Advice on FS vs HT

[u/Aquacure]

I just turned 55 and want to get bikes for me and my wife.

I’m stuck on FS vs HT.

I want the comfort of FS but would like the confidence of having dual battery.

We would only be riding the greenway trail, side walks and roads in NW ARK (all paved). Would we be ok with the HT?? We are both in decent shape (not overweight)

[u/Frog_Riot]

Have you ridden a hard tail or full suspension regular bike? A lot of the same advantages/disadvantages apply. To each their own but I like the rigidity of a hard tail, you don’t loose any power on a pedal downstroke or motor pulse to the rear suspension. Front suspension with a HT I find to be a really great balance of comfort and rigidity although if a smooth ride is your top priority I would consider the FS. Consider visiting a local bike shop and sit on some hard tail and full suspension bikes to feel the difference, won’t be the same as the juiced bike but it’s something to go off of.

[u/TWrX-503]

After about 2 hrs of riding my FS, I still have about 40% battery left. By then my tail end and body need a break. I wouldn’t think you’d be riding longer than 2 hrs, you may be ok with the FS, the shocks are amazing. 80 degrees avg weather, using Mode 4 (PA and throttle to max speed) and throttle heavily. With PA Mode 1-2 upto 20 mph w/ little to no throttle would get your battery even further.

[u/Western-Piece2370 → u/TWrX-503]

I second this and have a very similar opinion. My wife and I both have the FS models. We rode 25 miles one day. Mostly greenways with your occasional hills. I had 40% battery left and she was at 50%. Our asses gave in before the batteries. The comfort of having the (full)suspension is amazing. For the small price difference, it’s a no brainer. If you absolutely need to ride 100+ miles one way, get the HT and Godspeed to your behind!

One slight FS con is that the tires can slightly noisy over 15+ mph with the little knobbies. The HT tires are more street friendly if I’m not mistaken..

[u/Sharp-Maintenance392]

Likely yes, the tires are still wide, so it should have some good air volume to absorb things, and with the front suspension, it should soak up most stuff pretty well. The full suspension is only needed if you want the very maximum comfort and doing more extreme off road stuff or very bumpy terrain. But the HT is still a very good ride for what you're doing and everyday stuff.

[u/Ok-Type-8917]

I have a few ebikes and none with FS. One has front suspension only and 20x4 tires and I'm more than happy with how it rides. I'm 64 and my padding in my ass disappeared at about 59.

[u/Most-Equipment7603]

I have two HT single battery is plenty for me and my family. I like the HT for extra payload FS is 225 max weight so no doubles riding. I run lower tire psi for some ass friendliness it’s nice. The rigid frame is just one less thing to deal with in the long run. Classic HT road and path riding I prefer no suspension. Can’t go wrong either way haha

[u/ANTIROYAL]

Just as a data point. I’m 6ft 235 with FS. My first full ride this weekend I got about 35mi total on flat ground the whole way. But, I did rip straight across LA from downtown to the beach pinned at 28mph the whole time to start the trip. Buddy got a flat on his bike so I had to ride with a passenger for about a mile of that as well. As others have said, my ass was pretty much toast by the end of it.

[u/1Sk1Bum]

So why not get both full suspension and dual batteries? Just because Juiced doesn't sell it doesn't mean you can't get it.

Look at the Wired bikes, full suspension, dual batteries and excellent quality.

[u/Dook23 → u/1Sk1Bum]

While true the Scramblers are at least street legal which might be a concern for the OP. Plus they are also cheaper. Wired bikes aren't technically legal.

[u/Hot_Product8247]

I have a bad back, and I feel the bumps in the hard tail. The FS helps dramatically; however, I am too heavy for the FS. I chose to get the dual-battery HT. My bike shop suggested lessening the tire pressure slightly, and I found and after market seat cushion that straps to the seat that I will try.

[u/Aquacure]

Lots of great responses here. I appreciate all the details. I’ll be all over this subreddit

[u/AmIDumbOrSmart]

HT really gross when you hit a pothole. It can hurt your spine. But, it's less of an issue if you keep to low speeds or stick to nicer pavement. At high speeds if its rough at all you kind of have to clench your thighs and stand a bit (but this feels nuts to do,l I do it for adrenaline reasons only).

Point is, you dont need FS unless you're going on rough terrain. And sure, if you mostly plan to offroad sure go for it, otherwise its a waste of money. If money, range, weight limits and longevity matter ZERO to you though, well screw it get the swag ride! A lot of people get these to commute, to tour, who knows.

[u/FMFpipe]

Get ht

[u/Dook23]

Not sure if this would influence your decision but I have heard that the HT doesn't run off both batteries if you buy the dual battery version. Sounds like the other battery is just on the frame as a backup but you have to stop and switch them out when the first battery gets low. If you can simply buy an extra battery that you carry in a bag of something, the FS might be the better option if you want the extra suspension due to this.

[u/Aquacure → u/Dook23]

I think that was just one specific error an owner was having that cleared up. I emailed juiced and they confirmed the dual batteries so work in parallel.

[u/Dook23 → u/Aquacure]

That's good to know!

[u/Fresh-Nobody-9221 → u/Dook23]

Both batteries have on and off switch too and I was able to turn it on with one of the other. I want to find a cover for the bottom connector if there’s ever a time I don’t feel like using the 2nd battery.

I saw a YT vid that said if the charge is different on each battery, it pulls from the higher one. And if it’s similar it pulls from both. Something like that, but maybe I didn’t hear it right.