Are Shock Absorbing Components Gimmicks?
Unfortunately, I'm not ready to get a new road bike yet. But I like to keep an eye on what's out there. I currently have a CAAD9-1, and I like it well enough. But the type of riding I do really suits itself to one of the "endurance" type bikes. I like the road bike feel, I just want a little more comfort and stability. I don't really like the gravel trend, I have no interest in riding on gravel and the big tires don't appeal to me.
In light of that it's interesting to me to see manufacturers like Specialized (and I think Giant, maybe Trek) put elements in these road bikes that absorb some shock. Specialized has it in both the seatpost and in the steerer tube/stem area. Can anyone speak to these features and if they're useful or not? Just gimmicks? Can't live without it? How would it compare to just a traditional but excellent carbon frame? What about a really nice steel frame (I have a thing for metal)?