XC Hardtail Vs XC Full Suspension | What's Best For Epic Rides
VloĆŸit
- Äas pĆidĂĄn 2. 04. 2021
- How do you choose? It's a common question for riders looking to cover miles quickly and efficiently for a marathon-style epic ride: should you go for an XC hardtail or an XC full-suss? To find out, Neil and Rich are taking two Shimano XT-equipped examples from Merida & putting them both through their paces as they go the distance over some wild terrain!
In association with Shimano: gmbn.eu/shimano
Subscribe to GMBN: gmbn.eu/subscribe
Get exclusive GMBN gear in the GMBN store! gmbn.eu/297
Check out the route we took on Komooot here: gmbn.eu/296
Watch more on GMBN...
Ever thought about electric gears on your bike? gmbn.eu/ShimanoDi2 đč
Are DH Bikes dead? gmbn.eu/deathDH đč
đ” Music - licensed by Artlist
Welcome to the Afterlife -Macifif
Lowkey Sunday - Fassounds
Temptation - Instrumental Version - Ride Free
Hit-the-ground-running - Instrumental Version - Ryan Prewett
She Writes - Instrumental Version - Lance Conrad
Everybody Get Up - No Vocals -FX - Ian Post
Spicy Lounge - Ian Post
Freeway - Veshza
Jungle Games - Roman P
#GMBN #MountainBiking #MountainBike #MTB #BikeLife #Cycling #xc #crosscountry #hardtail #fullsus #hardtailvsfullsus
Click here to buy GMBN T-shirts, hoodies and more: gmbn.eu/GMBNShop
The Global Mountain Bike Network (GMBN) is the worldâs largest and fastest-growing online mountain bike channel and community - and your destination for the best mountain bike content in the world.
GMBN is dedicated to inspiring and unlocking your riding potential. Our videos cater to fans of every mountain bike discipline: from mile-munching cross-country (XC) riders, through adrenaline-fuelled dirt jumpers, gravity-hungry downhillers or aspiring enduro racers, and beyond.
Every day of every month, our ex-pro presenting team are on hand to entertain and inspire you while also providing a uniquely qualified insight into the world of mountain biking. Every week we deliver original daily video that include:
Adventurous and entertaining features
Mountain bike skills coaching
Technical advice and guidance
Mechanical know-how to keep you rolling
A place for the riding community with our weekly Dirt Shed Show
Thanks to our sponsors:
Canyon Bikes: gmbn.eu/Canyon
Nukeproof Bikes: gmbn.eu/nukeproof
Park Tool: gmbn.eu/ParkTool
POC helmets and eyewear: gmbn.eu/POCsports
Crankbrothers Pedals: gmbn.eu/crankbros
Shimano Footwear: gmbn.eu/ShimanoShoes
Dainese Protection: gmbn.eu/Dainese
Ergon: gmbn.eu/ergon
Vittoria Tires: gmbn.eu/Vittoria
FSA: gmbn.eu/fsa
e*thirteen: gmbn.eu/EThirteen
Topeak: gmbn.eu/topeak
Garmin: gmbn.eu/Garmin
Muc-Off - gmbn.eu/Muc-Off
Crankbrothers Seatposts: gmbn.eu/8b
Komoot: gmbn.eu/Komoot
CZcams Channel - gmbn.eu/GMBNsubs
Instagram - gmbn.eu/GMBNIG
Facebook - gmbn.eu/GMBNFB
Twitter - gmbn.eu/GMBNTW
GMBN Shop - gmbn.eu/gmbnshop
GMBN Tech - gmbn.tech/subscribe
EMBN - embn.me/subscribe
Leave us a comment below! - Sport
Finally not a canyon or a nuke proof , love to see new bikes on the channel
Hardtails are underrated when it comes to bike performance
And then hardtails are more efficient in pedalling
Definitely easier to peddle all day long, but if its a bumpy road all day the full might be better.
Everyone forgets full rigid also.
@@guidodezwaan both have the better and the worse side of things. But you can lock up your rear suspension if you wanted to on falter stuff
comfort but pricey full sus
affordability hardtail
Finally,, an xc hardtailđŻ
Yeah , I have a hardtail XC and I ride it more than my trial full sus
@@gregborsey5563 lmao i think heâs talking about how they always do videos on that nukeproof trail hard tail and theyâre finally doing an xc one. but yeah xc hard tails are a lot of fun.
