Hardtail bikes: what is it and how to choose them?

Novice cyclists who are in the process of buying their first bike often encounter the term “hardtail” that they do not understand. However, even some "old men" of the bicycle industry are also ignorant of how this variety differs from the rest, and for whom it is recommended. The answer to this question is quite simple.

Hardtail bikes are, in principle, ordinary two-wheeled vehicles, but with a special frame without a rear suspension. By the way, hardtail is the name of the frame, formed from the words hard and tail, which literally means “stiff tail”. This type of bicycle allows you to install two varieties of forks: rigid, increasing speed and reducing weight, as well as shock absorbing, increasing the comfort of the cyclist. The second variety, however, is used only in the front of the bike. If you compare a hardtail bike with an ordinary two-suspension one, the number of advantages will be very numerous.

Today it is the most common and can be both mountainous, as well as tourist, and hybrid. Quite often, a hardtail is used for freeriding, as the missing rear suspension does not have much effect, but allows you to move at a faster speed. Manufacturers try to justify the desires of cyclists riding in different styles, and therefore modify the basis, making it easier to implement tricks. For example, a more reliable frame is created for urban freeriding, equipped with a lowered seat and a small steering angle.If the bike is designed for street freeriding, then the angle of the handlebar is increased for more comfortable performing tricks on a flat surface.

Returning to the front fork, it is necessary to mention that depreciation has several varieties. Rigid type is a classic solution with low cost, reliability and ease of manufacture. As a rule, it is this fork that is used to equip most of the available bikes. A spring suspension fork is also quite common. But, it wears out quickly, and therefore is usually chosen for children's bicycles. It can not be called the most comfortable.

Spring-elastomeric fork has a simple design, but gives the cyclist the necessary comfort. Its disadvantages include quick wear and inability to use in cold weather. An air suspension fork is considered the most successful for a quiet ride without much extreme. It has a low weight and good cushioning.

Hardtail versus Double Suspension Bikes have a more affordable price, as well as simpler maintenance. In addition, they win in weight and ease of use of the pedals. The main disadvantages in this case are the difficulties in “meeting” obstacles on the slopes, since there is no constant interaction of the rear wheel and the ground.

The lower weight of the hardtail is ensured by the presence of shock absorption on only one wheel, which, in turn, contributes to the development of much greater speed. However, when traveling through hills or trails covered with pebbles or gravel, this kind of frame will only be a minus. The cyclist will be constantly shaken, and in a collision, even with a small obstacle, everything can end with a rider injury.

Specialists highlight a number of advantages that bicycles with hardtail frames have. Vehicle It starts quickly and easily, but much less energy is spent. The rear triangle does not move, which is especially pleasing to cyclists with great weight.

While double-suspension frames require a six-month inspection and replacement of worn bearings, the hardtail does not need such careful care. In addition, even in the event of a breakdown, replacement is much simpler and cheaper.

There is no difficulty installing a rear trunk on the bike of this model, but remember that on trips, the entire “tail section” will be entered anyway. In addition to this, it is important to mention that using the hardtail requires increased riding skills, as well as a more frequent need for repairs. In general, it is important to mention that when using such structures on roads with pits and bumps, a negative effect on the human body occurs, for example, joints of the arms and legs, as well as the male prostate.

Although all hardtail bikes look pretty similar, there are enough varieties of two-wheeled vehicles, each of which has its own specifics. They are intended, as a rule, for differing subspecies of sport and specific goals.

Freeride is considered the most extreme way to ride a mountain bike, and therefore it requires the greatest reliability. Hardtails are rarely used for this purpose, but those that are present have a rigid short frame, a high-quality shock-absorbing front fork and, as a rule, a ten-speed transmission.

Bicycles used in enduro, subjected to endurance tests, and therefore must have high strength. For structures, reliable frames are used from a material with a low weight, for example, carbon fiber or special steel. In addition, there is an elongated wheelbase that provides balance. The front fork is provided with shock absorption with a stroke of 110 to 150 millimeters. The transmission is designed in such a way that the bike minimizes contact with the road, and the wide steering wheel makes steering more convenient. The bicycle brake for the enduro is hydraulic.

Forkross hardtail bikes, also often referred to as biker cross bikes, must be able to cross a track with a lot of obstacles. Therefore, for discipline, designs are selected whose weight does not exceed 13 kilograms, and the fork travel reaches 140 millimeters. The pedals should be contacted, as this property makes it possible to better accelerate.

Trail bikes are equipped with a rigid frame, the rear triangle of which is shortened, as well as wide wheels. The weight of the bike is only 10 kilograms due to the fact that all unnecessary parts are dismantled. For example, some models do not even have a saddle.

A bike with a hardtail frame, where you can participate in cross-country races, also called cross-country, has a lightweight frame and wider tires. Additionally, the device has a mud tread and a narrowed saddle. Special designs are also used to perform tricks on ski jumps mounted on a sand or dirt surface. These bikes have larger wheels, wide tires and, as a rule, a single-speed transmission.

A two-wheeled device that can be used to travel around the city is much like a cross-country bike, but more durable. For example, a more reliable material is used for the bicycle frame, and connecting rods allow you to slip along the railing or pipes. Usually, 24-inch wheels are selected for street bikes.

Highway hardtail allows you to most effectively navigate on roads covered with asphalt. Their narrow wheels are covered with special tires, and the steering wheel is replaced with a special sports model of the "horn" type. Besides, the frame is made of lighter material.

The tourist bikes of this subspecies are equipped with 28 or 29 inch wheels. The frame has a longer length, and additionally mounted such travel details as headlights or trunk.

The city hardtail, which is the most budget, are also equipped with additional elements.

In addition to all of the above, there are also hybrid devices.

Proven hardtail bike models that can even be used for freeriding, sold by the Specialized brand. Budget counterparts of the design will be found in the company Stark, which is a joint "brainchild" of Germany and Russia. Enduro devices are recommended from Marin, and the production of the Forkoss bikes is the responsibility of the Format and Giant brands.

Forkross bikes are made above Stark, as well as Trek and Mongoose. In principle, the production of bicycles with a hardtail frame for other disciplines is carried out by the same companies.

To choose the hardtail correctly, you just need to decide for what purpose it will be used. Further, it is quite simple to decide on the manufacturer, after reading the reviews and turning to your own experience, and then study the available models. Typically, the description of the bike immediately indicates the purpose of the frame. Otherwise, the choice of a two-wheeled hardtail unit is carried out in the same way as a conventional one.Hesitating between a hardtail and a two-suspension bike, you need to remember the pros and cons of each category.

Hardtail is cheaper, sometimes even almost twice. In addition, it will turn out to drive much faster. The two-suspension is harder to carry, since its weight exceeds the first variety by about 1-6 kilograms. However, if we talk about convenience, then double suspension wins. Judging by the reviews, its appearance is much more attractive.

About what hardtail is capable of, see the next video.