels so you know how far to refill.

That's the short easy version. Check out the Marzocchi website for more details.

I think they may be air shocks and not damped, not sure though.

I've taken apart a ton of different forks. I don't remember the individual models.

If you want to increase the damping you can swap out the stock 5 wt. oil and move up to 7.5 or 10 wt. Go to a motorcycle shop and get some decent 10 wt. suspension oil.

Just remove the top caps, pour out the old, replace with new. Check the levels so you know how far to refill.

That's the short easy version. Check out the Marzocchi website for more details.


There is no oil in the forks at all, and never has been from my inspection when I dissasembled them hence no ssv damping (presently, I may add some oil as a last resort to see if thats it). The marzocchi website focuses on 2004/2005 models, my forks are not mentioned on their website.

06-16-05, 12:09 AM #4
trek007
Junior Member


Registered: May 2005 I think they may be air shocks and not damped, not sure though.

Nope, the lack of an air valve gives that one away.

Back to the start, does anyone know this model fork, can anyone confirm that marzocchi released a coilsprung EXA comp in 2003 without any damping mechanism

I added an air pre-load valve to my '04 EXR Pro's & it made them handle & react like a damn $500 fork...
It only cost me $25 for the upgrade..... PriceLess.
I don't even have it on my bike anymore.... Useless.

exr= spring inside a tube.... meaning no oil , no nothing, just grease.

Well I got in touch with Marzocchi and...

"Hi xxxx, thanks for your email. The forks you have purchased are the base model EXR for that year and have no oil. They are purely a spring fork. The later model EXR forks do have oil in one leg with an air valve for adjustment and the other leg has the spring. Cheers, Dave."

Gee thanks Dave :mad: ...Who would have thought marzocchi were in the pogo stick business. :rolleyes: