Four Reasons Why You Should Ride A Rigid Mountain Bike

Bikes with no suspension are common in the road and gravel world, but they do exist in the mountain bike realm. If you’ve never ridden one before, you’re probably thinking about how much you love your suspension and can’t imagine going without it. In this video I talk about a few of the reasons why rigid mountain bikes are great and why you might actually enjoy riding one.
Rigid Fork For 120/130mm Bike:
Whisky MTN Boost LT - 500mm A to C - amzn.to/3HpAlcU
Enve Boost Mountain Fork - 490/492mm A to C - bit.ly/3hnb7Bf
RSD Bikes Boost Aluminum Fork - 510mm A to C - bit.ly/3IvpbV6
Niner Boost RDO Carbon Fork - 490mm A to C - bit.ly/3vsgO9c
Rigid Fork For 100/110mm Bike:
Whisky No9 MTN Boost ST - 485mm A to C - amzn.to/3BVMBRb
Whisky No9 MTN (Non-Boost) - 483mm A to C - amzn.to/3vphqww
Enve Non-Boost Mountain Forrk - 470/472mm A to C - bit.ly/3hnb7Bf
MRP Rock Solid Rigid Carbon Fork (Non-Boost) - 490mm A to C - bit.ly/36Ng844
Basic Maintenance Tools I Recommend:
My Favorite Multitool - alnk.to/apRSSqd
Metric Hex Key Wrenches - amzn.to/3LV7P6v
Housing And Cable Cutter - amzn.to/3rZrQRj
Cassette Lockring Tool - amzn.to/3By2Vr9
Bottom Bracket Removal Tool - amzn.to/3gWlkVe
Chain Whip (or build your own) - amzn.to/34Jh0WV
My E-Bike:
Ride1Up Core5 - ride1up.com/product/core-5/?w...
#mtb #hardtail #bike

[@RideYearRound]

I’ve included some rigid forks for mountain bikes in the description of this video. This isn’t every one out there, but it’s some of the forks I’ve considered for future builds.

[@MBaky80]

Great Recomendations, have You maybe any slightly cheaper other options to recomend? I'm lookin for a rigid fork for my Marin Bobcat Trail 2021 for replace very heavy SR Suntour XCM 120mm

[@PaulO-ew3hd]

On a plus or fat bike, one can lower air pressure in their tubeless front tire to give them some suspension in a simple way, agreed?

[@LordHolley]

I'm 50 now. I started mountain biking when every bike was a stiff frame and fork. Then we see these odd balls with suspension forks, then full suspension bikes. So many people thought that was cheating, or wasn't real mountain biking (kinda like how some feel about e-bikes). It's funny to see it coming back around.

[@TheBcoolGuy]

I think the suspension is its own thing but not cheating. E-bikes are powered vehicles that produce some of the wattage themselves.

[@xiaonanw6374]

I mean I'm on a full rigid ebike so like yes the circle is complete

[@benphillips1149]

@@TheBcoolGuy is it really cheating if you're not racing?

[@DailyNeighborhoodRide]

I remember seeing a full suspension bike for the first time and thinking that is ridiculous and expensive. Lol. They have come a long way. Now I have both a full ridged and full suspension. Ride on 🤘

[@jurekgadzinowski2895]

​@@TheBcoolGuyMost of the wattage

[@jjgalletta66]

I recently switched from a FS bike to rigid. All carbon 29er with 1x drive train. Light and smooth. I ride smooth fire road and single track. No jumps. No drops. It’s epic!

[@markymarknj]

I started out on a rigid MTB, and I stuck with it. I started on one because I wasn't sure how I'd like mountain biking; I thought it was a good way to get my feet wet. I did some technical and trail riding years ago, but now, fire roads are about as technical as I get. These days, I mostly stick to the street, bike paths, and hardpack canal trails, so my bike is set up accordingly. A rigid is fine the riding I do, so I stuck with mine. Why get anything more if you don't need it?

[@arden0]

I like rigid because it acts as a limiter for my recklessness. Full suspension has me going so fast and so big, I seem to hurt myself every other ride. Hardtails are awesome but similarly allow me to stay off the brakes in some chutes, super fun but inherently risky. Rigid bikes remind you the instant things get a little out of control, right at that margin where any bike is the most fun. Efficiency, weight, stable geo, and avoiding fork rebuilds are huge bonuses for sure. Thanks for the video!

