Hardtail vs Full Suspension Mountain Bike: What’s the Difference?
Whether you’re taking a break from city life or want a more adventurous way to get in tune with nature, mountain biking is the perfect activity to achieve those goals.
However, you may be considering getting into mountain biking but are unsure if a hardtail or full-suspension bike is best for you.
So what’s the difference? Hardtail mountain bikes have a front-suspension fork with no rear shock, allowing them to be lighter weight, more efficient while pedaling, and faster on climbs and smooth trails. Full-suspension mountain bikes have a front-suspension fork and a rear shock, allowing more stability in bumps, faster on difficult trails, and more versatility.
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all bike out there. Therefore, it’ll largely depend on where you’ll be riding. We’ll cover both mountain bikes in detail and explain the differences between the two.
What is a Hardtail Mountain Bike?
A hardtail mountain bike features a suspension fork in the front and is designed to suit many kinds of terrains or off-road tracks. Typically, they don’t have a rear suspension, meaning they have a rigid and unsuspended frame. The primary use for the front suspension is to help riders navigate the tough off-road tracks. That’s because it significantly reduces the impact of rough bumps to limit the strain on the rider.
Their lighter-weight construction and budget-friendly price point make hardtail bikes the popular choice, especially for off-roaders. Hardtail mountain bikers are known for their multipurpose abilities and versatility.
Hardtails are better suited for climbing on smooth terrains, along with wed and muddy trains—the lighter weight and pedal efficiency help to plow through mud or wet conditions easily.
Pros of a Hardtail Mountain Bike
- More efficient due to the lightweight frame and less wasted energy
- Cheaper than full-suspension bikes
- Easier to maintain
- Better for beginners
- Hardtail mountain bikes are faster when climbing
Cons of a Hardtail Mountain Bike
- Slower on technical trails
- Less comfortable and traction
- Less efficient on rough terrain
What is a Full Suspension Mountain Bike?
A full-suspension mountain bike features a front fork suspension and a rear shock in the frame. Riders who typically ride rougher trails will need the full suspension bike to best handle their demands.
The rear shock adds more comfort during the ride and efficiency when on off-road terrain. They’re better suited for racing or leisure than transportation since these bikes are harder to maintain and less efficient on smooth trails and roads.
Full-suspension bikes are better suited for advanced-level riders since it’s better suited for going through tougher trails. The dual suspension works effectively over most technical terrain, providing better safety.
Pros of a Full Suspension Mountain Bike
- Offer better handling and traction
- More comfortable and smoother ride
- Ride faster on technical trails
- Handle large jumps and drops
- More adjustable
Cons of a Full Suspension Mountain Bike
- More expensive
- Less efficient when climbing or smooth trails
- More maintenance required
Differences Between a Hardtail vs Full Suspension Mountain Bike
Determining where a hardtail or a full-suspension mountain bike is right for you depends on what suits your riding style and preferences. We’ll cover the various differences between the two, so you know which is more beneficial for your needs.
Bike Frame
The most noticeable difference between the two mountain bikes is the frame. Full-suspension bikes feature a frame with an integrated shock, which significantly changes the amount of engineering and design required.
The full-suspension system helps to dampen vibrations better and absorb shocks. This makes the ride feel more efficient and comfortable on rough terrain. Additionally, it also helps in improving handling, control, and traction. The rear shock is installed into the bike’s frame and can use compressed air or a metal coil for resistance.
The lack of rear suspension on the hardtail makes it less durable and comfortable to handle rough terrain. However, the frame is one rigid piece since they don’t have an expensive shock absorber, which lowers the cost. Additionally, the rigid frame of the hardtail bike transfer power from its pedals to the rear wheel efficiently because there’s no wasted energy compressing a rear shock when pedaling.
Because the frame has no bearings or bushings in the frame, it’s much easier to maintain. It requires fewer service-prone components, meaning fewer maintenance trips to the bike shop. The fewer components make it easier to clean because there are fewer nooks and crannies that collect dirt and debris.
Weight
A full-suspension bike has more components, making them weigh heavier than a hardtail mountain bike. The hardtail mountain bike is typically significantly less without the added weight of suspension linkages, a rear shock, and pivots. Hardtail bikes typically weigh between 26 and 28 pounds, while full-suspension bikes usually weigh between 30 and 34 pounds.
