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Mountain bikes: hardtail or full suspension, how to choose the right one

Updated on 26 October 2026. The recommended products are available at the time of this update.

Choose a hardtail mountain bike if you mainly ride on gravel roads and flowing trails and want to keep costs and maintenance down. Consider a full-suspension bike if you often tackle roots, rocks and rough descents: rear suspension helps maintain grip and control. The choice depends on your usual routes, frame size and budget, as well as your experience.

Hardtail or full suspension: what changes

A hardtail MTB has a suspension fork and a rigid rear end. A full-suspension bike adds rear suspension, allowing the wheel to follow uneven terrain more closely.

  • Hardtail: a simpler design with fewer suspension components to service. It is a sensible choice for beginners and riders who enjoy flowing routes.
  • Full suspension: offers more comfort and traction on rough terrain, including technical climbs. It requires careful setup and maintenance of the rear shock and suspension pivots too.

A hardtail can tackle technical trails, but requires more work from your legs and arms. A full-suspension bike can also suit beginners: you do not need to be experienced to appreciate its control, provided the model suits the intended use.

How to choose

Before comparing brands, think about your recent rides or the routes you actually want to ride. A bike chosen for occasional use may prove impractical on most rides.

  • Terrain: for smooth tracks and climbs you pedal up, start by comparing hardtails. If the terrain is consistently rough and descents are a key part of your rides, consider a full-suspension bike.
  • Travel: indicates how far the suspension can move, in millimetres. More travel helps absorb bigger impacts, but does not define the bike's capabilities on its own.
  • Geometry: riding position, frame length and head angle affect handling. Two bikes with the same travel can behave differently.
  • Brakes and gearing: assess braking control and whether the gears are low enough for your climbs. The number of speeds alone is not enough to judge a drivetrain.
  • Setup: tyre pressure, saddle height and suspension settings make a big difference to how the MTB handles. They need to suit the rider and terrain.

Cross country, trail and enduro: how much travel do you need?

These categories describe different uses. The travel figures given are a guide: the bike's overall design and the manufacturer's intended use always matter.

  • Cross country, or XC: prioritises pedalling, climbing and pace. Hardtails and full-suspension bikes with around 100-120 mm of travel are common.
  • Trail: aims for a balance between climbing and descending on varied trails. Full-suspension bikes often have around 120-150 mm of travel; there are also hardtails designed for this use.
  • Enduro: focuses on demanding descents while retaining the ability to pedal back uphill. Full-suspension bikes with around 150-180 mm of travel are common.

Do not choose an enduro bike solely to get more suspension. For long rides on smooth terrain, a XC MTB may be more suitable; demanding descents also require appropriate geometry, brakes and tyres.

29 or 27,5-inch wheels?

29-inch wheels roll over obstacles at a more favourable angle of attack and help maintain momentum on uneven ground. 27,5 wheels can make the bike easier to handle, especially when paired with small frames designed specifically for them.

Wheel diameter is not frame size. Do not buy a MTB that is too large just to get 29 wheels: some models vary wheel diameter according to frame size.

The right size and budget: where to invest

Height and inside leg measurement are the starting point when using an individual model's size chart. Torso length, arm length and your preferred riding position also matter: a M does not necessarily correspond to a M on another bike.

  • Check your position: you should be able to reach the handlebar and levers without feeling overly stretched or cramped.
  • If you are between sizes: compare the geometry and try the bike where possible. There is no universal rule that says you must choose the smaller or larger size.
  • Set your total budget: allow for a helmet, essential accessories and maintenance as well as the bike.
  • For the same budget: a hardtail can leave more room for the fork, brakes and drivetrain. A full-suspension bike adds the function of rear suspension and the associated maintenance costs.

If you are looking for discounted MTB bikes, check the size, generation and specification first. A good purchase must suit your routes: carbon or a rear derailleur with more speeds cannot make up for the wrong size.

Our recommendations, available now

Here are six options from our MTB Bikes collection, from hardtails for beginners to full-suspension trail bikes. Before choosing, check the variant and size on the model's product page.

Trek Marlin 5 Gen 3 2027 Hardtail Mountain Bike

It suits riders looking for a hardtail for dirt tracks, trails and off-road rides, with an aluminium frame and Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes. It has a Shimano CUES 9-speed drivetrain and a fork with 100 mm of travel, reduced to 80 mm in XS; the wheels are 27,5 in sizes XS and S and 29 in the other sizes.

Megamo Natural 35 Hardtail Mountain Bike

An option for getting into trail riding, with an aluminium frame and 29-inch wheels. It combines a Suntour fork with 100 mm of travel, a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.

Trek Marlin 7 Gen 3 2027 Hardtail Mountain Bike

Designed for those who use their bike every day and also want to tackle off-road routes. It offers an aluminium frame, a RockShox Judy fork with 100 mm of travel and a SRAM NX Eagle 12-speed rear derailleur, with 27,5 wheels on size S and 29 wheels on size M and above.

Scott Scale 920 Hardtail Mountain Bike

Worth considering if you are looking for a hardtail with race-inspired geometry and a HMF carbon frame. The build includes a RockShox Judy air fork with 110 mm of travel, a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain, a dropper seatpost and Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2,4 tyres.

Scott Spark DC 40

A full-suspension bike to consider for trail rides that alternate between climbs and descents, with 140 mm of front travel and 138 mm at the rear. It has a HMF carbon frame, a RockShox Pike fork, a Deluxe Traction Control shock and Shimano four-piston brakes.

Scott Spark DC 30

Designed to combine climbing efficiency with capability on technical trails, with a HMF carbon frame and 140 mm of suspension travel at the front and 138 mm at the rear. It combines a RockShox Pike Select fork, a SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS 12-speed wireless electronic rear derailleur and SRAM DB6 four-piston brakes.

Buying a MTB online: what to check

When comparing a Trek Marlin 5, a Marlin 7 Gen 3 or a MTB Scott Scale, read the specification for the exact model: generation, size and build can vary. For shipping information, see the shipping policy.

We help you choose in Casapulla

Evolution Bikes has been a family-run shop in Casapulla, in the province of Caserta, since 1974 and is now in its third generation. Visit us to discuss a test ride or have your bike adjusted: we have a workshop, a bike fitting service and e-bike support. You can also ask us for advice, giving your height, usual routes and budget.

Frequently asked questions

Is a hardtail or a full-suspension bike better for getting started in mountain biking?

For gravel roads and flowing trails, a hardtail is a straightforward choice, with less suspension maintenance. If you often ride on very rough terrain, a full-suspension bike can offer more comfort and control, even for beginners.

Is a MTB with 100 mm of travel enough?

It can be for cross-country riding and flowing trails. For more demanding trails, also consider geometry, brakes, tyres and the manufacturer's intended use, as well as the amount of travel.

Are 29 wheels suitable for shorter riders too?

They can be if the frame is designed in the right size. The choice depends on geometry and riding position; some models use 27,5 wheels in smaller sizes.

How do I choose a mountain bike size online?

Start with your height and inside leg measurement and consult the size chart for the exact model. If you are between sizes, ask for a geometry comparison and consider a test ride: height alone does not settle every question.