touring with front suspension?

[traveldemon]

we are planning a year long cycling expedition through central and south america and are having dilemmas about equipment, specifically front suspension. Our initial thoughts were to keep it simple, and we were looking at a rigid steel Thorn bike, possibly with rollhoff hub gears. However we hired some front suspension bikes for a few days recently and were impressed by the arm-and-wrist sparing after a day on unmetalled tracks. What is people's advice for a lengthy trip, likely on poor roads, far from good bike shops? Stories of peoples' experiences, good or bad, would be much appreciated.
Tom & Eleanor, UK

[Stijn]

The most comfortable addition to my Raven has been a Cane Creek suspension seat post. Worth every penny. I'm building my bike up for a similair plan and have gone for a suspension fork as well. I find the geometry on the Raven a bit to relax now, but thats a personal thing and I'm getting used to it. At SjS they've had some very good feedback too. As for reliability of a fork. A spring/oil based fork. I've taken mine apart at home to make sure I can do it on the road. Bring some spares. For example My fork a magura Vidar, bit cheaper then the Fox vanila but less plush, takes normal weight20 motorcycle oil. So all I'm carrying is a spare set of seals, not much else that can go wrong. Fingers crossed. I haven't cycled in South America yet but travelled there for four months, I don't know how people would do it without suspension. Call me a softy if you like. :-)

Let us know what you end up buying. Have a great trip.