Why ride hardtail

Good article, Jukka! Even though you forgot the most important point: the amount of fun you have while riding is off the charts! Good writeup. After moving from a trail hardtail to a short travel FS, I do not miss my old hardtail. You can ride just as actively on an FS but you also have the choice to take it a bit easier.

But the power transmission part is very true, and the thought of a light XC hardtail has crossed my mind more than once Thanks for the comment!

I actually find that even a short travel in the rear makes a big difference in riding style. OceanPhil Sep 14, at Missed this article back in January--its a brilliant piece of work!

Thank you very much, sir! That was nice to hear. I almost always take my HT out these days. It's just so much more engaging to me. Sure I can't send it as fast down technical sections like some of the enduro guys, but I actually really like carving down rather than sending it down. I know, late to the game here. Great write up! Thanks for the kind words and always nice to hear observations from similar-minded riders! I wish I could say that the first ride was a dream, a nostalgic journey back to my roots with the sport, but that was only on the climbs.

I stumbled down the Pamplemousse trail in Squamish getting bucked like a rodeo cowboy, the strain on my ankles, hips and lower back so excessive that I almost booked a physio appointment on the spot. After a few rides I began to understand the importance of line choice again, rather than heedlessly motoring over roots and rocks. Frustrated with my regression, I consulted a good friend who is a hardtail veteran, having spent many years riding a Chromag Gypsy before the frame finally succumbed to his abuse.

Now that I was consciously shifting my weight forward on the bike and getting my chin closer to handlebars in a strong push-up position, the forces striking the rear wheel of my hardtail were not affecting my control or contributing nearly as much fatigue to my body.

I realize if I had a regular session with a mountain-bike coach they probably would have told me the same thing, but the discipline that a hardtail demands of you as a rider, is an incredible learning tool. Steep, slabby and technical trails are great. Fast, rough trails with unforgiving jumps or drops are not so great. In any case, the year of the hardtail experiment has so far turned out to be a success.

Vince Shuley agrees that steel is real. Go for a dropper post with the most drop that you can get away with. Short stems provide more direct steering as well as increasing stiffness. Wide handlebars make a huge difference as well, around mm is a good width to start. Skip to content ». Home News. Read more: Best hardtail mountain bikes — entry-level and mid-range classics How do hardtails rule? Hardtails are easier to wash 2.

The immediacy of power is unbeatable 5.