nixie - do you feel a 3" tyre makes a lot of difference, generally I mean, not just to comfort?
I've never used a smaller tyre on the front of this bike and went straight to tubeless. I've used around 12psi over roots this winter and around 14psi for 100 miles in two days bike packing. The front 3" did offer more comfort than the rear 2.8". WTB bridger front and trailblazer rear.
Esi extra chunky and spank Vibrocore bars
Riding position. Your body hasn't evolved to take impacts through your upper limbs. Not a problem with suspension, but on a rigid bike I'd suggest a position where most of your weight is on your feet.
Another suggestion is bars with a parallel grip, ie straights with bar ends, or dropbars.
I ride rigid exclusively and I find a dropbar lets my hands hook in so I can ride with a really loose grip. A bar end with a slight tweek up at the end would be just as good for that, but the dropbar also gives you an alternative position which is useful on a long day.
[url= http://g-tedproductions.blogspot.co.uk/2008/10/drop-bar-for-mountain-biking-part-i.html ]Worth a read[/url]
Suspension hubs? Yes, they are a real thing!
I see your suspension hubs and raise you suspension grips -
https://www.pinkbike.com/news/revolution-suspension-grips-review-2016.html
Seriously though, they might help?
I like 'OURY' grips (got mine from on-one)
The endura fs 260? are a good idea, but maybe swap on the descents for something like this...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/292097857884
My bike looks like a Raleigh chopper (well the bars are way higher than the seat...maybe not too good for the climbs?)
