The Marzocchi Bomber 58 is a renowned suspension fork designed for aggressive mountain biking. Known for its durability, performance, and versatility, this fork has become a top choice for riders tackling challenging terrain. Whether you’re navigating steep descents, technical trails, or rough conditions, the Bomber 58 offers exceptional control and comfort. In this guide, we’ll delve into the installation, adjustment, maintenance, troubleshooting, and customization of the Marzocchi Bomber 58, ensuring you get the most out of this high-performance fork.

Installation of the Marzocchi Bomber 58

Installing the Bomber 58 fork on your mountain bike requires careful attention to detail and the proper tools. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you complete the installation process.

Tools Required

• 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]
• 10mm wrench
• 15mm wrench (for the axle)
• Torque wrench [paid link]
• Disc brake mount adapter (if applicable)
• 32mm socket (for crown race installation)
• Crown race tool (if necessary)

Step-by-Step Installation

1. Prepare the Fork and Frame: Begin by ensuring your mountain bike frame is compatible with the Bomber 58. This fork is designed for 27.5″ or 29″ wheels, so ensure that your bike is the correct size.
2. Remove the Old Fork: If you’re replacing an existing fork, remove it by loosening the headset compression bolt using a 5mm Allen wrench [paid link]. After removing the bolts securing the fork, carefully slide it out of the headset.
3. Install the Crown Race: If this is the first time installing the Bomber 58, you’ll need to install the crown race onto the fork steerer tube. Use a crown race tool to ensure the race is seated properly.
4. Mount the Fork: Insert the fork’s steerer tube into the bike frame, ensuring it’s positioned correctly in the headset. Tighten the headset compression bolt and apply torque with a 5mm Allen wrench (check your manufacturer’s torque specification).
5. Attach the Wheel: Install the front wheel into the fork dropouts and secure it using the appropriate axle system. For quick-release axles, tighten them securely with a 15mm wrench. For through-axles, tighten using the recommended tool to the specified torque.
6. Install the Brake Mount: If you are using a disc brake system, mount the brake caliper to the fork using the appropriate bolts. Ensure that the rotor is correctly aligned with the caliper.
7. Final Checks: Once everything is installed, ensure that the fork moves smoothly and the bike feels stable. Double-check all fasteners and axle torques before taking your bike on a test ride.

Adjustment of the Bomber 58

The Bomber 58 offers several tuning options to optimize the performance for different riding styles and conditions. Proper adjustment ensures maximum comfort and control.

Compression and Rebound Damping

1. Compression Damping: Adjust the compression damping to control how the fork behaves under impact. The Bomber 58 offers low-speed and high-speed compression adjustments. Start with the low-speed compression dial and adjust based on your preference for pedaling efficiency and handling. Use high-speed compression adjustments to fine-tune the fork’s response to bigger hits.
2. Rebound Damping: The rebound adjustment controls how quickly the fork returns to its original position after compression. A slow rebound is ideal for big hits and rough trails, as it prevents the fork from bouncing back too quickly. Adjust the rebound to your comfort, starting in the middle range and fine-tuning based on your riding style.
3. Air Spring Pressure: Adjust the air spring pressure to suit your weight and riding style. Higher pressure increases the fork’s firmness, which is beneficial for heavier riders or for aggressive riding. For lighter riders, lower pressure provides more sensitivity and a smoother ride. Check the recommended air pressure settings for your specific weight and adjust accordingly.

Maintenance of the Marzocchi Bomber 58

Maintaining the Bomber 58 ensures that it continues to perform at its best. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the lifespan of the fork but also improves safety and comfort.

Cleaning the Fork

1. Wash the Fork Regularly: After each ride, clean the fork with water and mild soap to remove dirt, mud, and debris. Use a soft brush to clean the stanchions (the shiny metal parts of the fork). Ensure no dirt or grit enters the seals.
2. Lubricate the Seals: After cleaning, apply a small amount of suspension fluid to the fork seals. This helps to keep the seals moist and reduces wear, ensuring smooth operation.
3. Check for Leaks: Inspect the fork for any signs of oil leakage around the seals. Leaks may indicate that the fork requires servicing.

