| 10/16/2002 | Marzocchi launched the 6" (150 mm) travel Z1 Freeride fork with the 1" 1/8 standard steerer tube to reply to those who think that increasing the steerer diameter to 1.5" is the only way to satisfy the market’s needs, without taking into consideration all the other components. The American’s attitude is “the bigger the better" but dimensions are not the only important issue to consider. There are other important factors which must be taken into account: from damping to bushing, to the resistance of every moving part extra etc Marzocchi’s aim is to satisfy the customer’s needs and demands, keep prices at an acceptable level and at the same time offer the right products to a market overwhelmed with new models and contradictions.
Developing new products incurs costs which in turn are passed onto the final consumer. Before embarking on a totally new idea Marzocchi have to be sure the product is really an improvement on the existing line and will take the brand forward. We maintained this principle with the 6" (150mm) single crown fork: Marzocchi considered all the possibilities and a result has been achieved not by changing the external dimensions of the fork but by focusing on the internal technology of the product. A special steer tube which has a thicker wall has been developed to offer the increased strength required to operate the 6" fork successfully.
This result allows:
- The final customer to have a 150 mm. travel fork without having to change an existing frame and to have it for a price similar to that of a 130 mm. travel fork.
- The distributor to hold less stock and therefore to keep costs down.
- The frame producer to assemble just one frame with less stocking and handling costs.
- Marzocchi to assemble two different models by using the same technology and production line without having a dramatic increase in costs and therefore prices.
We think that this will satisfy the final consumer who will be able to use a new product without being forced to throw away his brand new bike. We believe that manufacturing companies must take the first step to avoid price increases and that with this fork Marzocchi has given its contribution. Andrea Pierantoni Sales & MKT director
www.marzocchi.com
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