The weight of the mountain bike is a crucial factor when climbing. The lighter the bike is, the easier and more efficient it is to conquer a long and steep climb. While other factors can affect the bike’s climbing capabilities, weight is the most important one.
Traction and Comfort
Mountain bikers will spend hours on the trail. While all the adventure and fun are worth it, you’ll need a proper mountain bike capable of handling impact and enduring jarring bumps.
Mountain biking can be dangerous, especially if you aren’t accustomed to experiencing new trails. The main advantage of choosing full-suspension bikes is that they provide superior traction and are excellent for a rider’s comfort. These mountain bikes provide better comfort, stability, and traction, all of which will boost confidence in riders to handle obstacles and tricky terrain.
The rear wheel conforms to the trail by tracking over obstacles, making your ride smooth. Full-suspension bikes also offer better traction than a hardtail with the rear wheel firmly gripped onto the ground. This impact-dampening effect and better grip reduce fatigue, allowing you to ride longer.
Conversely, hardtails can be tiring for long rides, especially when you have to pedal while your body absorbs the shocks from all the little bumps. The rear wheel can oscillate, causing the entire frame to shake. It can be dangerous and fatiguing if you aren’t physically strong enough.
However, the hardtails do give better traction and comfort on smoother terrains. Therefore, this largely depends on the type of terrain you’ll be riding in. The added suspension of full-suspension bikes will only decrease efficiency, making it slightly more difficult to ride on smooth roads.
Climbing vs Descending
Climbing and descending are crucial elements of mountain bike riding. When it comes to mountain bike riding, you’re rarely in flat terrain. If you plan on riding on trails with more climbs, the hardtail bike is the way to go. It weighs less due to the lack of rear suspension and won’t waste energy as you pedal uphill.
That’s because the frame flexes a little but nowhere near the extent of the bounce you get from full-suspension bikes. Also, since hardtail bikes are lighter, it’s much easier to haul up steeper hills.
When climbing or riding long distances, full-suspension bikes are less efficient. You may notice that you bob up and down from the rear shock absorber compressing and extending with your movement. This means you lose some power you put into the pedals.
However, modern full-suspension bikes let you lock out the suspension to allow for more efficient climbing. Also, high-end mountain bike manufacturers will strive to limit the bobbing effect with advanced shock absorber linkages.
When it comes to climbing technical trails, the rear tire of the full-suspension bikes stays in contact with the ground through obstacles. Also, full-suspension bikes are superior when it’s time to descend. The rear shock helps the rider feel more comfortable and in control with the higher speeds. You’ll find that the bouncing and bumpiness of riding hardtail bikes will force the rider to go slower, especially during downhill riding.
Speed
With a fixed riding position and a lighter frame, you might assume that hardtails are the fastest option regardless of the terrain. Hardtails are far more efficient and faster on smoother trails than full-suspension bikes. Their frame is lightweight and has a more direct connection to the ground, so you won’t lose any power when pedaling. Thus, hardtails are a popular option for cross-country racing, helping you fly across the terrain at maximum speed.
The dual-suspension of a full-suspension bike does have some pedal bobbing, which limits the efficiency. When you push on the pedal, the bike moves forward but causes your weight to shift back on the rear shock. With every stroke, the full-suspension bike can teeter or bob.
However, full-suspension bikes are faster when it comes to technical or rougher terrains. Despite the heavier weight, the added suspension allows you to plow through obstacles confidently and without major turbulence. This means you’ll spend less time trying to navigate obstacles or keeping your balance.
Maintenance
Full-suspension bikes are an extremely versatile option for any train. However, one of their biggest drawbacks is the maintenance it requires. They need extra care with various shock services and bearing replacements.
Additionally, they also need regularly clearing due to the direct and debris collection in the small components. If you neglect maintenance, you won’t be able to fix it at home. You’ll need a professional to help you with repairs.
With hardtail bikes, the wheel, fork, and drive train are much easier to maintain. And there are fewer components to deal with. For instance, the hardtail doesn’t have the pivots, bearings, and bushings needed for the moving parts on the rear trainable. Thus, fewer components experience wear and tear, especially when riding in muddy or dusty conditions.
Some mountain bikes store their full suspension bikes during the winter in favor of hardtail bikes since the dirt and grime collected in the winter wears out the components in the rear suspension.
