it depends on your personal preference. its tall and comfortable, but the back and base are not very stiff. stiffer materials provide more response, which you may or may not desire. i would think that the slight minimum forward lean would not be an issue as wanting free riding with no forward lean just seems odd to me, but everyone is different. bindings by rome are also a great choice, especially with rome having a couple of years under them now. if money is an issue, cartels and arsenals can be easily had for $100 or even less with luck. at the end of the day, too much emphasis is put on equipment. progress, have fun, and ride whatever makes your heart flutter.