8 reasons why hardtails are BETTER than full suspension bikes!

Today we show you why hardtails are BETTER than full suspension bikes (sometimes)! Enjoy this video of Alfie sending his 29er Specialized Fuse hardtail in the pouring rain. Please don't take this video too seriously, but feel free to leave a like, comment and subscribe if you enjoyed it!
What's your opinion on hardtails? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out my Instagram: / willgreenfield1
Bike: 2021 Specialized Fuse Comp 29"
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Alfie's KZbin channel: / @alfiemtb
Credit to 'Wired' for the John clips, and Dyalla for the music :)
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mountain biking riding vtt mtb freeride downhill enduro bike cycling hardtail full suspension berm roost tech crazy meme gnarly sick insane sony specialized fuse 29 wheels crash velo

[@allenrichards5086]

I have both, and have had both for going on like 25 years. My two cents and some is that hardtails are fast when the trail is flowy and smooth-ish, and they climb well of course under same condition. Where they simply cannot compete with FS is chunky terrain at speed. No comparison, no exceptions, they just cannot. Also, my back likes full squish better lol.

[@GUY-on-Earth]

totally believe this, i’ve seen the way they ride in videos and from what people say the difference between enduro and trail bikes this makes sense

[@halfglassfull]

the wallet likes the idea of hardtail but my old back wants a FS

[@kejah7489]

@@halfglassfull i ride hardtail but have back problems. i bought a suspension seatpost. costs less than $100. i never experienced back and lumbar pain after that.

[@bikemike1118]

Don’t you all lift your butt when it gets chunky … for heaven’s sake?

[@MTBTrekRoutes]

@@kejah7489does it have a dropper post.

[@arturomolinamacias8989]

I love hardtails, but can we just apreciate the mastery of this video? Quality content.

[@sextempiric7137]

You do it by clicking on Like button.

[@SwiperNoSwiping458]

I have a hardtail plus. Best setup imo. Much more engaging than full sus and more capable than most people think.

[@rickywoods3101]

I just got a full suspension e bike with fox 38 factory forks and I like it better than hardtails by far . plus I kept getting pinch flats and went tubless then got bent rims, maybe it's because Im a lean 240lbs.. No problems on full suspension though but I mainly do it for a fun cardio because I train mma and you can never have to much cardio

[@mikuramsay]

Yeah, in my opinion, full suspension is amazing when everything is working well. My mate just bought a second hand giant reign and my goodness, it was horrid servicing it, definitely worth investing in some bearing fitting kits...

[@rickywoods3101]

@@zed5129 well ya it's easier , thats why I turn it off while riding with certain people and I detuned eco so it's even with my regular bike. But I get more of a workout on my e bike even on turbo (if I'm by myself)because I'm trying to be as fast as possible and it's a lot more fun riding faster through everything and getting more air.. plus we have some trails that people never are able to climb and always walk up and I can get up it on my e bike . idk weird .. I get board on my regular mtb over the e bike . plus turning it off and trying to keep up with others is a hell of a workout , way harder than my regular mtb

[@kevjay-med1225]

@@rickywoods3101 If you're 240lb and lean you must be like 6'4+... Or you're just fat.

[@rickywoods3101]

@@kevjay-med1225 5' 11" I have a pretty good 6 pack . I know it's hard to believe but I been working out 5 days a week since I was 15 and I'm 32 now.. send me your email and I'll send you some pics , I don't mind.. or you can just search my FB

[@NorthDesigns]

I remember when you used to have that black hardtail, good shreds on that thing

[@willgreenfield]

Oh damn the trailstar, now that was a long time ago!! Must have been 2017 ish!!

[@alexb2298]

Remember being disappointed when Will switched to the dark side and got his first full suspension on the channel haha

[@willgreenfield]

@@alexb2298 i did have a few full suspension bikes on the channel before that hardtail bro 😂 but dont worry, got another hardtail vid coming soon

[@alexb2298]

@@willgreenfield it's those audio gains of chain slap from hardtail shreddy!