Maintenance is a part of owning a bike, and that shouldn’t stop you from purchasing the bike you need.
Price
A full-suspension mountain bike will cost more than a hardtail one since it has more components. The hardtail mountain bike has a simple frame design and a single part. You’ll have fewer maintenance costs with no moving parts like bushings or bearings. Entry-level mountain bikes can cost $1000 or less. Many of them even cost as little as a few hundred dollars.
Full suspension mountain bikes generally cost at least $1000, but many will cost a few thousand dollars. Not to mention, there are potentially greater maintenance costs to service all the components of the full-suspension system.
While full-suspension bikers are the most costly, they can save you money on the actual bike. That’s because it’s common to see superior quality components like better tires, forks, and brakes. This helps to improve handling on the trail drastically.
While the price of your mountain bike shouldn’t be the sole factor in choosing the bike, it’s definitely worth considering, especially if the rear shock suspension isn’t something you need in your mountain bike riding.
Which Should You Choose: Hardtail or Full Suspension Mountain Bike?
When you’re comparing the two, it’s important to consider what you plan on using the bike for and the type of terrain you’ll be going on.
If you frequently ride technical terrain, you’re likely better off with a full-suspension bike. Also, if you’re an ambitious person planning to progress quickly, a full suspension is the better choice. That’s because you’ll own a bike that you can grow into suitable for challenging mountain bike trails.
However, hardtail bikes are better for those early in their riding journey and need to develop basic skills. Hardtails are also ideal if you plan on using your bike for commuting or if your terrain isn’t very challenging.
Next, consider how much or want to spend. Mountain bikes aren’t cheap, and full suspension will cost more. If you’re trying to purchase a full suspension at a cheap price point, you’ll want to be realistic about what you’re getting. Expensive bikes will have better quality components that are more durable and last longer. Suspension components on cheap bikes can make the bike worse.
Therefore, a full suspension bike is best for technical terrain with the versatility to ride in any terrain, while a hardtail is better for commuting, smoother trails, and beginners.
What to Consider On Your Mountain Bike
Whether you choose a hardtail or full suspension bike, some considerations are made, such as the wheel size and type of suspension.
What is the Best Wheel Size for Hardtail and Full Suspension Mountain Bikes?
The wheel size plays a huge role in the comfort, efficiency, the amount of suspension travel you’ll need, and how your bike rides. Most commonly, you’ll find 27.5″ and 29″ wheel sizes. 26″ used to be common but now has fallen out of style.
The larger diameter 29″ wheels help the bike roll over obstacles easier without losing much momentum. That’s because the larger diameter ensures a lower angle of attack than smaller wheels. When you hit a root or rock, it’ll hit lower on the wheel, taking less force for the wheel to roll over an obstacle.
Larger wheels help to smooth the ride since the larger diameter remains in contact with the obstacle longer. That means the mountain bike has more time to react to the obstacle. Also, the longer duration of contact helps with traction, allowing you to corner and accelerate faster and harder. Sometimes, you can get away with less suspension travel using larger wheels.
27.5″ wheels are lighter since they contain less material. This creates less wind resistance due to the smaller surface area allowing you to accelerate faster. They can turn faster and are more maneuverable in tight spaces.
Should You Choose Coil or Air Forks for a Mountain Bike?
Another important decision you’ll need to make when choosing a full-suspension mountain bike is whether to choose coil or air suspension. Both the front suspension forks and rear shocks come in coil and air options.
Air forks utilize the compression resistance of pressurized air to deliver shock absorption. As the air compresses, it will resist further compression. Coil forms use a metal coil spring to offer resistance. This coil is made from either titanium or steel.
Coil suspension offers great consistency in performance and a more supple feel. This allows for great traction since the suspension moves easier. There’s also less frequent maintenance. Most coil shocks will only need servicing once a year. However, these coil suspensions are heavier and more likely to bottom out.
Air suspensions are lighter and typically weigh 500 grams less than coil shocks. They’re much easier to adjust to change the spring rate and less likely to bottom out. However, they’re less consistent with performance due to the heat buildup and require more frequent maintenance.
Air forks are great for bikers who like to ride varied terrain like cross country. They’re also great for people who jump their bikes. Coil forks are better suited for people who ride rough trails, downhill, enduro, or like to ride fast. The superior bump sensitivity creates a more comfortable ride when riding rough trails. The heightened bump sensitivity also increases traction by maintaining the front wheel planted on the ground. This allows you to corner faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions when comparing hardtail versus full-suspension mountain bikes:
Which is Better for Skill Development?
