Originally Posted by
jgedwa
In short, this common belief among new riders is false for all riders. Does not matter whether you are trying to win the TdF or trying to have fun around the neighborhood, either goal with be easier to reach if the bike is as efficient as is possible (within the other needs of the circumstances).
Put another way: biking does not get easier, it just gets faster.
Efficiency is the thing in cycling. For fun and for wins.
jim
p.s., I concur with your judgment about shocks. They are worse than useless for most riders in most riding conditions. And get the smoothest, highest pressure tires you can while you are at it.
I agree with the opinion that shocks are not a useful option for most riders, but I wouldn't recommend high-pressure tires. These worsen the ride over bumps, potholes, and rough roads. If anything, I would try and get the LOWEST pressure tires that work for you. I don't recommend getting giant knobbly mountain/dirt tires, as these buzz and hum over smooth roads and are slower. I would recommend a smooth, lower pressure tire (not super skinny 23c, 125+ psi road tires), which would give you the best ride on most roads. Like cachehiker said, I would recommend getting some supple, round 32c or 35c tires and don't inflate them past 90 psi. High pressure tires negate any suppleness and ride-damping qualities of the tire, as the high pressure doesn't allow the tire to deform to soak up road irregularities.