Hardtail VS Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

There is are lot of riders out there that has had this argument on which type of bike is better, majority of the riders I know go for a typical hardtail  bike rather than a full suspension simply because hardtail bikes are easier to control on or off the ground. That's why road bikes are still made this way. Back then there are certain types or riders who prefer certain types of bikes.

Before Downhillers used the full suspension because they didn't care about the weight, and most Cross-country riders used the hard tails because they were lighter and more efficient. But with new designs and lighter materials in today's bikes those views have change. 

A lot of cross-country riders are winning major competitions today using a full suspension bike. However this did not change a rider's preference on his specific needs. 

This will depend on the type of riding and the location of your ride. If one prefers to ride on the road, street, parks or occasional dirt roads then a hardtail is very much recommended. However for those who are gravity oriented riders and likes to riding rocky terrain then a full suspension rig is suitable. 

For obvious reasons riding is very comfortable on a full suspension bike especially in rough trails and it makes riding some technical sections easier. The big issue is on budget most full suspension bikes tend to be very expensive due to the added technology centered on the shocks. 

So if you don't have the money for a full suspension bike might as well get a very nice hardtail because getting a cheap full suspension is not worth it.

I have listed a number of Pros for both types of rides, Here they are.

Advantages of Full suspension
1. Allows tires to stay on ground, making climbing over rough
    terrain easier.
2. Smooths out the ride allowing rider to sit and pedal where
    others must stand
3. Makes some technical sections easier.
4. Eliminates some pinch flats due to big hits on the rear wheel
5. Looks a lot cooler.

Advantages of Hard tail
1. Stiffer ride gives you less squish and more power.
2. Less to go wrong
3. Lighter 

For me the best ride will still come from a bike that I tested on the all types of terrain and has the qualities I need. The good thing about technology is that companies are still trying to merge the two characteristics of these bikes and I hope to see that day when they finally produce the ultimate mountain machine. And I get to ride it.