Bike designers love it because they can append a little material here or there to fine- tune the ride. It's ideal for hard-riding cyclists with deep pockets. Your next decision is how much cush you want. Suspension acts to keep your tire connected with rough ground so you can ride faster with more control. Quality shocks won't turn a rough trail into a putting green, but they will provide extra comfort, especially if you ride over rocks, roots, and other obstacles.
Shocks use a variety of materials to soak up bumps.
Most common are metal coil springs, often combined with rubberlike elastomer bumpers. Some pricier systems sport air springs, which shave weight and are easily adjustable for rider heft. More expensive shocks add oil damping. These expert-level setups offer smooth, controlled action as the fork compresses and rebounds. That is, they don't jolt back at you when you hit an obstacle.