Mountain biking slang for a bike that lacks rear suspension. Most cross country bikes are hardtails, since suspension tends to make it harder to pedal fast. The weight of a cross country bike is extremely important, so anything that isn't absolutely necessary is usually stripped off.

On the other hand, in downhill racing rear suspension is a must. Weight isn't as important in that discipline, but protecting your body from shocks is.

Hard"tail` (?), n. Zool.

See Jurel.

 

© Webster 1913.

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