Do you prefer a hard tail or full suspension mountain bike?

Question

I have a hard tail and it's nice, but it's time to purchase a new bike and I'm debating on getting a full suspension, they're really nice bikes, but alittle too expensive, I don't feel like spending a $1000, I was looking to spend 500-800. I know I can get a nice hard tail for that price. What do ya'll think? Oh yea, I typically ride cross county.

Answer 1

Go for another hardtail unless you're seriously into downhill or bouncing over the really rough stuff (like tree trunks).



If like most of us, you ride road and trails most of the time then a hardtail is just fine. Its lighter, tighter, there'll be no maintenance and set up problems, its more comfortable overall (no funny bounces and shimmies) and best of all, it delivers more of your precious energy direct to the wheels - so you go further for longer and you can climb easier.



I've used both and gone back to hardtail (albeit a good frame with excellent front forks).



The steering suspenders are the most important - get the best front forks you can afford.



Forget all that mechanical baggage at the back - you don't need it!

Answer 2

hard tail = front suspension only full suspension= dual suspension= fully= dual boingers=dually=> front and rear suspension. Remember shock is on the back, fork is on the front (yes technically they are both shocks but this terminology will keep you from being confused) So the first thing you need to decide is your budget and if you want new or used. General Rule of Thumb: New- $1000 or less hardtail, $1000+ hardtail or fully Used $500 or less hardtail, over $500 older fully over $750 newer fully. I started out on a hard tail but quicly got tired of not being able to keep up with my friends on the downhill sections. Full suspension has come a long way in technology, it used to mean you gave up performance climbing hills, but that isn't true anymore, suspension locks out and works more like a rigid frame for effiency climbing. So the more suspension you have the faster you can go downhill. For most beginners get at least 100mm of travel but 120mm is better.

Answer 3

Your price range not only determines what you will buy, but the type of riding you do. If you are on mostly fire roads or trails that are not too technical or mostly smooth, then a hard tail will work for you. If you are looking at a lot of single track or technical riding, then a full suspension is the only way to go... Remember that your tires will also make a difference no matter what shocks you do or don't have. If you can afford it, a full suspension is the way to go.

Answer 4

Hardtails are better for climbing because they dont bob up and down and waste your energy. If you want a good full suspension bike that doesnt bob much you will get a big shock because most good full suspension bikes are over 1000 bucks. i have just gotten a new hardtail dirt jumping bike to replace my old full suspension cross country bike and it works really well. you dont really notice the difference that much unless you are on a really rocky trail. all you really need is front suspension because you can always stand up and let the back of your bike bounce around as much as it wants. the only real reason that i see for getting a full suspension bike is if you are doing really hardcore freeriding. in wich case you will want a lot of suspension ans a lot of travel. or unless you like to sit around with your butt on the saddle all the time.

Answer 5

I like both. The climbs are nicer on the hard-tail but coming back down is more fun on the full suspension. For almost all my off-road adventures I use the full-suspension bike now. Mine is a Haro Extreme that I got in your price range. Have Fun!

Answer 6

Hardtails are easier to pedal because they don't bounce up and down when you pedal hard. Full suspension bikes won't do that on you if you spend a lot but in your price range, I think a hardtail is much better. A good way to soak up the bumps is to stand up but not lock your feet. use your feet as shocks and anticipate the bumps. This will help you strengthen your feet. When you stand up, remember to put your right foot backward and your left foot foward so that the cranks are horizontal. this way it wont loosen the cranks.

Answer 7

Check out Kona bikes. They came out with female specific bikes for 2006 that might be in your price range.



And I prefer a F/S bike but a hard-tail can make you a better rider.



Good luck with your choice.

Answer 8

if you just ride round the city and things like that you should consider a suspensioned bike

if you want to ramp and bunny hop things a hard tail is better no doubt

Answer 9

LOL she keeps saying Hard Tail.

Answer 10

If you spend the extra money, your butt will thank you.

Answer 11

j

Answer 12

both are good. but it all depends on ur butt!