full suspension bike and no suspension?

Question

is there anything that a bike with no suspension is better than one with full suspension? is bike with no suspension outdated or just cheaper nowdays?

Answer 1

I'm assuming you mean for a mountain bike riding in trails. On pavement, no suspension is better than suspension, but on the trails, it's the other way.

Suspension makes the wheels stay in touch with the ground on more situations, so you have better traction and make riding safer at speeds. A full suspension is actually faster at longer distances than a hardtail (bikes with only front suspension). Some XC pros are starting to choose FS over HT for longer rides, and part of this is because newer designs are getting better and they are more confortable, which leaves the riders with more energy at the end.

Now, there are different qualities in suspension (forks and shocks). Good suspension will make you go faster and safer, and regardless of traditional legends, will not sap your energy, actually improving traction on hard places and not beat you up on the long run, which will make you have more energy for longer rides.

Low end suspension will probably be not as good.

Some people are going back to single-speeder, rigid mountain bikes though.

But, as to which is better, suspension is better, and improving. Originally FS were for downhill riding, but well, originally, bikes weren't designed for mountain use, but now we use them for it.

Also, at first, downhill bikes had a whooping 5" travel, now some trailbikes are with 6", and downhill rigs have 8 to 10", times have evolved and improved.

Answer 2

Full suspension bikes are definitely NOT better than those with front or no suspension..they are built for a different purpose.

Keep in mind that whenever you pedal a full suspension bike the frame flexes. When this happens some of your energy is absorbed and instead of it going to the back wheel to move forward it is "lost" to the flex. Also, remember that suspension is to keep your wheels planted on the ground for better handling, not neessarily for comfort. Don't buy a full sus bike for comfort.

In my opinion full suspension is suited only to the most extreme riding...the bikes you see at WalMart with full suspension are NOT for any type of off road use... there is a sticker on most of them that say this, and the rest say it in the owners manual.

Answer 3

Generally speaking the Hardtail is the best choice for off road riding, (front Suspension) The full suspension bikes get used and I believe were developed for down hill riding. Trying to ride a Full suspension off road really isn't a good idea, in trying to pedal a FS you create what is known as wheel hop and you lose traction and power to the rear wheel.
As far as the Hardtail or a no suspension bike being outdated, they are not. They just have different uses.

Answer 4

There is a power bleed off when you have suspension. This is why Race XC bikes have only 80mm on the fork.

To overcome this, some full sussers have a form of traction control (Scott Genius).

Rigid forks are best for road use. No power bleed off. Many forks now come with lock out. This can sometimes be controled from a handle bar switch. This makes hills easier.

However, if you are looking for a plush ride, especially XC or if going downhill, suspension is a must.

Note: If climbing XC, eg field work, full sussers may be better as you maintian contact and, therefore, traction and can power up hills.

Luck

Answer 5

No suspension is good for going up and fast. Most road bikes don't have suspension. so it depends on what kind of riding you are doing.

Answer 6

if u want speed then no suspension is definetly what u want. if u want comfort nd aren't that bothered about going fast, or want to go offroad alot. to be honest, your best bet is front suspension. it stops your seat bouncing up and down, which is something i hate about full suspension, and gives u a bit of comfort yet still allowing speed

Answer 7

One would assume that a frame suspension spring would absorb some of the energy from peddling.

Answer 8

it depends on what you would like to do with it. if you cycle mainly on concrete or tar road, best to get a bicycle with only front suspension. but if you like to go to terrains, its better to get a full suspension cycle. check out all the bicycles first becuase the shop might sell you 2nd hand bicycles if you want a brand new bicycle.

Answer 9

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