so I have been a full sus lover since 2003 and my quiver is always 80% FS to 20% HT

So when I think about my next bike I allways rule out hard tails.  However….

I do love my hardtails for their climbing prowess and efficiency, but of course when I hit the rough stuff its harder work than FS.

I have never had a tire bigger than 2.4 and I still think that 2.4 is MASSIVE.

So I would like your learned opinions on is this:

3inch tires on a 27.5+ hard tail – would provide the control and comfort of an old 80mm Suspension frame?

What terrain are you riding? Are you more bothered about going up than down?

Fire roads – muddy rutted, cracked byeways (think clay and flint – fast in the summer but slippery when wet).

Going Down I dont like to use brakes and I am happiest at 30-40mph

Going up is important to – I am not a spinner and if I can get up in big ring, I will (yes all my bike has triple chainsets on them)

Whichever one has the largest capacity battery.

30-40mpg ? That’s not really mountain biking though?

Yep 44T big ring and 11T rear spins out at about 32MPH

you wont know what I am talking about if you have only ever ridden a 1X

Lets phrase the question differently:

Can I hit a kerb square on, seated on a 3″ tire HT and expect the tire to soak it up just like Rear suspension would?

Sort of … but it will be un-damped …

But running a triple or double chain set with a 3 inch tyre might be a challenge

I shouldn’t be on this thread. I’m currently pondering if I should build up a transition vanquish, or get a giant tcr disc or start looking at gravel bikes.

Might be easier to just not bother and try and ride what I have more often.

Can I hit a kerb square on, seated on a 3″ tire HT and expect the tire to soak it up just like Rear suspension would?

Absolutely, but make sure you film it to show others.