Espresso Push Dropper Seat PostWe gave you
the first glimpse of a prototype version of Marzocchi's dropper post last year, but they showed me a production version of their EPD post today at Sea Otter that will be available soon. The 125mm travel post can be had in both externally routed (
EPD EXT) and internally routed (
EPD INT) cable options, and it sounds like a 150mm travel version of both will also be available by this coming September. Sizing includes 30.9 and 31.6mm, and pricing is still being decided.
The EPD post is activated with a standard shift cable that's tugged on by a thumb operated remote up next to your grip, and the post's hydraulic internals allow for infinite seat height positioning anywhere in its 125mm of stroke. Rebound is handled by an adjustable (
via a supplied adapter) air spring, and there's an audible *clunk* as the post tops out that lets the rider know that it's back up to full mast. Rebound speed was decently quick, but not lightening fast like Specialized's Command Post or FOX's D.O.S.S. There was also next to no side-to-side play in the EPD that I was tinkering with - Marzocchi seems to have nailed the tolerances for the post's three key-way design - and it felt impressively smooth through its travel.
The internally routed EPD dropper post has been designed to use a clever modular activation system that easily detaches from the bottom of the post, which is something that makes removing your internally routed seat post as easy as unscrewing the lid of a jam jar. The business end of the cable is attached to the activation arm, and pushing on the remote lever causes the arm to compress the end of the plunger at the bottom of the post, but the entire entire assembly simply unscrews off the bottom of the post by hand, and without requiring any special tools. Having to remove and re-install their internally routed seat post is a task straight out of some people's nightmares, but Marzocchi's design is so simple and effective that it makes me wonder why no one else has come up with something similar.
+ sized tires are a blast to ride. Much more traction, more comfort. Wide rims enabled it. It is the future. Though for DH/FR bikes 26" tires in 3"+ range would be great.
flag CrySmack (Oct 28, 2014 at 13:53)
I changed my 380 with a Boxxer because of the manual and service problem. Products at this price should have a proper service and documentation.
+ 2
flag MarzocchiMTB (Oct 28, 2014 at 13:57)
@CrySmack, we agree with you on the service documentation and are working on a new website that will provide all the support and info needed.
J.B.
I have an inverted fork which has allowed me to test a front 584mm (27.5) wheel and 2.8 559mm (26) tire but my frame is limited to a 2.4x559 rear or 2.8x507 (24in), so yeah I feel your pain.
@WaynePersons: Less on soft dirt? On tires that actually ride well in sand? I laugh in your general direction.
I can't imagine that worked too well...
And pray tell why you imagine it wouldn't work well?
Both worked very well though on different terrain. Rocky terrain = bigger tires
The larger wheel up front makes going through rough terrain easier but it did slow down the steering. Thus it works great at speed but not so well on slow tech terrain. I could have increased the headangle to compensate but have chosen to keep it at 62º and plus around where I live it's not often you ride under 20km/h (not counting climbing).
www.pinkbike.com/photo/11655861
... but i will carry on riding a 26 fork with 26 wheel and if im going to 650 ill change fork and wheel. @stigsvancouvercousin i dont see why someone whos still on 26 should have trouble finding a fork... there are so many nice RC2 forks on the (second hand) market... lyrik and 36 should be state of the art for many years to come... without stupid ctd fork-reinventing bullshit
And if they do carry the same chassis why not just put the NCR damper in there?
Or am i missing something?
www.pinkbike.com/photo/12135123
@rtrska I would thrown on a 650b wheel on the fork and keep the rear 26" . depending on how you ride, it may make the rock gardens more fun and faster.
Just rode it today and it is getting better. So you don't think you need to add oil to the air piston to make it more progressive? I've only done a 2 foot huck to flat and it seems good. Night and day difference between a 2011 Fox Talas RL. The 55cr seems to open up very nicely on the trail.
How long have you been using silicone sprays on your suspension? It is kind of a controversial topic. Never done it myself but seems good.
www.ilrestodelcarlino.it/bologna/fiom-tenneco-chiude-marzocchi-1.800719
forums.mtbr.com/27-5/marzocchi-better-late-than-never-908511-25.html
Why didn't you just come up with a conventional 29er 350CR fork instead? Wasn't the consumer demand high enough? Just seems like such a weird business decision.
Marzocchi as a "dumb standard" perception warmer is actually working...where can I get this? ;]
NEIN NEIN NEIN!!!!1!