Hi Kathi,

Congratulations on the new ride! That's awesome! Did you get a Locomoto or a RacerX? What color? Enough questions? Yeah, that is pretty impressive that the shop had one there in your size!

Anyway, a FS will definitely help with the being beaten up feeling vs. a hardtail. But even some FS bikes seem to transfer that "aluminum" feeling through the frame even with suspension. I felt it mostly with Giant brand bikes and the Ironhorse Hollowpoint that I had. I have a Turner right now and although, the bike is aluminum, it really feels like steel. I haven't ridden a Titus yet but I'm willing to bet that you won't get the frame resonance that on other frames b/c its so well made.

Anyway, the Manitou Skarab is a great fork, especially for lighter riders. Just make sure its set up properly for your weight. I've been using the Super Air for a year and a half and its nice and plush. My only complaint is the brake dive but I can live with that since it doesn't happen often.

Let us know how your ride went! and good luck with everything!
Cheers,
Kristina