Yeah xc hardtails are so underrated
Im addicted to my reaction c62 SL.
xc content = never clicked so fast
True story đ„
Xc is boring compared to enduro
Xc is the perfect balance of MTB
@@fazza2104 if u have skills xc is as exciting as enduro
@@moritz3863 you mean it's more exciting, because enduro bros will never climb faster than you and since all they know is dropper post they are also lacking technical skills and proper bike handling and that's why they bottom out eventhough they have 160mm front and rear
Hardtail is like a Manual transmission. It's all about the driver.
This comment is spot on.
You're all just salty that you can't afford full suspension so you make shit up. Yeah, it's harder with no rear suspension, but why make it harder when you can make it more fun? Only thing hardtails are good for is pumptracks, flowtrails and gravel, but if you ever want to ride anything else, you should get a rear suspension frame.
@@diviscadilek1764 you sound salty that people like hardtails đ
I ride both fs and ht. The only difference in them is the ht in a 29/27.5 mullet and the fs in a 27.5/26 mullet. Both are Rockhoppers and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both are still fun to ride on matter where. By the way, I ride in Colorado.
@@richrider5884 both is the best option haha. i just picked an orbea alma h50 n gotta say 29 wheels are taking some serious getting used to compared to 27.5s, but for commuting + weekend riding it definitely seems the better option. Full sus is brutal for commuting, but if your bike is for fun and excitement then i think full sus probably gets the win. Both is definitely still better though!
My heart whispers hardtail...my taint screams full suspension
Hahaha!
If your taint hurts, look into better saddles. Most stock saddles don't account for the fact that most men have balls and a small ass, so they put on oversized saddles with no relief area.
The hardtail. The only type of Mtb I can afford đ
Me too, and luckily for once in my life I prefer the cheaper option.
Full suspension ....... the only mtb that my spine can afford.đ
@@Pesmog Hahaha! For safety and comfort, it's really the way to go for you, I guess.
I think I'll stick to my affordable Hardtails because of the way they ride during climbs. For some reason, I enjoy MTB climbing more so than descending. My old age and skill level are probably the factors. Full suspension is nice because it allows me to hop higher than when I'm on a hardtail but I find myself working that skill less and less.
Surely you can find a full sus bike at your local Walmart that fits your budget
That hardtail needs a dropper post, such a life saver.
I am getting a dropper do you think it is worth the money?
@@SportAndOutside yes, once you get used to using it youâll never go back!
@@SportAndOutside I couldn't imagine not having one now.
Thx guys
Agreed.
Wow, the Don is quick, even on a hardtail with no dropper. That line on the climb was exactly the line Iâd take on every bike. Having ridden hardtails for almost 20 years, itâs so deep in muscle memory. I never learned to go straight through the middle and let the suspension do the work.
The auto-generated captions canât decide whether to call a hard-tail a hotel or a hotdog.
HAHAHAHAHAHHA
Neil would be fast even if he rides a brick.
After 20 years on hardtail I bought my first full sus bike recently. Really enjoy IT but HT has Its magic.
Hartail đ€ Full sus comes when I am old.
True date. Thsts what my 50th birthday present is gonna be. Full sus
Hear, hear!
Hardtail đđ€
Always... Have had hardtails since 1989. One can actually ride DH on a hardtail, but you can't go up hill on a DH đ
Btw I'd prefer my steel gravelbike for an epic ride. Can fit my 29x2,3" tyres on that, so just shift between my hardtail and my gravel when needed đ
Haven't gone electric yet. My bike still runs on potatoes and beer and nothing else đ
@@freeatlast1810 My to Im 47 now and i enjoy so much my HT even in tec trail.
@@freeatlast1810 lol. I just went the opposite direction and got myself a new hardtail for my 50th as a present to myself. I haven't picked up my full sus in over a month and am having a blast.
thank you for all your positive energy and attitude towards mtb! Makes me go out and enjoy my rides so much more
Loved your XC content! Keep up the good work GMBN
I like all that picking of lines and climbing technique that is required by the hardtail, that is a major part of the fun. The simplicity of the hardtail as well if you are out all day or for a few days, less mechanical worries.
