Don't be too down on the suspension bikes. Yeah cheap suspensions tend not to last, and after you're used to riding, you don't need or want a suspension when riding on the road. But when you're first starting out, having a cushy ride might make the difference between continuing to ride and giving it up.
I bought a bike with a suspension fork and seatpost. After about three months of consistent riding, I knew I preferred a road bike with no suspension. However, had I bought that first, I might have gotten discouraged because it was too uncomfortable to ride... so I don't really regret my purchasing decision.
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Treasurer, HHCMF Club
Now living in the land of the cheesesteak.
But working at a job where I can't surf BikeForums all day any more...