[@kermitleninja7310]

I like going reckless, i'm young and thus invincible

[@Or5mr]

Fork rebuild... The chills

[@John_Findlay]

I agree about the limiter thing. I'm 63 and don't bounce as well as I used to. I figure that my rigid Krampus means that I'll be going a bit slower when I inevitably crash.

[@fredmad4988]

Agreed, its a safety feature!

[@davidadamus177]

@@kermitleninja7310 I'm 42 and still invincible, though I crashed on my last rigid mtb ride LOL.

[@markkindelspire8375]

Yep, agree with all of this. I ride fully rigid plus all the time, super fun. I especially like the efficiency when going from a down to an up, stand out of the saddle and the bike just springs forward. Thanks for the video!

[@Cobwobbler]

Never thought I’d be this guy but “ When I was a lad we only had rigid bikes”.., Ok seriously when I raced in the 80’s we only had rigid bikes, tuning the suspension meant adjusting the tire pressure. The day after a race you woke up with every single joint in your body popping and clicking. You had to pick your route stone by stone, but it was still fast and epic fun. I clocked 51mph and still had folks past me. If you’re thinking about a full rigid, do it. It’s hardcore. You’ll love it.

[@pfunk34]

I remember going down the Kamikaze full tilt with my Bridgestone MB2. You aimed down the middle because your vision was so blurry. Also your teeth hurt from rattling so bad. Good times...

[@MM-yy9ib]

I tried full ridgid. I fell, no more. :)

[@badger67]

Ah, the good old days mate. When bikes were bikes and sheep were frightened. Throwing the 29-32lb bike onto your shoulder and scrambling up the side of mountains in all weathers. Of all the 25 odd bikes I have had since 84, only about 3 had shocks and they were off quicker than you could say John Tomac ;-) Speed is relative. 35 mph down Snowdon on a rigid steel frame and fork would scare the crap out of yer ( as you know ). In 2007 I bought a GT Pantera frame second hand, bought Cro-mo forks, an old XT retro gruppo I had lying about along with the trusty 7 sp thumb shifters and I wouldn't swap it for the world. And yes, I do have bar ends :-)

[@chipverner3246]

I just did a parts bin rigid 29er build. So much fun. Great for chunky gravel rides.

[@TheWrigle]

Been having a fun time testing the limits of my rigid gravel bike on single track lately. Throwing a dropper on made a world of difference. I have ridden hard tails without a dropper before, but with drop bars I find a rigid post just wants to throw you over the front end too much. With the seat dropped i can actually stay level and use my arms and legs as suspension instead of having my body pitched forwards. 40c tires are still pretty small, but they have been surprisingly capable on green- blue level single track, and they still roll super well on the road as well. Can't say I am ready to give up my full sus yet, but I can imagine throwing a rigid mtb in my stable in the future.

[@azman.s]

Yeah...I started my first Kona mountain bike with rigid fork/ 7er speed, later GT many years ago. Perfect to control, punchy and great for decent climbing!! Greetings from XC rider Kuala Lumpur.

[@joppek77]

Totally agree. The best part about a fully rigid bike is that it makes "boring" trails spicy and exciting again. Also it builds skill. You need to be on top of those wheel lifts now. Only drawback really is lack of comfort. It'll beat you up so it may not be the best if you have joint pains.

[@noelbrown6771]

Added a vintage softride suspension stem and a suspension seat post to my rigid bike and it makes a world of difference in comfort and increases my speed. Plus no bobbing out of the saddle or on climbs. Not as plush as FS, but a happy medium. 😊

[@thunderbird3694]

I have never owned suspension or hardtail, but I have two 29+ rigids and love them! One is a 30lb steel frame and the other is a 20lb titanium frame with carbon fiber fork and wheels. Each has their own advantages, but both are a blast to ride!

[@cbbssn512]

If someone has budget constraints yet has the time, I’d recommend a frame up build. It will take a longer time overall but you also get more out of it: 1) you get exactly the bike build you want, 2) you end up with a working set of tools you actually need and will use, 3) you pay yourself back by learning the skills to build and maintain a bike, building your own wheel set, and from the enjoyment of learning how to ride a crazy rigid bike. I love my rigid single speed Trek Stache build, and I really like the option that I can always make it a complete bulldozer with 29x3 tires and 140mm of travel.

