Full Suspension vs Hardtail

The topic of whether to use a full suspension bike or hardtail has long been a matter of debate. People with different opinions and most importantly, different needs recommend the full suspension or hardtail bikes; it makes the full suspension vs hardtail debate quite interesting. Both the full suspension and hardtail bikes have their set of advantages and disadvantages. Let us get into the features of the types of mountain bikes through this article.

Comparing Full Suspension With Hardtail

The system of suspension is incorporated in the design of full suspension bikes and it protects the rider from receiving shocks. The suspension is a system mainly used in mountain bikes. However, hybrid bikes too, make use of it. Hardtails were commonly used before full suspension bikes were introduced in the market. Hardtails are both road bikes and mountain bikes; the road bikes are used for riding on smooth surfaces while the mountain bikes for off-road cycling. The comparison of full suspension with hardtail mountain bikes should reveal important facts associated with regards to their differences. Depending on the information about these features, one should make the appropriate choice of which to buy a full suspension or hardtail bike.

List of Features

The different traits given below should make full suspension vs hardtail comparison easier to understand. Information on types of bicycles should also be of some help to readers.

Full Suspension	Hardtail
The power transfer in full suspension bikes is less efficient. This is because the full suspension bikes are heavier than hardtail ones. It makes riding the full suspension bike a difficult task in comparison to the hardtails.	Hardtails do not possess the weight-increasing features of full-suspension bikes; the power transfer in hardtails is much more efficient. Energy spent while riding is therefore, less. Climbing a slope therefore, becomes easier.
The full suspension bikes do not offer a quick handling response. Larger wheelbase is the main reason behind this problem.	Hardtail bikes have a quicker handling response in comparison to the full suspension ones. Shorter wheelbase of these bikes is the determining factor for faster handling response.
One of the benefits of using a full suspension bike is that navigating a rocky terrain is easier compared to that with a hardtail. Impacts of obstacles are absorbed and the traction being transferred to the terrain is greater in comparison to that of hartail bikes.	The ride on a hardtail can be difficult and awkward due to shocks received. Loss of traction makes it difficult to ride past the rocky terrain with the same speed of smooth roads. One cannot concentrate on the riding activity.
The maintenance cost of full suspension bikes is greater than that of hardtails.	Maintenance related expenses of hardtails are lesser in comparison to that of full suspension bikes.
A better control is offered by the full suspension bikes. The rough/rocky terrains can easily be navigated with full suspension bikes. However, on smooth surfaces, these bikes lag behind the hardtails in terms of speed.	The hardtails are considered as good for smooth terrains and riding at speeds greater than full suspension bikes is possible.
A full suspension bike is better for those with back problems. The ride is made comfortable due to shock absorbers.	Hardtails are not suitable for people with back problems on mountain roads however, are easy to ride on smooth surfaces.
The full suspension bike is suited for long distance tours owing to its design.	Hardtails cause the rider to feel jarred and are therefore, not suitable for long journeys.

With improvement in technology, lighter full suspension bikes are introduced in the market. These bikes weigh lesser than 20 lbs. However, one should be ready to shell out more money for light weight full suspension bikes. The full suspension vs hardtail comparison presented in the article should allow for understanding the features of these bikes in a better manner.