You are getting ready to get out there and get you a mountain bike for riding pleasure, exercise or competition. One of the first questions you are asked, do you want a bike with full suspension? And then it happens, you stop, you stutter, and you realize you don’t know. But not to worry all your questions will be answered. And by the end you will know whether you want a full suspension bike or are you out to get a “hardtail” mountain bike.
The first thing to recognize is that there is a difference between “hardtail” and full suspension mountain bikes. Mountain bikes that have shocks only on the front wheel, have front suspension have earned the nickname “hardtail” because of the fixed rear end of the bike.
Full suspension bikes have front shocks and one or more rear shocks that provide suspension for the rear wheel. They are sometimes called “softtails”. If you are new to mountain biking, you might want to invest in a bike with full suspension. If you are thinking of taking your mountain biking experience one step further and get competitive, a full suspension bike is for you.
Hardtails
Hardtail mountain bikes are the pure mountain machines. Very few mountain bikes come without front suspension, so the minimum you are getting a hardtail bike, a bike with only front suspension.
When riding the hardest hits you will take are in the front wheel, so front shocks are your first line of defense against taking a beating on any trail. The front shocks also help you maintain control when negotiating bumps and turns along the way.
But the question is should you go for the full suspension mountain bike?
Full Suspension
Full suspension or FS bikes have front shocks and one or more rear shocks that provide suspension for the rear wheel. Like the front shocks, the rear suspension absorbs energy from bumps and landings. It also helps you keep control, by keeping your rear wheel on the ground. This improves your control when going down the hill and while climbing. It allows you to descend faster while maintaining control.
The full suspension also allows easier pedaling while maintaining your position on your seat. So no more standing up pedaling to get up the hill, the full suspension keeps you seated. With full suspension you are better in control and more comfortable, but also:
- Instant confidence boost for beginners because….
- More capability and versatility
- Faster on difficult trails especially those loaded with obstacles
- Increased stability in the bumps while descending
- Latest technology makes them more efficient
- Good choice for all types of racing
The full suspension bike will be heavier which means it will take more leg muscles, but hey that could also be looked at as getting more exercise in those leg muscles. The suspension on full suspension mountain bikes will also need to be serviced.
Hardtail and Full Suspension Mountain Bikes are Designed for Different Purposes
Other than personal preference which bike you should get depends on your riding style and the type of terrain you will encounter. There are, however, some general rules that will apply:
Going uphill: Hardtails will transfer pedaling power to the rear wheel more efficiently when going uphill.
The full suspension bikes make it easier to stay seated while pedaling. But remember because of the weight you will be using more leg power.
Going downhill: There is no question that the full suspension bikes have a clear advantage on bumpy, technical downhill trails. Are you a speed freak who thinks there is no downhill you cannot conquer? If you believe the more technical downhill trails means more speed, then you are tailor made for the full suspension mountain bike.
The full suspension bikes handle better and make you feel more comfortable on those steep downhill passages.
Maintenance: The hardtails will require less long-term maintenance. This is mainly because the hardtails have less parts to be maintained.
The full suspension bikes have a lot of pivots and linkages that will need periodic servicing. The rear shock will need new seals about every two seasons.
It is simple less components equals less to break down and less to maintain. The full suspension bike has more components than a hardtail.
Also think of cleaning your bike. When you have to clean a full suspension bike you have more parts to take apart and put back together again. Yep, a full suspension bike is going to be more of an annoyance to maintain.
Weight: It used to be hands down hardtails were much lighter than full suspension mountain bikes. But with the new technology in frames it isn’t hard to find a lightweight full suspension mountain bike, for a considerable price. In general however, the full suspension bike will be heavier because of the rear shock and the extra tubes and pivots.
Do I Need a Full Suspension Mountain Bike?
Personal preference, budget, average terrain you will encounter, and your objective will determine whether a full suspension is what you need.
Personal preference
I know as I get older the ability to be comfortable on long rides makes a lot of difference. Getting up a hill is challenge enough. The question is how much of a challenge are you in for? What is your preference when going on your mountain bike excursions?
Are you that thrill seeker who wants to go downhill at the fastest possible speed? The full suspension is your ride.
You might also consider the other mountain bike gear you might need.
Or are you just seeking a bike that requires little of you while giving you miles of wanderlust? Then a hardtail may be just what the doctor ordered.
There is no right or wrong answer here, it depends on what you prefer.
And your budget
A hardtail will be less expensive than a full suspension. If you are just beginning, you are going to be able to get more bike for your dollar with a hardtail.
