Mountain Biking - Marzocchi DirtJumper 2 or 3?

Found a decent price on some new (03') Marzocchi DirtJumper 2($249) and 3($229) forks. My question I guess, is would the 03' DJ 2's be worth the extra $20 bucks, or would the DJ 3's be sufficient and last as long? I currently weigh around 270 pounds(trying to loose the belly), and would use it for light trails/city stuff, and work my way up to bigger and better stuff. I heard the DirtJumpers have stiffer springs and extra air support, so I thought they would be a good choice, although I have never rode any to find out, (and the LBS doesn't have any on display). So what do you guys suggest? Currently riding a Judy C (which is WAAAY to soft)

2003 dj 2 has qr20 or standard. (hopefully you can get the qr20)
2003 dj 3 has standard with no choice.

dj2 - has adjustable rebound internal and external preload
dj3 - preload only

In all cases for 20$ I would go with the djer 2. You will NEED (seriously require) extra stiff springs for this fork. It will be extra but the mediums will be useless to you. You should also get a qr20 for sure. At your weight these forks will be close to noodles with a standard QR (I have one as well and weigh the same) You can buy external air preload which supposedly changes the ride. Don't know as I don't need it.

Dj 2 QR20 with extra stiff springs. It will kicks ass and is one of the better single crowns for your size.

Only has one option really, the standard QR and medium springs (although I could order springs seprately)

Sorry the dj2 is a qr? (I know the dj3 is, it doesn't have a choice)

The III is standard qr only and the II has either standard or QR20. Either fork will be good. If there is a chance you will start jumping or riding really aggressive then I would say get the II w/QR20 but this will also require a new front hub. You would be looking at an extra 130$+ for hub and build of the wheel.

:beer:

I'll be buying a new front hub as it is. The DJ 2 doesn't have brake bosses on it, so I'll be switching to a disc setup. Was thinking the Hayes HFX-9 with 6" rotor from JensonUSA for $109, and an adaptor, with a Shimano XT M756 hub. (not decided on hydro's or mechanicals yet) Haven't put alot of thought into the brakes as of yet, just mainly trying to get the forks lined up first. I think I'll go with the Marzocchi DJ 2's and see how well those will work out. I'll give an update when I get em though. 8:())

The real issue is, if your bike currently has a Judy C, I am guessing there is no way in heck it was designed for a long travel FR fork like DJ series fork...

It's an 02' Marin Rocky Ridge

It should be fine. But I never consider that part anymore considering long travel to me now is 8 in :D...

Thats a monster amount of travel. I would love to take one of those 8" travel, 40+ pounder, 3.0 tired bikes for a ride one of these days. But for now, I'm just not worthy. I'm going to give the DJ 2 a ride and see how it turns out (thought I read someplace that they weigh like 6.88 pounds though?) thats a good 2 pounds more then what I have up front now.

I don't know as much about either of them. But I've tried both the DJ 2's and the DJ 3's and I personally like the 2 better. Just a better feel. But I guess it all preference.

I don't know as much about either of them. But I've tried both the DJ 2's and the DJ 3's and I personally like the 2 better. Just a better feel. But I guess it all preference.

I think the 2's are suppose to be better. They are a step up from the DJ 3 and cost more. When you pay more, you should expect more.

For $20 more, it's worth the external adjustment.

As mentioned, I recommend the QR20 for your weight. It will improve your performance considerably.

Discs? I'd go with the Hayes. Just to add a note: You will HAVE to go with an 8" rotor if you choose the QR20 hub. I have a Z1 with a QR20 and had to jerry rig the adapter with some spacers to make it work with my 6" rotor. I wouldn't recommend doing this. Go for the 8" and do it right!

L8R