Marzocchi Bomber CR: A clear buy recommendation for the cheapest coil shock!

While top models such as the Öhlins TTX or the Cane Creek Tigon Marzocchi is positioning the Bomber CR as an affordable alternative in the coil segment. The robust steel spring shock is one of the cheapest on the market and is sometimes sold online for less than 300 euros. A real bargain for anyone who wants to give their fully more traction and comfort - without breaking the bank.

The facts about the Marzocchi Bomber CR

Technical background to coil dampers

Anyone who opts for a steel spring damper usually does so in order to avoid the typical weaknesses of air dampers. Despite years of development, air dampers still do not achieve the extreme sensitivity of a coil damper.

The reason: without the high air pressures, steel spring dampers require significantly fewer seals. This ensures less friction, lower breakaway torques and an immediate response to the smallest bumps - the result is noticeably more grip, better traction and a very plush ride feel.

Of course, the steel spring also has its downsides. Depending on the rider's weight, springs of different hardness are required, which makes the setup more complex. They also produce a much more linear characteristic curve on the same bike than air shocks, which means that the counterpressure in the mid-stroke and the end progression are weaker.

Riders with an active riding style are therefore happy to sacrifice the responsiveness of coil shocks in favour of the support of air shocks. And not to forget: Air is lighter than steel. Coil shocks therefore always weigh more than comparable models with air springs.

Whether a coil shock can fulfil its potential depends heavily on the frame design. However, modern kinematics are increasingly designed for both spring types, and the linear characteristic curve now harmonises with significantly more bikes than in the past. However, anyone planning an upgrade should check with the manufacturer beforehand whether the kinematics really harmonise with the steel spring.

Setup and setting options

Setting up the Bomber CR requires a little more patience than with an air shock. Firstly, the correct spring rate must be selected - the online calculator provides a rough guide. The sag is simply set using the rubber buffer on the shock: push the buffer up, sit on the bike and measure the distance to the shock housing.

In addition to the spring preload, the Bomber CR offers adjustable low-speed compression (16 clicks) and rebound (15 clicks). A platform lever is missing on the Bomber CR - deliberately. This is because Marzocchi favours minimalism: fewer moving parts mean less wear and fewer defects.

The Marzocchi Bomber CR on test

In our test bike, a Whyte Elyte EVO RSthe difference to the standard air spring damper is immediately noticeable. Of course, the pop and support are missing and the responsiveness is no longer the same.

On the other hand, the Bomber CR gives the rear of the Whyte endless grip. On bumpy sections, the rear end literally sticks to the ground. The shock absorbs vibrations and quick bumps so well that you feel noticeably more stable and secure on the pedals.

However, the lack of end progression, as is usual with the standard air shock, sometimes gives the feeling of "rushing" through the suspension travel without braking on hard impacts.

Conclusion and recommendation on the affordable coil damper

The Marzocchi Bomber CR is a top choice for those who want more grip, traction and comfort - and at a fraction of the price of the high-end competition. A little more weight, limited adjustment options and the lack of a platform lever are the only compromises. Ideal for anyone who wants to enter the world of coil spring shocks. - Max Fuchs, BIKE editor