Hardtail Mountain Bikes

[ducks55]

Anyone out there ride? If so let me know what hardtail you like best and what it is you like. Im looking for a new bike and have a few in mind.

[rasbo]

I ride a diamond back,whats a hardtail? no shocks

[swanny]

Hardtail is one with no rear suspension.

[walt]

Kona cinder cone.  It's light, disc brakes, good components and durable. I've been riding it for 4 years and have had my share of mishaps and near catastrophies, usually me trying to go to fast or places I shouldn't, and it has always performed well and got me back to the truck.

[swanny]

Ducks- what price range are you looking at? Also, what bikes do you currently have in mind? Tons of great brands out there with lots of price ranges.

[WA_duck_Hunter]

Can't go wrong with a Specialized RockHopper. Thats what I ride for cross-country. Climbs roads and trails really well. Mine cost me around 800 bucks new, has disc breaks and what not.

[hunt4]

It has to have disc brakes and adjustable front forks and a good seat....go from there There all made in China anymore except i think the Gary Fisher frames are still U.S. I realy liked them but it was a little out of reach last Elk season ended up with a K2

[actionshooter]

Can't go wrong with a Specialized RockHopper. Thats what I ride for cross-country. Climbs roads and trails really well. Mine cost me around 800 bucks new, has disc breaks and what not.

I've had one for 3 years and love it!!

[PacificNWhunter]

Trek, Giant, Cannondale and all the other's mention make great bikes. I personally like Trek.

[superdown]

Why would a person want a hardtail with full suspension bikes available?

[actionshooter]

Why would a person want a hardtail with full suspension bikes available?

For peddling up hills, with a full suspension bike you lose some energy transfered to the ground. ( or so I've been told by a bike racer)

[superdown]

To me a hardtail bike is like a car without shocks . doesn't sound very comfortable for an all day ride.  unless the rear wheel slips i don't think it would be a big enough difference in energy loss for it to matter. besides hardtails seem outdated to me.

[road.kill]

like said above when you pedal with a full suspension you lose some of your power. But riding with a load and on bumpy roads and trails it may be worth it. It will most likely be more comfortable for the ride but again you lose some of that energy.   I would go to a bike shop and test ride a few both full suspension and hard tail to see what you like best. When testing the full suspension stand up and pedal hard and you will see how you kind of bounce around a little bit.  If you go with a hardtail a padded seat may be in order for more comfort. 

[actionshooter]

  If you go with a hardtail a padded seat may be in order for more comfort. 

 Thats what I did     pretty sure its a womens seat, but I'm comfy 

Also with a rear rack, not sure how a suspension would work with a bunch of weight on it. packing meat or camp)

[walt]

I prefer a hardtail because I mainly ride single track with lots of hills.  I am standing in the peddles most of the time so my legs are the shocks.  Also I have better control of the back end and can pop up the rear tire when riding over rocks and logs.  I like the light weight and durability.  My buddy has a full suspension bike and I have ridden it a bit but prefer my hardtail.  Definatly ride both before you make your decision.  Here is a pretty good article listing some pros and cons for each.   

http://products.howstuffworks.com/hardtail-mountain-bike-buying-guide.htm