Five Reasons Why You Should Ride A Hardtail Mountain Bike
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- čas přidán 20. 05. 2024
- There are a ton of reasons to ride a hardtail mountain bike. In this video, I give my top 5 reasons why I prefer hardtails over full suspension bikes.
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#hardtail #mtb - Sport
Ti Hardtail here all day long. All my buddies were pushing me towards a full suspension but could only regurgitate generic reasons when I asked them why. Have fun and go rip! Who cares what it’s on
Riding with my wife a month or two ago she was on a FS she borrowed from her dad and was just whipping through stuff. At one point on the trail she starts saying "I'm invincible on this bike! I can do no wrong on it!" And that solidified my resolve to stay on a hardtail. If all you want to do is get from A to B as fast and as comfortably as possible then sure, go full suspension. But that's not what I'm after when I hit trails. I'm there for the exercise and to push my skills and to experience the trail, not to glide over it. I don't want the bike to do all the work for me, that's why I'm on a bike instead of a motorcycle. 100% agree with all your points.
I have both a hardtail and a full squish. Both are great tools. My full squish gave me a lot of confidence that I don't think I would have ever had with only riding a hardtail and I now ride my hardtail on terrain that I would have never dreamed of because of the confidence I gained from the full squish.
👌 mint
Yep! I jump way heavier stuff on my fs bikes, than I did on my hardtails. Now I'm 54, and send it on my dirt jumper.......hahaha!
Same here
I switched to a hard tail after my stump jumper was stolen. I totally agree with you! I find that I'm riding more often because I like the challenge. And I feel my skills have improved greatly (out of necessity). I love it!
After 35 years of mountain biking, having owned many different bikes, I just went back to a steel hard tail (29er) this month. I agree with everything you said in video. The only challenge I have is to take it easy on my back, body has been beat up with years of off road stuff, the full suspension is really nice on the body, but I’m really looking forward to putting miles on my simple hard tail.
Great video sir!!!🤙🤙
I did the same thing. When it came time to retire my fully, a very capable Specialized FSR (which fetched an amazing sum even with 8000 miles on it) I went to a hardtail. I'm an older guy and I just don't bash down sick & gnarly trails much any more. I bought a Scott Scale 29er and the thing is a damned rocket. The only time I've ever broken anything was riding in the dark without a light and interacting with some sturdy trail furniture. Rubber side down, brothers and sisters
Also hard tails have an uphill riding advantage, that's a huge bonus.
On technical climbs, hardtails are certainly a disadvantage.
@@justinwbohner Totally. There are some climbs where i live that are almost impossible on a hardtail.
@@thegravelman1665 looking at xc world cup regularly I see that lots of riders pick hardtails when the circuit has the worst climbs and pick suspension only to have better descending control and braking. Did you try your hard climb with a proper rear tyre like a dhr2 on your hardtail ?
@@moonybay dhr2 "proper" rear tire? more like overkill for 90% of riders, even on technical climbs.
... and advantage as a bonus is redudant.
It took me a while to figure out why I've never liked FS bikes, but I think it boils down to the type of riding I do, like you said. I like long, slow, techy dirt singletrack and XC trails, where a full squish gains you nothing and loses you half your pedal power. Maybe I've just never ridden a nice enough bike, but FSs always completely kill my pedal power and make even the tiniest hill an ordeal. I don't like extended techy/intense downhills on hardtails OR full squishes, and even when I do them, my legs do enough work as shocks. I'm young, though, so that's definitely subject to change over the next twenty or thirty years.
I spent two years on a hard tail, and just recently upgrades to a good FS, and it is awesome. I am never going back to a hard tail. I dont regret it, and I think I did learn a lot, but once you have learned the technique and can afford an FS, go for it!
i’ve always rathered a hard tail, even on trails that have huge jumps it handles perfect. i have both a downhill bike and a hard tail and i always found that my hard tail was significantly lighter and way more agile.
Hard tails do require a better technique but that why hardcore hardtailers love them.
