Crooked Necks

Posts Tagged ‘suspension mountain bikes’

One of the most important decisions to make when buying a mountain bike is the type of suspension to choose. Essentially, there are two options: full suspension (front and rear wheel) vs. front suspension (front wheel only, also known as ‘hardtail’).

If you’re going to spend money on a new mountain bike, it is absolutely worth considering what kind of suspension you want. The difference can be fairly substantial. So let’s take a look at the two options:

Front Suspension

There are advantages to a front suspension bike. Pedaling is generally more efficient, especially on smooth ground (ideal for road or light off-road riding). They are also lighter than their full cousins, and in tend to require less maintenance. If you plan on doing long distance biking, on generally smooth conditions, the hardtail is probably the optimal choice. They are also prized for dirt jumping, because they provide better performance jump to jump.

Full Suspension

Front-and-rear suspension mountain bikes are generally more comfortable and controllable to ride. By combining front- and rear-wheel shocks, a full suspension ensures maximum distribution of weight, which means hitting those bumps is a lot easier on your body. This is especially important if you plan to do rough-terrain biking or serious downhill rides.