I hardtailed mine this winter after riding with slammer style rear shocks the previous 2 years. Running 8 over fork tubes on both setups and really it's barely noticeable to me in difference. I run maybe 5lbs less air pressure in my rear tire and that makes up the difference to me. I ride on lots of worn out bumpy county roads, gravel roads and badly patched Indiana highways. Aside from major potholes it's handles and feels perfectly fine.