Do You Really Need a Full Suspension Mountain Bike? The Honest Truth…

[@davemcbeard]

This advice is so accurate! So many "Bike Park" trails are actually really smooth and forgiving, I often watch videos of them and think "I could ride that on a BMX!"

[@tiagomateiro]

Haha same 👊🏽💪🏽

[@YourBoy_Jack]

0:41 you have the most real mtb channel on this platform. So nice to see videos by someone who really cares about the sport and their viewers alike

[@jasongenter6844]

Thank you for embracing such a refreshing view on biking. I have been biking for a long time and after getting my kids into mountain biking, I went from an old full sus to a modern HT. Hard trail bikes make every trial more fun for me. Choosing lines is a skill and as I was teaching my kids, I improved my own riding. We love our HT's. We ride black diamonds on our local Colorado trails, just a bit slower than the full sussers and have just as much if not more fun! Keep up the great videos!

[@douglasmorrow8004]

Spot on. Hardtails rule and make better riders. Take more technique. Matty, straight up bro. It refreshing to see a man with more melonin riding. I only ever see uppity rich dudes near me. 15k$ bike and cant ride for nothing.😊

[@EverythingOutdoorsAndJeeps]

I was told by a local bike shop to not take my Roscoe 7 to a bike park unless i want to break it. Thanks for bringing clarity to this for us less experienced riders. I will plan a day to hit the local bike park and see how my Roscoe 7 holds up.

[@zed57]

My son has ridden his Roscoe 7 at Whistler Bike Park 3 days so far, no problem!

[@eXaviar]

You will break your parts of the Roscoe in the long run. The frame itself can take a good beating. You need to look a each component and make sure they are up to the task. I would not so too many Huck to flats 🫣😅

[@sashaantidot2444]

They wanted to sell you expensive full suspension bike, that’s why u can break it 😂

[@313bootboy6]

Yeahhhh that's salespeople for ya! Shred it up with what you got!

[@Adventuregirl96]

I was at Whistler recently and my brother and a mutual friend were both on hardtails. They both had a great time and would do it again with no regret.

[@nathanaelshumsky2977]

Yeah 100% almost any bike can ride on green trails. I started mountain biking with a gravel bike on Green trails. Now I ride a rigid fat bike on blue and blacks so much fun!

[@SUMOCAT86]

We used to ride much much more hardcore trails on rigid bikes, before anybody had suspension forks let alone rear suspension.

[@Forthetimebeing72]

I wanted to argue the suspension thing, but you are right. A lot of riders are not skilled and MYB is so dangerous you should do it as safe as possible. That means building skills as a first priority and not nice gear.

[@HamRadio200]

I love your practical advice. Basically its ride what you got and have fun!

[@47Seagull]

I agree with you, I'd never ride full suspension on a trail as smooth as that :(

[@PhilDiasPJD]

Always about the rider!

[@albikes8484]

I have owned quite a few full sus and hardtails with front sus.Since 2013 i have been mainly riding a Ritchey P29 with a ridgid fork. And i ride everywere my budys on full suspensions ride. Last year i did purchase a nice carbon mtb with a rockshox sid. It was nice. I ended up taking the sid off and installing a rigid carbon fork. I love the climbing performance and the feel of the trail a full rigid gives you. Plus the lightness of a rigid fork makes for a much more nimble bike. For the XC type of rider i am. I see no need for full squish. Now if i were to go to a lift access DH place. Ill want full squish. Love your channel. And love how you promote cycling.

[@305Paz]

I went to Trestle on closing day. Spent the first half of the day on a rented full DH bike but brought my Roscoe 9 for the second half. Definitely an arm pump but I was able to ride all of Green world, Long trail, and a few other blue runs!

[@WVmountainsurf-rg6fe]

I don't know where you ride, but yes I really need a full suspension bike with burly tires.