I train for and race in mountain bike endurance races. I rode a hardtail my last event and loved it. I really felt light on the climbs. Hello from Austria.
i did the same... sold my full sus for a harcore hardtail...
Same. It's really not that bad with the bigger tire offerings these days. I had 2.8s but switched them out with 2.6s. That's the sweet spot IMHO.
Sold the ransom. Building up the honzo esd.
Just love my hardtail. Especially in The Netherlands where the times and places you can use a Fully is limited. After riding HT for many, many years I just bought my first EMTB HT !
I'll ride HT until I turn 80.
Ef that, I ride full rigid on trails. 😁😁😁
Rigid with 29+ is one of my favorite ways to ride so you may have noticed a few rigid forks snuck into this video haha
I just looked at your channel. You don't even ride trails.
🤣🤣🤣
Full rigid with 26 inch balloon tires.
My hero...*sigh*
A great all round honest clip. Good work. Ride on...........
Absolutely.... I really love to ride the cheapest bike I have.... My hardtail.... I use it more often than my fully or my e-bike. I have a Cc-Hardtail and changed some parts to make it more comfortable. Gravel Bikes... don't need it. A Hardtail is just the perfekt Do it all bike. I like the direct feeling, the 1 to 1 Response and propulsion. Hardtails are fantastic!
Hardtails really are a great do it all bike (as long as the geo isn't too out there haha). I now have 3 hardtails all set up for different duties from gravel to singletrack to bikepacking and snow rides, but realistically I could probably go down to one and be perfectly fine in most riding situations.
I current have tow MTBs with one being a hardtail mullet 27/29. Looking at getting another HT and going to a 26/29 mullet with it. I ride alot of goat trails here in Colorado and the mullets seem to like it.
I love both. And I agree with all of your points! I like to work on my skills on my hard tail, while having lots of fun, and then put that to work on my FS MTB!
Great video… sold my full suspension as the used market is crazy. I don’t ride as hard fast or as gnarly as I used to so back to a hardtail slowing my days and enjoying the trails
Really appreciate your perspective. Been thinking about replacing my HT with a FS bike. Think I’ll keep my HT. Your points resonated with me.
Vitus Rapide 29 here. Love it. And the front fork locks out. Perfect when I want to road ride around the house. Good video.
I like the simplicity of my hardtail. Not having to lock out the rear shock everytime I had a challenging climb and more bike to service. It makes rides more challenging and fun. With the right tire/pressure combo it's not has bad as people think. I found that most of the time you don't even need a FS. People are riding enduros on flow trails with a few rocks.
In my area it seems people are being over sold on how much travel they need. 120 in the front and 100 in the back is pretty good in most conditions. I’m lucky to have a hardtail and full suspension and usually take out my hardtail.
@@sunshynjunky Someone feels attacked. Did you wear your full face helmet too?
@@sunshynjunky FS is just for asshole
I'm totally hearing you. Good points. I guess it's a matter of what you want to get out of your excursion on the trail. One other thing to consider - age. I'm 65. I rode a hard tail for years until I took the plunge with a FS. Man! Do I love it! More comfort, longer riding, overall more satisfaction. Thanks.
Same here.
Totally agree with you on #5! I love to push myself on the bike and be on the edge of chaos. Unfortunately, there aren't a lot of trails in my area that will make you feel that way with a big enduro bike. But on the hardtail, it makes easier trails make you feel more dangerous and fun!
Yes, exactly. I’ve had 5 f/s bikes. The fourth had 7” travel. It was way too easy to plow down the local trails and way, way too hard to get it up the trail, and at almost 50, thought it might give me a heart attack. Ok, the last f/s bike wasn’t much better with 6” travel, it was lighter, climbed much easier, but still looked like a fool commuting on it. So in 2007 I got a Banshee Sirocco. I’m riding it today. But because of back ops and new knee and retiring early, got fat and lazy. So first attempt at getting up the Butte...forget about it...
Put a motor on it and am having the time of my life at 69.
