If people here really think The Smiler (one of Europe's greatest ever coasters, frankly) is unrideably rough, then you don't really deserve to call yourself an enthusiast. Take up flower arranging if you want something entirely bland and inoffensive to be passionate about.
Pardon? Lets get something clear here. Nemesis, over 20 years old, still rides as smooth as silk. Air, 12 years old, smooth, Oblivion, 14 years old, smooth, Swarm, Thorpe Park, 2 years old, incredibly smooth, Nemesis Inferno, 11 years old smooth.
Speed Oakwood, 8 years old, not bad actually, SAW Thorpe park, 5 years old, extremely rough, Smiler, 2 years old, getting incredibly rough.
Now, unless im missing something here, as far as im concerned, a rollercoaster should offer a smooth ride, unless its wooden, or designed to give you whiplash (like Infusion at Blackpool). If a rollercoaster gives people headaches after they come off (remember Corkscrew) then its a problem. Everyone rode Corkscrew because after all, the roughness came from the fact it was 28 years old. Smiler is 2 years old. Not 28, but 2.
Yes, the ride quality is dependent on what ride car you go on. I believe there is one which has the wheels of a 50p fitted to it, but it shouldnt be like that. Take Nemesis for example, every single time you go on that you know your gonna get a nice smooth ride, and that you will enjoy it, and you can let yourself relax and your thrown into the inversions. Smiler, depending on what car your on, you have to brace yourself.
To me, a rough rollercoaster, especially a modern steel one, just isnt enjoyable. Its not designed to be rough, so something isnt right. That doesnt make me or anyone else who doesnt enjoy it any less of an enthusiast. Tell you what, , go fit square wheels to your car and drive it everyday, then have someone tell you to give up driving and walk eerywhere because obviously, driving isnt for you....
Seriously though, what a stupid comment to make....