Marzocchi 44 RC3 Ti fork review

This classic Italian coil-and-oil fork is the plushest available, but it’s not without hiccups. As long as you completely empty the air pressure preload feature to avoid notchiness, the lightweight titanium coil spring makes this fork so supple over small stuff you’ll think you’ve flatted the front tyre.

Traction is astonishing as a result and the 15mm quick-release axle structure helps reduce flex and make the most of it through corners or off-cambers. It melts straight-line rock strikes and stepped sections extremely well.

Our sample suffered clunking top-out, and accurate compression tuning (starting at the middle and working out) is vital to stop excess dive under braking and cornering. All the lubing/damping oil inside adds weight, but it has a three-year warranty.