[@RideYearRound]

I highly recommend doing your own bike maintenance/builds too. It’s almost all surprisingly simple, saves money, and is actually pretty enjoyable. Unfortunately building from the frame up can be more expensive a lot of the time because you don’t get the bulk discounts the manufacturers get on components, so unless you’re finding good deals or using used parts, it can easily pass a complete bike build in price.

[@thomasmuller986]

@@RideYearRound True. I save money by buying Kona full bike Parts. Lot of stuff on eBay. Stems, posts, Bars. People Charge Parts of full bike builts a Lot. Remove logos with Aceton

[@Modrunnermusic]

This is the only way I get bikes. Frame or frameset only. Building up from scratch gets me working close up with it. I end up loving those builds waaaaay more than an already built and specd bike. Ive sold all new bike completes that ive bought but own all the builds.

[@PathLessPedaledTV]

Great vid. All the reasons I like grav grav bikes too :)

[@badger67]

You just got yourself an 80's mountainbiker subscriber. Great video mate.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Thanks a lot for this. Super inspiring!

[@guidodezwaan]

Fully rigid is fun as even riding slow feels like going lightning fast, bumping all over the place. Great fun.

[@phatrickmoore]

I have ridden some light-to-medium trails fully rigid and it is actually a great time. Put the psi a little lower and really get involved on the bike .You won't be doing much sitting, but you will be doing a lot of smiling!

[@paulkruglov7280]

Great video content, as always! Looking forward to the new bike build.

[@RideYearRound]

Thanks for the kind words. I’m excited for the new one too…but I’m mostly tired of waiting for parts haha.

[@mikexhotmail]

Awesome video thank you for sharing

[@MyKharli]

Completely agree , you need a `loose relaxed `hand on downhill bumps but there soooo much lighter and more fun ..and way cheeper to maintain . swapped my trek one out to a rigid when the forks were no longer rescuable, way better all round . Also with new forks i was able to adjust the handle bar height to perfection .

[@sheridaninstalls]

Fully Rigid and SS is the way to go..

[@RamblingRick]

Great information, thanks

[@johnmahoney9048]

Bravo!!! I’ve said the same for years but haven’t been able to make a video as good. Rigid. Makes you choose your line and body position. It is right in line with skills with Phil short travel philosophy. Take it another level with a single speed. My recommendation for a rigid 29er fork. Carver XC 490.

[@richarde1355]

I have both a rigid fork bike and front suspension bike, both middle upper quality, and hands down the front suspension bike makes the ride on rough terrain more comfortable and enjoyable. Hands down. Nice to have choice.

[@paulwhat322]

This is absolute madness!

[@dadventuretv2538]

Great vid and glad you’re loving your ride. But this guy whose first mtb was a fully rigid 1990 is never going back. My full squish allows me to do sh*t as an old banged up guy I never would have imagined. Course dropper seat posts and modern geo help a lot too, but my joints really appreciate the sus. I do think though that everyone should start on fully rigid or at least a HT. Teaches you how to ride properly and learn about what trail features will do to you so you can better pick a line or be better prepared for the effects of a feature. 🤙

[@axessdenyd]

I've been riding a Jones LWB for the past couple of years on all the trails I can. Absolutely love the feel of a well thought out rigid. Pity that they have gotten so pricey, though.

[@davidreidy5750]

I agree with all of this I've had more fun on the trail with a single speed full rigid than a full suspension cause it puts you more in tune with the trail way more nimble on switchbacks,jumps,and negating rocks and gnar sections gives you better balance and control.Just simply way more old school fun.

[@petedog9581]

I will take my Stumpy FSR 29er in the "gnar" any day of the week. You are out of your mind if you think a rigid is better on jumps or "negating rocks." What all of this rationalization means is that you will ride slower and not attempt trail features. When I see guys on rigid bikes, even on blue trails, it is when I alert them I need to pass. I rode a rigid Trek 830 back in '93 on hiking trails. There were no mtb trails where I live back then. It sucked. Bought a Cannondale F500 w a 80mm Headshock and never went rigid again for trail riding, except my fatbike, but 4.25 tires provide plenty of give.