One of the best aspects of riding hardtail bikes is that it’s better for improving your riding skills than full suspension bikes, especially if you’re new to the sport. That’s because hardtail bikes are less forgiving, providing a smaller error margin. It teaches you how to choose a trail line and develop the perfect riding position.
Additionally, beginners will learn how to find a grip in case the wheel slides out. This is crucial to saving you from dangerous situations. Once you develop some skills, you’ll be able to ride safely and safely. Starting with a hardtail will help you learn to ride more smoothly and use your legs for suspension. This is a practical skill that all cyclists need to learn, regardless of the bike type they ride.
You’ll benefit more by starting on a hardtail if you’re completely new to mountain biking. That’s not to say you find it more difficult or won’t have as much fun on the full-suspension bike, but a hardtail will certainly allow you to develop your skills better in the long run.
Can You Convert a Hardtail to a Full Suspension?
Some people may wonder whether you can convert a hardtail into a full suspension. Perhaps, you want to buy a hardtail, then convert to a full suspension if needed.
There isn’t a simple way to convert a hardtail bike into a full suspension. Typically, the time and effort required won’t be worth it.
It’s best to buy a new full-suspension bike if you have outgrown what your hardtail bike offers. You can sell your old hardtail bike and use the amount to help you buy a full suspension.
Can You Improve the Efficiency of a Full Suspension?
Similar to the hardtail to full suspension bike conversion, some bikers look for ways to enhance their riding experience. Some people may not like that the full suspension doesn’t have optimal efficiency, especially when riding flat or paved roads.
Fortunately, there’s a workaround that reduces the effort needed to pedal on biking tracks on flat roads and improves efficiency. Many modern full-suspension bikes have a suspension lockout. These switches can effectively disable the rear suspension to prevent the bike from allowing the seat to bob up and down. Doing so will make your ride more comfortable on smoother trails and prevent inefficiencies with a full suspension.
Locking out your suspension on smooth straightaways or climbs is an easy way to boost your pedaling efficiency. Granted, you still won’t achieve the same efficiency as a hardtail, but it’s still a major improvement.
Which is More Fun, Hardtail or Full Suspension?
While fun is highly subjective, we tend to think hardtails aren’t as fun as full-suspension mountain bikes. That’s because you’ll have to tread carefully on trails, absorb most vibrations, and avoid bumps. This can be tiring for hardtail riders, especially if you go on longer trails.
Road riders generally feel more at home with the hardtail, while motocross riders gravitate towards the full-suspension bike. The longevity also has a lot to do with the bike frame material.
Aluminum is lightweight and inexpensive, which is what most entry-level mountain bikes use. Steel frames are heavier and more expensive. Additionally, they can rust if it’s not properly maintained. However, they offer the advantage of having greater impact and fatigue resistance.
Carbon fiber is typically the holy grail of frame materials since it’s incredibly strong, lightweight, and can’t rust. However, it is the most expensive and does require more care.
How Long Do Mountain Bikes Last?
This largely depends on how well you take care of it, how often you ride, and your bike type. Generally, full-suspension bikes have more advanced and innovative technology along with a robust bike frame.
However, sometimes full suspension bikes can be less durable when it comes to the moving parts that come along with them. For instance, the rear shock can get contaminated with debris leading to air or oil leakage. This causes the suspension to stop working. Also, you could damage the rear shock by bottoming out too hard.
Also, pivot points in the frame can become loose over time or the frame bearing can wear out. Hardtail bike riders won’t have to worry about these issues.
In general, both types of mountain bikes can last a long time with the proper care and maintenance. Depending on the make and model of your mountain bike, it could last up to thirty years.
Wrapping It Up
Both mountain bikes are great in their own regard. In some ways, the hardtail takes the lead, while the full suspension is better in others. There isn’t a clear answer as to which is right. However, the differences laid out in this guide should help you make an informed decision.
There’s no better feeling than the adrenaline rush from climbing or descending a mountain trail. The physical and mental challenge of overcoming obstacles makes you feel accomplished and on top of the world.
With this guide, you’ll be able to quickly choose the mountain bike that is right for you and get out on the trail for your next adventure.