Servicing the Fork

1. Routine Oil Change: The Bomber 58, like any high-performance suspension fork, requires periodic oil changes to maintain optimal damping performance. Change the oil in both the damper and air spring every 50-100 hours of riding, or according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
2. Seal Replacement: After prolonged use, the seals will start to wear out and may need to be replaced. If you notice any leaking oil or decreased performance, it’s time to replace the seals.
3. Full Service: For major issues, like a loss of air pressure or significant damage to the internals, consider taking the fork to a professional mechanic for a full service.

Troubleshooting Common Set-Up Issues

While the Bomber 58 is designed to be durable and reliable, you may encounter a few common issues during setup or use. Here are some troubleshooting steps to address these problems:

Fork Sticking or Stiffness

If the fork feels sticky or stiff during use, it may be due to improper air pressure or lack of lubrication.

• Check Air Pressure: Ensure the air spring pressure is set correctly for your weight. Incorrect pressure can lead to stiffness in the fork’s movement.
• Lubricate the Seals: Dry seals can cause friction, resulting in stiffness. Apply suspension oil to the seals to ensure smooth movement.

Noise During Compression

If you hear squeaking or other noises when the fork compresses, this could be a sign of air in the system or improperly lubricated parts.

• Check for Air Leaks: Inspect the fork’s air spring and damper for leaks. If there’s any air escaping, the fork may not function properly.
• Lubricate Moving Parts: Ensure all moving parts, including the damper and air spring, are well-lubricated. A lack of lubrication can cause noise and decreased performance.

Bottoming Out

Bottoming out occurs when the fork reaches its full compression, usually on large impacts. This can be a sign of too low an air pressure setting or insufficient damping.

• Increase Air Pressure: If the fork bottoms out frequently, try increasing the air spring pressure. This will make the fork stiffer and prevent excessive bottoming.
• Adjust Compression Damping: Increase the low-speed compression to prevent bottoming out on larger hits.

Customization and Optimization

The Marzocchi Bomber 58 is highly customizable to match a rider’s specific needs. By making small adjustments, you can tailor the fork’s performance to better suit your riding style.

Adjusting for Trail or Enduro Riding

For trail and enduro riders, the focus should be on tuning for a balance between comfort and control. The Bomber 58 provides ample adjustment options for handling varying terrain. Set the low-speed compression damping to a mid-range setting to handle small bumps efficiently, and fine-tune the rebound to prevent the fork from bouncing back too quickly after larger impacts.

Optimizing for Downhill Racing

For downhill racing, you’ll want to set up the Bomber 58 with more aggressive compression settings. Increase the high-speed compression for better handling on fast, rough descents, and adjust the rebound damping for controlled return after large hits.

Compatibility with Other Drivetrain Components

The Marzocchi Bomber 58 is designed to work seamlessly with a wide range of mountain bike drivetrains. However, compatibility with other components, such as brakes and wheels, is crucial for optimal performance.

Wheel Compatibility

The Bomber 58 supports both 27.5″ and 29″ wheels, making it versatile for various mountain bike setups. Ensure that your wheels are the correct size for your fork to avoid any handling issues.

Brake Compatibility

This fork is compatible with both post-mount and IS (International Standard) disc brake mounts, allowing it to work with most modern braking systems. Make sure to check your brake caliper mount standards before installation.

Conclusion

The Marzocchi Bomber 58 stands out as one of the best suspension forks for aggressive mountain bikers who demand top-tier performance and durability. Whether you’re riding technical trails, steep descents, or rough terrain, the Bomber 58 provides excellent control, adjustability, and comfort. By understanding its installation, adjustment, maintenance, and customization options, you can ensure that your Bomber 58 continues to perform at its peak for years to come.