MARZOCCHI’S 650B/27.5IN fork wasn’t ready for testing, but the 55CR is a hard riding 26in bargain.
The 35mm stanchions and big 20mm screw-through axle
aren’t light but they hold the front wheel in an impressively solid grip. The Teflon
enriched Gold Race stanchion coating and coil negative spring mean a smooth and
sensitive start, and the AER air spring gives a smoothly progressive stroke rather
than blowing through its travel. Spacers to take the travel down to 150mm
(5.9in) are included in the box
One click of the small ‘flagged’ rebound knob makes a
big difference so tuning needs care. The hybrid Dynamic Bleed Cartridge damping
system works well. There’s occasional rebound hiccup on really savage sustained
sections or a hint of spike just before the blow-off valve in the cartridge
triggers when you really slap it. But we never felt the fork was cramping our
speed or style, which makes the Marzocchi a real bargain for just over 780$.
The low-speed compression dial adds useful pedal bob
and cornering stability if you need it. And if you don’t, there’s a coil
sprung, straight steerer version of the fork with rebound adjustment only for
just 625$ (55 R).
Travel 170mm
Weight 2,235g
Length 555mm
Wheel sizes 26in
PRICE: 828$