[@spenserrr]

Grew up on BMX in the 90s and early 2000s, and then skipped about 20 years. I was always a skater and snowboarder first. Been back in it for a couple years with the latest stumpy iteration that I love on our Alaskan trails, but could never shake the thought that a modern trail hardtail, or even BMX to underbike my common trails, would be super fun. Recently picked up a new karate monkey, and it's truly the big-kid MTB-BMX-monster truck fantasy I was looking for. The excitement and simple funky feeling it delivers is what I didn't even know I'd missed for so long. AND it's purple! And it's mechanical! And I can make it whatever I want! I love embracing the concept that fun most often doesn't come in a linear form. "More" isn't just better. Sometimes the reason you're having fun comes from simplicity, and having "less." But is it really "less?" Feels like "more" to me. I'm sure plenty of folks know this book, but I grew up with a Mickey Mouse story in which he starts with a small boat to head out on the water with Pluto. He then wants to take a friend, and then a few more friends, and a few more, and eventually ends up with a large vessel that he doesn't use as often, and it becomes a stress. He circles back to his tiny boat, and finds himself loving it again. That concept carries over into many things in life, and that's how I feel about simple, reliable bikes like these. I think it's a beautiful thing to have variety, but don't overlook the roots. It's not uncommon that advanced technology ends up muting the experience itself (even though it can open up so many new experiences)

[@TheBcoolGuy]

I have a rigid old 3-speed 26" bike. It just feels like biking. I've ridden it since 2011, since I was a kid. I'm connected to it on a spiritual plane. :P

[@buckroger6456]

Love it! A rigid Mtb is honestly a blast. I can also say you will feel worked over after a ride but you also build up your base skills

[@erickopczynski1495]

I put an ENVE fork on my Chumba Stella with a 29x3.0 tire last August…I have not been been at all tempted to go back to a suspension fork yet. It’s such a great ride with the ENVE fork. So yeah rigid is totally fun and a great skill builder for riding better lines vs. inefficiently plowing through (which can be just as rough feeling)

[@RideYearRound]

I've heard good things about the Enve fork and I really like the look of it.

[@glenpiolofficial5825]

what tire you used sir

[@erickopczynski1495]

@@glenpiolofficial5825 I mainly use a Bontrager XR2 29x3.0 (it’s light and fast). I also use a Bontrager XR4 29x3.0 (it has way more cornering traction)

[@anielyantra1]

I recently rebuilt a mystery MTB from the early 80's (?). It is all rigid. I turned it into a 1X7, urban 26" tires. It is the most fun of any bike I have ever built or rode.

[@jackblevel8296]

I pulled the gears off my old steel frame mtb bike, then I put a rigid Carbon fork in it. Very fun machine to ride.

[@TheJeffro520]

Great video!

[@beerenmusli8220]

Interesting concept

[@buffalomind6838]

It also lessens the weight the front suspension let alone rear suspension also adds. It becomes pretty bomb proof, and it looks less out of place in public as an all around bike. If you have to pick up your bike going up, or down steps etc every extra pound is noticeable especially if can cut it down by 10+ extra pounds.

[@Quenaelin]

Rigid mountain biking is bringing back good old days of mountain biking when there even wasn't so much trail riding like nowadays, because it was such pain to drive offroad, driving with full suspension e-bike is so much easier, it is like driving with motorcycle and you will go much faster. One good thing about rigid mountain bike is that it will keep trails more calm and peaceful when you can't ride so fast.

[@martinaxe6390]

I ride a late 80s rigid mountain bike with 3x8 drivetrain, cantilever brakes, 26" wheels. I get a lot of looks on the local single tracks, but most of the trails really don't need suspension. I do envy the dropper posts on modern mountain bikes though.

[@dantecasali9821]

For bike packing a ridged “non suspension corrected” frameset gives you a larger front triangle for a larger frame bag for more storage, lower.

[@joelhenderson3723]

I haven't ridden a modern, rigid mtb, but I did used to ride my dad's old hybrid with 40mm tires. It was a blast on easy trails, except when I had to change tubes mid-ride every couple of weeks.

[@RideYearRound]

I've taken my gravel/cx bike on some trails with 40mm tires. So terrifying, but so fun.

[@josebonifacio4068]

I've had the fully rigid Breezer Thunder bike for a few days and it's been fun. Comes with 29" tires and a decent price.