Oh, and talk about simple, I built a back wheel with a Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub.
Great opinions and thoughts, thanks for sharing!
Hello all the way from Singapore! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here. I can't agree more with you. I use to be a roadie but once I rode a hardtail, I fell in love with it and have never looked back! I own a 2021 BMC Blast 27.5 hardtail.
When I bought my Rockhopper, almost immediately people and the shops started telling me to go dual suspension. I am so glad i didn’t listen. I love my HT. Now I’ve upgraded the bars to the Moloko bars, it’s a perfect fit! Great video
What rock hopper did you buy?
@@MatthewSmith-uf6tr I bought 2021 Expert.
A rockhopper was my first bike! I am glad you enjoy it
I love riding Rigid single speed hard tails, that really forces you to choose better lines and pays off when you are on your FS
Hell yea, I sold my Canfield Balance for a Nukeproof Scout last year and I’m having the time of my life on it. Everything feels way more rowdy. Pedaling is super efficient. And the bike is so quiet and solid feeling. I would bring this bike anywhere including bike parks and it would be a blast
Just brought in a Hardtail for review and have to say it has made me a better rider. Great video!
just got a used roscoe 7 as my first bike. So far i'm loving the hardtail lifestyle it has drastically improved my riding capability on dirtbikes now to.
Nice video and good points. I ride the Salsa Timberjack singlespeed 27.5 plus. Love this bike!
I’ve always ridden hardtails I started with an entry level Diamond back sync 2.0, 2 bikes later I’m riding a Ragley Bluepig (single speed), I love it to bits!
I know this video isn't your latest, but I've just discovered your channel. Man, it's exactly what I'm after! You have such amazing bikes dude. Could you do a super nerdy video on all your steeds and components and why you chose them???
I agree, I have my first mountain bike in my yard right now. A Kona Scrap from 2007. Although hardtails are better for a lot of trail systems, I don’t know how far we could push them and ourselves, because of no rear travel it’s easier to get hurt when you make mistakes on big features, like casing a jump. So I am not sure if using a hardtail on big features including : big drops, steep rock gardens or giant jumps would be the safest.
I’m coming from bmx bikes in my younger years to mtb in my 30s. The hard tail is an awesome throw back experience for me with just enough suspension in the front to make it comfortable, but nothing in the rear for that full experience!
I honed my "skills" on a hardtail. I'm glad I did. Just as I'm glad that I ride a full-suspension now. I didn't start MTB until I was about 46. I'm 61 now, ride about 2-4 times a week in the forest, with some good twisty and technical up and down sections, and appreciate not having to absorb everything in my bones. Having said that, all 5 points in the video have merit.
I'm 69, I hear my friend! I need suspension at my age and a Cloud 9 seat!
@@thelakeman5207 🤣 Ride on, my friend!
You guys are awesome!!!!
I grew up on hard tails and I still love them!! Thanks dad!
I ride a Trek Marlin 7 which has been awesome for the last 4 years.
Just bought a Pace RC627, I'm out on it all the time while my fs is gathering dust. Love it!
I feel a lot of people's experiences on a hardtail are cheap xc bikes or big store bikes. while these are good for getting into the sport they don't have very good geometry for trails and jumps and people just assume that all hardtails are like that and buy a full suspension. I was incredibly surprised at just how much better and smoother my proper trail hardtail was compared to my cheap xc one and so far I still prefer my hardtail over a full suspension for the stuff I've ridden.
Right, i also wonder why manufacturers rarely offer a modern trail bike geometry in hardtails. i know there are some out there, but come on, 99.5% of new hardtail mtb's are xc bikes, and where i live, those who want to do gravity (on a teenage budget) have no choice but to choose the most laid back and slack xc frame they can find and roll with it until they can get a full sus or the cheap frame dies
@@aldomaresca9994 I think the Vitus nucleus is probably as close as you get but I haven't ridden it myself just seen the reviews
I have owned hardtails all my life. I have just bought my dream full suspension bike (expensive) but have no plans to get rid of my cheap & cheerful hardtail as I still love it!
