+1 - having ridden a few bikes with small wheels [16" & 20"] through the centre of town with all the crap roads and debris you find in any large town I can say that I would not qualify the ride as abysmal...in fact I often ride my small wheel bikes preferentially because I enjoy the ride so much. I've read the same from lots of folks so I have to suggest Julian's analysis is wrong. If it was correct we would not see so many people moving from full size bikes to small wheel bikes and enjoying themselves.

I will definitely agree that putting the right tires [I like GS Scorchers] on a small wheel bike and inflating them moderately makes them both fast and comfortable. Beyond that I have never felt the need for suspension of any kind. If I did I would be riding a Birdy!