Hybrid advice - with front suspension or without?

[Antyant]

I am about to purchase a hybrid (circa £260) and am not sure whether to go for the ones with front suspension - eg Merida (crossroads), or 2007 Specialized Expedition Elite OR to go for just seat suspension such as Specialized Globe or Ridgeback Comet. I'm a nearly 40 woman hoping to get fit cycling in parks and tow-paths..... I'm going nuts weighing the pros and cons and so any suggestions gratefully received!!

[alanfleisig]

On the one hand, my wife swears by her suspension.

For my part, you're mostly riding on clean surfaces, and the suspension is just dragging extra weight around and not really doing much for you.

The only practical effect of the suspension is to lessen pain in your butt and hands. In the long run, if you get decent padded shorts and a good set of gloves, and learn over time how to take slight road imperfections "lightly", the suspension will be useless, and you're just dragging around extra weight. That goes for the suspension in the seat post too.

My hybrid was the equivalent of the Trek 7.5 Fx, with no suspension, and I never missed it. But I have to admit I was used to riding road bikes and the somewhat sore butt never bothered me.

[masiman]

I almost always vote for without for the recreational rider. You may be 40 but you apparently do not have significant medical issues. I hope your body is not so fragile that you will need suspension. You would be far better served by getting a proper fit. I also agree about the seat post suspension. It can make you lazy in that you will not have to react to the bumps and other imperfections. You actually become a better bike handler and get a little more exercise with a rigid bike, not to mention the better pedaling efficiency.

Whatever you get, just ride it!

Good Luck

[jaxgtr]

Welcome to BF. I have a Trek 7300 that had suspension fork and since I either rode on the road or on hard packed trails. I have replaced and made several improvements on this bike, but by far the best change I made to that bike was to get rid of the suspension fork and go with a rigid. I also ditched the suspension seat post.

If you will not be riding on surfaces that need a little cushion, you will thank yourself by getting a rigid fork. Suspension really take a lot of effort on the road and will wear your arms down.

[deraltekluge]

If you ride on a rough surface (e.g., dirt and gravel), you'll probably love the suspension fork.

[road_rascal]

I have a Giant Cypress DX with the suspension fork which I use for commuting. The roads here in MN are horrible so the ride is bit smoother with the suspension.

[Podolak]

My vote is for no suspension for the fork or the seat post. The quality of suspension fork on this price range of bike is inadequate for any real function. Also, using a rigid fork and seat post gives you better efficiency. My recommendation is to go with a steel rigid fork as they are relatively inexpensive and steel will help dampen the vibrations. Also, if you are feeling frisky a carbon fiber seat post is not too expensive and would serve you much better than the suspension seat post. Carbon also dampens vibrations, I did not suggest it for the fork though as they can get pricey. I may have just added ~$125 to the price of your bike with those two parts.

[bab2000]

I am about to purchase a hybrid (circa £260) and am not sure whether to go for the ones with front suspension - eg Merida (crossroads), or 2007 Specialized Expedition Elite OR to go for just seat suspension such as Specialized Globe or Ridgeback Comet.

It is more about what you want and enjoy, than others opinions of pro or con the front suspension.

I have bikes set both ways, a steel frame road bike, and a newer Hybrid, Specialized Crossroads Sport, (700 size tires but very similar to the Expedition you mentioned).

If you plan to sit more upright, and little pressure on hands/wrist, the front suspension will little effect.

Of the bikes mentioned, I like the Globe series (http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=08Globe), and have been looking to this model as my next new bike. The frame is designed well and includes features found on touring bikes. Since it is designed with commuters in mind, this may be a good versatile model for your indicated needs and those into the future;)

Another factor to investigate is the tire/wheel size. 26" tires run at lower tire pressure, with wider with, these will absorb some vibrations, and 700 tires, allowing higher tire pressure improves pedal efficiencies, but will transmit road vibration to the bike. From your decription of need, 35c or 38c widths of a 700 size should be good.

All the best.

[Antyant]

Thanks for your help with this, you have really assisted me. I have re-evaluated my requirements and as I will be doing more off -road than on, though mainly tracks/trails and paths with the odd muddy hole thrown in, I'm looking at a hybrid with front suspension. I've seen a Giant CRS 3.0 FS, a Trek 7300 and a Claude Butler Legend which I'm going to choose from....I was tempted by the mountain-bikes but feel I would not benefit entirely from what they offer as I wont be doing anything wild. Well not yet anyway!

[bbattle]

The trouble with most hybrid suspension forks is they aren't adjustable and you can't lock them out. Usually too soft, they rob your power and add weight.

The fatter tires of most hybrids should provide plenty of cushion even when riding trails.

If you can find a hybrid with an adjustable suspension, give it a try.

[JonathanGennick]

I am about to purchase a hybrid (circa £260) and am not sure whether to go for the ones with front suspension - eg Merida (crossroads), or 2007 Specialized Expedition Elite OR to go for just seat suspension such as Specialized Globe or Ridgeback Comet. I'm a nearly 40 woman hoping to get fit cycling in parks and tow-paths..... I'm going nuts weighing the pros and cons and so any suggestions gratefully received!!

