Touring - Best new front suspension forks for touring

Okay, in converting a high-quality hardtail mountain bike for touring and utility uses, I'm looking at buying a new front suspension fork, to replace the original 16-year old Judy RockShox suspension fork that came with the bike.

What would you guys prefer? Is there a particular suspension fork that you think works best for touring? How about reliability and maintenance issues?

How about disc brake capability? If I'm replacing the suspension fork, I might as well consider a new disc brake on the front, right? (My wheels are built with disc brake hubs and rim-brake rims, so I always have the option of going either way)

Anyone here have any actual experience with the newer suspension forks, when applied to touring and utility use?
:thumb::thumb:

Can't tell you which one, but make sure it has a lockout.

Okay, in converting a high-quality hardtail mountain bike for touring and utility uses, I'm looking at buying a new front suspension fork, to replace the original 16-year old Judy RockShox suspension fork that came with the bike.

What would you guys prefer? Is there a particular suspension fork that you think works best for touring? How about reliability and maintenance issues?

How about disc brake capability? If I'm replacing the suspension fork, I might as well consider a new disc brake on the front, right? (My wheels are built with disc brake hubs and rim-brake rims, so I always have the option of going either way)

Anyone here have any actual experience with the newer suspension forks, when applied to touring and utility use?
:thumb::thumb:

Disc brake compatibility isn't a problem. Rim brake compatibility is. With the exception of very low end forks, which would probably be a step down from your Judy, few forks are offered with v-brake mounts.

Another consideration is the fork travel. Many forks are 100mm travel now. That may be too long for the bike that your Judy came off of. The Judy is likely a 80mm fork. A 100mm fork will raise the head of the bike a lot and increase the headtube angle...making the bike have a more relaxed geometry. The bike will handle a little differently and feel different to ride.

valygrl is right that you want one with a lockout but not all lockouts are equal. I have a Rockshox Reba on one bike and it's a good fork but the lockout is barely noticeable. I'm still able to move the fork a significant amount even when completely locked out. I have a Manitou Black on another bike that locks out completely, i.e. it doesn't move at all when locked, that works far better for situations where I want or need a rigid fork. I have a Fox TALAS on a third bike that has a lockout that is as positive as the Manitou.

The Fox forks...especially a F80...would be the ideal fork for your application. It has a positive lockout, it's buttery smooth and it rugged as all get out. It's also as expensive as an Italian super car:eek::eek: Cost new is around $600.

Rockshox Reba can be had for around $400. It's lockout isn't as positive, it's not as smooth but it's likely durable enough.

Both the Fox and Rockshox forks can be 'Pushed' or revalved by Push Industries which makes them perform better. The Fox doesn't really need it but the Rockshox is a much better fork afterwards.

The Manitou Black I have is a pretty good fork. It can't be 'Pushed' however. Push doesn't want to deal with Manitou. They feel that the quality of the Manitou isn't up to that of the other two.

If you can afford the best, go with the Fox. It's got the whole package. If you can't, go with a Rockshox. It's still pretty good.