Full Suspension vs. Hard Tail - February 15, 2003

The amount of bikes on the market is fantastic...there is a bike (or two) to fit everyone's needs and price range. When you are trying to decide what type of bike is best for you, you have to assess your needs. For an adventure racer the courses are generally on fire roads and rougher washboard type trails. Usually when the terrain gets too rough you are in "hike-a- bike" terrain and you will be carrying your bike regardless of what type of bike you have. That is when weight gets even more of an issue!!!

There are many different makes and models of both hard tail and full suspension bikes on the market, as well as something in between. The most important thing to remember in adventure racing is maintaining your endurance and preventing possible fatigue. With a full suspension bike you will get a smoother ride on the roots and rough stuff, but how much of this type of terrain usually causes you fatigue and time?

The full suspension bikes are now comparable in weight, but with advanced technologies along goes the increase in cost!! If you want a smoother ride and think the bumps and control on the rough stuff is slowing you down then full suspension is the way to go. Although, I have seen a lot of riders on a full suspension bikes be slower and more out of control, (not faster) because they are lacking some essential bike handling skills and think these can be compensated with a full suspension bike.

My recommendation to any one with limited riding experience is to ride a hard tail (with a front shock, as this will prevent some fatigue on the arms). Ride a hard-tail initially (a year) and get a feel for the mechanics of the bike, picking the smoothest fastest line, and being efficient on a hardtail. This will give you an advantage if and when you decide to get a full suspension. The hard tail still has its place on adventure races and you can always use it as a training bike or for those races that you know you are on smooth terrain!

The latest gadgets include the ability to lock out the front and rear shocks and adjust them to your terrain, with rebound, dampening and overall shock resistance. You can make a full suspension ride like a hard tail, but it is difficult to make a hard-tail be a full suspension!!

The full suspension bikes give you more options, but also more moving parts to repair.... and a increase in cost. Basically your riding ability and terrain should decide your bike, not the "hip-gadgets" and "trends" of full suspension bikes. I have both hard-tail and full suspension bikes and decide which one I am going to use depending on the course. If I am planning on locking out my front and rear shock the entire race, then why would I take it along?? Most adventure racers and riders do not use their shocks to their full extent.

There are some great deals on last years bikes and the best thing to do is make sure the bike fits you properly, this will also determine your ability and performance. Take a few for a test ride and ride them on terrain similar to what you would be racing.

... happy riding

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