[@jarchewa85]

Man I couldn't imagine riding a rigid on those trails. I started out riding 2013 Trek Mamba then a 2023 Roscoe 8 and now I own 2024 Polygon Siskiu T7. Since going full sus a couple months ago I don't think I can ever go back to even a hardtail lol

[@JoshuaMarcAragon]

Give it time. You will come full circle. It is the way of the MTBer. Entry level hardtail -> Entry level full suspension -> Stupid expensive full suspension -> stupid expensive hardtail -> rigid single speed -> wife asking why all these bikes are in the garage.

[@Cobalt512]

I just bought a full suspension trail bike and took it to my local trails. They felt so much easier. That made me feel disappointed, so I decided to fight laziness and dial in my line choice. Ended up getting some personal tests on Strava (faster than my race times on the hard tail). Still getting the bars dialed in, but the proper reach/stack gives so much more confidence. I'll have to save my final judgement for when I tackle the steeper rooted/loose trails.

[@trickdickle6652]

Glad to see you've converted. Rigid is one of those things you either get or don't. Back in ~2009 I started MTB on a 26" hardtail. After a few group rides where half the guys were riding rigid ss 29ers, I knew I needed to get one to fit in. Haven't regretted that decision to this day, rigid ss is my favorite rig. The difference was back then rigid 29ers were hip and everywhere, and you could get something decent for $500 and great for $1000. Mind you I lived in FL back then so there are only a handful of trails in the entire state where you >1 gear. 10/10 would recommend ss for your next N+1 though!

[@Eroldlite]

Matty out here dropping truth bombs

[@mikej1348]

Modern hardtails are great. Get some big plus tires and air down. Back in the day the beat up trails were barely rideable on a 26 inch hard tail. Nowadays if you want to get off the ground or in the rough on the trail front suspension is a good idea. Your shoulders will thank you.

[@stanislas64]

Thank you for the video ! This is great ! I guess choosing a full suspended bike or a hard trail bike, or any bike at all, depends on how much comfort you want and how safe do you want to feel. And how much money do you want/have to spend :)

[@ttambm8639]

Im 38, so my rigid and hardtail days are over. They just bheat my body up to much on the trails I ride. But if you like a hardtail, ride it. Everyone should ride the bike thaat gets them out on the trail the most.

[@kbd13-n9c]

All my trails are rooty AF. (East Coasr). Like teeth chattering. This is the reason I want to go FS. If my trails were smoother, hard tail 100%. The gravel I rode last night is bumpier than what you’re riding in this video.

[@christophergribbin3969]

I am a big fan of the hardtail. I have a long travel enduro bike, but love riding the hardtail. It is good to see the other comments on the video - am planning on taking my hardtail for a few days riding at Whistler before the end of the season.

[@mustardnotmuscles]

Appreciate the work you put into your videos

[@scottkoresky5879]

As you get okder you will appreciate a FSR! I’ coming up to 50 and FSR is all I bike so my body can operate efficiently in regular day work. I used to live in east valley of Phoenix and built an Evil The Wreckoning cause those trails were brutal ona hardtail!

[@soarstar]

I'm close to a decade older & hear that stated often. A couple of thoughts/counterpoints: 1) Bone density in us old farts starts to fall off / become a problem. The higher impact experience of a rigid bike is likely a good thing. Example: Some of my longtime cycling friends have taken up running (prescribed by their doctors) 2) Somewhat related to #1 - it's possible that FS bikes are making people even softer. Maybe start riding rigid a little and ramp up? (This feels as though it should a study). Think about how many people don't ride or exercise much - then fall into the trap of *not* being able to exercise their way out of what they've induced. There's a chance riding FS will eventually lead to making it nearly impossible to ride a HT / rigid bike. Additional exchange with AI: Navigating technical terrain on a rigid mountain bike does introduce more jarring impacts and vibrations compared to smoother trails or riding a bike with suspension. These impacts can create forces that are more similar to weight-bearing activities, potentially having a positive effect on bone density over time.

