I used to do a fair bit of cycling, started with a MTB. Found that I didn't have the time necessary to get to the ride so I put slicks on it and got into road riding.
After a couple years, I bought a steel framed road bike. With 3 young kids, I fell into the slump of not making time for myself and got away from riding altogether.
Now that they're older, I bought a bike with the intent of getting back in but I'm having some buyer's remorse. The bike is a Giant Escape city bike, like this
The ride is very stiff. While it's not my first AL frame, a hardtail MTB with 1.5" tires will ride much softer. I don't have a problem with the rear half of the bike, I know I need to anticipate road surface changes and get my weight off the seat if needed. I'm thinking of how to approach the front half of the bike. I was thinking a carbon fork or handlebars or both might do the trick.
Anyone with other ideas?