Why is full suspension so controversial?
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Fatbike I bought this year is first MTB I've bought since 1994.......
I rented a FS once. Terrain I hit accidentally at speed and thought I was going to be injured, wasn't remotely challenging, the bike dealt with it all. I'd kill or maim myself on FS.
I rented a FS once. Terrain I hit accidentally at speed and thought I was going to be injured, wasn't remotely challenging, the bike dealt with it all. I'd kill or maim myself on FS.
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Well it is true that bikes that let you go faster and bigger also get you more hurt when things go wrong.
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It could be an interesting discussion point to debate whether FS has led to the development of platforms that are so out priced and technologically advanced from their originally intended purpose that more basic fat bike/plus tire platforms do provide a correction to that trajectory. They (FS) have taken mtb into a meaning that little resembles the original.
FS is great for technical conditions but a some people are buying them for non technical riding like trails because they think that's what they need. Originally, Mtbing was more about fire roads and game trails than bombing artificially constructed obstacles, and in that vein a more basic bike that gets it's suspension from fat tires is a return to reality. That's how many fat bikes are used these days, as the jeeps of the bike world. FS could be equated to the rock crawler. Cool, but not everyone needs a rock crawler for jeep trails.
That's just an observation though, not a controversy.
FS is great for technical conditions but a some people are buying them for non technical riding like trails because they think that's what they need. Originally, Mtbing was more about fire roads and game trails than bombing artificially constructed obstacles, and in that vein a more basic bike that gets it's suspension from fat tires is a return to reality. That's how many fat bikes are used these days, as the jeeps of the bike world. FS could be equated to the rock crawler. Cool, but not everyone needs a rock crawler for jeep trails.
That's just an observation though, not a controversy.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 02-08-22 at 09:54 AM.
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My two MTBs are a 150mm FS bike and a rigid Fat bike. My take on them: Two entirely different animals. Different strengths and weakness, and virtually no overlap in where they excel. In my experience, the only time a fat bike is the more desirable bike is when conditions make the 2.3"-2.5" tired FS bike a no-go.... which is about 5 months out of the year in upstate NY where I live now (snow, mud, ice, muck). Or when I am riding with some friends who are a bit slower than me and I want some extra challenge to slow me down.
Were it not for the fact that sometimes a Fat bike is the ONLY way to ride, I would see little value in them for me. As far as rigid simplicity for trails that are not covered in snow or mud, a rigid or HT bike with 2.4"-2.8" tires is a much better tool, IMO. Were I to move back to VA where standard sized tires are usable most of the year, I would likely sell the Fat bike. Might buy HT with 2.6"-2.8" tires instead.
I agree that Fat and Plus (more so the latter IMO) in a rigid or HT format do a good job of filling the gap that the evolution of singletrack-oriented MTBs has left open.
Were it not for the fact that sometimes a Fat bike is the ONLY way to ride, I would see little value in them for me. As far as rigid simplicity for trails that are not covered in snow or mud, a rigid or HT bike with 2.4"-2.8" tires is a much better tool, IMO. Were I to move back to VA where standard sized tires are usable most of the year, I would likely sell the Fat bike. Might buy HT with 2.6"-2.8" tires instead.
I agree that Fat and Plus (more so the latter IMO) in a rigid or HT format do a good job of filling the gap that the evolution of singletrack-oriented MTBs has left open.
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FS is great for technical conditions but a some people are buying them for non technical riding like trails because they think that's what they need. Originally, Mtbing was more about fire roads and game trails than bombing artificially constructed obstacles, and in that vein a more basic bike that gets it's suspension from fat tires is a return to reality. That's how many fat bikes are used these days, as the jeeps of the bike world. FS could be equated to the rock crawler. Cool, but not everyone needs a rock crawler for jeep trails.
If were not for winter about 4-5 months out of the year...I would not have a fat bike either. 20 mile ride from 2 weeks ago..
Last edited by prj71; 02-08-22 at 01:25 PM.
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Anecdotal experience will always vary.
I quite like my fat bike and see it as the logical extension of an old school rigid mtb that can also do sand and snow. A four season rigid mtb. The sweet spot for me would probably be more 3" plus tires but what I have works. This does the trick up until technical terrain.
I don't think people think fat tires replace suspension. Who knows, I can only speak for myself. To me it just add a bit of cushion and float for certain terrain where traditional mtb tires bog down.
If I wanted to downsize my collection of bikes, I would go with a plus tire size and ride all conditions rather than a traditional mtb tire and miss some conditions. For truly technical terrain I would choose a FS.
It all comes down to how many bikes one wants or can afford factored against what conditions one actually rides factored against how much challenge one wants from the platform. People intentionally choose anywhere between SS rigid and CF FS depending.
For maximum comfort a FS e MTB is the ticket! All fun - no work. If that sounds sorta wonky then so does suggesting a certain type of suspension is better because of comfort. I don't seek comfort as a goal when mtbing. Rather, I seek challenge.
