May 25, 201114 yr The Kalkhoff was the first bike I've had with suspension (I've been cycling since 1949!) but having read here what an uncompromising ride these aluminium framed bikes have without suspension, it seemed a good idea. I haven't regretted it. I don't have front suspension on my Brompton, of course, though there is very effective shock absorption on the rear. But the Brompton is light enough that the effect of rough roads is much less. I've ridden my Tasman with the forks locked but I didn't enjoy it much. The roads round my way are utterly awful, though. I think that the design and build of the Brompton has that mark of greatness, like the the Fender Stratocaster guitar. You can paint them different colours and change minor bits as technology improves but the initial design was so well thought through that it cannot be surpassed. The Panasonic drive system seems to have some of that too.
May 25, 201114 yr The brommie is one of those bicycles that is held in enormous affection by their owners so you are not alone. I am sure it is the great design but also the ability to take it with you wherever you go. Money no object I would love one, top of the range of course! They do tend to annoy the train commuters though.
May 25, 201114 yr Hi, If you ride on quite good roads there is no need for suspension, and buying a bike with suspension means that for the same money you could get a better bike with no suspension - for a given price the cost of the suspension is paid for by using cheaper parts elsewhere on the bike. If you're not sure if you need suspension I would buy the best bike I could with no suspension and then, later on, if I found I could do with suspension, save up and buy a decent quality suspension fork. A lot of the cheaper suspension forks give poor suspension and add weight to your bike, reducing your speed and range. If you're going to have suspension it needs to be good enough in the comfort it gives to be a worthwhile compensation for the extra weight. That my tuppence worth, I have ridden a lot of suspension and no suspension bikes over the years.
May 25, 201114 yr As an alternative a number of forum members use the Schwalbe big apple tyres and the reports are very positive...
May 25, 201114 yr Because I didn't know how to turn my suspension on (I know, I know), I rode my new Wisper last year for a couple of months without front suspension. Having found out which way to turn the on/off knob and ride WITH suspension on some of the worst roads in the UK (NW London), my conclusion is that it makes a difference, but in no way compensates for the corrugated concrete tracks that pass for roads round here (not to mention the pot-holes and other cunningly-disguised traps set for the unwary). Worth having, but don't expect miracles. A
May 26, 201114 yr Author anyone know what Scotty means? I have an annoying side to side wobble on the seat (not the post) of my brand new bike with seat post suspension. Is that normal? indeed its a very good idea and would work well. I never understand why the spring seat posts have a wobble. It could be easily sorted by using a slide and grove inside the post to stop the wobble. Still doesn't fix the damping though.
May 26, 201114 yr I think he is saying poorly designed seat posts suspension units can wobble from side to side and that it is a poor design issue........My wisper units do not wobble at all
May 26, 201114 yr anyone know what Scotty means? I have an annoying side to side wobble on the seat (not the post) of my brand new bike with seat post suspension. Is that normal? They nearly all have, or develop, a twisting slackness in the square section sleeve in the stem Penny. With this the nose of the saddle can move from side to side a bit, but it doesn't affect normal riding. In fact for those who suffer thigh chafing, that "give" may relieve the pressures that cause it.
May 26, 201114 yr Pretty much what Flecc said... Mine has developed that side to side wobble. About 5mm from it being center however I never notice it when riding. I must wriggle alot...
May 26, 201114 yr Because I didn't know how to turn my suspension on (I know, I know), I rode my new Wisper last year for a couple of months without front suspension. Having found out which way to turn the on/off knob and ride WITH suspension on some of the worst roads in the UK (NW London), my conclusion is that it makes a difference, but in no way compensates for the corrugated concrete tracks that pass for roads round here (not to mention the pot-holes and other cunningly-disguised traps set for the unwary). Worth having, but don't expect miracles. A Exactly the same situation with the roads in southwest London. Given the choice, I prefer suspension on my e-bike but as you say, no miracles there. Oigoi, where do you find those quite good roads? The nearest good roads I ride on these days are 95 miles as the crow flies, starting in Calais.
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