Do I really want a hardtail?

[RRS_Staffs]

Its cycle to work time again at work

I have always resisted as strangely I am grown up enough to realise that I dont need another bike
Apologies for that and I know it makes me feel old

The current fleet is:

Hardcore roadie
4 year old full suss MTB - which works great but needs major tlc and £££ through the winter
Scuddy commuter

The sensible option is a Roadrat to commute on, however the old decommissioned MTB fits the role just fine and is horrid enough to be safely left outside work on the grounds that the tea leaves round here have more dignity than to nick it

So what to buy?
Naturally I dont 'need' a bike however the scheme is a stupendous bonus for cyclists and will surely end soon
Id hate to miss out on ££££ off a bike

A crosser has always appealed but Im still not sure

A hardtail appeals to the purist in me but Im just not sure if I could go back to one after the FS
Have any of you done this?

My local shop is "flexible" enough to flog me a Cotic Soul frame and some bits and still sneak under the ride to work budget
If not a Soul then something similar

Whos gone from FS to HT and can tell me how its been?
Or who's got a Soul and what do you reckon?

Thanks

[pdV6]

I've recently been FS - HT - FS due to breakage and nickage and I'd dearly love to have a quality HT to sit beside the FS.

[Steve UK]

Hi,

I have a Cotic Soul, a Commencal Meta5 and Supreme mini dh all of them great but for a winter bike which I also have a spare set of wheels with Specialised fat boys on for road work its brilliant.

No problems going from fs to hardtail, As said I keep my fs bikes for summer use as the bad weather knackers them quick and also they are harder to keep clean.

I also enjoy it as much as my fs bikes, one of the best hartails around, good choice.

Edited by Steve UK on Friday 12th February 12:49