[@siriosstar4789]

super video ! 👍

[@jedisentinel1499]

Have a 30 yr old Schwinn Woodlands FULLY ridged. I am the one and only owner. Had it out on the trails today for about and hour and a half. Very true analysis. More torque, responsive steering, cost effective. Have to look sharp for obstacles and maneuver appropriately or it can buck you off like a wild horse. 😣

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

This is 100% correct. My shock is on its last legs on my full sus. I had a DMR Trailstar frame in my garage and realised there was enough parts to build a bike. It's singlespeed, a nessicissity due to the rear coaster brake hub. The frame has slotted dropouts. Rigid forks. Front LX V Brake. It's as basic as it gets. It has one of those nasty cast alloy front grimeca wheels I couldn't be bothered building a lightweight wheel up yet. Basic alloy cranks. Less is more. Added bonus is as I live in a sketchy place don't have too flashy a ride. My DMR Bolt full susser gets too much attention. Bike theft is a big problem. Sometimes it's better to ride a bike that looks like a rusty P.O.S but works well AKA the "Beater Bike"

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

Rigid singlespeed! With 8 inch cable discs and a dropper post. Mullet 2.8 tires. I might be a special kind of bike nerd.

[@Doty6String]

We used to jump our bmx bikes down 6-7 stairs to flat, on cement. 60 psi in the tires…sounds awful these days but, it’s fun to feel the ground on a steel bike in particular.

[@powhoundus]

“Now that I’ve convinced you….” Hardly. My MTB riding began in 1988 so I’m very experienced with fully rigid trail riding. In 1994 I got my first suspension fork. One thing I noticed immediately was the severe osteoarthritis I was developing in both thumb MCP joints (knuckles) immediately started getting better. If front suspension had never been invented I probably would have eventually had to give up the sport. Rigid is fine on smooth, gravel bike worthy trails like you are showing in your video but a real trail will beat the hell out of your body on a fully rigid bike.

[@bradsanders6954]

Exactly. People now have bought into the rigid gravel bike idea and use the gravel bike for everything.....at a certain speed the bike is no longer touching the ground, hitting the brakes means nothing. Tires are barely touching the ground..............the next trick is hands popping off the bars and rider launching over the bars and bike running over rider,.................this video is a joke pretty much..............I rode old rigid mt bikes and the abuse is extreme.

[@ROBinJVILLE]

i agree 100% add in a single speed drivetrain and im all set

[@juliapoelstra3624]

Just bought a Surly Ghost Grappler and it's at the shop getting the drop bars swapped for moloko. I already felt that fun factor (like when you're a kid) with the drop bars but the alt bar is going to be amazing. I haven't touched the FS bike in a while.

[@davidross8233]

One if the biggest ironies of full suspension is that it’s a lot more forgiving for novice riders, but you sort of need to know how to wrench to own a full suspension bike. Shock set up alone is beyond a lot of people’s technical abilities. Also, rough terrain requires a lot more repair during down time.

[@hugosantana7253]

One thing that you should have highlighted more is how it can increase your skills. It come out of necessity since rigid forks are unforgiving if you make a mistake on the trail. Good video btw.

[@ddaavvee68]

i ride a fully rigid 27.5 mtb. i ride w/ groups where every other rider has either a suspension fork or full suspension. the only place i feel i’m lacking is on steep rocky descents. however… there are many descents that i can do that guys on full suspension bail out on… bottom line is rigid bikes are FUN.

[@micbad4689]

I like this, being thinking about it. Bikes are getting too complicated, they even have electronic shifters now, that's why we have cars and look how they are doing reliability wise, I'm upgrading my fork to this...or downgrading it.

[@chasingbirds3073]

I just did this with my Salsa Timberjack. I put the Whisky carbon fork on it and it is awesome!

[@RideYearRound]

Did you end up going with the LT version or the standard?

[@chasingbirds3073]

@@RideYearRoundLT version

[@peterharrington8709]

There's a fair chance that I'll be swooping out the suspension fork on my old MTB this summer. Planning to take it down to South Africa where it'll do as a holiday gravel bike when I'm there and a utility bike when I'm not.

[@rustyshackleford9498]

The only way my bike could be simpler is with a rigid seatpost instead of a dropper. Rigid single speed is where it's at.

[@jimmansi9046]

I rode a rigid Niner ss for yrs & loved it & regret selling it. At 59 I’m actually thinking about building up another one

[@EstebanRapido]

Everyone should have a rigid single speed

[@rollinrat4850]

I'm 60. I ride a fixed gear/ss cyclocross bike most of the same places I'd ride my derailleur bikes. Its the rider, not the bike. 'Pedaling always' is more fun than should be legal. Most cyclists bad mouth SS because they've never ever tried it. They wouldn't even consider it. So much for conquering your fears.....

