I just thought I'd add my experience to this thread. I've moved from a lightweight hybrid with no suspension and 700C tyres, to a heavier mountain bike again with no suspension but with 1.75" tyres. That really opened my eyes to how much comfier the wide tyres made the journey, but also how much more effort was required.
That led me to my recent decision to opt for a full suspension MTB pedelec with 2.1" tyres. I now get the smoothest ride I've ever experienced (I feel like I've moved from a Morris Minor to a Cadillac!) but without having to pay the price in increased effort - in fact my average speed is now about 1MPH more than on my non-suspension lightweight thin tyred hybrid!
Someone else was asking about suspension for the battery. With rear air suspension that is effectively what you are getting. I hit speed bumps now without even giving them a second thought and have no worries about my battery.
Another unforseen advantage I've noticed recently is the fact that when I go round bumpy corners, the suspension keeps my tyres in contact with the road all the time making cornering much easier/safer. There are some nasty corners on my way in to work that I would previously have to concentrate on with no suspension and thin tyres, but now I cruise round them at much faster speeds without a care in the world.
I for one will never go back to no suspension, or even part suspension for that matter.
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