We cannot say conclusively that climbing a softail electric mountain bike is easier than climbing a hardtail. This is because every rider has their preferences. Some riders want their saddle higher so they can bend forward more, while others want it straight so they can sit upright.

However, a softail electric mountain bike promises more comfort. That means it might be much easier to climb compared to a hard. The frame plays the most crucial part in the convenience of mounting your e-bike, as we shall see in this guide.

Hardtail vs. Softail Electric Mountain Bike Comparison

Before going far, let’s consider what a softail e mountain bike is. Perhaps this will help you understand why softail e-bikes are much better for those who need more comfort.

The biggest difference is the suspension systems. On the one hand, hardtail electric mountain bikes only have the front suspension. On the other hand, the softail has an extra suspension at the back, making it more comfortable and easier to handle.

The full suspension means easier climbing because it settles down a bit to accommodate your weight when you sit on it. A hardtail remains in the same position, making it difficult to adjust yourself to the perfect position.

The Frame of a Softail Ebike vs. User Conditions

Another important factor that impacts the choice between a hardtail ebike and a softail ebike is the overall body. Even though the difference is so subtle it’s hard to detect through the aesthetic appearance alone, you can always tell there is a difference. You will feel it more while on the road.

A softail is designed to maintain a signature aesthetic while making it easy for the rider to adjust its specs for smooth riding. These bikes are often fatter, with a lower-lying body that is easy to mount and even easier to ride.

You can adjust and set the suspension system in the perfect conditions to make things easy. Since it has two suspension forks, balancing the front and the rear sides can be easily achieved.

A Body With Softer Details

The classic hardtail mountain ebike may include both front and rear suspension in the same frame. This makes climbing more challenging, especially for a shorter and heavier rider.

Softail bikes come with an innovative body that features a separate mini frame to hold the rear suspension. This feature allows for easier setup and a more comfortable ride.

Manufacturers introduced the softail to offer a smoother overall ride. It has become a famous style for many manufacturers.

Softail bodies have come with a more intricate design. They are made from two different places, while hardtails are made from one place as a whole frame. No wonder softail ebikes are slightly more expensive.

While this does not affect the buyer’s decision, it influences the general market. Softail bikes are relatively more popular – they are considered an upgrade of a hardtail in both features and performance.

Here are reasons why it’s easy to climb:

A rear suspension make a smoother ride

The rear suspension systems make softail e-bikes more famous than rigid framed front suspension bikes. The impact from debris and roughness on the road is significantly reduced.

Fat tires

A softail ebike is designed for incredible stability. They often come with fatter tires, which make them hold the ground much better than a hardtail.

New riders and learners struggle with balance, from mounting the bike to riding. Hence, they need something with more support on the ground. It all comes from the more innovative frame and the fat tires.

Climbing on such a bike does not take much effort; it is recommended for someone who does like standing for too long. However, other technical aspects of the bikes can make them less forgiving to newbies. You must therefore pick a bike that you are more comfortable with.

What Can Make A Softail Ebike Hard To Climb?

As you can see, there are several factors that make a full suspension electric mountain bike easy to mount. But that is not all. These bikes also have some cons that are important to note.

The first limitation is the weight. Because they have more parts that are more technical, softails are much heavier. Typically, a full suspension ebike weighs about two to three pounds heavier than hardtails. Whereas this has more effect on the trail, it can also affect mounting.

Such weight means the bikes require someone fitter to even hold in a standing position. You will need to make a little effort to keep your bike standing.

Don’t get this wrong, though. We are not saying softail electric mountain bikes are too heavy that you cannot hold them up straight. It’s just that they are extra weight, which might prove a bit challenging for some riders.

Even so, this should not be a big concern. The bikes come with fat tires that increase stability. You can easily hold and mount it without many problems.

How To Properly Set Your Softail E-MTB For Easy Mounting

A good ebike needs to fit you. It won’t matter whether you invest in the highest-end full suspension market or pick more affordable softails. An ebike that is too big or too small can be too dangerous. It will be difficult to mount your ebike and even hard to control it.

So, the first step is choosing a bike designed for your height and weight. You will not have many issues climbing and riding it.

You can also set your ebike properly to ensure it fits you well. Here are some ideas:

• Set the saddle. The saddle is crucial for easy climbing and a comfortable riding position. Ensure when you sit on the saddle, both your feet are reaching the floor and the balls of your fit touching the ground. Such a setup makes the bike easy to climb.
• The handlebars. Once you are done with the saddle, set your handlebars to stay in line with or slightly above the saddle. This will enable you to comfortably reach the handlebars when climbing and when riding.

Verdict

Based on our findings, a full suspension electric MTB is much easier to climb than a hardtail. The advanced feature that allows the rider to properly set their bikes allows them to create the perfect machine for a comfortable ride. So, it also matters how you set your ebike.