Originally Posted by
Jiles
I am 70 years old with back problems. I bought a Cannondale Super with full suspension and also have a Trek X-Caliber with front suspension.
I have a lot of rough streets in my neighborhood and I really like the suspension.
I have read that most riders lockout their suspension on smooth roads.
I guess it's a matter of personal preference but is there a reason for this?
There are different factors involved, different types of suspension, etc. It depends on how smooth you are and the surface you are riding on. If you tend to stomp the pedals the suspension will "bob" as you go and if you spin smoothly you will bob less, or not at all.
When climbing or even just riding along on a rough surface, the suspension is an advantage. I've only used suspension on a mountain bike but I've never felt the need to lock it out. There are some designs which bob more than others, and the longer travel systems would probably be the greater offenders.
Whether the movement of the suspension (on a smooth surface) bothers you is something only you can decide.