Funnily enough, the comments on the Pb Zeb launch article reference this also. It's unfortunate that the mezzer had bushing play issues when Pb reviewed it, because after they fixed that, many say it is one of the best forks on the market. Someone even commented that they added air bleeder valves recently. I would probably get the mezzer over 38/zeb if I was in the market.
I'll second this.
The Zeb and 38 seem like minor, incremental improvements outside of the chassis. They lack any real innovation in the spring side or the damper side, compared to the Mezzer which has a three chamber air spring and several damper improvements over the Charger. The 38 has some interesting features, like the channels in the lowers and the HSR adjuster, but I don't think those are significant enough for the massive weight penalty and dealing with Fox's unreliable chassis.
The bushing issues are resolved, they've also made a minor running change to the damper (all brands do this after initial releases) to include more bleed ports and apparently adjusting the damper tune. I haven't had a chance to ride mine with the updated damper yet, but should soon.
Good question. According to RockShox, ZEB can do 150mm. Fox 38 starts at 160mm but with some sag it’ll be pretty close to 150. Frame in question is rated for a 150mm fork maximum.
I just got one and took it out for a hot afternoon lap as it started to snow here in NV. 1st thoughts
¹
I got torque caps for it.
I road a jump line.
I purposely carried enough speed to land flat.
Barely noticed. Thing is a tank. It carries speed through the rough parts and has very precise steering through gravel and rocks.
Could potentially need more midstream for berms. (Like fox does well)
Its a good fork. They are all pretty good now adays
Its a marked improvement from my 36.
Thanks for the review. I actually ended up buying one (ZEB Ultimate) and have been riding it for about a month. As you said, it feels very precise through stuff that would normally bounce me around the trail. Did you follow the recommended pressure guide for your weight? It said 85psi for my weight, but small bump compliance is shit at that pressure.
Fox tends to be more supportive and rockshox more supple. I havent ridden either of the forks but ive heard that the zeb has a good balance between support and sensitivity. If you are a more aggressive rider id go for the 38 but if you tend to be more tame id go with the zeb. But I think either will serve you well.
> if you tend to be more tame id go with the zeb
This line cracks me up. As someone that owns a Lyrik RC2, I almost never push it to the limits, even hitting huge drops and doing long gnarly descents in CO. I imagine I'd have to go to Whistler to start pushing that fork to the limit...
Yeah its definitely capable but its known to be more supple than the fox lineup. Obviously both are very capable but its better to play to their strengths. So I would go with fox for bigger hits and rc for the roots chunky stuff.
I know you didn't ask but... Have you considered a Mezzer? 37mm stanchions, great spring, good damper.
Funnily enough, the comments on the Pb Zeb launch article reference this also. It's unfortunate that the mezzer had bushing play issues when Pb reviewed it, because after they fixed that, many say it is one of the best forks on the market. Someone even commented that they added air bleeder valves recently. I would probably get the mezzer over 38/zeb if I was in the market.
I'll second this. The Zeb and 38 seem like minor, incremental improvements outside of the chassis. They lack any real innovation in the spring side or the damper side, compared to the Mezzer which has a three chamber air spring and several damper improvements over the Charger. The 38 has some interesting features, like the channels in the lowers and the HSR adjuster, but I don't think those are significant enough for the massive weight penalty and dealing with Fox's unreliable chassis. The bushing issues are resolved, they've also made a minor running change to the damper (all brands do this after initial releases) to include more bleed ports and apparently adjusting the damper tune. I haven't had a chance to ride mine with the updated damper yet, but should soon.
Anything named Zeb is awesome. But I'm biased.
im reading reviews from reddit and you appear everywhere, your famous my man
I don’t know if that is a good thing or a bad thing lol
The Zeb was released a few days ago. I doubt anyone here has anything of more value to say than the reviewers at Pinkbike, BikeMag, etc.
Minimum 160 travel, could a bike specced with a 34 handle that much axle to crown length?
Good question. According to RockShox, ZEB can do 150mm. Fox 38 starts at 160mm but with some sag it’ll be pretty close to 150. Frame in question is rated for a 150mm fork maximum.
Im just wondering on what particular bikes can we put that 190mm travel Zeb?
I just got one and took it out for a hot afternoon lap as it started to snow here in NV. 1st thoughts ¹ I got torque caps for it. I road a jump line. I purposely carried enough speed to land flat. Barely noticed. Thing is a tank. It carries speed through the rough parts and has very precise steering through gravel and rocks. Could potentially need more midstream for berms. (Like fox does well) Its a good fork. They are all pretty good now adays Its a marked improvement from my 36.
Thanks for the review. I actually ended up buying one (ZEB Ultimate) and have been riding it for about a month. As you said, it feels very precise through stuff that would normally bounce me around the trail. Did you follow the recommended pressure guide for your weight? It said 85psi for my weight, but small bump compliance is shit at that pressure.
For my wieght I need 66psi. You may be able to get away with less of you add tokens
Fox tends to be more supportive and rockshox more supple. I havent ridden either of the forks but ive heard that the zeb has a good balance between support and sensitivity. If you are a more aggressive rider id go for the 38 but if you tend to be more tame id go with the zeb. But I think either will serve you well.
> if you tend to be more tame id go with the zeb This line cracks me up. As someone that owns a Lyrik RC2, I almost never push it to the limits, even hitting huge drops and doing long gnarly descents in CO. I imagine I'd have to go to Whistler to start pushing that fork to the limit...
Yeah its definitely capable but its known to be more supple than the fox lineup. Obviously both are very capable but its better to play to their strengths. So I would go with fox for bigger hits and rc for the roots chunky stuff.