XC Hardtail Vs XC Full Suspension | What's Best For Epic Rides

How do you choose? It's a common question for riders looking to cover miles quickly and efficiently for a marathon-style epic ride: should you go for an XC hardtail or an XC full-suss? To find out, Neil and Rich are taking two Shimano XT-equipped examples from Merida & putting them both through their paces as they go the distance over some wild terrain!
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Leave us a comment below!

[@Bernie0727Wu]

Finally not a canyon or a nuke proof , love to see new bikes on the channel

[@dr.science_0177]

Hardtails are underrated when it comes to bike performance

[@farrelfabianentanto5426]

And then hardtails are more efficient in pedalling

[@guidodezwaan]

Definitely easier to peddle all day long, but if its a bumpy road all day the full might be better.

[@colinfruend5537]

Everyone forgets full rigid also.

[@calebw707]

@@guidodezwaan both have the better and the worse side of things. But you can lock up your rear suspension if you wanted to on falter stuff

[@jeoocampo4199]

comfort but pricey full sus affordability hardtail

[@laudenciamarkjoberm.6553]

Finally,, an xc hardtail💯

[@gregborsey5563]

Yeah , I have a hardtail XC and I ride it more than my trial full sus

[@brycemarling8656]

@@gregborsey5563 lmao i think he’s talking about how they always do videos on that nukeproof trail hard tail and they’re finally doing an xc one. but yeah xc hard tails are a lot of fun.

[@laudenciamarkjoberm.6553]

Yeah xc hardtails are so underrated

[@jandxsignhvusxn4706]

Im addicted to my reaction c62 SL.

[@kingmachiavelli6262]

Hardtail is like a Manual transmission. It's all about the driver.

[@nodaysoff23]

This comment is spot on.

[@diviscadilek1764]

You're all just salty that you can't afford full suspension so you make shit up. Yeah, it's harder with no rear suspension, but why make it harder when you can make it more fun? Only thing hardtails are good for is pumptracks, flowtrails and gravel, but if you ever want to ride anything else, you should get a rear suspension frame.

[@japattielite5338]

@@diviscadilek1764 you sound salty that people like hardtails 😂

[@richrider5884]

I ride both fs and ht. The only difference in them is the ht in a 29/27.5 mullet and the fs in a 27.5/26 mullet. Both are Rockhoppers and they each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Both are still fun to ride on matter where. By the way, I ride in Colorado.

[@japattielite5338]

@@richrider5884 both is the best option haha. i just picked an orbea alma h50 n gotta say 29 wheels are taking some serious getting used to compared to 27.5s, but for commuting + weekend riding it definitely seems the better option. Full sus is brutal for commuting, but if your bike is for fun and excitement then i think full sus probably gets the win. Both is definitely still better though!

[@ironore8677]

My heart whispers hardtail...my taint screams full suspension

[@yengsabio5315]

Hahaha!

[@diviscadilek1764]

If your taint hurts, look into better saddles. Most stock saddles don't account for the fact that most men have balls and a small ass, so they put on oversized saddles with no relief area.

[@mattp791]

xc content = never clicked so fast

[@jarob9255]

True story 🔥

[@fazza2104]

Xc is boring compared to enduro

[@vtwl24]

Xc is the perfect balance of MTB

[@moritz3863]

@@fazza2104 if u have skills xc is as exciting as enduro

[@dominikbachraty3611]

@@moritz3863 you mean it's more exciting, because enduro bros will never climb faster than you and since all they know is dropper post they are also lacking technical skills and proper bike handling and that's why they bottom out eventhough they have 160mm front and rear

[@Pienimusta]

Neil would be fast even if he rides a brick.

[@zuzanaz.2975]

After 20 years on hardtail I bought my first full sus bike recently. Really enjoy IT but HT has Its magic.

[@RoyalRhino]

The hardtail. The only type of Mtb I can afford 😁

[@jrsuk1170]

Me too, and luckily for once in my life I prefer the cheaper option.

[@Pesmog]

Full suspension ....... the only mtb that my spine can afford.😃

[@yengsabio5315]

@@Pesmog Hahaha! For safety and comfort, it's really the way to go for you, I guess.

