Specialized Ariel?

[Lesley_x]

Excuse my ignorance since I'm new to biking, but why would you want a front suspension that could be locked out? Also, what bike did you end up with?

I'm new to biking as well but I went on advice I received from several bike shops. Supposedly front suspension takes the energy out of your pedalling, so when you're pedalling the work isn't all going to the wheels, some is going into the suspension. This is particularly relevant on uphill stretches, when your energy will be used to compress the suspension.

It's useful to lock it out on smooth sections of tarmac and uphill to get the most out of your pedalling. Great for bumpy sections of road, but I personally wanted the flexibility of locking it out

I ended up with a Giant Roam 2 W and so far it's been excellent.