Hardtail vs Soft Tail vs Full Suspension - Getting experiMENTAL - Pros and Cons of Each

Hardtail vs soft tail vs full suspension - What's the difference? Today we get experiMENTAL and compare three very different bikes on the same trail, to talk about the differences of each. As always, I learned a lot getting experimental. What did you learn? If you could have one of these bikes, which would you choose? By far, the fastest bike was the Maniak, but that doesn't necessarily make it the most "fun."

Gear I use and love:

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[johnnydoe]

I have a tendency to ignore riders that tell you that you need the latest and greatest. I will admit that newer technology; disc brakes, better suspension, dropper posts for example, make the riding experience safer and more enjoyable. I started riding mtn bikes in 1991 and even with my 1st "cheap" mtn bike, a Schwinn High Sierra, fully rigid chromoly, I enjoyed myself. So much so that I bought a more capable hardtail, a Giant Cadex, less than 6 months later. A year and a half later, I bought my first full suspension, a 1993 GT RTS 2. I was hooked and I still am, plus I am back to riding a hardtail (plus).
Ride what you have to within your current bikes capabilities, enjoy, and upgrade as you need.

[johnharrison]

I have long said that I would give up every MTB innovation since 1988 before I would want to give up my dropper. That includes all suspension, 29 inch wheels, tubeless, disc brakes, v-brakes, 1x drivetrains, and new geometry.

[craigbarber]

I have a 2020 Moots 29er Moutaineer YBB and am running a 130mm Fox Grips2 . Geo of 74.5 STA & 67.5 HTA, with 2.4 tires.
I absolutely love this bike!
My FS is a 2022 Orbea Occam LT which is very nice as well, but I have to say, my go to is the Moots ybb for my local trails.
With that being said, if I am going out of town, say Moab or someplace I have never ridden before I will always choose the Occam, simply because it is more versatile on variable terrain.
Don't get me wrong, the Moots is very capable and super fun to ride in most circumstances but obviously a modern FS will be much more forgiving in the chunk & drops.
I started riding on Hard tails without suspension back in the day, which I probably why I have a soft spot for loving the simplicity of a HT and the YBB.
I encourage anyone who has never really spent much time riding a HT or Soft tail to try one out for yourself.

[mellissanash]

Maybe a review of a modern softail, like a Moots or BMC to see how far softails have come is in order.

[garykean]

I had a Trek Stache 29+ for years, always wished there was a soft tail version of it. Great video comparison.

[nathanwhitmire]

Check out the Funk La Ruta 29+ soft tail/FS frame, which you can get with custom geo for no extra charge.

[politan]

Soft tail seems like a design that still has something to offer for MTB. I suppose you'd want to have a standard for the 'soft' part.

[mrcs]

THANK YOU FOR Softtail content! - Have 2005 KHS Solo One - Soft Tail Single Speed 26" with modern touches - Love it. Same old GEO as the other KHS ST from the time, but with a horizontal slider drop out. I hope to get a modern softtail in future. Most fun I have on two wheels.

[JimLodico]

Up until about two years ago I was riding a 2005 XC hard tail with an 80mm fork and cantilever rim brakes. It had a carbon rear triangle designed to add compliance. I never felt the need to upgrade because I was having so much fun on that bike. Eventually though, it got to be too much to keep it running mechanically.

I was amazed at the difference when I upgraded to a modern hard tail. The thing was, I never felt like I was missing something on the old bike because it was so much fun. Yeah, I rode slower but I enjoyed the challenge of picking my way through tough sections or letting the bike run as it bounced under me on fast downhills.

A couple years down the road and I often wonder if I’m missing something something not riding a FS. Everyone seems to tell me I am. Then I get back on the bike and realize how much fun I’m having and think, maybe I should just upgrade my wheels instead.

Point is, you are spot on about having fun on the bike you ride. Yeah, there may be times when my hard tail isn’t the best tool for the job but even then I’m still enjoying the ride.

Thinking back through the bikes I’ve owned since I started mountain biking in the 80s, even on those old stiff forked bikes, we were still having a blast.

[William.N]

Such a fun comparison! Good on Ibis for letting you borrow the bike for all this fun.

[JimLodico]

Also love seeing the full circle from early MTbBs we rode to modern gravel bikes. Other than the drop bars, they seem to have a lot in common.

[mistercamaro]

Totally agree with you on going from old geometry to new is spot on!
I switched in July from a 1995 Specialized Rockhopper hardtail with a Quadra 21r to a 2021 Specialized Chisel.
What a difference!
Love both of them but the new one is amazing for Midwest single tracks. 👍

[hardtaillife]

Nice comment about not being wrapped up in what the media says about the type of suspension you need. Lately I've been riding my son's Chameleon and fell in love all over again with hardtails.

[martinsavage]

Love the channel im from Australia 61 years old I sacked my full suspension bikes and just ride hard tails love being bounced around and having to be dialed in.keep up the good work guys.cheers.martin

[darwindownhillers]

BMC a couple of years ago released their new XC race bike as a soft tail
Using an elastomer at the seat stay/seat tube junction. It’s not party Geo but it’s a modern soft tail.

[manueldavila]

Great video! I agree, there is a place for modern softails. Especially with the explosion of the gravel scene. Also I know it’s Hardtail Party but as a fellow Spitfire owner, we need a bike check on your Spitty. I anticipate Banshee’s website will get more traffic than normal today.

[ianfurqueron]

Moots still makes the YBB, although the geo is still closer to the Ibis than your Binary at a 68 HA and a ~74 SA with a 120mm fork. However, it is designed for 2.6 29" tires and a Boost rear axle, so some thought towards modern standards have been made. One of my old friends still rides a 26" YBB she has owned for over 20 years.

[shaunroach]

Love the back to back comparison’s!!!! Great break down on how each bike felt and rode!!! Great job Steve, looking forward to the next one!!! 👍👍

[KDemosh]

Couldn't more happy that this video exists!

[jamescarroll]

One big feature of the Banshee bikes is that the long chainstays make them climb technical rock sections really well. Great bike for Sedona.