"Buck" <j u n k m a i l @ g a l a x y c o r p . c o m> wrote in message
news:<
[email protected]>...
> "striker" <
[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> > So are you saying that if you hit a pothole or manhole cover that the front shock will do
> > absolutely nothing? Our roads here in Va. are terrible, just awful and the old Giant Rincon I'm
> > riding jarrs the hell
> out
> > of my arms over some of these bumps.
> >
> > Strike
>
> There are usually three arguments against suspension on the street: weight, bobbing as you pedal,
> and extra maintenance. The first is definitely a difference, but weight lowers as you get more
> expensive shocks. Bobbing is a problem with a poor pedaling style and if the suspension isn't set
> up properly. You have to get a spring that is set for your weight and get the "sag" set up
> correctly as well as the proper damping. For the road, a fork should be pretty stiff to avoid
> bobbing. The extra maintenance isn't too bad if you stick to the roads. It ceratinly isn't as bad
> as off-roading all the time, something which rarely gets mentioned around here.
The answer to Strike's question is yes, as far as I can tell it did nothing. I used it for off the
road trails that are far from "technical" but that have their share of rocks protruding from the
ground. I received all the jolts and jars that I get with a Tange steel fork on the same bike with
the same tires (700X35.) Now, I can swap forks back and forth easily, but I never use the suspension
fork for road or off road. I just like the ride of the plain steel fork better.
I also think Buck's comments are valid. But they apply to good suspension forks. The issue here is
that inexpensive hybrid bikes come with bottom of the line, cheap suspension forks. This is a reason
why they don't work. Also hybrid bikes are generally fit so that the rider's weight is mostly on the
rear wheel. So, relaxed elbows and sholders, combined with wide tires and, perhaps, a suspension
seat post, can provides a nice ride over most paved surfaces.
If suspension is important for poorly paved roads, then a lighter weight, quality suspension fork
can be added for $300 or $400 I think. Even better, if one has some long green to part with, ($1500
or so) Gary Fisher makes a couple of 29 inch (same as 700C)diameter tire mountain bikes that have
quality suspension parts.
For inexpensive hybrid bikes in my opinion the suspension forks are a marketing ploy. It would be
better to skip the suspension fork and either pay less for the bike, or pay the same and get name
brand components. The value of these options may not be obvious to the consumer vs. an easy to
explain option like a suspension fork. It nets the manufacturer and retailer a few extra bucks
without comensurate benefit to the buyer. I think it's too bad.
Steve Shapiro