I don't entirely agree with that - trails most folks will start out on are very hardtail friendly. Circuit 8, Bridle, Empress Bypass, Lower Griffen, King of the Shore, Bobsled.... even once you graduate out of there to Expresso, Leppard, Kirkford, John Deer.... all great on a hardtail.
Sure, maybe you won't immediately go as fast as a rider with the same skill level on a 160mm bike, but you're learning more about your relationship with the thing between you and the ground.
Check the classifieds and tell me what you can get for $2,500, that's actually trail ready. It ain't much.
Aug. 6, 2021, 4:42 p.m. - Cooper Quinn
I don't entirely agree with that - trails most folks will start out on are very hardtail friendly. Circuit 8, Bridle, Empress Bypass, Lower Griffen, King of the Shore, Bobsled.... even once you graduate out of there to Expresso, Leppard, Kirkford, John Deer.... all great on a hardtail. Sure, maybe you won't immediately go as fast as a rider with the same skill level on a 160mm bike, but you're learning more about your relationship with the thing between you and the ground. Check the classifieds and tell me what you can get for $2,500, that's actually trail ready. It ain't much.