Conference noted::bicycle

Chip,

The advantages of rubber bumper elastomer forks are maitenance. Air/Oil forks 
need a bit more maintenance. Oil seals leak on them when grit and water get into the 
whiper seals and pit the stantion tube. That is why you MUST have a rubber boot
on your forks if you want them to last. Specialized comes stock with the boots 
and you can get after market for other makers.

Another advantage is they react to smaller bumps better than oil/air, although
some people don't like this feature because they feel it acts like a pogo stick
on climbs.

Disadvatages... No lock out feature like a lot of oil/air shocks have. This 
helps on long climbs. No *real* adjustment on damping. It's more like spring 
rates when you change the rubber dampers.

Tom_who_would_like_any_type_of_suspension_rather_than_none

Given your high standards for road bikes, I'm surprised that you're
not going for Ti and XTR or something.  I think you might find Deore
LX a little rude -- DX is more sturdy and secure.  The frame geometry
is very very important, as is the off-road handling.  You're best off
going someplace where you can test out suspension, etc before buying.
I went to Belmont wheelworks and took half-a-dozen bikes off-road before
I chose one.

    I agree with .2, and would add that if you appreciate fewer pounds
    on a road bike, you'll appreciate them just as much, if not more,
    on a mtn bike.  -kb

     Thanks for the advice. MTB'g is really a off-season recreational
    diversion for me. So, I'm not really into too big. Ihate to disappoint
    everyone, but I could afford another Ti machine anyway... :-)
    
     The wedding ring I just bought broke me!!! :-)
    
        Chip

    
    I agree with the "any suspension is an improvement" signature a few
    back.  Use of a low end suspension when you've never had one at all
    will still be a dramatic improvement and a foster a major change in
    your riding style.  The elastomer suspension should last forever with
    little maintenance; this kind of bike would make an ideal 2nd machine
    after you decide to upgrade.
    
    I say go for it, upgrade to high end after you decide the bike is
    reducing your enjoyment.  By then, someone will be making suspension
    forks in the $900 - $1200 range, much more in keeping with the premium
    image.
    
    BTW, I was just thinking how much I enjoyed going to the bike store for
    pricey stuff before I got married.  Better get what you can before you
    start feeling guilty about getting anything expensive.
    
    Will

     The reason why I'm looking at this one is that I have a great
    opportunity to pick one up new ($625.00).
    
      Chip

    
    Chip, 
    
    That sounds like a great deal. I don't think you can come across 
    anything else at that price range. Maybe with a little more $50
    or so you can talk the shop into replacing the LX with DX group. 
    I found a lot of diference between the two groups. Maybe it was 
    just that the bike I tried with the LX needed adjustments but 
    I found it a little too noisy. 
    I have DX groupo on mine and mine doesn't have suspension and it is
    not aluminium frame either and yet I payed a few hunderd more than
    what you can get the Giant for. 
    As for the DX, I 've been taking my bike offroad, a minimum of once a
    week, usually two days a week, bit the living crap, with crazy
    downhills and plenty of falls. The only thing I have ever done to 
    the drive train was clean and lube in the past 800+ miles of %95 
    off-road. 
    
    Shaw
    

Chip,

I ride a C-dale M700 with the LX drivetrain and have not had any major problems 
yet. You are going to break a deraillure sooner or later so I suggest you might
want to upgrade then. Also, Shimano is not making DX anymore so you might see
the catalogs purging the DX stuff out at a lower price in the near future.

Dave who brought all most of his toys before marriage.