Full susp. 4x vs. hardtail 4x

codesters · 02-12-2006, 04:36 PM

I am just wondering what you guys think the advantage of a full suspension 4x/slalom bike is over a hardtail 4x/slalom bike. I have a fs 4x bike and to be honest, I dont really see what the advantage is besides trail riding. But on a 4x track, it seems like a fs would just be heavier, not as fast, and harder to throw around/manual. I do love my bike but im just wondering what you guys think.-Cody

thePINKster · 02-12-2006, 05:35 PM

full suspension - more margin for error, burlier

hard tail - better pedaling power, less complicated mechanical wise

for 4x and slalom , if i had my choice, would go with a hard tail. i'd only use a full suspension if it was a rough course, or not very smooth.

devinci7 · 02-12-2006, 08:03 PM

If I had the choice I would probably ride something like a Blur 4X or something. They're light and can be setup pretty stiff in the rear, but if you case something or w/e they smooth it out a bit more than your hardtail would.

codesters · 02-12-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by devinci7

If I had the choice I would probably ride something like a Blur 4X or something. They're light and can be setup pretty stiff in the rear, but if you case something or w/e they smooth it out a bit more than your hardtail would.

Yeah the fullys are more forgiving. i have mine set up really stiff, it almost feels like a hardtail, but like you were saying if i pack something it is more forgiving. But i see pro's riding fs 4x all the time, and it just seems like if you are already a smooth rider, then whats the point of having a fully?more to worry about and replace, extra unneeded weight. I just love mine because its good on trail riding too. but i think if i could have a bike for just 4x/ds i would go hardtail.

Raacerx · 02-13-2006, 08:41 AM

It was always my impression that a lot of pro riders who ride full suspension, ride it merely because their sponsor wants them too. If your a bike company, you dont want to show off your hardtail, its not whats new and hot and it isnt what allures most people to a new brand. Not to say that plenty of dont prefer it, but I know there are some riders who would rather be on a hardtail but are being coaxed to ride the FS.

However I do believe in MX that a FS is nice for the pure reason that it can be a very unpredictable race and you might tap someone so you cant clear a big jump.

I chose a hardtail this year, but a solid one. I think anyone new to the sport should start with a hardtail. It just builds better bike skills.

thePINKster · 02-13-2006, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raacerx

I chose a hardtail this year, but a solid one. I think anyone new to the sport should start with a hardtail. It just builds better bike skills.

i totally agree.. some pro, i forget who (possibly wade boots before he got busted) said in an interview that on the off season they ALWAYS ride their HT's because it helps them develop their line selection skills... then when they race they use a FS.