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| 29er-26 | Brakes | Disc Brakes | Frame Materials | Hardtail-Full Suspension | Handlebars | Lights | Lube | Pedals | Rear Shocks | Saddles | Shifter | Shocks | ShocksII | Shorts | Tubeless Tires/Rims | Water Carrier | |
Date: March 31, 2006
Carlos a weekend warrior from Fort Laud, Florida writes:
Look, to compare H.T. and F.S. together is dumb thing to do. They both have advantages and disadvantages, depending on what you ride. It's like comparing a road bike and a bmx. No one is better than the other. ie: If you ride smooth single track and need accurate response and climbing ability, go H.T. On the other hand, if you ride downhill, jump, or suffer from saddle-ass (you know that pain in the butt after a bumpy ride) then go F.S.
But you know... one thing I find annoying. Where I ride (Markham Park, Fort Lauderdale, Florida), I notice a lot of people that buy $3,000 and $4,000 bikes (F.S.) and pull up, take the bike down and lean it against the car and then just sit there in a lawn chair and watch everyone else ride...and just show their new bike off. They're wearing the mountain bike shirt, the shorts, the clip in shoes, the whole nine yards....but just sit there and take up parking space. They're basically just there to be seen. They must think they're in high school still. No one cares about your bike, but you. I have a nice bike too, but I didn't buy it so it could lean there and be seen. Man, when I get to the trails, I unload, gear up, and I'm in there, getting my ride on.
Does anyone agree with me?
If you're even in South Florida, try Markham Park. The trails are man-made... and they'll bite you in the ass. ;)
WINNER: Tie
Hardtail provides better handling and agility control in non-XC conditions. Won't use FS unless I rolling over tree stumps halfway down a mountain in China somewhere. If I needed comfort, I would get a suspension saddle/post or a carbon post. FS also "flexes" at hard braking such as when you are about to run into a car or a tree.
WINNER: Hardtail
I would say FS because its easier to go through rough terrian and way easier on the frame.Plus i can adjust it to a hard tail in like seconds but the only problem is its still heavier then a hard tail but i can handle that:P
WINNER: Full Suspension
I have three hardtails: dirtjumper/urban, trials, and fixie mtn bike.
I have three f/s: 8" FR/DH, 5" all mountain, and 4" xc
Love 'em all. Ride 'em all as much as I can. No one bike is the "best". But each bike is best at what they do. I'd never take my f/s xc bike to the skatepark, and I'd never take my hardtail trials bike downhilling. By that same token I'd never take my 8" FR/DH bike on an all day epic trail ride, but I'd never huck 10' drops on my 5" all mtb; nor would I huck ANYTHING on my hardtail fixie (not the case for my hardtail dirtjumper/urban).
Bikes are so specialized these days to fill a certain niche, one is not superior to another. Get what you want, for the right reasons. You'll be happy. I vote tie.
WINNER: Tie
hardtails;
liter,
more energy concerving,
and cheaper.
full suspensions;
more capable,
smoother ride on the mts,
and better for the hard stuff.
WINNER: Tie
Hardtails are way better because they can be used for more then just hard core down hilling,hardtails also are easer for doing dirtjumps and lighter for doing tricks
WINNER: Hardtail
I can see the benefits of both I just can't get my woman to agree to let me buy another.
WINNER: Tie
ok i like hardtials more because they are a whole lot lighter and easier to do tricks on
hardtails can perform better than a soft tail while ur doin a back flip of a 900 . super man is easy if ur bike is easier
WINNER: Hardtail
Its a hard one, so I voting for a tie. Many say that full suspension for long races, but with the new hi-tech carbon material frames I felt that the shock absorption of this sweet rides its beginning to equal the full suspension frames
WINNER: Tie
You cant dance properly on a mattess.
Hardtail
WINNER: Hardtail
Today's FS are damn good (for those who actually can afford a good one).
For XC an semi prof use anyway.
perhaps for the die hard racers for whom weight always is an issue, a HT
will still be the best choice, but I'll never go back!
WINNER: Full Suspension
My back is bad. I love to ride. F/S lets me ride. I can walk the next day (and ride the next day).
WINNER: Full Suspension
So here I am trying to figure out what bike to buy (1st in 20 yrs), hardtail or full suspension...I want to go up hill and down, over smooth trails and rough...I can afford a full suspension but am wondering if its something I need. Can't say as this forum has helped with my decision, oh well maybe I'll just toss a friggen coin.
WINNER: Tie
I've never read such childish nonsense in my life. just get on with it
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails rock...fs is for people who can't ride.
WINNER: Hardtail
I debated the merits of FS vs. Hardtail until I finally acquired an FS bike worth its salt. Today's shock and lock-out technology make an FS the best choice, unless a person is financially challenged, in which case, the Hardtail will have to do...as a note, my bikes regularly cost me more than my cars do and get as many miles on them in a year too!
Full suspension is here to stay.
WINNER: Full Suspension
depends on the riding, hardtail for some, full for others. i dont want to ride my hardtail across ladders and down rocky slopes, but i also dont want to ride my fs up hill. depends on the trail depends on the mood.
WINNER: Tie
i like to go fast and the hardtail lets me do what i want to do. Hardtail prevails in the flat sections which is usually what i race in but there are the ocasional races which are bumby but thats only in only a few parts. my vote is still hardtail
WINNER: Hardtail
FS rocks! For I can kill the rear suspension as stiff as a hardtail.
That's why: tie!
WINNER: Tie
FS for the energy savings over the long technical rides.
WINNER: Full Suspension
To start I dont downhill. There really aren't many places that are local that you can do that. There really aren't many races I can think of. Alot of the terrain here is really harsh. As soon as you get oof road there are ruts and rocks and tons of nasty stuff. Even on pavement you can count on bumps and potholes. If I bike anywhere its to mydestination from my house. I like the hardtail because its a bit more responsivewhen I need to go fast, yet I like the full for all the nasty terrain anf for jumps. I got to say its a tie. I would go with ashort travel FS for New Mexico
WINNER: Tie
I personally think hardtail are better, i have rode on bothe and have had good results but hardtails work better for what i am doing
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails are more reliable than the full susp, dildos
WINNER: Hardtail
i poooooooo dam
WINNER: Full Suspension
Full Suspension is not the best for speed if the person weights a little bit more than usual, so I say Hardtail is better also because it is lighter.
WINNER: Hardtail
I'm a stair climbing kinda guy, but I'm stuck with a hardtail to do the job b/c I need a bike that can fold in half and fit in my trunk. If you got technique and a pair of 2.4" holy rollers at low pressure, you can take a whole lot of jarring. My Spec: Suntour XC 9 spd, Shimano XT thumbies, Avid BB7's, DAHON frame (modified), Intense grips, Zokes fork (upgrading to Look Parallel). Hardtial wins for getting around fast. Need more cushioning? Get FAT tires.
WINNER: Hardtail
boy that guy:flea a weekend warrior from okinawa writes?, sure makes sence!
WINNER: Tie
hell im not one to ask dut hell fs all the way hell i got 6in of travel and i love it if i want to ride a hardtail ill jump on my bmx bike but i still love my fs oh whell go big or go home so go fs u dont kill yourself as bad
WINNER: Full Suspension
i like some fullys but ive always liked hard tails cuz i can jump them easly the only problem is i cant do drops on em i did a 25 ft drop and broke my wrist and cracked my frame
WINNER: Hardtail
ima knob is a retarded kid who once was born without a mother but since he grew up to accept this he cant escape from the fact he is plain stupid and makes up with his silly writings. everyone in nyc laughs at his writing but pities him too as we know he need some place to release. ima knob, you can try to go downhill without a seat and you will find your answer - that you were born an ugly faggot
WINNER: Hardtail
downhill on a hard tail can be very painfull
WINNER: Full Suspension
For general XC riding I don't think a FS is really nessessary. Downhilling yeah, but it's really something that's going to depend on
A. what you ride.
B. How much money you have.
Right now I don't have any opportunity to downhill as I live on a small island. My money is better spent on a solid hardtail with good components than a low-grade FS with crappy ones.
WINNER: Tie
Good full suspension bikes can make life easier in trails.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I have a Hybrid, Mountain, and Road bike. When I ride trails I want the response that a "Full Suspension" bike like my Fuel 80 offers.
"Full Suspension Rules"!
WINNER: Full Suspension
Still debating
WINNER: Tie
full suspention is nice because it absorbs more shock, although it is harder to do a wheelie.
WINNER: Full Suspension
go full suspension u got unlimited capabilities on 1
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtail is so much better they look beter and there lower to the ground so it feels like ur going faster if u get full suspension ur scared of a bump
WINNER: Hardtail
hard tail all the way, at least they don't bounce when u pedal!
WINNER: Hardtail
full sussers rule!!!!!!!!!!! u can go anywhere and jump off anything!!!!!!!
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hands down, FULLY SUSPENDED! With all the new technology out there
who in their wright mind would perfer a hard tail?
