Why Full Suspension Bikes Suck! (And Why They Are Awesome)

Full-suspension bikes can open up a world of possibilities, allowing riders to push their limits on the bike and tackle uncharted terrain! Surely they don't suck, right? Join Neil Donoghue as he spends an afternoon running you through some of the pros AND cons of riding a full-suspension MTB!

⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:33 - Less efficient
0:55 - Require more servicing
1:41 - Expensive
2:09 - Hard to clean
3:00 - Fast
3:27 - More traction
4:08 - More capable
4:46 - Variety
5:00 - Confidence inspiring

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Do you think full-suspension mountain bikes suck? Let us know down below! 👇

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[charlieine]

When I first started riding a full suspension bike after years on a hardtail I was floored by what I could get away with. Things that would have had me off the bike were magically saved. That was 15 years ago. Now on a current full suspension bike with different geometry it’s even better. I loved my hard tail bikes but I have to say that I don’t have the inclination to go back.

[dominikgarbauer]

I like riding my full-suspension Trek, it's very forgiving and a lot of fun. I'd rather be a bit overbiked but it would be fun to have a hardtail as well, e.g. for riding more xc in winter.

[wesr]

I love my hardtail. Recently sold my full sus one other benefit I find with hardtajl is it is easier to have fun. You don't need the same level of terrain or features to enjoy yourself and feel challenged. Dont get me wrong time and place for full sus too, certainly since I've moved away from Canadian rockies hardtail is the ticket for me.

[DirtlovR]

Thanks GMBN, I was just about to spent 3000€ on fs bike but you managed to change my mind. Hardtail power!

[JAvellino]

I started off on a hardtail, primarily because of how fun they were supposed to be. The area I ride in is very rocky with tons of roots (New England), so I was just getting plain beat up. It was more fun than walking, but also more sketchy and painful than I expected.

Full suspension smooths things out to the point where I can enjoy the trail, and not feel like I'm fighting to stay out of the trees. I also have some pretty severe lower back problems, so having that rear shock saves me a ton of pain, even if I don't crash.

[leanasf]

My current dream build is a hardtail, and I already ride a full sus! I just miss the pureness and simplicity of the good ol rigid back.

[DZig]

I started out with a Santa Cruz Chameleon (HT), and love it. Went to a full sus, and love it too. Thing about a full sus is that you can take the rear suspension out of the picture with lockout if that is an option on your shock, then, it is basically a (slightly heavier) hardtail. Can't go the other way with a HT. Just sayin...

[scottunderwood]

I went from 20 years of FS to a HT and its the best thing I ever did, there's no going back for me. If you need proof that you don't need a FS just watch Blake doing the Mega on a HT.👌🤣🤣

[bostondye]

Hardtails are good on a bmx/pump track and everything else is better on a full suspension. No arguments. Unless you can't afford a full suspension or just spend your days at a skate park. Aside from linkage maintenance. Full sus is better in every way....

[yengsabio]

I chuckled when Blake was presented as a hardtail diehard fan! I feel properly represented already! 😄

I'm very much willing to have a dual-suspension mountainbike but budget is currently a constraint.

Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines! #RideOn #KeepBiking

[wansmg]

asik dari dulu ngikutin channel ini succes GMBN😊

[core-i]

I love hardtails, fun bikes but for when I'm racing and just riding in general I like full-suspensions a lot more, faster, more efficient and more forgiving on the rough stuff.

[armanrivera]

please do a comparison: 29er full sus vs 27.5 hardtail.. which is faster on an xco race track.

[charleswinston]

In hiding the rear shock the Scott Spark / Genius help address the "harder to clean" issue. Although in doing so I admit they have added to the "Expensive" issue!

[wolfura]

Once you go squishy, it's hard to go back. I just find it fun to squish. That's all a person needs in their life. Just squish.

[anitalandkroon]

Great video 😃 Great location 😃 and mountain bikes, hard or full 🤷‍♀️ I like both ❤

[roblatham]

Just own both. Hardtail midweek fitness then smash the full squish at the bike parkweekends

[harveycasey]

A full suspension bike is way more worth it than to have a hard trail in the long run. Evan XC bikes and the pros that ride them even know that. That is why we are seeing more full suspension bikes in XC racing. Not only full suspension but they're using dropper post as well. Go figure🤔The saying goes" I rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it". Full suspension all day any day every day.

[jmac]

Can't afford a FS. And that is why I ride a HT.

[richardjensen]

With the right setup including fork and tires, a hardtail can do almost everything a full suspension can. Blake has already proven this many times.