Is A full Suspension System On An Ebike Worth It?

Are you a new or experienced cyclist? If so, am sure you’ve heard a lot about electric bikes, especially due to their convenience and eco-friendliness.

You’ve also probably heard about the full suspension systems on ebikes, and after learning what these systems do, now you are asking yourself whether this feature is worth the added cost and complexity. In this article, we will take a closer look at the full suspension ebikes, their benefits, and also why we think they are worth every penny you spend on them.

What is a full suspension system?

Before we tell you whether the suspension system is worth it, how about we tell you it is first, in case you don’t know. A full suspension on an ebike is basically a combination of front and rear suspension components that are designed for the vibrations and impacts from the road. The system typically includes a suspension fork on the front wheel plus a rear shock absorber. The fork is basically a set of tubes whose internals are spring-based, thereby enabling it to compress and rebound so as to absorb the impacts from bumps and obstacles from the road. The rear shock absorber is essentially a similar device, but this time, it attaches to the rear wheel, which enables the ebike to absorb any vibrations from the rear wheel. Now, when these components work together, they form a softail ebike, which is able to handle pretty well when on rough terrain while at the same time providing more comfort and stability to the rider.

Can a bike have suspension on either wheel rather than on both wheels? Absolutely! In fact, there are e-bikes out there with only the front wheel suspension fork, and they are referred to as Hard-tail e-bikes. There are also those with a rear wheel suspension, though not as heavy or complex as a full suspension ebike, and are known as softail ebikes. Both of these bikes are often lighter and simpler compared to full suspension ebikes.

Why do you need a full suspension on your ebike?

Here is the thing about bikes; we use them to travel in different places and over many different terrains. And as an experienced rider will tell you, not all terrains are the same, or equal. You will find flat roads, which normally offer a smooth riding experience, and truthfully, the hardtail and softail ebikes would handle pretty well on such roads. However, there are roads with a lot of gravel, loose dirt, cobblestone, and bumpy and hilly, all of which create tension, vibrations, and shock, which both of these ebikes wouldn’t handle that well. You see, these rough patches may be able to tolerate the hardtail and softail bikes, but in the long run, riding on this uneven terrain might cause injuries and bruises due to the massive amount of shaking and shock from the most extreme terrains. But with a full suspension system, it means that both your wheels are protected, and riding on these unsafe terrains will not only be safer, but it will also be easier to navigate, given that it has much more improved traction compared to softail and hardtail ebikes.

Pros of full suspension system

Full suspension systems do have a number of benefits, which are as follows;

Greater comfort – a full suspension system acts as a major shock absorber that can reduce the overall strain you feel when riding over uneven terrain. So, if you want to ride without bruising yourself or getting sick and just want a comfortable daily ride, then you definitely need to have suspension both on your wheels.

Greater handling and control – having a full suspension system on your ebike helps keep the tires in solid contact with the ground, which, in turn, increases traction and stability. This helps you handle the bike even when on loose and slippery surfaces, such as gravel or mud. Keep one thing in mind, though, that the level of control obviously depends on the kind of suspension you have on your bike. So, when on slippery surfaces, both hardtail ebikes can’t handle as well as full suspension bikes.  

Greater lifespan – we’ve already said that full suspension systems are a bit complex, and that means they do require periodic maintenance. However, with this kind of maintenance, it means that your e-bike frames will be able to have a longer lifespan. You see, by absorbing the massive shocks that come when you ride over difficult terrains, the bike won’t get worn out as easily and quickly as it would in other standard e-bikes.

Cons of full suspension system

A bit expensive to acquire – a suspension system increases the value of an ebike, and that means you will get to pay more when acquiring one. However, considering what you will be paying for, then it is completely worth it.

More weight – electric bikes are already heavier compared to traditional bikes due to their electronic components. Now, when you add a full suspension system, it makes the frame a lot heavier. However, this is part of the design, given that the heavier it is, the better the shock absorption.

More maintenance – full suspension systems require you to carry out regular maintenance, such as oil changes and seal replacements. Failure to which will lead to the failure of the entire suspension system and will, in fact, end up subtracting from the overall performance of your bike.

So, is it worth it?

Yes, absolutely! Full suspension systems on an ebike are completely worth it. Regardless of the fact that you will spend a little more on it, whether on maintenance or buying it, when you consider what you are getting from it, you will see that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. You will be getting a comfortable ride that will be able to navigate even on the worst terrain quite easily and comfortably. After all, if you like to go on adventures, a traditional standard bike is something you will not want to have because, after the ride, you will most certainly start looking for ice to try and reduce the pain from bruises. So, why not invest in something that will not only protect you from these bruises, but also will give you a comfortable, stable ride even on rough terrains?    


Olivia

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