I had a rigid and I totally sucked back then. And I still do. Point is, that rigid rocks, but for me, I can't take the pressure and vibration. And my rigid was a zellers bike. I want a good HT and also a rigid, considering rigids would most likely be quite cheap. Once I was watching DH on my tv (racing) and this guy on an orange and blue rigid just bombed down that hill. I was amazed because everyone else used fs and that guy caught 2nd or 3rd place. Just insane. Rigids are kool.