As ebikes continue to grow in popularity, manufacturers are constantly looking for ways to improve the riding experience. One area of focus is the suspension system, which plays a crucial role in determining how smooth and comfortable the ride is, especially when you go off-road.
Softail ebikes, also called full suspension electric bikes, have been gaining attention for their ability to provide a smoother ride compared to other electric bikes, making them the most appropriate bikes for off-road adventures. But is this just a marketing ploy, or is there truth to the claim?
Well, in this article, we are going to try and interrogate the question, where we will examine all the factors that contribute to the smoothness of the ride. We will also take a look at the pros and cons of softail ebikes to try and understand whether this bike is the right one for you. So, let’s get to it, shall we?
Is the softail ebike smoother?
Well, typically, softail ebikes do have a smoother ride, and it is all thanks to the ebike suspensionsystem. The truth is, softail ebikes have a full suspension system that is designed to absorb shock and reduce vibration, which can help to provide a smoother ride. This type of suspension system is often found in high-end electric bikes that are designed for off-road use or for riders who want a more comfortable ride on rough terrain. Here are some of the other factors that affect the smoothness:
Suspension system
These full suspension electric bikes typically have a suspension system that includes a rear shock absorber that is designed to absorb shock and reduce vibration. This type of suspension system helps to smoothen out bumps and vibrations on the road or trail, providing a more comfortable ride. The softail ebike designs also have a suspension fork on the front of the bike, which further improves the ride quality.
Tire size and pressure
The size and pressure of the full suspension ebike tires can affect how much shock and vibration is absorbed and gets to the rider. Larger tires with lower pressure can help to absorb bumps and vibrations, which makes the ride a lot smoother. However, on the flip side, due to the weight and the size of the tires, they may also slow you down or require more energy to pedal. On the other hand, smaller tires with higher pressure will provide a faster ride but may transmit more vibration to the rider.
Frame material
Just like any other bike out there, the material of the bike frame is very crucial as it plays a role in how smooth the ride feels. There are two types of frame material – carbon fiber and aluminium frames. Aluminium frames are known to absorb vibration better than carbon fiber frames, which can provide a smoother ride. Also, carbon fiber frames tend to be more expensive, and they may not be as durable as aluminium frames.
Weight distribution
The manner in which the weight is distributed on the full suspension ebike can affect how stable and smooth the ride is. The thing is, ebikes with a lower center of gravity, such as those with the motor and battery mounted low on the frame, tend to be more stable and smoother to ride, and since this is exactly how the softail ebike is designed, that’s where it get the smoothness. This is because the weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear wheels, providing a more balanced ride.
Riding style
Finally, your riding style can also affect how smooth your ride may feel. With that said, when you ride at a moderate speed, avoiding sudden movements can help to reduce vibration and provide a more comfortable ride. An addition, standing up on the pedals and absorbing shock with your legs can help to further smoothen out bumps and vibrations on the road or trail.
Pros and cons of softail ebikes
There are a number of benefits and drawbacks associated with the softail electric bike, which are as follows:
Pros
- They offer a smoother ride – as we have discussed earlier, these bikes offer a smoother ride due to the suspension system that absorbs the shocks and vibrations from the rough terrain.
- More comfortable – the smoother ride provided by softail ebikes can make them more comfortable to ride, especially for longer distances or on rough terrain.
- Better handling – the bike is designed to handle the most challenging of terrains with relative ease. The full suspension system on the ebike plays a crucial role in improving handling and traction, which is what enables you to take on more challenging terrain with ease.
Cons
- It’s a little expensive – as would expect with a full suspension electric bike, these bikes are more expensive compared to other traditional e-bikes, and this is due to the cost of the suspension system.
- Heavier: The added weight of the suspension system makes the softail ebikes heavier and potentially inconvenient to carry while camping.
Bottom line
As we conclude, the softail ebike does indeed provide a smooth ride, and it’s all thanks to the suspension system as well as the sturdiness of the bike’s frame, all of which help in absorbing the shocks and reduces vibrations from the rough. This provides comfort, which makes it possible for the riders to go for long distances without getting tired. Even though there may be drawbacks, these bikes are still completely worth it.
If you value a smoother, more comfortable ride and plan to tackle more challenging terrain, a full suspension ebike like Magicycle Deer may be the right choice for you. So, the next time you are looking for an electric bike for sale, do consider the softail electric bike, which you will get in your nearest bike store. With this electric bike, you can be sure that you will be getting an excellent mode of transportation and recreation that offers you a fun and eco-friendly way to get around.
