The vintage Cannondale sounds good, but buying used means you have to wait and wait and then pounce. There was a brief window of time where they produced 1 1/8" rigid alumium forks that did not snap. For example, this 95 M500. I have it set up for urban riding with fat round small knobby tires, a larger size for a more upright position, and useless-for-MTB cantilevers. Weighs under 23lbs, great for carrying up and down stairs. It rides super smooth with the low pressure tires. Fender and rack mounts everywhere also. I really dig this bike, as it brings back many old memories.

As for bumps, one should always swerve or jump them. Floating them is a cool technique also, where you just lift each wheel at a time. Done right, it looks like youre travelling level, hovering over the depression.



If you know your vintage MTBs, you can buy some light bikes for fairly cheap - dont limit yourself to Cannondale or aluminum. These bikes (hardtail 26" MTBs) remain one of the most versatile bikes ever made.