2012 Product Testing With Marzocchi and Richie Schley
Perennial ripper and freeride legend Richie Schley was recently in Finale Ligure for a test session of Marzocchi's 2012 suspension.
Inside you can read an interview with the Rotwild rider to get the lowdown on what went down during the Italian test period.
Richie, word is that you were just in Italy having a go on some 2012 suspension from Marzocchi. That must have been pretty cool?
One of the most interesting parts of my job is testing products. It is very rewarding to see an idea turn into a reality, and even more rewarding when you hear people comment on how good a product works and you know that you have been involved in the development. I had the pleasure of recently doing a Marzocchi testing session with the Italian engineers of Marzocchi and riders in Finale Ligure, Italy. We were also joined by the legendary DH, BMX, and now Enduro dominator, Anne-Caroline Chausson.
![photo]()
That sounds like a good time, riding prototype suspension in Italy! What products were you testing?
At this session, we were testing products for the 2012 Marzocchi line; 44 XC and All Mountain, 55 All Mountain and Enduro, and the 888 DH forks as well. Some were high end with many features and some were price point products that are a bit more basic, with only minimal adjustments. We spent time on both air and coil forks. One of the main things we were testing was a new travel adjust system, that I am very happy to say was working AWESOME! We also tested a new line of XC and All Mountain rear shocks and discussed the workings of the ideal set up. A balance between climbing performance and descending.
So there was a lot of different product to ride. How far along in development were the forks and shocks that you were riding?
These products just arrived at Marzocchi from manufacturing and this is the first time they had been ridden.
You get first dibs! What sort of things were you working on during the test sessions?
We were trying to find just the right amount of progression in the forks and rear shocks, but without losing that buttery soft feel at the beginning of the travel. That seemed to be the biggest focus for Anne Caro and I.
![photo]()
Being able to see the suspension go through its evolution from early prototype to production must be incredible?
Sometimes tests like this are important to work out immediate problems, but then the real test is to use the products for an extended period to see how they hold up over time. It's better for a tester to have the products for an extended period, that way they can really feel things out and ride it on some terrain they are more familiar with.
How much of your time do you spend working on the new suspension?
It seems like about half of the time I have something that is in the development stages on my bikes.
![photo]()
It was you and Anne Caro providing feedback, but the amount of information and feedback from all of the sponsored riders must be incredible?
It is a very challenging job for the engineers to take the information from several riders, with different needs and wants, and translate that into a product that works well for everyone.
No doubt. With so much feedback available, what steps are taken to get the best information possible?
To make a good product test, you need to have a slightly controlled environment that is consistent and repetitive, that way you can make accurate comparisons. For example, if you are testing the progression adjustment function of a fork, you need to try it on a track, make some changes and try it on the same track to easily feel the differences between the settings.
![photo]()
Sounds time consuming...
This process can happen over and over again until you get a clear understanding of the subtleties and the changes, what you would like to have as an idea for performance, as a rider.
What sort of terrain are you looking for when testing and making changes?
The ideal location should be a place that has a variety of situations that you would normally encounter on a typical ride. Some fast sections, some rough sections, some steep parts, some pedaling situations, and obviously some big hits. Yes!
![photo]()
Do you ever find that what you may want in your suspension is different from that which a consumer may be looking for?
Yes, but I have been doing this for so long that I think I have a fair idea of both needs and I have a lot of friends that aren't pro riders that I get a lot of feedback from.
So even though you are a more aggressive on the bike than some, you don't find that you need heavier valving or any thing like that?
I am a light rider, so that usually isn't any issue for me.
![photo]()
Honestly, it sounds like work is a lot of fun! What is the most difficult part of the testing process?
The most difficult part of the testing process for me is to stay focused on the testing and not get swept away by the stoke of the ride and forget that you are testing and pay attention to what is happening. When the products are performing really well, it's easy to forget and just enjoy.
How many people will Marzocchi have at a session like this?
Sometimes it could be just be one rider and one engineer, or sometimes it could be 3 riders and 3 engineers. It varies from test session to test session.
What product are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of the coil Ti 44 and 55 as I pushed hard to go back to open bath oil forks because they feel and work so good, but without much maintenance. Why wouldn't you want the fork on your trail bike to feel as plush as a 888 DH fork!
Thanks for your time, Richie, we'll let you get back to sorting out next season's suspension!
![photo]()
All photos courtesy of Ale di Lulu
You won't find any 2012 products there yet, but you can check out the Marzocchi website for information on their current lineup.
Hands up if you would like Richie's job! Are you looking forward to what Marzocchi will be bringing to the table in 2012? Put your guesses as to what they have cooking for the coming season down below!
Inside you can read an interview with the Rotwild rider to get the lowdown on what went down during the Italian test period.
Richie, word is that you were just in Italy having a go on some 2012 suspension from Marzocchi. That must have been pretty cool?
One of the most interesting parts of my job is testing products. It is very rewarding to see an idea turn into a reality, and even more rewarding when you hear people comment on how good a product works and you know that you have been involved in the development. I had the pleasure of recently doing a Marzocchi testing session with the Italian engineers of Marzocchi and riders in Finale Ligure, Italy. We were also joined by the legendary DH, BMX, and now Enduro dominator, Anne-Caroline Chausson.
Big terrain, little bike. Richie getting his steep on while in Finale Ligure, Italy, testing 2012 suspension from Marzocchi
That sounds like a good time, riding prototype suspension in Italy! What products were you testing?
At this session, we were testing products for the 2012 Marzocchi line; 44 XC and All Mountain, 55 All Mountain and Enduro, and the 888 DH forks as well. Some were high end with many features and some were price point products that are a bit more basic, with only minimal adjustments. We spent time on both air and coil forks. One of the main things we were testing was a new travel adjust system, that I am very happy to say was working AWESOME! We also tested a new line of XC and All Mountain rear shocks and discussed the workings of the ideal set up. A balance between climbing performance and descending.
