Keep in mind all that suspension reduces rider input.
Doesnt really matter if the objective is excercise but if you are touring/wanting to get somewhere the shocks suck up your energy.
I lock out my fronts 99 percent of the time.
For your points though, yes Mtn bike is a solution that allows what may not otherwise be possible.
Roger that. My goal isn't speed, but time/distance (be lying if I said I don't review average speed). The biggest loss of pedal power is fast starts and steep grades, but I'm not racing, so...
Agree with padom. I use padded shorts under regular shorts and disc brakes are da bomb.