[@Nikaibigdawg]

Funny enough I just got my first mtb and it’s black lol!

[@jacob.rausch]

I love hardtails but full sus also has something most people dont even recognize, its way more accessible to people with injuries, for instance my dad has an injury in his lower back and without a lot of plush suspension it can be too rough to ride some days

[@adamalward3450]

I found quite a few videos like this one. Saying this is better than that, TBH none of it matters, its what you like and what meets your needs. I'm just getting back into MTB as an adult. Can't wait!!

[@volf4o]

Exactly! I have a nerve issue in my lower back and from it my testicles hurts when I'm riding the hardtail bike. It's completely other story with the full suspension.

[@kijo6642]

Sus

[@Macandsteel]

@@kijo6642 🤨

[@eric3007]

@@volf4o you need to adjust your riding style then. Shouldn't be on the saddle going over rough stuff.

[@marcdemichele2689]

15 yrs on a ht, then 4 on full sus, I have found where and how you ride is the most important. Where I ride we have lots of fairly short tech climbs, and switchbacks which lends itself much more to a ht. When I rode out west with long dh's and larger drops fs was superior. Being "overbiked" is real. I am back on a ht and lovin' it! Both have their place, it really depends on your needs!! Cheers!!

[@Mysixshooter]

I sold both my full suspension bikes as I just love riding my hardtail. I ride a Whyte 909 it’s lighter, faster and just a lot more fun out on the trails. Take care and happy riding guys. 👍🏻😎

[@dolphin-studio]

"I just love riding my hardtail" sounded weird for some reason lol

[@Al0109]

I have a whyte 803 and its really good 👍

[@leecann9936]

Just about to buy one !!

[@Kirchenschlager]

just got my first aggressive hardtail to add to my quiver of full squish bikes and wow, i agree entirely. nukeproof scout 290 and it is an absolute blast. so far ive been able to ride everything that the big bike can ride, its just a bit slower on tech and makes you think harder about line choice which i enjoy. by far the best $/fun ratio i ever have had

[@markfairbrother1983]

Definitely going to make you faster mate!

[@antstechstuff1784]

I got my scout 275 in medium 2 weeks ago but am yet to go to my local trail to test it properly

[@highbrow76]

I've seen Alfie shredding down a local trail on that thing, the guy flies! Awesome video and makes so much sense in UK winter months

[@oliverbourne9599]

F'kin brilliantly funny .. particularly liked the total randomness of "on Wednesdays" 4:08 😂😂

[@willgreenfield]

haha thank you bruh, glad it made someone laugh :') Cheers for watching as always!

[@AustinShockSS]

I’m jealous of you young guys. I have a 20 lb tricked out carbon HT that I love but can’t ride because it wrecks my joints. Totally takes the fun out knowing I’ll be in pain for a few days. It’s full suspension or die for me.

[@willgreenfield]

Thats one of the reasons i stopped riding a hardtail as my main bike a few years back, was wrecking my wrists and ankles! Full sus is definitely a lot more comfortable...

[@spuddo123]

I like hardtails just because how they're so simple yet effective, however after I moved past the beginner hardtail (different to a 'real' hardtail) I couldn't have progressed nearly as fast or far without my full squish

[@arkitotoyz]

Wuuutt?? Hardtails are actually better for improving your skills and progression.

[@OliCM3]

@@arkitotoyz Not necessarily, everyone improves differently. HT's make you think more and force you to be more careful, but they also hold you back and make you less confident.

[@butterybird4987]

@@OliCM3 uhhh no they don’t, i have just as much confidence on my ht as I do on any full.

