Originally Posted by Al Downie

The only thing I'd add is that if you're facing hard dirt with 'washboard' ripples of sand & mud on top, front shocks are a blessing. That washboard stuff looks trivial at first glance, and if it was just a short section you'd just pile through it on any kind of wheels. But when it goes on for 50km, it can make a grown man cry! You can't avoid it, or ride in any kind of way that accommodates it - you just have to put your head down, grit your teeth, and endure the judder for as long as it takes.