May 6, 2009
What Is The Difference Between Hardtail And Full Suspension Mountain Bikes?
I am new to mountain biking and am looking to buy a new bike. Any help works. Thanks!!
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its allready explained-
get a hardtail if you’re going to be doing light/medium off road cycling
or get a full suspension bike if you are doing very heavy riding
(jumping off ledges or a very very rough trail)
bearing in mind full suspension bikes absorb most of the powder you put in to the pedals and is much heavier
you only need FS bikes if you’re doing serious riding
not a country trail or path
I’ll add that full suspension is heavier. Unless you’re going high-end, full suspension typically sacrifices some power due to the motion of the rear end, and may flex a little more as the pivots and components wear.
For general purpose riding, you’ll likely be happier with a hardtail.
Just exactly what you have stated! A hardtail has no rear suspension, the full suspension has rear suspension. How hard can that be to understand?
You already been told the answer. I will reiterate: Hard-tails are lighter, faster, simpler and cheaper . If you NEED a dual that’s fine, but 95% of all duals bought are ridden on the street. If you want a $169 piece of junk, tank of a dual to be cool go ahead.
What is most important is what kind of mountain bike riding you are looking to do, and what the terrain is.
They make cruisers, comfort bikes, x-country, all mountain, downhill, freeride, dirtjump, cyclocross, marathon (endurance).
IMHO, for a beginner there is no other choice than an entry or mid level hardtail from a quality local bike shop. One that will set the bike up properly, and offer no cost adjustments after the break in period.
A quality full suspension bike will run you 30-50% more money than a hardtail with similar components.
Whatever you do, if you are serious about wanting to get into cycling…..DO NOT buy from a bigbox store. Go to your local bike shops, talk to the sales staff, explain your immediate goals/ type of riding, budget, etc. They will measure you, fit you, get you on an appropriate bike, allow you to take them outside and test ride, and support the sale to make sure you stay riding. Nearly all bikes shops offer free tune ups for the first year.
Most local bike shops also organize group rides for all levels of skill and ability. A great way to meet others like you and get interested in the sport without pressure.
You can be tempted by the bargain prices on Huffy and Schwinns at the local walmart, but the bargain price is a complete waste of money if your bike weighs a ton and performs like garbage after one month of riding…. and you never ride it again.
A hardtail MTB has NO REAR shock. Full suspension is exactly that. A MTB with front AND rear suspesion. Most MTB’s come with front shocks.