Most shocks are just there so guys who used to do skateboard stunts as teenagers can feel "cool"- another marketing ploy. Unless you are hurtling down mountains or leaping over cliffs, all they do is add dead weight. (or so my wise DH says) Sort of like when suburban guys buy pickups when all they do is ride to the office on a highway.
It's great that the guy is willing to help build a bike to your specs- but make sure the frame is the exact right size for you to begin with, BEFORE he starts swapping stuff out and tweaking it to "fit" you. Be wary of buying a bike that is not your perfect size just because it's there in the shop and then depending on him to change stuff around so it fits better.
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08-25-2006, 04:08 PM #1
listen to the bees
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Lisa
My mountain dulcimer network...FOTMD.com...and my mountain dulcimer blog
My personal blog:My blog
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08-25-2006, 05:23 PM #2
Don't whine
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I agree, I don't think you'll miss the shocks. You might even like the feel of control and surface awareness you get by being more "in touch" with your front wheel.
My DPITA rides a Trek with suspension. I took it for a little ride and just hated the mushy feel.
If you can, take the CRX4 for a really long test ride. If it's true love, you'll still be feeling the love even more!"If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson
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08-25-2006, 08:26 PM #3
Registered User
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I have those shocks on my fork too -- I don't think I'll miss them, but I have this funny feeling that even though I'd get used to not having it after a while, I'd miss the one on my seat post!
Karen in Boise
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08-26-2006, 04:17 AM #4
Don't whine
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You can buy seatposts with suspension and put them on any bike you want.
A quick look at my dog-eared Nashbar catalog shows one for $25.
(or, you could buy a lovely Brooks saddle with springs....)"If Americans want to live the American Dream, they should go to Denmark." - Richard Wilkinson
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08-26-2006, 09:39 AM #5
Head up. Shoulders down.
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I had a suspension seatpost on my commuter. I called it the Power Hog. It sucked too much of my pedaling energy in bouncing up and down - especially on the hills. I replaced it with a carbon post - my LBS made me an offer I couldn't refuse, I had no intention of putting such a fancy post on this bike. I love it. It doesn't beat me up and, in fact, I find the ride smoother and more comfortable now.
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08-26-2006, 02:19 PM #6
Registered User
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Thanks for all the advice - it's great
Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.
. now a dumb question, when you say make sure the frame is the right size, is that just a height question? So if i'm 5ft5 is there a right size, or is it more about "trying it on" so to speak? any advice is welcome, the more i know before i buy it, the happier i'll be.
DH is kinda surprised i'm happy to let go of the suspension in the front fork, but after reading all the comments here, i think it's not the big deal i've made it out to be.
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08-26-2006, 04:12 PM #7
Honky Nut Dodger
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Hey theav - I imagine there are some pretty good cycling shops in Canberra what with the amount of cyclists and all so Im sure you will have no problem getting a bike fit. I would also suggest that you read up a bit on bike fitting so you can go in prepared. If it looks like they are not taking the fit seriously just glancing and saying yep that should fit you will know to try somewhere else. Google bike fit . Also checking out books like the one by Andy Pruitt would be a good idea. Originally Posted by theav
Thanks for all the advice - it's great . now a dumb question, when you say make sure the frame is the right size, is that just a height question? So if i'm 5ft5 is there a right size, or is it more about "trying it on" so to speak? any advice is welcome, the more i know before i buy it, the happier i'll be.
DH is kinda surprised i'm happy to let go of the suspension in the front fork, but after reading all the comments here, i think it's not the big deal i've made it out to be.
Here is a site to get you started on your bike fit learning quest.
http://www.coloradocyclist.com/bikefit/
Happy bike buying.
The most effective way to do it, is to do it.
Amelia Earhart
2005 Trek 5000 road/Avocet 02 40W
2006 Colnago C50 road/SSM Atola
2005 SC Juliana SL mtb/WTB Laser V
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08-26-2006, 05:40 PM #8
Head up. Shoulders down.
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Theav, Will the shop fit the bike to you?
Provided the frame fits generally, with standover and reach, will they dial it in for you at no extra cost - say swapping out a long stem for a shorter one or one with more rise? Will they work with you on saddle height and placement and other elements of fit?
While you can't always make a silk purse from a sow's ear, a bike that isn't "perfect" off the rack, but is in the ballpark, can be dialed in with minimal effort.
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