Originally Posted by
dylandewandel
I definitely notice the power loss on climbs, out of saddle; if I don't have my front shock locked I'll tire so much quicker from the bobbing it's pathetic, that's even with the pre-load adjusted to the stiffest setting and I'm not even that heavy! Ihave to pull over to engage it, but that's a rare occasion these days; I'm certainly getting a solid fork on my next bike.
For many years I rode a rigid bike even on singletrack, which where I live is mostly smooth enough for just some wide tires and low pressures. I did cave in and go back to suspension for the sake of my back. Because getting old's a bummer! I still often grab the rigid bike though, and always do so for anything involving pavement or gravel or doubletrack.