Mark_48 Posted December 16, 2012 Share I am thinking of getting into Mountain Biking, what I would like to know is "Besides the obvious- rear shock"what are the differences between Hardtail & Softail. What are the benefits of a hardtail over softail or visa versa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joeboy69 Posted December 16, 2012 Share Soft tail offers comfort over longer races but at the expense of weight (and cost). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stretch Posted December 16, 2012 Share you can win an olympic gold on a dual suspension....... there is also a difference between a softail and a dual suspension......but lets not complicate things Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruz Addict Posted December 16, 2012 Share A hard tail will try to prove the sadle can come out your mouth through your ass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Snuggles Posted December 16, 2012 Share hardtail = pedalling efficiency. makes for a bumpier ride, but that experience alone will teach you smoother line choice and how to use your body esp your legs, as the other suspension. Other obvious benefits are lighter weight (always handy for acceleration and climbing), and less maintenance (shock maintenance/upgrade/replacement). slowpoke 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TiaanMTBMadness Posted December 16, 2012 Share Wait for it... He'll be asking for the wheel size next. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpmytrap Posted December 16, 2012 Share you can win an olympic gold on a dual suspension....... there is also a difference between a softail and a dual suspension......but lets not complicate thingsOut of interest, who makes softails nowadays? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Dassie Posted December 16, 2012 Share Softail - http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_KfCsXGxNMGM/TGWDBP2TMJI/AAAAAAAACeM/DHT6xGzFfjE/s1600/moots_ybb.jpg Hardtail - http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/images/2013_bikes/large/Clockwork_L_frm-073.jpg Full Suspension -http://image.ec21.com/image/sunindobikes/oimg_GC03810415_CA03810420/Santa_Cruz_Blur_Classic_Full_Suspension_Mountain_Bike_Frame.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Dassie Posted December 16, 2012 Share Out of interest, who makes softails nowadays? Moots, technically Cannondale as well with their 26r Scalpel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DR ◣◢ Posted December 16, 2012 Share I find it interesting how everybody seems to miss the most important reason for owning a dual suspension bike. While it certainly does add comfort to the ride, it also aid greatly in not only allowing you to ride faster over rough and technical terrain but also aids greatly in providing the rear end of the bike with extra grip in corners. Buy one, ride one, try and remove the smile from your face. Dirty Sanchez 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tombeej Posted December 16, 2012 Share Moots, technically Cannondale as well with their 26r Scalpel. The Moots YBB - still one of my all-time favourites after all these years. One day... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger Dassie Posted December 16, 2012 Share The Moots YBB - still one of my all-time favourites after all these years.One day... Rode the 29r one at Holla, really nice, was pleasantly surprised! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stretch Posted December 16, 2012 Share I find it interesting how everybody seems to miss the most important reason for owning a dual suspension bike. While it certainly does add comfort to the ride, it also aid greatly in not only allowing you to ride faster over rough and technical terrain but also aids greatly in providing the rear end of the bike with extra grip in corners. Buy one, ride one, try and remove the smile from your face. true - but i still think its important to ride hardtail to improve your skill level. I think it is better to buy a hardtail and ride it for two years and then upgrade. This will give you a two year opportunity to also learn about the different components etc so that when you buy the duelli, you know what you are looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kosmonooit Posted December 16, 2012 Share Even limited travel rear suspension makes a comfort and handling difference when belting down a long bumpy downhill, I sure notice it when I forget my lookout is on. A lot of racers seem to choose hard tail for weight reasons. But its a good place to start, one can spend as much on a rear shock as a complete entry level hard tail. Edited December 17, 2012 by kosmonooit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
droo Posted December 19, 2012 Share I'll second everyone who said start on a hardtail. It'll teach you to pick your lines instead of just moosing over everything in your path. Once you've learned to be smooth on a HT, you'll fly on a DS. Also, there's less to worry about on a HT. Pivot bearings, shock pressures, maintenance etc etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoman Posted December 19, 2012 Share I have both and find I still ride the HT quite a bit. For long distance goofing around I use the DS, for shorter rides (30km or so) on dirt roads and some track in my area I like the HT. One thing I am not so keen on with the DS (and this is due to the design I am sure) is that sometimes I hit the crank when going over obstacles due to the compressing motion of the frame. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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