24by7Article.com | The Different Suspension Components Used By Hybrid Bike Designers

When researching the hybrid bike market, it immediately becomes clear that a key choice to be made by any prospective purchaser is whether to go for a model with suspension. In fact some makers do not really offer the choice. Ranges such as the Bianchi Camaleonte or Specialized Sirrrus are designed primarily at the more road-going fraternity. That aside, what actually are the options?
Essentially there are two; front suspension forks and suspension seat posts. A hybrid bike will not have the rear suspension found on most mountain bikes. Tough off road use is not their strong suit - if that's what you want to do, then an MTB is probably a better choice for you.
Front Suspension Forks
These are the suspension components that you will see most regularly on a hybrid. As a rule equipped with a coil-spring mechanism, they have a travel generally in the range 50 - 60mm.
Based on what you want to pay, there are various enhanced specs. The most handy one to look out for is what's called "lockout". Here a control is engaged which locks the forks securely, so that precious energy is not wasted in tha movement of the coil springs.
Scott is well known for fitting this type of fork to its bikes, so if you see yourself doing a lot of off-road cycling, the Scott Sportster collection could be worth checking out. Another well-regarded bike carrying suspension forks is the Kona Dew FS.
Suspension Seatposts
Not so regularly fitted to production hybrids is the suspension seat post. I am surprised by this. I think they are superb for taking much of the discomfort out of cycling on bad roads. The suspension is supplied by a coil spring, or on better spec components by an elastomer insert. They will generally have an adjustment to cope with different weights of rider.
The Kona Dew FS is one version that does fit a suspension post as standard. Of course if you want to fit a suspension post to your bike at any time, this is no problem.
So what are the pros and cons of suspension?
If you reckon on doing a lot of riding away from smooth tarmac you will feel the benefit of suspension. If you decide one afternoon to head down that interesting track you always meant to explore, a suspension bike will make that a far more comfortable experience.
But there is a penalty to pay - expect a decent suspension fork to add significantly to the cost of the bike. Furthermore, there will be a weight penalty and the suspension springs will soak up some of your pedalling power. Opt for a fork with lockout, and remember to use it.
You can fix a suspension seat post to your bike at any time. The weight is not noticeable, and they are not that pricey.
The choice is yours - what price do you put on comfort.