[@OliCM3]

@@butterybird4987 Like I said, everyone improves differently, its all preference. If you tried to take a HT down the runs I'm talking about, you'd break your legs

[@Venom3303]

@@OliCM3 let’s bring him to Moab he will think differently

[@uhhFez]

Bro lost me with the Mike Tyson clip “what do you mean by that?” “My back is broken” 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@willgreenfield]

A classic

[@evane5060]

Nice fuse! I've got a fathom and they ride very similar. Favourite bike I've ever had.

[@julz2392]

Alfie’s got some really impressive skills! 🙌

[@robertthrasher1705]

It's just a matter of opinion on what you like as far as full suspension and hardtail. For competition though you're probably correct hardtail is probably better . I'm willing to sacrifice a few of the plusses of a hardtail for ; the comfort, landings and bumps that are absorbed from a full suspension Bike

[@jg2wheels]

One of the great things about hardtails is you can run them single speed. Especially if they're like that Fuse with sliding dropouts.

[@Simon-jh1hf]

why can't you do that with full suspension? sorry am a beginner

[@jg2wheels]

@@Simon-jh1hf it's possible too, but less desirable. You would still have to run a tensioner or derailleur to keep the chain tensioned. Advantage of single speed on a hardtail is a huge weight savings on the rear. Lighter rear end and faster acceleration.

[@edknight1854]

Gotta love Alife and his Hardtails aha! Sick video WIll!

[@williamcvaughan7921]

The "steep technical climb" segment was hilarious!

[@mixification]

I usually use my HT for fast flowing trails with light tech as that's what they excel in. The FS gets used for long rides and techy trails purely for the extra comfort.

[@zepp3lin]

I got both soft and hardtails. When I'm feeling hardy I ride my hardtail plus bike and when I'm feeling squishy I ride my Softee. But I learned MTB thru hardtails definitely and I rode it for a good 8 years before I went for Softee.

[@hostinggeek]

M4 Fuse ftw. It's the best bike I've owned. Hose it off on the rack when I get home and oil the chain. At 210 lbs I would decimate a full squish plastic bike. Great video.

[@jairoramos2584]

Why’d I think this was a BermPeak vid ?? 😂 sick vid though bro !

[@willgreenfield]

I'm going to have to start building some backyard trails soon then haha!! Thanks bro :)

[@neologisticzand]

It's the bike placement and yellow font! Also had me for a moment

[@Chubbyfella1100]

“They’re impossible to crash” 2 seconds later crashes 😂

[@andreagolfetto8446]

I love ride the hardtail! I would never change with a full 🙌🏻

[@trolleyracingmaster7075]

Hardtails ideal for me. I can only ride on weekends and it’s a lot cheaper to maintain. More fun IMO and I don’t need a full sus yet

[@willgreenfield]

Yeah i feel that, only disadvantage for me is the wrist/ankle/lower back pain that i got when i used to ride a hardtail... i'm guessing that doesn't bother you tho?

[@trolleyracingmaster7075]

@@willgreenfield I don’t experience that no. But then again you probably ride harder and more often

[@diviscadilek1764]

When it comes to maintenance, my Merida rear suspension is bombproof. It doesn't need any maintenance, not even the shock. But it depends on what bike and brand you buy. For example, I know a guy with a 4000$ cannondale scalpel XC bike that has to replace his linkage bearings every season because they're shit. And Author used to make a full suspension bike whose linkage regularily broke after 2 years of riding. They even sold a spare rear linkage as a replacement instead of recalling and fixing it, the bastards.

[@ibby81ae]

@@diviscadilek1764 which merida?

[@aaronmiah9041]

Got a trek roscoe 7 2021 hardtail with plus sized tyres and it rides like a dream.. hardtails all day long.

[@Fever1984]

I just built a hard tail i broke all my pbs for the first time in ages. Clipless is a big no from me tho they make me ride conservative and flats are so grippy there is just no need

[@loam_chef]

My guy has the matching inhaler/ shorts combo

[@erichbachman7363]

0:59 Woah i got scared, almost thought I saw; "Hey, its VSauce here!"

[@fred89pj]

My full suspension Scott spark can be used as a hardtail if you lock the suspension.