[@bubutv30]

I think I'll stick to my affordable Hardtails because of the way they ride during climbs. For some reason, I enjoy MTB climbing more so than descending. My old age and skill level are probably the factors. Full suspension is nice because it allows me to hop higher than when I'm on a hardtail but I find myself working that skill less and less.

[@gxgboss0622]

Surely you can find a full sus bike at your local Walmart that fits your budget

[@chrisivens3413]

The auto-generated captions can’t decide whether to call a hard-tail a hotel or a hotdog.

[@creatorchris712]

HAHAHAHAHAHHA

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Wow, the Don is quick, even on a hardtail with no dropper. That line on the climb was exactly the line I’d take on every bike. Having ridden hardtails for almost 20 years, it‘s so deep in muscle memory. I never learned to go straight through the middle and let the suspension do the work.

[@psychonaut038]

Hartail 🤘 Full sus comes when I am old.

[@freeatlast1810]

True date. Thsts what my 50th birthday present is gonna be. Full sus

[@yengsabio5315]

Hear, hear!

[@casperbachjunckerkennild2592]

Hardtail 👌🤘 Always... Have had hardtails since 1989. One can actually ride DH on a hardtail, but you can't go up hill on a DH 😜 Btw I'd prefer my steel gravelbike for an epic ride. Can fit my 29x2,3" tyres on that, so just shift between my hardtail and my gravel when needed 😁 Haven't gone electric yet. My bike still runs on potatoes and beer and nothing else 😂

[@ortizpedroa]

@@freeatlast1810 My to Im 47 now and i enjoy so much my HT even in tec trail.

[@williamwerk5447]

@@freeatlast1810 lol. I just went the opposite direction and got myself a new hardtail for my 50th as a present to myself. I haven't picked up my full sus in over a month and am having a blast.

[@counterthis8283]

That hardtail needs a dropper post, such a life saver.

[@SportAndOutside]

I am getting a dropper do you think it is worth the money?

[@funkafied444]

@@SportAndOutside yes, once you get used to using it you’ll never go back!

[@counterthis8283]

@@SportAndOutside I couldn't imagine not having one now.

[@SportAndOutside]

Thx guys

[@joshsmith3775]

Agreed.

[@chrisbaum998]

Hardtail vs Full Suss. I think it really comes down to where you live on which bike is better for you to use.

[@MoggioMTB]

I like all that picking of lines and climbing technique that is required by the hardtail, that is a major part of the fun. The simplicity of the hardtail as well if you are out all day or for a few days, less mechanical worries.

[@stefanzincenco8240]

i own a hardtail Merida XT, well under 10kg, an i can easily say its a beast on climbs and also good on descents, but i,m 42 an my back is crying a bit so this year im waiting on my new Merida Ninety-Six XT!!! the black version :), cant wait to ride it!

[@wildbibleanimations6471]

I prefer Full-suss for everyday riding, comfort and handling on the rough stuff. Maybe a bit slower on the flat and climbing. But worth the extra $ if getting your first MTB.

[@diviscadilek1764]

I agree. I got my first proper XC racer last year. It was a 2019 merida ninety six and it's far better at everything than its hardtail counterpart. The only thing the hardtail does better is climbing on gravel/asphalt roads.

[@RexBer]

thank you for all your positive energy and attitude towards mtb! Makes me go out and enjoy my rides so much more

[@1981merk]

Neil ripping it up on the hardtail! You could tell he was enjoying pushing the bike to the edge.

[@weathdone]

neil is amazing rider

[@edtorres6463]

I have a hardtail equipped with a PNW Coast Dropper. This dropper has 40mm of air suspension. The dropper is a game changer. It bridges the comfort gap between a hardtail and. FS bike.

[@stujm8376]

I’m really loving my 29er hard tail recently, even did techie yesterday and enjoyed every minute

[@hibbanduta280]

Loved your XC content! Keep up the good work GMBN

[@smalltimeadventures_usa]

I like the simplicity and light weight of a HT, but it's all good.

[@johnnydoe66]

The perfect bike is the one you can afford and you Want to ride it. Not everyone can afford a $3k plus Mtb. I love my 27.5+ Hardtail, after 30 yrs of Mtn biking and owning several full suspension bikes and Hardtails, a plus hardtail is my choice.

