not sure what you’re arguing about? i’m a ‘normal’ rider ( if that means ‘average’ i’m certainly that ), and you could put me down a lumpy, rooty trail, once with a sus fork and once rigid, i’m pretty sure i’d be ( a bit ) quicker with suspension, so what exactly is wrong with the statement?
anyway, after all the rigid talk i was inspired to take my old rigid mtb down some of our more lumpy, rooty trails, and guess what? i was slower, but still had fun! in fact, maybe more fun than if i’d just ridden the HT, cos i was on my own and had more to think about, other than trying not to hit the two dogs i was ‘walking’. if i’d been riding with other people i would have been trying to chase them, and probably would have come off, cos i’m a bit shit at riding bikes.
i suspect i’ll do it again.
in fact i’m trail building tomorrow, and i’m going to hook up the trailer too, though i will likely moderate the grade of trail accordingly.