If you aren't going offroad at all, then I'd lean towards no front suspension. I personally ride a Specialized Crosstrail as my "around town" bike. I do have a suspension fork, but then I also take that bike offroad on mountain-bike trails. And I like to ride up and down curbs on purpose, hit potholes on purpose, etc.

In winter, and in rainy weather, I run a Specialized Rockhopper with a rigid fork. I have no problems with the lack of suspension. Again, that's when I'm in town on streets and such. It's even ok on smooth dirt. It jars me going down curbs though.

I've looked at the Globe. If you get that, you might want to think about keeping the suspension seatpost. Whenever I sit on a Globe, I always end up feeling very upright in the seat. The result of that is that my spine is right in line with the effects of any bumps that I might hit. I really feel it in my back when I go over a pothole or a curb and I'm sitting upright on a bike.

Seatpost suspension is trivial to add later though, so don't stress too much about that to begin with. Regardless of what bike you buy, you can add a suspension seatpost later for $50 or so. I would not let the presence or lack of a suspension post even factor into my buying decision. Focus on the comfort of the bike. Add a suspension later if you want one.

Unless you like to hit bumps and ride up and down curbs on purpose, my guess is you'll be happier with a rigid front fork.

[fishnugget]

How do you like Specialized crossroads?I was comparing that to Giant Cypress & Trek 7100 or 7200. I was thinking of upgrading to Elite. Why, I don't know just thought maybe better components.

[bab2000]

How do you like Specialized crossroads?I was comparing that to Giant Cypress & Trek 7100 or 7200. I was thinking of upgrading to Elite. Why, I don't know just thought maybe better components.

I do enjoy time on my Crossroads Sport, also wife has same model in a woman's frame, and she absolutle loves her.

Regarding the Elite, I asked my LBS that same question as they had both models on display, but recommended the Sport. His answer "the difference is the price, if you would be happier paying more, I can write up the elite, other than color choice, and decals, the components are not that much better for the price." I did notice later the Elites were sold, and they were waiting for 08s to arrive.

I know there is difference in the 2008 models than the 2007 (which I have). The biggest is the gearing, I have 8 cog cassette, and the '08s a 7.

I getting reay to add a rear rack, have the bag already, and also fitted with Brooks saddle. Will add image of the setup before the Brooks, and my frame size is XL.

[fishnugget]

It has rapid fire shifters and upgraded gearing & tires. Don't know if it worth the extra $129. How do you like the standrad shifters. What other bikes did you look at at tthe time to compare?

[bab2000]

1. How do you like the standrad shifters.
2. What other bikes did you look at at tthe time to compare?

1. I actually enjoy them more that rapid shifters. My son has them on his Giant Yukon. And on a Trek I am rebuilding. Test riding other bikes, I usually try all the buttons, and can see advantages if for the rapid type, but since most of the riding is on smoother terrain I am not having to leverage myself on the grips, as MTB type riding may depend on.

2. I did not. Actually I went to buy new bike for wife. She tested several bikes, a Giant Cypress, several Electra offerings, three speed, single speeds, and liked the versatilely of the Crossroads, and the ride with the larger 70 type tires. I test road this model just as a courtesy to the nice floor rep assisting us and to give wife better opinion of the bike style. I really enjoyed and wife detected it some how. So when I went to pay for her ride, she told the rep to make it two bikes. :love: the lady you see. She indicated she did not want to leave me behind on the paths, her with the new ride and I with my old Schwinn. Actually she did not think I could ride my Schwinn any longer because of the drop down bars. Since proved her wrong.

Since riding all last year with the Crossroad Sport and using the Continental for some longer excursions, I have test road several bikes, the Crossroads is yet safe and has spot in the garage on on the bike rack for trips.

If I do upgrade, the Globe series from Specialized has my interest. The Trek 7500 hybrid is also another, I loked at for a son to purchased, but he opted for a Yukon like his brother's because of the xxl size frame and MTB ruggedness.

But, I added a Brooks B17 (Imperial) saddle to the Crossroads and it rides very nice, and quicker than the conventional saddle provided. So have decided to add a rear rack, and plan to use for some longer road excursions with friends this summer.

IMHO, the value of this model is one of the better buys. Styling is different, and ride can be changed just by changing relationship of seat to handle bar height.

Chain ring maybe next change, to a road gear range.:innocent:

[conurejade]

Welcome to BF. I have a Trek 7300 that had suspension fork and since I either rode on the road or on hard packed trails. I have replaced and made several improvements on this bike, but by far the best change I made to that bike was to get rid of the suspension fork and go with a rigid. I also ditched the suspension seat post.

If you will not be riding on surfaces that need a little cushion, you will thank yourself by getting a rigid fork. Suspension really take a lot of effort on the road and will wear your arms down.

