[ROBBYBIC]

Hey there, Im looking at getting a airborne skyhawk, my question is im looking at doing some small trails and maybe some tougher stuff as my skills get better. would it be worth getting a full suspinsion bike or would the front be fine.

thanks for the help

 

[Nick]

Where will you be riding? Smooth and flat? Rocky? Full is usually preferred but a good hardtail can be awesome and all you’ll need.

 

[ROBBYBIC]

Where will you be riding? Smooth and flat? Rocky? Full is usually preferred but a good hardtail can be awesome and all you’ll need.

Smooth and flat I guess

 

[DaveW]

Yeah I'd go with a hardtail bike, less to go wrong/break when you are learning about bikes.
Plus I've always considered that hardtail's teach you more about bike handling skills than a full suspension in the beginning.
The skills you'll learn will transfer across to a fully suspension later on, and make you a better rider on that full suspension bike.
Also if you just starting out, the cash outlay is less in case it turns out to just not be for you..... Just don't go too cheap! Treat an air fork and hydraulic disk brakes (Tektro, Shimano or Sram) as the minimum standard.

 

[HardtailHack]

Are we talking 'trails' as in jump trails or XC sorta stuff.

The skyhawk is going to be a bit of a one trick pony unless you are really short.

 

[ROBBYBIC]

Yeah I'd go with a hardtail bike, less to go wrong/break when you are learning about bikes.
Plus I've always considered that hardtail's teach you more about bike handling skills than a full suspension in the beginning.
The skills you'll learn will transfer across to a fully suspension later on, and make you a better rider on that full suspension bike.
Also if you just starting out, the cash outlay is less in case it turns out to just not be for you..... Just don't go too cheap! Treat an air fork and hydraulic disk brakes (Tektro, Shimano or Sram) as the minimum standard.

I'm on a tight budget right now, I'd buy a used model in that case

 

[ROBBYBIC]

Are we talking 'trails' as in jump trails or XC sorta stuff.

The skyhawk is going to be a bit of a one trick pony unless you are really short.

I'm pretty tall

 

[Pesqueeb]

I'm a big fan of putting newbs on a hardtail. They are generally cheaper, you get more bike for the price, and you develop skills faster and learn more on a hardtail that will make you a better rider when you graduate to a squishy bike. If you're riding mostly smooth trails their really isn't any "reason" for a full suspension bike. Is it nice to have? Sure, but probably completely unnecessary.

 

[Westy]

I'm a big fan of putting newbs on a hardtail. They are generally cheaper, you get more bike for the price, and you develop skills faster and learn more on a hardtail that will make you a better rider when you graduate to a squishy bike. If you're riding mostly smooth trails their really isn't any "reason" for a full suspension bike. Is it nice to have? Sure, but probably completely unnecessary.

Agreed, however I think a lot experienced riders are missing out on the hardtail experience. Long dropper posts and modern geometry make them straight up giggle machines.