noobee question

Steve

OK, Trying to buy a new bike and I have some conflicting data
regarding rear suspension.

My LBS says rear suspension makes the bike 30% harder to peddle on
flat road surface.

My local dept. stor says that rear suspension makes it easier to ride.

Any ideas or opinions would be apreciated.

S.

David Kerber

In article <5vbq70do5fa75tgth6861mvbm5n90b65m8@4ax.com>, steve@bingo.com
says...
>
> OK, Trying to buy a new bike and I have some conflicting data
> regarding rear suspension.
>
> My LBS says rear suspension makes the bike 30% harder to peddle on
> flat road surface.
>
> My local dept. stor says that rear suspension makes it easier to ride.
>
> Any ideas or opinions would be apreciated.

Actually, they're probably both wrong. Suspension will waste some of
your pedaling energy, but I doubt it would reach 30%. Most people see
little need for any suspension, especially a rear, if you do all or most
of your riding on the roads. Wide tires will give you pretty much all
the cushioning you need, though some people like a suspension seat post
as well.

--
Remove the ns_ from if replying by e-mail (but keep posts in the
newsgroups if possible).

araby

"Steve" <steve@bingo.com> wrote in message
news:5vbq70do5fa75tgth6861mvbm5n90b65m8@4ax.com...
>
> OK, Trying to buy a new bike and I have some conflicting data
> regarding rear suspension.
>
> My LBS says rear suspension makes the bike 30% harder to peddle on
> flat road surface.
>
> My local dept. stor says that rear suspension makes it easier to ride.
>
> Any ideas or opinions would be apreciated.

Who do you think would be better qualified?

Unless you intend to ride offroad, forget suspension. The only thing it adds
is weight and complexity.
If you intend buying a Moulton, disregard the foregoing but take your heavy
duty wallet

Good luck.

Roy
..

Q.

"Steve" <steve@bingo.com> wrote in message
news:5vbq70do5fa75tgth6861mvbm5n90b65m8@4ax.com...
>
> OK, Trying to buy a new bike and I have some conflicting data
> regarding rear suspension.
>
> My LBS says rear suspension makes the bike 30% harder to peddle on
> flat road surface.

Are you sure your LBS didn't say 3%? I find the 30% figure hard to beleive.
I've ridden a hardtail and rear suspension bike on the same exact road
surface and haven't noticed anything that dramatic. Sounds like salesman BS
to me.

> My local dept. stor says that rear suspension makes it easier to ride.

A rear suspension can make it easier to ride off road, pretty usesless on
road.

> Any ideas or opinions would be apreciated.

Never get a bike at a department store, especially a rear suspension bike
.... the rear "shock" is a joke and it's worse than not having one.

C.Q.C.