24by7Article.com | The Different Suspension Alternatives Available On Commuter and Leisure Bikes

When researching the hybrid bike market, it quickly becomes evident that a key decision to be made by any prospective purchaser is whether to go for a model with suspension. Some designers do not consider suspension required at all - these are ranges such as the Bianchi Camaleonte and Specialized Sirrus which put rather more emphasis on road speed. That aside, what actually are the options?
Basically there are two types of module - front suspension forks and suspension seatposts. You will not find a hybrid bike with rear suspension as is common on mountain bikes. They are not designed for the severe off-road use that a mountain bike will have to deal with.
Front Suspension Forks
Suspension forks are by far the most common types of suspension fitted to hybrids. Coil-spring operated, they have a travel of around 50-60mm.
Based on what you want to pay, there are assorted enhanced specifications. One of the top features to watch out for is "lockout". This allows the legs to be fixed. This is fantastic for cycling on smooth surfaces and means that the suspension does not soak up pedalling energy.
Scott is well known for fitting this type of fork to its bikes, so if you see yourself doing loads of off-road cycling, the Scott Sportster range could be worth checking out. In the Kona Dew range, the FS model is fitted with a suspension fork as well.
Suspension Seatposts
Not so often fitted to production hybrids is the suspension seat post. I am amazed by this. I think they are superb for taking much of the pain out of cycling on bad roads. They generally contain a coil spring, although better models have an elastomer block inside. They will generally have an adjustment to deal with different weights of rider.
The Kona Dew FS is one version that does fit a suspension post as standard. Naturally if you want to fit a suspension post to your bike at any time, this is no problem.
So what are the advantages and drawbacks of suspension systems?
There's little doubt that suspension of some kind is superb if you spend rather a lot of your time off smooth roads. A bike with suspension allows you to head off into the countryside each time the mood takes you.
But there is a price to pay - expect a decent suspension fork to add significantly to the cost of the bike. On top of this, remember that a suspension fork will also add to the weight, and the springs will absorb some pedalling power - so choose a fork with lockout if you can, and use it.
As mentioned, I think that a suspension seatpost is a very valuable addition to any bike where comfort is a priority - they are not that pricey and will not add appreciable weight.
It all depends on how valuable comfort is to you.