If my platform provides challenge then it is a good thing. If it provides so much comfort that I get into riskier situations because of it then maybe I can either dial the terrain or platform back. It is a common observation that FS allows riders to do trails they aren't ready for because the bike protects them from physical feedback.
I quite like my fat bike and see it as the logical extension of an old school rigid mtb that can also do sand and snow. A four season rigid mtb. The sweet spot for me would probably be more 3" plus tires but what I have works. This does the trick up until technical terrain.
I don't think people think fat tires replace suspension. Who knows, I can only speak for myself. To me it just add a bit of cushion and float for certain terrain where traditional mtb tires bog down.
If I wanted to downsize my collection of bikes, I would go with a plus tire size and ride all conditions rather than a traditional mtb tire and miss some conditions. For truly technical terrain I would choose a FS.
It all comes down to how many bikes one wants or can afford factored against what conditions one actually rides factored against how much challenge one wants from the platform. People intentionally choose anywhere between SS rigid and CF FS depending.
For maximum comfort a FS e MTB is the ticket! All fun - no work. If that sounds sorta wonky then so does suggesting a certain type of suspension is better because of comfort. I don't seek comfort as a goal when mtbing. Rather, I seek challenge.
If my platform provides challenge then it is a good thing. If it provides so much comfort that I get into riskier situations because of it then maybe I can either dial the terrain or platform back. It is a common observation that FS allows riders to do trails they aren't ready for because the bike protects them from physical feedback.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 02-08-22 at 02:47 PM.
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I've seen on bike forums (here and elsewwhere) where people inquire about fat bikes because they say they can't afford a FS bike and they "think" that fat tires will be just as a good as a FS bike. Granted you get let a "cush" on bumpy terrain "if" you lower the tire pressure enough, but fat tires have no rebound or dampening characteristics like FS.
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I've seen on bike forums (here and elsewwhere) where people inquire about fat bikes because they say they can't afford a FS bike and they "think" that fat tires will be just as a good as a FS bike. Granted you get let a "cush" on bumpy terrain "if" you lower the tire pressure enough, but fat tires have no rebound or dampening characteristics like FS.
I see no "controversy" perse. If one removes cost from the equation then the best tool for each job will always be the right choice. That's an easy argument to make. The harder decision comes when there is a cap on overall available funds. There, I think one can look harder at what terrain one actually rides or what challenge one is seeking or can physically accept. Then the challenge is to find a platform that meets the need while recognizing the limits of cost.
Unfortunately, While most modern FS can work on less technical terrain by locking out the suspension when needed, making it a "best case" choice, the cost of a good FS bike is prohibitive for some. If the rider isn’t really doing technical terrain, a fat rigid or mtb hardtail could fit the bill at a lower cost. That's not a knock against FS.
Last edited by Happy Feet; 02-09-22 at 11:20 AM.
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Well, I would never say that. A good modern FS is so advanced that the rides are not even in the same ball park. I might say for some mild trails, a plus bike or HT fits the bill but once one needs suspension for drops, ledges or big hits those platforms loses their charm.
I see no "controversy" perse. If one removes cost from the equation then the best tool for each job will always be the right choice. That's an easy argument to make. The harder decision comes when there is a cap on overall available funds. There, I think one can look harder at what terrain one actually rides or what challenge one is seeking or can physically accept. Then the challenge is to find a platform that meets the need while recognizing the limits of cost.
Unfortunately, While most modern FS can work on less technical terrain by locking out the suspension when needed, making it a "best case" choice, the cost of a good FS bike is prohibitive for some. If the rider isn’t really doing technical terrain, a fat rigid or mtb hardtail could fit the bill at a lower cost. That's not a knock against FS.
I see no "controversy" perse. If one removes cost from the equation then the best tool for each job will always be the right choice. That's an easy argument to make. The harder decision comes when there is a cap on overall available funds. There, I think one can look harder at what terrain one actually rides or what challenge one is seeking or can physically accept. Then the challenge is to find a platform that meets the need while recognizing the limits of cost.
Unfortunately, While most modern FS can work on less technical terrain by locking out the suspension when needed, making it a "best case" choice, the cost of a good FS bike is prohibitive for some. If the rider isn’t really doing technical terrain, a fat rigid or mtb hardtail could fit the bill at a lower cost. That's not a knock against FS.
Well said. Different options for different terrain and/or riding style and/or tastes and/or budget. No real "controversy", IMO.
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If you are riding very very infrequently I can see a full suspension bike maybe not making as much sense like in my case but if you are still a more casual rider but ride often on trails, I wouldn't put a FS bike out of the running completely. They are a lot of fun and I find a lot easier to ride or at least more comfortable which leads to maybe more confidence.
