Should you choose a full-suspension electric mountain bike? In this article, you'll learn the pros and cons of full-suspension electric mountain bikes to help you make the right choice.
What is a full suspension electric mountain bike?
A full-suspension electric mountain bike is primarily equipped with an electric motor and two damping systems: a front suspension (suspension fork) and a rear suspension. Unlike hardtail mountain bikes, which only have front suspension, full-suspension electric mountain bikes have better shock absorption.
Additionally, the electric mountain bike 's shock absorption system is designed to improve riding comfort and stability. Its main principle is to reduce vibrations on the rider's body and the impact on the vehicle by compensating for the impact caused by off-road climbs and descents.
The damping system generally consists of two independent parts: the front fork shock absorber and the rear shock absorber. The front fork shock absorber is a pneumatic system composed of a spring and an oil seal, which can automatically adjust the spring compression according to changes in the terrain. This can effectively absorb and mitigate the impact force encountered by the front wheel, making the ride smoother.
The rear shock absorber consists of a spring and a damper. It is located at the junction between the rear wheel and the frame, similar to a linkage device with a damping function. When the rear wheels encounter uneven terrain, the springs act as a buffer, while the shock absorbers adjust the spring's rebound speed to maintain the vehicle's stability and handling.
In addition to front and rear shock absorbers, electric mountain bikes are also equipped with other shock absorbers such as soft tails, wide tires , and shock-absorbing saddles . These devices are all designed to provide better shock absorption and increase riding comfort.
Therefore, the full suspension electric mountain bike can cope with various complex terrain conditions, allowing the rider to enjoy a smoother riding experience.
Advantages of a full suspension electric mountain bike
Improve comfort
Since the full suspension electric bike adopts a dual suspension design, it can effectively absorb the impact caused by uneven ground. The combination of front suspension and rear shock absorber ensures a smoother ride and reduces the bumps felt by the rider.
Additionally, it reduces muscle and joint fatigue. On rough terrain, hardtail mountain bikes transmit vibrations and shocks directly to the rider's body, putting significant stress on the arms, back, and legs.
Full suspension systems allow cyclists to complete longer rides without excessive fatigue, improving endurance and speeding recovery.
Improved performance in harsh environments
In fact, downhill and technical trails are a challenge for any mountain biker. While a full-suspension e-bike can absorb shocks on steep descents, ensuring stability on descents and technical trails.
Grip is a key factor in the performance of an e-mountain bike. Thanks to active suspension at the front and rear, the bike always stays in contact with the ground, even on uneven surfaces.
This improved grip improves traction, especially when climbing and on slippery terrain. Whether on mud, gravel, or rocks, the bike offers better weight distribution and limits traction loss for a smoother, safer ride.
Enhanced security
If you want maximum control on challenging terrain, you should choose an electric mountain bike with a full suspension system. Full suspension plays a vital role in ensuring better control of the bike, especially when the terrain changes abruptly or on fast descents.
By reducing bounce and stabilizing the bike, it allows the rider to react more quickly to obstacles, reducing the risk of falls and loss of balance.
The full-suspension electric mountain bike is equipped with hydraulic disc brakes, which can provide you with the best stopping power on slippery terrain. Since the suspension improves grip, the rider can brake more effectively without the risk of locking the wheels.
So, on steep descents or muddy trails, this improved braking power ensures increased safety, allowing you to tackle routes on different terrains with confidence.
Wide range of uses
Full-suspension electric bikes are ideal for city and mountain riding. They are popular not only for mountain biking, but also for urban riding. Their comfort and shock absorption make them an excellent choice for everyday commuting.
Additionally, its suspension system reduces vibrations caused by potholes or sidewalks, providing superior comfort to cyclists who use their bike for their daily commute.
Climbing hills is also a challenge for experienced cyclists. Full-suspension mountain bikes, on the other hand, are equipped with high-performance motors that provide just the right amount of assistance depending on the amount of effort required, making climbing hills much easier.
This assistance allows you to overcome steep slopes without tiring, making cycling accessible to a wide audience and ideal if you are looking for a less tiring mode of transport.
Disadvantages of Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bikes
While full-suspension electric mountain bikes offer excellent off-road performance, they also have some drawbacks. Here are some of the drawbacks.
weight
Thanks to its added rear suspension, reinforced frame, and electric motor with integrated battery, it weighs more than a hardtail or rigid mountain bike. Furthermore, the extra weight can be a major inconvenience when transporting a full-suspension electric mountain bike.
And the increased weight leads to increased energy consumption, which can shorten battery life. If you want to compensate for this consumption, you should choose a larger capacity electric bike battery , but this will increase the weight of the bike.
