Originally Posted by ErichVonCartman

Some of the XC Racers are being designed to be shorter and more technical, and in a shorter race, pedaling efficiency and the extra weight becomes less of an issue because the legs never wear out.

In the end, it all comes down to Rider. Even on a WC DH course, I am thinking Aaron Gwin could still beat me if he was on a hardtail and I was on my 6.5" of travel Plush Santa Cruz Nomad!

To me, Full Suspension is worth every penny. It tracks much nicer, keeps me fresher, and just makes the over all riding experience better.

I don't need much skill to ride my Santa Cruz Nomad, as it just bowls over and through big rocks and big logs with ease.... meanwhile a rider like Gwin will still be faster than me as he will just bunny hop that log.