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I mean maintenance is not super crazy, the occasional pump of the shocks, some cleaning and a service every so often which you could do at or through your local bike shop and you would need to do it on a hardtail as well (just minus one shock). Cost I can see but maintenance is not anything major as long as you keep the correct air in your shocks you are pretty golden. You may have to replace some pivot bearings once and a while and do some service but overall not so ridiculous.
If you are riding very very infrequently I can see a full suspension bike maybe not making as much sense like in my case but if you are still a more casual rider but ride often on trails, I wouldn't put a FS bike out of the running completely. They are a lot of fun and I find a lot easier to ride or at least more comfortable which leads to maybe more confidence.
If you are riding very very infrequently I can see a full suspension bike maybe not making as much sense like in my case but if you are still a more casual rider but ride often on trails, I wouldn't put a FS bike out of the running completely. They are a lot of fun and I find a lot easier to ride or at least more comfortable which leads to maybe more confidence.
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What controversy? Ride the kind of bike that suits the kind of riding you enjoy doing. Period.
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Well, I would never say that. A good modern FS is so advanced that the rides are not even in the same ball park. I might say for some mild trails, a plus bike or HT fits the bill but once one needs suspension for drops, ledges or big hits those platforms loses their charm.
I see no "controversy" perse. If one removes cost from the equation then the best tool for each job will always be the right choice. That's an easy argument to make. The harder decision comes when there is a cap on overall available funds. There, I think one can look harder at what terrain one actually rides or what challenge one is seeking or can physically accept. Then the challenge is to find a platform that meets the need while recognizing the limits of cost.
Unfortunately, While most modern FS can work on less technical terrain by locking out the suspension when needed, making it a "best case" choice, the cost of a good FS bike is prohibitive for some. If the rider isn’t really doing technical terrain, a fat rigid or mtb hardtail could fit the bill at a lower cost. That's not a knock against FS.
I see no "controversy" perse. If one removes cost from the equation then the best tool for each job will always be the right choice. That's an easy argument to make. The harder decision comes when there is a cap on overall available funds. There, I think one can look harder at what terrain one actually rides or what challenge one is seeking or can physically accept. Then the challenge is to find a platform that meets the need while recognizing the limits of cost.
Unfortunately, While most modern FS can work on less technical terrain by locking out the suspension when needed, making it a "best case" choice, the cost of a good FS bike is prohibitive for some. If the rider isn’t really doing technical terrain, a fat rigid or mtb hardtail could fit the bill at a lower cost. That's not a knock against FS.
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I'm saying that if I can't do it on a rigid bike I don't need to. If something is harder to do on a rigid bike, then I exercise/develop my skill more than I would on a bike with suspension. Suspension is an expensive way to force yourself into more risk to get the same challenge. I've got no ego forcing me to go on bigger jumps/drops/whatever than I can do on a rigid bike.
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What, no more from the OP? Guess he shared all he had in that first post.
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Suspension isn't controversial...The most controversial thing among in MTBing is people like myself and few others who choose to ride singlespeed with rigid fork. I just don't understand why almost an entire MTBing community looks down on us and hates us so much.
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It's the lycra.
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They hate people who won't shut up about riding rigid singlespeed.
Sorta like vegans and crossfit.
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How about this...Drop your car off at the mechanic and tell him you want your shocks taken out and replaced with bricks instead. Then maybe it makes sense.
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Why is full suspension so controversial?
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I think people tend to try and justify their choices by deciding that theirs is the best and everyone else is somehow wrong.
All bikes have some purpose, and FS take a lot of the bounce out so can make for a smoother ride, can give better performance on rough ground due to increasing contact with the ground and so on. If you're already doing a lot of stuff with a rigid gravel bike then you may as well go all the way to FS for your other bike as a hardtail sits somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I went for a hardtail primarily due to cost. I bought a good HT for about half of what an equivalent FS would be, and as a bonus it's about 2kg lighter too with space for another bottle cage. I don't do anything too technical so I won't really notice a difference. If I suddenly win the lottery I'll get a good FS too.
All bikes have some purpose, and FS take a lot of the bounce out so can make for a smoother ride, can give better performance on rough ground due to increasing contact with the ground and so on. If you're already doing a lot of stuff with a rigid gravel bike then you may as well go all the way to FS for your other bike as a hardtail sits somewhere in the middle.
Personally, I went for a hardtail primarily due to cost. I bought a good HT for about half of what an equivalent FS would be, and as a bonus it's about 2kg lighter too with space for another bottle cage. I don't do anything too technical so I won't really notice a difference. If I suddenly win the lottery I'll get a good FS too.
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So....which direction is this winter time discussion about to make? OP seems no longer interested in discussing....
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I'm perfectly willing to keep listening if people want to try to convince me that I should buy an MTB with suspension instead of a rigid fatbike and cyclocross bike for trail riding, but I'm willing to let it go too.