Nice video, relates to my riding much more than the usual GMBN vids, cheers
Iâm really loving my 29er hard tail recently, even did techie yesterday and enjoyed every minute
Hardtail vs Full Suss. I think it really comes down to where you live on which bike is better for you to use.
Epic content fellas đđ»
Besides having stunning views. Neil has the skills and knowledge for riding hard tails. IT HELPS ME TO LEARN ON HOW TO RIDE AND READ TRAILS. I'M RIDING WHAT I CAN AFFORD. THANK YOU NEIL .
Sick vids lads
Love your xc content.... And love hardtails even more!
Cool ride guys and awesome bikes yous got there đ epic!
Been riding an enduro bike for a long time know, started off on a XC Hardtail gonna buy one this year as a second bike for quick trail rides that donât require the travel of my enduro bike. Great to see you riding my local area. Great vid đđ»đđ»đđ»đđ»
Always funny seeing my local on the screen! I can ride my hardtail on one of those trails but not both in one day, far too sore afterwards! I've never dreamt of taking it down the DH track though, the end of Cafall is much more fun.
You Boys are really lucky to have such great places to ride, we are locked out of most places around here. Nice bikes.
Excellent video, and such a nice trail! A bit biased towards hardtails here, but not because of lack of experience. Had my fair amount of experiences on FS, both XC and Trail. Settled on a simple steel hardtail for 11 years, now fully rigid on a fattie. My wife, same experiences with FS, also settled with a HT. Bottom line, we like to chat with the terrain. Be well, ride safe.
Neil ripping it up on the hardtail! You could tell he was enjoying pushing the bike to the edge.
neil is amazing rider
Yes the hardtail requirers more effort but boy do I like how they ride. Recently made the step up from 26 to 29 and it smooths everything out just enough, very enjoyable on all day (100+ km) rides.
Dropper is a must in my opinion.
Finally a video for us the full lycra guys !!!! Hardtail till the end.
I like GMBN and GCN when they're not selling their sponsors hard, great ride! I'm going to build up a Banshee paradox v3 once a medium becomes available, try to make a very light hardtail using the SID ultimate suspension, think I'll have better luck that way over waiting for a transition spur.
Excelente video hermanos!!!
Perfect perfect perfect and easy to set up!đđŸ
love riding Twrch and Cafal (due to the lockdowns it's been over a year since i've been there though), mainly ride a hardtail when i go there but usually i feel quite wrecked after a day of riding those trails,
I admit, I prefer a hardtail over the full sus as full sus always regardless of their settings feel quite "spongey" to me.
Please keep in mind I am MOSTLY just a weekend rider who likes to get a wee bit gutzy now and again.
My first was a 2000 GT Aggressor 2.0 (which I am turning into a utilitarian type bike for IF AND WHEN SHTF during a "grid down" situation because cars will not work), and I just replaced it with a 2021 SPECIALIZED Rockhopper for the fun again.
Ps., PLEASE keep up with your YT Channel as I do love all the little tid bits of VERY useful info.
Loving both worlds!
Thank you for always valuable reviews and tips! I'd love to try a fully at one point when finances allow!
great Video... thanks for sharing.. loved mountain shots ...!! tumbs up for he hard tails!! we all started there...!!
Good to see gmbn increasing video quality and editing money is being spent đ
Gr8 review. Gr8 video! Been riding fs for almost 20 years. Going back to a hard tail. In my area it's not super rocky. And there are mostly rollers. Standing on my fs was unpleasant. Downhill I'm standing anyway and can let the rear wonder. Seated butt ruff riding is what stands out most so I might get a suspension seat post at some point.
I have a hardtail equipped with a PNW Coast Dropper. This dropper has 40mm of air suspension. The dropper is a game changer. It bridges the comfort gap between a hardtail and. FS bike.
I like the simplicity and light weight of a HT, but it's all good.
For XC bikes, I've gotta go hard tail. I race a Santa Cruz Highball (C) with a 100mm Fox 32 fork. It's killer climbing and it's not too bad on the decent. You can definitely feel the vertical angles of the frame and they can definitely be more consequential than a more relaxed trail bike, but once you get the hang of it, the thing rips. The 100mm dropper definitely helps too.
It's almost like you've been looking at my CZcams history to see which is best !!!
Good video gents. Both bikes would look great hanging in my garage. Hello from Calgary!