But if money is no problem
What is the average terrain you will be riding over? Full suspension bikes will give you better traction and handling. If you are into riding the steep and obstacle laden descents, full suspension bikes will handle better and are more comfortable. This is also true if you are going on trails that are muddy, rocky and or have those sharp corner turns.
Mountain biking traditionalist will tell you that if you can ride a hardtail through any terrain you are the superior rider. While this may be true, the fact of the matter is hardtails are superior on smooth off-road and on road terrains.
Then what is your goal
Are you getting into mountain bike for the exercise or are you thinking of being competitive? If you are simply starting and want to see what you are capable of, starting off with a full suspension bike will make it seem easier, albeit more expensive.
But if you are looking for that challenge and want to see what you are made of (and are on a budget…seriously who isn’t) then a hardtail is not a bad start.
Lastly, if you just plan on trying out mountain biking before making a purchase you might consider renting a mountain bike first before you purchase.
Why a Full Suspension Bike?
The type of suspension affects the control, comfort and traction you have when riding. When riding a dual suspension bike you will have both a suspension fork up front and a rear shock. This will be invaluable to you if you are attempting to ride the technical trails.
If your idea of a leisurely mountain bike ride includes riding over rocks, riding through mud, and going over drops you have found your soul mate in the full suspension bike. The front and back suspension makes for a smoother ride, giving you better traction and handling.
The suspension on both the front and back is going to make it easier to ride corners, negotiate the steep descents and allows you to take control when you ride through the mud and over the rocks.
The full suspension absorbs most of the teeth shattering bumps you are getting on your leisurely ride. The absorption will allow you to ride through the technical trails faster and without feeling all those bumps you will also be more comfortable.
And More Than a Bike You Will Need
If you are going for the full suspension bike, there is more to consider than just the bike. It goes without saying you will be doing some pretty rough riding. So here are some essentials that are necessary:
Quality helmet: This hopefully is a no brainer. This may be even more important than the bike. Get a helmet that has a tough outer shell and soft padding inside. The padding protects you should something make it through the outer shell. It also should be keeping your head cushioned.
Invest in the helmet.
1. Riding gloves: Riding gloves protect you when you wipe out (and you will we all do) while it also improves your grip on the handlebars.
The best gloves will have thick padding on the palms, wrist and fingers. Try them on, they should be thick but not affect the motions of your hands and fingers.
Proper pedals: There are a couple of different types of pedals to consider. The two most common types of pedals are clipless and flat.
2. Mountain bike flat pedals are the most familiar type. They have no special clip or strap to keep your feet on the bike. For beginners’ flats are the best training pedal. But like everything there are good and bad advantages to using flats. The biggest advantage is that they don’t require special gear to use. You install and begin riding. Also if you need to bail, you just touch the ground.
The disadvantage is the lack of efficiency. Flat pedals don’t allow you to pull up on the pedals while climbing.
3. Clipless pedals are mostly used by experienced riders. The clipless pedals have springs that attach to a cleat on the shoe. A clip refers to a cage or strap that locks the top of the shoe into the pedal. But a caged pedal should only be used on commuter bikes never when mountain biking.
The biggest advantage is every stroke you take is more powerful and efficient. Your foot on the pedal remains the same every time you get on the bike because of your cleats being strapped into the pedal. The disadvantage is the learning curve and just try bailing on one quickly.
4. Footwear: It is important to match your footwear with your pedals. There are two basic types of shoes for mountain biking. One is designed for flat pedals and the other is designed for clipless models.
Shoes for flat pedals can be almost any sturdy shoe, from athletic footwear to thick boots. But if you have invested in the clipless pedals, you will have to get shoes that have cleats installed.
5. Hydration pack: Staying hydrated is one of the most important aspects of riding. You will be going up and over, down and around for long periods of time. Drinking water will keep you upright, cool and allow your body to go further.
A hydration pack carries the hydration bladder. Instead of carrying around bottles (most likely plastic so you are doing the environment a favor to…ya you) of water, the hydration bladder is filled up and slipped into a specially designed pocket in the backpack. It’s then attached to a hose that provides water quick and conveniently. Your hands remain on the handlebars, so you can rehydrate without stopping.
Most hydration bladders can hold three or more liters of water.
6. Protective glasses: You will be riding over the mountains and through the woods. That means debris flying up and tree branches looming down. Your eyes need to be protected. Protective glasses are worn just like any other glasses except they cover the entire eye are for maximum protection.
If you are riding through forest trails, use the clear glasses. Tinted glasses could prevent your from seeing obstacles.
