In a race, would you rather have gears or front suspension?
 

Weird question, I know. I'm in process of building up a hardtail XC race rig from a single speed. I have a rigid White Brothers and a Fox F100 for it now. Thing is, in order for me to be more competitive, I'm going to need gears. I'm only considering a Rohloff speedhub right now since the bike has a eccentric bottom bracket. Selling the Fox F100 will take some sting out of the $1300 needed for the hub but then that just leaves me with a rigid. I know set up is largely dependent on the course, blah, blah. I'm just saying. If general all purpose racing, use a front suspension single speed or fully rigid with a speedhub in the back?

How much do you like to suffer?

On most courses most people would be more competitive on a rigid bike with gears than a hardtail singlepeed. However, there are lots of singlespeed races out there now, so that's an option.

If the courses are rolling but techy, with no extended climbing or long flat sections, the ss hardtail may do fine.

If there's lots of climbing and not too many rock gardens go with the Rohloff.

But really, what makes the bike that you want to ride? Keep it fun for yourself: which bike would you rather ride?

Sell all of it and drop the money on a nice race ready hardtail with gears and suspension.

Yeah, true dat. If you're racing to win, go with the stuff that will get you to the finish line fastest. If you're not racing to win, I'd say save your money for beer.