A full-suspension mountain bike has a suspension fork upfront as well as a rear shock, while a hardtail bike only has a suspension fork. The type of suspension used on a mountain bike affects the bike’s control, traction, and comfort, as well as how pleasant it is to ride.
If you’re shopping for a new mountain bike, you’ll inevitably face a big choice:
Full-suspension or Hardtail?
Hardtail mountain bikes can be great getting power to the road just like a road bike is, but you will most definitely feel every imperfection in the road as well just like a road bike. Full suspension mountain bikes on the other hand, take the hit so you won’t feel bad roads nearly as much.
So, which mountain bike is best for you? The response is mainly determined by how much money you have to spend and the ground you prefer to travel on, but there are other considerations as well. The short answer is: If you’re willing to pay a little extra and want to ride technical paths, go for a full-suspension bike. Choose a hardtail bike, on the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget and intend to spend the majority of your time on smooth trails.
Are full suspension bikes faster?
Generally speaking, a full suspension bike is 11.52 seconds (8.68%) faster than a hardtail. It goes faster (but only in the descent) for less effort, requiring 13 watts (10.92 percent) less power.
Why are full suspension bikes so expensive?
Full suspension is more expensive than a hardtail for good reasons. To the manufacturer, the frame is basically like making two small frames, each roughly as complicated as a single hardtail frame, then they need a bunch of extra hardware to connect them together, & an expensive shock/spring between them.
One of the reasons mountain bikes get pretty expensive is all the branded parts. It’s just a whole other bunch of other companies who need a cut. A mx bike that you buy for like 2000 will mostly be made with own brand or unbranded catalogue components. Have a look at direct to customer companies like YT industries & Canyon.
Because usually what you’re buying is not a single brand MTB, but a custom one that is assembled for your convenience. Most frame manufacturers aren’t in the business of making rims, forks or hubs, for example. You’re paying the different companies for their overheads, research & manufacturing costs separately. But it’s usually much cheaper to buy a pre-built than buy all the same parts separately & assemble yourself.
Otherwise, the price is the same if you take a full suspension bike with the same components as a hardtail bike & account for the difference in the frame-set price (frame + rear shock)
And they’re expensive because of all the extra work that goes into them compared to a hardtail. The frame is made in two or more parts, & requires bearing faces, extra hydroforming, more adjustments to make sure everything’s true, that sort of thing. It turns an aluminium hardtail frame that cost the manufacturer £50 into a £400 full suspension frame. & then there’s the cost of all the linkage bearings, & the rear shock.
Are Hardtails better than full suspension?
No problem, hardtails are typically more efficient than full suspension bikes & have plenty of room for frame bags. Some slight tweaks are usually all it takes to transform your hardtail into whatever it needs to be. You can ride a good hardtail anywhere & everywhere!
How long do full suspension bikes last?
Excluding accidents then some components will last for many years (e.g.: the frame, cranks, seat post etc) whilst other parts will wear out & need replacing frequently (e.g.: chain, cassette/ chainrings, brake pads, tyres etc). The actual frame should have a useful life of at least five years.
How much does a full suspension bike cost?
At the bare minimum, we recommend looking at hardtails for no less than 1000 & full suspension at 1500-2000. You can certainly purchase bikes for less, especially if you get away from the name brands or are willing to take lesser quality parts.
A full-suspension bike is right for you if:
You’re willing to spend a bit more: High-quality, entry-level full-suspension mountain bikes start at about 1000 quid. If you’re OK with spending that amount (or more) & full-suspension makes sense for the type of terrain you want to ride, then it’s likely a good choice.
You mostly ride technical trails: If pedalling through rock gardens, up & over roots & off of drops is your idea of a fun ride, then a full-suspension mountain bike is for you. This is the type of terrain that full-suspension bikes are built for; the combination of front & rear suspension creates a smoother ride with better traction & handling, which can translate to more fun on rough terrain.
You want a more comfortable ride: A full-suspension mountain bike will soak up most of the jarring bumps that would otherwise be sent to your body (and in some cases, buck you off your bike). This can help reduce fatigue, which in turn can allow you to ride faster, for longer, with greater comfort.
You have a need for speed: Front & rear suspension do such a good job of absorbing bumps that you can typically carry more speed through technical sections of trail than you would be able to with a hardtail.