[@MarcABrown-tt1fp]

Swivel joint reinforcement still adds weight unfortunately, seems only the really expensive full sus carbon bikes come close to aluminum alloy hard tails.

[@Real_Photo]

If it looks fast in the video then you know it’s really fast. Awesome!

[@motolifealways]

Great review and loved the humor ! I subscribed! Cheers from 🇺🇲

[@usernamefromhell]

What a lovely looking bike, nice stem!

[@AydinProductionsLtd]

Switched to A Fuse from FS after 15 years and am happy with my decisions as most of the trails by my house in the Canadian Rockies are techy but not chunky like on a downhill track at the resorts. If I rode at resorts or Enduro like my daughter I'd ride a bike like her Transition Patrol which he rips on all chunky tech stuff.

[@joaomoura6581]

I remembered when I ride my first enduro hardtail, those were happy days. Nice video!!!

[@willgreenfield]

the good old days!! Thanks for watching bro :)

[@kh05821]

I’m so hyped to have will greenie back with the uploads!!!! Keep it up 👍

[@maxvarney7385]

Wow what a video, it's strange I have a strong urge to go and buy a 2021 Specialized Fuse Hardtail! Oh and an Alfie, I want to buy a few of those.

[@willgreenfield]

lol get ur Alfie now at the local Walmart, i heard theres a 50% off sale on last years models as they had some reliability issues

[@l3nn4rt_1]

This masterpiece deserves a like, greetings from Germany 👍🤟

[@willgreenfield]

thank you!!

[@HaroldDeang]

I ride my hardtail mtb on paved roads but unfortunately with some cracks and bumpy holes with it. I do it for everyday exercise with my favorite techno and dance music in different bpms. I used to ride a roadbike on these roads with no suspension but I am a safety driver not a speed demon. Although fs mtb is costlier both in price and in maintenance than the hardtail mtb, I will still feel safer to ride on bumpy and hole paved roads using fs mtb. But like you said in the video about improving skills, I improved my maneuvers when encountering bumpy roads if I go fast on my hardtail mtb.

[@Joeymga6]

I’m never gonna go back to a hard tail personally after being on a full squish but you do you

[@mdc123-v2v]

Winter on the HT. Summer on the FS. If you're running FS all year then you better get used to paying £300 - £500 per-year on maintenance (assuming you're riding a few times per-week). FS doesn't build your trail skills either. If you've been riding FS for years and go back to HT you'll see why so many run both, HT's just so much more engaging.

[@maxmacks8856]

I’m gonna be buying a Lombardo sestriere 400 soon , look forward to it

[@PredictableOutcast]

Definitely a quality video. It kept me laughing 😂and learning🤓

[@harrygrimley4352]

I agree with almost everything said. Big difference between USA an uk is we don't ride in the rain. Spode that would severely shorten your season.

[@willgreenfield]

Haha we would have no season at all 😂😂😂 thanks for watching bro

[@andreteixeira5635]

It depends very much on the terrain.

[@usamaali5239]

I ride a hardtail on some natural technically challenging trails , I love it , want to get me a full suspension just for the heck of it

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

then get the lock out option later .. stay steathy

[@H.O.M.E.LANDER]

Amazing presentation, guys 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@miketayse]

I'm 67 and have both and they are both nice. A hard tail rides a bit better on pavement and smooth packed trails, not as bouncy as my full suspension. Full suspension rides better on rough stuff with less standing up. The real downfall to me of full suspension is the extra parts that may someday break. If I could only have one, I'd have a hardtail, but would want a full suspension.

[@scubamarilu]

I own both, but I do like the full for easy climbing steep hills.

[@neilgouws6962]

I don't know if I'm a cheapskate... I've cut my maintenance bill almost in half by switching back to a HT !! And ... it's bloody fast , that's all that matters!!😈🤘🏻

[@bigbeatmanifesto6517]

that Tyson cut broke me 🤣🤣🤣

[@majalca03]

Maybe in that part of the world, but here in the U.S. desert Southwest, with it's chunky rocks.... I don't think so. Besides, I started on a hardtail and three years later I was on a dual suspension bike. My back thanked me for it.

