Full-suspension premium over hardtail?
 

I'm having an argument which someone who wants to compare hardtails and FS in terms of equivalency and cost. That is, he wants to how much more a full-suspension bike would cost above an equivalent hardtail. I know "equivalent" is a loaded term, but let's break it down into 2 interpretations: equipment and weight.

So, how much would a FS bike command over a hardtail when they use the same components (minus the rear suspension obviously)?

Then, how much would a FS bike command over a hardtail if they are to weigh the same?

This is greatly simplifying the debate since a FS bike behaves differently than a hardtail, etc., but please bear with me.

Thanks

This will be an argument that never ends. Like the whole Shimano vs. Sram debate.

This boils down to the whole Bontrager Triangle: Cost - Weight - Quality pick two!

A hardtail can always be built up lighter than a full suspension bike. No question. However how light is too light? A race level hardtail should be in the 19.5 to 21 lb range without being "stupid" light. A race level full suspension will be in the 21.5 to 23 lb range using the same level components.

So, there is about a 2 to 3 (gross numbers) pound weight penalty keeping everything else the same.

The more expensive the components the greater the difference. If everything was the same on a Deore level bike, the difference might be $300 to $400. The difference between bikes on a Pro-level bike might be $500 to $1,000. I've seen some race hardtails cost as little as $1,200 for the frame only. Pro-level full suspension will cost you close to $1,500 and up to $2,800 depending. So, it's nearly impossible to compare the two unless you have the same manufacturer building both bikes. The reason? A top quality rear shock will cost about $250 to $400. Add to that all the bearing and privots and additional bracing/welding ...etc. and you're looking at the difference in cost.

Final question. I wouldn't want my FS to weigh the same as my HT. It's relatively easy to get a HT under 24lbs, but costly to do the same with a FS.

Which is better?

There is NO better. It all depends. It depends on the rider, the trails, the style....etc.

I started a post about this called hard tail vs full suspension which had well over 100 responses, please look at that before making the same mistake as I did