Italy's most famous fork manufacturer aims directly at the high profile, high performance enduro race scene but it needs patience to reveal its potential.
The broad crown holds stout 35mm stanchions. The lowers are joined with a deep, flat wheel hugging arch and the 15mm dropouts are formed into the bottom of the legs rather than dangling off the ends. This creates a very solid feeling fork structure with obvious authority and stiffness similarities to Fox's benchmark 36. The NCR stanchions also get a copper coloured low friction 'Espresso' treatment, SKF seals and a remote lockout lever for a 360$ upcharge over the 350 CR.
Racers should note it's 110g heavier than Marzocchi's claimed 1920g even before you painstakingly add the 80g remote lockout lever and cable. Our sample suffered from erratic rebound speed, compression spikes at different points to start with and a sticky rather than smooth character. Thankfully the more we rode it the more predictable and plusher the NCR got.
While usable rebound range is only a small part of the big span of adjustment, low speed adjustment is meaningful and extensive. The downhill-bred Dynamic Bleed Cartridge and sturdy chassis come into their own controlling repetitive, high speed hits so it's worth the extra weight if you're an aggressive rider. You can also offset the naturally linear feel of the final part of the stroke by adding oil, while travel can be dropped to 150 or 140mm with internal spacers.
Travel 160mm
Wheel size 650b
Weight 2110g
PRICE 1260$