[@FernandoSLima]

I just bought a cannondale trail 5 and hope to be so cool to ride as yours...

[@blazedmtb821]

I’ve got the exact same bike, rides like a dream!! Great Video!!!!

[@willgreenfield]

Oh sick! Glad ya like it :) thanks for watching!

[@tingcahotoc]

Hi. I love watching this video. It's simple and the content is true it seem like no edit.. thanks for your video realizing that my imagination about suspension mtb frame is so good. ... I realized hardtrail is enough and good.... And less money for maintenance. Thanks.

[@raiyankhan3070]

I bought a Orbea Laufey H LTD and put a lot of upgrades such as rotors, pedals, grips, tires, with total costs being around 4k CAD, and Im proud of that choice because for 4k , Id only get entry level full suspension, where as I got an amazing hardtail

[@liana.chawngthu]

What are you talkin about at 4k you can get a really good Full sus

[@raiyankhan3070]

@@liana.chawngthu Yea thats true but for me I was looking into less maintenance with extremely highend specs and components, so that worked out for me

[@larryhouse3776]

I've had my Laufey H LTD for about 2 weeks now. Brilliant bike.

[@aaronerskine3401]

in florida where i ride, many annoying tree roots throughout all of trails... love my hardtail but am looking for full suspension to make it more comfortable...

[@OliCM3]

Smooth, flowing trails with pump bumps & long climbs, can't beat a HT. Anything else and you can go on all day about how a HT makes you a better rider, the reality is FS is more capable, easier, more comfortable, a lot more confidence inspiring and generally more enjoyable. I'd urge every MTB rider to push for a FS

[@jfrtbikgkdhjbeep9974]

FS with LO option F and R ATW FTW

[@aaronemblem266]

They are better for climbing because like you said early in the video..the energy isn’t lost through the suspension

[@BFBMTb]

Ht is more fun. It makes simple blue trails actually fun and requires more skill to ride fast. If you can ride a ht, then you got some major skills

[@carvingtheway]

Cheers guys... That was awesome 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻⛈️⛈️⛈️☔☔☔🔥🔥🔥🥂🍾

[@GhanimaGalach]

Those are some impressive skills.

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

right now i have an agressive hardtail from BTR fabrications : the Belter . i love it a lot , but i guess couple of years down the road i'll get a Pole full sus if my back requires it

[@tobiasstamenkovic9628]

Who didnt hear about the infamous cars only having suspension in the rear.... :) Technology is a strange beast.

[@sohaibyounus]

I started riding on a Capra and it was cool cause I was riding a lot of park with now skills. I then bought a hardtail to practice skills and didn’t even ride the Capra for a while and had to get ride of it for a 5010 and now I haven’t ridden the hardtail in a while lol.

[@willgreenfield]

Hardtails are the best for learning! But full suspension will always be better for bike park/downhill/freeride thats for sure 😎

[@pedromedina1802]

100% agree, but they are even better, when the frame is made of steel …🤘🏼

[@cristhiangonzalez3098]

I have a hardtail, to be honest I'm a beginner so this video is helping a lot

[@BradTVB]

i agree with that mate even ascend, descend that machine can do also.

[@OllieKearney1]

Very watchable video dude Keep it up

[@stevenreyes3680]

I’m still loving my 2006 Banshee Sirocco.

[@Likeaworm]

I’ve rode in Santa Cruz and the demo forrest my whole life and I remember when I had a hard tail. I would go so fast that my vision would shake and I couldn’t see shit. I’m on a nukeproof giga now

[@closertothecosmos3519]

Love your video editing 👏100% enjoyed it

[@madcapper6]

0:55 The only thing I know of that makes that sound is downshifting the front derailleur but it looks like you've got a 1x on that bike.

