I went out on my very old mountain two weeks ago, for a very long bike ride. Only later to discover, that I have jarred my elbow quite badly. I think if I had a new bike with all the new suspension on it it would have saved my elbow joint. But I have been told I will use more energy riding it. I am confused! Please help.
2007-09-27 09:21:49 · 10 answers · asked by Bird 2 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Suspension is good. Now, there's good and bad suspension.
A good mountain that is used for the type of riding it was designed for that is a full suspension will make it more worthwhile. That 'energy robbing' is not that true on good designs and shocks. The rear suspension will provide better traction at steeper climbs, and will not hurt your body over harsher terrain.
If you're riding over relatively smooth terrain, with good traction, a hardtail might be better, but for a harsher terrain a good full suspension will be easier.
The deal is, there are a lot of crappy full suspension designs out there, that are just heavy and just a pogo on two wheels, and those are the bikes to avoid. There are always in betweens, but usually full suspension bikes are likely above 1,000 bucks, and actually 2,000 and over; whereas a good hardtail can be less than a grand.
There are also some very good hardtails. A good fork will provide good cush for overall terrain, so you really don't **need** a full suspension.
I have both a nice hardtail and a good full suspension bike, both are great, the hardtail lets me improve on my riding (I have to pick better lines), but the FS will let me push my limits.
If I could only keep one, I'd keep the FS.
2007-09-27 13:37:04 · answer #1 · answered by Roberto 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Getting a mountain bike for commuting is OK, but getting an inexpensive hardtail from a bike shop would be a much better choice than a cheap piece of dual-suspended junk from a department store. For your use, you don't need *any* suspension, and in fact getting suspension on a low-end bike means that the manufacturer must cheap out on other parts to meet the price point. A good front shock can cost as much as that whole bike - what kind of quality do you really think you'd be getting?
2016-05-20 01:19:43 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're on the road, then suspension is a waste of time and money. If you want to ride off-road, then suspension is a definite plus. But, if your bike is as old as you said, then you might as well purchase a new bike. The technology and bang for your buck is so much better that it was only 5 years ago. Go to a local bike shop, get fitted, and clearly explain to the shop what kind of riding you want to do. If you spend at least around $500 you'll have a great experience!
2007-09-27 10:53:48 · answer #3 · answered by Biking in 209 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I think this was said already. If you are mountain biking (rough trails) front suspension is a good thing. Riding the road and gravel paths etc. there is no need. Rear suspension is good for down hill and jumping etc. Any suspension robs you of efficiency but added stability and comfort can add speed on the right terrain.
If you were just riding on roads you may have been locking your arms. That's bad form, my man. Always keep a slight bend to your elbows just for this reason.
2007-09-27 10:20:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on how you are riding. To save your elbows, you'll want some front suspension. The back suspension is good for hard riding, but will dampen the force of pedaling, and you'll have to muscle the bike around more, so it will require more energy and be more tiring of a ride.
2007-09-27 09:34:42 · answer #5 · answered by Sann 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Roberto nailed it (and saved me some typing! lol)
Don't buy a crappy design and the boingers will help (even for an errant pothole on the road ;D) and be more efficient.
An example of this is I had a Schwinn 4-banger full suspension that was more of a downhill/ chairlift design but while riding with a friend to go hit the trails I was keeping pace while riding in the dirt off the shoulder of the road and not using anymore energy than when I was on the pavement.
2007-09-27 19:52:05 · answer #6 · answered by Dsfa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
suspension helps in every way, there are tow down sides to suspension: more wight on the bike and and is a little harder to go uphill but it is better for your joints I say go for it! maybe a comfort bike will be good for you
2007-09-27 10:24:22 · answer #7 · answered by G-T Rider 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah . . . Roberto kinda said it all. Great answer.
Does your bike have a suspension fork ?
If it doesn't, you might like to put a fork on it and check the energy robbing theory for yourself.
2007-09-27 23:41:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Front suspension good, back suspension bad.
2007-09-27 09:28:23 · answer #9 · answered by neogriff 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Its alright if you are riding over mountains and what not, but i ride on the road and it is just unnecessary weight. :)
2007-09-27 09:26:16 · answer #10 · answered by Ryan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