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Full-Suspension vs. Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Joe Pasteris|

If you’re shopping for a new mountain bike, you’ll inevitably face a big choice: full-suspension or hardtail?

A full-suspension mountain bike features both a suspension fork up front and a rear shock, whereas a hardtail bike has only a suspension fork. The type of suspension a mountain bike has will affect the bike’s control, traction and comfort—not to mention how enjoyable it is to ride.

So, which type of mountain bike is right for you? The answer depends largely on how much you’re willing to spend and the terrain you like to ride, but there are other factors, too. 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.

Mountain biker navigating around roots on a shady trail

A full-suspension bike is right for you if:

  • You’re willing to spend a bit more: High-quality, entry-level full-suspension mountain bikes start at about $1,500. If you’re OK with spending that amount (or more) and full-suspension makes sense for the type of terrain you want to ride, then it’s likely a good choice.
  • You mostly ride technical trails: If pedaling through rock gardens, up and over roots and off of drops is your idea of a fun ride, then a full-suspension mountain bike is for you. This is the type of terrain that full-suspension bikes are built for; the combination of front and rear suspension creates a smoother ride with better traction and handling, which can translate to more fun on rough terrain.
  • You want a more comfortable ride: A full-suspension mountain bike will soak up most of the jarring bumps that would otherwise be sent to your body (and in some cases, buck you off your bike). This can help reduce fatigue, which in turn can allow you to ride faster, for longer, with greater comfort.
  • You have a need for speed: Front and rear suspension do such a good job of absorbing bumps that you can typically carry more speed through technical sections of trail than you would be able to with a hardtail.

Shop Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes

Woman cornering on a mountain bike in snow

A hardtail mountain bike is right for you if:

  • You’re on a budget: You can almost always get more bike for your buck with a hardtail, especially if your budget is set at about $1,500 or less. This is because hardtails have a simpler design that’s less expensive to manufacture, which allows bike makers to include higher-end components (like derailleurs, shifters, brakes, etc.) than are typically featured on similarly priced full-suspension bikes.
  • You mostly ride smooth trails: If you spend the majority of your time on fairly smooth trails, then a hardtail bike can offer you a fast and fun ride that will soak up moderate bumps with its front suspension fork.
  • You like low-maintenance: With fewer moving parts, hardtail bikes are simpler and less-expensive to maintain than full-suspension bikes. Of course, a certain amount of basic maintenance is still required. Learn more in our Bike Maintenance Basics article.
  • You want a light bike: Hardtail bikes generally weigh less than full-suspension bikes because their simpler design has fewer parts. Less weight can be a good thing if your ride will include lots of climbing or covering long distances. With that said, higher-end full-suspension bikes can be quite light, so if you’re willing to spend the money, the weight difference can be minimal.

Shop Hardtail Mountain Bikes

Want more? You can find additional information about mountain bike suspension in our Bike Suspension Basics article.
Joe Pasteris
Joe Pasteris

Longtime REI Expert Advice editor Joe Pasteris is now a freelance writer based in Vermont. REI member since 2006.

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7 Comments

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  1. trails2ales

    There are so many ways to answer the hardtail v full question. You could write a full dissertation on the merits of either, and that’s without including actual ‘opinion’ or preference of the author. There will be people who scoff at full squish as being for old or soft riders; there will people who insist that hardtail rules all trials. And let’s not forget that there are those who prefer no suspension at all. With all that in mind, you did a really nice job of presenting the basics of the decision making for the new rider. For the ride who doesn’t have a lot of riding experience and is just moving into bikes with suspension, your article will provide a good guideline.

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  2. Ursula Stadelman

    Great article on mountain bikes! It is true that both types of mountain bikes have their own advantages. It depends on the use you want to make and the price you want to spend. I think that if you are not sure which one to choose, you will need to refer to a professional. Their advice is valuable and pro! I went to Ecuador recently to try mountain biking in the middle of volcanoes. I found a great agency that was able to advise me, Gulliver Expeditions in Quito (www.gulliver.com.ec)! They have perfect mountain bikes for both beginners and experienced!

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  3. Godotzilla

    I never found a full suspension bike that, in lock-out mode, gave me the stiffness I desire for climbing. I always felt more comfortable on a hardtail – on any trail, technical or otherwise. I find the “full suspension is faster” argument dubious. The weight trade-off between hardtail and suspension makes that a wash (and, since most trails are not all hairpins and bumps, I’d argue the lighter hardtail gives you more edge for the majority of a ride). But it’s all about personal preference at the end of the day – and which bike fits your butt.

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  4. Oliver

    I still own a trail-hardtail as my 2nd bike for the sake of having a robust and capable training machine for winter and muddy conditions where i do not want to wear out my FS-E-Enduro. I also the underdog-Image of hardtails. It´s totally clear, that i can be pretty bumpy on a HT going over rough terrain at high speed but it´s also clear that the humble HT will take you wherever th FS-bike will take you. At lower speed or with less comfort, that´s it. When Money does matter, give HTs a try but look for proper geometry, plus-tyres and dropper-post.

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    • Snoopdaddy

      In my younger days, as an intermediate skill rider, I used to ride advanced downhill trails with FS that I would never have dared (or felt comfortable) to ride with a HT. But that’s me.

      Now in my early fifties, I just try to enjoy riding moderate to intermediate trails, enjoy the scenery at average speeds and hope come back home in one piece. For this reason you fully answered this question in relation to my personal needs. I will focus my research at getting a quality HT with proper geometry, good tires and a quality dropper post. Thanks Oliver!

      Reply
  6. Pirooz

    I ride an XC bike for several years and changed to full suspension this year. This article covers almost everything for those who want to decide between these two. There are certainly people who argued this but they have their own experience and do not need this to decide. As you mentioned, some riders prefer rigid bikes even on rough trails. They are the one who masters the skills to not kill their back on bumps. They can reason that the squishy bike is not the best for them. However, this is not useful to bring in this short article. My personal experience: using an XC bike on rough terrain put an extra burden on your body and joints and could be harmful. use the right tool for your goal. even if you are on a tight budget you can find a lower-end or even second-hand full-suspension bike that is nice to your body. On the other side, if the cost is not a matter for you, the technology is reached the point that you could have a full-suspension bike which is as light, efficient and fast as a hardtail.

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