| So, you've decided to get a used mountain bike, but | | | | is worth it. |
| are having trouble choosing between a hardtail or a | | | | So, how does this all effect buyers of used bikes? |
| full suspension mountain bike. Of course, the debate | | | | As it turns out, looking at the used market ads a |
| between hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes | | | | whole new wrinkle to the decision. Of course, the |
| has raged on for a very long time, but there are | | | | same differences shown above now apply, but now |
| some important issues to consider when it comes to | | | | you have to consider different suspension |
| buying a used bike. | | | | technologies, how well the bike has been maintained, |
| In fact, buying used really does affect the way you | | | | and more. |
| approach the whole full suspension vs. hardtail issue. | | | | Think about it. A hardtail mountain bike is pretty |
| To help understand this, let's talk about the basic | | | | basic, and really hasn't changed all that much over the |
| differences between full suspension and hardtail | | | | years. Full suspension bikes, on the other hand, are |
| bikes, and then look out how buying used can change | | | | always evolving with technology. Suspension designs |
| the way you look at these differences. | | | | change, shocks get better, and the technology all |
| Let's start off with the hardtails. Hardtails, as their | | | | changes very fast. This makes buying an older full |
| name suggests, have no suspension in the rear. This | | | | suspension bike unattractive to many, since you |
| makes for a lighter, simpler, and cheaper bike. A hard | | | | might be buying to some very old technology that |
| tail, all other things being equal, will be lighter than a | | | | will seem very outdated. On the flip side, if you buy a |
| full suspension bike. Also, the lack of suspension | | | | hardtail, this won't be much of an issue. |
| allows them to be much simpler and cheaper. You | | | | Another factor to consider is how well each bike has |
| always get better components for your money with | | | | been maintained. Hardtails can take a lot of abuse, |
| a hardtail. However, does this all translate into a | | | | but full suspension designs need to be taken care of. |
| faster, better ride? | | | | Be on the lookout for this as you shop for your used |
| Advocates of full suspension bikes would say no. | | | | mountain bike. |
| Though adding a rear suspension system to a bike | | | | Most people have already made up their minds |
| increases the weight and complexity quite noticeably, | | | | concerning which bike design they prefer, but if |
| many argue that the increased smoothness of the | | | | you're on the fence, then be sure to consider the |
| ride makes them slightly more efficient in the long | | | | points made above. Whichever bike you choose, |
| run. Of course, efficient or not, your body will thank | | | | though, be assured that you can still have lots and |
| you for choosing a smooth riding full suspension bike! | | | | lots of fun biking, no matter what kind of suspension |
| However, all this comes at the cost of increased | | | | you have. |
| weight, complexity, and cost. For many, though, this | | | | |