I love both hardtail and full susp... I converted my old XC hardtail into a downcountry bike for shredding down trails with some rough sections and got an enduro full susp for real gnarly stuff, but end up usually riding the hardtail more.
I already ride a hard tail, a Kona Mahuna 29er, this has convinced me not to chase the shiny full suspension bikes I’ve been considering, but to buckle down and keep riding and improving my skills.
Totally agree with you! When I go out for a ride, I have trouble choosing between my brand new full suspension (Transition Spur - great bike!) or my beloved old Kona unit. BTW, my Unit is now 29", rigid again (carbon fork) and single speed. They are great as well!
Been riding hardtails for a year now. I sold my fs as well and built a nukeproof scout and a marley. Don't regret it one bit. Hardtails are just bombproof
i also sold my fulsus and went for xc bike. in my are area there is no much trails only light trails and pavement and im so happy i did it. less maintenance also on the rear shock and lightweight
I have to say, I completely agree. I bought my very first hard tail 2 months ago. I've been riding mountain bikes since 1995. My carbon full suspension bike is completely worn out. It has lateral play in the rear and creeks when I ride it. All the bushings need replacing and I can't get any as they don't make this model any more. I will never go with a 29er or even 27.5 wheels. I'm a die hard 26er for life. Thanks.
what's wrong with a 29er hardtail? I am a tall guy I think 29ers are great
I’ve never owned a full suspension bike, and my current setup is a 2021 Commencal Meta HT AM. That bike rips down trails and doesn’t let anything get in its way, and it climbs incredibly well considering the slack geometry. I have never had trouble keeping up or hitting big stuff that the FS guys do.
I'm 47 years old and moved from BMX to MTB in the mid to late 90's. My first MTB was a Mongoose (before they sold out and went downhill) HT with a 4130 cro mo frame. Great little bike and it got me hooked on the sport. Some bad personal choices and habits got me away from riding around 2009. Got back in to riding a couple of years ago. Love it more now than ever. With that background and seeing full sus go from not very good and bulky, heavy and just not very attractive for my taste to what they are today and with the newer geo (which is totally unreal great compared to what was happening when I started), is amazing. But......even now and at 47 (pretty fit though) lol... I'll always ride a HT for what I do....trail, street, jump.. It's kinda weird...too me a HT just feels more right and like this fellow in the vid said, a HT keeps you on your toes and can make you a better rider if you push yourself and have the drive. If asked by a newbie which to start on, I'm gonna tell em HT. Generally when I'm trail riding with friends or a group, most are on expensive FS. I'm right on their hills with my HT, and my bike is usually the cheaper out of the bunch. You absolutely don't need to spend more than 700.00 800.00 or maybe even less on a MTB to get out on the trails and have a blast. It's all about having fun and enjoying yourself. Yeah, I'd have a blast on a Santa Cruz 5010 or Bronson or some other high dollar bike, but no more fun than with my 600.00 older Rockhopper HT (with some modern upgrades....1x, shorter cockpit, riser bars, and did change the fork out too a tad better pogo stick..lol but mostly did that for the increase in axle to crown length that the newer fork provided which increased the stack and gave me a bit more slack on the HT. If your new to riding and are on the fence or worried that you won't or can't enjoy riding unless its a full sus or just some high dollar bike, get what you can afford and hit the trail....and most importantly...have a blast and enjoy the riding and the sport and don't worry about what nobody else thinks. One more thing... I'm not a snob with the HT thing and if I could afford it....maybe and probably I'd have both HT and FS, a road bike, gravel and Ebike, dirt jumper...For real. Love bicycles. And too...if you race and are competing in certain riding styles, those FS bikes are a must. I'm wide open to it all.....but riding mtb for 25 years or more and never really riding the real high dollar stuff....im proof that you can have a blast and as much fun as anyone on a more expensive bike and according to your drive and natural 2 wheel ability on trail riding....can keep up and in my case quite often, out ride and crush the wealthy or in debt cats with the big$$ stuff
I loved my rockhopper I set up as an aggressive xc bike with a fox talas 90-130 RL. Climbing was gravy and it decended decently. I have a NS Clash frame in my basement I've been looking at building back up with a 150
I love them both. I have a very nice hardtail that I built up, and also own a very nice full suspension. They have almost exactly the same number of miles on them. I ride them both equally. They compliment each other. My full suspension definitely artificially upgrades my skill level. I can do more challenging technical climbing on it, and I am definitely faster on the full squish. On the other hand the hardtail is about 3 lb lighter, and is just so damn elegant. I have a hard time deciding which one I would keep if push come to shove. I am truly a lucky guy with an anemic bank balance...