WINNER: Full Suspension
bumps happen
WINNER: Full Suspension
I cant really give a decision 1 way or another because i have never riden a FS bike. I currently own a Raleigh Freeride GLX, which is a hardtail with a Suntour fork. I use my bike alot but mainly for riding around town and for getting to work. Now im only 16 and this is my first job, so im earning LOADS of money and i can spend it on what ever i feel like mmk? so i was considering a FS bike for comfort mainly. Although after reading this it would seem most peoples oppinion is that HT is better (for my type of riding). But i still dont know what to do. I think i would be better off getting a suspension seatpost (HARD seat but i wont change it coz the colours match my bike). One other thing that bugs me about my bike is that the front brake (promax mechanical disc) isnt that great. and its completely misaligned and the caliper is damaged where the rotor has actually rubbed on it etc. im taking it into my LBS on thursday and hopefully that can fix it or wat ever. i was considering buying some hydraulic disc. thing is i cant have a disc on the back. (no mounts) but wat ever
WINNER: Tie
The "ROOF JAW CHIN CHEST NOW" guy must have a really small penis. And, yes, hardtail!
WINNER: Hardtail
Full Suspension has got the shocks for anyting you need, and most of the time, stuff you don't. Yea, I know that a 4 ft dropoff seems alot smaller with full suspension, but think on it, you lose pedaling power. Now when your are going downhill, it really dosen't matter, but uphill, hardtail,with lockouts are the only way to go. Even if you think that logs looks mighty big, just load those front shocks and jump like you have never jumped before. You will be impressed at the results. Personally, power for your pedal stroke is the only way to go when you see that 40% grade hill that looks more like some psychopaths idea of a rockclimbing wall, hardtail all the way.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails are the way to go, much lighter, more responsive, better climbing...you can still run with any full suspention on downhills and in the flats but you gain on them out in the turns and on climbs.
WINNER: Hardtail
I got a 24 lb full suspension bike and a 21 lb Titanium Hardtail. I don't remember when is the last time i took my hardtail out for a ride.
Full suspension are just more fun to ride.
It doesn't punish your body like the hardtails do.
You can pretty much ride over anything. almost anything..
Full suspension mountain bikes are much more comfortable, enjoyable, and better controlled compared to their hardtail counterparts.
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtail...lighter, more efficient, less maintenance, cheaper!
WINNER: Hardtail
I like to ride as fast as possably downhill, with agility. I also like to feel the run so im deffenitly a hard tail kind of guy
WINNER: Hardtail
23 lbs.! vs my 21 lb. hardtail on the trails?!!! Come on get rreal , 2lbs. ? lol.
WINNER: Full Suspension
easier to maintain
WINNER: Hardtail
I have a specialized hardrock sport and i am very happy with it. i have a friend that has a kona full suspended bike that he had to get new rims for his bike twice. Overall i think that hard tails have higher quality rims stock then full suspended bikes.
WINNER: Hardtail
I would prefer hard taill if i go riding on the road with a mountain bike, more power to the rear wheel and faster but not dually.Dual suspense is for really ruff side walks and rough trails which i have to go tru more often so for right now but if those side walks get smooth Im a gonna switch!!
WINNER: Hardtail
Written for CC riders and hardtail leaners. (Anyone wanting to bomb the downhill and is not concerned with uphill perf. or weight need not read, your choice if obvious)
I ride a hardtail because of handling, minimal pedal bob/bouncing (it's still there, you can't get away from it), and more importantly....value. If I raced a lot I would be more adament about hardtails but really, overall, a good (expensive) full susp. is the winner here, for my kind of riding. I can't currently afford (read, won't pay) the $2500 or more ( much more in many cases) price tag of a light weight CC full susp. so I got a hardtail. I find little disappointment in my choice as I bought a thudbuster seatpost and don't try to tame the big hills in Colorado since I am over 40 now. But, Overend still rides a full susp. and so does Kabush....who's gonna argue? If you have some dough to plunk down and you like to ride a lot, it's full susp. and don't look back. Other wise, if you want a killer HT then take your $1200 to $2000 and get a light, well spec'd hardtail........and don't look back.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Better climbing abilities, smoother pedaling, lighter and less maintenace.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail for me but in this crazy world of point-and-counterpoint financially well heeled political opinion agendas, we riders need less yammering and more hammering. See you on the trail with whatever you ride...
WINNER: Hardtail
Love full suspension firstly it's easier on my older body'49. can take more abuse the bike that is. presently ride a k2 flyin monkey.
WINNER: Full Suspension
full suspension is way better....apart from the fact that some bastard stole mine the other day when i left it chained up in manchester. an eye witness said they saw a 'weekend warrior' cut the chain off and rode off on it shouting 'get a full sus that you can lock out, best of both worlds, if you can't afford that get off your fat arse and get a proper job, shut your moaning and find a sport you can afford, like poo sticks', but still no-one has found him or my bike....the thieving BASTARD!!!!!
p.s. does anyone know where i can get hold of any roof-jaw-chin-chestiside because over the last few days ive been feel ever-so-slightly ROOOOOOOOOOOOF JAW CHIN CHEST....YEAH!!!!!!!!! OOOOOHHHHHHHRRRRRUUUUUURRRRRLLLLLLLUUUUUUYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. uuhhmmuuhhmm
WINNER: Full Suspension
get a full sus that you can lock out, best of both worlds, if you can't afford that get off your fat arse and get a proper job, shut your moaning and find a sport you can afford, like poo sticks.
WINNER: Full Suspension
get a full sus that you can lock out, best of both worlds, if you can't afford that get off your fat arse and get a proper job, shut your moaning and find a sport you can afford, like poo sticks.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtail, because simplicity is best. Very, very few riders tackles the type of terrain that would necessitate a dualie. Dualies come in two forms, and only two forms: Heavier than heavy, but reliable coil suspension, and extremely light, but high maintainance air rides. When you need full suspension, nothing is better. When you don't, it's just an added hassle.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hard Tail all the way. Faster, Better Control and Cheaper if to buy and replace. My scott YZ1 just got nicked so im buying a new YZ0. Not really cross country but most of what me and my friends do is trails.
WINNER: Hardtail
hard tail are the best full suspension are crap
WINNER: Hardtail
Im 17, I work at McDonald's and I'm in high school. All of you rich mothers who can afford a downhill or freeride full suspension bike, by all means, get it. But if ur like me, and u only have $1200 or so to spend, don't waste ur time on some piece of shit full suspension bike and go for a long suspension hardtail. Thats what I have and I love my rocky mountain flow. I can down hill and huck all the same stuff as my full suspension friends. Only difference is I feel like shit at the end of the day and they don't. But, hardtail represent.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail rider and i play just just fine with the boys on the big bikes...
Bike parks no problem, bring it on :D
Only thing is the hardtail gets you very tired after a long day of riding, but its the style of a hardtail that counts
WINNER: Hardtail
hey alex remedio your such a nice man.... stay honest to your wife..
WINNER:
Doesn't anyone have fun anymore?? Who gives a shit which is better!! Just ride the damn things. The saying is that the bike you will ride the best is one you ride 6 days a week, because then you are working on the rider!!!
WINNER: Full Suspension
I can only speak from my 'limited' experience. I started with a hard tail and have upgraded to a full suspension. Personaly, I'm FS all the way. I now have more confidence, can keep my momentum going through virtually any terrain, and am able to concentrate on the trail ahead and not staying on my bike when I hit rough sections (I hate roots!:). It is defiantely dependent on the rider. Me, FS.
WINNER: Full Suspension
HT is good IF your ride is mostly on-road, or "slightly" off-road. FS was developed based on that limitation. Early day's FS's were puny, jittery ride. Through technology, current FS are vastly improved. But again, Price Dont Lie. Top-line FS's are more efficient than top-line HT, more usable, more forgiving. If you experience annoying bob, then it might be FS that was "made to be sold", not "made to be enjoyed". This applies to HT, too (ever ride a K-Mart bike?). FS was created to make you focus on the trail, on "how to get the job done".
The money you spend on FS bike worth more than the price you have to pay for backbone theraphy in the future (should you try to be a macho-man on HT).
To HT enthusiast: I have full respect to HT (proud owner of early Trek MTB that I will never sell). But time has changed. If you have the cash, I ask you to give a try to new (& the upper-line) FS's. The money you spend on FS bike worth the saving on the physical theraphy you will pay in the future.
To macho-man wannabes who HARSHLY said FS are not 'mountain' enough, 'macho' enough, sissies, I have some things to ask:
1. If you are macho enough, what difference does 2-3 lbs means to you? A macho-man cry for 2-3lbs added weight?
2. If you want to 'feel' the trail, lose your suspension fork, get a rigid. Ride as fast as you can at the worst trail you ever see. When you are done, dont feel sorry of your butt. Now, that's macho. Oh, why not lose your helmet, lycra pants, and glove as well? That is really macho. Enjoy the trail :)
3. Then it comes to this: it's either you think you are a HE-MAN, or narrow-minded-fanatic, or plain stubborn cheapskate who never admit being cheapskate (why spent on expensive drivetrain?), instead trying to cover up by imagining yourself as a superhero.
4. If you do not want maintenace, WALK. DONT GET ANY BIKE. DONT GET ANYTHING. LIVE IN A CAVE.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I've been biking since 1989, have always ridden hardtails because I've always liked the sharp and edgy feel. I've weakened though because after a lot of thought I've recently bought a Cannondale Jeykl because my 12 year old Orange Aluminium O couldn't take it anymore. I'm 39, 6'6" and 210 lbs!! so it's not a surprise really!?
It took a long time for me to make up my mind to go for a FS with all the usual worries and it to get it set up right but now I love it!!