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

I use a coaster brake hub on my Beater bike. I only need a front brake lever and front LX V Brake. Less is more. I love my fixed road bike too. That has both brakes though. Too many morons on phones in the UK

[@beaterbikechannel2538]

@@rollinrat4850 I singlespeeded my full susser it was awesome. Chainline was a nightmare though using a DMR thread on hub needing 56mm chainline

[@nick_john]

I rode a rigid Spec Fatboy Carbon for 5 years after 20 years on a full suspension. I have to say it made me a better rider. Last year I bought a new Spec Enduro and I'm back on full sus, but now with sharper skills thanks to the rigid bike. I still ride the fatboy on easy xc trails just for fun!

[@kevinclark9176]

I’ve started a “grountain bike” conversion on my Framed Marquette. Just ordered 45mm tires and a small clamp-on aero bar. Bike has a Fox 32SC 100mm I have been looking at replacing with a Whisky carbon fork for this build.

[@AdventuresWithDaniel]

Hooray for rigid!!!

[@squeeler9421]

I agree, a full rigid 29+ would be ideal, but you only find them in a niche category (adventure and bike packing), and even fewer offerings that comes complete with 29x3. Finally settled on a Jones LWB, handles beautifully and more comfortable than any the FS bikes I'd ever ridden before. If only there were more 29+ for FS geeks to try out there, we'd have more converts.

[@markpayne4274]

I’ve bought a Jones LWB last year, importing it into the UK. An incredible machine.

[@watertankhikes]

Another Jones LWB owner here. The most capable and comfortable bike I've ever owned.

[@brianwarshow129]

Steel SWB Space Frame with truss fork, here. Head over heels in love with this thing.

[@albertocastillo4572]

Now try it single speed. I have a 2009 kona unit, that thing is the most fun of all my bikes.

[@kotelettschweiss7811]

Totally agree on the fun factor. When it comes to performance, theres hardly any convincing argument outside of bikepacking and Cycling. If you dont want to send jumps or gnarly downhills, this probably is a possibility to Spice it Up. Simplicity is great because you dont have to maintain a lot, therefore youre able to ride more careless and just for the sake of Riding. I think some are misunderstanding your idea: Rigidity isnt Superior in Performance, but in maintenance, simplicity and parts longevity. If thats what youre looking at, Go for it. This will be enough to fulfill most Bikers. Many are also often overbiking but Missing Out on the fun of simplicity

[@RideYearRound]

I think a lot of people are over-biked (whether they realize it or not) and would really benefit from riding a bike that allows their skills to be challenged a little more. Do I think this should be done all the time/on every trail? Definitely not...they make bikes with different travel, geo, etc. for a reason, but man it's fun to ride a rigid bike.

[@G-DUB83]

I ride full rigid and single gear, it’s a lot of fun!

[@johnnydoe66]

My first mtb was a 1991 fully rigid 26" and it got me hooked on mtn biking. Not too keen on going back to the beginning where i started, but I did go back to a hardtail, all be it a plus hardtail. I am thinking of taking my 1998 Barracuda XC URT frame and building it up with a rigid fork. Sort of a soft tail gravel bike w/ 26" wheels

[@RideYearRound]

Sounds like a fun project!

[@Bob-hq5lj]

I have both a Breezer Tornado and a Klein Karma frame hanging in the the garage and considering building one of them up into a hardnose

[@Bob-hq5lj]

I have a NOS set of Shimano XT Dual control shifter/brakes that might work in this application as STI would

[@johnnydoe66]

@@Bob-hq5lj I am going to strip my wife's 1995 Marin Muir Woods of its parts; wheels, shifters, cranks, derailleur, and brakes. The frame is way too small for me which is why I am not using her old bike as a gravel bike.

[@TheChris1967]

I sold my FS & went back to a 26er chromoly rigid bike with a rigid steel fork, the ride feels like a extension of my body💝💯💕😇👋🕊️🍺🐢🙏

[@333wheeler]

Early Mountain bikes look cooler as well.. Biggest advantage of full rigid is if you are riding non technical gravel type stuff and lots of road sections.. If you set it up close to your road position on a old school frame it gives great performance !

