Which is right for you?

Choosing between hardtail vs full suspension mountain bikes is a big decision. Both designs have fans for good reason. Each type works best in different situations. Whether you’re new to mountain biking or adding another bike to your collection, understanding these two designs will help you choose wisely.

What’s the Difference between Hardtail vs Full Suspension?

Let’s start with the basics. A hardtail mountain bike has front suspension (a fork) but no rear suspension. The frame is simple. It’s a traditional frame design with a suspension fork on the front. A full suspension bike has both front and rear suspension. It has a rear shock and a frame built with pivots. These pivots let the rear wheel move and absorb bumps. Let’s go into the specifics of hardtail vs full suspension mountain bikes.

Hardtail Mountain Bikes

The Good Points

You get more for your money – This is the hardtail’s biggest selling point. Without expensive rear suspension parts, you get a better bike for less money. A £1,500 hardtail will have much better parts than a full suspension bike at the same price. You’ll get a better drivetrain, brakes, and fork. For riders on a budget, this means you don’t have to compromise on the important parts.

Simple and reliable – Fewer moving parts mean fewer problems. There’s no rear shock to service. No suspension pivots to maintain. No linkage bearings to worry about. This makes hardtails great for riders who want to ride more and wrench less. Maintenance is simple. Look after your fork, keep your drivetrain clean, and you’re sorted.

Better for climbing – Hardtails shine when you’re climbing. When you’re grinding up a steep climb or powering along fire roads, the rigid rear end helps. Without rear suspension, all your pedalling power goes into moving forward. There’s no energy loss from suspension movement (called “pedal bob”). You’ll often pass full suspension riders on long climbs.

Lighter weight – Without a rear shock and extra frame parts, hardtails are lighter. They’re typically 1 to 2 kilograms lighter than similar full suspension bikes. You’ll notice this when carrying your bike upstairs, lifting it over obstacles, or speeding up out of corners.

Builds your skills – Learning on a hardtail teaches you a lot. Without rear suspension to smooth out mistakes, you learn better line choice. You learn to shift your weight properly. You master techniques like manuals and pumping terrain. Many pro riders say their hardtail days built the skills that made them faster.

Cheap to run – Over time, the savings add up. A full suspension bike needs a rear shock service every 50 hours of riding. That costs £100 or more. Plus regular pivot bearing maintenance. A hardtail’s running costs are minimal. This makes them brilliant for riders who ride a lot or want to save money.

The Bad Points

Rougher ride – Here’s the trade-off. Without rear suspension, every root, rock, and bump goes straight through the frame to your body. On rough, technical trails, this can be hard going. Your arms, hands, and lower back absorb all the impacts. After several hours on rough trails, you’ll definitely feel it.

Less grip on technical descents – When trails get really rough, a hardtail’s rear wheel bounces over obstacles. It doesn’t track smoothly. This means less control and confidence. The rear tyre spends less time touching the ground. You get reduced braking and cornering grip when you need it most.

Not for all terrain – Hardtails are capable bikes, but they have limits. Want to ride the local bike park? Tackle black-graded downhill runs? Ride extremely technical terrain? A hardtail will hold you back. They’re not designed for the most aggressive riding.

You get tired faster – The constant buzz and vibration from rough trails takes its toll. On longer rides with sustained technical sections, you’ll tire more quickly. This fatigue affects your concentration and bike handling. You might make more mistakes later in the ride.

Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

The Good Points

More comfortable – The rear shock absorbs trail chatter and bigger impacts. Comfort improves dramatically. You can ride longer and tackle rougher terrain. You’ll finish your rides feeling fresher. For riders who do big days or all-day rides, this comfort factor matters.

Better grip and control – The rear wheel stays on the ground over rough terrain. Full suspension bikes provide better grip for braking, cornering, and climbing technical sections. The rear tyre tracks obstacles instead of bouncing over them. You get more control and confidence, especially on descents.

Faster on rough descents – When the trail goes downhill and gets rough, full suspension bikes excel. You can carry more speed through technical sections. The suspension absorbs impacts for you. This lets you focus on line choice and bike control. You’re not just hanging on.

Does everything – A good full suspension bike is versatile. It’ll handle your local trails, weekend trail centre visits, and alpine holidays. This versatility makes them excellent for riders who want one bike for everything.

Easier on your body – For riders with back, wrist, or joint problems, full suspension makes a real difference. The improved comfort can be the difference between enjoying mountain biking and giving it up. The suspension absorbs impacts that would otherwise stress your body. This makes the sport more accessible long-term.

More confidence – When you know your bike can handle anything, you ride with more confidence. This often means faster riding and more fun. You’re not constantly worrying about whether your bike is up to the task.

The Bad Points

Much more expensive – Quality rear suspension systems cost a lot. You’ll typically need to spend at least £2,000 for a decent full suspension bike. Budget full suspension bikes often make compromises that hurt performance.

More maintenance – Rear shocks need regular servicing. Typically every 50 to 100 hours of riding for a basic service. You need a more thorough overhaul annually. Suspension pivots need checking and occasionally replacing. This adds up in time and money. You’ll need to be diligent about maintenance or pay for professional servicing.

Extra weight – Those extra parts add up. Even high-end full suspension bikes are noticeably heavier than similar hardtails. You’ll feel this extra weight on climbs and when moving the bike around.

Less efficient pedalling – Modern suspension designs have largely fixed this problem. But some energy is still lost to suspension movement when pedalling. Many riders use the shock’s lockout feature for smooth climbs and fire roads.

More can go wrong – More complexity means more potential problems. Seized pivots, blown seals, or a failed shock can end your ride. Quality suspension is generally reliable, but the extra complexity is worth considering.

Making Your Choice between Hardtail vs Full Suspension

Choose a hardtail if you mainly ride cross-country terrain, smooth singletrack, or gravel paths. They’re brilliant for riders on a budget who want quality parts. Great for those who value simplicity and low maintenance. Perfect for anyone focusing on fitness and climbing. Hardtails are also excellent for developing your skills or if you enjoy a direct connection to the trail.

Choose full suspension if your local trails are rough and technical. If you prioritise descending and comfort. If you want maximum versatility from one bike. They’re right for all-mountain and enduro riding, bike park visits, or if you’re willing to invest in a higher-end bike. Full suspension is also worth it if you have any physical issues that benefit from a more comfortable ride.

Many experienced riders end up with both types. They use each for its strengths. There’s no universally correct answer. Just the right bike for your needs, riding style, and local trails. Think about where you’ll ride 80% of the time. Let that guide your decision on hardtail vs full suspension mountain bikes. Both hardtails and full suspension bikes can provide years of brilliant riding.