Our Best Full Suspension Mountain Bike under £1500
Vitus Mythique 27 VR Mountain Bike 2021
MSRP: £1349.99
The Vitus Mythique 27 VR brings your trail riding aspirations to the next level with its capable and enjoyable results for riding anywhere on the mountainside. It has an alloy frame with new, enduro-inspired geometry for the ideal combination of strength and control while remaining lightweight. It also has X-Fusion suspension and a Shimano 1×10-speed groupset with hydraulic disc brakes.
The Mythique, now in its second season, was built around a tried-and-true horst-link 4-bar suspension design, enabling us to create an affordable, capable, and performance-driven trail bike. Combining modern geometry with dependable components to create a setup that gives you the courage to take your riding to the next stage.
The Mythique is a bike that can both ascend and descend ever so swiftly. As the Mythique inspires you to get out on the trails and shred section by section, your smile will widen.
The Mythique 27 VR is ready to hit the trail right out of the box. The 27 VR has 130mm of frame travel and X-Fusion suspension to keep you planted when the trails get rough. Shimano’s 1×10 wide range Deore drivetrain provides dependable shifting for all-day epics, while Shimano MT401 brakes provide adequate stopping power.
I had to confess that I was getting tired of being jolted, tossed, and jarred on my rough tail (getting old). Tubeless tyres (only valves and gunk required), pedals on, and off to find the bumpy trails. What a relief to finally be comfortable! For any long-distance rider, the Shimano 10 speed rig is ideal because you go through a lot of brake pads, chains, cassettes, and chain rings… well, not a lot but the chains and pads. 12 speed is a no-go for most due to the cost. I’m very pleased that CRC has produced this low-cost version of a very good bike.
With the Mythique 27 VR, you’ll have the courage to take your trail riding to the next stage, thanks to WTB ST wheels and a Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf tubeless-ready tyre pair, as well as Nukeproof components and a Brand-X Ascend dropper post.
If you don’t want to go used, it’s the best bang for your buck on the market. This bike will do it all: climb, hop, land, and, most importantly, make you happy! It needs to be moved and ridden. Are you new to the sport? Purchase this bicycle. You want to get back into the sport but don’t want to spend loads of money? Purchase this bicycle. Want to steadily advance and upgrade without spending an arm and a leg? Purchase this bicycle.
130mm may seem to be a small amount of travel, but in fact, you rarely use any of it when you’re first starting out. The components are also of high quality. Even at this tier, it climbs exceptionally well for a trail bike, even with a 1 x 10 drivetrain and no rear suspension lockout- it climbs (limited by your ability to climb, too)!
The back is particularly noticeable. It looks cool and attracts attention. All we can say is that Vitus is a respectable European brand that rocks. You won’t regret this bike in any tier!
Got to admit I was getting a bit tired of being shaken, bounced and jarred on my hard tail (getting old). Thought I’d try a full sus. Luckily dropped on CRC Vitus Mythique, in stock for few hours! Delivered quickly and almost ready to ride. Made the tyres tubeless (only valves and gunk needed) put some pedals on and went to find the bumpy trails. What a revelation comfortable at last! For me, the 10 speed Shimano setup is perfect, we ride long distances all year round and use a lot of brake pads, chains, cassettes and chain rings…. well not a lot except the chains and pads. 12 speed for me is a no simply because of the cost. (Check prices for yourself). Really pleased that CRC have made this budget version of a really good bike.
Pros: climbs well, jumps well, lands well, wants to be ridden, wants to be pushed, 27.5 makes this fun as heck, best bang for the buck, Cost, comfort, 10 speed.
Cons: rear shock lost air to start with., paint a bit thin?
