Originally Posted by
MrPolak
Based on my experience the less expensive polymer-sprung suspension forks have a problem with seal stiction and fork flex. The better suspension solution came with Cannondale's Headshok in-headtube suspension system which steers with precision. Some models have the optional lock out for climbing. My wife's ST700 has such suspension and it's a Godsend on rough roads.
Back on the brake theme, her ST700 also has V-brakes with travel agents, which are not very attractive, but are very effective.
Yeah I never took that Trek city bike on a long or hard ride. ST700 is interesting, didn't know Cannondale did a tour frame w/suspension. After all, even if rides 95% on good roads, a bumpy 5% can be unpleasant on a stiff frame. For instance local bike paths are mostly smooth but have some very rough sections & what's worse is they are usually at bottoms of hills. Very jarring on my Randonee & sometimes a bit scary at speed. One can hop or ease a racing bike across bumps but that's much more effort with a heavy touring bike esp loaded.