Originally Posted by fireworks
I do have one thing left to ask. What non-suspension fork material is the best for shock absorption, and how close is it to the feel of a suspension bike. I _know_ it isn't going to the same, but I've read in a few places that at least on the road some rigid forked bikes feel similar to suspension bikes.
Probably carbon, then steel. Carbon is more delicate then steel, however. Tires are going to play a more important role than either material in the ride quality...until you go to a boingy fork. But suspension forks have different ride qualities too that are rather dependent on the fork and much less dependent on the tires.