HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE OR FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKE?
THE DIFFERENCES AND ADVANTAGES OF BOTH TYPES OF MTB
Are you looking for a mountain bike? Then you have probably come across the terms 'hardtail' and 'full suspension'. When choosing your new bike, it is important to know the difference between the two types of mountain bikes. The choice between the two bikes ultimately depends on what you want to do with the mountain bike. Do you prefer to look for flatter trails and perhaps ride on the road or are you looking for rougher terrain with many obstacles?
HARDTAIL OR FULL SUSPENSION: THE BIG DIFFERENCE
The difference between a hardtail mountain bike and a full suspension mountain bike is in the suspension. The suspension on the bike ensures that shocks are absorbed well. Suitable suspension is therefore very important and makes a ride on the mountain bike a lot more comfortable. A full suspension mountain bike, also called a 'fully', is equipped with both front and rear suspension. A hardtail is generally equipped with a sprung front fork, but has no rear suspension.
THE BENEFITS OF A HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE
The more suspension, the better? That is not always the case. A hardtail mountain bike has a number of advantages over a full suspension. Because the construction of a hardtail mountain bike is stiffer, your pedaling power is transferred directly to the rear wheel. This ensures that cycling on (reasonably) flat surfaces costs less energy. The hardtail is therefore perfectly suited for Dutch roads and trails. In addition, the hardtail has a simpler construction and less can break. This makes the bike reliable and cheaper to buy than a full suspension.
The advantages of a hardtail in brief:
- The stairs are easier
- Simple construction
- Cheaper to purchase
- Often equipped with a suspension fork
- Suitable for less rough or flat terrain
THE BENEFITS OF A FULL SUSPENSION
But full suspension also offers a number of advantages. The suspension at the rear allows a fully to absorb large impacts more easily. This keeps the wheels in better contact with the ground and the bike reacts more predictably to obstacles such as stones and roots. This makes a ride in rough terrain a lot more comfortable and is ideally suited for this. However, climbing requires a bit more energy, because part of your pedaling power disappears into the suspension. Fortunately, you can lock the rear suspension on many full suspension bikes.
The advantages of a full suspension in brief:
- Equipped with both front and rear suspension
- Obstacles are easier to overcome
- The bike responds more predictably
- More grip
- Suitable for rough terrain
WHICH MOUNTAIN BIKE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Now that we know what the rear suspension does exactly, it's time to make a choice. Are you going for a fully or a hardtail mountain bike? This mainly depends on what you want to use the bike for. Are you a beginner or do you mainly want to ride on flat or reasonably flat surfaces? Then a hardtail mountain bike is a good choice: cheap, reliable and very suitable for Dutch trails or paved roads. Are you looking for more of a challenge and is rougher terrain no problem for you? A full suspension mountain bike ensures that you can handle all obstacles.
Do you already know which type of mountain bike is perfect for you? Then take a look at our hardtail mountain bikes or just ours full suspension mountain bikes . Would you like more advice on choosing between a hardtail or a fully? Then come and visit one of our CUBE Stores . Our bike experts are happy to help you make the right choice.