[@weathdone]

3k i wish bikes i like were that cheap LOL more like 6-12k :(

[@johnnydoe66]

@@weathdone I agree, I managed to be able to buy a plus hardtail for $1800, it may not be my dream bike, but I will make it close enough as I replace parts over the next couple years. My dream bike would cost me $8-9k and it's not even a full suspension

[@weathdone]

@@johnnydoe66 yup they are not cheap if u want really nice stuff and to be light of course lol being a weight weenie is expensive LOL

[@jamespilar9840]

Besides having stunning views. Neil has the skills and knowledge for riding hard tails. IT HELPS ME TO LEARN ON HOW TO RIDE AND READ TRAILS. I'M RIDING WHAT I CAN AFFORD. THANK YOU NEIL .

[@debasir6757]

I enjoy these comparisons. But, to be more realistic, comparing a $2000 hardtail to a $2000 full sus would be more beneficial.

[@paulwatson-work3544]

Nice video, relates to my riding much more than the usual GMBN vids, cheers

[@neildaniel8232]

Always funny seeing my local on the screen! I can ride my hardtail on one of those trails but not both in one day, far too sore afterwards! I've never dreamt of taking it down the DH track though, the end of Cafall is much more fun.

[@DrivingMatterMedia]

Yes the hardtail requirers more effort but boy do I like how they ride. Recently made the step up from 26 to 29 and it smooths everything out just enough, very enjoyable on all day (100+ km) rides. Dropper is a must in my opinion.

[@shaugngoodwin2715]

Been riding an enduro bike for a long time know, started off on a XC Hardtail gonna buy one this year as a second bike for quick trail rides that don’t require the travel of my enduro bike. Great to see you riding my local area. Great vid 👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@Torpedomtb]

I am very old school cut my teeth riding in 96-2004 era. rode dual suspension and hard tail in the mountains of Japan and Korea, and the Hardtail is my weapon of choice, it is lighter, suspension is not sucking up power strokes. You get better bike handling and control by riding a hard tail. If you ride a sponge you dont build your skills.

[@xrplew1236]

Get a PNW coast suspension dropper seat for the hard tail. It gives you more traction for climbing as well as a smoother ride. £1100 saved. BOOM.

[@josuedelucca7252]

Excellent video, and such a nice trail! A bit biased towards hardtails here, but not because of lack of experience. Had my fair amount of experiences on FS, both XC and Trail. Settled on a simple steel hardtail for 11 years, now fully rigid on a fattie. My wife, same experiences with FS, also settled with a HT. Bottom line, we like to chat with the terrain. Be well, ride safe.

[@kospap622]

Finally a video for us the full lycra guys !!!! Hardtail till the end.

[@willian.direction6740]

You Boys are really lucky to have such great places to ride, we are locked out of most places around here. Nice bikes.

[@frcat8599]

Cool ride guys and awesome bikes yous got there 👍 epic!

[@budycelyn]

love riding Twrch and Cafal (due to the lockdowns it's been over a year since i've been there though), mainly ride a hardtail when i go there but usually i feel quite wrecked after a day of riding those trails,

[@MrSscshook]

Love your xc content.... And love hardtails even more!

[@scottdouglasshieldsnclmtab9950]

I admit, I prefer a hardtail over the full sus as full sus always regardless of their settings feel quite "spongey" to me. Please keep in mind I am MOSTLY just a weekend rider who likes to get a wee bit gutzy now and again. My first was a 2000 GT Aggressor 2.0 (which I am turning into a utilitarian type bike for IF AND WHEN SHTF during a "grid down" situation because cars will not work), and I just replaced it with a 2021 SPECIALIZED Rockhopper for the fun again. Ps., PLEASE keep up with your YT Channel as I do love all the little tid bits of VERY useful info.

[@bcyr-CO]

For XC bikes, I've gotta go hard tail. I race a Santa Cruz Highball (C) with a 100mm Fox 32 fork. It's killer climbing and it's not too bad on the decent. You can definitely feel the vertical angles of the frame and they can definitely be more consequential than a more relaxed trail bike, but once you get the hang of it, the thing rips. The 100mm dropper definitely helps too.

