IAMTB

I currently have a Gary Fisher Tassajara, a genisis frame hard tail. I am looking to replace my old Manitou Magnum fork. I don't have much cash(read about $100 MAX). I was looking through the usual websites and I saw the Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn for $99. Would this be a decent upgrade from my old Manitou? Would it fit the geometry of the bike? Any others in the price range I should be considering?

IAMTB

OK, after going through the sales here are the two options I came up with:

2005 Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn Fork $99, 70-115mm travel, hydracoil damping. (Link )

Manitou Splice Elite DIVA Special Edition 80mm travel TPC Suspension Fork $119, 80mm travel, air/spring damping. (Link)

Which would you get and why? I am a bit of a heavy guy, so keep that in mind.

iamthetas

the magnum is 76mm so you want to stay close to that if you do not want a big change in feel/handling of the bike. 80-85mm should be ok but I would not suggest you go up to 100mm
Id get the Judy over the Splice because of the coils, you being a heavy and all, but thats my opinion and do not buy based on that alone. check MTBReview

gattm99

I'd get the air over the coils since you can set it to your exact weight and not have to mess with changing springs, of course I've never had a seal blow yet either...

Raiyn

I concur
We're talking about a Manipoo here. If it doesn't blow the seals it'll flex like nobody's business.
If it were me, I'd do one of two things.

1. Ride what I had untill I was ready to commit $200+ to getting a decent closeout fork
2. Get myself one of these and wait untill I had $200+ to commit to getting a better fork

Being a self described "heavy rider" a fork at the $100 pricepoint is going to suck even if you got the Judy you'd have to get the "heavy" coils for it imparting more cost to you.

IAMTB

Problem solved. I found a Marzocchi MX Comp w/ETA fork for $169. Can't wait for it to arrive now!