Should I buy a bike with fork suspension?

June 8th, 2010

Hoping you can help me in deciding what style of bicycle I should get. Currently, I'm between a Marin Kentfield and a Cannondale Adventure 5.

The Marin doesn't have the fork suspension. While the Cannondale does. I'm hoping to have a new focus on commuting to work (20 miles round-trip). The more comfortable and less draining my ride will be, the more likely I will be to make this a habit.

What difference does having the front fork suspension make if any?

I’m assuming you mean front suspension. That makes all the difference in the world, if you ride dirt. Absorbs the shock from hitting the bumps and stuff. If you’re just riding pavement, it’s not that big a deal, unless you bounce off curbs alot. For that long of a commute, invest in some good gloves and decent grips (and tires). I use Fox Inclines for dirt and road, and Oury grips on my mtb. My touring bike’s got drop bars and foam tape.
Yep, I agree. If you are going to be on road only, forget the suspension. Keep in mind that suspension on a bike is to keep the wheels on the ground for better handling, not necessarily for comfort. Suspension adds weight and also absorbs your energy instead of putting it into forward motion.

Get some nice padded gloves and Ergon or Kraton grips along with a good helmet.
$200.
What mirage means, and I agree (he beat me to the punch) is the bike with the front suspension will go a tad slower and take a bit more work. I think you will be more inclined to make it a habit if riding is AS EASY as you can make it.

Get a bike with some not so narrow tires — like 700X32′s with a smooth road tread. That size tire will absorb enough vibration to make the bike comfortable. Pearl Izume (brand) Gel gloves are wonderful. ‘http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=1236285′

Oops! ‘http://www.rei.com/product/762217′ the Marin Kentfield has a shock fork in this picure!
The ideal bicycle for daily commuting really depends on the roads you will be riding and your riding style. If your commute is all smooth pavement you will want a different bike than if you are riding dirt roads, broken pavement and back alleys. If you want an upright seating position and are willing to give up some speed on your commute you will want a different bike than if you want to get there as quick as possible.

Also, you need to think about how much stuff you will carry on your daily travels. The easiest and safest way to travel is using panniers attached to a rack. You can stuff clothes, rain gear, lunch, briefcase, etc in your panniers and have nothing on your back or over your shoulder. Otherwise, you’ll be carrying things in a backpack or messenger bag which can be tiresome and hot. If you think you want a rack and panniers, be sure whatever kind of bike you get has brazed on eyelets to accomodate a rack.

Fenders are also good on a daily commuter. In general, fenders will keep you much cleaner and drier.

In any case, these two bikes are clearly oriented to a more laid back, upright riding style. These will be nice and comfortable as long as you are not interested in maximum speed. They should both have pretty rugged tires that can handle pavement and some dirt roads.

The headshock on the Adventure will take some of the rough spots out of a daily commute. If your daily commute is entirely smooth pavement, you will probably have little need for suspension. On the other hand, if there are some dirt roads, back alleys or broken pavement, the front suspension may really help out.

If you want to get to work as quickly as possible and the roads are all smooth pavement, I’d recommend you get a road bike (with rack eyelets and fender bosses if you prefer.)

Hope this helps.