Hardtail or full suspension? Let's compare.

#IbisHD5 #JeffKendallWeed #KeepPedaling

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[jensonusabicycles]

There are definitely some extra limitations or challenges with a hardtail, but that's part of what makes them so addicting and amazing for skill building. Everything takes just a bit more precision and commitment. We won't be getting rid of our full-squishies ever but we often reach for the hardtail to keep things interesting. Another amazing video. Keep pedaling!

[_Vicarious]

I have both and love both. Something really satisfying about a hardtail though, I just feel more in tune with the terrain rather than it being muted by a rear suspension. I ride the same trails with both bikes, one is faster, one is more difficult, both so rewarding.

[pauldelarzac]

I’ve been on a full squish for 15 years. But my skills have progressed enough that 90% of the time it’s too much bike on my flatish local trails. So finally pulled the trigger on a Banshee Paradox frame and will build up over winter for spring ‘22. Can’t wait!

[bernhodgins]

Jeff,


I've always been impressed with your bike handling skills, the content you put out and your authentic passion for the sport of mountain biking. You are a true ambassador of the sport.


While I know that you are a creative guy who probably has a stockpile of topics you plan to discuss in the future, I wonder if you've ever considered doing a video based on reach. Having been a mountain biker since the early 80s (and a bmx rider before that), I see a benefit to longer, slacker, bikes, but I also see the limitations. Like the majority of people watching your videos and commenting, I am admittedly not the caliber of riding you are, but I do notice that really long reach numbers tend to make it more difficult to unweight or lift the front end. Is this a symptom of longer top tubes, reach, or both?


Although I am sure you could manual any bike, I'd like to hear what you have to say about longer bikes, especially for the kind of playful riding you do on tight, twisty, bumpy stuff where you're not usually hitting high speeds. Perhaps you could find and ride a really long reach numbers bike and present your findings? Because I know that you probably need to say something positive about all of the bikes you test, you could ride this long reach bike on really fast, open, groomed stuff where length is a benefit, but also take it on the trails you usually ride.


Just a thought.


Thanks again for the content!


Bern

[santantango]

You are a true rider's rider, Jeff. You are a joy to watch. Press on!

[arod]

Black Chromag Stylus here. Definitely has a special place in my Heart over my Full suspension. Not sure why.

[porta_patrols]

I ride hardtail and fullsuspension. But I take the hardtail whenever it makes sense for more progression for me.

[hodgestryan]

Perfect timing for this video. Just bought a nicely built up Kona Honzo ST. The terrain here in NW Arkansas is a bit rocky for this to be used often and it’s hard to NOT ride my FS ebike BUT it is fun on the really flowy stuff and makes for a super comfy commuter as well.

[ThatGuy-mfye]

I have a Commencal Meta HT and it never fails to put a smile on my face. Makes everything a little more fun and is 10x better for my budget.

[OnCloud]

Stanton Switch9er hardtail here! Of course, coming off a 15 yo Rocky Mountain ETSX, the modern geo alone is an amazing upgrade!

[eXaviar]

I had one and only fully as my first MTB bought with my own money when I was 16 round about 16 years ago. After that I only hand Hardtails. Since I startet biking 2 or 3 years ago, I built up a touring steel hardtail on my own. When I started MTB a year ago I went for a XC Carbon bike and quickly changing to a aluminium Trail bike. Now I am happy not risiking to split the carbon trail on some jumps, resulting in two unicycles 🤣
The next step will be a a high quality steel frame one day. Maybe a Stanton or something

[khai]

This past autumn I built up a Chromag Rootdown as a "Midgethawk" as the Doctahawk really doesn't work for people below ~5'10. I've barely ridden my FS bike since. I like the FS a lot, and particularly if I'm eyeing up a drop I've not hit before I like the "insurance" that the FS provides - but a modern HT is amazing and I can't really imagine giving it up. PNW for life!

[stefaniephillips]

HD4 and DV9 - I have been enjoying going back and forth to compare and surprised that the dv9 doesnt beat me up as much as i thought it would - i think if you can, its nice to have both !

[superawesomefuntimego]

@6:52 you are right on the money Jeff! Having a full squish and a hardtail is indeed a great setup. I can't ride nearly as hard as you, so I can run 2.8's for some extra compliance on my hardtail without the tire squirming enough to really bother me.

[PedalingDave]

I was a died in the wool hardtail guy for years, and I still declare they have a place..but a well designed full squish is SO much better to me now!!

[thegtclickcrash]

That trail was dope as hell. Loved seeing the alternative way of riding through that root section. So fast. I would love to ride with you guys and have someone tell me how I should be riding any specific area of the trail. Mtb is insanely addictive. I watch these videos and get so motivated to go out and rip a trail.

[BigMoose]

Still rockin my 97 Giant atx860. I think any modern hardtail would be an improvement. Full susp would be like a magic carpet ride. Love the vids Jeff.

[beanburnham]

Yes! Hard tail to accompany full suspension. Been having fun riding my hard tail on flowy Wilder Ranch stuff and big bike in UC.

[paulwintermute]

I can only afford one bike at a time and I usually keep that bike for several years. I was torn between the HD5 which is similar to my 6 year old Pivot Mach 6 and the Ripmo V2. I ended up going with the Ripmo because I wanted to try something different and it really fit that "one bike to do everything" role. I started riding on hardtails back in the day and would totally get one for a second bike if I had the budget for sure!

[theshortestcharles]

I know both the bikes in this are 27.5, what are your thoughts on the feel of those vs. 29ers? Or maybe mullets?