Mountain Biking - Looking for a fork

I have a hardtail cadex mountain bike from about 10 years ago. It hasnt been used much but am going to begin riding some mountains in Manayunk, PA. Im looking to add a suspension fork. Im about 245lbs. I saw the thread about the mx comp. Im looking to spend about 100-150. What are the thoughs on a used fork aswell. Also will a hardtail with a suspension fork get the job done?

If the bike is 10 years old, you have to determine if you need a 1" or 1 1/8" steer tube. If it is 1", your fork choices could be more limited.

A rockshox Judy is probably one of the only forks in your price range. Your lbs might have some take-offs.

A rockshox Judy is probably one of the only forks in your price range. Your lbs might have some take-offs.

Yeah, a judy is what I was going to suggest too.

The fork will be soft for you though with the stock springs. You will probably want to get the firm spring kit.

Hey thanks for the replies. Whats a firm spring kit gonna run me? Also is it totally necessary? I found a Marzocchi MZ Comp fork in my area. Its used. Any thoughts on it?

Rock Shox J1, J2, J3 or possibly even J4. Marzochi MX Comp also seems to be quite a good choice from what i've researched if you are willing to spend a little extra

Hey thanks for the replies. Whats a firm spring kit gonna run me? Also is it totally necessary? I found a Marzocchi MZ Comp fork in my area. Its used. Any thoughts on it?

About $40 (canadian) for a spring kit. Then the cost to have it put in I guess, unless you can do it yourself. The Marzocchi is a good fork. It would be a better than the Judy for sure, but more $$$. If you can find one cheap, great. You still might need a spring kit for any fork you get at your weight though. I am ~200 lbs and I have never felt a stock fork that is close to being firm enough for me.

OK great....When figuring out what size diameter i need what do i measure? The existing fork has a diameter of 1 1/8 inch. Im measuring from the outer edge of the metal to the other outer edge so im assuming its a 1 1/8 fork. Is this correct? Also the fork is a MZ and all ive ever seen is MX. Is there a difference?

OK great....When figuring out what size diameter i need what do i measure? The existing fork has a diameter of 1 1/8 inch. Im measuring from the outer edge of the metal to the other outer edge so im assuming its a 1 1/8 fork. Is this correct? Also the fork is a MZ and all ive ever seen is MX. Is there a difference?

The Mz-comp is an oem fork. It's got no adjustability and blows compared to the MX-comp. They are 2 completely different forks. The Mz-comp would be better than the Judy(but, it depends which judy you get.) I had one on my Bruiser, they are a pretty strong fork, but they suck.

OK great....When figuring out what size diameter i need what do i measure? The existing fork has a diameter of 1 1/8 inch. Im measuring from the outer edge of the metal to the other outer edge so im assuming its a 1 1/8 fork. Is this correct?

Yep, measure the outer diameter and you're definitely better off because you have the more current 1 1/8"...so more fork options.

Is it a Giant Cadex, or is Cadex the manufacturer?

The reaason I ask is because a bike that old that is not worth too much...heck for the $150 you spend on a new fork, I'd buy a used bike on eBay or something.

I think I saw a decent Kona Blast go for that not too long ago.

You'd end up with a much more up-to-date bike that has more benefit than just a modern fork ie...modern geometry, better drivetrain, stronger components.