Do you lose power on long uphills when you ride a full suspension? I ride an old Specialized Rockhopper (hardtail) and I've talked to some die-hard hardtailers who say that you can lose a lot of power on long uphills because of a bit of wasted energy with a full suspension.
2007-07-26 10:04:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Cycling
The suspension of a full suspension bicycle will absorb some energy as you pedal. Thus, a hardtail is more efficient than a full suspension bicycle. To alleviate energy loss, some frame shocks can be locked out; turning the bicycle into a hardtail. Keep in mind, a suspension fork also absorbs energy as you pedal. So, some forks are designed to be locked out, as well.
If your hardtail friends are really interested in efficiency, they need to remove their suspension forks in favor of rigid forks. But, why stop there? Friction losses in their derailleur system is sucking the life from their legs! They really need to go single speed. Again, though, there is no need to stop in their quest for an efficient ride. They should go with a fixie rear end to get rid of all that parasitic drag in their freewheel!
You see, the argument regarding efficiency can be taken to an extreme. The fact of the matter is, there are always tradeoffs between efficiency and control and comfort.
My guess is most of your hardtail friends would be unwilling to give up their suspension forks and gears in the quest for efficiency.
What it really comes down to is how do you want to ride your bicycle. If you do mostly shorter rides or ride mostly on fairly tame surfaces a hardtail may be perfect for you. If you want to go for epic rides or ride on technical trails you will probably find a full suspension bicycle gives you more control, comfort and endurance. A full suspension bicycle that can be locked out on climbs provides much of the best of both worlds.
In closing, you may want to consider what most racers ride. If you go to a short cross country race, you may see a fair number of riders on hardtail machines. If you go to an endurance event, though, nearly everyone will be on a full suspension bicycle. And, of course, regardless of the type of event, there will always be a small batch of single speeders with hardtail bikes and rigid forks shaking their heads at the folly of the shifty, squishy crowd...
2007-07-26 23:37:49 · answer #1 · answered by sfr1224 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both the first two answers are right on track.
Older full suspension bikes often didn't offer a lock-out, or means to adjust/stiffen the suspension. You would bob in the saddle, making it harder to transfer the power forward. You had to fight with it a bit more.
Almost all the new rides do offer lockouts, or a variety of adjustments to stiffen or dampen the ride. There's still more flex and movement than a hardtail of course, but I don't think it requires anywhere near the energy it did for the first edition FS bikes.
With good technique, and shifting your weight to achieve optimal traction, the FS bikes are well worth the extra weight and minimal energy loss.
A long ride down washboard conditions was enough for me to upgrade.
2007-07-26 17:27:53 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think that the HT vs FS is not on wether its climbing vs descending, but rather than the type of terrain.
If you see a steep climb with loose rocks or gravel, a good full suspension bike will climb a lot better than a hardtail because the rear suspension will provide better traction.
If you're going donwhill on a smooth trail, probably a hardtail will work as well as a full suspension bike.
Some racers are starting to go full suspension because they don't get as beat with the terrain as a hardtail.
Now, entry level full suspension are really not that good, you probably need to enter 1,500 bucks or above to get a good design.
2007-07-26 17:49:06 · answer #3 · answered by Roberto 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
New full suspension bikes don't really lose anything on the uphills. Anything that might be lost, is mor ethan made up in comfort on the rest of the ride.
2007-07-26 17:10:04 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Pivot points wear quickly, especially on .less expensive machines. I would never have full suspension on a daily driver.
If I were buying a top end MTB for racing purposes, I'd consider full suspension.
2007-07-27 08:17:46 · answer #5 · answered by silverbullet 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
where do you live? if you live near a canyon or something i could see a full suspension.. otherwise its fairly useless... stick with hardtail for any other riding... learn to deal with bumps the way mtbers have for years.
2007-07-26 17:28:33 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
on some of the less expensive FSR's, yes there is some power transfer loss, but not much
you can also adjust the stiffness of the rear shock so you can minimize the shock, just like on the front forks
2007-07-26 17:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