I've got both the fox 34 rhythm and the z2. The Fox is slightly plusher but it is also older so I'll see if the bomber breaks in a little. That said, zero complaints about the Z2.
One great thing you didn't mention about this Z2 is that due to the different damper the wall thicknesses of the components of the fork are greater. So for a small weight penalty, this is actually stiffer than a Fox 34. I'll take that tradeoff any day!
Thanks for clearing up how to align the qr lever. I have this fork and thankfully it lined up pretty well out of the box. Was a big improvement over the Recon Rl that came with my bike and 300g lighter than a recon with steel uppers. Mine did come with way too much grease and would not equalize properly. I needed a longer travel air shaft anyways so I fixed that issue right away. It's easy to work on and set up. Couldn't recommend more but can't comment on long term durability.
I got the z2 sometimes I wish I got the Z1 but I don’t take my trek Marlin 7 hard tail I don’t do massive jumps or drops just like to go on long rides , but yeah I can’t really complain about the z2
OK! I know this is a Tech type post but I'm a 65 yo and have a Santa Cruz Tall Boy 2 Carbon bike with blown out suspension! I was recently in DuPont North Carolina riding some of the local trails which are fairly epic IMHO. Question is, is it worth it to invest 8 or 9 hundred bucks to get my Tall Boy back in shape so I can continue enjoying riding? Or, do opt for the "E Bike" and spend some crazy cash? I'll keep the Tall Boy regardless but would spend a little less on the suspension, which I know isn't that easy to do without sacrificing a large degree of quality, which is the whole point here. Thanks for indulging my question. Full disclosure, I just had a Manhattan...🚴♂🥃
Thanks! Seems like a hot candidate for getting the do-it-all Stoic hardtail a bit smoother over the Suntour XCR34... So NL wosh it was a 150mm version. Thoughts on 44 vs 51mm ?
Offset should be chosen based on your frame design, and head to angle. The offset of the fork affects the trail and should be chosen based on the frame
The 29" fits 27.5+ regardless of the offset. That's due to the Axle to crown length of the fork. 27.5+ and 29 are virtually the same outside diameter. The 27.5" fork has a shorter AC and thus only fits standard 27.5 wheels
@@Jamesthebikeguy thanks james for the clarification. I just have one more query. If i have a 150mm fork but if i change it 160mm, will that be okay? Both are 27.5 forks.
I’ve just put a recon silver on my wife’s 2021 Roscoe 6. The fork I took off (Suntour?) had a straight steerer tube (1 1/8 non taper) and was fitted with a spacer to make it fit the Roscoes tapered head tube. So you’ll need to also buy a new headset bearing assembly (not expensive, about £20/AUS $35). But it makes a huge difference in how the bike rides and weight saving. Good luck.
When the damper is turned towards the firmest setting is it almost locked completely like the Fox 34 Rythm w/ Grip 2 damper? Or does it just firm up a bit?
Hey James. Excellent review. Was wondering of getting thr 29/27.5 + version for my 27.5 Dartmoor primal frame. Will that work or am i better of with just the 27.5?
Experiment with air pressure. I have a Fox 32 Stepcast and I'm about 10 psi lower than what's recommended on their chart. Lower air pressure a bit and see if that works.
Chatter could be a rebound setting issue. Possibly too much air (I.E. sag, what is it set at? Also, how many volume spacers are you using? Could one or all of these issues. Start from the basics. Preload the fork (set Sag) to your weight. Since there is a range, opt for a higher sag number. Maybe around 25%. Then set your rebound as neutral as possible. Most riders have their rebound set to fast. A fast rebound would induce chatter on technical trails indeed. Don't take cues from 'pro's' or pro mechanics who are used to setting up bikes for seriously fast riders. You'd rather have rebound a tad, I mean a tad slower instead of too fast, especially on tech trails. Too fast and the stanchions never have a chance to reset to the zero (pre-weighted) position.
Does the Z2 use the same volume spacers as the fox-racing-shox-float-volume-spacer? If it does not use the same volume spacers what or where could I purchase the correct volume spacers? Thank you in advance.
Z1 has 36mm stantion with travel up to 180mm for 27.5 and 170mm for 29''. Z1 is more for enduro/aggressive rider and much more heavier. Z1 also can be air or coil spring
Z1 is the Fox Rhythm 36 Cartridge. Almost identical to the Fox 36 overall. Delta is in the stanchion size and internal damping. 36 Fox & Z1 are better suited for harder tech trails and light DH.
Well, I have a Z1 and a Z2. Never have any rust issues on the 2. Maybe because I actually MAINTAIN the fork. Perhaps if you clean and lubricate the stanchion seals regularly, the rust issue will be non-existent. 🙄🤦♂
A bit short on substance. You did not even discuss volume spacers at all. Also, you did not exhibit-explain any of the test trail(s) A very sub-par test James. These videos seem to fall short for almost every review, because they are not thorough tests at all. Very unscientific. There are zero baselines, zero control groups and outcomes based on your OWN opinions and limited experience/skill level. I would have thought after years of sub-par reviews, the channel might have improved, but it seems no, no improvement. The testing standards and metrics are virtually non-existent. You should watch & read Jan Heine and Hardtail Party to get an idea of how to test bikes & parts properly. There are words, without any real substance. If your aim is to pander to the beginner-unitiated rider, then okay, fine. Maybe state that upfront. 🤷♂
This video is 3yr old, however I am sure your criticism would continue for newer videos as well. I am glad you have found other channels to watch and wish you the best. Cheers.
🤣 you can't take some constructive criticism? Not surprised. So man boys running around😂 instead of acting like a five-year-old and taking your toys and going home maybe you should actually put some effort into creating and producing valuable review videos. Otherwise you're just another gootube channel. 🤷♂️
I liked your review - short and succinct. And you didn't get sucked into the 'science and data' - just your opinion on what it feels like - what the numbers cannot convey!@@Jamesthebikeguy
