hardtail

Hardtail is a term used in cycling and motorcycling to describe a frame design with no rear suspension. In bicycles, a hardtail has a rigid rear triangle and usually a front suspension fork. In motorcycles, a hardtail denotes a rigid frame with no rear shock absorber; such designs are uncommon in modern production bikes but persist in custom and retro-seeming models.

Bicycle hardtails are valued for simplicity, light weight, and lower maintenance. They typically use steel, aluminum, or carbon fiber frames and may accommodate 27.5- or 29-inch wheels. Front suspension helps absorb impacts on rough terrain, while the lack of rear travel makes pedaling more efficient on smooth ground. Disadvantages include a harsher ride on rough trails, less traction on technical terrain, and reduced ability to absorb large drops.

In motorcycles, hardtails were common in early bikes and on classic or custom builds. A true hardtail has no rear shock and relies on the rigid frame for suspension, producing a distinctive ride quality and a characteristic appearance. Most modern motorcycles use rear suspension (softails, dual shocks, or monoshocks) for comfort and handling, though hardtail designs remain associated with certain cruiser and chopper styles and are sometimes produced with hidden or stylized suspensions to imitate a hardtail look.

Related terms include full-suspension bicycles and rigid-frame motorcycles. The choice between hardtail and suspension systems involves tradeoffs among weight, efficiency, comfort, and control on varied terrains.