I still remember one ride where I put my old man on my full sus(since he had not ridden in 15+ years) and took his 1989 trek hard everything. I had such a blast feeling every surface and contour and shaking all over the place. Lol.
I have ridden a HT exclusively now for four years, I bought a Nicolai Argon AM and have kitted it out, it can handle anything I throw at here in New Zealand.
I love my specialized levo ebike. Fun for hours!.🚲 thanks for the info🤙
I did same too just dumped 5k full sus for 2k hardtail and have way more fun. More easily. I don't need whistler to have fun anymore.
Same here … I don’t ride as fast or often, so in this market sold my full top dollar and got a hardtail
Did that as well...Intense Recluse to Specialized Fuse. The trails I rode really only benefitted from a HT 5-10% of the time. The rest of it is much more enjoyable with a more efficient pedaler.
I've had all 3 major styles of bikes; FS, HT, and steel fully rigid. Not even lying when I say some of my best memories were made on the steel fully rigid, with aluminum hardtails coming in second. The FS just kinda took all the fun and challenge out of riding and added some minor but annoying issues like being heavy and also difficult to get on my car rack.
Yes I love my hardtail , I have a 2021 giant fathom - 27.5 converted the front with with a 150 travel 29er mullet setup.. loving the bike it's fast up hills and awesome down hills. I do have a specialized Enduro comp for the super chunky terrain other than that.. I ride my hardtail mostly 👍
Hardtails rock for trail riding IMO. I love having a big full suspension freeride bike for outright ripping downhill. But for most trail riding, I love the way a hardtail helps you feel the trail more and push your bike skills.
I bought a Specialized Chisel and LOVE IT! Super light, fast and sturdy.
My 2021 scalpel is in the shop with a blown rear shock and I'm on a specialised Chisel don't know if I'm having as much fun but it's teaching me a lot of things
Havent bought a bike for over a decade, as still so happy riding on my two hardtails; a Schwinn Moab 3 as a CC and a Santa Cruz Chameleon as a trail hitter. For me, it’s basically the ultimate bike quiver.
Best MTB I ever had was a 1990 Schwinn KOM S9 with the dropped chain stays!!! Full XT model was bombproof and comfortable. I miss that steel frame.
Of course, FS bikes came in when we were riding HTs with 26” wheels and 2” tyres. An HT with 29” wheels and plus tyres is a different thing entirely.
Ordered a Rangefinder today. Can't wait to see it
I'll always have a hardtail and a full suspension in my quiver. Hardtails are nice for riding with beginners and making mellower trails more challenging again. I don't send my hardtail down gnarly trails much pushing 50 with a lot of injuries under my belt. It's just really nice to have the choice to change things up.
Had an old full sus, changed it for a modern hardtail, and I'm enjoying every second of it to be honest.
Most of the natural trails here don't need the rear suspension that much to be honest, so I'll be enjoying how lively this thing is for many years to come.
Natural/hand cut trails are my favorite kind to ride so I know exactly what you mean. Enjoy the hardtail!
I started on a shit Walmart hardtail, immediately upgraded to a full suspension, learned a lot and now I have a slack hardtail. The fs helped me gain confidence on things I would’ve never hit on a ht. But now with the skills, the ht is just so much more playful and simple.
