I've had a hardtail for a few years now, im looking into getting a fully, could you please tell me the pros and cons for the two. thanks, Patrick
thanks,Sure, it depends what type of riding you like. Each type of bike has its own characteristics, even different full suspensions.
In very general terms (YMMV):
- Hardtails are simpler machines, less maintenance
- Full suspensions require you adjust both shocks correctly, not just the fork (if you're not riding rigid)
- Full suspensions tend not to get bounced all over the place on rocky/tech terrain the way a hardtail would
- Full suspensions tend to be better on the downhills, hardtails are easier on the ups
- All full suspensions are not created equally. You'll need to test ride and tune the suspension to figure out what you like or don't like.
Currently, I have three bikes: a DJ hardtail with 100mm suspension fork, a AM bike with 140mm travel, and a 8" travel DH bike. If my body could handle riding a hardtail all the time, I would go back to it instead of a 140mm travel fully. It just can't right now, maybe in the future with 30 lbs lighter
1) Saying that a freeride and a dirtjump bike handle the same on a situation for which the dirtjump bike was designed for is nonesense, more so if you say that the dirtjump bike is a hardtail with a stiff shock for a reason on the following sentence. Its absolutely contradicting.i have a dj, 150mm, and fr bike and there isn't much of a difference between my dj and my FR on dirt jumps or any jumps for that matter....I will say a little, and there is a reason my dj is a hardtail with a very stiff 100mm up front, but it's not as much as you would think.
hardtails you do need to pick better lines, usually at the expense of speed (i'm sure hard core hardtailers will disagree, but once you reach a certain tech level in the trail it is true).
go full squish, these days most of the rear shocks have "climbing" settings with the flip of a switch and they are near locked out anyway. With the exception of climbing i don't see any huge advantages, and most people that have HT also have FS for harder trails anyway....