[@Niaaal]

It happens too when you paddle hard and switch gears in the same time. It's always better to reduce pedal pressure while shifting. It helps keep the drive train healthier and lasting longer

[@geiar7079]

4:06 Get a HT and you can win World Championships. Mr. Minn fear me!

[@paulmarshall8774]

I’ve got the 2021 Fuse Comp as well great bike, I’d also like to share I bought some super un leaded today which will mean nothing next week 🤣

[@hadyatmikasuryadinata838]

I've ridden fullsus on enduro race but find out I forgot to unlock the shock halfway the stage 😂. So basically i ride hardtail and feel alright

[@oscarmedina3344]

Cool! I have the same one and it's a sick one in fact

[@jedisentinel1499]

I get the back issue thing. Train your core, legs and glutes in the weight room.

[@azman.s]

Hi rider! Good info. I'm still keep all my hardtail MTB (5 sets). No doubt, superb bike in any decent on trail. Regards XC rider from Malaysia.

[@ivangoldberger289]

You are nice. I like your sense of humor.

[@j3j326]

That hard tail looks ace!!!

[@roguesender]

The battle between the FS and HT's will never end. Until you see this video and realize that HT's fully dominate over FS because Part 5 - They're impossible to crash 🤣 🤣 Great job on the video. It was entertaining and well put together. Thumbs up.

[@willgreenfield]

Thank you Michael! Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@pumpkinjutsu1249]

#1 I'm broke

[@matthewgoulamanian5968]

your comparing a high end hard tail vs a high end full suspension however and entry level hard tail is actually heavier in some cases vs a high end full suspension

[@flame.c3652]

Always such quality editing!

[@willgreenfield]

Thank you my slime :)

[@buildtestflyrepeat9428]

I honestly think if I got a nice longer travel hardtail, I would ride it more than a fs

[@franbelta1533]

Somewhere Hardtail Party and leaning back grinning lol

[@maxmachin4894]

Sonder transmitter, best bike ever. Sold my giant Reign as wasn't riding it much. My full sus is now a Merida E160 so best of both worlds. BUT most fun bike is definitely the sonder

[@METEORA_47]

have you try mullet setup on hardtail?please make a video about it.really want to know the result.please... 🤘

[@p.l.e.s.i]

Nice video!!!! i just love my hardtail. whether on the road or on the trail.

[@sqd8r]

They really aren't, except for cost, but if you go mid level up FS you have it all.

[@simonverkerk8392]

Great riding mate

[@slipperyseal762]

Guy can ride!

[@willgreenfield]

He's handy on a downhill bike too!

[@moreira8967]

Up to now I've had a Hard tail now I'm gonna transition to full suspension, in a month or two Ill tell you guys how it went. Welp I'm back with my full suspension, downhill beast (2008 spezialized big hit 3) majour thing that really changed a lot was weight, I remember being able to play around with my hardtail, not same with soft tail but a very good thing I found is that the full suspension is way more forgoving if you do stuff like not quite go on the landing strip of a jump etc, In situatilos that with a hardtail you probably would have gone down the full suspension helps you keep up, if there is anything you would like to know ask away my beautifull people (no homo) ;)

[@domique26]

still waiting 🙋‍♂️

[@destinhook3826]

So?

[@70h4nn35]

We trusted you!

[@filthyweeb3912]

@@70h4nn35 you have placed ur trust wisely my friend

[@jhondiick4202]

Still no bike probably😂

[@crxti455]

awesome camera work

[@willgreenfield]

Thank you!!

[@buckroger6456]

Rain in the U.K.??!?!? That's pretty much unheard of 😅 Been seeing more and more videos now about hardtails and well all its doing is making me want one even more.

[@thedaily9514]

I legit thought this was a Berm Peak video lol

[@SiekaSS]

Good job Man !

[@winniethebubbly]

Love my Hardtail!