suspension versus rigid frame

green123

im about to buy a cheap mountain bike

just wondering is it true that on the road it is harder to cycle uphill on bicycles with full suspension compared with the regular rigid frame ?

Raam

green123 wrote:

im about to buy a cheap mountain bike

just wondering is it true that on the road it is harder to cycle uphill on bicycles with full suspension compared with the regular rigid frame ?

Yes, generally it's true. Cheap suspension bikes are pointless. It's another thing that can break. If you are paying top dollar, that's another story. However, if you are looking for a cheap bike for the roads, stay away from suspension

mloc123

Its hard enough to find any 'leisure' bike these days with a rigid front fork, most seem to throw on a cheap suspension fork instead. Even the cheap front forks aren't that bad, with the state of the roads here its nice to have a bit of flexability on bumpy downhills. Make sure to get a rigid frame tho.

mockerydawg

If there is some level of quality in the frame then the bumps shouldnt go through you as badly. Also a handy tip is DON'T SIT DOWN when going over potholes and ruts. Save your arse and your back wheel and get your weight off your saddle.
The suspension fork will add unnecessary weight and when it looses its new bike buzz, the bike will feel over heavy. Rigid fork all the way. Most bike shops will have them in the back, just ask to swap over at time of purchase.

cunnins4

rigid frame all the way and skinny tires. My bro has the same bike as me, (hardrock) but he has front suspension whereas i've the rigid fork. The suspension makes it heavier and when i run into him on my commute home, i'm always much, much faster.

As said above, get your asse up on the potholes and speedbumps and your wheels'll be fine. Suspension is unneccesary on the roads, and on cheap bikes, it's truly awful.

Drapper

green123 wrote:

im about to buy a cheap mountain bike

just wondering is it true that on the road it is harder to cycle uphill on bicycles with full suspension compared with the regular rigid frame ?

first question, what sort of moutnain biking you wanna do? XC / DH ?

hardtail is alway a great starting point! with a decent fork!

chicoben

green123 wrote:

im about to buy a cheap mountain bike

just wondering is it true that on the road it is harder to cycle uphill on bicycles with full suspension compared with the regular rigid frame ?

you generally cycle slower when you have suspension on the bike because the suspension absorbs some of your speed, its like cycling with flat tires.

green123

thanks for all the info

decided against a cheap dual suspension and went for a cheap rigid instead

ordered this one
http://www.sterlinghouse.co.uk/ViewProduct.aspx.qmap/ptId/747/pId/61095

any opinions on bike or company ?

bike will only be used for summer and mainly for very short journeys - 1 mile or 2 at most, so as long as it arrives it will prob be fine

mockerydawg

Be prepared for endless trouble from the gears and also when it comes take it straight to a bikeshop to have the steering checked for correct tightness.

Drapper

green123 wrote:

thanks for all the info

decided against a cheap dual suspension and went for a cheap rigid instead

ordered this one
http://www.sterlinghouse.co.uk/ViewProduct.aspx.qmap/ptId/747/pId/61095

any opinions on bike or company ?

bike will only be used for summer and mainly for very short journeys - 1 mile or 2 at most, so as long as it arrives it will prob be fine

is there moutnains between you and the shops? go for a second hand rigid or hybrid! more economincal on the energy resource around town!