I enjoy both my full sus and HT equally. Different kinda ride. One thing I like about HT,s âŠit keeps u sharp on wet and rutted trails. Glad I went back to basics and got a HTâŠwith no dropper toođ.
I prefer Full-suss for everyday riding, comfort and handling on the rough stuff. Maybe a bit slower on the flat and climbing. But worth the extra $ if getting your first MTB.
I agree. I got my first proper XC racer last year. It was a 2019 merida ninety six and it's far better at everything than its hardtail counterpart. The only thing the hardtail does better is climbing on gravel/asphalt roads.
I love my Trek procaliber for my local hill where there are mosty gravel road, and it is fast end efficient. But when I rented an Ebike, the Giant trance E+1 for 2 days this week on my other local hills that are not such a joy on a hardtail, I had a blast going down. It was the first time for me on a full sus and I really pushed it, flying all around, really huge fun.
Not really much of a comparison as one you said was an ebike.
The perfect bike is the one you can afford and you Want to ride it. Not everyone can afford a $3k plus Mtb.
I love my 27.5+ Hardtail, after 30 yrs of Mtn biking and owning several full suspension bikes and Hardtails, a plus hardtail is my choice.
3k i wish bikes i like were that cheap LOL more like 6-12k :(
@@weathdone I agree, I managed to be able to buy a plus hardtail for $1800, it may not be my dream bike, but I will make it close enough as I replace parts over the next couple years.
My dream bike would cost me $8-9k and it's not even a full suspension
@@johnnydoe66 yup they are not cheap if u want really nice stuff and to be light of course lol being a weight weenie is expensive LOL
More epic rides we love it
I wish you had done the same video but with one of you riding the Cannondale Scalpel Hi-Mod 1 and the other riding the Specialized Epic. Those two are the queens of XC and I would've loved to see them in action through GMBN !!
Hi BTW love the content
I live for these XC videos
i have the Merida big nine. Would recommend it (i haven't tried any other bikes but we will overlook that). i ride trails with a ton of people on full sus units, and in my opinion, you pick up a lot more skills riding them.
Neil rocking 70 degree HA hardtail down pedalhounds. Cant wait to get back up there on my own xc rig with angles that want to kill you on every descent. Loads of fun!
Hardtail is Love
One thing is for sure, these guys are extremely skilled and in incredible physical shape... any bike u give them they are killing it....đđđ
im stil running Hardtail. but someday im gone try out the full. but my heart is and well allways be in Hardtail
YES!! Another merida featured bike
i own a hardtail Merida XT, well under 10kg, an i can easily say its a beast on climbs and also good on descents, but i,m 42 an my back is crying a bit so this year im waiting on my new Merida Ninety-Six XT!!! the black version :), cant wait to ride it!
As a 53yr older who's first bike was an '87 GT Avalanche, I have come full circle and now only own a hardtail and can't ever see going back.
GT best choice, congratulations
53 too. 1992 Raleigh Peak, full xt, straight rigid fork. $999. Loved that bike
I havenât ridden a hard tail since 2001. Itâd be fun to try for a short ride or to try to get some climbing komâs. But full suspension is what Iâd want for the rougher trails near where I live.
Depends on the terrain and distances. I had two full suspension niners une for enduro (wfo) one for xc racing RKT. Loveley bikes both. Terrain was more steep and agressive. Then I moved to a place where distances are farther and not too enduro type trails so now I have a Merlin Titanium Hardttail and I love it. Id say HT is less of a hassle, feels awesome climbing and in general, less maintenance. On the other hand FS is more fun on the descents, period, evrywhere else prefer the HT.
Hardtail never die
I'll choose the one I have, tyvm.
Probably the biggest difference is having to be more careful picking lines on the hardtail. Educational. Loving mine late '21 as a solid winter bike, but that's another video hey GMBN? :) Would say though, either way, a dropper post is essential.
looks like an awesome loop
Depends on the trail!
Can't believe how easy Neil makes those climes look....Can't wait for Wales to open up so I can ride there again!
Itâs for the camera
I just bought a Marin Bobcat hardtail and I love it. I started mountain biking in 1992 and have had full suspension bikes. It takes a better rider to ride a hardtail. Choosing lines is an art! haha
Ooh that's a tough question hardtail or full sus!
If i had to choose i'd probably go with full sus but only because you can lock out the suspension, but....................i love my Scout and have been using it alot XC riding but i know i can take it to a bike park an have a blast :)
It's the best all round bike ive owned you can throw anything at it!
