Hardtail or Full-Suspension E-MTB? How to Choose Between Trek and Cube Electric Mountain Bikes
Almost every electric mountain bike we sell uses the same sort of Bosch Performance Line CX motor, so the first big decision isn't the motor at all. It's whether you want a hardtail, with a suspension fork and a rigid back end, or a full-suspension bike with a rear shock too. The answer changes how the bike rides, what it costs to look after and where you'll enjoy it most. Here's how we talk it through with customers, using Trek and Cube bikes from our range.
What's actually different?
A hardtail has a suspension fork at the front and a solid rear triangle. A full-suspension bike adds a rear shock and linkage, so the back wheel can move up and down over bumps. That one change affects grip, comfort, weight, cost and servicing, but not in the way people always expect.
The Trek Powerfly+ 4 Gen 5 and the Trek Powerfly+ FS 4 Gen 4 are a handy pair to compare. Both use a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, a 600Wh removable battery, a Bosch Purion 200 controller and Shimano CUES 10-speed gears. The big differences are the frame and suspension: a 120mm fork on the hardtail (100mm on the small size), against a 130mm RockShox fork and 120mm of rear travel on the FS 4.
When a hardtail makes sense
A hardtail is simpler, with fewer pivots, bearings and a shock to set up and service. That suits riders who want an e-bike they can ride, charge and forget about.
- Mixed riding. Bridleways, forest tracks, canal paths and the odd lane. The Powerfly+ 4 is built for exactly this, and its 120mm air fork has a hydraulic lockout for smooth roads and long climbs.
- Keeping costs sensible. A hardtail usually gets more motor, battery and brake for the money, because there's no rear suspension to pay for.
- Easier ownership. One air fork to look after, instead of a fork and a rear shock.
If you'd like a lower frame for getting on and off, the Cube Reaction Hybrid Race 800 Easy Entry is a hardtail with a step-through frame, a Fox 34 fork with 100mm of travel, Shimano XT 12-speed gears and 4-piston brakes. It has an 800Wh battery and a dropper post, and the frame is ready for an optional extra battery of up to 250Wh.
When full suspension is worth it
Full suspension keeps the rear wheel in contact with rough ground, which gives you more grip when climbing over roots and more control when the trail points down. It also takes the sting out of a long day on rough tracks.
- Rooty, rocky or steep trails. The rear wheel follows the ground instead of bouncing off it.
- Long days. Less buffeting through your back and hands means you can ride for longer before you tire.
- Riding with confidence. More travel and stronger brakes help when things get steep.
The Powerfly+ FS 4 is a good gateway, with 4-piston Tektro brakes on 203mm rotors, an adjustable leverage rate and Trek's Mino Link to tweak the geometry. If you want to step up, the Cube Stereo Hybrid ONE44 HPC Race 800 has a carbon frame, a Fox 36 fork with 150mm of travel, 140mm at the back, an 800Wh battery, Shimano XT shifting and a dropper post. For steeper, rougher riding, the Trek Rail+ 5 Gen 5 is an enduro e-MTB with 160mm of travel at both ends, an 800Wh battery and a 170mm dropper post on sizes M to XL.
Is a hardtail always lighter?
Not always, and this surprises people. Cube lists the carbon full-suspension Stereo Hybrid ONE44 HPC Race 800 at 24.3kg, while the aluminium step-through Reaction Hybrid Race 800 Easy Entry is listed at 25.7kg. Frame material, battery size and parts matter as much as the suspension. Check the listed weight if you'll be lifting the bike onto a car rack or carrying it upstairs, rather than assuming a hardtail is lighter.
The things people forget to compare
- Battery. Trek's RIB 2.0 batteries come out of the down tube so you can charge indoors, with a safety catch to stop them dropping. Cube's PowerTube batteries are fully integrated into the frame. Both are good, but think about where you'll charge the bike.
- Battery size. The Powerfly+ bikes have a 600Wh battery and the Cube and Rail+ bikes above have 800Wh. If you want bigger rides, see how to choose the right battery size.
- Dropper post. It lowers your saddle on descents and makes a big difference on steeper trails. The Cube and Rail+ bikes above have one; the Powerfly+ 4 has a standard seatpost.
- Tyres. Wider tyres add grip and comfort. The Reaction and ONE44 use 2.6in tyres, and the Powerfly+ bikes 2.4in.
- Servicing. Full suspension has more to look after, including shock servicing and pivot bearings. It's well worth it if you'll use the extra travel, and it's something we can help with in our workshop.
Which one should you choose?
- Mostly tracks, paths and light trails: a hardtail like the Powerfly+ 4 or the Reaction Easy Entry will do the job and keep things simple.
- Regular trail centre or rough woodland riding: choose full suspension, such as the Powerfly+ FS 4 or the Stereo Hybrid ONE44.
- Steep, technical riding: look at longer travel, such as the Rail+ 5.
- Not sure? Think about the roughest trail you ride regularly, not the best one you've seen online. Pick the bike for that.
Our other guide, lightweight or full-power e-MTB, covers the motor decision, so read the two together if you're still choosing.
Come and compare them in person
Stock changes by size, so call us before you travel and we'll tell you what's here. Browse all our electric mountain bikes or the full-suspension electric bikes, then ask us about sizing, setup or finance. We'll give you an honest answer on which suits your riding.
Find us at Les’s Cycles, 365 Long Road, Canvey Island, Essex SS8 0JQ, call 01268 695877 or email sales@lescycles.co.uk.