[@MTBryanH]

Gr8 review. Gr8 video! Been riding fs for almost 20 years. Going back to a hard tail. In my area it's not super rocky. And there are mostly rollers. Standing on my fs was unpleasant. Downhill I'm standing anyway and can let the rear wonder. Seated butt ruff riding is what stands out most so I might get a suspension seat post at some point.

[@ErasmoValladares]

If money is not an object then I would go with the full sus, but my current reality is hardtail! and loving it.

[@rhyswarrillow5930]

i have the Merida big nine. Would recommend it (i haven't tried any other bikes but we will overlook that). i ride trails with a ton of people on full sus units, and in my opinion, you pick up a lot more skills riding them.

[@victordiazrendon9086]

Excelente video hermanos!!!

[@reenierkendrickdelosreyes9264]

I like GMBN and GCN when they're not selling their sponsors hard, great ride! I'm going to build up a Banshee paradox v3 once a medium becomes available, try to make a very light hardtail using the SID ultimate suspension, think I'll have better luck that way over waiting for a transition spur.

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

As a 53yr older who's first bike was an '87 GT Avalanche, I have come full circle and now only own a hardtail and can't ever see going back.

[@bart2711]

GT best choice, congratulations

[@jamesdukes4401]

53 too. 1992 Raleigh Peak, full xt, straight rigid fork. $999. Loved that bike

[@gaddmeister]

Hardtail all day long. I learned and rode fully rigid for years and it's second nature to choose your lines. Like everything else today, folk have it easy with modern technology. With an eye for the trail you are less likely to get caught out. Certainly worth learning on, but I'll never go full suspension, I just don't get on with it. Simplicity is my world.

[@recuperacion420]

Depends on the terrain and distances. I had two full suspension niners une for enduro (wfo) one for xc racing RKT. Loveley bikes both. Terrain was more steep and agressive. Then I moved to a place where distances are farther and not too enduro type trails so now I have a Merlin Titanium Hardttail and I love it. Id say HT is less of a hassle, feels awesome climbing and in general, less maintenance. On the other hand FS is more fun on the descents, period, evrywhere else prefer the HT.

[@nachoelcacho]

great Video... thanks for sharing.. loved mountain shots ...!! tumbs up for he hard tails!! we all started there...!!

Thank you for always valuable reviews and tips! I'd love to try a fully at one point when finances allow!

[@tristanhanley8741]

I definitely think it's a bell-curve. Short fast(short track/smooth racing) is definitely a hardtail game, that 2-hour to 5-hour(or a rougher race) is definitely better on a full squish, and then longer than that(when you need more bottles or space for bags) the hardtail wins out.

[@stefanwagener]

Agree, plus it depends on how tough the terrain is. Being older and not skillful in tough terrain, I choose easier tracks where I can't gain much with full sus, but deal breaker for me if also the space needed for bikepacking trips and alps crossings.

[@anthonykelly6619]

Neil rocking 70 degree HA hardtail down pedalhounds. Cant wait to get back up there on my own xc rig with angles that want to kill you on every descent. Loads of fun!

[@agustinmonzalvo8569]

Muy buena explicación y un buen video.los traks exelentes!!👍👏🏻👏🏻🙋‍♂️🇲🇽

[@ernestrodrigues8030]

I enjoy both my full sus and HT equally. Different kinda ride. One thing I like about HT,s …it keeps u sharp on wet and rutted trails. Glad I went back to basics and got a HT…with no dropper too😄.

[@craigallan328]

Epic content fellas 👍🏻

[@SebastianFischbaeck]

Merida, best Bikes from my Home town🙂

[@glitch314]

So stoked to see Merida on the channel! I've got 2 Merida Hardtails and they are proper bikes with decent components, good frames and and affordable. I think a lightweight hardtail (with a dropper post and a comfortable saddle!) would make up for most of the benefits of a full-susser. After all, the HT is lighter, and it's my go to bike for long days out in England, where it's mostly flat... I'd switch to my FS if I ride somewhere else with a lot of climbing and descents tho... Descents are definitely more fun (and more forgiving) with a FS...

