Dual Versus Front Only Suspension

Is Dual Suspension better than front only Suspension ? The answer is “yes” and “no” !

 

However, before going into detail, let’s get a few definitions out of the way first.

Dual Suspension

Dual Suspension mountain bike is another phrase for Full Suspension or Softail Suspension mountain bike where both the front and rear wheels benefit from compliant suspension (thus where the “softail” comes from).

Front Only Suspension

Front Only Suspension mountain bike is also known as Hardtail Suspension mountain bike (or just Hardtail MountainBike) where the front wheel has compliant suspension but the rear wheel is rigidly attached to the mountain bike frame (get the “hardtail” now?).

Rigid Suspension

While we’re at it, a Rigid Suspension Mountain Bike has no suspension at all (ouch !).

So, to start answering the question which is “better”, it is really “horses for courses” with “fors and against” for both types of suspension. However, before you say “I knew you were going to say that” or “what a cop-out”, read on!

 

The “Fors and Againsts” Case for Dual Suspension/Full Suspension Mountain Bike

For	Against
• better, more comfortable and safer ride • enables the rider to tackle more gnarly terrain • Tackle terrain faster, harder and smoother • Wow factor	• Cost (beware cheap full MTBs !!) • Robustness • Reliability • Needs more maintenance • Safety (if a cheap/low end MTB) • Slight weight penalty • Can get loose and unsteady at speed (need to lock suspension up) • Can get “tail flick” going over logs and rocks

The “Fors and Againsts” case for Front Only Suspension Mountain Bike

For	Against
• Cheaper to manufacture and build • Less moving parts • A few pounds lighter (generally) • More robust • More reliable • Less Maintenance • simple to maintain and simple to fix • less pivot points, stresses, lubrication points, springs and dampers and less stuff to bust • Easier to ride on faster, smoother terrain (more road feel)	• Harsher ride (but much better than rigid suspension) • Need to go slower when the going gets rough and tough • Rider gets more fatigued more quickly • Rattles other bike components loose • Definitely feel the landings!

Hardtail or Softail Mountain Bike Suspension?

The MTB suspension you choose is largely governed by the type of riding you do (or are thinking of doing), how often you are riding, how much you can afford and how serious you are about the sport.

At Mountain Bike Advice, we would never advocate a cheap full suspension mountain bike as there are too many compromises. You are balancing:

• Price
• Quality
• Performance
• Reliability
• Durability
• Safety
• Fun

There was never going to be an outright winner here. There’s no doubt a full suspension mountain bike will take you across gnarly terrain faster in more comfort but there’s more moving parts and a weight penalty. Comparing apples with apples, there’s a cost penalty too. A hardtail or front-only suspension mountain bike tends to be cheaper, more robust, require less maintenance and although (a good one) will cover the same terrain as a softail, you’ll feel every bump and do it slower.

In the hoping of making sense of all this, I have 2 hardtail and 1 softail mountain bikes. The sort of terrain, the level of intensity I reckon will be required and the speeds I will be travelling at dictate which mountain bike I take on any particular day.

If I had to get off the fence and make a recommendation, for those a little strapped for cash who want the best value bike out there, I’d recommend you buy the most expensive hardtail “brand” mountain bike with the largest diameter wheels you can afford. You won’t regret it (until you can afford a more expensive softail mountain bike, that is 😊 !).

Happy trails ! Chris

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