If you can afford it I reckon you should have both!! A HT's great for accelerating, for hard climbing and being a better rider but a FS despite the extra weight is more comfortable and ballistic down the hills!
The bike industry's always going to come up with new concepts isn't it but even though I've taken five years to make my mind up I still reckon you should have both!!
WINNER: Tie
If u ride everyday for hours and occasionally go for endurance trip and do extreme drop or tough XC and do all sort of things than FS is the chioce to smoothen out things.
The point is when u get used to comfort ride qualities u would turn back to HT and there is a vast improvement of your physical endurance when your ride is smoothen out. U could conserve strenght for unnecessary bumps trails and head to clear bigger obstacles infront. And what skill needed ? Suspensions Technology take over your job.
And do u know what u ought not to do?
No standing on pedal to clear your ass when hitting bump or heavy braking on coming coners, u dont need to do any more.
U got faster ride over bumps at maximum ride speed.
And climing is not an issue just check out the geometery that is built to climb and light enough.
And straight to the point the trails has more bumps, rocks, holes than steep climbs so u see champion riders rides them to victory.
Try them and be more selective and open to views. Get the FS that is race proven unless u are looking for cheap economic ones then sorry it is out of spec here.
Truth HT is value for money.
But FS makes u a better rider and gave the skilled ones a route to even more extreme.
A good FS does not waste on energy but conserve your energy use it at the right moment.
WINNER: Full Suspension
i have raced BMX all my life, so i am partial to hard tail bikes. I ride with some friends that have full suspention and yes drops are e-zer but the weight and climing arnt nearly up to par. i take some pretty big drops with my Haro escap 8.3 and the only reason i dont go as big as my friends is experince.
WINNER: Hardtail
Whay waste all that energy when a'peddlin'
WINNER: Hardtail
They both have their strengths, and no one can objectively say that either one is better than the other. I can say on one note that when suspension forks first started coming out, a lot of people dogged them, similar to how many are towards f/s rigs today. F/s is a step towards the better, and as more research and technology comes out, hardtails may become obsolete like rigid forks. Hardtails were my first love and I still love them today, but I've grown a huge crush for f/s bikes.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I appreciate the difference in opinion between the Hardtails and the FS.(mature and intelligent opinions) I see a HT and FS as too different species!I wonder at this point in time if we can really compare them? I also wonder when other mountain biker's write reviews if they are aware on how different the terrain is in the U.S.A.? I have biked all over the country and here in the Northeast is the most technical I've seen.
I plan to ride a FS and a HT. For me an FS will be my all around mountain bike. ie, training, long rides, hardcore rocky, rooty terrain. and my HT (&sometimes FS) will be for some training, races and time trials. I bet Tinker or Filip could ride a HT or FS and still beat most of us. I know I plan to have fun for years to come-whether it's HT and FS! They are just different!
WINNER: Tie
Its all about the rider. =)
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtail's rock!!!
WINNER: Hardtail
To me it really doesn't make a difference. If you can ride fast and go big on either of them thats great. But of course a little cushion never hurt nobody. HT or FS ride both, keep your mouth shut and ride like hell. Old school ...Baggy shorts and Pro-tecs
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtail all the way because they have like no upkeep(you hope at least) and can do most stuff a FS can do cept like super drops and dope shit like that
WINNER: Hardtail
hgfjv
WINNER: Hardtail
HT when starting out, once you start crashing due to rocks, logs, drops, etc. switch to the FS, FS are hard to get set-up to corner as fast as HT, but can be done. If your into jumps and XC go for the hard tail, if your into plummeting down the side of a hill, off a 10 footer and into a rock garden, go for the FS (unless you are a crazy bastard, and like bloody gashes). Personally i prefer a well set up FS, as it can do everything, though XC sucks on them, and jumping you need extra speed.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Have the cash head for FS?
1)Choose the best rear suspension design that is patent and proven.
2)Got to try it yourself.
3)Best part rear can be fine tune to improve geometry and performance.
4)Let the suspension do the job than yourself.
Ride like a Mercedes no more early braking, standing to salute or flick launch in the air to clear a hump or stutter bump corner? chatter..... just ran over them like nothing.
Rear suspense helps extend your endurance no more sudden jerk that cause u short of breath or body fatiue, u will last longer for long distance ride. No more shaggy business.
Just too many differences and goodies u got to find out yourself.
Light weight and economic just wont fix the bills to performance these days. Technology is the one that driven the world today.
==> Just look at your Nike shoes why is there air or gel in the running shoes for ? To Run faster than bare footed runner? Indirectly full suspense your body? Than whats FS?
WINNER: Full Suspension
Well, I came to this site hoping for some good opinions on this topic and instead found a lot of nonsense.
This forum is a waste.
WINNER: Tie
Hardtail all the way. Hey, some of you FS guys try some of the long distance trails up here. Half way in you will be dying to have a HT.
They all have there advantages.
Hardtail:
Faster
More pedal efficiency
Lighter
Less expensive
Not as many parts to break
Nice feel
More rugged
Better hill climbs
Good for the long distance rides
FS:
More Comforatable
More forgiving on the 20 footers
More forgiving on the rims
Less Fatigue
One other thing you don't need FS if you have a good fork like the Manitou Minute Three 04
WINNER: Hardtail
well hardtails are way better becouse now they can take all the damage with a full just like they can do 30 foot drop on a hardtail i have dun a 20 foot drop on my banshee morphine but it just felt a full lol well kind of i have jonour t's on my bike so sweet i would go for a evil inperal or another banshee morphine once my warntie wears off l8terz
WINNER: Tie
I am in love with my custom Trek '03 8500 hardtail, but I have no problem with other people riding FS. If I weighed more than 80 pounds I might even have one, but since I can get the rear shock to go down; I ride a hardtail. Hardtails are great and light weight. By the way I am one of those "fifteen year old kids" ,but I love to ride my bike and I am happy with my hardtail and I have an opinion of my own(YIKES!? an opinion)and in my riding stle, the trails around me, and my body type the hardtail is best suited for me.
WINNER: Hardtail
I was just about to give up on this site and then I went over to the debate about tube vs. tubeless. Good, objective opinions over there. Why do so many 16 year old closet gays debate on FS vs. Hard tails? I have never read so many insecure closet gay remarks in one forum before. Can someone explain to me why they all hang out here?
WINNER: Tie
it's just faster
WINNER: Hardtail
I rode a Trek 930 HT for years. Now ride a Santa Cruz Blur. Why did I wait soooo long???!!!
Definitely Full Suspension.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Former BMXers and freestylers should choose a hartail so all that bouncing stand up and pump skill doesn't go to waist getting soaked up by rear suspension. Former roadies and eveyone else full suspension hands down.
WINNER: Full Suspension
180 stoppy whit a tail whip and a table top no footer landing no hand
WINNER: Hardtail
I have a Trek carbon HT, a Trek Fuel, and an Intense Spider. I rode and raced HT exclusively for many years. I rarely ride the hardtail anymore.
+ The best full-xc bikes weigh 2 lbs more than the best hardtails
+ FS = less fatigue
+ FS climbs better on loose sketchy stuff.
+ Hardtail has a nice feel when you stand up and stomp.
On smooth single track, I like the hardtail, but Utah trails are usually pretty rocky. I really doubt I'll ever buy another hardtail MTB.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtail all the way. Its much more fun. If you have a good front shock you dont need a rear shock. Ok fine a hard tail isnt the best to go jump off 15 footers but its the best for trail riding and XC. I have a trek 04 8500 and I got it for 1200 bucks. Id like to see a FS with those specs do that.
WINNER: Hardtail
Suspension? Nah! Rigid Orange ClockworK or Canondale CAD3 mate. Aching wrists means I won't go blind...know what I mean.
WINNER: Tie
Apples and oranges! I wouldn't go comparing truck chassis with a car chassis would I?
WINNER: Tie
I have both. Just depends on what kind of riding I'm going to do. When I'm out jumping on running 15 ft drops my fs can't be beat. Trail riding I take my hardtail. There is no best bike as long as your happy with what your riding. As for the guys who think hardtails
are for real men, well ride up to a group of Harley riders and see what they say when you ask them if you can ride along. Ignorance is in the eye of the beholder.
But on a personal note ... I like my Sugar FS better. ;-)
WINNER: Full Suspension
Single Speed, NO Suspension, end all be all of that sissy crap!
WINNER:
sissys -
Yes! sissys.
Hee pa hee pa hungry le, blow u to dust.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I use both but the hardtail is the winter or shit bike.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtails are the way to go for technical riding. Rode full suspension bikes and I don't like how they bounce all over the trail when on real tight switchbacks... Besides there's more parts to break on a full suspension. My little bro has a Kona full suspension and he still can't catch me on the real bumpy trails so it's the rider that's good, not the bikes. I'd stick with my hardtails since they look like a "bike" not some glow in the dark schtick...
WINNER: Hardtail
It really depends on what king of riding you do. For downhill i reakon a duel is better but for cross-country a hardtail is the winner for me. Howeva its best to ride both then decide urself.
WINNER: Hardtail
I tried riding with hardtail but my gay lover stated that my ass felt harder. I decided to do the FS and now my gay lover can pound me all night long.
WINNER: Full Suspension
for xc i prefer a hardtail because f/s takes most of the skill aspect out of riding technical terrain. you might as well ride on the rode if you ride f/s for xc, the suspension is doing ALL the work, your just along for the ride. for downhill of freeriding f/s is the way to go. just my .02.
