[amhso]

I have a Marin Hardtail Hawkhill SE. I was wondering if buying upgrades for hardtails worth it, as in to be a downhiller or a skilled XC rider with a hardtail, or should I just learn with the hardtail and later on buy a full-suspension (which I'll do anyways, but when I will is the question).

I just started biking a few months ago. I ride on local trails, The Pleasanton Ridge and Shadow Cliffs (which i add, is the most boring trail ever and has lots of stuff to pop your tires).

 

[bicycleman]

i would definetly upgrade the bike or if u get a new bike first, then when u replace parts that you dont like on the fs rig u can just put the old parts from your fs bike on the hardtail

 

[robdamanii]

With a hardtail you'll learn the essentials of riding such as picking proper lines, how to properly climb, and how the trail will affect your bike's performance. Once you get some of that down, going squishy will just make it a little easier for you.

 

[boostindoubles]

yup, riding a hardtail will make you a much better overall rider than if you went directly to a full squish. If your going to buy a full suspension bike anyways, i would still upgrade the hardtail. You will be much more aware of what the back end is riding over and where you want to put the bike. basically what robdamanii said

 

[bluebug32]

I did the same thing. I bought a really nice hardtail last year when I started riding seriously. I got really into it, riding a lot, picking up basic skills and learning about myself as a rider. I also upgraded the bike slowly and really researched what kind of dualie I wanted.

 

[amhso]

is it worth really upgrading much on the hardtail, or should i use it to learn the basics and techniques as it is, and later on just buy a nicer bike?

 

[bicycleman]

ya if there is parts u dont like upgrade if u have the cash
or if u dont have the cash upgrade anyways just kidding
"and yes any money spent on bikes is worth it"

 

[amhso]

if everything runs fine, like nothing broken, (i dont really have a preference on certain parts anyways)...then i should ride it out till they break?

 

[robdamanii]

is it worth really upgrading much on the hardtail, or should i use it to learn the basics and techniques as it is, and later on just buy a nicer bike?

If the parts are not working for you (as they were NOT on my trek) replace them. Any upgraded parts can always go to your new dualie when you get one anyway.

 

[Scarpa]

if everything runs fine, like nothing broken, (i dont really have a preference on certain parts anyways)...then i should ride it out till they break?

yeah, at this point just run what you have. if something breaks or you start to realize a certain part is holding you back or just not performing that well then look into upgrading it.

 

[H20bomberman]

I have been riding a hardtail for three years. All of my riding buddies have downhill bikes. I ride all of the trails they do but not as fast. I am getting a big bike Christmas. I will see if it improves your riding.

 

[dwaugh]

Hardtails are great, and upgrading them just makes them better.

 

[livetheride514]

I was on a herdtail for 4 or 5 years, until i bent the frame. I learned how to be alot smoother of a rider. My friend started on a fully, for the most part, and he isnt very smooth...not to dis him...i think ill have to learn him better. haha. you'll learn everything better on a hardtail...IMO.

well, goodluck with your choice.

peace,
jt.

 

[bluebug32]

Hardtails are great, and upgrading them just makes them better.

 

[PatBranch]

I have been riding a hardtail since early summer. I am much smoother. I can ride rocky downhill trails fine, just not as fast as my friends with full suspension bikes.

Riding a hardtail really teaches you how to handle your bike. When people start on a full suspension, in some cases, they make the bike's suspension do all the work; they don't move it around. A hardtail forces you to work.
_______________________

You might as well upgrade to stronger/correct parts for the tarrain you ride. If you have weak parts that arn't meant for downhill they could break and you could have a bad day. Or they could be the wrong part for your riding style and hold you back.

Just sell the parts you don't like and buy the parts that you want used. Used parts are usually fine (make sure they say its fine in writing and see pictures), they usually may only have a few scratches or none at all. This way, you are nbot sepnding much money (if any)- basicly you would be trading in your old parts and getting used, but better parts.

 

[amhso]

I was on a herdtail for 4 or 5 years, until i bent the frame. I learned how to be alot smoother of a rider. My friend started on a fully, for the most part, and he isnt very smooth...not to dis him...i think ill have to learn him better. haha. you'll learn everything better on a hardtail...IMO.

well, goodluck with your choice.

peace,
jt.

Heh, my frame has lifetime warranty. Well I'll take all of your advice and learn on the hardtail.

 

[bluebug32]

I have to say that the only real reason I'm upgrading to a dualie is because I've been having and some back and other related problems from riding around on rough, techincal trails without any suspension in the back. I love my hardtail, though! I've upgraded it into the perfect bike, but now all those sweet components are going on a very sweet dualie frame!

 

[Angus]

What is this suspension you talk of?

Be a man and go rigid! click on the "see the flying munkee" link below to see what I mean

 

[bluebug32]

What is this suspension you talk of?

Be a man and go rigid! click on the "see the flying munkee" link below to see what I mean

But I'm a chick

 

[Angus]

But I'm a chick

Yes you are, but we know who wears the pants in your family!

 

[bluebug32]

Yes you are, but we know who wears the pants in your family!

haha...my family?

 

[irishMonkey]

Hardtails are always good. If you cant get a shutle or something u can always go urban riding.

 

[robdamanii]

Yes you are, but we know who wears the pants in your family!

Nah, we each wear one pant leg.

 

[Angus]

Nah, we each wear one pant leg.

Keep telling yourself that, I know I have to at my House !

 

[robdamanii]

Keep telling yourself that, I know I have to at my House !

Your life does not mimic mine.

 

[McGRP01]

::yawn::

 

[robdamanii]

::yawn::

can I offer you a beer sir?

 

[amhso]

why do hard forks cost so much for mountain bikes...isn't suspension better?

 

[robdamanii]

why do hard forks cost so much for mountain bikes...isn't suspension better?

Depends entirely on the quality of the fork. There are some really sick rigid forks out there.

That being said, there are some outrageously expensive air sprung forks out there.

 

[bluebug32]

Nah, we each wear one pant leg.

I think people think I'm Mrs. Spoonman

 

[amhso]

but what good does a hard fork do for you? It doesn't keep you on the ground as well....so why pay for it?

 

[Muuqi]

Hardtails are always good. If you cant get a shutle or something u can always go urban riding.

Or you could ride *up* with a hardtail too! What a novel thought.

 

[amhso]

do you think the marin hawkhill se's frame is strong enough for some freeride? I was thinking of saving up to switch the fork and rims and such to do some freeriding.

*edit* Clearance for bigger tires isn't possible, so maybe...light freeride? the biggest tire i can probably fit in the back is a 2.35. my front i can put way bigger.

*edit* nevermind about clearance...i can get 2.5's on both (front can even go 2.7 if i wanted too)

 

[novarider]

that is exactly why i still have my 1994 cannondale killer v 2000 (a fully rigid bike) in addition to my 2003 jamis dakar xc comp (full suspension). any time i think i need to refresh some things, i put the jamis away for a few weeks and pull out the cdale.

With a hardtail you'll learn the essentials of riding such as picking proper lines, how to properly climb, and how the trail will affect your bike's performance. Once you get some of that down, going squishy will just make it a little easier for you.