This is something that I think about every spring when I take my 520 out for the first few rides of the season, so I understand the temptation to want to do this, but as others have pointed out, the 520 just isn't built for it. The reason I experience this is that I ride a Haro 29er through the winter months and get very used to having front suspension. When I get back on the 520 in the spring, the first thing I notice is how harsh the ride is on my shoulders etc with the rigid fork. Yes, you can lower the front tire pressure, but the trade off is that you increase rolling resistance by doing so. I suggest you consider starting out with a 29er that is designed for front suspension and put road friendly wheels and tires on it (for lower rolling resistance). That's what I did with my Haro 29er, originally intending it to be a winter beater, but over the years I've overhauled it & upgraded components so now it's not really a "beater" anymore. Last summer, when my 520 was in the LBS, I took the 29er on some longer rides ( 75-90 miles through hilly terrain) and found it was surprisingly capable and comfortable compared to the 520. I think I would still prefer the 520 for longer tours, (it's lighter and rolls better) but the Haro 29er acquitted itself surprisingly well in that role. Call me old school ,but I've never been a huge fan of compact frames, so I do wish someone would sell a steel touring frame with a horizontal top tube that is designed for an appropriate short travel suspension fork, but so far, I haven't found one.