7. Shin guards and elbow pads: I know it sounds like you are preparing for an ultimate hockey game instead of a bike ride through your favorite terrain. But wipe outs are a fact of life and shin guards and elbow pads feature thick padding combined with a layer of tough material like fiberglass. So when you fall (and you will) the fiberglass will absorb the force of the impact and spread it out, hopefully preventing fractures.
But neither will work if they are not fitted properly. The shin guard should fit over the entire front of the leg from the knee down to the ankle. Elbow guards only cover the elbow, without affecting your movements.
8. Mini bike pump: You will have a flat tire. Think about the terrain you are going over, a flat is inevitable but not terminal if you are prepared.
Mini bike pumps are small enough to carry in a hydration pack. Invest in a high-quality pump with a slightly bigger volume. Smaller pumps are easier to carry but can take a while to reach 35 psi.
9. Identification in case of an emergency: Always carry your ID with you when you ride. Grab a protective case that will keep the ID safe from sweat and dirt. Worst case having your ID will make it easier for you to get help should you need it.
10. Mobile Phone: You are not going to be texting while you are riding but should the worst happen and you have a serious injury from a wipeout, a phone can get you help quickly. Store your phone in the pocket of your hydration pack. It is there in case you need it.
Full suspension biking is about having fun in rough terrain. You want to be prepared for the worst while expecting the best.
Cost
The entry level full suspension mountain bikes start around $1500 and can soar to $10,000. There are reasons why mountain bikes and specifically full suspension bikes are so costly.
THE FRAME: The foundation of every bike is its frame. The quality of the frames can have a drastic effect on the performance of the bike. Most modern frames are constructed from carbon fiber. The carbon fiber frames are strong while being lightweight. The object is to take off as much bulk as possible from the frame. This will reduce the weight of the bike without sacrificing strength.
Carbon fiber frames consistently outperform frames made of aluminum.
DESIGNS: There is a constant evolution in the design of bikes, the better the design the more it costs. Past mountain bikes were minimalist. They were heavy and clunky. But as the sport has evolved and grown in popularity, the design of the bikes has improved to keep in step with the evolution of mountain biking.
Keeping up with a growing customer base includes making the bikes conform to the higher expectations of performance and safety. This is costly as better performance equates to better parts and being safer equals better designs.
RIDING EXPERIENCE: A better riding experience means a better-quality bike. As Hix magazine states, the most common components used with expensive bikes is a suspension system with high travel distances. These full-suspension bikes have a number of advantages compared to the hardtail options. When you invest in a full-suspension bike you will be able to tackle more challenging trails. The full suspension when paired with other expensive components, make a bike more than capable of handling the rugged terrain.
If you decide to go for a full suspension mountain bike you have to think of it as an investment. An investment in your health, an investment in your confidence and the knowledge that you are not buying a cheaper model only to have to later purchase a more expensive upgrade.
Saving
But if your wallet winces at the thought of the pricey full suspension while your heart wants one there are ways to save and get the bike you want.
1. The best way to save money is to build a mountain bike from scratch. The first step is choosing the style of riding you will be doing. The consider how much money you are willing to put into the project. Next go to your local bike shop to get help with the mechanics of the build. Not only can the guide you but they can tell you where to get quality used parts.
2. Focus on bikes that have solid essentials. Don’t just gravitate towards the sparkly loaded model. Some of what it has may not be what you need. You can survive and have a good time with quality frames, wheels, fork and brake system. Quality over sparkly.
You can save and still have a full suspension mountain bike, but the question is should you buy a full suspension mountain bike? Although it seems like an easy question it really isn’t. You are going to have to ask yourself some questions. Begin with the easy question, where are you going to be riding? Is this to satisfy your need for speed and downhills that seem more like an endless drop into oblivion or is this a bike for your commute to work and an occasional ride through the woods?
The progress into the more difficult question, how much money do you want to spend. While an affordable full suspension bike can be had, either by building your own or spending quality time scouring online and local bike stores, it remains that a hardtail bike will be less costly. A high-end hard tail will be equivalent in cost to a low end (really low end) full suspension. Is it worth the money if you aren’t going to be taking those downhills excursions on a regular basis?
And remember to include in your cost analysis the essential accessories you will need in addition to the bike. And speaking of additional costs, how much time and money are you willing to spend on the maintenance of your mountain bike? A full suspension mountain bike will require more maintenance and cleaning than a hardtail.
The choice is yours and although it doesn’t seem, so it is quite an easy choice to make. Ask yourself the questions, take a hardtail and a full suspension bike on a trial run, rent one for a day or two to see what you like. But ultimately it should come down to why you are buying the bike. Where you intend on riding the majority of the time and how much you are willing to spend in both money and time.