Not much shock absorption , tires and frame
Tread pattern looks scary Too
1. My bomber MTB escapades are more or less past, as are my pool skateboard riding. Gotta save the body parts for sandbars, sharks, and mountain hiking/peak bagging related heart attacks. Hard tail is fine for the dirt trails I go on and the meager 1 to 3 foot drops that I can find. Even works ok on the "hidden" pump track in McLaren Park....but certainly the main thing holding me back is me, not the bike.
2. Suspension bikes are great for going downhill, but I am 95% urban road surfaces, San Francisco is hilly, and a bit of weight savings is a nice thing*. Ride some dirt paths/trails when I can, but my bike is easily half car replacement/utility, half fun exercise.
3. The 700x47 tires are grippy enough for what I do, which is a lot of pavement and cement. Lose a bit of air for the dirt trails and there is plenty of grip. I am pretty sure I can put in bigger, knobbier tires if my % of off-road pedaling increased.
The Panaracer
GravelKing SK Tire is a high performance all-road gravel tire that performs well through a wide range of inflation levels. The mix of closely spaced center knobs, plus longer and taller cornering tread blocks is appreciated in soft or loose surfaces. Zero Slip Grip Natural rubber compound has low rolling resistance and enhanced wear resistance, for longevity and a smooth ride. AX technology uses extremely narrow cord which is weaved at a super high density into the casing for lightness and flexibility. This increased density improves resistance to cuts and abrasions. Anti-Flat Casing reinforcement throughout the tire strengthens resistance to cuts and pinch flats making the Gravelking a go-anywhere tire. Tubeless compatible up to 60 psi.
* - Some streets end in a cul du sac with steps....get off bicycle, carry it up steps. Suspension makes doing that more difficult. Follow red arrow to path, then turn right and carry bike up the stairs: