How To Hardtail Mountain Bike

In this section, we will be talking about how to hardtail mountain bike. We will discuss how to ride a hardtail mountain bike and the benefits of riding one.

A hardtail mountain bike is typically a type of mountain bike that does not have suspension. This means that it does not have the front or rear shocks for absorbing bumps in the terrain. A hardtail mountain bike is usually lighter and more agile than its full-suspension counterparts. It also has less expensive components, which can make it easier on your wallet if you are just starting out in the sport of mountain biking. Riding a hardtail mountain bike can be an excellent way to get into the sport without having to spend too much money on equipment right away.

Are hardtail bikes good for mountain biking?

As a type of mountain bike, hardtail bikes are used for cycling on many terrains and environments. Their versatile and resilient nature means they’ll perform well in most places ride. Suitable areas for hardtail mountain biking include mountain trails, fire roads and pump tracks.^[1]

How do you make a hardtail capable?

Adding a set of bars with 40, 50, or 60mm of rise will put your body position further back to make descending on steep trails more comfortable. Pair a more aggressive set of bars with a shorter stem, somewhere around 40-60mm for a modern cockpit look and a more responsive ride.^[2]

Can a hardtail do everything?

No problem, hardtails are typically more efficient than full suspension bikes and have plenty of room for frame bags. Some slight tweaks are usually all it takes to transform your hardtail into whatever it needs to be. You can ride a good hardtail anywhere and everywhere!^[3]

Can a hardtail go downhill?

Can you ride a hardtail downhill? Yes, you absolutely can ride a hardtail downhill. You’ll feel every bump your back tire hits but you can sure do it. In fact, many riders will ride a hardtail bike downhill to force themselves to learn how to pick a better path.^[4]

Is a hardtail harder to ride?

They don’t handle steep, rooty sections or rock gardens with the same degree of ease as a full suspension bike. Less experienced riders should also consider that a hardtail will make for a tougher ride as you will feel every single bump on the track.^[5]

Is climbing easier on a hardtail?

If you are only climbing fire roads and smooth single track, I would stick with a hardtail. If you like any sort of technical climbing or climb on loose terrain go for the full suspension. Of course, geometry, bike weight, tires, tire pressure, amount of travel will all play into the final feel of the bike.^[6]

Are hardtails uncomfortable?

The biggest drawback compared to full suspension bikes, as any rider can plainly see, is the rear end on a hardtail tends to bounce around, leading to discomfort and to a lack of tracking and control at speed.^[7]

Is full suspension safer than hardtail?

On climbs and flat smooth surfaces hardtails are faster but on the more technical trails with downhill sections full-suspension MTB’s safer and faster.^[8]

Do hardtails climb better?

Both, of course, have their pros and cons. Nothing can beat a hardtail for flat-out climbing speed and efficiency, but they suffer on the technical features found on modern cross country courses.^[9]

Why are hardtails better?

Hardtail bikes tend to excel on slower, tighter trails and where the dirt offers more traction. On less technical terrain, hardtails often provide a more direct, involving ride. The rigid back end offers superb power transfer to the rear wheel when climbing and sprinting.^[10]

Why do people ride hardtails in winter?

As well as protecting your full suspension bike from winter abuse, a hardtail can often be the better bike to ride anyway. They’re lighter, so easier to keep propelled in the slop. They don’t hold on to muck as much, so they’re easier to clean and don’t clog up mid-ride.^[11]

Can you ride a hardtail on trails?

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.^[12]