True, however, a high quality suspension fork can cost more than some people spend on their entire commuter bike.

indeed. when i replaced the crappy first-gen rock shock on my old raleigh, my choices were a $30 cro-mo rigid fork, or a far more expensive suspension fork with lock-out. the bike was already over 10 years old and i was only looking at it as a potential tool to get to work and back until i had more money to get something better.

$30 bucks was an easy choice.

I ride on a Giant anthem Full Sus Mountain bike.

I used a cheapo front-suspension MTB when I got back into biking (and began commuting) a couple years ago. It got me where I intended to go, but I have zero interest in using one of those bikes again.

:(

I like both
 

I use both a riggid and a suspension fork MTB-
The riggid: chromoly frame w/ 2.35X26" Big Apple balloon tires run 20psi front / 35psi back (un-loaded/no gear)
The hardtail: aluminum frame w/ 80mm cannondale headshok fork and 1.25X26" tires at 65-80 psi

I really like the Big Apple 2.35 tires for rough roads, curb drops/hops and carrying heavy loads.
I really like the 80mm sus-fork and "skinny" tire combo for fast riding over bumpy, decaying city streets...and i can lock-out the fork when climbing.

Having the suspension fork is nice on your hands and neck, but it can bob/pogo if not inflated properly, so I run mine at 80-100 lbs (im a light weight) Sus-fork is also nice for the trails....i keep a set of off-road tires for trail riding/bikepacking
For utility/commuting with heavy gear id choose the riggid+Big Apple rig, and inflate the tires to suit the GVW (gross vehicle weight)

I just used a Rock Shox tora u turn spring/oil suspension fork. It works great, has rebound, height, and lock out options. Also its a reasonable price.

Hard to tell yet - I'm pushing 2,000 kms and still haven't worn the casting fin off the front tire. :innocent:

But I'm only 160lbs and run a CF mtb thats just under 30lbs including those particular tires, fenders and a few extras.YMMV Another tire I really like is the Geax Tattoo Light.