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Old 04-14-20, 02:55 PM
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HTupolev
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Originally Posted by ericcc65
In light of that it's interesting to me to see manufacturers like Specialized (and I think Giant, maybe Trek) put elements in these road bikes that absorb some shock. Specialized has it in both the seatpost and in the steerer tube/stem area. Can anyone speak to these features and if they're useful or not?
The skinny-tire road bikes that use them are designed with very rough racing in mind, like the cobbled classics. They are quite effective at softening larger bumps. How much this matters to you will depend on the quality and consistency of the roads you're riding, and to you as a rider.

The really relevant issue is what your discomfort on the bike is caused by.

How would it compare to just a traditional but excellent carbon frame? What about a really nice steel frame (I have a thing for metal)?
I've never ridden a traditional rigid frame that isolates stuff like cracks and large bumps anywhere near as well as something like FutureShock.
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