why go soft tail

[Jojoface]

Can any explain to a novice advance beginner the advantages/disadvantage of going soft tail?

Do you really need one?

Thanks

Jojo

[Ben-O]

I think the question is "Do you want one?" ;)

And to answer that question, it really depends on the riding you do or want to do. Full suspension bikes really come in handy on more technical trails where your tires may occasionally leave the ground. Full suspension bikes absorb more impacts which lets you stay in control...most of the time :). You can also do things you can't do on hardtrails, like jumps.

But if you don't do that sort of riding and want to race or ride briskly on less technical trails, not only will a hardtail will suite you, but is preferred by many.

There are disadvantages to full suspension bikes. For example, you lose energy pedals due to the bobbing of the bike..especially uphill. While there are technologies that supposedly ameliorate this problem, a hardtail will always bob less :). Another disadvantage is weight. Dual suspension bikes are heavier. Both of these disadvantages play big in racing or fast cross country riding.

Hope this helps...

[Goldstar78i]

Soft tails are the tool of choice for big drops and downhills. Hardtails have more efficient power delivery and a more precise feel.

Try riding a soft and see if you like it.

[Phresh]

Can any explain to a novice advance beginner the advantages/disadvantage of going soft tail?

Do you really need one?

Thanks

Jojo


The main advantage is comfort. You can remain seated on a full suspension bike in situations where a hardtail will have you standing. Not a bad thing on race day, but for a 3-4 hour epic over rough trails I'll take the extra weight and a little pedal bob over getting beat up on a hardtail. I have three bikes, two of which are full suspensions. I only reach for the hardtail when I'm riding the smoothest of trails or riding with the FFGs. Believe me, your ass will thank me later.

Do you really need one? No, especially if money is a factor. For the same money you can buy a much nicer hardtail for what it could cost to get an average f/s bike. Something to think about, especially if you think you might do some racing at some point. Also ask yourself what kind of trails are you likely to ride. Smoother trails might call for one solution while rockier more challenging tracks might call for another. Good luck.

[off piste]

My old, middle-aged back couldn't last 15 minutes into Long Trail at FOMBA on my Voodoo Bantu hardtail almost 10 years ago, when it wasn't so middle aged, without requiring multiple chiropractor visits. Without FS, I probably wouldn't be riding off road today.

[gnurider1080]

unless your constantly sitting on rough terrain, hardtails dont hurt your back that much. although it might be just because im 16.

[CsharpDev]

I just got my first FS bike, it's also my first bike with a suspension at all. It doesn't weigh anymore than my 7 year old Giant Boulder (only thing soft was the rubber). It takes more effort to ride my new bike, especialy on roads, but it gives a nice cushie ride. I figure eventualy my legs will get stronger and it wont matter. Once I left the pavement it was worth every penny. I'm still pretty close to beginner or novice, not sure... but I want to get into some heavy trail riding so I decided to get the bike for it. I've only really taken 1 ride so far on the new bike and i love the soft tail. Makes the bike alot more comfortable to ride. harder on the quads... easier on the butt... (I'm MTBing to keep my legs in shape for ski season, so the harder peddling is a good thing... ;D)

[Goldstar78i]

The secret to good hardtail comfort is tire pressures of 30-35 PSI or even lower. This low a pressure gets INSANE traction on rocks and root too.

[Ben-O]

The secret to good hardtail comfort is tire pressures of 30-35 PSI or even lower. This low a pressure gets INSANE traction on rocks and root too.


It's also the secret for bent rims and pinch flats... ;D ;D ;D

[Goldstar78i]

You have to find a moderation in PSI... Not too high, not too low ;D

[truckboy]

The term "soft tail" has actually been used to describe bikes that have a teeeny bit of travel, like Litespeed titanium bikes with "elastomers" built into the frame behind and below the seat.

Not a big deal, but just to be anal and exact, "Full Suspension" or I guess "Rear Suspension" is what we're really talking about, I think.

I rode a hardtail on MA trails for 10 years while the industry figured out full suspension. Once my body figured out what to do on a fully, my technical riding improved dramatically and I had more fun and crashed less. I should qualify that by saying I like to ride difficult, rocky, technical terrain the most but don't do big drops. I'm currently on a 5" travel bike and will probably not go any bigger for this kind of riding.

[TrailBate]

I still ride a hardtail. Mainly it's because I'm not into stunts or tricks. I ride because I love being out in the woods, and biking is faster and more fun than hiking (most of the time.)
I've never been riding and thought to myself, "man, I could really use full suspension!". Until I start thinking that, I can't justify the extra expense.

[slapheadmofo]

I think you'll find that most people who have both leave the hardtail at home much more often. That's the way it is for everyone I know. I've got a bunch of hardtails that collect dust while I wear out one FSR after another. Comfort, control and confidence over rough terrain are some of the advantages you'll find with full suspension. Personally, I just find them more fun to ride.

Also, bikes for big drops and DH are a whole different category than what we're talking about here; they're not cut out for regular trail riding at all. 3 to 5 inches of travel is great for a trailbike, and you can make that travel feel just about any way you want it to with the advances that have come along in suspension design the past few years. Fro example, with the flip of a couple levers, I can lock both the front and rear suspension on my bike so it behaves exactly like a hardtail on a long climb, then just reach down and easily unlock it for the rest of the ride. Flip another lever and the travel adjusts from short to long for different terrain. Best of both worlds. I think you owe it to yourself to beg or borrow your way into testing one out for a few rides anyway.