Do I Need Full Suspension On A Mountain Bike

There are three main types of mountain bikes: hard tails, full-suspension and rigid. Hardtails have no suspension and rigid bikes have no suspension or flexibility in the frame. Full-suspension bikes have both front and rear suspension and are able to absorb bumps along the way.

The type of bike you choose will depend on your riding style, skill level and budget. A hardtail is great for beginners because it will be easier to control when descending steep trails but it can be difficult to ride up hills with its lack of suspension. A full-suspension bike will be more expensive but it will give you more control

Do you really need a full suspension mountain bike?

Mountain bikers carrying some injury tension will always be more comfortable on a full-suspension bike on any terrain. For those riders who are healthier, wish to develop their skills, and explore more demanding trails, the full-suspension mountain bike is a much safer passage to progression.^[1]

Can you mountain bike with no suspension?

Bikes usually come in three varieties: fully rigid (no suspension), hard tail (front fork suspension only), and full suspension (both front and rear suspension). It’s entirely possible to start mountain biking without the use of any suspension.^[2]

Why hardtails are better than full suspension?

Hardtails have a rigid rear end for simplicity and pedalling efficiency, and a suspension fork to absorb bumps that would otherwise jiggle a rider’s arms and upper body. Full-suspension bikes have a second spring and damper between the rider and the rear wheel, to both smooth out the ride and boost traction.^[3]

Do I want a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike?

The brief answer is: Choose a full-suspension bike if you are willing to spend a bit more and you want to ride technical trails. On the other hand, choose a hardtail bike if you’re on a tighter budget and/or plan to spend most of your time on smoother trails.^[4]

Can you ride trails on a hardtail?

You can definitely ride hardtails on trails, they will be more challenging to ride and will force you to improve on the basic mountain biking skills like choosing the right line. Hardtails will not offer you the stability and the speed as a full-suspension on technical trails and downhill.^[5]

What is a mountain bike with no suspension called?

Rigid: These mountain bikes have no suspension on the front fork or rear.^[6]

What is a bike with no suspension called?

When a bicycle has no suspension it is called rigid. Bicycles with only rear suspension are uncommon although the Brompton folding bicycle is equipped with rear only suspension.^[7]

Does suspension on a bike matter?

Advantages of suspension: More comfortable ride. Better control of the bicycle – better traction when cornering, even braking. This allows for faster riding on rough roads that are downhill, or flat. Of course, stem and seat post suspension mostly affects comfort (only).^[8]

Can you downhill on a hardtail?

So, can a hardtail mountain bike handle downhill riding? Generally, yes, a hardtail mountain bike can handle downhill riding. This should be easier on a smoother downhill road but is still possible when you are riding downhill on a trail that is comparatively rougher.^[9]

Can I use MTB on road?

Yes, you can ride a mountain bike on the road. Many people like to have a mountain bike instead of a road bike or hybrid because they like the option of being able to ride off-road should they choose.^[10]

Does riding a hardtail make you a better rider?

Do hardtails make you a better rider? No, it just requires a slightly different technique/riding style, line choice, etc…^[11]

Can you ride a full-suspension bike on the road?

As a general rule, a full-suspension mountain bike is not as efficient on the pavement as a road bike but will offer a smoother and more comfortable ride. The knobby tires and the increased weight due to the rear suspension will reduce pedaling efficiency but will increase stability.^[12]