Unfortunately you still need to spend
the thick end of two grand to get a decent full suss bike. Anything below that is ropy kit.

You can get a very decent front suspension MTB for ~600 though.

Oh, also - for Jib - the suspension is not to be comfortable while pootling along. It's to keep your wheels in contact with the ground while you're bombing down a rutted stony hillside, so you don't die (as much). You still need to actively stop your cock and arse from going numb.
( Fronds are waving gently on, Fri 30 Sep 2011, 13:35, 2 replies)

That's true
But you don't have to buy current year kit. I saved myself £1300 by buying a 2009 bike instead of a 2010 bike last year.

If you buy a full suss for bridleway tootling then it's a bit like popping to the shops for a pint of milk in a Unimog.
(Bicycle Repairman "you're also a bit of a wanker", Fri 30 Sep 2011, 13:44, closed)

Yeah, it was just a front suspension bike, and I do - or did - cycle on a pretty bumpy riverside path to get to and from work, not on a road. I won't be replacing it.
(cutofyourjib, Fri 30 Sep 2011, 14:58, closed)