theiving scumbags took me from 2 bikes to one…
They knicked my hardtail that did me for racing and local rides and left me with my 5 inch full sus, that was OK for ages, but as I was doing a few races at the time but was short of cash I sold the sus frame and bought another hardtail frame as I was never going to get a pass for trailcentres or the Alps for ages anyhow, but if a trip to Wales had come up I would have still been quite well covered….
so was still at 1 bike, and it was fine for everything & I was and happy, then the unthinkable happened and I got a pass for an Alps trip… bugger the do it all full sus now gone and a Lightwieght hardtail instead.. So built up a 6 inch travel bike just for the alps and trailcentres and stuff..
In answer if your going to have 1 bike make it a medium sort of travel full sus, light enough for XC racing, Enduros etc but heavy enough for a little bigger stuff… OK you dont need sus for trailcentres but I find it prefereable, but if you have any trips to do up a proper mountain you will enjoy it more with suspension.