Originally Posted by
galeyg
Thanks so much. Can you explain why you avoid shocks?
Also, what makes a "better" fork? I don't even know what a fork is; so sorry. I'm brand new and know nothing about bicycles. That's why I'm here.
The problem with suspension (which includes shocks) is that on a fairly cheap bike, it adds complexity, and the parts are not so good.
It is more less that you get $400-$500 worth of stuff on a $350 bike (you honestly do if you added up the price of all the parts you get on a new bike) and $50-$100(just guessing) of that is the Suspension parts...and you would be far better with $100 better wheels (the weakest part of most bikes) and no suspension.
Just my .02 :-).
I really like Fuji bikes so far :-). Trek IMHO you pay a premium for all their advertising, the CUSTOMER pays for all that name exposure :-).