Alloy full suspension or carbon hardtail

[Mntboy]

 

 

If weight is a problem stick with hardtail, If comfort is a problem go for the dual sus.

You still being a youth your maximum race length is half marathons which isn't technical and I personally feel that a dual sus cannot justify the price you have to pay for riding only half marathons.

I am also still a junior but recently all my fellow competitors are going dual sus. But then again they have money and can go under 11.5kg with thier budgets. A dual sus surely feels nice but in that price range I personally suggest buying a really light and nimble hardtail with a extra wheelset with wider rims and when you need just change the wheelset. That way you still have a good racing bike with another wheelset so when you do long or gnarly rides just pop on the other wheelset.

But that is just me.

Very well said and spot on. This OP is good advice. A DS bike is great but if you factor cost v performance for the level you are at you are better off with a light and nimble HT imho. Extra wheelset is also a great idea.

If you are a junior go hardtail, It will teach you to the smoother and better lines. There are some nice carbon HT on the hub. I agree with you extra wheelset.

The other benefit of a HT is that it also improves overall bike handling skills with a guy's like Danny McAskill and Chris Akrigg as proof of the value of a HT.

[Iwan Kemp]

Also look at BH. They offer incredible value for money.

[Christie]

Hardtail is lighter and perhaps faster on a marathon, dual is more fun. If you aim fot the podium, hardtail, else get a dual.

 

Dual also less hard on the body over several stages, if you plan to do those.