Comparison · updated
Hardtail vs full-suspension mountain bike
Two good bikes, two different jobs. Here's which one fits how you ride — with prices, sizes and our picks.
Side by side
| Hardtail | Full-suspension mountain bike | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Forest roads, fire roads and flowing trails; Beginners who want to learn mountain biking without spending a fortune; Cross-country racing and fast climbing | Singletrack with roots, rocks and drops; Riders who want one mountain bike that does everything; Alpine riding and long days on varied trails |
| Skip it if | You ride rough, rocky or steep trails most of the time | Your budget is under about €1,500 (a good hardtail rides better than a cheap full-suspension bike) |
| Entry-level | under €/$900 | under €/$2,000 |
| Mid-range | €/$900–2,500 | €/$2,000–4,500 |
| Performance | €/$2,500+ | €/$4,500+ |
| Sizes | S, M, L, XL | S, M, L, XL |
| Models in our list | 11 (EU)17 (US) | 12 (EU)19 (US) |
| Electric versions | yes | yes |
Choose a hardtail if…
- Forest roads, fire roads and flowing trails
- Beginners who want to learn mountain biking without spending a fortune
- Cross-country racing and fast climbing
Choose a full-suspension mountain bike if…
- Singletrack with roots, rocks and drops
- Riders who want one mountain bike that does everything
- Alpine riding and long days on varied trails
Top picks
EuropeTalon 1
Trade the traffic queue for a lap through the woods.
- Aluminium
- microSHIFT Advent RD-M7015 11-fach
- 100 mm
- 13.6 kg
PDQ AL 1
A hardtail for woodland loops and off-road exploring.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 120 mm
Spectral 5
Climb for the view, then enjoy the winding way back.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 150 mm
- 15.9 kg
Lux Trail CF 7
Climb for the view, then enjoy the winding way back.
- Carbon
- SRAM Eagle 90 Transmission
- 140/125 mm
- 12.8 kg
Top picks
United StatesTalon 1
Trade the traffic queue for a lap through the woods.
- Aluminium
- microSHIFT Advent RD-M7015 11-fach
- 100 mm
- 13.6 kg
Xtrada 6
A hardtail for woodland loops and off-road exploring.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 120 mm
Rift Zone 2
Full suspension keeps the ride composed when the trail gets lively.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 140/130 mm
Siskiu T8
Full suspension keeps the ride composed when the trail gets lively.
- Aluminium
- Shimano Deore
- 140/135 mm
Frequently asked questions
Is a hardtail better than a full-suspension mountain bike?
A hardtail is lighter, cheaper and needs less maintenance, and it's the smarter buy under about €/$2,000 or for forest tracks and flowing trails. Go full suspension if your trails are rough, rocky or steep — it adds grip, comfort and control.
Which is cheaper, a hardtail or a full-suspension mountain bike?
A good hardtail is usually cheaper. Entry-level hardtails cost under €/$900 and full-suspension mountain bikes under €/$2,000; mid-range €/$900–2,500 vs €/$2,000–4,500.
Can a hardtail do what a full-suspension mountain bike does?
Partly. A hardtail isn't ideal if you ride rough, rocky or steep trails most of the time. A full-suspension mountain bike isn't ideal if your budget is under about €1,500 (a good hardtail rides better than a cheap full-suspension bike).