Suspension or No Suspension?
#51
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You are not going to see great suspensions on entry to mid level bikes... they bump the price up too much.
At minimum you are looking at $250.00 - $300.00 for an entry level fork with a lockout and that would raise the price of the bike accordingly.
Forgot to mention I have a full suspension bicycle that was designed specifically for road use and it is my daily driver when there isn't snow on the ground.
The Moulton has a rear damper and a low travel front shock and was the first full suspension bicycle made... with the high pressure tyres the suspension is an essential part of the design and the bike handles like it is on rails and rides like a dream.
At minimum you are looking at $250.00 - $300.00 for an entry level fork with a lockout and that would raise the price of the bike accordingly.
Forgot to mention I have a full suspension bicycle that was designed specifically for road use and it is my daily driver when there isn't snow on the ground.
The Moulton has a rear damper and a low travel front shock and was the first full suspension bicycle made... with the high pressure tyres the suspension is an essential part of the design and the bike handles like it is on rails and rides like a dream.
#52
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Just got a new (to me) hybrid: 2009 (maybe '08) Jamis Coda Comp. Practically brand new. No suspension. Totally smooth and awesome!
#53
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I ride most of my miles on chip seal roads for 1-2 hrs on solid fork bikes, I find the surface sets up a lot of buzz. Recently I rescued a full suspension giant farrago, with 42mm tires, that I set up as my winter/pot hole ride. Not to many miles this winter, to much ice but I do notice less buzz. The lost motion, extra weight, well, for me it's all about exercise, plus my winter speeds are much lower. Comes warmer weather I will be back on solid forks, 28 tires.
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#55
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I rode front suspension bikes for 15 years. I found my self gravitating towards the flat, paved rail trails. Rail trails are becoming a big thing here in Michigan. Frankly, I don't need suspension bikes anymore. I am now more into scenery, fitness and performance. It all depends on your riding scene.
#56
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My Kona Splice hybrid came with a lockout front suspension, and its about perfect my uses. Lock the suspension out when your going for speed on paved roads, and unlock it for comfort on bumpy dirt roads and trails.
Bottom line, you want a suspension so you have the option of taking your bike on rough terrain.
Bottom line, you want a suspension so you have the option of taking your bike on rough terrain.
#57
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#58
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Sheldon isn't perfect; his site compares crank length to stairs, and we all climb the same stairs, right? Except we don't climb those stairs for 10 miles.