WINNER: Tie
Hardtails are for hard asses
WINNER: Hardtail
I have ridden f/s before and am not impressed with the bobbing, weight, or complexity of the machines. I like simplicity, so the blessed hardtails rule for me. But that's just me. I realize there's a whole big world out there. Whether or not someone has an f/s or not, they should have one hardtail. My next will be a custom! :)
WINNER: Hardtail
Note the fellow, from S.D., below. Now why should he care what type of bike I prefer. Perhaps he is insecure about his choice of bike. Whatever. Why can't we all just get along?
The point is what works for me, may not be the best choice for you. My idea of a good ride is doing a 30 miler in the backcountry of the Sierras, where efficiency and reliability are more important than comfort or the ability to do 10 foot drops. However, if your idea of a good time is doing 10 foot drops over a 10 mile course, then a 32 pound freeride bike is what you need.
In other words, all things considered, I prefer a 24 pound hardtail. We all have considerations regarding our main bike. Two of my friends dropped their 30 pound FS bikes for 24 pound hardtails and I have friends who swear by FS.
I consider these factors for my personal ride: For XC riding you go uphill half the distance and 3/4 of the time spent pedaling. A 24 pound bike is easier to pedal up hill than a 31 pound bike. A 24 pound hardtail can be had for $1200. A 31 pound FS bike costs $1500 on average. A 24 pound FS bike averages $4000. Now I wouldn't mind having a 24 pound FS bike, but $4000 for a bike!?! Hey I'm married, plus that $4000 FS bike will be obsolete in three years, not so my hardtail.
So ride what works for you and respect the other guy's bike-remember, your 32 pound freerider may not be a good choice for a 40 mile XC adventure ride.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail is for sissies...
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtail! they dont bob, not as much to break on them, alot lighter, dont cost as much to fix, and fs is for pussies
WINNER: Hardtail
i have a azonic evolution hard tail and this machine can do it all because i will put one suspensom fork qhit 170mm but mi frame work max whit 130mm
WINNER: Hardtail
penis
WINNER: Hardtail
is 100ml travel on my fork good?
WINNER:
Hatdtails are for realy men! FS's are for girles so if ur a FS guy CHANGE!! (Plus HT'are more reliable, more light and easier to take apart and put back together) ITS DA WAY TO GO!
WINNER: Hardtail
Suspension is for everybody.
Better equipement makes u better.
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtail is the best for those with skill
WINNER: Hardtail
There is a world out there and we enjoy doing anything.
Purely XC race is out of our mind. We dont want a champ or race for time. For us Going Light weight is = to weakness to frame less metal parts.
We want to do free ride plus XC plus plus down hill.
Hard tail is not for us.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Because they are more light and u can buy a saddle suspension
WINNER: Hardtail
I agree "Annoyed a weekend warrior from Canada". Now I would like to talk to you about JESUS.
WINNER: Tie
Anyone who picks one over the other is being rather short-sighted and clueless and no better than a religious fanatic who tries to shove their beliefs down other people's throats.
Now, I respect those who speak for their personal taste and own riding requirements, but there are others who don't have the common sense to qualify their answers properly. Many of you generalize, and make sweeping statements. Those morons with their idiotic "full-suspensions are for wimps" statements.
For example, what would an XC guy from Austrailia know about freeriding on BC North Shore mountains? You really think the situation and requirements are the same? In addition, rear suspension is NOT for keeping your ass from getting sore. If your ass is getting sore on any type of bike, try to learn how to stand up ride! Full suspension is about shock absorption which means more control.
Some of you don't even recognize that different disciplines of mountain bikes and riders have different requirements. That would be like expecting a Ducati sportbike to be able to race in motocross, or a NASCAR to win a Formula One race.
If you're a cross-country racer generalizing about how hardtails are better because they are lighter, have you considered that a weekend warrior downhill rider doesn't give a flippin' f*** how much his bike weighs? He's driving or taking a ski-lift with his bike to the top of the hill for God sake.
Conversely, for you freeriders who say full-suspensions are better because you can do bigger stunts. What the hell would a cross country racer care about if he(she) can/can't do a 20 foot drop? It ain't gonna happen in an XC race. He (she) is more concerned about being able to ride continuously for 2+ hours and grinding efficiently up 60 degree grades littered with babyheads and thick roots without his(her) bike jumping around like a pogo stick.
It's about having the proper tool for the proper job which a lot of you totally ignore. The way some people think, they would take a knife to a gunfight!
And let's all grow up and stop it with the hardtails are for real men, and full-suspensions are for wimps bullshit. Some of you people need to learn to be open minded and appreciate all the different styles of MTB riding and bikes required for them.
It takes balls for a guy on a full suspension Santa Cruz Bullit to do a 15-20 foot drop, just as it takes physical and mental toughness to grind a hardtail Litespeed titanium XC bike in a 24 hour Adrenaline race.
When guys like Tom Ritchey, and Gary Fisher pioneered mountain biking there was none of this bull. It was all about going out and pushing your bike to the limit. Now it's become all about being a technogeek and having the latest fashionable brand names, most expensive bike on the block, and seeing who has the nicest color coordinated racing outfit and matching helmet.
WINNER:
I am greed to do everything and ride anywhere, a full suspension all mountain bike is a must.
All mountain is now the in thing now combine of full sus and hardtail ride characteristic.
WINNER: Full Suspension
My hardtail performs as well for me as the expensive full susp bikes. It's the rider not the bike! I think you get more of a full body workout on the hardtail too.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hi guys, just here to say that hardtail looks to me the best.
Lighter, precise and efficient.
I ride hardtails more than 12 years now and I use my bike almost everiday.
I'm a spinning instructor as well, so I know about bumping the lower back million of times but still I cannot feel to go to FS.
Since I'm a 42 years old guy I can even tell that hardtail keeps you young.
Noway I go to FS except, maybe, living in the middle of the mountains, rocks and creeks everywere...
I just bought a brand new KTM teammachine hardtail bike..just take a look www.ktm-byke.at
Enjoi your riding and pls excuse my english
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails and full suspension are nearly the same but the hardtails are the best because all the people with dual are puusies becauses they dont want there ass to get sore
WINNER: Hardtail
Full suspension is much better on downhill fire roads which have bumps and rocks every where. I mean I have gone up the same trail with a hard tail but it felt like I went to jail and was too popular the next morning. FULL SHUSPENSION KICKS A$$
WINNER: Full Suspension
use to be riding a hardtail but now swap to full sus.
Just one think, do tried them all than decide which suspension bike to buy. Hardtail is value for money and light weight u wouldnt be disappointed but if u get a good designed suspension bike u are near to perfection.
WINNER: Tie
Full suspension is much better. Getting a full suspension made rocky hills feel like smooth pavement. I can't even ride a hardtail on flat gravel without getting a headache from the vibration now--I guess since I'm so used to having the suspension. I won't go back to a hardtail.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtail: No mater how you cut it Parts left out cost nothing and never cause problems. In other words there are fewer things to break on a Hard tail
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail: No mater how you cut it Parts left out cost nothing and never cause problems. In other words there are fewer things to break on a Hard tail
WINNER: Hardtail
I have one of each. When I race or I am out with the guys, I know I am going to end up doing something dumb (too fast, 8 foot drop, etc) so when I am trying to dodge trees and rocks at 20 mph, I rely on my hardtail. Don't get me wrong, full suspension is great, but for more power and better handling, go hard.
WINNER: Hardtail
I have one of each. When I race or I am out with the guys, I know I am going to end up doing something dumb (too fast, 8 foot drop, etc) so when I am trying to dodge trees and rocks at 20 mph, I rely on my hardtail. Don't get me wrong, full suspension is great, but for more power and better handling, go hard.
WINNER: Hardtail
hard tail all the way rear suspension's are for rich people that want more stuff to break
WINNER: Hardtail
HT for nwo..
but as those new brain rear shocks improve... ill go for them.
WINNER:
I just want to offer some good advice for you to decide which is better on your own. After discussing the matter with fellow physicists, we determined that the front shock absorber on a hardtail bike actually provides some suspension in the rear. Think of it this way. You're riding along, and suddenly the rear tire hits a bump in the road. This causes the rear end of the bike to jump upwards. At the same time, your weight is pushing down on the pedals. This together creates a torque about the axis of the bottom bracket, causing the front end of the bike to dip downwards. In other words, your weight pushing downwards on the bottom bracket acts like a pivot point, so when the rear end rises, the front end dips down. So every time the back tire hits a bump, the front dips down, and the front shock absorber moves. If the shock absorber moves, then "shock" is being "absorbed", so the front shock actually absorbs some of the movement in the rear tire. This is a great advantage of hardtails.
WINNER:
RE: Comment by crashman below.
No disrespect intended since I love hardtails, but in defense to the guys who ride full-suspensions with your "Real men ride [hardtails]" remark.
In Canada we have a weekly sports show series called "Drop In" (www.dropintv.com) which follows a group of the top, most X-treme freeriders riding the most difficult terrain in Western Canada.
If you've ever seen Tyler Klassen do his 30 foot drop on his full-suspension, or have seen Steve Romaniuk jump his Specialized Big Hit over a road gap, I think you would re-evaluate your definition of "Real men", or having b*lls.
