Originally Posted by
exwhyzed
I'm finally getting tired of all the bumps and potholes on my mostly flat commute. And i'm not buying in to the hype of the "do anything" gravel bike, whose greater tire capacity of a few C will solve all of my problems (currently using 32C). I do think that comfort technologies like suspension in the stem or seatpost will help. But i can't help think that i'm just beating around the bush with those options, and will be paying $5000 for a specialized diverge that would only give me a bit of front damping. I feel like i should just go all the way and get a front suspension or full suspension mountain bike for my route and get guaranteed comfort.
Has anyone made the switch from road bike to front or full suspension MTB for commuting and are happy with it?
Sounds like you made your mind up and want reinforcement to support that. Get a full suspension bike and try it. It may by exactly what you are looking for. It's not for everyone. I get enough bounce just pedaling my XC hardtail even with the suspension locked out on asphalt sections from the tires alone to be annoying but that's me.
I ride a lot of gravel, equal to my paved riding. I've deduced that tire pressure, type, model, and size can and do make a HUGE difference in overall comfort and experience.
I pulled a late 90's era Schwinn Sierra from the garbage that had a regular fork but some form of a flexible stem, a suspension seat, and a spring based seat post. I tuned it up and gave it to a relative that still actively rides it a couple times a week. I've been on it a few times when fixing it and it is interesting. You don't need a $5000 bike to get some non suspension "suspension".