Whether you are an experienced mountain bike rider, looking to try XC cross-country for the first time, or just want to go for a casual ride, you might be wondering what kind of bike is right for you. For mountain bikes, whether or not they have rear suspension shock will affect the design, ride quality, and performance of the mountain bike.

Generally, mountain bikes without rear suspension shocks and with integrated frames are called hardtail mountain bikes, and vehicles that use rear suspension shocks and elastic materials to create deformation at the rear end of the frame are collectively called softtail mountain bikes.

Hardtail mountain bikes have a rigid frame, and the typical placement of suspension forks means that the front of the bike can absorb some sag, sway, and major impacts. Another feature of a softtail is that it has pivot points in the frame to move the rear of the bike up and down, filtering out more sway.

So, how do you choose between a hardtail and a softtail mountain bike? Generally, if the road conditions you usually ride on are good and paved, most people will choose a hardtail mountain bike. If there are more difficult roads, such as unpaved roads, you would choose a softtail. However, if you're not participating in competitions and only have a budget for one bike, let's look at the pros and cons of hardtail and softtail mountain bikes below to help you make your choice.

Advantages of Hardtail Mountain Bikes

▲ICAN 29+ Mountain Bike

Weight

　Hardtail mountain bikes don't have rear suspension or pivots, so they are lighter than softtail mountain bikes under similar conditions, making it easier to climb hills.

Rigidity　

The integrated frame's lateral and torsional rigidity is much better than that of a softtail mountain bike, allowing for a lower total weight of the rider and bike. This means that hardtail bikes can be pedaled more efficiently, with less energy loss from the rider's output. This stronger overall rigidity also means that hardtails are better at climbing than softtail mountain bikes.

Maintenance

 Hardtail frame designs are simpler than softtail designs, which significantly reduces maintenance.

Cost　

 Those looking to buy a new bike must consider the cost. Hardtail mountain bikes have a simple design and no complex structure, making them much cheaper than softtails in terms of materials and design, which also lowers the overall price of the bike.

Advantages of Softtail Mountain Bikes　

▲ICAN P1 Mountain Bike

Comfort　

Full-suspension mountain bikes have both front suspension forks and rear suspension, making them more comfortable to ride than hardtail mountain bikes. Rear suspension can effectively isolate the main contact points between the rider and the bike from road vibrations, and in cross-country riding and competitions, this increased comfort can reduce rider fatigue throughout the entire course.

Excellent Grip and Handling

　This is where softtail mountain bikes truly differ from hardtail mountain bikes, and it's also a major factor why many top riders choose softtail mountain bikes. When both front and rear suspension are working, softtail mountain bikes have better grip, and both wheels can maintain more stable contact with the ground. This means riders have better steering response, more timely braking, and better overall control, especially on relatively complex road conditions, where they can ride with ease.

Most importantly, the efficient grip and handling of softtail mountain bikes mean that on some courses, softtail mountain bikes are faster than hardtail mountain bikes. Even though they are heavier, have slightly lower pedaling efficiency, and lose a little time on climbs, they are more at ease on descents and can make up for a lot. A complete suspension system expands the rider's control and allows for more stable descents while reducing fatigue. On some particularly difficult courses, the advantage of shock suspension can make a huge difference in the overall speed and rhythm of the race.　

Compared to hardtail mountain bikes, there are countless more models of softtail mountain bikes. Full-suspension platforms allow for more types of designs to accommodate different terrains and rider skill levels.

So, which type of mountain bike is better? Overall, it depends on your style. If the trails you frequently ride are relatively flat, we recommend using a hardtail mountain bike.

If the trails you want to challenge are complex and you're not very confident in your riding skills, choose a softtail mountain bike. In any case, a softtail mountain bike can offer more features under the same conditions, allow you to explore more routes, and give you more confidence.

▲ICAN P9 Mountain Bike

Ultimately, no matter which you choose, a bicycle is just equipment; the goal is to enjoy cycling.