Is it worth it? How do you do it? Bomber Z1 Conversion Kit

Have you been lusting after the buttery smooth suspension that the Bomber Z1 is touted for? Are the air version and coil version created equal in the off-the-top suppleness and ease of maintenance?
Turns out even Fox's awesome air spring can't match the friction free performance and low maintenance that a coil sprung fork offers. It weighs more, but if bombing through rock and root gardens at mach-10 is what you're trying to do, who cares about a few hundred grams?
It's an easy upgrade that you can make even if you already have the air version, so if you want to give it a try, pick your kit up by clicking the link below:
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[@billbailey7965]

I have the Z1 Coil and installed the Grip2 damper and I honestly feel like it's the best fork I've ever had.

[@tylermcdougal5385]

With the grip2 damper you have the ability to adjust high and low speed compression right? So it is kinda like having a progressive spring, like having ramp up?

[@billbailey7965]

@@tylermcdougal5385 IDK if I would say that, it's very linear without any kind of harsh bottom out if that makes sense. I commonly use all the travel but have yet to feel it bottom. I found the grip had a fairly narrow range on the sweep dial before it started to feel overdamped. That;s not an issue with the G2

[@FanatikBikeCo]

That's a real confusing part of how suspension works. I see where your heads at, but in this case the damping does not behave or affect things the way you're imagining. Check this video out, I tried pretty hard to break this stuff down in a way that makes sense: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYOynpuKfsx7bdE

[@tsalesto]

I have a Fox 36 Rhythm, which is identical fork with different labels. Going to make the same coil swap. I believe there is a way to increase ramp-up by adding a bit of extra oil into spring side lower leg. It is claimed that the fork uses the air trapped in there to make the fork a bit progressive. I think I'll test that some day.

[@OlavAlexanderMjelde]

its not the same fork actually, but the grip2 damper can be put in the z1.. However I dont think you can use the Z1 coil kit for the Fox36. However it sounds like you maybe should try first an air token, add 1 or 2 of them, then decrease your pressure if you are not close to bottoming out.

[@tsalesto]

@@OlavAlexanderMjelde I have installed Z1 coil in my 2020 Fox 36 Rhythm. It just drops in, because Z1 and the Rhythm are the same fork. This IS NOT the case with "normal" 36's, only the Rhythm model of 36. So, I can not put a token on a coil fork. Nor can I adjust pressure. However, the sag is fine and I have no bottoming out. There are only 4 different rate of springs but it seems I got one that works well with my weight. I made the change because if I added tokens, I would not get nearly full travel or the sag would have to be excessive. The front end was too low. So, instead of buying a longer air spring and possibly the Grip 2 damper, I opted to try out the coil conversion. In fact after a full year (over 5000 km) of use, I am pretty satisfied with the fork, it works rather well with the Grip damper, but it really is is a bit heavy. I am liking the supple character of the coil on small hits. I am sure the fork would ride a bit better with a Grip 2 damper, but I cannot justify the purchase, since there is no real problem with the performance.

[@OlavAlexanderMjelde]

@@tsalesto ah, nice, didnt know the Rythm was different than the regular Fox 36. I do have the Z1 my self on the Specialized Kenelo Turbo Comp, wondering about going grip2 from fox + coil from z1.. Now its just air. While I do think even Z1 on air feels kindof like a DH Fork, at 82kg + gear I have to go to 85-90 PSI without tokens... So that is a bit too harsh up first part of travel, but I am a bit unsure if I will try token first and then go to 80-85 psi.. Or if I should just go spring.. I remember the DH forks around year 2000 ish with springs.

[@tsalesto]

​@@OlavAlexanderMjelde Yes, 36 Rhythm is the same as Marzocchi Z1, only different colours and stickers. I can recommend the coil upgrade. It makes the fork much more supple initially. Very easy upgrade, I did it when I serviced my forks. You can try adding more oil in the spring side to make it slightly more progressive if you get too many bottom outs (and/or if you go to Grip 2 damper, add more high speed compression). I have a Canyon Spectral:ON and weigh ca. 100 kg all kitted up. The hardest spring available for Z1 suits me fine. I think I've only bottomed out the fork 2-3 times in an year. I *think* I had ca. 95 PSI and 2 tokens in the fork when it was running the air spring.

[@sjaan7370]

Little late to the table, but most find there is too much ramp up in the Z1 Coil. So as adding oil increases progressivity, dropping CCs of oil from the lowers makes the fork more linear.

[@citraadi23]

I have Z1 with 180 travel. How to reduce this travel fork to 160?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

With this part: www.fanatikbike.com/products/fox-36-rhythm-bomber-z1-air-shaft-assembly?variant=31534924070958

[@RydenDirty]

I love my coil rear shock but im not sure if I can tune the coil to the way I like it. Im a set it and forget rider. But I tend to run max volume spacers plus 10-20 psi over recommendations on forks. Depends on the fork

[@FanatikBikeCo]

What's bugging you about your shock? What shock is it?

[@RydenDirty]

@Fanatik Bike Co. I'm running a zeb(evil wreckoning), pike(evil offering), boxxer(evil wreckoning) I like it plush in the beginning of the stroke and super progressive in the end. I don't want to bottom out. Figured coil might take care of that.

