Mountain Biking - Talk to me about Marzocchi MX forks

I'm building up a new hardtail for general XC riding and possibly racing. I was an avid racer about 10 years ago so I know a bit about what parts I'm looking for but I'm lost on suspension forks. My previous bike (which is in pieces in the garage) was equipped with the classic Rock Shox Mag 21 because it was one of only a couple forks made at the time. Things sure have changed!

I remember two main brands of forks, Rock Shox and Manitou. Now, however, I see lots more brands with many more models so I'm looking for advice for a good, durable XC fork for my hardtail. I'm about 180 pounds but I'll lose a good 30 in a few months of training. I've done a bit of reading and am surprised at the rave reviews for Marzocchi forks. I've found some great deals on a Marzocchi MX series from 04. Any comments on that line?

TIA!

The MX comp is a very good fork for the money, its very reliable (Marzocchi Bombers seem to be known for the reliability). I've got an 03 MX comp ETA which I have been riding for 20 months now and have done nothing to it in that time apart from the odd air top up. I think I'm right in thinking there are 3 main type's of Comps the MX Comp ETA this has a lockout feature and is coil sprung on one side air the other, the the MX comp Air and MX comp Coil.
I find my ETA comp fork very plush and active in all trail conditions and can handle aggresive riding. Overall I am very happy with my forks and would reccomend them to anyone.
The choice of forks now is huge but you can't go to far wrong with the MX comp. If you want the best though you have to go for Fox Forxs but they are expensive.
Manitou Black forks and Rock Shock Reba forks are also good forks.

Marc

Great stuff, thanks.

Now I need to decide between the MX Comp and the MX Comp ETA. The major difference is that the ETA has 120mm travel vs. 85 and can be locked to any travel (I'd probably go with 100mm). However, it's also got an air spring on one side and a coil on the other vs. the dual coils on the MX Comp.

Any thoughts as to which is the better fork? The price difference is only about $40.

ETA, just because it has that feature makes it great for going up hills as you dont loose any power from the bob of the fork...

Akak You can get the MX comp in an air or coil version, I Thought they also still sold a 105mm version as well as the 85mm, the ETA is availible in 100mm and 120mm.
The ETA is one side air the other is the side with the ETA bit is coil sprung, the air side is handy for setting the preload to your weight, but all MX comp have preload and rebound adjust. I like the idea of the ETA feature and I'd say get it if you can but you may find you'll hardly ever use it, I've only used mine a dozen times on serious uphill rides only.

Marc

I've got an '03 set of Marzocchi MX comps with coil springs. I ride a hardtail for aggressive xc, in addition to that I weigh about 255# and they've held up great. They're rigid and have great damping characteristics as well. At my weight I was told to stay away from air shocks and have not been let down in any way with my shocks. At 150# you could ride a lot of different shocks, however, in my estimation you won't be let down with Marocchis.

I have 03 MX Comp ETA's and weigh near 175lbs. But am I right in thinking the Comp ETA is not an air fork as its also coil sprung, or do air forks usually have one side spring or similar? I've often thought about using harder springs, but I have been happy with the performance and decided to leave them.

Marc