What is a hardtail?
For the uninitiated these are mountain bikes without rear suspension integrated into the frame. They are highly likely to have a front suspension fork for riding comfort as this is pretty standard on any mountain bike at any price point.  However some riders prefer bikes with no suspension at all.  Hardtails come at a range of price points from around $600 for entry level up to over $10,000 for the lightest carbon cross country racing machine.  

What’s it best used for?
Commuting, fitness riding, cross country and trail riding and cross country racing. Multiple national Australian Cross-Country Champion Chris Jongewaard and NZ Xterra Champion Nicola Leary both choose to ride hardtails for their responsive performance and light weight.

What’s it best to avoid?
Rough rocky trails, freeriding, downhilling or big dirt jumps.

Why buy a hardtail?
1. Best for beginners: If you are a beginner in this sport, it is advisable to go with a hardtail XC bike, since this type can do almost all things that mountain bikes are made to do, and it comes at a lower price.

2. Light and Efficient:  Hardtails avoid the extra weight of the shock, linkages and bearings.  All your energy is used for forwards motion - not wasted bobbing through the shock.

3. Good for Your Riding:  A hardtail is more responsive to rider inputs and trail conditions – so you really feel the benefit of correct body-position and picking the right lines. During sprints, you don't waste energy.

4. Bang-for-your-buck:  Even with the poor exchange rate and economic conditions a good hardtail is still affordable.

5. Do-anything Versatile:  Want to ride on the road or go touring occasionally – no problem on a hardtail.  Just attach a rack and change your tyres!

6. Ride more wrench less:  Hardtails are tried and trusted.  With fewer moving parts you’ll spend more time riding and less time in the workshop. 

New Technology
As technology is developed for higher end bikes it filters down to lower priced bikes.  Bikes below $1000 have benefitted hugely from this effect with technology at this level equivalent to technology at more than twice the price a few years ago. 

Avanti has long been a hardtail mountainbike specialist and the Avanti Design Technology is really improving the ride quality of the latest hardtails - look for features like curved rear stays for more compliance and reduced shock transfer to the rider.  Also consider running larger-volume or tubeless tyres with lower pressures for more traction and a smoother ride.

In a nutshell:
If…
You want a simple easy to maintain mountain bike
Or
You have a limited budget
Or
Your favourite trails aren’t too rough
Or
You want a lighter bike for cross country events and races
Or
Its your first mountain bike
Or
Any combination of the above

…a hardtail mountainbike is for you