Marzocchi Z1 FR I ETA Opinions?

I had one for a while and it worked good and I liked the ETA system for climbing but it aint worth 1/2 as much as my new "used" pike air u-turn, so many more adjustments, the floodgate/compression adjustment is incredible and with the u-turn adjustable travel, it leaves marzos ETA in the dust, not even in the same league. Dont pay more than 260$ for one in good condition, its what their worth in my book. Very tough fork though, can take a beating!

I used to have a Z1FR1 and it was a nice fork. It had the typical Marzocchi coil plush ride. The ETA works to reduce the travel for climbing and works well. I sold it to get a lighter fork and went with a Pike 454 Air U-Turn. It is nothing short of amazing. It is about 1 lbs lighter than the Z1, it is stiffer and super adjustable. The clincher is the Maxle axle which is the best 20mm quick release design to date. I'd say $225 to $250 max for the Z1FR1.

I loved my old Z1. I think it was a 03 or an 04. I eventually went to a larger travel frame, and then an 888, but I loved that old Z1. I am now a Marz lover for life now. The bike I had the Z1 on was a 5" travel XC/FR rig, and it was a blast to ride. I have been doing more hardcore stuff lately so the extra 3" I got now was needed. The Z1 I had was QR style not 20mm. It was still a great unit though. Not super stiff, but still decent. It was amazing how much easier it was to climb when locked in the ETA all the way down. I wish my 888 could do that sometimes, but at 45lbs I don't want to pedal it anyway. Depending on how crazy you want to get the Z1FR should fit the bill as well as any 5" travel fork would.

I was looking at the z1 aswell for my preston build and went with the Pike 454 U turn its a great fork can be found for $450 try ebay.. Like was said tons of adjustability.....

Go with the pike.
My bro has one on his 4x/FR bike and beats the living hell out of it on a daily basis.
He's no small guy (6'1'', 185lbs) and he has even done a few 15x15 road gaps on that fork.

If you want a cheap new pike, www.beyondbikes.com has got the 426 air u-turn on sale for 419$. Its exactly the same as the 454 air u-turn but with a more solid steel steerer that doesnt make noise like the hollow 454 steerer does sometimes. A stronger fork if you ask me but 0.7 pounds heavier. Its what i got on my Ellsworth Specialist. I dont know why their selling them that cheap, probably cause everybody want the 454. They sell the 454 for 725$ and the 426 for 415$, both air u-turn models, same damping, go figure?????...get it now!!!! Best single crown ever, their air spring rules...