Well if you find that the roads are so bad that you need a shock - go for it. 
A pound and a half on a road bike is a lot of weight. If you consider to 
remove that much weight off a bike you would have to put down $500 to $1000 
in to purchase lighter equipement. Here in Quebec the roads aren't great 
either, but I would never consider a shock. If you have butt problems or numb 
fingersmaybe it is worth it. When purchasing a road bike body weight is a 
factor with certain gear, tubing, and spoke considerations. If you would get 
a custom bike they would ask you for your body weight.
Richard G
--- Maximus/2 3.01
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