Hardtail or Full? How to choose the perfect mountain bike?

Why is the suspension in the bike?

It is worth starting with why a MTB bike needs depreciation. When you drive on asphalt or pavement, using a classic road or urban commuteter, there is not much unevenness on the route, so no depreciation is needed. Even if you get a slow threshold or a curb, you’ll just get ripped on the saddle for a moment and that’s it.

It looks completely different in the field. Whoever tried to fly on a classic highland without suspension after hills (or worse, mountain trails), he knows that there is no question of dynamic, comfortable driving. And here the suspension appears.

The cushioned fork (and possibly the rear damper) allow for faster driving and greater comfort of overcoming unevenness. Are invaluable when driving off -road And on technically difficult routes because Shock absorbers effectively choose unevenness and allow you to keep control over the bike.

Depending on what kind of mountain cycling you do, it is worth paying attention to Different suspension constructions. After all, Downhill or Enduro requires a greater shock absorber jump than Cross Country. In practice, two types of suspension are distinguished:

1. MTB Hardtail (commonly known to stiff), where there is only a front shock absorber,
2. MTB full suspensioni.e. a bike with a full suspension, where the front and rear shock absorber appears.

You can find both types of MTB bikes in the store https://sprint-rowery.pl/rowery-gorskie

How does a full suspension bike work?

Full suspension bike has been Equipped with front and rear suspension. Shock absorbers effectively choose unevenness at conventions, so you drive easier and more pleasant. Driving comfort is not everything – a full -wheeler is better for crazy driving, when you need to jump from an obstacle of up to several dozen centimeters of height.

Unfortunately (or a fortune), full suspension forgives a lot of mistakes. If you want to master the driving technique first, you’d better start the adventure with cycling with Hardtail.

Often underestimated The advantage of Full Suspension is the lower load of the spine. Cycling is not running, so as a rule, your back suffers less, unless you use a sporty, heavily tilted position. However, if you have an injury, you are after surgery or during rehabilitation, full suspension will be a better choice.

Of course, this is not an ideal solution. What many people pay attention to the very beginning is the greater weight of the Full Suspension bicycle model. The presence of a rear damper, more massive brakes and more extensive derailleurs makes the two -wheeler heavier by a good 3 kg, and often even more. In return, you get a durable construction, good for aggressive conventions.

What’s more, while this type of bike works on technical routes, it loses a bit on flat and even, hard sections, because part of the pedaling energy is absorbed by shock absorbers. It is also worth remembering that Full suspension bikes require more frequent servicebecause you need to take care of every shock absorber.

The next difference between Hardtail and Full is the price. The latter are usually more expensive (or at least they should be, then you know that you pay for quality), because you need to use more elements in them. Good shock absorbers also cost their own. Instead of choosing cheap models, it’s better to bet on more expensive air shock absorbers.

Hardtail bike – what is it?

If you are looking for something lighter and for dynamic driving, it is worth looking for bikes referred to as hardtail. They are equipped only with a front shock absorber mounted in a fork, making the whole bike more “stiff”. Hardtails are better adapted to speed and you don’t have to be on the site so oftenand this reduces the costs of maintaining a two -wheeler. Hardtail models maintain good adhesion on a flat road, and on forest paths allow you to go crazy. If only it was not too aggressive – In the classic mountain area, driving a “rigid” will be more difficult than Full.

Little riders know well that Hardtail models are lighter due to the simpler design. Manufacturers additionally use here Simple, rigid frames made, among others carbon fiber or aluminumto reduce the mass of two wheels even more. Simplicity here also comes out a plus when it comes to driving dynamics, because the drive generated by muscle strength will be more effective. That is why hardtails can be recommended at the beginning of the adventure with prosecution.

There is, of course, the price criterion. Two -wheelers with this type of suspension can be much cheaper. If you are just starting to ride a bike and you are not sure if it will become your passion, you will pay less for Hardtail than for Full, or buy a better model at the same price.

What full to buy at the beginning? Or maybe Hardtail?

Choosing a bicycle with a suspension for a beginner can be difficult, so it’s worth paying attention to the recommendations of professionals.

Interesting The Full Suspension model is Trek Top Fuel 8 Gen 4. Lightweight aluminum frame, internal guidance and Shimano XT accessories make it solid, for a strong inn on a demanding route. You will find it here: https://sprint-rowery.pl/rower-gorski-trek-top-fuel-8-gen-4.

If you prefer a more classic frame geometry and You are looking for a fast machine, agile in corners, check the Trek Procaliber 9.5 Gen 3 model. At an attractive price you get an aluminum frame, high -class Shimano Deore equipment and Tubeless Ready tires that can be poured with milk and ride without inner tubes. Check more details at: https://sprint-rowery.pl/ower-gorski-trek-procaliber-9-5-gen-3.

MTB Full vs. bike Hardtail. A short comparison with a word of summary

Remember that if you are considering buying a bicycle intended for a specific discipline, e.g. XC, you must take into account a specific cost ceiling. Too cheap full or hardtail may just not withstand overloads. Therefore, at the very beginning you have to think about whether it is a typical recreational bike (with elastomer suspension) designed for calm, comfortable field riding, or are you looking for a machine for real madness.

Hardtail models stand out above all:

• lower weight,

• easier keeping clean and efficiency,

• faster driving on driveways and when overcoming smooth sections,

• greater performance during pedaling.

In turn, the typical features of MTB Full Suspension are:

• greater versatility allows for dynamic driving in a diverse area,

• greater stability during conventions,

• Faster driving while overcoming difficult, bumpy sections of the trail.

It is easy to see that there is no universal solution. While the rear shock absorber helps to maintain the wheel contact with the ground and cares for good traction, when driving on a gravel, flat section can even disturb.

Hardtail or full suspension – what for a beginner and what for the advanced person?

Hardtail or full bike is a common question not only of beginners, but also those who already have the first seasons of serious driving behind them. What type of suspension should you choose depending on the experience?

Some cyclists believe that Hardtail is better for learning to drive because it allows you to feel the ground better. Thanks to the stiffer design, the user can also master the weight of body weight or bending sideways faster. You can meet with an extremely different opinion that for beginners the Full Suspension model will be better, because it allows for a more convenient ride on a more difficult trail despite the smaller skills.

Experienced people will probably prefer equip yourself with two bikes With a different type of suspension and choose a two -wheeler depending on the target route.

In fact, the determining factor will be your driving style and route you cover most often. If you prefer bicycle marathons on relatively even trails, put on hardtail. If the priority is to be effectiveness on the most difficult route, Full will be a better choice. The problem is that the benefits (and disadvantages) of both technical solutions simply cannot be reconciled.

Where to buy a bike for riding in difficult terrain?

If you know that MTB bikes are a solution for you, Check the store’s offer Sprint-rowery.pl. You will find in it both recreational MTB and models for demanding XC, Downhill or Enduro driving. Choose from the two -wheelers of reputable producers and draw full driving pleasure! Do you hesitate which model to choose? Use the help of professional advisers who will find equipment that meets your expectations and budget. See for yourself that the suspension in a bike really helps!