To full sus or not to full sus? – that is the question


If ever there was an argument that produced more partisan results in mountain biking than the ‘suspension vs. hardtail’ debate, then we haven’t lived long enough to witness it.

 

The trails are littered with mountain bikers sitting upon various types of bikes from any number of manufacturers all adorned with componentry from countless drivetrain and parts manufacturers yet if you listen carefully enough the argument that drives the largest wedge between them (other than if one gear is sufficient – but that is a whole different argument for a whole other time) is the full suspension debate.  Why is that?

 

If we look back through the annals of time to mountain biking’s alleged inception we will find a lairy group of free loving Californian’s tearing down gravel roads on their so-called ‘clunkers’.  These were rudimentary fully rigid bikes and the only form of suspension available to the rider to cushion them from the bumps in the road were the zeppelin-like tyres hanging on for dear life to the rims.  And they loved it.

 

Skip forward a couple of decades and we find that mountain biking is an accepted and super popular activity providing enjoyment to the masses and with it comes technological evolution.

 

When we discuss the relative merits of hardtails and full suspension bikes we necessarily have to look at cross country and trail bikes.  It is these two categories that can most easily be ridden by both styles of bike and where the differences in performance can be best compared.  The starting point must surely be to acknowledge the relative pros and cons of each at a base level:

 


Full suspension benefits:                                                                  Full suspension cons:

- Greater comfort                                                                                  - Higher cost
- Faster tracking of terrain                                                                  - More servicing requirements
- Bump absorption                                                                              - Heavier
- Greater control

 

Hardtail benefits:                                                                                Hardtail cons:

- Direct feeling                                                                                     - Unforgiving ride
- Low maintenance                                                                            - Less forgiving on descending mistakes
- Lower cost                                                                                         - Can’t track the terrain when climbing
- Efficient pedalling

 


Although the basic pros and cons are more or less even, each can carry more weight than another to the individual.  The benefits of having a sprung rear end are clear.  One only needs to look at all other forms of off-road transportation to see that the rider is fully sprung: motocross, trials riding, buggying, rallying and a host of others.

 

What do all these sports have in common that is not shared with mountain biking?  They are all powered by the almighty combustion engine.  Mountain bikers must propel themselves with a paltry .75 horsepower on average which makes weight a very necessary consideration when purchasing a bike.

 

But is the trade-off in weight worth the host of other benefits that come with being fully suspended?  A well designed, fully suspended mountain bike offers superior bump absorption, excellent tracking of the terrain and sometimes a get-out clause when things go the shape of the pear on a tricky descent.

 

Ultimately it comes down to personal preference and what works best for you, the rider.  A lightweight rider with an emphasis on racing will undoubtedly prefer the weight advantages on offer with a hardtail, whereas the weekend rider going for maximum fun would doubtlessly prefer a full suspension bike.  Or would they?  It’s also worth bearing in mind the type of terrain you intend to take your bike to.  If your trails are dominated by lumpy rocks and large tree roots a hardtail may be to unforgiving but if it’s mainly groomed trail centre riding, do you really need a full suspension bike?

 

We would not advocate for full suspension bikes below a certain price-point, however.  There is a threshold where the negatives far outweigh the benefits as the bikes become too inefficient, too heavy and far too compromised in order to reach a budget.  If you’re unsure, just ask in a respected local bike shop.

 

The debate, we’re very sure, will continue.