CCS owners, do not forget that the stock fork has adjustable spring tension.
And if it is adjusted to float the load, it works pretty well! It's just heavy!
Until I learned to adjust my bike's NCX, it did very little shock absorbing.
The spring was preloaded much too strong.
Also, for preservation, it is really helpful to frequently wipe the chrome tube portions with an oily cloth, per Suntour maintenance directions, to keep the seals lubricated and reduce scoring of the tubes and wear to the plastic guide bushings inside.
Also, there are two, tiny plastic plugs covering two unused screw holes on the black tube portion. Water will get in there if the plugs are missing and water ingress will begin ruining the fork with corrosion.
I hose my bike off, spray the chrome tube area with the hose to get off the sand, and the wipe with an oily cloth, per the Suntour maintenance directions. I do this almost every other day because I ride daily. Cleanliness really keeps a bike newer longer.
The NCX damps well and soaks up much of the worst of road bumps for 170lb-me when I set to sag generously, about 1/3 or 1/2 of its travel, however,
I would like to own a Rock Shox instead!
And I will, someday, thanks to Youth's creation of this thread. I am sold on any upgrade. An air suspension shock is a lighter and more interesting device than a coil spring suspension. (thanks, Youth!) An air shock is much more complicated and unforgiving of neglect. I am definitely going to get an air shock because it works better and looks better and is more intricate and delicate. Hey! I make my living taking care of very intricate pianos. Good things require more care. And if we are able to give them the care they need, go for it. Good stuff is worth it because it makes our lives more pleasant and fun!