Hardtail MTB FAQs

What is a Hardtail MTB Good for?

Hardtail Mountain Bikes are excellent choices for tackling a wide range of off road terrain. Hardtail Mountain bikes climb off road ascents efficiently, they perform well on tight trails and offer great levels of traction. They are also great for riders wanting a more involved ride, with the hard back end of the bike offering more engagement and challenges than many full suspension mountain bikes.

Are Hardtail Mountain Bikes Better Climbers?

Full Suspension Mountain Bike technology allows many full suspension bikes to be fantastic on ascents, offering both comfort and climbing efficiency. In our opinion though, nothing can match a hardtail for aggressive uphill riding on cross country courses.

Should I own a hardtail Mountain Bike?

There are many reasons to own hardtail mountain bikes. A popular argument in favour of the hardtail mountain bike, is the less maintenance they require VS full suspension mountain bikes - meaning they can be a harder, more reliable choice of bike.

Should I use a hardtail in Winter?

Using a hardtail mountain bike in winter is a popular strategy for many mountain bikers - saving their full suspension mountain bike from the gnarly winter weather and trail conditions. When riders return to a full suspension mountain bike in the spring, they report being a better rider.

Are Hardtails good for long distance riding?

They can be! We have seen many excellent hardtail mountain biking setups, including with luggage. Wider and larger tyres increase comfort levels, and for many adventure riders - hardtails combine pretty decent on road with manners, with go anywhere performance.

Are Hardtails Cheaper than Full Suspension?

The answer to this is yes! But only in certain circumstances. A cheap full suspension mountain bike, which performs poorly - is often cheaper than a hardtail mountain bike. Super lightweight hardtail mountain bikes can also be much more expensive than some full suspension mountain bikes also.

Are Hardtails Enough for Beginners?

Yes! Usually hardtails are more than enough for beginner mountain bikers. They offer the perfect blend of performance and value, and can handle a great deal of terrain.

What are the downsides of a hardtail mountain bike?

It’s important to note that hardtail mountain bikes do not perform as well as similar spec’d full suspension mountain bikes, when riding on technical terrain. The reason for this is the absence of a suspension shock that full suspension bikes have.

Can you ride downhill on a Hardtail MTB?

Yes! We speak to many riders who have full suspension bikes, who choose to ride hardtails out on the trails for a different experience, and to grow their riding skills.

What parts to upgrade on a hardtail MTB?

The parts that you should upgrade vary depending on your riding requirements. We supply parts and upgraded parts covering hardtail tyres, brakes, saddle, grips, pedals, bars, stem and dropper posts! The world is your oyster with what you want to change and improve.

Is a hardtail mountain bike harder to ride?

Yes and no - a hardtail mountain bike provides a harder ride for new and experienced mountain bikers alike, as there is no rear shock to soak up bumps and rough terrain. Gentler terrain on hardtail mountain bikes negates this, but for those looking for comfort - full suspension bikes provide the best route.

Are hardtail mountain bikes good for tarmac?

Hardtail mountain bikes are good for tarmac surfaces, but they are better on lighter off road terrain. If you are riding exclusively on hard surfaces and tarmac - then a road bike is the best and most efficient option by far.

How much should I spend on a hardtail mountain bike?

As much as you can afford! If you are looking for a decent specification hardtail mountain bike, with components and suspension from brands such as Fox, Shimano, SRAM etc - a £1000 is all you need to spend. As your budget increases, as does the quality and performance of the parts, you start to see more exotic frame materials, such as carbon fibre.

Are Hardtail Mountain Bikes good for commuting?

Yes! Hardtail Mountain Bikes make for pretty good commuter bikes - a lot of this goes down to tyre choice, so if you ride a hrdtail with narrower and lightly treaded tyres - it will be more efficient. Hardtail mountain bikes, like gravel bikes - also allow you to experiment and vary your commute, including parts of off road terrain.

Are Hardtail Mountain Bikes Obsolete?

No! It’s true that they have been overlooked in recent years, in favour of full suspension mountain bikes - but they still offer a fantastic option for many riders, who are aware of their performance differences compared to full suspension bikes.

Do Scott do Hardtail Mountain Bikes?

Yes! The Scott Scale, Aspect and Contessa are some of the most popular hardtail mountain bikes from Scott.