Originally Posted by
bikeme
The cheapest full suspension is a hardtail with an air-sprung fork like a Giant Fathom for around/under $1000 and your own legs keeping your butt off the saddle. Your bent legs along with an air fork will absorb all the bumps you'll encounter unless your boosting air off big jumps. Another benefit of a HT is you'll learn essential bike handling skills that a full-sus will mask.
Yeah, no. All the bent legs in the world will not improve traction in a corner or a climb like suspension does. And it won't allow you to pedal over roots. The idea that you can replicate the effect of suspension with your legs is nonsense.