Originally Posted by climbo
I say learn with minimal suspension so you develop how to ride everything, then go for more susp later, you'll always have the skills where you need it from learning it the hard way.
My 2cents...
I agree...
If you're gonna ride mainly road/trails/XC I'd look at a hardtail with 80mm front or a full suss with lockout if you've got loads of cash
.
Anything else i.e. freeride/downhill I reckon you need a custom bike per application.
Look at it this way, last time I (Full suss XC bike) rode with climbo (RIGID) he's goin past me on the downhill...Now I'm blamin my grips/armpump/brake adjustment
but bottom line is a good rider on a bad bike will whip a bad rider on a good bike all day long..
Read the 'How much faster will I go on Carbon & dura-ace' threads..
Climbo... how much are those forks
thyla can probably craft you a set from Kryptonite cheaper..!