WINNER: Tie
Hardtail rulez. Doesnt rob the power. Execellent for technical climbing. Real men ride it.
WINNER: Hardtail
There is no simple answer in the HT vs. FS debate anymore.
At the first, the answer was a bit more clear-cut.
For downhill/freeriders, you learned on an inexpensive hardtail and did beginner trails, then moved up to a full-suspension when you were willing to invest more money in mountain biking, and were prepared to face more challenging rides.
XC'ers may have stuck with HT's to save weight, but FS is getting much lighter for XC use.
Now the answers are more complex. Aside from mountain biking styles which rely on hardtails (like trials) there are a group of hardcore riders who live and die (oops, I meant live and ride) on hardtails.
Call them cultish, call them hardcore, outlaws, etc. This group lives to push the envelope to see how hard they can ride on the hardtail. They enjoy the punishment, pounding, the agony and ecstacy of doing it all on a hardtail.
The truth is that shredding down a trail on a hardtail offers different challenges than on a full-suspension. To some it's an adrenaline rush, while to others it may be unnecessary suicide.
It all depends on your personal MTB objectives, and opinions. "Whatever turns your crank", as they say.
It's like comparing freediving (diving as deep as you can in the ocean without the aid of an air supply), to PADI scubadiving (using a tank, mask, flippers, dive-watch, etc.). They're both about swimming in the ocean, but are very different disciplines. One does it to see how far they can go without technology, and the other sees how far technology can take them.
WINNER: Tie
I think MTB riding is RHYTHM. and hardtail bike is more RHITHMICAL. So I like hardtail rhythm than full suspension bikes.
WINNER: Hardtail
correction: hardtail is better for the beginners, xc racers, and the value minded.
most trail riders and "black diamond" freeriders may be happier with fs bikes.
for down hill racers, fs is a must...
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtail is better for the beginners, (xc or dh) racers, and the value minded.
trail riders (with a "fat" purse) may be happier with fs bikes
WINNER: Hardtail
A hardtail is better for the beginner since it teaches - or forces - them to learn proper body positioning, stand-up riding, and a feel for the trail.
However, as the rider progresses to tackle more difficult trails (free-riding) and fast descents, they will definitely want to upgrade to a full-suspension which is not only stronger, but safer for the rider.
For those people who like to go up mountains, as well as down, and want to try challenging trails, then a good "all mountain" bike, like a Specialized Enduro, is probably a good choice.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Here in Northeren California, climbing's the thing so I'll take a light hardtail any day. Full Suspension bikes are great for Downieville, etc. but no fun on nasty uphills. FS technology is clearly getting better by the year but are they really neccessary for firetrail/singletrack riding?
WINNER: Hardtail
i perfer the hard tail on the skinnes and in tight bushes cuz i get that layed back sensation and i intened to fall. but when hitting drops and really ruff trane i wished i had a back shock. but its what even floats your boat.
WINNER: Hardtail
Full suspension it give more balls to hit those hills
WINNER: Full Suspension
WHATEVER YOU HAVE? SOFT/HARD! JUST AS LONG AS YOUR ON THE TRAIL RIDING! ENJOY.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I like hardtails and FS. So I bought a Giant NRS. Wow, what a machine. You really can't tell you're on a FS rig untill you hit rough terrain. These bikes are amazing! Now, my hardtail and dually are both collecting dust. I got my cake,and I'm eatin it too.
WINNER: Tie
Depends on the type of riding yor doing.
WINNER: Tie
Both are good for totally differnt kinds of riding. full suspension is awesome for going fast down technical trails. hardtales rule for jumping and urban riding. why choose when you can just have 2 bikes?
WINNER: Tie
FS absorbs all shocks and allows rider and bike to travel in the direction. Its not a matter of FS is better than hardtail, its a matter of which FS suits one. All marketing hype to cash in on consumer gullibility.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I belive that both HT and FS have there own niche. Personally, I'm going to vote for HT just for the simple fact that you can get a very good bike for 1k where as 1k would buy you a tank of a FS...of course that's brand new everyone.
I can't stand bombing trails and down hill riding is annoying to me. I much prefer climbs where I'm reducing the cholesterol, damn cholesterol. DH'lling is absolutely a FS requirement, but again, my riding pushes me towards HT.
WINNER: Hardtail
I had a giant XTC hardtail. Not much fun on the aggressive singletrack around here. I then went to a Gian AC f/s. Great bike lots of travel but heavy as hell. I then found the joys of a long travel hard tail Haro escape 8.3. A few up grades and this baby rocks. It will do everything I want a bike to do. I do put a real soft seat on when I do epic rides. With the 2.6 tires on it and the Psylo I can climb and decend. I have since got into duel slalom races. I am just starting it though.
WINNER: Hardtail
If you want to break your rims and frame doing massive drop offs then stick to hard tail. If you want to wear licra, have flat bars, stupid helmet and shiny SPD's and wreck your knees doing a million miles uphill then stick to hardtail. Just 'cause a bikes called a mountain bike doesn't mean you have to ride up them. Coming downs a lot more fun. Yes, hardtail gives you excellent feedback and helps you learn the trail but after a while you ain't going to progress. I've ridden both and for sheer fun then FS rules and you don't have to take all those buck-offs on massive landings.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Actually it depends on what is the "JOB"! If you really like MTB, better have them both. I can't compare apples from oranges so I have them both!
WINNER: Tie
Well FS all the way if you do what I do. But if your just starting out learn on a HT
WINNER:
What's a Downhiller?
WINNER: Hardtail
After reading all these comments about HT & FS (infinite infos). I can see the difference between both bikes (reading & riding). I was going to buy FS, but now I might stay on HT for now and see what happens. It�s really up to you (rider) on what sort of riding you do.
My opinion/experience:
For pedaling = HT (advantage)
Descending = FS (advantage)
Though I must admit the FS do look cool compare to HT but..! I can honestly say I�m HAPPY with my HT. As long as your HAPPY as Larry, then you got it made!
YOUR CHOICE �..
P.S. ppl stop bitching on HT & FS, action & fun speaks louder than words/writing.
WINNER: Tie
Used to ride FS, but got so damn tired of cleaning, lubing, fixing squeaks, repairing, etc. Major time drain and it started to kill my buzz. Now I just ride full rigid single speed. Nothing to break or clean, super light rig, makes you stronger than shite (physically & mentally), and people leave you alone because they think you're freakin nuts.
WINNER: Hardtail
everyone and i mean everyone should start on a hardtail. it is the only way to truely develop good mountain bike skills, the reason people's butts and backs hurt is because you are not in the best of shape and lots of climbs in general stress the lower back. i love my hardtail and i have a full suspension bike too, but guess what i am selling it because it collects dust. my hardtail climbs better and just handles better. i can also do better trials type tricks on it as well. it is the best all around bike. the full suss, looks dumb on the street, i can go from the street doing trials, to trail riding in the same day on the same bike. so i would have to definatly say hardtail. full suspension is for when you are ready to throw away your youth and ride a sofa.
WINNER: Hardtail
fs... even tho hardtails are awsome, full suspension doent hurt your balls as often :)
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtails kick ass!!! they are shit loads fasters, and easier to pedal
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtails rule because I don't feel like I have control with full suspension
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails rock for ridin around town, but when you take ur HT bike actually ridin the rough shit ur ass and balls hurt like a mofo i even got seatpost suspension but it doesnt get the job done like FS
So save up a couple bucks and and do some real mountain bikin with a FS
more comfortable and handle much better. Ive had my share of harsh wipe-outs on hardtails. So im goin with the good FS bikes they r mint
WINNER: Full Suspension
4 years ago= hardtail
new technology= lighter, stiffer, plusher, faster
today= fs
WINNER: Full Suspension
hardtails might be hard, and alittle unconfortable, but they are very precise. and most important, is that they dont break down, i mean THEY DONT BREAK.
actualy they do, but keeps my wallet thicker ;)
WINNER: Hardtail
I ride aggressive technical singletrack on a dually.They climb as fast with more traction than a hardtail and you can relax and go faster back down.Those who say that duallys are heavy pigs are smoking crack.My 5 inch travel bike weighs 25 pounds-the same as typical $1500-$2000 hardtails.Ever try a 6 foot drop on a hardtail?
Ride faster, harder,and longer on a dually.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I think it really depends on the type of riding you do and your pocket book :-) I have a FS Haro, about 7 years old, weighs 35 lbs, it sure is a blast to ride downhill and singletrack (as long as there's not to much uphill). And for long rides, I think I'd die on a hardtail. I've just started adventure racing, so far I've had about a 5 hour ride, a 6 hour ride and a 12 hour ride. 12 hours on a hardtail - ooh baby! But my bike was so heavy that also tired me out alot - there was quite a bit of hike-a-bike!
That gets me back to the main point, what type of riding do you do. I really want a sub-25lbs bike for those long rides and hike-a-bikes, I'm also a big guy and getting older - I've really debated this issue. We'll like others have said, if you have some money you can get a a 20-25lbs FS designed for cross-country with SPV technology. I rode a Titus Racer X last week, sub 25lb bike, 3 hour ride in rough, rocking terrain, up and down, XC type riding, it was like riding a "dream", man was that bike sweet. It was light, agile, handled excellent, soaked up the big hits and rock gardens, and climbed like a goat! I was climbing stuff I usually have to walk up.