Great video Neil and Rich
Just got my first ever full sus after years on a hard tail, can honestly say I donât think Iâll ever go back to my hard tail. đđ»
What kind of full sus did you get?
I love my hard tail single speed, and I also love my full sus trail steed.
and it depends on the terrain, here in the alpine switzerland you get veryvery sore with a hardtail,though i love my alutech cheaptrick,a enduro hardtail
Muy buena explicaciĂłn y un buen video.los traks exelentes!!đđđ»đđ»đââïžđČđœ
Neilâs on a mission in wales cwmcarn forest drive nice to see you bois in the valleys where I live just wish I was there to see you guys
Hardtail all day long. I learned and rode fully rigid for years and it's second nature to choose your lines. Like everything else today, folk have it easy with modern technology. With an eye for the trail you are less likely to get caught out. Certainly worth learning on, but I'll never go full suspension, I just don't get on with it. Simplicity is my world.
So stoked to see Merida on the channel! I've got 2 Merida Hardtails and they are proper bikes with decent components, good frames and and affordable. I think a lightweight hardtail (with a dropper post and a comfortable saddle!) would make up for most of the benefits of a full-susser. After all, the HT is lighter, and it's my go to bike for long days out in England, where it's mostly flat... I'd switch to my FS if I ride somewhere else with a lot of climbing and descents tho... Descents are definitely more fun (and more forgiving) with a FS...
Looks like you've got a forestry industry there, I'm from BC and I love forestry. They give us jobs and as a MTB'r they give us amazing access to back country.
Full suspension for long day in the saddle, especially for the rooty/rocky trails we have in the Southeast USA.
Great video! Hardtail!
I love my Merida big nine!
Good job guys! BTW, what is the brand and model of the Garmin mount Neil is using?
Video and music đ
Still got a 2006 COCKER and it still runs like a beastđ€đ€
Have a cheap trek hard tail Xc bike does everything I want, some climbs are tricky and bouncing around down hill keeps you wide awake !
Same.. it gets real a pounding but it always come back for more does that tank of bike đđđ„đ
A Hardtail is like a good flipper swooshing you Up and Down, Across Town or down the Mount, to me that what it's all about...Simplicity is Beautiful.
110% hardtail for this guy! The required skills to full send on them, as well as really feeling that earth below you.. Its an experience and connection I could never give up⥠(even at the cost of a few tubes a season đ)
I definitely think it's a bell-curve. Short fast(short track/smooth racing) is definitely a hardtail game, that 2-hour to 5-hour(or a rougher race) is definitely better on a full squish, and then longer than that(when you need more bottles or space for bags) the hardtail wins out.
Agree, plus it depends on how tough the terrain is. Being older and not skillful in tough terrain, I choose easier tracks where I can't gain much with full sus, but deal breaker for me if also the space needed for bikepacking trips and alps crossings.
Hat off for the hard tail. Its light and wicked fast if you are a pro and can handle the bouncy back. But I prefer a fully. Its so comfortable and has better traction uphill and more control and flow downhill.
Both are good in their terrains. Even sometimes a 26" is better to race depending on the track (my 26" for twisty tracks with hard cimbs is unbeateable)
26" đȘ
I left a comment regarding Rich saying Cwmcarn incorrectly the other day so feel the need to say thank you to Neil for saying it correctly today. Thank you!
Having both is the answer!
I like my hard tail for a trail canter thrash and my full sus for a full day ride.
Although I'm now 50 with 30yrs of MTBing behind me and a body smashed by 24yrs military service so I think a full suss eMTB is my next purchase.
eMTB ..? Are you gettinâ soft, buddy ?! đ
damn neil that overlap shot in the beginning
If money is not an object then I would go with the full sus, but my current reality is hardtail! and loving it.
Genuine question. Would you choose a decent fairly new well set up hardtail or an older well used full sus?
That climb on 6.06 (giants finger) ha to be one of the most technical climbs in South Wales.
Got a full sus trail 29er and a full rigid fattie. I am considering a hardtail now to decide on the tyre size. But to answer your question each has their place. IMHO.
It depends, for long rides on mellow trails HT wins but once get a bit rough it will beat you up more. Fully more versitile for more trails and they still fly uphill compared to enduro bike.