Tech Specs:
- Frame: Mythique Alloy 6061 Post mount disc brake mounts, BSA threaded BB, Boost hub spacing – 148mm x 12mm thru axle
- Fork: X-Fusion RC32 Boost 27.5” RC damper, 32mm stanchions, 130mm travel, tapered alloy steerer, Boost hub spacing – 110mm x 15mm thru axle 46mm offset
- Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R 200mm x 51mm
- Headset: Acros AZX-212 AZX-212-CO, sealed bearings, ZS44/28.6 – ZS56/40
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Neutron V2 riser 6061 alloy, 25mm rise, 9° back sweep, 760mm wide S/M, 780mm wide L/XL 31.8mm
- Stem: Vitus 50mm Alloy, 50mm Reach, 3° Rise
- Grips: Vitus Lock On
- Front Rim: Wtb St I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Rear Rim: Wtb St I30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Front hub: Vitus Kt Dhf112 Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 110mm X 15mm Thru Axle
- Rear hub: Vitus Kt H5er-sh Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 148mm X 12mm Thru Axle
- Front Tyre: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin, TL Easy, E-25, Addix soft, 27.5” x 2.35”
- Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, twin skin, TLR, Addix, 27.5” x 2.35”
- Chain: KMC X10 10 speed 114l
- Crank set: Shimano Deore M5100 32t, 170mm
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA
- Front Brake Set: Shimano Mt401
- Rear Brake Set: Shimano Mt401
- Rotors: Shimano Rt56 180mm, 6 Bolt
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120 Shadow plus, long cage, 10 speed
- Rear Shifter: Shimano Deore M4100 Rapid-fire plus, 10 speed
- Freewheel: Sun race CSMS2 11-46t 10 speed
- Saddle: Nuke proof Neutron
- Seat Post: Brand-X Ascend dropper Remote lever, 31.6mm, S 100mm drop/M 120mm drop/L, XL 150mm drop
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt, 34.9mm
- Colour: Nardo Grey
- Frame Size: L, S, M, XL
- Wheel Size: 27.5″ (650b)
- Gender: Unisex
- Speed: 10 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 130mm
- Rear Travel: 130mm
Vitus Mythique 27 VRW Women’s Mountain Bike 2021
MSRP: £1349.99
The Vitus Mythique 27 VRW is a full suspension bike designed for female cyclists that is relaxed, agile, and stylish. This bike soars up the steepest climbs with ease and allows you to sprint down the quickest descents with confidence, thanks to modern enduro-inspired geometry, X-Fusion suspension, and a wide-ranging 1×10-Speed Shimano groupset.
The Mythique, now in its second season, was built around a tried-and-true horst-link 4-bar suspension design, allowing Vitus to create an approachable, capable, and performance-driven trail bike. Combining cutting-edge geometry with dependable components results in a configuration that gives you the courage to take your riding to the next stage. The Mythique is a bike that can both ascend and descend. As the Mythique inspires you to get out on the trails and shred section by section, your smile will widen.
The Mythique 27 VRW is ready to hit the trail right out of the box. The 27 VR has 130mm of frame travel and X-Fusion suspension to keep you planted when the trails get rough. Shimano’s 1×10 wide range Deore drivetrain provides dependable shifting for all-day epics, while Shimano MT401 brakes provide perfectly adequate stopping power.
With the Mythique 27 VR, you’ll have the incentive to follow your trail riding to the next stage, thanks to WTB ST wheels and a Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf tubeless-ready tyre pair, as well as Nukeproof components and a Brand-X Ascend dropper post.
Tech Specs:
- Frame: Mythique Alloy 6061 Post mount disc brake mounts, BSA threaded BB, Boost hub spacing – 148mm x 12mm thru axle
- Fork: X-Fusion RC32 Boost 27.5” RC damper, 32mm stanchions, 130mm travel, tapered alloy steerer, Boost hub spacing – 110mm x 15mm thru axle 46mm offset
- Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R 200mm x 51mm
- Headset: Acros AZX-212 AZX-212-CO, sealed bearings, ZS44/28.6 – ZS56/40
- Handlebar: Nukeproof Neutron V2 riser 6061 alloy, 25mm rise, 9° back sweep, 760mm wide 31.8mm
- Stem: Vitus 40mm Alloy, 40mm reach, 3° rise
- Grips: Vitus Lock On
- Front Rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Rear Rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 27.5”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Front hub: Vitus Kt Dhf112 Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 110mm X 15mm Thru Axle
- Rear hub: Vitus Kt H5er-sh Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt, 148mm X 12mm Thru Axle
- Front Tyre: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin, TL Easy, E-25, Addix soft, 27.5” x 2.35”
- Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, twin skin, TLR, Addix, 27.5” x 2.35”
- Chain: KMC X10 10 speed 114l
- Crank set: Shimano Deore M5100 32t, 170mm
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA
- Front Brake Set: Shimano MT401
- Rear Brake Set: Shimano MT401
- Rotors: Shimano Rt56 180mm, 6 Bolt
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120 Shadow plus, long cage, 10 speed
- Rear Shifter: Shimano Deore M4100 Rapid-fire plus, 10 speed
- Freewheel: Sun race CSMS2 11-46t 10 speed
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seat Post: Brand-X Ascend dropper Remote lever, 31.6mm, S 100mm drop/M 120mm drop/L, XL 150mm drop
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt, 34.9mm
- Colour: Pearl Grey
- Frame Size: M, L, S
- Wheel Size: 27.5″ (650b)
- Gender: Female
- Speed: 10 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 130mm
- Rear Travel: 130mm
Vitus Mythique 29 VR Mountain Bike 2021
MSRP: £1349.99
The Vitus Mythique 29 VR is ideal for trail riding anywhere on the planet because it is agile, stable, flexible, and enjoyable – the ideal all-around trail bike. It’s powerful and lightweight, with an excellent component kit that provides you with the strength, dependability, and style to ride anywhere with confidence and pride. It’s also outfitted with high-quality X-Fusion suspension parts, a Shimano 1×10-Speed drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes set, and Tubeless Ready wheels.