[@paulfromberlin377]

I have to partly disagree in terms of efficiency. Especially on demanding and rough climbs, a clever build full sus with platform damping is far superior to a rigid bike because the rear wheel will not bounce arround as much. Hence it will be more efficient due to the the fact that you can put down the power more continuously. Maybe very skilled riders can accommodate for the lack of traction with riding technique but in general i guess the modern short to midtravel full sus will have the edge in this situation. But apart from that I totally agree with most of your points. Simple rigid bikes are just massive fun

[@SergioGarcian_n]

I think you are confusing effectiveness with efficiency. Due to its nature, damping will always consume energy and not return most of it, in a full suspension you're trading that loss in efficiency in favor to gain traction and saving on fatigue through vibration that reaches your body, at the expense of pedalling efficiency. I can tell easily tell the difference between my Santa Cruz Blur (One of the most efficient dual sus bikes out there) against my Specialized AWOL running 29x2.2 tires (Not even a frame made for racing, but for adventure/touring). Unless things are very rough that I cannot put the power down the pedals, usually the AWOL will fatigue me less during long climbs with some roots and rocks and when it comes to fire roads/hardpack or even worse asphalt, difference is a a lot. Don't have numbers since none of them have a power meter, but I'm willing to say in smooth roads I have to put out 10% less effort with the fully rigid. The blur shines when there are technical climbs, where even more powerful riders than me struggle due to lack of traction and I can more effectively put power down the road, but that's it for the full squish.

[@kylehagertybanana]

that only applies for technical ascents but yeah I agree, same reason you want low tire pressure

[@troycarpenter3675]

I have fond memories of my old rigid mtb back when, however, NO WAY I'D GO BACK

[@andrewhagopian468]

I used to ride my SS full rigid. Then I got into more long distance runs and realized just how much more energy you expend on a full rigid. Got a Judy with only 100mm travel and I can now do more distance with less fatigue and less upper body stress. I still miss the feedback and weight of the full rigid. I remember the first time on a techy rock section with the Judy I actually wrecked and rolled down a drainage path. The reason was I was so used to the momentum of the rigid allowing me to pop the front wheel over rocks and roots. The suspension ate up that momentum and I stalled out at the worst possible time. Lesson learned, and I adjusted my style. But I still miss the directness.

[@crabtrap]

I have 20+ bikes. My everyday/fav is a trek 3700 frame with all hollowtech/deore xt and rigid fork. Does everything well but nothing great. Never breaks. Lite as a feather!

[@rasmusredfire2667]

Oh man totally in to your kind of riding….what fork are you waiting for ? Happy trails

[@seryjnymeteopata2162]

just in time! i'm going to convert my fatbike to a rigid 29 for a summer riding. rigid is my way to go, as i service my bikes completely by myself and suspension is one problematic thing to operate on.

[@davidleal7133]

I have a trek 950. I have a rigid fork in my stable I think I’ll give it a shot

[@DFX2KX]

And here I am going the other direction. I've always been happy with hard tails as a commuter-first, fun-on-the-trail-second kinda guy. But after messing up my back pretty good on some nasty asphalt I took at speed, I think I'm going to save myself actual spinal injury one day go either suspension seat or full squish. rigid bikes do have pretty consistent control, though.

[@davidadamus177]

A suspension seat helps a little. Been running one for 6 years, still wish for full squish sometimes. A rough ride can still leave me feeling rattled (also have back issues).

[@bertkreft9689]

Yes man you are totally right. Most people have forgotten how awesome riding without a suspension fork is.

[@rider65]

Just get a gravel bike and be done with it. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@krix0043]

i have a suspension seatpost on a 26" * 4.9" FAT, FULL SUSPENSION, 1000-1500W Bafang Ultra Ebike and would never change to a rigid for terrain riding. I also have a hardtail but with a suspension post, which is fine for town mostly. but it doesn't touch the soft one

[@johnykryll]

Totally agree, always seem to have my forks on lockout anyway

[@rider65]

Yeah then you might as well change out the fork for a Ridgid work since you're not using it doesn't make any sense but if you feel better then I guess that's what matters right? Feelings... 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮

[@bait3027]

It’s also what your body is actually capable of. Adding suspension means you couldn’t really handle it physically.

[@hallstewart]

I rented a Surly rigid recently while on holiday, a sort of adventure bike with 3-4 inch tyres. It was huge fun on gravel forest roads but really awful on rooty single track. It was really hard to control the steering in the bumps without it being deflected. Won’t be doing that again in a hurry!

