It defiantly helps me, especially with reading terrian. also with body position. I keep coming across lower end bikes on craigslist that i keep debating about like 10' trek 4300 disc, 3700's, spec rockhopper, stuntjumpers, some niner air 9 frames etc. Im thinking about getting one for cheap then maybe keep as a backup, besides the niner frames would any of these be good to go for awhile on up to advanced trails but notihng to crazy 5+ ft air etc.? or should i just hold out maybe get a close out and get a nice 29er or 6700 etc?