Yea, it's alot of money, but I plan on owning/riding this bike for many years - so after about a year of this debate - I'll for for FS!!
WINNER: Full Suspension
I live a mile from a state park and pretty close to Mt. Spokane where I ride every weekend and I like the idea of feeling the trail.I also am up a hill then down the hill.For me I love My Diamondback H.T. Its feels good.I see the downhillers struggle going up hills at the mountain,then they drink beer so hmmm.anyway love my hardass hardtail.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtail much funner for urban assault/trials and jumping
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtail all the way, dude
WINNER: Hardtail
When I'm racing, I'm going full bore and I definately get fatigued. It's nice to be able to recover on the downhills (sitting) and still go as fast or faster than hard tailers. I lock-out when I climb anyway.
WINNER: Full Suspension
It all depends on the kind of mtb you ride, I would say.
My first bike was a hardtail (Cadex), but then I changed to FS (first a Klein Mantra and now a Giant NRS). They feel great, they look great and give some features the hardtail didn�t had.
They are a bit heavier but that is nothing that I worry about. I just see it this way: Heavier bike = Stronger legs ;-)
I think I will never go back to a hardtail, after I have had my fullies.
WINNER: Full Suspension
i started riding a ht two years ago. Beginging on a ht definitly makes you learn the basics, which is essential in mt riding. i recently purchased a fs, although i have not rode it yet, i expect it to be an awesome experience. All the fun of mt biking coupled with technology can only make the experience orgasmic.
WINNER: Tie
full sus weighs a ton and is ridiculously expensive for something tasty
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail pride.
WINNER: Hardtail
I think that every possible argument has been said by now, but I'll add my 2 cents anyways. I've been riding my good ole hardtail for several years now. I just went through an ordeal of buying a new bike. I test rode all sorts of FS rides, and all I can tell you is that they all felt slow. They might be more comfortable, they might give your more confidence, they might have better traction, but the feedback the bikes gave while riding them was so dull. It could be that I am just used to the imediate response of my bike to the alterations of the terrain, for which I have become dependent on. Anyways, bottom line is, when you look at a full breed sports car and compare it to a family sedan, you don't get the ac, the 100 speaker stereo, recliner seatc etc. you get performance, and that's exactly what I love about my ride.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails dont matter anymore
WINNER: Full Suspension
both have their reasons. ahrdtails are really good a urban, trials, dirt jumps , and other things of that nature. but the fs has a huge advantage on long ride were you have to stay in the saddle for a long time or are need because the terrian in so hard to ride because of rocks and other things.
i would also like to say that i have cracked 2 fs frames and 0 hardtails. i would also like to see a hardtail DH compatition to be expanded into a much bigger class, because a hardtail DH bike can be had for less than $1500.
so like i said both have that strong points.
the hardtail is not dead it is just changing applications
WINNER: Tie
FS bikes obviously go faster over rocky/rooty trails. Points to consider (fyi I'm a XC expert racer): in slick conditions they are almost an unfair advantage on climbs or bumpy corners; long descents on a hard tail tire your legs, but FS lets them recover on descents; you feel tired more quickly on rough trails with a hardtail since your body has to act as a shock absorber; FS requires extra maintenance; FS bikes absorb some of the blow in crashes, saving your wheels some damage; all other things equal, wheels on a FS bike stay true longer; can bunny hop objects easier on a FS, but can get higher on a hardtail. Also, see the review below by digifine, I totally agree.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Like digifine said, there are reasons for both. I have a cross country/trials bike with 4" of rear travel, and a DH bike with 7" of rear travel. I disagree that starting on a FS means you don't learn or use as much skill, though. Heh, just try trials on a full suspension bike, you get some skills--and it's crappy to say the least. As soon as I have money, I'm gonna get a P.2 frame for trial. Anyway, both FS and HT have their uses. But softails are Satan's tools! Burn them all!!
WINNER: Tie
To be honest, there are reasons for both. I think its very important to start MTB on a hartail, as this teaches good bike handling skills as well as the ability to pick good lines. Too often it seems people go out and buy a high zoot FS bike, without having learned the fundementals by doing their time on a HT. furthermore FS will never replace HT's for trials, Dirt Jumping, and technical urban terrain or 4x.
On the other hand, FS bikes can make a good rider more capable. they are essential to the DH race course and give confidence on 'freeride' type terrain. Not to mention just plain fun. For all those whining about 'bob' or not feeling the terrain have obviously not ridden a well setup FS bike. especially with the advanced 4bar and VPP designs coupled with SPV, the only reasons left to ride a HT are listed above.
WINNER: Tie
After years of resisting a switch from the hard tails, my first weekend on my SC Superlight had me wondering what took me so long to switch! I am riding as harder and longer and enjoying it more with full suspension.
WINNER: Full Suspension
more extreme hurts more
WINNER: Hardtail
hmm, but still i would stick with hardtail, more funn. stronger feeling
WINNER: Hardtail
i really apreciate hardtalis, and respect them. but the point is that fs bikes are really cheap here (almost same price as ht's in worldwide, mabye cheaper). what would you do if u can get a Azonic Eliminator at the price of US450. eventhough u can get dj frames from Kona at the price of 60 bucks US.
face the reality, if fs where cheaper arround there, everyone would get one. why u think motocross bikes have a lot of travel?, almost every thing that goes fast arround, has some suspension.
ht's are fun by the way, but i saw some crazy guys doing some trials on their fs on street riding, fs are harder to get stable, but it trains you to get more stable, with all that travel.
i ride dual F/R 4" travel for downhill, so that it doesent make me feel far from ht's. anyway ht's are oldschool and they look better, but im not oldschool.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtails...Full Suspension...why hasn't anyone designed a rear suspension only bike? (Would that be a "hardnose"?) I ride primarily cross country and it seems that with the bulk of my weight on the rear wheel it would be easy to design a bike with some sort of rear suspension, there by soaking up most of the trail, while keeping the front end light and agile. Would it perform better? Maybe not, but it may provide a more comfortable ride with out all the extra expense and weight of the front suspension. Someone build me one and I'll be glad to test it!!! In the interest of science, of course. It just seems to me that somewhere amongst the anatomy, physiology, and physics involved, coupled with the centrifical force of wheels and pedals spinning, weight transfer, and overall efficiency between human anatomy and machine, we're not really tapping into anything more than marketing and sales, as opposed to an overall more effective combination of man and machine
WINNER: Tie
http://www.olderwomensex.org
WINNER:
I have both. Klien attitude and a Fisher Sugar 1. Love them both. If the trail has a lot of little steps drop offs or rocky downhill I use my Sugar. If the road isn't scattered with lots of rocks and big drop offs its the hardtail. Yet, the hardtail is just plain out more fun to ride. It's a hard choice but i have to go 49% to 51%.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails rock! it's what riding is all about--you're in control, no letting the bike do all the work for ya in the tech. although i'm thinking when i get older, slower, fatter, and much much more stupid i'll probably like full suspension bikes too.
WINNER: Hardtail
fs is for people that insist on sitting down and like something up their ass. your legs are great for rear suspension, get off your seats and ride. if you sit the bike it will control you, if you stand you're the one in control. i wont ride a frame over 16" and my seat is always down. hardtails will teach you the best skills for bike control, etc. a fs will allow the shityest rider to think he has some skill. learn on a ht, then find a good fs if u absolutly need to sit ur fat ass down. your bike isn't a lazyboy, its a bike, get up and have fun
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail with a Marzocchi and a big fat rear tire.
Suspension seatpost if you want to sit your butt down.
Plenty of plush!!
WINNER: Hardtail
Just bought a new bike in September and debated this question. Ended up with a Specialized Epic Comp with the 'Brain' and I love it. It gives you the best of both worlds as it is primarily hard but releases when needed. This is the future!!
WINNER: Full Suspension
I turned my Hardtail into a Single Speed commuter. Great for getting around town. I doubt I will ever choose to race a hard tail over my FS unless forced at gun point. Even in that harsh situation I'd argue for the FS.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I have ridden both in the desert wasteland of Arizona. My ass, balls and back all thanked me when I bought a FS.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtails take care of business after rear shocks and pivots blow.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails forever, get a proper bike you soft-ass junk monkeys!
WINNER: Hardtail
Get a Giant NRS1 or 2. Full suspension bike with hardtail acceleration. For competition use, I cannot imagine riding anything else.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I own both,and like both, but if I was forced to choose between the two, I'd have to go with the Hardtail.
WINNER: Hardtail
Full Suspension gives you more controll which makes a person feel more comfortable and more willing to go faster and also makes a person a better rider in general. I recently went to a FS bike and I am glad I made the switch.
WINNER: Full Suspension
no question. i'd have to go with full suspention bikes
WINNER: Full Suspension
At my age(61)comfort comes before performance. AWAY before! In addition FS goes a long way towards making up for my lack of technical skills. FS is changing so quickly now with the advent of SPV that everyone is going to have to reconsider their answers to this question every year or so. However, for me this is a really easy choice - FS all the way.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I have one of each but I like the fullsuspension better for compfort reasons
WINNER: Full Suspension
I have one of each but I like the fullsuspension better for compfort reasons
WINNER: Full Suspension
a hardtail suits my riding style best. when I get older, I will want a more comfortable ride. I will just go a little slower on very rough descents. I am all about faster uphill
WINNER: Hardtail
i ride a norco hard tial and find them a lot more easer and enjoablr to ride there better for jumnping,manuls,trialsand single track and a bit of downhill but not to extreme freeride toowoombas not the red bull challange
WINNER: Hardtail
Technology and money are no substitute for lungs and legs. Worry about the VO2 max first and then jump on a hard tail for XC. If its torque you are looking for, there is no substitue for hardtails.
