Hybrid bikes have a relatively short travel mm , which is sufficient to absorb road imperfections and minor bumps, but has its limitations when you take it to seriously challenging terrains. MTBs suspensions have a longer travel mm , since they are designed for heavy duty off-road use. Bike commuting is supposed to be something you do because you enjoy the experience.
Riding on cobblestones in cities, crossing tram or train tracks, single trail and gravel, you can take advantage of a front shock. It definitely feels good not feeling every single bump shaking your arms. With a shock absorbing front suspension you can keep the front tires inflated to maximum pressure, and still get a pleasant riding experience without running the risk of getting a pinch flat.
Some people just have fun deliberately choosing challenges. A front suspension fork allows you to be one of them. Front shocks add some extra weight to your bike. Of course, a commuter bike is not meant to be a racing bike, but if you have to carry it up to your apartment or lift it up regularly, the added lbs of weight make a difference. Added weight also means a slower ride.
You can feel the weight difference even if the slope is not very steep, but long enough. A suspension fork absorbs energy as you pedal stepping out of the saddle. You can feel the front of the bike going up and down as you move your body and place more of your weight at the front.
In this case there is significant energy loss, especially when climbing steep hills. Another disadvantage of some cheap suspension forks can seize up and stop working altogether. The two main types are coil and air suspension forks. Coil forks have been around for longer and they have a spring coil inside the tube, which absorbs the energy coming from impacts and provides a smoother ride.
You can adjust the smoothness of the ride by adjusting the tension of the spring. Equipment and extras for your mountain bike suspension fork You should now have a good overview of the prerequisites that mountain bike suspension fork has to fulfil, so that it fits to your frame. Travel and spring type The longer the travel, the better the fork can handle rough routes. Starting at mm travel there is the option of choosing a lowerable fork with which you can reduce the travel.
The spring stiffness is related to your weight: light riders need stiffer springs than heavier ones. But this is also tied to the appropriate spring type: Air-sprung: This has become the most frequently equipped type of spring.
In addition, air springs usually have progressive spring properties, ideal for cross-country or racing. Steel spring: This is usually found in cheap forks. Steel springs are robust and offer a linear suspension response. Rebound and compression damping: An important function that you should pay attention to when buying a mountain bike suspension fork is the rebound damping. It regulates the rebound speed. You can usually already adjust the rebound from the outside on cheap suspension forks.
The compression level however is responsible for the speed at which the suspension compresses. It depends. The longer it is, especially the chainstay length, the more a bike is comfortable. Also, wider tyres do wonders when comfort and off road traction are concerned.
If suspension is the choice, it is important to remember regular service and to buy good quality and more expensive one. Low end suspension, without lockout and rebound damping is a rather poor choice. Related post — Pros and cons of bicycle disc brakes compared to rim brakes :.
Brooks Flyer — leather saddle with good, strong springs. Durable and comfortable for city and trekking bikes. Continental Grand Prix 4-season — 25 mm wide — comfortable road bicycle tyres with good wet road traction. Comfortable, fast tyre for paved roads. Continental Race King — comfortable and fast-rolling off-road tyre, made for 26, Manufacturers usually provide service instructions. Generally speaking: — Every 50 hours of riding for tough, demanding conditions — riding hours for moderate off-road not too much mud, dust, sand, or high speed descending on very rough terrain — Once a year for more moderate riding pavement, or beaten paths off-road.
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting. Home » Basics » Basics explained » Pros and cons of suspension shock absorbers on bicycles.
Tyre absorbing imperfections Tyre absorbing bumps Pictures 1a, and 1b Still, the higher a speed and the rougher a road or off-road , the greater the impacts, so tyres on their own are sometimes not enough to absorb the shocks in order to keep the ride comfortable and prevent the vehicle from jumping up and down, losing traction and control. I ride 30 yeor old bikes — anaheim.
Well I'm sold! I've recently tried both with and without suspension and can really tell the weight difference. Btw your assumptions were correct — Fernando Neira. Benzo Benzo J-unior J-unior 1, 1 1 gold badge 14 14 silver badges 33 33 bronze badges. Sign up or log in Sign up using Google. Sign up using Facebook.
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