I’ve been riding a kona kahuna deluxe hard tail for 4 years. Next summer I’m going full suspended due to the fact downhill and enduro racing is very unforgiving with my kahuna. Jumps are super hard landing.
I’m still going to keep it as it’s super fun to ride on certain trails.
I’m new to this mtb and also went with a hard tail, idk maybe it’s cause I used to ride BMX . Got it back in early June and only ridden it a few times due to my work schedule, but from then rides alone I know it’s gonna be tons of fun when I hit the pump tracks and trails for some good ole jumping.
You know, many of us who ride full squish just lockout the rear when we want to get the hardtail feel...I always feel like that's rarely mentioned in many pro-hardtail vids. I lock mine out quite often, esp on smooth trails and climbs. Another problem with hardtails is age. I'm hitting 50 soon and 3-4 hours on the FS results in a MUCH better morning after than riding HT. Rode HT's for years and still have a couple, but my FS gets all the time these days.
I ride a Yeti SB150 and a hardtail for XC/endurance. I'm 45 and I too feel like a HT would be hard on my knees on long enduro rides. Still, I love hardtails and I do think they have a well-deserved place in mtn boking.
You legit are from Butte! That’s amazing man, you do a really great job of filming, editing, and explaining with your videos! Just bought my first bike, any suggestions for beginner trails around the area?
Haha yeah I live in the area. Great trails for beginners would be the Blacktail Loop, the Montana Tech Open Space/Butte Bike Park, and John’s Gulch (from the Sagebrush Flats Area). If you’re feeling adventurous or you have too much snow in Butte head over the pass to Pipestone…more OHV oriented but still fun.
Djezzz!!! Been' riding hardtails for over 25 years now and couldn't agree more ... on a Commencal Skin Ti 29'er now and enjoying every bit of it, just like I did on my Answer Manitou HT (97' build) before. I'm 60 years old by now, but my knees are still the best rear suspension and don't need no maintenance besides just a little TLC every now and then.
I’ve been riding hardtail mountains bikes for 30 years. And I love it! I feel that full suspension bogs me down. And the trails I do I can get away with riding a hardtail. So much more fun in my opinion.
Nice job on the video.
For background, I do mostly XC focused riding, and I have a SC Highball (XTR + 100mm Fox factory) and a Specialized Epic Evo Pro (XTR + 120/110 Fox Factory). I also throw my leg over a road bike (for fitness reasons) and I put a similar amount of saddle time on all three bikes. While I agree with some of your points (especially #1), I consider the Highball and the Evo different tools for different jobs, and in general I am doing gravel + flowy single track on the Highball and more trail focused / technical riding on the Evo. Overall, the Evo is the faster bike in most situations and my Strava data reinforces this. It only weighs 3 pounds more than the Highball (I am finally putting a dropper on the Highball, so that gap is going to shrink to 2 pounds) and performs similarly when climbing (slightly worse on fire roads and perhaps slightly better on technical climbs) and simply runs away when descending. At 54, I also appreciate not getting the shit kicked out of me down some of the rougher trails in Salinas and Santa Cruz that I ride frequently...between the rear suspension, the dropper and a more relaxed geometry, the Evo is much, much more forgiving. I enjoy both bikes (a lot), but again...they are different tools for different jobs and when they are each doing their "job" I think they are equally fun.
For those of you who want as much fun and flexibility from your hardtail as possible, your rims and tires are probably your most important suspension / compliance / fun factor consideration on a hardtail. Given this:
- Tubeless is a must, so get it done. Less flats, better ride, etc...
- Wider rims = a better, more compliant ride (my rims are 25mm wide and would go with 27 now if I could). I have (yet another) hardtail with 21mm rims and in comparison they are harsh. I can barely tolerate them now.
- Wider tires (i.e. 29 x 2.3/2.4) also result in a better, more capable ride, and are no slower than 2.0 or 2.2 tires on dirt. Tread pattern will have much more impact on rolling speed vs. handling capability. Obviously different tire widths work best with specific rim sizes, but for general purpose XC / Trail riding 25/27mm rims with 2.3/2.4 tires is a great combo.
