I noticed I was really lazy about my biking when I switched from the comfort bike with big tires, a front shock and suspension seatpost to the Kona Dew (fully rigid with skinny tires). I'm much more aware now of the road ahead, using my knees, sitting lightly in the saddle, and being light on the handlebars. These things have come in handy in my beginning mountain biking. I'm not ruling out a fully in the future. This just seemed to be a good way to get started. Those big, fat tires absorb quite a bit of the bumps, too!

Deb