I did my first race event in the WI WORS series last weekend. Most every Comp and Elite rider was on a hardtail. You really didn't need a full suspension bike on this course. I have a Cannondale Rush Team Replica bike that I race, but I just purchased a 2000 Kona Ku hardtail to play around with. I'm taking the hardtail next time to the trail I frequent the most and I'll be shocked if I set a new PB on the Kona. Maybe I'll take both bikes and time myself doing some hill repeats and see which bike is faster.