The Mythique, now in its second season, was built around a tried-and-true horst-link 4-bar suspension design, enabling us to create an approachable, capable, and performance-driven trail bike. Combining modern geometry with dependable materials results in a setup that gives you the confidence to take your riding to the next stage. The Mythique is a bike that can both ascend and descend. As the Mythique inspires you to get out on the trails and shred section by section, your smile will widen.
The Mythique 29 VR is ready to hit the trail right out of the box. The 29 VR has 130mm of frame travel and X-Fusion suspension to keep you planted when the trails get rough. Shimano 10-Speed Hydraulic Disc Brake Groupset with a 1×10 wide range Deore drivetrain offers stable shifting for all-day epics, and Shimano MT401 brakes provide sufficient stopping power.
The wheels are WTB, and the tyres are Schwalbe Tubeless Ready. This Mythique 29 VR’s WTB ST wheels and a Schwalbe Magic Mary / Hans Dampf tubeless-ready tyre pair, combined with Nukeproof components and a Brand-X Ascend dropper post, will give you the confidence to take your trail riding to the next level.
Tech Specs:
- Frame: Mythique Alloy 6061 Post mount disc brake mounts,
BSA threaded BB, Boost hub spacing – 148mm x 12mm thru axle - Fork: X-Fusion RC32 Boost 29” RC damper, 32mm stanchions,
130mm travel, tapered alloy steerer, Boost hub spacing –
110mm x 15mm thru axle 46mm offset - Rear Shock: X-Fusion O2 Pro R 200mm x 51mm
- Headset: Acros AZX-212 AZX-212-CO,
sealed bearings, ZS44/28.6 – ZS56/40 - Handlebar: Nukeproof Neutron V2 riser 6061 alloy, 25mm rise,
9° back sweep, 760mm wide S/M, 780mm wide L/XL 31.8mm - Stem: Vitus 50mm Alloy, 50mm reach, 3° rise
- Grips: Vitus Lock On
- Front Rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 29”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Rear Rim: WTB ST i30 TCS 2.0, 29”, 32h TCS tubeless tape fitted
- Front hub: Vitus Kt Dhf112 Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt,
110mm X 15mm Thru Axle - Rear hub: Vitus Kt H5er-sh Double Sealed Bearings, 32h, 6 Bolt,
148mm X 12mm Thru Axle - Front Tyre: Schwalbe Magic Mary Snakeskin, TL Easy, E-25, Addix soft,
29” x 2.35” - Rear Tyre: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, twin skin, TLR, Addix,
29” x 2.35” - Chain: KMC X10 10 speed 114l
- Crank set: Shimano Deore M5100 30t, 170mm
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano BSA
- Front Brake Set: Shimano MT401
- Rear Brake Set: Shimano MT401
- Rotors: Shimano Rt56 180mm, 6 Bolt
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Deore M5120 Shadow plus, long cage, 10 speed
- Rear Shifter: Shimano Deore M4100 Rapid-fire plus, 10 speed
- Freewheel: Sun race CSMS2 11-46t 10 speed
- Saddle: Nukeproof Neutron
- Seat Post: Brand-X Ascend dropper Remote lever, 31.6mm, S 100mm
- Seat Screw: Vitus Bolt, 34.9mm
- Colour: Nardo Grey
- Frame Size: M, L, S, XL
- Wheel Size: 29″
- Gender: Unisex
- Speed: 10 Speed
- Material: Aluminium
- Fork Travel: 130mm
- Rear Travel: 130mm
drop/M 120mm drop/L, XL 150mm drop