It's a hardtail. The reason I prefer a seatpost mount rack is because IMO it looks better then a full rack as it doesn't alter the typical MTB look too much. I saw on the Topeak website that they now have an aluminum/composite version of the QR Beam. The main tube is still alu and the plate is composite for lighter weight. It's rated for 15 lbs max. It's slightly above my price range ($29.95) but still cheaper then the $49.95 the all-aluminum version costs. Seems good, but gotta check it out in the shop first. Hmmmmm.

Btw khuon, some pretty bikes you got.