Mountain Bikes - Do you prefer Hardtail or Full Suspension??

Question

I would like to know your opinions on what setup you prefer. I have been building up my older hardtail mtb, but now i am thinking about getting a new bike and have a few picked out.

If you have any comments on the models I am looking at; they are welcomed. Canondale Prophet 4, Specialized RockHopper Comp, and Specialized FSR XC.

Answer 1

I'm a retro guy. I like a hardtail.

I used to own a Bridgestone- steel frame, no suspension at

all. Great bike. Same with the Mongoose I had before

that.

Now? Can't find anything like that any more.....

I don't think 90% of the riders out there really NEED

suspension. I mean- how many mountain bikers ride

in the city and never get near a mountain?

I don't like disc brakes either, but try to find a new

bike nowadays with caliper or v-brakes. Hardly anybody

still makes them. A sorry state of affairs, if you ask me.

I like steel frames on my road bikes, too. Currently ride

a '96 Bianchi with a fully-lugged steel frame. Campy guts.

Campy wheels. Another great bike.

Answer 2

well i would prefer a full suspension,i would buy a 2008 c-dale rush 4 or a 2007 rush 5, and if you get a cannondale buy one with a lefty

Answer 3

dude go with the specialized epic. it is the most amazing bike i have ever owned. the brain works awesome. i would wait for the redesigned 09 tho.

Answer 4

I like both, and actually have both (well, waiting for a frame on  a full suss).

Which one would be better, it depends on the terrain.  Now, the following are preferences, not hard facts.  If most or all of the trails I rode were pretty smooth, then a light hardtail is pretty nice.  When you get to more rough trails, a full suspension blows away a hardtail.  It's not a matter of being more confortable, but the rear suspension drives the rear tire to be more time on the ground, providing better traction.  So, when you're doing steep climbs, probably a FS will be better than a HT.  Going downhill, well, pretty much a FS is a no brainer, unless, it's a pretty groomed downhill, in which a HT can do pretty well too.

Of the three bikes you've posted, they are different, at least on the Prophet and the FSR XC.  The Prophet is more a rough ready bike, with a bit more suspension travel and the geometry might be better dialed for harder trails.  The FSR XC has less travel, might be a bit lighter (I don't know the numbers), and probably better for XC.  

Answer 5

Definitely FS.  I have a GF suger (3 years old).  Weighs 24 lbs and I can ride it all day anywhere.  The comfort can't be beat.  Of the choices you mentioned, I like the FSR.