So there was a lot of different product to ride. How far along in development were the forks and shocks that you were riding?
These products just arrived at Marzocchi from manufacturing and this is the first time they had been ridden.
You get first dibs! What sort of things were you working on during the test sessions?
We were trying to find just the right amount of progression in the forks and rear shocks, but without losing that buttery soft feel at the beginning of the travel. That seemed to be the biggest focus for Anne Caro and I.
Reliving the good 'ol days! The bikes and suspension may have progressed exponentially, but dropping in is just as rad as it ever was!
Being able to see the suspension go through its evolution from early prototype to production must be incredible?
Sometimes tests like this are important to work out immediate problems, but then the real test is to use the products for an extended period to see how they hold up over time. It's better for a tester to have the products for an extended period, that way they can really feel things out and ride it on some terrain they are more familiar with.
How much of your time do you spend working on the new suspension?
It seems like about half of the time I have something that is in the development stages on my bikes.
This is where all the testing time makes the difference. Anne Caro dominated Crankworx 2010 by winning the Air DH race down A-Line, the nearly 16 minute long Monster Energy Garbanzo DH, as well as the Canadian Open Enduro race. Not bad for someone who retired from full time World Cup racing years ago.
It was you and Anne Caro providing feedback, but the amount of information and feedback from all of the sponsored riders must be incredible?
It is a very challenging job for the engineers to take the information from several riders, with different needs and wants, and translate that into a product that works well for everyone.
No doubt. With so much feedback available, what steps are taken to get the best information possible?
To make a good product test, you need to have a slightly controlled environment that is consistent and repetitive, that way you can make accurate comparisons. For example, if you are testing the progression adjustment function of a fork, you need to try it on a track, make some changes and try it on the same track to easily feel the differences between the settings.
Another hard day in the office!
Sounds time consuming...
This process can happen over and over again until you get a clear understanding of the subtleties and the changes, what you would like to have as an idea for performance, as a rider.
What sort of terrain are you looking for when testing and making changes?
The ideal location should be a place that has a variety of situations that you would normally encounter on a typical ride. Some fast sections, some rough sections, some steep parts, some pedaling situations, and obviously some big hits. Yes!
Anne Caro and Richie sorting out their bikes for the day's test session.
Do you ever find that what you may want in your suspension is different from that which a consumer may be looking for?
Yes, but I have been doing this for so long that I think I have a fair idea of both needs and I have a lot of friends that aren't pro riders that I get a lot of feedback from.
So even though you are a more aggressive on the bike than some, you don't find that you need heavier valving or any thing like that?
I am a light rider, so that usually isn't any issue for me.
Richie on his Rotwild equipped with 2012 suspension.
Honestly, it sounds like work is a lot of fun! What is the most difficult part of the testing process?
The most difficult part of the testing process for me is to stay focused on the testing and not get swept away by the stoke of the ride and forget that you are testing and pay attention to what is happening. When the products are performing really well, it's easy to forget and just enjoy.
How many people will Marzocchi have at a session like this?
Sometimes it could be just be one rider and one engineer, or sometimes it could be 3 riders and 3 engineers. It varies from test session to test session.
What product are you the most proud of?
I am most proud of the coil Ti 44 and 55 as I pushed hard to go back to open bath oil forks because they feel and work so good, but without much maintenance. Why wouldn't you want the fork on your trail bike to feel as plush as a 888 DH fork!
Thanks for your time, Richie, we'll let you get back to sorting out next season's suspension!
Install, ride, report, make changes, and then repeat. You can bet that even though the riders are out enjoying the terrain, there is a lot of work to be done. Soon enough you'll be able to reap the benefits of all of their hard work.
All photos courtesy of Ale di Lulu
You won't find any 2012 products there yet, but you can check out the Marzocchi website for information on their current lineup.
Hands up if you would like Richie's job! Are you looking forward to what Marzocchi will be bringing to the table in 2012? Put your guesses as to what they have cooking for the coming season down below!
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its what i have been waiting for!
they did it years ago (x lite forks?)
but it died out to black, silver or ti nitride colour
not much choice when you have every bolt to anodized to match your colour scheme! XD
lp1.pinkbike.org/p4pb5684147/p4pb5684147.jpg
red, blue (think they should do a white crown though if the legs are white! so in love with either of these though!!!)
images.ridemonkey.com/index.php?size=full&src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ridemonkey.com%2Fforums%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D102501%26amp%3Bstc%3D1%26amp%3Bd%3D1285445938
turquoise colour
www.bikerumor.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/2011-marzocchi-green-ti-nitride-stanchions01.jpg
not sure what colours theyre running though, there is speculation
we will have to wait and see, but surely they could just charge a premium for any colour? of course theyre going to sell, there is no two ways about it!
If you ask me, there's nothing wrong with calling these just prototypes, not 2012 prototypes: just prototypes! But I'm far from being any marketing specialist
.....just pulling your leg
But when you take a proper fork like 2006 66RC2X and 66SL with doppio air, then well saying coil is better is just damn ignorant. Furthermore if you take Fox forks which have, by me, a proper low speed compression circuit taking care of air spring characteristic excessive diving and bobbing: then really if you say VAN is better than FLOAT you are a redneck. Some like coil stability, some prefer air feather weight and floating feel at the cost of bit too much diving.
Open bath is cool, smooth and just feels fantabulastic. When I changed to Lyrik from 66SL 2006 I noticed a distinctive feel quality loss. Problem is an air 66SL wieghs bit more than coil Lyrik Uturn... and currently it is FOX and BOS who set weight benchmarks
must better they take their time and do it properly