Mountain Bike Frame

Full suspension or hardtail ?

Carbon MTB frame can be divided into carbon hardtail frame and carbon full suspension MTB Frame. The main difference between them is whether have the shock absorber in the rear. The never-ending argument in mountain biking is should I have a full suspension frame or a hardtail frame? 

Full Suspension MTB Frames

Almost all bikes type including the AM, XC, DH, and Enduro are assembled using a full-suspension frame. A bike equipped with a full suspension frame has good resistance performance, which make you feel more comfortable.The shock absorber performance is better and the frame rigidity is higher.

Tips: When you buy a full-suspension mountain bike frame, you need to pay attention to its travel size.

When your MTB bike is configured with full suspension frame, which means you can easily climb over mountain roads with comfortable feeling. The biggest feature of suspension frames is that they have cushioning properties and are softer than hardtail frames. When you pass through depressions, mountains and rocks, you won't feel the bumps.

The full suspension frame structure is more complex, with more manufacturing procedures, and supports front and rear shock absorbers, which are usually equipped with suspension forks, and use more raw materials than hardtail mtb frame. Because the full suspension frame is heavier. The frame structure is stronger. Of course, 100% recommend that you use the full suspension frame, which will bring you a comfortable riding experience.

Full suspension MTB frame stroke(travel)

ICAN offers different models of full suspension frames. Due to the different types of mountains used, their strokes are different, mainly 120mm, 140mm, and 160mm strokes.

How much suspension travel do I need on my mountain bike?
Which size of stroke do you need for your mtb frame depends on your style of riding.
Generally speaking, they have the following reference stroke dimensions

• Trail riding: 110-140mm travel

• All-mountain: 130 -160mm travel

• Enduro: between 150 -170mm travel

• XC: 90-120mm travel

MTB Hardtail Frame

The MTB hardtail frame is lighter and more suitable for riding on flat mountain roads. Compared with the full suspension frame, it can get faster acceleration, and its cost is much cheaper than the full suspension frame. If the budget is limited, the MTB hardtail frame will is a good choice. If you pursue speed experience, and the mountain road is not particularly steep. You can choose hardtail frame, but pay attention to safety.

How to choose the right MTB frame from ICAN

If you want to take things slow and go for a long day in the saddle or start out in the world of bike packing, I would look at the 29er Mountain Bike Frame. They have high-end looks and specs but have a price tag that will allow you to have enough change left to explore the world.

If you spend the majority of your time on fairly smooth mountain roads, you can choose hardtail frame , then I would look at the 29er Carbon hardtail Boost Frame  M27 or the Carbon Hardtail Frame M17. Both of these frames will take a load of abuse and be much lighter than you thought. They will also be great for fun days out at the trail center, a lovely double whammy.

If you want to set fast Strava times down the side of mountains and want to do it as safely as possible I would look at the Carbon trail Suspension Frame P1 or the Carbon Enduro Frame P9 160mm Travel. As well as beating Strava, all these frames would be great for racing enduro on as well.