A Comparative Analysis: Hardtail Ebikes vs. Full Suspension Ebikes

With the arrival of spring, people gradually begin to go out to play, enjoying the comfort and fun brought by the spring breeze and the vitality of trees and flowers. For those who want to try riding to feel the breath of spring, a good electric bicycle has become an important travel tool they need to consider. However, there are many people who do not know how to choose an electric bicycle. Is hardtail or full suspension better? Which of them is cheaper? Which one makes you more comfortable when riding? At the end of the analysis, there is also a comparative list for your reference. We will discuss the following aspects to help you find the most suitable electric bicycle for you.

What is a Hardtail Ebike?

A hardtail electric bike, as the name suggests, features a front suspension fork that absorbs impact and vibration from the road ahead, yet lacks rear suspension, resulting in a rigid framework. This rigidity is actually the outcome of a relatively fixed structure that lacks the flexibility and give of a full-suspension bike. While some riders may prefer the added comfort and control provided by a full-suspension setup, the rigidity of the hardtail offers its own unique benefits.

For many novice riders, hardtail electric bikes represent a great starting point. They offer a balance between performance and affordability, allowing riders to explore the joys of cycling without breaking the bank. Moreover, the rigid framework helps riders build core strength and develop better riding techniques as they become more accustomed to the feel of the bike.

What is a Full Suspension Ebike?

Just as the name suggests, the full-suspension electric bicycle boasts both front and rear suspension, earning it the nickname of double-suspension or dual-suspension electric bike. This unique design feature significantly enhances the bike's performance, making it a highly efficient choice for riders. With rear shock absorption, these bicycles can absorb impact and vibration from the road, ensuring a smoother ride even on challenging off-road terrain. This not only adds to the rider's comfort but also allows them to tackle rougher trails with ease.

Moreover, the rear shock absorption of the full-suspension electric bike improves traction and control, enabling riders to maintain a stable and confident posture even during rapid turns or descents. This added stability not only enhances the safety of the ride but also contributes to a more enjoyable riding experience.

Price and Maintenance

In terms of price, the hardtail electric bicycle is always in a favorable position. Because its accessories are less than the fully shock-proof electric bicycle, it does not need to spend too much money and time to deal with the related problems in terms of purchase and later maintenance. Compared with the hardtail electric bicycle, the rear suspension part of the full suspension electric bicycle plays a key role for the whole car. In the case of all the other accessories, when the material and size are nearly the same, the electric bicycle with the rear suspension function will be more than a hundred bucks more expensive than the hard-tail electric bicycle. Bikes in this category absorb more of the impact of the road surface, which greatly affects their durability and leads to a series of subsequent repairs and maintenance. In addition to normal maintenance, additional components, for instance, rear shock absorbers and pivots, need to be paid extra attention.

Application and Comfort

The full suspension function of the electric bicycle is a remarkable feature that significantly enhances the rider's ability to tackle rough roads with added power and stability. This suspension system not only absorbs impact but also ensures a smoother ride, greatly improving the overall comfort level for the rider. When compared to a hardtail electric bike, the comfort provided by the full-suspension electric bike is unparalleled.
Imagine riding on a rugged mountain road, filled with stones and uneven terrain. With a full-suspension electric bike, the shock-absorbing capabilities significantly reduce the impact on the hips and waist, ensuring a more enjoyable and less jarring ride. This not only enhances the rider's comfort but also greatly protects their safety by minimizing the risk of falls or injuries.
On the other hand, a hardtail electric bicycle, due to its fixed assembly of the rear fork, lacks the suspension effect of a full-suspension bike. While it may be suitable for commuting or traveling on flat ground during weekdays, it falls short when it comes to tackling rough terrain or off-road adventures.
The full suspension function of the electric bicycle is a game-changer for riders who enjoy exploring off-road trails or riding on uneven surfaces. It not only improves the rider's comfort and stability but also ensures a safer and more enjoyable riding experience.

Structure and Weight

When choosing an e-bike, weight is one of the key considerations for many consumers, especially when comparing the two types of hardtail and full suspension. The difference between the two types of electric bikes is particularly significant in terms of weight, which has a non-negligible impact on the riding experience.

First of all, the total weight of the full-suspension electric bicycle includes not only the weight of the body frame but also the weight of components such as the pivot, rear shock absorber, and suspension linkage. While these components provide superior shock absorption to the bike, they also add to the overall weight. Moreover, the suspension structure of the full-suspension electric bicycle is usually divided into different types such as single pivot, connecting rod drive single pivot, and four bars, each structure involves complex mechanical design and precision component assembly, which further increases the weight of the bike.

