Mountain Biking - which do you prefer?

full suspension or hardtail? and Why?

Full suspension. Because I can go way faster over rough stuff.

Full suspension, 'cause it's more expensive, and therefore better.

Hardtail, driving to the trail heads suck so I'll ride the road up to 10 miles to get to my local trails. Makes for a good warm up.

Soft tail. The best of all of the above.

Rigid because it makes everyone giggle.

heh heh

road bike.

Hardtail, because you can't learn to pick a good line unless you start on a hardtail...

I always thought you should start bare footed trail running first. That'll really help you find the good lines.

I always thought you should start bare footed trail running first. That'll really help you find the good lines.

+1. When you get good enough, you can add shoes, which are like FS [Foot Suspension].

Hardtail, because you can't learn to pick a good line unless you start on a hardtail...:roflmao: :roflmao:

Both...depends on how, where and what I am riding.

Both...depends on how, where and what I am riding.

My thoughts also.

... Brad

Hardtail, because you can't learn to pick a good line unless you start on a hardtail...

psh, you can't learn to pick a good line unless you start on a rigid. :D

I use a full suspension, but would switch to a hardtail version for weight loss[bike, not mine]

Hardtail. Cheaper, lighter in most cases, easier to mantain, blah blah black sheep.

Hardtail, because it's all I could afford.

Full suspension.

So I can ride around my hood on a 'lowered' bicycle.

Hardtail, because you can't learn to pick a good line unless you start on a hardtail...

What is this "picking a good line"? Does it mean choosing the path of least resistance?

Fully for DH and FR. Hardtail for DJ.

Full suspension, 'cause it's more expensive, and therefore better.

As it is in all things.


I like Hardtail, mainly because I ride relatively hilly terrain, so the bob is frusterating. And I like light bikes.

Both. (FS are more fun :D)

I like Hardtail, mainly because I ride relatively hilly terrain, so the bob is frusterating. And I like light bikes.

So what type of terrain would one have to ride to not be frustrated with the FS bob?

So what type of terrain would one have to ride to not be frustrated with the FS bob?

Not all FS bobs are created equal. I would not trade my bike's full suspension for a hardtail as I find the ride of my FS to be head-and-shoulders above my old bike. For reference I have a Kona hardtail and a Turner Flux. I ride XC that ranges from smooth singletrack to rocky/rooty trails with small drops.

But Ridid still sounds funnier.

Not all FS bobs are created equal. I would not trade my bike's full suspension for a hardtail as I find the ride of my FS to be head-and-shoulders above my old bike. For reference I have a Kona hardtail and a Turner Flux. I ride XC that ranges from smooth singletrack to rocky/rooty trails with small drops.

But Ridid still sounds funnier.

So, what I think I heard is Kona sux?

So, what I think I heard is Kona sux?

And when Bob rides a Kona, it really sucks.

And when Bob rides a Kona, it really sucks.

Neil and Bob.

Edit: I remember a Rodney Dangerfield movie where he ran into two guys named Neil and Bob. He said something along the lines of "Neil and Bob, are those your names or is that what you do?"

So, what I think I heard is Kona sux?Konas always suck.

Rode my XC hardtail last night on our group ride and I have to say its only redeeming social quality is the fact that it weighs nearly 20# less than my other bike, so does not flog me on the climbs. If I could afford to build up a FS trail bike I would. I have found that I really detest that twitchy geometry and the pucker-for square-edged-hits feel of a hardtail.

I like full suspension bikes, but in reality i can only afford hardtails.

Konas always suck.

Rode my XC hardtail last night on our group ride and I have to say its only redeeming social quality is the fact that it weighs nearly 20# less than my other bike, so does not flog me on the climbs. If I could afford to build up a FS trail bike I would. I have found that I really detest that twitchy geometry and the pucker-for square-edged-hits feel of a hardtail.

That bike had better be a Transition XC hardtail!

alot of preference is involved although the advantages of a FS are comming up, but for alot of hill climbs and things i prefer the hardtail for now. It all depends on the terrain your riding. The FS bikes have a weird bounce while pedeling them in my opinion

The FS bikes have a weird bounce while pedeling them in my opinion

Yeah, the Wal-Mart FS bikes do that a lot.

That bike had better be a Transition XC hardtail!Haha! No, it's my 'bike that schwag built, No.2' - -a Barracuda frame that was given to me, fleshed out mostly with spare parts. I now have 17" and 19" Barracudas that I built from spare parts that I keep around for extras in case anyone needs one.

If I build another hardtail it will be a Vagrant - - it has geometry numbers that are more to my liking.

Thats right Never everyone opinion is wrong but yours

Thats right Never everyone opinion is wrong but yours

Now you're getting it!

The FS bikes have a weird bounce while pedeling them in my opinion

Well just to see how you're coming to this broad generalization...what FS bikes have you owned or ridden - that were properly set up for you?

Soft tail. The best of all of the above.

so i don't get it, is softail like only a little bit of rear suspension, or seat suspension.......or something:eek:.

What is it?

so i don't get it, is softail like only a little bit of rear suspension, or seat suspension.......or something:eek:.

What is it?

pivotless suspension usually at the top of the seatstays. generally 1.5'' or less

See;

Salsa Dos Niner

Moots YBB

KHS Softtail

hardtail, more effecient harder to ride(need to pick better lines), more challenge = more fun

pivotless suspension usually at the top of the seatstays. generally 1.5'' or less

See;

Salsa Dos Niner

Moots YBB

KHS Softtail

oh, those bikes.......;)

Ah, YBB... how I long for ye...

As of now, a hardtail is preferable for where I live.

My Fat Ti has been such a great bike for the last 8 years that I haven't considered any other bike. It's made for New England singletrack.:)

I love full suspension, just because it keeps my rear wheel on the ground more so I can go faster. I don't think I will ever need another mountain bike. I love my Heckler to death.

hardtail, feels more natural to me and I'm a cheap ******* so the lower price of hardtails s more appealing.