Hardtail vs Softail

[Brianbike]

Hello,

 

I'm sure this topic has been discussed many times before. But I am truly confused and have mixed feelings. So please shed some light if you don't mind.

 

I have had my Shwinn hardtail for 9 years and have had great service from it. I am not a pro but I like to race hard. Most of my riding is cross country and urban riding.

 

Should I go for a softail with a lock out on the back shock?

Or should I spend the same amount on a better quality hardtail?

 

Thanks in adcance for your help!

 

Cheers

Brian

[messenger]

Hardtail - just coz the way it sounds when you say soft-tail....

Be a man! Bulls team rode the Epic on them, thats real man!

[AndreZA]

I think you first have to read up and see what's the difference between a hard tail, soft tail and duel suspension bike. Some soft tails look just like hard tails but they can absorb shock. Not many in SA. The others with linkages and stuff in the back is a dual suspension bike.

 

The only way you can get a "better" hard tail then what you have is to getter parts or a lighter frame. Otherwise it will just feel the same. Don't be fooled about lock-out on the back. Bikes these days eliminates the dreaded bob.

[Scooterza]

I am not a uber expert but my understanding is that modern soft tails ride well, are not too heavy and offer considerable benefit to the weekend warrior rider whose butts are not as bulletproof as those of the pro teams that ride the hard tails. So if you are a guy who keeps his bike for some time, rather get a decent soft tail.

[extra300s]

Im a hard tailed Bulls man!

[cat-i]

if you rode the schwinn for 9 years, you're used to riding technical stuff with the hardtail, and you'll be used to distance on the bike as well.

 

see if you can get to a ride-before-you buy and feel the difference.

i have both - and love both; and gonna take the hardtail to transbaviaans.

[Larry King]

Hard tail if you want to stay sharp......

Soft tail if youre a lazy git.....

[mach7-7]

Last time I checked, Dave George, Kevin Evans, Burry Stander, and all the top guys weren't lazy gits....

 

Ja, I know they are sponsored and can ride what they want, but they ride full sussers for a reason... and the reason ain't about weight

[dcal]

Hard tail if you want to stay sharp......

Soft tail if youre a lazy git.....

that's a weird profile pic that.

which cartoon is that again?

[nacho!]

Go for the dual sus or you'll never know. Love both but, would'nt swop the dual sus for a hardtail.

[Capricorn]

go test ride both bikes and see for yourself. most LBS allow you to take teh bike out for a spin. hope some paves and low balconeys. you'll know in a hurry

[Sharkie 2]

Their is a ride and buy at Groenkloof/fountains the 14th of August, go the 29inch route, hardtail but has some of the pros a dual has

[Gerhardc]

hardtail vs softail vs.....29'er...

[Rapunzel]

I suppose it also depends on where you're weak. If the hills kill you then the extra weight of a dual suspension probably won't be a good call but if you're technically challenged then the dual suspension is more forgiving. I changed to a dual suspension prior to changing to longer distance events and I don't regret the change.

however

I am still very tempted to switch to a lighter hardtail for the shorter races (3 hours or less).

[rudi-h]

dual sus!!! does wonders for the size of obstacles you can bunny hop and also turns horrible rocky downhills into smiles!!!! I might be a bit slower, but spending the extra time on a dually is even more reason to get one!

[The expat cyclist]

Does one still get soft tails?