I've got an '04 Pt Reyes with alloy fork,as well as an Otis and a Dixon. 1.5" tires do a good job of soaking up road imperfections. Skinny + high psi + alloy fork = carpel tunnel pain,but I've had good luck with wide,low psi tires.

Also,I wince every time I see one of the new Pt Reyes. Mine's LX/XT with Mavic/Formula wheels and hydro discs. New ones are Deore/Alex/mid-range mechanical. At the same price point.