[@stefanplum]

Hi guys can you do a video with the bomber z1 full service.? Please and thanks

[@tsalesto]

It is essentially the same as a Fox36. Plenty of videos out there.

[@tuggers1000]

Is this a worthwile upgrade would you say? Also if i do the conversion can i then also add the Grip 2 ? cheers

[@redbul1065]

what is the minimum travel limit of conversion kit? how about for 140mm travel? nice vid by the way!

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Unfortunately no, min is 150mm (max 170mm). Sorry, and thanks for the positive feedback!

[@kanee.9339]

@@FanatikBikeCo The specifications say, it's 160 to 180?

[@ksscandy.]

How to change suspension

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

I just read that if you convert to coil that you cannot convert back to air. Is that true? Why would that be?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Good question. That is a possibility. The air spring needs an airtight seal inside the stanchion. Although it's not a definite, there is the chance while moving around in there, the metal spring scratches the interior anodized coating of the stanchion. They can't advertise that you can switch back because of that possibility. It's always possible to try, but there's no guarantees. - Dan at Fanatik

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

@@FanatikBikeCo ah, that makes sense. Thanks!

[@tsalesto]

@@FanatikBikeCo Correct, this is exactly what Fox/Marzocchi say.

[@ignae]

Would this coil be ok for big drops? im on the heavier side (200lb) and I fell my Lyrik takes a beating beyond its capabilities, the M1 not being progressive, is to more prone to bottom out?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

They do make a heavier spring that would work for your rider weight. No reason you can't use a coil on big drops. Really going to come down to your technique off the drop and how you are landing. If you are landing super nose heavy you'll be abusing a fork no matter if its air or coil. Have you tried putting more volume spacers in your lyrik to avoid bottom out?

[@ignae]

@@FanatikBikeCo Bot yet I just might add a few, I drop with both wheels, but I feel the fork takes a beating on bigger hits. I'll buy some to test before buying a new fork. Thanks!

[@draccus123]

Can the Z2 be converted to coil?

[@francismarigomen6593]

Can you return back to Air after you convert to coil?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

You cannot, no.

[@aurimasjablonskas1623]

@@FanatikBikeCo why? What is done in the air side that air spring cannot be retuned?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@aurimasjablonskas1623 It's nothing intentional, but if the spring scratches the inside of the stanchion, the seal won't hold air in. So technically, you may be able to go back to air, but it's definitely not guaranteed to work. - Dan at Fanatik

[@SuperMrBrownstone]

I think with the Fox kit you can go back to air. This is why they include the plastic spring cover on top and the black plunger at the bottom.

[@lifeabovethepedals7607]

Will it fit on Fox 36 Rhythm? I would love to convert it I live in Southern Utah and I think coil is better here. Thanks for your answer.

[@ericknass3675]

Yes you can do the conversion on the rhythm. The z1 and rhythm are essentially the same fork.

[@tsalesto]

I have done the conversion and after an year of use I love it. (2020 36 Rhythm)

[@MartinTeerly]

How does dvo diamond 1 compare tothis fork ?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

I actually have not spend time on the Diamond, so can't give you a good comparison. Sorry! - Dan at Fanatik

[@brent_s]

For someone who is 135 lbs and wants to run it at 160mm which spring is better soft or medium? (What should people run if they are right between springs? ) I would think it’s best to run as little preload as possible but what has your experience been?

[@tsalesto]

If you get a lot of air I'd go for the medium one for sure. Unless your riding style is really smooth and you ride mainly easy trails that is the way I'd go if I was you.

[@FanatikBikeCo]

You are correct, you should not use preload to adjust sag. I'd go with a medium, but like Timo said, it depends on the circumstances somewhat.

[@tsalesto]

@@FanatikBikeCo And in addition to this, Marzocchi springs are relatively cheap and they are easy to replace. So, in this case selecting a wrong rete one will not be a catastrophe :) Changing travel will of course need dropping out the lowers.

[@lulan051]

Soft for sure!! Medium is for 150-180, i am around 180 and riding medium and its fine

[@thetick7684]

What axel conversion kit do i need for my front wheel to use this fork?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

These forks are for 15x110 boost front wheels. So if you don't have a 15x110 boost front wheel you won't be able to run the fork

[@thetick7684]

@@FanatikBikeCo ok. Do you know where i can get a 26 inch wheel that will work with this fork?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

@@thetick7684 From us! Shoot us an email at [e-mail] with exactly what you're looking for (rim model, spoke count, hub model, hub color, driver, spoke color (black or silver), and nipple color (black or silver) and we'll get you a quote! Cheers, Dan at Fanatik

[@hrv8658]

can i install this coil on a fox 36?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

No, the inner diameter of the stanchion is different. - Dan at Fanatik

[@hrv8658]

@@FanatikBikeCo ostia joder!!!

[@tsalesto]

Only on a Fox 36 Rhythm.

[@KelMTB]

I have the Z1 on my bike with 160mmm travel. Can I make it 170 with the coil conversion kit?

[@FanatikBikeCo]

Yep! www.fanatikbike.com/products/marzocchi-bomber-z1-29-coil-conversion-kit www.fanatikbike.com/products/marzocchi-bomber-z1-27-5-coil-conversion-kit?variant=31580714565678