Would you be able to share the FB group name(s) / listserves?
The one I specifically mentioned is https://www.facebook.com/groups/dcusedicyclemarketplace/
I am not going to list other public ones because the actually cheap ones are also stolen bike dumping grounds.
I am looking to get few more accessories for the bike.
Okies.
I like my "new" bike so far, like the drop bar and it is more nimble than cross bar.
Cool.
Only thing I don't like, shock absorption is not as good as my old bike. Is it because of the aluminum frame?
NO. Here is a truth marketing will never tell you: At budget bike level shock absorption has absolutely nothing to do with bike frame material.
It can get very bouncy on Mt. Vernon trail. Can't justify the cost to get a carbon fiber frame for my use purpose, but I am open to it if there is a good deal out there.
Forget that. There are two things you can do right now to change the way your bike rides over tree rooted asphalt:
1) Change the way you ride - if the surface is rough, train your legs to take your body weight and hover over your saddle. I am not saying to stand over the pedals but to consciously use your leg power to diminish the weight on the saddle.
This lets your knees and ankles soak up a lot of bounce energy that would otherwise use your body weight as a hard pivot and bounce up into your hands. Also use a soft-but-firm, pulling-back grip on your bars. All this can become automatic in less than 200mi.
2) Hack your tire width and tire pressure. This is a long process but can completely change the feel of the bike. You are a lightweight rider and it will work better for you than for us heavies.
Wider tires at lower pressure absorb better - but not so low as to get pinch flats and not so low as to squirm in turns.
Yes I know this second thing is a bottomless rabbithole with highly individual criteria but it is far cheaper than buying new bikes and forks and wheels.
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