- Tubeless + wider rims/tires allow you to run lower tire pressure, again resulting in a better ride
- Don't be an idiot like me and wait decades to run a dropper on your hardtail. I finally saw the light with the Evo.
- Yes, all of this stuff adds some weight, but IT DOESN'T MATTER. You will have a more comfortable & capable bike, and this is far more important than adding a few pounds.
All facts. Great write up!
I ride a growler now and I was hesitant but my boy insisted on trying a proper new hardtail and I was hooked more trail oriented but I ride it everywhere with the 29 x 2.6 I love it. I got legs tho and I’m only 29 lol
Great points. Droppers add so much to the ride. I am amazed that the xc racers who send it with no droppers!
Hi rider! Good info. I'm still keep all my hardtail MTB (5 sets). No doubt, superb bike in any decent on trail. Regards XC rider from Malaysia.
I followed the same path got rid of my full susser went back to a hard tail it’s an absolute trail destroying beast
Mountain biking doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to be fun.I just built a vintage Gt aggressor 2.0 mountain bike.The forks are not the best and they only have around 32mm travel ,but I can't wait to go bouncing down a few trails as soon as I get my rear derailleur.I plan on upgrading the forks at some point though.I do a lot of distance riding mostly getting lost up some mountain or other, but I'm planning on going off road more often now ,that's why I built the new bike.So I want to find the best compromise with the forks.the original forks would have had 63mm travel so I will try to get as close to that as I can I think.
I rode hardtails for years and loved it. I will now switch to a fully and think my back will love it. 🙂
I rode three years only gravel bike and started with tracks a little bit heavier. As I'm new to MTB and suspension I'm a little bit sceptical about fullies beause of all the reasons you mention. My new XC hardtail is already a big step from gravel, but still acceptable uphill or to ride some diostance on easy paths. I can imagine someday a dropper post, different steering angle and stronger brakes but I don't feel any need for a fully with all it's disadvantages. I also know many MTB riders which are as bad and unexperienced as I'm still, but use fullys on too difficult tracks without seeing the danger.
Don't get me wrong, I'm sure full suspenison is great and has it's use cases. But hardtails are much too underestimated today.
And also gravel bikes are great and I still like it, a mixed tour with a few miles on road/tarmac and I still prefer my gravel bike...
Just got a Banshee Paradox, beautiful bike with a decent build spec. Only thing is, with the radically different geo, I have to re-learn how to ride! It’s been 2 months and I’ve had 2 proper wipe-outs. But it’s WORTH IT.
Great talk.
I can concur. Back in the day, the nineties, racing my HT, it was a rocket going uphill and knowing you can end up in the ER with a mistake I was chill on the descents. I still own my Ti Diamondback HT which replaced 2 M2 Specialized HT's with cracked rear triangles. Both failed over 6 months. A Pivot 429c with a 34 Pike and a solid Giant Anthem XTR FS round out the off-road stable. The top racers in our local 50 mile race are all on hardtails, Just sayin'.
Hi bro u r so right ,top stuff.well spoken. Mx.london.
Hey, nice Video I can only agree especially that one has to learn to ride with a good technique!
Which background song is that? :)
I bought a P7 when it came to changing my bike. Thought about full sus but went hardtail for all the reasons you gave, plus nicer to bunny hop on.
Just subbed and thx for the great content! getting into MTB and bought a Specialized Fuse 27.5, can't wait to get out there! Any suggestions on pedals or other gear for a total newb?
I just posted a video last week on how to get into mountain biking that includes overviews on bikes, gear and other tips that may be helpful!
Yep I sold my FS and bought a hardtail and have had so much more fun on it compared to my full susp.
