Marzocchi Z1 QR20 Freeride forks

These forks are sweet. They're fairly heavy, but for me, this is one of those cases where I think it's better for them to be a bit heavier and therefore stiffer, than have them lighter and more flexy.

They feature a really good lock-out system which is activated by a simple switch, meaning that you really can change the travel on the fly. Once compressed, the forks will be reduced to having 30mm of travel (instead of their usual 130mm).

When compressed, they are a bit boingy (technical term) and they top-out a lot as this is the very bottom of the travel that you're using, but this never really bothers me. The lock-down also means that your head tube angle becomes much steeper and you sit over the front wheel much more, which is what you want for ascents.

When you're going down hill, these things are great. The travel is plush as you like, the steering is precise and they look the business. How can you go wrong with black?

I haven't had to service them yet, but everyone I speak to says that Marzocchis are a doddle to look after, and that spare parts don't cost the earth.

Perfect.

Ste