I rode my Cannondale SuperV full suspension mountain bike with slick tires on it before I got my first decent road bike and it was
amazing. Especially in hilly races. I pumped up the rear shock to the max so it had only a little travel and I would lock out the headshock for climbing. The descents was where where it really shined. The front and rear suspension would soak up the chatter and give you crazy speeds and confidence. I did the same races later on road & tri bikes and it took years of getting fitter before I was any faster.
I could see a tri bike with front and rear suspension being faster IF you can lock out the suspension. Then you get great climbing with it being rigid, and smoother and faster on downhills and on flat rough roads if you want it. Just flip a switch, like you do to drop a dropper seatpost.
A big upgrade in the meantime is to get CeeGees elbow pads. Those things greatly improve the ride on chipseal roads.
----------------------------------------------------------
Zen and the Art of Triathlon.
Strava Workout Log Interviews with Chris McCormack, Helle Frederikson, Angela Naeth, and many more.
http://www.zentriathlon.com