Harryburgandy, I reallyenjoy the ride and maintain gears and suspension are optional requirements. The tuning forks are stiffer than the salsas that were on there but still I can pretty much ride the southdowns on it without wishing I had suspension. In contrast riding the merlin with SID, s on it I don't enjoy the sensation of twist and flex. Im going to try a headshok on it instead and failing that I, ll go fully rigid.