Is a full suspension bike better?
The two main advantages of a full suspension bike are comfort and traction. As the rear wheel conforms to the trail by tracking over the bumps the ride is much smoother and more comfortable on a full sus MTB. This is most noticeable when sitting in the saddle or when standing up in the pedals on very rough ground. The downsides of full suspension mountain bikes are pretty obvious, they are heavier than hardtails and more complicated, meaning they require more complex, more regular maintenance to keep them running at their best.