The guys of Marzocchi USA sent us the Marzocchi MX Pro ETA fork to test ride. I decided to install the fork on my Specialized FSR XC M4 S-works. It replaced a Rockshox SID SL. I liked the SID because it was super light and I could climb very good with it, but it was extremely stiff on the downhills and with 80mm of travel, I selected my lines carefully.
I took the MX Pro on a ride last Sunday. Boy, what a difference! The fork is very plush and I was not worrying about my line as much. With 130mm of travel, I was really hauling down the hills. As soon as I hit the up hills, I flipped the ETA switch, pushed down on the fork and voila, 105 mm of stiff travel! Mind you, I was able to do this while RIDING the bike! Having the shorter, stiffer travel, I was able to manage the uphills rather well.
This fork will become a permanent fixture on my M4. I’m really looking forward to taking the bike to a trail with more technical terrain. Stay tuned for my full review.