Fox F100RLC vs Marzocchi Marathon Corsa SL WC SFA

[MTY4000]

I'm going to buy a new set of forks for an XC short travel full suspension bike, and would appreciate some advice if OK.

I was set on Fox F100RLC (2008), however Chain Reaction have the Marzocchi Marathon Corsa SL WC SFA at a good price and it also has remote adjustment (which I have on my hardtail - 'Rebas Team' forks and although I was dubious at first, now really like it). Colour is also good for both forks, white - they will be on a white bike.

I've seen reviews comparing the 2007 versions of the forks and recal the Fox being rated as a fair bit better than the Corsa's. I can't find any reviews for the 2008 Corsa however, so was interested if anyone could point me in the direction of a review - or if any one has an opinion on how the two forks compare (hopefully might be useful for someone else on the forum who also may be considering a new 4" fork).

Best prices I can find on the forks:

2008 Fox £509 (no discounts)
2008 Corsa £430 (discounted from £530) .... so about £80 cheaper than the Fox

Thanks in advance for the help.

[Miffy964RS]

I think the main difference in the forks is going to be the maintenance. If you ride a lot you're looking at a seal replacement on the Fox every 6 months, while the Marzocchi seals will last 4-5 years. Both forks are well made.
The Fox is slightly better performing and I think it is lighter too.
Fox freely provide all spares and servicing instructions and Marzocchi don't.

[PomBstard]

I've got Float 130RLC which get serviced every 8-12 months, and the seals are just about shot by then. But if you're doing a load of riding, every 12 months is a pretty long time for forks to last. Never had any other problems with them.

Also have run Marzocchi air forks with no problems. Main difference is that I've never heard anyone say, "Oh, I can't wait to replace these Fox forks with something else, anything else will be better." Not saying they're the best, just that, for me at least, they've been fit-and-forget and provided outstanding performance.

[MTY4000]

Thanks guys,

Maintenance was something I had not, naively, factored in - thanks Miffy (welcome to the Forum btw).

Availability of spares is important given that both forks are going to cost me in the region of £500, so I’d like to run them for as long as I can. Interesting that the seals are so much better on the Mazzochi though.

PomBstard: it is true I’ve never heard someone complaining about their fox forks – and I see a hell of a lot out on the trails too.

Performance matters - so Fox it is. Thanks for the help.

Ian

[Miffy964RS]

Good to be here. It's cool to meet people who like cars AND bicycles.

The seals on Marzocchi are so much better than all other forks because they are really the only bicycle forks that have seals!
All other forks just have dust wipers, whereas the Marzocchis have wipers and proper seals below them, like motorcycle forks. The downside is that the Marzocchis have a bit more stiction, especially when new.

Whatever fork you get, plan on an oil change every 3-6 months depending how much you ride. It's easy to do yourself and makes a huge difference to the life of the internals.