In 1999 it was no question Hardtails were faster on a XC course, as just about every top 10 finisher from every race in the world only saw hardtails...

However, these days, we do see 1 or 2 FS in the top 10 in some races, even in the Pro Ranks. But they are pretty sick XC-FS machines though! But until I start seeing at least half the top 20 of the XC races win on FS bikes, I will always Generalize and say "Hardtails are Faster"