In contrast, hardtail electric bikes are generally lighter because they don't have a complex suspension system. Even with the same frame material, a hardtail e-bike will be at least one kilogram lighter than a full-suspension bike. This one-kilogram weight difference can have a significant impact during the ride, especially when going uphill.

When riding uphill, the weight of the electric bicycle will directly affect the rider's physical strength and riding efficiency. The lighter hardtail electric bike is easier to handle when going uphill, and the rider needs to pay less physical effort, so it is easier to complete the uphill riding task. For the full suspension electric bicycle, due to the large weight, it may feel more strenuous when going uphill, and the rider's physical strength and technology have higher requirements.

Speed

In addition to the aforementioned body weight, the fixed riding position also makes the hardtail considered a better choice for riding on ground where the terrain is less complex. Such a body structure makes the hardtail electric bike travel faster on the flat than the full-suspension electric bike.

But for riders on rough terrain, especially for going downhills, it's clear that a full-suspension bike is a better option. At this time, weight is no longer the first factor that people may consider. It's more important how we get through it. The suspension part of the structure allows the rider to receive less impact when riding bumps. There are also people who say that electric bicycles with full suspension structures can reduce the time to find flat terrain navigation and reduce the distance to travel.

Of course, a full-suspension bike may also be a better choice for going uphill. It helps the rider keep the rear wheel on the ground at all times while climbing. The riding speed of the two models is not absolute, and it is necessary to comprehensively consider the specific situation of the terrain and the material of the body.

Traction

Traction, in short, is the sum of the friction generated between the two wheels and the ground during the bicycle. This force is the core driving force that pushes the bicycle forward and is sometimes referred to as the "driving force" of the bicycle, that is, the force that pushes or pulls the bicycle forward. An obvious fact is that the amount of traction directly affects the ride's maneuverability and smoothness: the greater the traction, the more flexible and responsive the bike can be to the rider's every movement during the ride, whether accelerating, turning or climbing, the more efficient it can be.

However, it is worth noting that there are differences in the performance of traction on bicycles of different construction. Taking hardtail electric bicycles as an example, due to their relatively fixed structure and lack of sufficient shock absorption and adjustment mechanisms, riders often cannot fully enjoy the advantages brought by the best traction when riding. In contrast, electric bicycles with full shock suspension show better performance. This model is equipped with an advanced shock absorption system, which can effectively absorb the shock and vibration from the ground during the driving process, making the ride more stable and comfortable. More importantly, even in the event of a collision with an obstacle on the road, the full-suspension electric bicycle can easily cope with a variety of complex road conditions with its excellent shock absorption performance, ensuring the safety of the rider and smooth riding.

Therefore, when choosing a bike, the consideration of traction is crucial. If you're looking for greater mobility and a more comfortable riding experience, then an electric bike with full-shock suspension is an option worth considering.

Conclusion

When choosing a mountain bike, in the face of two types of a hardtail and full shock absorber, we can not simply determine which is "better" or "worse". This is because each model has its unique features, and the key is how to find the one that best suits the individual's riding needs. Whether you are a veteran with many years of riding experience or a beginner just entering the field, we can provide you with the most suitable advice.

Choose a fully cushioned mountain bike and you will enjoy unprecedented comfort. When going downhill, its excellent shock absorbance system effectively absorbs the impact of the road surface, allowing you to rush down the hill faster without worrying about bumps and vibrations. Even in technically difficult terrain, you can easily navigate and feel the fun and excitement of riding.

The hardtail mountain bike is favored by the majority of riders for its economical, light, and flexible characteristics. Compared to the fully shock-proof model, it is more affordable and has a lighter frame, which means you can use less effort when riding long distances or climbing steep hills. In addition, the hardtail’s battery efficiency is also higher, which is undoubtedly an important consideration for riders who are concerned about environmental protection and energy conservation.

Therefore, when choosing a mountain bike, we need to consider factors such as our riding style, technical level, and budget. Are you an adventurer who loves to push the limits, or do you enjoy a relaxing ride? Are you planning to head for rugged mountains or flat country trails? The answers to these questions will help you make the most informed choice.

No matter what type of mountain bike you ultimately choose, we Lacros Bike will be happy to provide you with the best quality products and services. Our electric mountain bikes are not only well designed and excellent in performance, but also meet every riding need. We believe that as long as you find the most suitable bicycle for you, you will be able to ride further and further on the road and feel unprecedented happiness and accomplishment.

Here is a brief comparative list of Hardtail Ebikes vs. Full Suspension Ebikes