Today, most road and mountain bicycles come with a suspension system that absorbs shock. Older bikes also feature shock absorbing springs under saddles and seatposts. It’s the nature of riding off the road that makes shock absorbers on the front fork a necessity. There are also mountain bikes that have rear shock absorbers.
The shock spring is usually a coil spring that absorbs the impact when running over roots, rocks, logs, drop-offs and other road obstacles. It also helps the wheels stay on the ground so that you have more control and maneuver more effectively.
Most cycles have shocks in either the front only or on both front and rear forks. Two-wheels with shocks only in the front are called hard tail mountain bikes. In addition to bicycles with shocks at the front, there are also bikes and frames with suspensions built into both the front and rear. These bikes are called full suspension mountain bicycles. Pivots and rear shocks comprise the rear suspension system.
According to sources, shocks and the improvement of this technology have allowed riders to travel over more challenging terrain. Before purchasing shocks, though, it’s important to know what kind of trail you ride on most often. This way, you can get shocks that will suit your riding style, and ultimately provide bike safety.