WINNER: Hardtail
This is a tough one.....and there is no right answer. You need to pick a bike on your riding style. The suspension on a bike smooths the ride, but what if there are no bumps? Then you can do with a hardtail to take the trails. I have owned both and now am sporting a hardtail....there are just some trails that i dont attack anymore, too rough. BUT the bike does not bounce when pedaling.....make your own call........
WINNER: Tie
Its super cheap, light, is fast and simple. Just poor think u dont know how to appreciate it. Good luck.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hey, at 54 why not take all the advantages you can? Personally I'd like to see a FS under 20lbs. They do require more maintenance due to those pesky bushings. I've got an idea, use sealed bearings! In the rocky east a FS bike gives you an advantage. I can definitely ride though rocky terrain easier and therefore faster on a FS bike.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Hardtail and FS are form of transports. Your body and Skill is the best technology money cant buy. Dont blame your bikes for damages, is the skill that comes in now.
WINNER: Hardtail
I ride a crap rig but it gives a smooth ride for a budget bike the other day my mate buckle his scott hardtail on a the smallest jump ever! then i jump it and land without too much damage
WINNER: Full Suspension
Dont be ridiculous, I have tried most of the FS bikes.
Tell u the truth other than top patent models the rest are a pile of shit. Whats the point of FS technology trying to get rear stiff and claim near perfect to hardtail no bob pedal when I already got a perfect 100% of solid steel hardtail hook on ground.
Do yourself a favour try a Ti or scandium this weekends and compare the FS. Have a nice Day.
WINNER: Hardtail
I've had some of the best hardtails and full suspension bikes and I gotta say that I still ride hardtails. I just can't get used to the suspension.
WINNER: Hardtail
I switch to full suspnsion this year, and I love it. The full suspension is more responsive in technical stuff compare to the hardtail. I ride in mostly hilly terain and I found that the full suspension give you more traction on those thecnical climb.
WINNER: Full Suspension
No argument. After riding/racing my Ti Dean HT for 7 years, I just rode a Specialized FSR XC. Revolutionary! It is only 2lbs more than my Ti bike. It climbs over rocks better. I can padal on flats faster due to no butt bounce. My back doesn't hurt after 2hrs. I am not embarrassed about not having to study terrain to pick smoothest line! I can actually lift my head up and look at the nature around my rather then being worried about the rocks below.
WINNER: Full Suspension
if your after a do-it-all bike then hardtails are the go.
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail all the way.....
WINNER: Hardtail
Question: If u have an obstacle infront of you happen to be a pile of shit, which bike will you use FS or HT. The HT frames itself weights 1.3kg, FS frame is 2.7+ kg. U prefered to Fly over using the HT or FS.
Here is where your skill comes in for me I will use the HT to flick over the shit. Not to mistaken for FS they will also can do the job but I am not confident enough as weights count when you fly. Got it. We Ht riders sometimes fly over obstacles than FS going over it.
So if you open your mind wider and make good use of your skill than technology is nothing.
WINNER: Hardtail
Ok, after reading all this garbage about FS or HT, I need to add my .02 cents. I have been riding mountain bikes since '89, I've ridden all types of suspension. They both have their merits. I still own and ride my rigid front, steel HT up, down, and all around. Raced a few in between, both XC and DH. I still get a big grin on my face at 31 yrs old when I kick the trash out of a whole lot of FS, or front suspension HTs either up or especially down...really fast down, like pass 'em with abandon off the singletrack trail fast. It's all about the skill to thrill ratio! I may fold some day and get that 5" marzocchi fork, so I can do all that sick air stuff on my ride that I do on the MX. P.S. I must confess, I do own a $5 girvin flex stem, to take .25 inches of the edge out. This is a fun 1on1, though! Get out and ride and prove it to your FS or HT counterpart which is best. We all know it is the heart, not the steed that matters most!
WINNER: Hardtail
For bigginers, first learn the skills on a hardtail, then in a few years stop and think, if you really need a (FS).
I've seen people who buy FS because they look cooler or whatever the magazine are selling you.
ive heard a story like the one on almost the top of this page
of a guy who bought bikes at WALMART and finished in 6th or 7th place on races of more than 30 racers.
the day i find a FS that performs as well as a HT, ill think about it.
WINNER: Hardtail
If i got a full suspention for the amount i paid, it would suck major ass. i dont see the need for it. see my legs, i have that much rear travel(more than 8" trust me). so all the guys who cant ride, go for some full suspention. i do think that a dually would be good for downhill and huge drops to flat or nearly flat(which is bad anyway). one of my friend's bought a full because "he could sit down while he rides" what a fag.
WINNER: Hardtail
i ride a super xc modified specialized enduro (full xt/xtr, Mavic Crossroc, xt disk, thomson post/stem, easton low rise bars and more), i race expert/elite in my age group. Full suspension is definatley nice in the longrun, i used to have a hardtail so i have built up the skills over a while. i set my suspension really somewhat hard for my races. mind u, if you go for full suspension and your racing, then you gotta spend quite a bit. my rear shock is worth 600 alone. bottom line: its great owning an enduro, and i will soon be buying a 04 S-works enduro BRAIN shock for to replace my old shock.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I think both are good. If you are racing you probably want a hardtail, unless its a super long race. If you are just riding XC for fun its nice to have a FS bike.
WINNER: Tie
The match is tie because it depend on what you do with your bike.
WINNER: Tie
Depends.
XC competition - hardtail
XC recreation - full susp.
Technical trail - either
Dirtjumping - either
Urban/trials - hardtail
Freeriding moderate - either
Freeriding hardcore - full susp
Downhill - full susp
I will say one thing. You need a higher level of skill to ride a hardtail because there is no suspension to correct your mistakes. I was riding technical trails well on my FS, and then I switched to a hardtail and discovered I sucked! The FS bike was doing all the work and my skills weren't that good.
Hardtails will push your skills more.
I have so much more respect now for hardtailer's skills who can huck their bikes.
WINNER: Tie
Just grab one, Rocky mountain hardtail. Never tried u never know. Of course FS is better but we dont need them for weekends. Got it? We want it super light and pay "0" attention to down hill. Absolutely "0" got it ( no decent ). Tell me if I need a FS bike just to run over afew stones, pebbles or branches it will be a laughing stock?
WINNER: Hardtail
I've had both. What's your pleasure? Ferrari or Cadillac? I personally like the Ferrari, but that's me.
WINNER: Tie
Hardtail.
Cheap.
light.
effecient.
durable.
low maintenance.
works better on road.
less parts to maintain/fail.
no worries about cable routing.
The only thing it lacks is the traction of fs, bumps are no issue. (most people go downhill standing on the pedals)I
WINNER: Hardtail
My hardtail took about two years off my life from the incesant beating. Got FS and instantly began to clear obstacles I couldn't clear on a HT. Most newer FS don't bob at all. With the advent of SPV, the hardtail is dead. It's like riding a horse instead of driving a car...
WINNER: Full Suspension
There isn't a winner for me, since I have both and ride both.
For XC ride/racing: Hartdtail with Flat Bar
For North shore/Whistler: Full Suspension.
WINNER: Tie
My friend rides a nice FS bike and we trade on and off. I like the fact that FS bike is a bit more forgiving when picking a line. I also like that it�s MUCH easier to bunny a FS. In fact the first time I rode his FS I bunny hopped a little to high and biffed the landing. He like the how quick and responsive my hardtail is. Hardtail gives the rider feed back about the trail and you feel more connected to the bike. Ever wonder why the best sports cars in the world have stiff suspensions. When you push your hardtail around corners you don't feel like the bike is going to wash out you feel in control. Most of my riding is technical X-Country riding and don't really do that much downhill. So that has a lot to do with my decision. On last thought too. When you learn on a hardtail you learn to do it right. If you don't you eat dirt.
WINNER: Hardtail
hardtails are the best in terms of energy to torque conversion. If you want EFFICIENT energy distribution through out your ride, you will be very frustrated with a ST, because, it moves: It was a mind of it's own! It's on automatic mode up or downhill!
But if you consider your legs as the engine, your mind as the engine management system and your hardtail as the means of delivering the quality of ride, then the choice is definitely hardtail, all the way.
As for injury, I can't understand the logic of it, I am pushing 40, I ride with a neoprene corset, it works just as well as a suspension system. As for downhill, I do admit, a hardtail is difficult to control, but you always have the option to slow down.
The choice for those who know themselves, the trail and their limits is definitely the hardtail. Keep life simple!
WINNER: Hardtail
Hardtail rules ! Most of the occasion is the rider skill than the bike itself. FS = driver aids; HT = no driver aids - go figure !!
Also HT more predictable around corners and lighter ! Anyone on a budget can enjoy !
I just upgraded (finally !!) from a old MTB with no shocks to a HT MTB, it rocks !!
