Rigid or suspension forks - off-road touring

[lae]

That's good to know - I've looked at the manual and they seem very easy to work on, actually.

I'll get some if I can find them at a good price. Are there any other alternatives?

 

[dbmtb]

They just don't give you very much suspension so why bother?

I'd stay rigid for touring - unless I was putting all my baggage on a trailer.

 

[xerxes]

Respect due: http://www.pbase.com/canyonlands/image/130501563 :shock:

 

[highlandsflyer]

http://www.adventure-cycling-guide.co.uk/bike3.htm

http://www.adventurecycling.org/

I wouldn't hesitate to fit forks, given you want to do some actual mountain biking unloaded, but would only consider using ones with full lock out.

 

[lae]

They just don't give you very much suspension so why bother?

My wrists will thank me after a week of riding old mining tracks; it's more for comfort than for bombing down rocky hills. I think all of the bikepacking articles I've read recommend a suspension fork for this reason.

I would go with a more modern frame with a longer-travel fork but for the aforementioned sizing issues. Or I would go for a modern 29er designed for this kind of trip, but I'm really trying to keep costs down - no point in spending a grand on a bike and have no money left over for a sleeping bag.

 

[jimo746]

If you're going to NZ then I'd be inclined to fit suspension forks, probably some modern ones with lockout, nothing too fancy.
I would imagine that there might be a few scattered bike shops in the south island???

 

[lae]

Modern forks won't fit my frame, and modern frames won't fit me!

I have the same problem with my road bikes, too.

 

[jimo746]

in that case, keep it real and rigid

 

[We_are_Stevo]

When I was younger I would have said keep it rigid every time...

...nowadays, even though I can still ride in my usual a*se up hands down position without any comfort issues, I find myself appreciating a fork more and more; especially combined with a bouncy U.S.E seatpost

My fork of choice is the RST Mozo Pro; cheap as chips and available in several different travel choices...

...and NOS 1" replaceable stems are available.

Service them before you fit them (which is simplicity itself) then just forget about them and enjoy the ride

 

[DIAMONDHACK]

If you're going to NZ then I'd be inclined to fit suspension forks, probably some modern ones with lockout, nothing too fancy.
I would imagine that there might be a few scattered bike shops in the south island???

Plenty of bike shops here in the south.

Agreed on shocks, you won't regret it. I wouldn't bring the bike to be honest, it won't take you long to find a good old bike here, with a 1 1/8ich head set. Then you can fit any shock you like. Don't scrimp on the tent, get a really good one (ie one that has MACPAC written on it,) 4 seasons.