Originally Posted by
cubewheels
I've tested the hardest elastomer on it which doesn't feel like a suspension system anymore. Couldn't tell the difference between that and a fully rigid bike over good quality roads.
Over rough roads, I'd expect the suspension bike to be less efficient but didn't find that to be the case. I think the improved comfort maybe a factor in maintaining the same performance as I would in a fully rigid bike.
Some slight suspension would make up for the greater impedance (losses from bouncing the bike and rider up and down) from the smaller wheels.