I prefer hitting the dusty trail and enjoy the scenery and fresh AIR. I have a 94 Norco HT and is pretty much retired and my 08 Spark F/S that is a blast. This is the time of year when the desert really comes alive.

I have a Ritchey C/F handle bar on my F/S. I also have lockouts front and back, that helps transfer energy on reduce bobbing on climbs. I never thought about the C//F handlebar helping with shock. I know that it isn't an issue for me. Could be the fork and handlebar combined. I'll try a couple downhills with the front fork locked out, who knows.