Comments on: Hardtail vs Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

I am 51 and just got back into riding bought a nice modern hardtail love it slack angles and short chain stays and 29 wheels been riding them since 06 they just handle better the stuff I ride is ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-195939

If you are not a downhill Kamakazi then hardtails will do . Most riders don’t need a full suspension bike , but buy them anyway because they look cool and give the rider a kind of bikers presti...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-192300

I opinion is that hard tails are really fun but fs are fun to they are just different. I agree bikerboy13.

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-188419

Could we have an updated version of this article! Would be really useful!

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-174861

Started riding this year at age 61 on a Hardtail. Traveled from Florida to the PNW and rode several trails. Only once, at Sandy Ridge in Oregon, did I dismount at the end of the ride and wish I h...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-168531

i started with a full suspension mountain bike Cannondale SuperV 700 and when I decided to replace it I went with a full suspension Jamis 650B1. I loved the Cannondale but I have ridden over, thr...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-167841

For most of us, we can only afford so much bike. If you have $500 to spend, you'll get more for your money with a hard tail. If you have $3000 to spend, you'll get more for your money with a hard...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-166501

I've rode both and perfer the FS. I end up using my legs for suspension still anyway, ...gettin' after it. I agree they are for different styles, but for me it's FS. I have lockout, but never use...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-165136

Agreed the best bike to have.....is both. I have always ridden a handrail until I herniated a disc in my back(not from biking....Airborne). Anything after 10 miles would cause serious fatigue in ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-162868

Agree..its a tricky call. I am late 40's and have had FS for over 16 years...specialized, GT, Turner etc....I now have a Meta 5 as I guide in NZ (mostly heli) and want the travel. However when ri...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-156658

I rode a few FS when they were first coming on to the scene, and hated them. I never looked back. Perhaps it's time?

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-129505

Agree that this article is pretty well done. The time tested discussion of whether HT or FS is better will never be answered. It's like comparing a minivan to a sedan?!?! It depends on the type o...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-14720

P.S. to my last post...the challenge I get on my HT to pick the right line is half the fun!! (and keeps the mind sharp)

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-14711

I started out on a hardtail and I will always have a hardtail, even if someday I also get a FS. Admittedly, the primary reason I've never had a FS is due to the cost and secondly the maintanence....

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-14710

Great article! I ride in New England, where roots and rocks aren't something you encounter - it's just a reality that your entire trail is like that. Having moved from a HT to a FS in fall of las...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-14706

I went from really getting into the sport on a HT and I have put on about 20 miles on my new FS and I don't think I would ever go back to a HT . I have to worry less about lines logs rocks etc.. ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-14704

I have both and am glad I do. The fully definitely gets ridden more (I ride mosltly technical trails), but sometimes simpler is better. The HT also helps keep my skills sharp as the fully allows ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13978

Agreed even locked out there will be some compressive force acting on the shock. Having ridden all types of bikes both FS and hard tails I will have to say I am looking into getting a 29HT for my...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13935

At nanook, the 29er hardtail is awesome. At Peteman7, My Giant locks out front and rear, but it's still not quite the same as a true hardtail feel.

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13933

Wait a minute, you forgot lockout system on FS bikes, I have the Cannondale Scalpel Lefty and the lockout in front and back make a HUGE difference. But I agree that for overall "bang for the buck...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13932

I had a Cannondale Super v700 and when I was looking at new bikes to someday replace it I thought about the lighter hard tail option. (usually cheaper) but then I found a deal at Nantahala Outdoo...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13930

I think you hit the nail on the head in your "CLIMBING" section. I think a lot of people assume that a HT will always climb better. But I know if there is any rough stuff on the way up, I'm bette...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13929

I always say this to people I ride with .. a pound here and bump there.. Are we racing for money? were are out here for fun.. Most of us anyway.. I just bought a FS today so I will tell you all t...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13926

Just to thow it out there I always felt like my senses were better on a hard tail. Since my body, legs primarily, would feel a more direct connection with that rear wheel I feel more in control. ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13924

Funny, I just went through the same thing.. started out on a Hard tail a few years ago, went to FS for a couple years, and now I am on a HT 29er with Front suspension and a Rigid Single Speed 29e...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13923

I think the comfort factor is a huge difference. While you can ride really rough terrain on both of these types of bikes, bouncing through rocks and over roots with no suspension day in and day o...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13922

Great summary of the main benefits to each MTB style. One more note for those who may not be familiar with the terminology: a FS bike is not the same as a soft tail. Like a hardtail, a soft tail ...

https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-gear/hardtail-vs-full-suspension-mountain-bikes/#comment-13921