Hi, I have a Mongoose Salvo Sport, which I'm selling because I want one with more suspension travel. However, full-suspension enduro or downhill bikes are way out of my budget. I'm thinking of buying a Commencal Meta HT, but I'm not sure if it's worth going back to a hardtail when I already have a full-suspension bike. I've attached photos of my Mongoose and the Commencal I want to buy.
I'd appreciate your opinions. Thanks.
by Izukkii
7 Comments
This makes no sense
I had a trek slash and then sold it and went for a Chromag Rootdown because I was in a similar spot – I didn’t really have the time or money for the added maintenance of a FS. It was a great bike. Needed very little maintenance and it was a riot to ride. Unfortunately, I sold it just a few months ago because I injured my back and ankles within a few months of each other (unrelated) and the hardtail was hell on those. I’d still have it though if not.
The Meta HT is fucking great, but also check your local classifieds, pink bike, or FB marketplace. The used market is saturated right now and there are some great deals to be found for less than a Meta HT costs shipped
i bought a base specialized stumpjumper this summer (first full suspension bike i bought) after using a 2016 rockhopper comp for the past 10 years. My stumpjumper is in the shop and i rode my hardtail for the first time in a long time and it seemed so small, more agile, lighter and way more bumpy which now has left me with a tender gooch. Made me miss the softness and and reckless abandon i could ride with a full suspension. On the hardtail i had to be way more particular on my lines. Regardless, it was nice being able to ride a bike still on the trail and for me, that’s all that matters
You should always start on a Hardtail. It teaches you better line choices, how to properly bunny hop without compressing suspension, how to use your body more as suspension. Etc… many advantages to starting on a Hardtail. Honestly you should have both,I do but usually always ride my Chromag Stylus. It handles just about everything I’m willing to take it down just fine including chunk.
Do whatever you want. Hardtails aren’t better or worse, just different. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Personally, I have a hardtail and I never ride it but it’s also just not as nicely a spec’d bike as my FS. I think I might ride it more if it was because it’s just different. If it makes more sense for your situation at this point in time, go for it.
The best bike is the one you ride.
Get a hardtail and have fun.
Talon 4 has had some upgrades:
Slacker geometry
Tapered headtube
Hydraulic brakes
MicroShift Acolyte 1×8
Thru axles (non-boost)
Yes, you’ll be out riding and psyched.