[@letour32rr]

Full suspension for long day in the saddle, especially for the rooty/rocky trails we have in the Southeast USA.

[@joehanfikry1920]

Hardtail never die

[@juddery]

I'm nowhere near the riding level of these guys, not in my wildest dreams, but I mostly ride on road, gravel or light off-roading, so definitely prefer a hardtail for the pure drive efficiency. Having said that, I've only ever tried a cheap full suspension bike, which was very soft on the rear end, which made it so much harder to put power down on, so maybe expensive full suspension bikes suffer less from that. I wouldn't know.

[@drewc8497]

It's almost like you've been looking at my KZbin history to see which is best !!!

[@jevadajones1645]

Perfect perfect perfect and easy to set up!👍🏾

[@dennishoornsman58]

I love my Merida big nine!

[@petermiller6629]

A Hardtail is like a good flipper swooshing you Up and Down, Across Town or down the Mount, to me that what it's all about...Simplicity is Beautiful.

[@harrysharpe2660]

Sick vids lads

[@skyworks1621]

I love my Trek procaliber for my local hill where there are mosty gravel road, and it is fast end efficient. But when I rented an Ebike, the Giant trance E+1 for 2 days this week on my other local hills that are not such a joy on a hardtail, I had a blast going down. It was the first time for me on a full sus and I really pushed it, flying all around, really huge fun.

[@michaeldennis2630]

Not really much of a comparison as one you said was an ebike.

[@mensuddevic8983]

One thing is for sure, these guys are extremely skilled and in incredible physical shape... any bike u give them they are killing it....👏👏👏

[@cvdavis]

I haven’t ridden a hard tail since 2001. It’d be fun to try for a short ride or to try to get some climbing kom’s. But full suspension is what I’d want for the rougher trails near where I live.

[@jonnyvelcro]

Just got my first ever full sus after years on a hard tail, can honestly say I don’t think I’ll ever go back to my hard tail. 👌🏻

[@angelg1025]

What kind of full sus did you get?

[@vitamind3fernd]

Hardtail is Love

[@the_spanner_ch7mp]

Ooh that's a tough question hardtail or full sus! If i had to choose i'd probably go with full sus but only because you can lock out the suspension, but....................i love my Scout and have been using it alot XC riding but i know i can take it to a bike park an have a blast :) It's the best all round bike ive owned you can throw anything at it! Great video Neil and Rich

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

A major life event complete with significant downsizing of possessions & income has led to a fairly Spartan lifestyle for me and the “responsible adult”. No multiples of anything and what’s owned “earns” its place or gets sold/passed on. It’s not as bad as it may sound, we’re not overburdened or drowning in stuff, it’s quite liberating. Anyway, mountain biking is my luxury and a hard-tail with dropper post is the do-all tool. Simplicity, trials moves are easier & legs get a workout as rear-suspension downhill. I get full suspension, used to have one, but given the new focus on a simpler life, a bit over the top for nipping into town for a loaf of bread after a morning ragging about the local forest. N+1 just means a cluttered shed of stuff not being used. Go ride, stop collecting.

[@PulseZ4]

Fantastic ethos. I agree, especially if you don’t have as much time to ride. A simple life is a happy life.

[@daysofnoah]

I just bought a Marin Bobcat hardtail and I love it. I started mountain biking in 1992 and have had full suspension bikes. It takes a better rider to ride a hardtail. Choosing lines is an art! haha

[@Notaprofessionalreview]

Depends on the trail!

[@Janos_Audryn]

I'll choose the one I have, tyvm.

[@stephenbetley9596]

Probably the biggest difference is having to be more careful picking lines on the hardtail. Educational. Loving mine late '21 as a solid winter bike, but that's another video hey GMBN? :) Would say though, either way, a dropper post is essential.

[@ChrisPelletier73]

Good video gents. Both bikes would look great hanging in my garage. Hello from Calgary!

[@somguy728]

Looks like you've got a forestry industry there, I'm from BC and I love forestry. They give us jobs and as a MTB'r they give us amazing access to back country.

