B1105

Hello, I'm in the market for a new fork. I've come down to either a Psylo Race or a Marzocchi dropoff. The fork will be used for trailriding and light freeriding. I wanted something that could be adjusted between 4-5 inches. I initally wanted a Fox Vanilla, however realized I could not afford it. Which fork would you prefer and why? Also, anyone with Marzocchi experience, is it hard to change the coils on the Dropoffs (like 110mm to 130mm)?
Thanks

cidmort

I have heard that the Psylo isnt a great fork, but I havent ridden it. I know that Marzocchis are often heavy.

troie

How much is the marz selling for?

math2p14

Z1 dropoff hands down

Maelstrom 

Marzocchi for pure strength. Weight is not an issue with me though. The Z1 is a fantastic fork for its strenght and its responsiveness on the trail.

math2p14

As maelstrom once said to me....this fork has balls of its own.... i just bomb everything in my sight without any second thoughts.

BurlySurly

Nothing against Marzocchi at all, but im a big fan of the RockShox Psylo. For trailriding and "light" freeriding as you put it, i dont think there is a better fork in terms of wieght and performance. They're both good forks, just get which one looks prettiest. Either should satisfy you.

rockstar

i have had the WORST experience with the psylo line by RS. i blew the seals on my 2002 psylo on the first ride on a 1 1/2 foot drop. that shock was replaced with 2003 psylo i blew that in 3 weeks just trail riding, i'm not a fan at all. read the reports on mtbr it's not an isolated incident i think its related to the super soft springs they put in there built for a 80 pound rider.

Jim311

I've ridden the Z1, but no experience with the Psylo. The Z1 is a very plush and buttery smooth fork, but it's too heavy for my liking. I'd probably get one on a freerider or a bike I wasn't really too concerned about weight on.

BurlySurly

Sorry to hear about your luck, but ive done 8 footers to flat and bunches of stair gaps on my psylo and have had nothing but buttery goodness. Again, not knocking the Z1, but the Psylo in my opinion is a top notch fork.

a2psyklnut

That's why you should get the appropriate spings for your weight, regardless of which brand fork you have.

Most fork companies put Medium rate springs in their forks. These are usually good for riders 150- 180 (maybe up to 200) lbs. You'd have to check with each specific manufacturer for their recommended rates.

Regardless, I always switch mine out for X-Tra Stiff or X-Tra Heavy. I'm a big boy and would destroy a fork in no time with the wrong springs. As would anyone else.

Kinda like using a XC bike for DH. Sure you could do it, but you'd be using the wrong tool for the job.

L8R