[@adamsanchez1410]

Awesome! Do you remember what size and model tires you have on your Roscoe?

[@daviddaugherty1861]

As long as you stick to the green/blue flow trails at Trestle a hard tail would be just fine. On the more technical trails suspension is highly encouraged.

[@jamesglenn4362]

Always looking forward to your content. 💪🏾

[@fid420]

Don’t ask me I ride a rigid hard tail 29x3. On everything. Great video!

[@danwebber9494]

Nice riding! I tape my wrists on full rigid rides now,(54yo) but I’m sticking to hardtails for a few more years yet.

[@hilmarfenger9740]

Riding my XC has made me a better rider, so I agree with you that a hardtail forces you to recognize the terrain and pick a good line...

[@sadiejones7991]

The less suspension the more skill it takes in my book. Anyone that rides Rampage on a full Ridgid single speed has way more skills than someone on a downhill for an extreme example

[@stevepratt9535]

Love your channel. Top job,

[@09philipr]

Always good to see the walk being walked, or in this case, shredded! Summed up on another MTB channel: 'You don't need (full) suspension, you just need balls.' (I guess that's why I have suspension.)

[@Markozzy]

i prefer full hardtail to full sus just my preference good information Matty

[@deadweight1020]

Absolutely, ever think about the bikes with larger volume tires like SIR 9 and Krampus?

[@kcjohnz124]

🎉 this really helped Alot Thanks

[@yamahschector]

I love my ohlins meta mullet it like a fun toy and gets me excited every time I ride it. It gets rowdy and plays. My paradox full 29 is like a refined purpose built machine. I want to ride trestle on my meta ht. Trestle can be forgiving and smooth. The first time I ever road trestle was in 2005 on a trek 3500 the cheapest mountain bike in the bike shop. I knew nothing and thought I had a real mountain bike and had so much fun. 20 years later still riding.

[@tibiynb]

THUNDER ⚡⚡ Love the content and message!

[@bkalkhoff_69]

Hey brotha I just took that mongoose switchback to trestle on closing day! It absolutely shredded the mountain. I did however drop the chair about 15 times. Gotta sort out a few more kinks.

[@BrianF-wv5cl]

I have a Breezer Lightning which is basically this bike with a 120mm Fox fork.

[@alwinsauer6857]

Simple and true

[@michaelrieser9928]

I’m 59, come from the original mass production mtb of 1985. I modern hardtail with a nice fork is really the was to go. You can do a lot and you don’t absolutely need a full suspension in fact they have their draw backs. But I will tell you at 25 years old a ridged fork is do able even on a long ride, but the older you get your just punishing your body. You know how 21 years old is different then 31 and then 41. You don’t want to grind your body down, it will be hurting when you’re 59. I just remember long days on Mount Tam with a ridged fork, it hits your wrists and shoulders more then is necessary. At least now that they have quality inexpensive suspension forks.

[@PowerUpEachDay]

45 here and I agree. I can roll with a hard tail, but my back and knees just like that rear shock too much on drops.

[@HasanibnSabah]

Thanks bro now I need that bike…!

[@augmented2nd666]

I started riding a BMX on trails, somehow got through some blues, drunk with no brakes. Fast forward, I no longer drink, I started riding a hardtail and have Black trails less than a 20 minute climb from my door if I'm feeling energetic enough. I since finally got myself a Trek Slash 7 only because at really high speed on the hardtail on black trails with huge boulders it became somewhat unstable as I have some pretty serious trails and i discovered I like riding downhill stuff but have to climb to get to them. Thats not to say the hardtail isnt fun, I'll still ride it especially when snow hits and 0 Celsius or lower happens, (air suspension especially doesnt get along with those temps and my hardtail has a coil RS35 so its a perfect winter bike, Devinci Kobain btw). I would say if you want to really get down to fundamentals on a rigid bike, give a street BMX a try at the skatepark and on street terrain, I ride BSD Passenger v2 custom and it will always be my baby, I got a Specialized P3 for pump track and DJ, but still prefer the BMX with big ole 10 inch rise bars.