+1000

I have a Trek 7100 - also ditched the suspension fork and seatpost. I ride mainly on roads (albeit, crappy roads) and found the suspension didn't help comfort and actually hurt performance. FWIW, I was not in great shape when I started riding that bike - and was at least 60 pounds heavier. I thought I NEEDED the bouncy, bouncy......... Wrong! :D

[FXjohn]

DO NOT BUY a hybrid with suspension fork or seat post dampner.
either get the higher series without that junk or remove it.

[Antyant]

I bought the Giant CRS FS 3.0 and I'm pleased with the suspension and the body position! The bike is quite light esp considering the front suspension and is able to handle most of the off-roady bits I enjoy ( I do need to work on my technique a little as I've been riding a bike with mountain bike wheels for the last 10yrs). I really love the way the bike moves on paths - I feel like I could go on forever! I spent the first few days with my new purchase wishing I'd bought a mountain bike but actually realise this feels better esp as I can turn off the suspension when I want. I might change the seat tho' - who on earth designs these things? Or maybe they're designed for smaller bottoms...

[Sci-Fi]

Depends on the suspension, some are a lot better than others but the price goes up too. That being said, most that commute on their bike with a suspension fork tend to lock the suspension for road use and unlock it when they go off-road. A seat with springs is a lot better than a fork suspension or seatpost suspension, not too stiff but comfy enough for longer rides plus there's really nothing to wear out.

[Black Bud]

Thanks for your help with this, you have really assisted me. I have re-evaluated my requirements and as I will be doing more off -road than on, though mainly tracks/trails and paths with the odd muddy hole thrown in...

Those "tracks, trails and paths" can be a lot rougher than some people believe! So can the average stretch of so-called "paved" street. A suspension fork can be a godsend--and, yes, a 40-year-old is old enough to "need" a bit of help that "gloves and rising off the seat" won't provide (gloves are more for grip and abrasion protection anyway). Suspension can also help improve traction, no small advantage particularly in bad weather.

That having been said, the real problem with suspension forks is the quality of so many of the darned things! When one is talking about a 700c hybrid, the suspension forks made for them frankly are cr*p. I know of none that is a really high-performance item (no real demand for such an item). If one wants suspension, one really should consider "hybridizing" a good hardtail mountain bike. Even if the "stock" suspension fork is nothing to write home about--at least in language that would pass the network censor!--higher-quality replacements are available and can easily be fitted.

Suspension seatposts? That's another matter entirely. The problem is not in getting "used to" the "feel" of "inefficiency" (that's an inaccurate perception). There are other problems that are real and can drive one bananas:

Tuning a suspension seatpost to the rider can be almost impossible to achieve--at least for long--and will probably require compatible replacement parts (a tuning kit) to do the job and such may not be easy to obtain.

These seat posts tend to "stick" and/or "bottom-out" under the rider anyhow, and they wear out way too fast.

Open-spring saddles? Not really a solution, for they cannot be "tuned" to the rider's weight at all and tend to be annoyingly far too "bouncy".

The solution here? Better to get an unsprung saddle and a rigid seat post than to bother with that kind of suspension; it's not that hard to get the "a** off the saddle an inch or two for a couple of moments, even for us "old" folk :D . If one really feels one needs rear suspension, one should consider "hybridizing" a 'dually' (dual-suspension trail-style mountain bike) that has good quality, tunable suspension built in.

[axejeep]

Take a look at the Gary Fisher "dual sport" line... Kaitai, Montare and Utopia. They are hybrid with more mtb 29rs roots. They come 700c wheels and 38c cross treads tires with lockable short suspension front shocks.

I recently purchased the GF Kaitai and added 38c slicks. Loving it?:thumb:

http://www.fisherbikes.com/bike/series/dualsport

[metro2005]

I recently got a hybrid bike with front suspension. And i must say: i never ever again want a bike without !
The ride is só much smooter and since the bike is really easy to drive i can get it up to much higher speeds than i could on my old bike.
The suspension in combination with my sadle filled with gel makes for a comfortable ride and makes biking much more enjoyable while still being able to go at an decent 25Km/h

[Longfemur]

If you're really going to ride off-road more than road, and if you really feel you need suspension (just extra deadweight and a source of complexity and mechanical failure for the uninformed in my opinion, unless you're racing mountain bikes under certain conditions), then you should forget about a hybrid and get a real mountain bike.

[bab2000]

The suspension in combination with my sadle filled with gel makes for a comfortable ride and makes biking much more enjoyable while still being able to go at an decent 25Km/hGood for you. It is important to be comfortable, and I too have hybrid with and road bike without. Riding neighborhood roads and chip n seal pavement is quite different between the two bikes.

If you're really going to ride off-road more than road, and if you really feel you need suspension (just extra deadweight and a source of complexity and mechanical failure for the uninformed in my opinion, unless you're racing mountain bikes under certain conditions), then you should forget about a hybrid and get a real mountain bike.Suspension selection is a personal choice, and all bikes are not created equal, or do every one use in the same manner.

Racing MTB is different than weekend get ways, and riding off-road trails. Also, individuals that are week end riders may find the extra shock absorbing suspension easier on joints and reduce muscle fatigue.

Those that are serious know what is required and those not as serious should know and have a choice to select the best solution for themselves.