Do I need a hardtail E-MTB or full-suspension E-MTB?
Let’s discuss the pros and cons of hardtail and full-suspension E-MTBs so that you can make the right decision.
Electric mountain bikes open up a whole world of discovery. The question is: should you get a hardtail E-MTB or a full-suspension E-MTB?
Firstly, you need to know the difference between the two.
What is an E-MTB hardtail?
A hardtail mountain E-MTB has only front suspension in the fork. The frame is rigid and hence, a hardtail. They’re known for being lighter weight, more affordable and popular with newcomers to mountain biking.
What is a full-suspension E-MTB?
As the name suggests, a full-suspension E-MTB has front suspension in the fork and rear suspension in the frame. The rear shock comes in handy when riding difficult, technical terrain. You’ll be much more comfortable and in control with rear suspension to absorb the lumps and bumps underneath your wheels.
What’s the difference between a hardtail E-MTB and full-suspension E-MTB?
To the untrained eye, the only major difference is the additional shock on a full-suspension E-MTB. The motors and general aesthetics are very similar.
Weight
If you put the same battery in a hardtail E-MTB and a full-suspension E-MTB, it would typically last longer in the hardtail because it’s lighter weight. The added bearings, linkages and pivots in a full-sus E-MTB add around 1.5kg to the weight of an E-MTB. On a conventional mountain bike, this would mean a hardtail is easier to pedal and climb on, however the electric motor means weight is less of an issue.
Terrain
On what kind of trails do you want to ride your E-MTB? This is an important consideration and will affect your enjoyment of an E-MTB.
Full-suspension E-MTBs are the point-and-shoot of mountain bikes. You can ride any trail and the suspension will absorb most of the vibrations from underneath your wheels. If you want an E-Bike that’ll tackle anything in its path, a full-sus E-MTB is the way to go.
Hardtail E-MTBs on the other hand won’t absorb as much of the trail noise as a full-suspension E-MTB. If you ride smoother trails, you’ll certainly have a great time. If you ride more technical trails, pay attention to your line choice to avoid a white-knuckle ride over gnarlier sections.
Maintenance and Servicing
If you understand the basics of electric bike maintenance, such as how to clean your electric mountain bike and how to lubricate your chain, you’ll be fine on a hardtail E-MTB. The additional moving parts (bearings, shock etc.) on a full-suspension E-MTB will need servicing on top of day-to-day maintenance.
Find out how to prolong the life of your E-MTB battery here.
We have many helpful articles on how to service your bike, so make sure you check our blog regularly if you’re stuck.
Uphill and downhill
Traditional hardtails are much easier to pedal because the energy used to propel the bike goes directly into forwards movement. On a full-suspension MTB, some of this energy is absorbed in the rear shock resulting in a slower climb. The assistance from the electric motor means you don’t have to worry about this on an E-MTB.
As already mentioned, a lighter bike means a longer battery life. If long climbs are a regular feature on your rides, a hardtail tends to last longer.
In terms of physics, a heavier bike will travel faster downhill. Full-suspension E-MTBs are designed with gravity in mind. You have better control and comfort over rougher and steeper terrain.
Budget and cost
Full-suspension E-MTBs are naturally more expensive due to the added moving parts. The extra material costs of an additional shock, bearings and levers add up to more than that of a similar spec hardtail.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, a hardtail E-MTB starts at just
£2,349
and is a great tool for getting familiar with mountain biking.
Our flexible finance options make any E-MTB purchase easy and manageable.
Which E-MTB should I choose?
Both hardtail and full-suspension E-MTBs have their merits. The most important factor is finding a bike that suits the style of riding you enjoy.
A hardtail is more affordable, lighter and has better battery life, while a full-suspension E-MTB adds comfort and control over technical terrain.
Hardtail E-MTB: Grand Canyon:ON
Our Grand Canyon:ON is our most affordable E-MTB and opens up a world of exploration. It has a balanced geometry for control and comfort on long trails.
Discover the Grand Canyon:ON
Canyon’s Full-Suspension E-MTBs
When it comes to full-suspension E-MTBs, we offer a wide range of choice. No matter what style of riding you do, there’s an E-MTB for you.
Trail E-MTB: Neuron:ON
Electric adventures begin on the Neuron:ON. Whether you’re heading straight out your door or to the bike park, the Neuron:ON is a versatile machine. The triple-phase suspension smooths out any obstacles, so that you can concentrate on enjoying the ride ahead.
Discover the Neuron:ON
Enduro E-MTB: Spectral:ON
If you’re looking for a playful and capable mid-travel E-MTB that can handle just about anything, the Spectral:ON is it.
Discover the Spectral:ON
Gravity E-MTB: Torque:ON
Throwing your bike around technical descents is easier with the Torque:ON. There’s no need to worry about uplifts when you have a powerful electric motor at your feet. The sooner you get up, the sooner you can slay those downhill tracks.
Discover the Torque:ON
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