In a message dated 2/2/2006 6:08:51 P.M. Pacific Standard Time,
andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ writes:

These  units are called "shock-absorbers" completely incorrectly. What
they are in  fact is dampers... they damp spring oscillations during &
after road  irregularities. The only things that absorbs shocks are
the tires and  springs.
--

Seems like the beefier the tires the soother the  ride.
Although less power...
JC...