Higher cost
Full-suspension e-mountain bikes are more expensive than hardtail or rigid e-mountain bikes. This price difference is due to the high-performance rear suspension, stronger frame, and more complex design.
If you're looking for an electric mountain bike that offers comfort and is less expensive, then you can opt for a hardtail electric mountain bike. If price isn't an issue for you, you can opt for a full-suspension electric mountain bike.
Here are the pros and cons of full-suspension electric mountain bikes. Before choosing a model, you should also assess your needs and budget. If you don't want to opt for a full-suspension electric mountain bike, a hardtail mountain bike can be an alternative.
Comparison with other types of mountain bikes
Full suspension mountain bike
- Comfort and shock absorption: Equipped with front and rear suspensions, it significantly improves comfort by effectively absorbing shocks on rough terrain.
- Performance and handling: It provides better grip and increased stability.
Hardtail mountain bike
- Comfort and damping: Equipped with front suspension only. It absorbs uneven terrain well, but transmits more vibration to the rear, which can be tiring when driving on very uneven terrain.
- Performance and handling: The semi-suspension system is lighter, more agile and responsive on hilly roads and climbs.
Rigid mountain bike
- Comfort and shock absorption: The lack of suspension means that shocks and vibrations are transmitted directly to the rider. This isn't very comfortable for riding on rough roads.
- Performance and handling: The reduced weight allows for excellent responsiveness and better power transfer, but a less comfortable ride on rough terrain due to the lack of suspension.
Factors to consider before buying
Main application
If you frequently use your mountain bike on rough trails, technical descents, or in the mountains, a full-suspension model is the best choice. It offers superior grip and comfort on difficult terrain.
If you want a comfortable bike for moderately rough roads and trails, consider a versatile full-suspension electric mountain bike. However, its weight and power consumption may be a hindrance for purely urban use.
If you're only using it in the city and for your daily commute, a hardtail mountain bike is more suitable. Because it's lighter, more responsive, and more efficient on asphalt.
Budget and long-term costs
You should choose according to your budget, but their prices vary depending on features and performance.
Regular maintenance
- Suspension Maintenance: Front forks and rear shock absorbers should be cleaned and maintained regularly to prevent premature wear.
- Drivetrain Maintenance: Chains , cassettes and derailleurs are subject to high stress and require frequent lubrication and adjustment.
- Electronic Control: The battery, engine and auxiliary systems should be checked to avoid any loss of performance.
You should regularly inspect and maintain your electric mountain bike to ensure its proper performance. Additionally, you can maintain optimal performance by regularly replacing wear parts such as seals, shock absorbers, and bearings.
Best Full Suspension Electric Mountain Bike
If you're looking for a high-performance full-suspension electric mountain bike, LANKELEISI is one of the best choices. LANKELEISI is known for its robust and powerful bikes for demanding terrain, and offers a wide range of models to meet the needs of mountain bike enthusiasts and enthusiasts.
LANKELEISI X3000 MAX
- Endurance: Equipped with a Samsung 48V 20Ah battery, range in pedal assistance mode of 130 km
- Motor: Equipped with 2000W motor, suitable for various terrains and climbing
- Suspension: Full suspension system with 120mm hydraulic fork and air shock absorber with a maximum pressure of 200 ips
- Use: Ideal for mixed use (urban and hiking trails)
The X3000 MAX electric bike strikes the perfect balance between performance and practicality, providing power for rough roads while being easy to maneuver in an urban environment.
LANKELEISI MG800 MAX
- Endurance: Equipped with a 48V 20Ah battery, it can travel 130 kilometers in electric assistance mode
- Engine: Equipped with a 2000W motor, designed for off-road enthusiasts
- Suspension: Equipped with a four-point suspension system
- Use: Ideal for sporty hikers and lovers of rough terrain
The MG800 MAX electric bike , with its powerful motor and excellent mileage, can provide you with the most comfortable experience, allowing you to experience the most enjoyable adventurous riding experience.
LANKELEISI RV800 PLUS
- Endurance: Equipped with a 48V 20Ah battery, the range in assisted pedaling mode can reach 150 kilometers
- Motor: Equipped with a 750W motor, suitable for steep slopes and long distances
- Suspension: Complete suspension system, including front suspension and 650-pound rear shock absorber
- Purpose: Designed for adventurers seeking thrills
To summarize
For riders who prefer comfort and stability, full-suspension mountain bikes are the best choice, allowing for optimal performance on a variety of terrains. Its full-suspension system enhances the riding experience by reducing shocks and optimizing grip.
Also, before investing, you need to be clear about your needs and uses in order to choose the best full suspension electric mountain bike for you.