WINNER: Hardtail
full is more comfortable and the rear tire keeps ground contact better{with most single pivot designs and cross country set ups}they are more expensive if you don't look for a deal ,i bought a brand new 2000 marin rock springs{complete bike}with a black elite fork for 700 dollars, that cheaper than many hardtails i've seen
WINNER: Full Suspension
Someone once told me a story about how he went riding years
ago on an awesome FS with some friends. Then another guy
came along on a crappy rigid bike in tennis shoes, and wooped
them all on the downhills (the guy who told me the story is by
no means a slouch himself). The bottom line? Suspension and
technology will never replace good bike skills. Unless you race
downhill seriously, its hardtail ALL the way.
WINNER: Hardtail
Dont be miss lead for budget buyers. Real FS bikes are expensive because of light materials and patend suspension technology used.
So forget it for budget buyers. Get yourself a bike of Easton tube or Ti made, will just enough for casual XC riding.
Bat u pay for 1st quality Ht bikes than so so FS bikes at the same price line. See those XC champ out there still using front suspension
bikes. So dont care about the rear?
WINNER: Hardtail
I like Cannondale scalple because it's a full suspension bike that the suspension can be locked out right from the handlebar switches so you have both and it's high craftsmanship very light but very expensive
WINNER: Full Suspension
I ride a bit of both n they all depend on wot sort of ridin ur doin. If im doin sum downhill then i use just front suspension or none at all cos i absorb the shocks on my legs and hold the fu*k on. If im off road then i use full suspension because though it is more expensive it gies me more speed and doesnt throw me off the bike which has happened to me on fs before
WINNER: Tie
fs very expensive and adds you weight you dumb son of a bitches ht is best
WINNER: Hardtail
Hard tails kick ass fs is for pussys
WINNER: Hardtail
It totally depends on your style, if you see your rear wheel bouncing 3 times in one second, go for the rear suspension, if not save your self a grand or two and just get front suspension. The compromise with rear suspension is power transmision and weight, I own both types, a Klein Mantra FS which is awesome when the terrain is rough, but it bites (other people with ligher bikes passing you) when riding on even terrain or hills. Besides if there are bumps on the terrain, get off the saddle and use your legs to absorb the shocks, what's the big deal, we all do that any way for stability so why the rear suspension. Also who in all his/hers sences is going to stop and adjust the rear suspension depending on the terrain (see you 3 mins behind me at the finish line). In my case I think I wasted $$$ mullah. Oh just thought about something else, narrow paths, quick turns, off the saddle swing that rear wheel... rear suspension is not predictable. Good luck and choose what ever suits your style...
WINNER: Hardtail
I ride a specialized enduro, and would never want to ride anything else. Depending on the trail I'm riding, I can ride the the suspension stiff or soft. The bike is still lighter than most of my friend's bikes (albeit more expensive), and since I'm not a pro, who cares? It'll be even less of an issue as the progressive shocks come down in price. FS hands down!!
WINNER: Full Suspension
hard tail is good for riding long distance but full suspension is way more fun you can adjust suspension on them to come close to the stiffness of a hard tail but off road they rule
WINNER: Full Suspension
I would have to say that if you're just going downhill, then a full springer does the trick; the extra weight works in your favor while the swingarm eats the bumps so you keep in control. But that's the limit.
In my honest opinion, for most terrain, the hardtail is champ. A front shock is really all you need to insure that your grips don't get torn out of your hands when you hit the bumps, the bike has far less weight so climbing is much easier, plus the fact that the rear swing on a full springer eats almost half your leg energy.
If you're still concerned about feeling bumps through your saddle on a hardtail, then wuss out and install a suspension seatpost.
WINNER: Hardtail
full suspension looks neater and gives you more bunny hop for drop offs
WINNER: Full Suspension
I think that mountain-biking is the closest thing to skiing/boarding in the summer. You dont see anyone on skis/boards with suspensions, do you? If your legs can absorb a 30ft drop on skis, then why would you need a full suspension on a bike? Some would say that its because you would break a rim or the frame. Well if you like to do that kind of stuff, then maybe a FS is for you. But if you don't plan on doing anything that would break your bike on the landing, then all you need is a Hardtail. Sure, the FS may be more comfortable, but you wont feel comfortable when you're going uphill, lugging your heavy bike uphill, while wasting a lot of enery from pedal-induced bobbing.
WINNER: Hardtail
I have been a devoted hardtail rider for 6 years now, but I am about to go full suspension. What no one has brought up in this argument is the rear lock-out. I have ridden full suspension out in Sedona, Arizona, and I will say that I was not impressed what soever about the performance of the bike. Yet I feel with the rear lock-out that I can ride the same terrain, but without the downfalls of the FS (other than the weight factor). Even when weight is put into the equation, most of the full suspension bikes weigh just about the same as a Hardtail. Anyway you put it, you are going to spend somewhere near a grand on a new bike, in which many of the full suspension bikes run about that range, give or take a few bucks. I feel the lock-out will show the best of both worlds, so I'm going to split the difference with the K2 Razorback.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I live in hilly terrain and a hardtail is definetly better for me. But I guess it really matters about your riding style. Everyone i know owns a hardtail. And the locals at my bike shop said hardtails were way better. Another plus is that they cost less.
WINNER: Hardtail
I live in hilly terrain and a hardtail is definetly better for me. But I guess it really matters about your riding style. Everyone i know owns a hardtail. And the locals at my bike shop said hardtails were way better. Another plus is that they cost less.
WINNER: Hardtail
I have a bmx influenced back ground and when I was a teenager I rode a Torker bmx and a rigid Norco nishiki bushwacker and I was doing all the same crazy shit on my rigid Norco as the f/s dudes are now. (minus the road gaps). The bottom line is bike skills people and Despite what the corporations are telling us you dont need a 4000$ fs to rip. I do however love to ride fs but hardtails will get you through just fine if you cant cough up the frog backs for a fs. If you are grappling between getting a hardtail or fs make a decision on what type of riding you are doing. If you are bmx influenced and like to jump and throw your bike around consider a hardtail like the Santa Cruz chameleon or Jamis Komodo. You just cant get the bmx feel from a fs like a hardtail. If you like downhills and serious hucking a fs is the way to go. Its all about the type of riding you do. I think its hilarious these days when I see so many people riding big travel bikes like the kona stinky and bullits and the hardest riding they are doing is off a curb on the way to the 7-11 for a slurpee. The most important thing is getting out on the trails not whether you are on fs or a hardtail. Nuff said.
WINNER: Tie
How am I supposed to pick ONE style...I ride everywhere all the time.
While full suspension is fun for the short time, I like to feel what the bike feels. If you know what your doing, a hardtail is all anyone (except Bender-style nutcases) will ever need. I spent three years going big on a 30 year old, department store XC, so I know how to land, and absorb the hit with my legs. HARDTAIL, NO contest
WINNER: Hardtail
Riding on some of the most root riddled ares i've ever seen makes you appreciate having more suspension. If your riding smooth track or road get a hardtail, If your riding offroad on lumpy bumpy places or singletrack with roots and logs get full suspension.
WINNER: Full Suspension
Depends on Use! Both wins! So I have both!
WINNER: Tie
Depends on Use! Both is wins! So I have both!
WINNER: Tie
Hardtail is the clear winner here, it easier to ride and more efficient and much lighter unless you pay more
WINNER: Hardtail
I think its clear that either type has its inherent advantages/disadvantages, and a decision of which one to choose is ultimately subjective. You need to consider a few things: 1) your riding ability - greenbacks probably don't need a FS bike...learn on a HT before "breaking the bank" (cheap FS bikes can be garbage...giving a loose and sloppy ride); 2) the terrain you NORMALLY ride - consider your technical riding needs...I ride a hardtail at on my locals trails here in Northern Ontario (fast, relatively smooth dirt, not many drops, singletracks with lots of up-and-downs). But when I took my bike down to southern Utah on a recent trip (hard, semi-smooth red rock...everywhere), I was rattling for hours after the ride was over! My riding buddy had a new FS bike and I borrowed it for awhile...the ride was drastically improved. So...the terrain is a huge factor to consider. If I lived in Moab, I would definitely have a FS bike, but my HT is great for here. 3) Intended use: Frequent racing? After-work assaults? Casual bi-monthly ventures? Obviously, you need to consider these things...if you only "need" a FS bike one or two days out of a year, you're probably better off to save your $$$..which brings me to the bottom line... 4) Cost: Is it really worth it to you to shell out the extra money for an equivalent-quality FS bike, or are you better off spending that money on a really killer HT? (or course, there are often sales and other deals)
...Lots to consider, but either way its still mud, its still gears, its still fun.
WINNER: Tie
Well, they're both a lot of fun. For most races, a hardtail will prevail, but that's because most race courses are set up for speed, for roadies on a mountain bike. If I am doing a 15 mile, 1.5 hour race, I'd probably choose a hardtail, but if I am out for a five our ride over a lot of roots and rocks, it's full suspension all the way. It's no question.
All you hardtail guys who crap on FS are ignorant. A good full-suspension bike is great for long rides.
It seems to me that the hardtail owners are much more defensive. Shoot, if suspension is bad, why do you have FRONT suspension? If it's about being tough, go fully rigid. If you do that, more power to you.
If I could have one bike, it would be a full-suspension, but I'd like to have both.
WINNER: Full Suspension
I think that full suspension is the best because you can advance to different terrain
WINNER: