from Rookie’s keyboard,
Hello, friends
Today, I made a somewhat weird observation. In front of the bike shop, I saw two bikes that were the polar opposite of each other. One was a fully rigid retro MTB (equipped with a basket) while the other was some 2k dual-suspension MTB.
To the untrained eye, the second would seem like a better choice for commuting around town as it can absorb the pothole. After all, it has “springs” and has to be rather confortable, right?
Wrong. Only an educated rookie would make that conclusion. And I am here to change that.
Full-suspension (FS) MTBs are the most inefficient commuter on the planet.
The suspension absorbs some of the pedaling effort produced by the rider and creates energy losses.
As a result, it takes more energy to reach and maintain a high average speed. This is one of the reasons why all dedicated road bikes are fully rigid.
To a certain extent, that problem can be mitigated by locking the suspension, but in some cases, the suspension moves ever so slightly even when locked.
Needlessly Heavy
FS bikes often reach 15kg/32.9lbs. Meanwhile, it’s possible to find a relatively affordable road bike weighing around 9kg/19.8lbs.
The heavier the bike, the more energy it takes to accelerate and get up to speed. Once the bike is rolling, the extra weight isn’t as noticeable, but it’s still a problem, especially when climbing.
But isn’t it ironic that the extra weight comes from the suspension which also slow you down?
It’s a lose/lose type of situation.
A Slack head tube angle
The head tube angle is the angle formed by the bike’s head tube and the ground.
Modern MTBs have a slack head tube angle because it makes the bike more stable when riding fast on mountain terrains.
But the slack head tube angle puts the rider in a very upright position creating needless drag. This stance results in energy losses and makes it more difficult to maintain greater speed, especially when there’s a headwind.
Knobby Tires With Poor Rolling Resistance
FS models come with wide, knobby MTB tires. MTB tires are great for off-road terrain but underperform when used on the road.
The knobs on MTB tires as well as the low air pressure increase the rolling resistance of the tire on asphalt. Hence hybrids and road bikes use slick tires at high air pressure.
You ca mitigate this issue by equipping the bike with slick tires.
Expensive
FS MTBs are among the most expensive bicycles. Using one for commuting purposes would be considered a risky investment if the bike has to be locked outside. The chance of it getting stolen is quite high regardless of what locks are used.
Maintenance
The fork and the shock have to be serviced regularly. The process includes the replacement of some parts (e.g., the seals) and relubrication. The extra cost may not be worth it to somebody who wants a simple commuter.
Installation of Accessories Becomes More Difficult
Installing classic commuting accessories such as racks, baskets and fenders is more difficult.
Most racks apart from a few models are designed for rigid bikes and cannot operate with suspension. The same applies to full fenders.
Of course, with a little creativity and engineering, this problem can be circumvented by a cycling enthusiast, but the solution will require tinkering that a non-bike person may not be interested in.
Some Positives
FS bikes offer the following advantages:
A Smooth ride
Rigid bikes are fast on the road, but they are harsh on the joints, especially when the tires are narrow and pumped to the maximum which is the case for road bikes.
As a result, the rider may develop joint pain. A full-suspension bike will greatly reduce that stress.
Diverse Terrain
A full-suspension bike can pass through hardcore off-road terrain that other bikes can’t touch, at least not at the same speed.
In conclusion
Full-suspension bikes are suboptimal for commuting for the following reasons:
- Extra weight
- Energy losses caused by the suspension
- Knobby tires with high rolling resistance
- Non-aerodynamic position
- Non-compatible with basic commuting accessories
- Too expensive to lock it outside
I’d rather commute on any other bike (that fits me) than a FS MTB. Hardtails are fine though.
Until next time,
Rookie
Leave a Reply