1996 Marzocchi z2 Bomber Fork on a 2005 Jamis Dragon?

[maroon113]

Hello, question about mixing older forks with newer frames: I have a brilliant Marzocchi Z2 Bomber from 1996 (red), and would like to bolt it onto a 2005 Jamis Dragon. The Marzocchi has 63mm of travel, Axle-to-Crown length is 432mm. The 2005 Jamis Dragon came stock with an 80mm Fox F80 that had 450mm Axle-to-Crown. The fork will be about 20mm shorter than stock. Will this make the bike too twitchy? Noticeably more aggressive? Better sharper handling? Or will the differences be very subtle? Hopefully some experienced members can help me.


2005 Jamis Dragon specs: Head Angle- 71.5°, Seat Tube Angle - 73°

 

[maroon113]

Re:

bump

 

[Osella]

I'd suggest trying it to see.. Should make it better to climb and faster on the flat maybe - but will put your weight forward, particularly twitchy on descents. It will also lower the BB in all probability. You'll possibly want to adjust your seat angle, as the nose will lower too; but if it feels too far forward or stretches your arms (as the bars will likewise be 20mm lower) then you could use spacers or a shorter stem to bring the reach further back.
The other thing is that IIRC the Marzocchis are heavier, so the weight balance will be further forward as well - which may be a benefit - but more effort required to loft the front over obstacles.

 

[maroon113]

Re:

Thank you for the insightful reply. There are definitely some variables to consider. But that seems to be the best way to do it. Trial-and-error. I do love a quick-handling bike, 90s Voodoo Bizangos and 90s GT Zaskars, etc. This Jamis Dragon frame also has a head angle that is 1 degree slacker than my Zaskar so, seems like a shot. I heard there are spacers you can put on the bottom part of a headset? Which could raise the front end 15mm or so. Or the more basic, taller tire in the front (2.3") and shorter tire in the rear (2.0"), to "chop up" the bike. Will see how it goes..