Originally Posted by Peek_the_Geek
Everytime the rear tire on a hard tail bounces off something the tire and terrain briefly lose contact.
When the heck does the bike BOUNCE? It doesn't, as long as the riders weight is on it. And the majority of your traction comes from the front wheel anyway.
Even if Full suspension bikes have more traction, it's not much. The only instance I can think of would be a rock garden or something, but even then, your tires will slip out from under you.
Originally Posted by hollenjf
Such nonsense like this ruins these boards, children arguing with no basis in fact
That has to be the most rude comment ever. I'm far from being a child. I've got my DRIVING license and in a few months will be of legal drinking age. And I bet I know a whole lot more about bikes than you do. You want a bike that doesn't even exist. And as far as I know, softails are no longer even made.
Originally Posted by hollenjf
that rockhopper is a hardtail.. I'll have my tail end skidding all over the place, and it doesnt look like that can take jumps too well
I suggest you try it before assuming that. The truth is, the complete opposite of what you said is true. And if you're skidding I suggest you learn proper braking technique.
On the productive side, read this and see what bike suits you.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=67259