I ride a Specialized Crosstrail Sport Disc, which I think is comparable to the DS (Not trying to pick a fight with anyone). I got it because I pictured myself spending more time in the dirt than I do. With that being said I do love this bike for the road with skinnier tires 38's. I'm not the most fit person out there but I don't notice the extra weight of the suspension. I like having it when the roads get rough, and I can switch it off for paved assents (they feel weird when you stand up and/or really pedal). As for the disc brakes I love them. To me they take a little longer to work on but you don't have to mess with them as much and the performance is amazing. So in conclusion, maybe a more road oriented bike, suspension is nice but not required, and disc brakes are a super "GO". IMHO