Choosing the best mountain bike for how and where you ride makes your trail experience more enjoyable. Mountain biking is a gear-focus support, and while you don’t need to empty your retirement savings to get a good mountain bike, being smart about picking your first (or next!) ride makes a difference.
If you’re deciding between a hardtail or full suspension mountain bike, start your search with this handy guide.
Hardtail vs. Full Suspension, Head-to-Head
Hardtails are the de facto mountain bike, but full suspension mountain bike tech has improved in leaps and bounds over the past decade.
What Is a Hardtail?
A hardtail mountain bike has front suspension only, which means the front forks move to absorb trail bumps, rocks, and small vibrations.
The benefits of a hardtail mountain bike include:
-
Cost: Hardtail mountain bikes are generally less expensive than similarly spec’d full suspension bikes.
-
Maintenance: Because they have only front suspension and no pivot points, hardtails are much lower maintenance. That’s especially true if you intend to adjust the air pressure on the rear shock of a full suspension every ride.
-
Skills: Starting on a hardtrail teaches better handling skills and line selection, because you’re much more likely to feel your mistakes through bumps and loss of momentum.
There are some drawbacks to hardtails, however, including a rough ride on harsh terrain and less traction on technical trails. Those two factors combine to increase fatigue, especially if you plan to do longer rides (think two hours or more).
What Is a Full Suspension Mountain Bike?
Also known as a dual suspension (that’s an older term) or a fully (that’s a bit more hip), full suspension mountain bikes have suspension forks and a rear shock. This helps the rider maintain contact with the trail and reduces fatigue from bumps and rocks.
There are plenty benefits to getting a full suspension mountain bike, including:
-
Less fatigue: Suspension absorbs impact and reduces physical and mental fatique.
-
More traction: Suspension also keeps your tires in contact with the trail, which improves traction, handling, and allows for higher speeds in technical or fast sections.
-
Jumps: Suspension, especially today’s longer 120, 130, and 140mm travel options, are much better for modern trail riding at places like Palmer Woods.
Full suspension bikes are comparatively more expensive, more complex to maintain, and often heavier than hardtails.
How to Choose a Moutain Bike
In Northern Michigan and most areas, choosing a mountain bike comes down to a few key factors:
-
Budget: If you’re looking to spend less than $2,000, you’ll get better components (shifters, derailleurs, wheels, and other parts) and a lower overall weight. It’s actually rare to find a name brand fully suspension mountain bike for less than $2,600 or so.
-
Terrain: If you’re riding in rocky, rough terrain, go for a full suspension bike if you can. Trails like the Vasa Singeltrack and Cadillac Pathway are relatively smooth, so a hardtail is just fine.
-
Duration: Even on our local trails, longer rides take a toll. If you’re interested in three-plus hour singletrack rides, a full suspension bike might make those big days a bit more fun!
Always start your mountain bike search at a local bike shop. If you’re as lucky as riders in Traverse City, you’ll have plenty of brands and models to choose from, plus expert tips from the staff. Supporting local bike shops helps keep our events and trails alive - shop local, support local!
Final Verdict
The best mountain bike for singletrack is…
A full suspension mountain bike, but that doesn’t mean it’s the fastest - or even necessary. A fully will just make your ride less jarring and more fun.
The best mountain bike for racing is…
A hardtail, at least in Northern Michigan. Hardtails are comparatively lighter and more responsive, making them the go-to pick for Mud, Sweat, and Beers and even our own Traverse City Trails Festival presented by Stone Hound Brewing.
There are so many variables to account for, and we’ll never be accused of ignoring cost. While you don’t need to drop $5,000 on a new bike to have fun, get the bike you want the first time, or you may end up spending more overall trying to upgrade or even trade-up.
Enjoy the Ride with NMMBA
Whether you’re just getting into bikes or a lifelong rider, we want you to be part of Northern Michigan’s mountain biking community. We help build and main trails across the region, offering access to world-class trails to enrich the lives of locals and visitors alike. Join a group ride, or considering becoming a member today!