[@billydeewilliams8909]

I just replaced the rigid fork on my hardtail with a old Lyrik fork. I really didn't feel like the rigid was much of an upgrade over my flat bar gravel bike, and it also had zero traction due to having no suspension at all (the gravel bike has a suspension stem). I hated the Fox 34 rhythm that came with the HT, which is why I made it rigid in the first place, but the Lyrik fork (which was on my e-bike until I got a Fox 38) and some carbon wheels (also from the e-bike originally) make the bike positively sing. I am going to take it (and the gravel bike) to Northstar next year.

[@DaBinChe]

Don't need a bike either but a bike makes life funner. Full suspension is easier on the body.

[@smeefbeef367]

I went full suspension cause my hardtail was causing my scoliosis and sciatica to flare up horribly. I need the softness or the trails just aren’t worth the pain to me.

[@JB50713]

You got a mouth guard in!? Lol full rigid is rough.

[@mc540flip]

Oooo the Breezer looks nice! Is it steel? I own a few hardtails, a gravel bike, as well as my full squish. I love riding all of them!

yeeeep this is full steel bike similar to him is konaX or surly krampus

[@preacher1965]

@7:15... What did you drop the pressure down to?

[@danvee4523]

Try out a Jones LWB with 29 x 3.25!

[@cabbynate]

Due to a botched knee surgery I need full suspension. I can't take the inpacks to my knee even with a $350 knee brace.

[@Paganiproductions84]

I a hardtail is great for beginners and for people that are longer in the sport

[@JoshTaylor]

How are you getting along with those Ground Control tires, Matt?

[@on2play736]

I built a SPECIALIZED PITCH COMP PRO 27.5/650B with a carbon rigid fork but notice it's a 650B frame. I put 700cX47c gravel tires on them and never looked back. The frame is such a light bike. It's like a road bike

[@on2play736]

BTW, congratulations on the new bike

[@valentinstefanov1502]

I like the camera position and i guess it's on the chest but when i shoot from there everything shakes and i don't know how to fix it. Good video

[@anthonyarruda1145]

I watched a dude on youtube take a hardtail to whistler bike park and his hardtail did great I think it was the R9 but you don't need a FS to ride bike park.

[@donevy9784]

Matty what’s your opinion on me making my goose switchback expert into my heavy trail bike? Good choice or no

[@tigerbalm666]

Gel seat and larger tires is all you need for a hardtail.

[@kettlebellcarnivore-vr5cw]

Rigid is real! I've had and made so many rigid bikes. Makes you a much better rider.

[@ronmatthews2170]

I know this will sound like a old man get off my lawn stance, but today's trails are wide smooth Moto MX type trails that just need a raked fork and no suspension. I grew up on hiking trails with roots and drops and rough and suspension really helped and still does on the trails unlike to ride. I respect the new trails, but they are not for me, I like my tires on the ground

[@Tehkneekz]

If you like big jumps, gnar tech, and tall drops... it sure saves your body. However i still see guys on the trails with virtually no skills making their lives harder by doing XC greens on their $5000 full squish.

[@zimmejoc]

I didn’t notice how slack that rigid bike was the first time I watched this. I just built as 20’s gravel bike up as a 90’s mountain bike. I wonder how it would do. I can put 700x50 tires on it,😊

[@comounaverdura]

Did you ever do a large group ride? It might be fun to make a video of that for your channel.

[@NoSuldoOceano]

Silly question: But what solution did you find to use goggles with prescription glasses? Or do you go down without them and good luck? lol (asking because I also use prescription glasses but can´t manage to use goggles with them)

[@rocstarang5747]

We rode "full rigid" (no Diddy) in the 90's and never knew we were missing anything 🤷‍♀️

[@mikej1348]

Back then the trails were smooth as glass. Full Suspension and increased speed tore the trails up. Now it’s the motors and their torque tearing up the uphills as well.

