Should I Get Shocks On My Mountain Bike?

 Entry Level Mountain Bike

As you shop for mountain bikes you will probably notice that entry-level mountain bikes usually don't have shocks. You will also find that more expensive mountain bikes either have front shocks only (hard-tails) or front and back shocks (soft-tails), otherwise known as full suspension mountain bikes. 

Hard-Tail Mountain Bike

Should you get shocks on your mountain bike? What are the pros and cons? Consider the following facts as you decide.

Well, having shocks definitely affects the comfort of your ride as well as performance. Earlier hard-tails use to accelerate faster and climb hills better than full suspension bikes, because they were lighter and you didn't lose any transfer of energy to the rear shocks. Today's soft-tails are nearly equal to hard-tails now in performance. 


Unfortunately, full suspension mountain bikes are more expensive than hard-tails. If you are going to be riding only on smooth trails and surfaces than you really don't need to have a full suspension mountain bike.

Full Suspension Mountain Bike 

On the other hand, when riding on bumpy terrain you'll notice the lack of rear suspension in a hard-tail bike pretty quick. You will especially feel it in your back and backside. If this is the case, full suspension is recommended.

If you can't afford a full suspension with decent and reliable components, I recommend buying a good reliable hard-tail from a specialty bike shop rather than going to a mass merchant such as Wal-Mart or Target. The cheaper components and heavy steel frame will not hold up for very long.