[@davidgeiger8620]

and it depends on the terrain, here in the alpine switzerland you get veryvery sore with a hardtail,though i love my alutech cheaptrick,a enduro hardtail

[@DD-bs7fx]

In my country the highest hill is below 300 m, so the ride must be at least 150 km long to count as epic. Genesis steel hardtail for me - short rides, long rides, all day rides, it is always comfy as the grandmother's rocking chair.

[@jadekroon58]

The hardtail. I actually bought one (Merida Big Nine XT).

[@straizz9876]

I used to have a full sus and now I'm on a hardtail...I ride 80% "gravel" and 20% easy trail, so a full sus would be too much.

[@buckroger6456]

You're doing it right. Lots of people just buy the bike they want instead of the bike they need for the trails they ride.

[@drewstreet4178]

@@buckroger6456 yeah and then they're "overbiked" seen loads of people recently (in uk) due to covid get mountain bikes and drop like £2.5k - £4k and all they do is the very light trails close to home plus they're very unfit to begin with so can't even use it to a fraction of its potential yet, there's a guy from my home town with a £5k full suspension who rides same trails I used to but I was faster and he got pissed off with it, but I have a £650 hardtail and am just a touch fitter

[@daryl4841]

@@drewstreet4178 Yep its the same thing with road bikes. An unfit person carrying a bit of extra weight who splurged on a top end bike is still gonna be slower, by a lot. I've been seeing a lot of people like that. They go on short infrequent rides, not building their fitness and expect their high end bike to carry them through it all and make them look good. Its easy to get sold on all the marketing of "spend more and go faster than ever!" but in the end most of it of course is the rider.

[@MrLMFV74]

Full . Epic for me means hours enjoying and the full adds confort :) . I ride Oiz since 2017 and love it , just bought another , M-Pro 2023 :) and won´t trade it for nothing else

[@dpie4859]

Hat off for the hard tail. Its light and wicked fast if you are a pro and can handle the bouncy back. But I prefer a fully. Its so comfortable and has better traction uphill and more control and flow downhill.

[@MrReddevil1972]

Loving both worlds!

[@christopherjones4914]

110% hardtail for this guy! The required skills to full send on them, as well as really feeling that earth below you.. Its an experience and connection I could never give up♡ (even at the cost of a few tubes a season 😂)

[@Pitstershedder7517]

Neil’s on a mission in wales cwmcarn forest drive nice to see you bois in the valleys where I live just wish I was there to see you guys

[@johnthebaby]

im stil running Hardtail. but someday im gone try out the full. but my heart is and well allways be in Hardtail

[@aidancleary7019]

Good to see gmbn increasing video quality and editing money is being spent 👌

[@niteryder50]

It depends, for long rides on mellow trails HT wins but once get a bit rough it will beat you up more. Fully more versitile for more trails and they still fly uphill compared to enduro bike.

[@wrench_n_ride8159]

I love my hard tail single speed, and I also love my full sus trail steed.

[@brianschaning1575]

looks like an awesome loop

[@ruelmercado]

Good job guys! BTW, what is the brand and model of the Garmin mount Neil is using?

[@CMOOREtbay]

More epic rides we love it

[@Designandrew]

the world needs more XC hard tails, I have a 2013 Giant XTC and it's the best bike I've ever ridden, I want to buy a new one but only available in USA, please bring to Australia @Giant !!!!!!!!!!!

[@SuperRandykid]

Giant XTC are in Australia, but only from authorized giant shops. Many shops selling giant bikes aren't actually Authorized and are simple resellers, so they can only get the budget giants (sub 1000AUD)

[@madjh8]

Both are good in their terrains. Even sometimes a 26" is better to race depending on the track (my 26" for twisty tracks with hard cimbs is unbeateable)

[@buckroger6456]

26" 💪

[@cosmicsheep5143]

YES!! Another merida featured bike

[@NoddyD]

I left a comment regarding Rich saying Cwmcarn incorrectly the other day so feel the need to say thank you to Neil for saying it correctly today. Thank you!

[@Martin-ql6ty]

That bike looks TINY !!! for rich, I'm guessing Merida Sent what ever stock they had.

[@almosgergo2637]

Great video! Hardtail!