[@RideYearRound]

Tire pressure is critical on a rigid bike and in the plus/fat tire world. Not saying that’s the problem here, because rooty singletrack is tough on a rigid, but it sounds like the pressure was way too high which wouldn’t help.

[@petedog9581]

My only rigid bike is my Fatbike, and the tires are the suspension. It is as low tech as you can get w/o going singlespeed. I ride it in all kinds of gunk in the winter including road salt. Everything gets contaminated. It has mech brakes and so I can make easy fixes and adjustments. Going tubeless and carbon bars really changed the performance of the bike. Otherwise, I'm riding w suspension. Gotta use the right tool for the job.

[@BugTheRoot]

My favorite bike is my Cogburn CB4 fully rigid fatbike. With 26"×4" tires, it rides like a 29" with superb traction. I never think about the "lack" of suspension. It doesnt need it. The tires absorb the shock. Better yet i can adjust the squish with air pressure and never have the e,tra weight of suspension forks. Im VERY interested in getting a Surly now for bike camping.

[@rodriguezahr]

Right on time advise as my hard tail cannondale has a damaged front suspension, a lefty, that I’m not able to find someone to fix or a new one to replace for a year now! I’ll see if the mechanic can make that for rigid and give it a try.

[@Ahats5]

Been saying this for years! Carbon 29er forks are amazing these days.

[@h20s8804]

To each their own. I'm over 50, bolted together, creaky and broken down. Suspension can take up that slack for me on trails. Growing up un rigid bikes was great for skills tho--when I got my first bikes with suspension, I still steered around things on the trail. Took a while to learn I could just go the straightest line and it did not matter.

[@Or5mr]

I ride rigid, Surly ICT (26" & 29" tyres) I do everything... DH, Trail, Pumoptrack, bikepacking, gravel, you name it.

[@wanttocommentify]

I ride a rigid fat bike all year round i love it

[@8888swatt]

I built up my old 07 Marin Rocky Ridge with rigid forks just because I felt so 'over biked' on my local trails with my full sus trail bike. It isnt quick but its great fun and makes the ride a lot more interesting. I'm unlikely to take it for a day's riding at the Forest of Dean though.

[@NameLess-lk2qu]

Thinking to change my suspension fork on my on one 456 for a 29er carbonium fork.

[@johndef5075]

I started 30 yrs ago on fully rigid. Cant think of one reason to go back. Unless I want to go alot slower.☺

[@CT37BN]

When you're still young or those older ones but with really strong bone structure, yes to a full rigid bicycle. But for most older people who go cycling on weekends/or on their free time do have very tiring and back breaking jobs, at least a bicycle with a front fork is the best option.

[@breathestrongcycling3672]

I like a full rigid MTB.... mostly because I suck at mountain biking and tend to ride slow enough to avoid the trees which have a habit of jumping out in front of me....😁👍...and because old MTBs look way better than new ones ...

[@kauroperea2767]

Yeah this is the reason why i wanna build a rigid bike!

[@hikermichael9443]

Fully rigid is lighter, and makes climbing easier. With more of the weight in the back going downhill requires less drop to the back as well. I tested monster climb of about 20-25° for 1000ft between two bikes one being a 26" fully rigid and a 29" front suspension. The 29 is about 6 pounds heavier being the bigger bike however being 6ft tall I need a bigger frame than a 26. Still I am 30 seconds faster on the fully rigid because it locks out and and can put all the force in the climb. Most of my riding is road riding and I do simple trail riding for fun. A gravel cross bike is more my preferred bike.

[@kjracz15]

I've finally gotten to being in agreement with this after a few months of being on a rigid bike but man... your body does take quite the beating.

[@c.s.4273]

Rigid fatbike for the win! 😊

[@wolkuz]

I ride 180mm/180mm every where, local trails, bike parks and big day outs.. but its emtb :D Nicolai

[@jamese8508]

I love my Jones!

[@bradsanders6954]

I like suspension a lot. Front and rear,much like cars and motorcycles suspension works great on bicycles.....by all means knock yourself out though. Impact can be very meaningful.

[@colinpurves6411]

I think it's horses for courses. The type of riding conditions shown are relatively mellow compared to our local trails and suit the rigid bikes. However at the age of 65 comfort is number one in my book and tbh have only had one suspension related mechanical in any of my bikes over the years and still got home. Some of the suspension set ups are relatively bob free like my SC Bronson. Roll on suspension......