[@Cmc7799]

Rock gardens on a full suspension keeps the back wheel from getting too wild

[@christopherward9230]

What did we do before bikes had suspension?? We made do with what we had at the time 🚴‍♂️

[@WVmountainsurf-rg6fe]

Yes we did, but we also went over the bars more often with the bad geometry bikes, had many more flats, and couldn't rail and carve nearly as well with the very inadequate brakes.

[@christopherward9230]

@WVmountainsurf-rg6fe Which is exactly my point, that we had to make do with what we had at the time, because we simply didn't know any different. Roll on the years, and here we are with massive improvements in most things, and inparticular bikes of every category, thankfully 😊🚴‍♂️

[@felipe96150]

You definitely don't need a full suspension bike, but I would never go back to a no suspension bike. Been riding those since the 80s and for me, the best thing that ever happened to MTBs were front suspensions MTBs. IMO, a Hardtail is the minimum.

[@420neo]

10/10

[@waldowsxxghostxx8577]

What bike is that? Model and brand?

Breezer Thunder you are deaf he taking about it in beginning of the video

[@Sixbillion1]

If this is supposed to be a video for beginners, do they know the price of the bike you’re riding? A fs isn’t that far off cost wise from what you’re on anyways.

[@MrStingraybernard]

Breezer ,,, Joe Breezer has been around since the beginning

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

you don't but it does help in the rough stuff.

[@eXaviar]

Well... You don't NEED suspension, but it makes the ride more comfy and safer. The less suspension you have, the more you more skill you need. YES, there are easier trails you can enjoy with a full rigid bike, but to enjoy the black trails, you will need at least a Hardtail 😁

[@eXaviar]

But you core message is RIGHT 🤙🏾

[@eXaviar]

I would argue you don't need suspension for tame XC riding 😜 I do thee on my gravel bike

''it makes the ride more comfy and safer'' - it all depends who ride bike , technique, proper tire width, proper pressure, proper wheel width

[@myerereynolds3752]

Sounds good... Under 50. Never not going full suspension again.

I would put lighter tires on it and maybe ad carbon fork

[@TheArimatheus]

The title of your video is a very personal question 😐🙂🙃

[@dennissmall2436]

I think hard tails are great. My back does not agree.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

Bike parks have generally the most groomed trails, if you pay me the expense I'll prove it to you by riding my daughter 24" rigid to any bike park. No shit 😂 My local trails (around my property) kinda need a full sus or a fatbike, they represent what a natural bike trail should be to my eye, to some (most) tho it's hellish & not fun 🙄😈

[@HamRadio200]

first!

[@bboennemann]

Controversial. Look at how much you are struggling as soon as the trail gets a little bumpy and these trails are already super smooth. Not many trails like this out there. And look how much faster the two people in front of you are. I'm not saying you can't do it. I would say it's true that you don't have to invest in a full suspension bike in order to go to one of the big bike parks. I have done it and lots of people just don't have the budget for it. That said, a full suspension bike gives you so much more confidence. It's not even close. It will also unlock the trails that aren't as smooth as these.

it's not a question of money because anyone can buy a full suspension bike the problem starts when you start servicing it , service eats money lot of money

[@Sixbillion1]

My Santa Cruz rarely needs anything. Dunno what you’re talking about.

[@bboennemann]

I don't agree that everyone can afford a full suspension.

[@raleighkellyc9375]

Don’t u all believe crybaby Matt he’s just giving his own inexperience option , preferring a full suspension is a matter of preference and the type of riding u desire , certain types riding may call for full suspension that s Mon guy can’t haggle

[@FloppyWaffle]

Yes, I need full-sus. I'm old and I'm a pussy but that said I really enjoy gravel riding on my Revolt X but it's got suspension, sort of.

[@Yourmum1acock]

Sounds like you’re trying to justify not being able to afford one. Weird flex but ok