09/06/2008

Marzocchi Comes to the North Shore Just like bringing your fork to the factory for service Cam McRae

Marzocchi has always been hot on the North Shore.  In fact the Italian company has been testing product here for 16 years. It turns out that process has been successful because Marzocchi made the first forks tough enough for our little corner of the globe and they continue to lead the charge here.  Recently they have taken it to the next level.  Marzocchi has opened a service centre in North Van that is within pedalling range of the trails on Fromme.  It's the only one of its kind on our blue orb.  This isn't a dealer only warranty shop - you and I can walk in the doors and have highly trained Marzocchi techs custom tune any Marzocchi product.  Recently some other companies have been making some inroads into our market - which has been traditionally dominated by Bombers.  Could this be a way for them to stay ahead of the pack and perhaps even increase their market share?  I sat down with new Marzocchi GM James Durand and asked him that question and more.

nsmb - So James - I have to ask this.  Why bother with Marzocchi Canada? Norco is close by in POCO and they deal with the warranty stuff and bike shops can deal with maintenance and repairs?

James Durand - You are right, Norco is close by and they do a great job supporting Marzocchi in Canada. The cost and energy it takes to service such a large market and technical product at the level Marzocchi feels is necessary is far beyond what any distributor can take on, never mind a bike shop. Obviously Norco and the shops will continue to service and support Marzocchi product all across Canada and I will support them as much as possible. Having a Factory Service Centre will improve the service at every level.

nsmb - So why is Canada - and the North Shore in particular - important to Marzocchi?

JD - I think that's a huge understatement. This is the most aggressive terrain and the most progressive scene anywhere. What happens here has affected the mountain biking scene all over the world. Marzocchi discovered the Canadian scene 16 years ago and were very impressed. We have been doing the majority of our testing and R&D in BC ever since. We were heavily involved with the conception and the progress of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and most of our riders are from the Shore. Being on the Shore puts the best and harshest riding in the world in our back yard. We are proud to be a big part of the advancement of this sport, opposed to trying to catch up after the fact, Oh yeah…all the guys in California and Italy needed an excuse to ride up here as much as Naz and I do

nsmb - You are the general manager of Marzocchi Canada - how did that come to be?

JD - I saw it on “job shark” and apparently no one else applied!  Actually I was a Product Manager at Norco and had been working with the Marzocchi brand for 8 years. When I heard that this might become a reality I spoke up. With my experience in the Canadian bike industry and my knowledge of Marzocchi, it was a natural fit. The fact that I’m a native BC’er and can ride a bit doesn’t hurt either.

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The work area is large, clean and über pro.

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nsmb - So will you be doing repairs like a bike shop? My rear wheel is a little out of round - can you hook a brother up?

JD - Our priority is taking service for Marzocchi forks and shocks to a level that no one has achieved yet in the suspension market. We are very focused and determined to get to our goals quickly. So no we can’t tweak your wheel, adjust your brakes or replace your seat post, but don’t worry, there are a handful of great shops in the neighbourhood that can help you out.

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nsmb - Then what sorts of things should riders come and see you for? JD - We are there to mainly service forks and we offer service to dealers and consumers. Riders can drop in for: - Service, repairs and custom tuning - Sales of Marzocchi clothing and promotional products - Works Program (you can ride what the Factory team rides) - Sales of small parts - Or just to get tech info and suspension advice nsmb - Are riders welcome to just come in and check things out? JD - You bet, We have a showroom set up with all the forks displayed, small parts, clothing and some wicked Graffiti. If you’re really lucky you might even bump into Wade or Thomas.

A Marzocchi QR20 plus hub with a Marzocchi thru-axle.

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nsmb - Will you be serving Italian coffee? I could use an espresso.

JD - When the Italians found out I don’t drink coffee, they almost fired me. I have a few things to get up and running first, but we will eventually have a swanky espresso machine… I not sure about a model to serve it, but I’ll see what I can do.

nsmb - Will you work on other fork brands?

JD - Sure no problem, I think we have a hammer and a hack saw! Ouch that wasn’t very nice was it? No we will only be servicing our own product.

nsmb - Will you be selling Marzocchi forks?

JD - Norco Products is doing a great job getting our forks out to the market and I am not changing this. All the forks can be found at your local bike shop.

nsmb - What sort of things so you sell?

JD - We sell everything Marzocchi…except forks.
- Clothing and promotional items including the latest T-shirts, hoodies, jackets, hats, travel bags and packs, beer glasses etc...
- All our small parts such as seals, decals, oil, springs etc…
- Marzocchi tires
- The Roco rear shocks later this fall
- And of course loads of Factory Direct Service and custom tuning.

nsmb - Sometimes forks get destroyed and it's not a warranty issue. Will you do anything for Buddy if he runs into a tree and destroys his brand new 888?

JD - If Buddy lives through the crash he should definitely get his fork to us. We understand that expensive parts get broken in this sport and we try to take a bit of the sting out of it with our crash replacement program. We will sell Buddy a new fork at way less than retail to get him back on the trails.

nsmb - How did you get stuck with Naz as head tech? Wasn't there anyone else available?

JD - Well he does have a good Italian name and that helped to offset my not drinking espresso with the big boys over in the old country, and let’s not forget that Naz is pretty well connected and has a bunch of years experience teching Bombers. Plus he can ride really well.

Naz Evangelista is one of the best techs in B.C. - and you can have him dial in your Marzocchi fork so it runs just like Wade Simmons' Marzocchi fork.

nsmb - You were working with Marzocchi product at Norco as well. How different is your new position?

JD - We might need another interview to cover this one. I am still involved in the product with the new gig, but I also have to set up a new company which obviously didn’t fall into my responsibilities at Norco. There have been many new challenges and I am having a great time. It was tough to leave such a cool group of friends at Norco, but I was already so involved with Marzocchi that is doesn’t even feel like a new job some days. Plus I’m the boss now which can be good and bad I guess.

nsmb - Will Marzocchi Canada play a product development role as well?

JD - YES, this is one of the main reasons it was set up. What better place to develop product for free riding???

nsmb - I've heard Bryson Martin is planning on spending a lot of time up here now. Is it just because he likes our trails?

JD - I’d like to tell you that there is a noble, business oriented reason and I think Bryson would tell you that is strictly a business decision, but those who have ridden here know better…he likes our trails.

Bryson Martin, President of Marzocchi USA(left) and James Durand - GM of Marzocchi Canada at the service entrance of the new North Van facility.

nsmb - If I have a leaking fork and I bring it in to Marzocchi Canada what sort of turn around time should I expect? What about labour rates - will they be similar to a bike shop?

JD - Labour rates will be similar to shop rates and our turn around is 2 days…if we are not completely buried then we’ll get the forks out quicker.

nsmb - Will you be doing custom tuning for Joe Public?

JD - Yep, if any rider comes in off the street or the trail we will offer the same Factory Service the team riders get. Joe Public may not have access to the 06 and 07 forks as quickly as the team and JP will have to pay for the service.

For more from Marzocchi click here.

For photos and info on the 2006 line click here.