I see your point about getting into this expensive sport. Hard tail to start. I will say I can go exponentially longer on a full suspension bike. My old ridged MB gives me a good thrashing knocks my filings loose. Wears me out…
I'm 47 now... When I started riding in my early 20s, full suspension bikes were this completely new alien thing; basically everyone at that time riding XC hardtails... I've owned a Gary Fisher, a couple of Cannondales and a Trek over the years - all hardtails... What you say about lower maintenance costs is absolutely true; I've managed to have long lives on all my bikes through regular repairs and cleaning... Yah, I admit I've always been curious about getting a full suspension, but I guess its hard to change when you're having fun with what you know...
I am 46 years old and gave up the hardball and sore back for a longer more comfortable ride and not being beat up the next day 🙃
Hardtails are cool but I could never give up riding my Santa Cruz Tallboy. It's fast uphill (when using the climb switch) and super fun on the descents. It only has 120mm of rear travel but feels like it has much more.
I have 3 hardtails.
Specialized HardRock 26" h-disc only rear brake, With BMX bar. - in use 5 out of 10 times (my daily drive)
Orbea Alma M50 29" h-disc "naked"
In use 2 out of 10 times
Scott Sub30, 29" h-disc, build for touring/bikepacking With tt-bar, extra comfort saddle and grips, plus some mounts for gps/telephone, this bike are the only one I got with mudgards.
In use 3 out of 10 times
😉😁
I also sold my fs and just ride hardtail and rigid. I’m underbiked occasionally but the majority of my trails are great on a hardtail. There’s a bigger gap in capabilities between hardtail and rigid than there is between full suspension and hardtail, in my opinion.
My current trek mountain bike is 20 years old and I finally ordered myself a 2022 Roscoe 8 hardtail. I've never ridden a full suspension but when I was just recently shopping bikes and looking at the prices I thought to myself maybe another 10 to 15 years when I'm in my sixties a full suspension will be right for me
I agree. In an ideal world you would have both, because FS are an unique experience, very enjoyable too. But indeed if you have only one MTB I'd recommand going for a hardtail.
I work at the my LBS, and have tried quite a lot of really high end full suspentions during my time there.
All of my co-workers (almost) ride full suspentions, and don't understand why i won't.
It simply comes down to the amount of fun i have on the local singletrack... it's mostly black trails i ride, and there it is more than capable enough. It really just boils down to rider skill, when it comes to the limit of the hardtail.
I just got a nukeproof scout and I love it, I can do pretty much any trail on it, I'm only limited by my own skills not the bike. For me it's mostly about the price, I didn't want to spend a ton on a bike and I'd rather have a better drivetrain and brakes for my money than a full suspension.
I got a Scout in 2019, but I got the cheapest one so I still have shit components(although they work fine for me). Now I'd really like to upgrade the drivetrain from the 10 speed 11-42 old model deore to the current SLX, probably 11 speed though since I don't think I can even do 12 speed with my hubs. also want to get new brakes so I can mate the brakes and shifter together(I really dislike the fitment I'm forced to have with them clamped separately).
My hardtail Orbea Laufey takes big tyres, at least 2,8 inch. It has 140mm fork and now is on 2,6 wide tyres. These tyres are soft pumped, and because of that the tyres dampens so much that the need of backsuspension is reduced. I have a softtail too, a lighter bike which i like, but the big Laufey I prefer for going downwards on rough terrain. Its hard to choose between them, and how rough the trail is helps me choose.
Honestly thinking to save up money and buy a nice xc hardtail to run laps at a hidden trail system for fitness. Then maybe get another cheap one to commute around town on and use as a workhorse, like a Marlin. Hard tails just look like so much fun!
I did the same thing. Sold my full suspension that I only had for a year. I grew up on hardtail so I got one
Some of us live an areas where the only mountain biking available consists of long, steep climbs and then returning downhill (mountains). Hard tails are superior for climbing. If you have a no-driving to rides rule, then hard tails are essential.
I got a Costco kit bike. Smh, I'm good with that for now. I've got about 300 into it on mild upgrades and I plan on riding that till the wheels fall off, or the fork takes a dump 🤣