When buying a mountain bike, you need to determine if you’re shopping for a full suspension model or a hardtail model. If you’re shopping for a good mountain bike for beginners, then you might be wondering which one is the better choice for you. Though you’ll see more FS bikes out on the trails than you will hardtails, it doesn’t mean that a FS mtb is the best option for you. In fact, the type of riding that you’ll be doing and the riding terrain determines which of the two is correct choice for you.
The actual design of the two bikes has noticeable differences. Take any good hardtail mountain bike and you will see that it has a solid frame with a suspension fork at the front. On the other hand, when you look at a good full suspension mtb, it will be obvious that the frame is two pieces that are joined together by pivots.
What is interesting to know about the FS frame is that those two triangle shaped pieces actually move independently of each other. FS mountain bikes also have a front suspension fork and a shock absorber for controlling the movement rate.
Now, here’s a break down on which type of mtb is best for each of the following activities –
Climbing
Want to stay seated when climbing? Choose a FS bike. Worried about traction, spin-outs and terrain obstacles when climbing? Go with a hardtail mtb.
Downhill
Expect to hit lots of bumps on the descent? Definitely get a FS mtb. If you ride a hardtail in this situation, then you will end up getting tired more quickly than if you were on a FS.
Bike Maintenance
Don’t want to spend a lot of time with upkeep and maintenance? Get yourself a hardtail mountain bike because it takes a lot of work to maintain a full suspension mountain bike in comparison.
Bike Weight
You can find lightweight model in each style of mountain bike.
Bike Cost
If you want a good, cheap mountain bike, then it will probably be a hardtail. Full suspension models are newer to the market, which is why they are the most expensive of the two.
Bottom Line
As you can see, each type of mountain bike has its advantages and disadvantages. Consider your needs before going shopping for a new mountain bike and use my tips above to determine which model is the best for your mountain biking.