To offer a counterpoint. A few years ago I encouraged a friend to buy a 27.5+ hardtail to replace his aged and crapped out full suspension bike.
It fit his buying budget much better, and he completely neglects any and all maintainance on his (family’s) bikes. Seemed like win win as you describe.
Yet, less than a year in, a new full suspension was in his shed.
I guarantee the suspension is not in great shape. Part of it might be the frog in the pot effect: the degeneration of the suspensions performance is gradual so not noticed.
Part of it is riding style: especially his wife, is all about sit and spin, enjoying nature, getting exercise and chatting with friends. So, the full suspension bike (even in bad shape), let’s her do more of that, and is more comfortable for her.
And for him, the rear suspension, even in not great shape, still adds some forgiveness (even though the trails he rides are fairly mild most of the time), when he is pushing his limits.
In closing: I totally agree with the points you make, but just want to point out that everyone is different, and their riding styles, terrain and priorities vary a lot.
Dec. 1, 2021, 8:15 a.m. - Tjaard Breeuwer
To offer a counterpoint. A few years ago I encouraged a friend to buy a 27.5+ hardtail to replace his aged and crapped out full suspension bike. It fit his buying budget much better, and he completely neglects any and all maintainance on his (family’s) bikes. Seemed like win win as you describe. Yet, less than a year in, a new full suspension was in his shed. I guarantee the suspension is not in great shape. Part of it might be the frog in the pot effect: the degeneration of the suspensions performance is gradual so not noticed. Part of it is riding style: especially his wife, is all about sit and spin, enjoying nature, getting exercise and chatting with friends. So, the full suspension bike (even in bad shape), let’s her do more of that, and is more comfortable for her. And for him, the rear suspension, even in not great shape, still adds some forgiveness (even though the trails he rides are fairly mild most of the time), when he is pushing his limits. In closing: I totally agree with the points you make, but just want to point out that everyone is different, and their riding styles, terrain and priorities vary a lot.