Light weight FS vs. light weight hard tail
I ride a Specialized light weight M2 FS - it is old now, love it love it! It is very rocky where I live.
When I moved here, I rode a Klein (made in USA) aluminum, stiff, stiff, stiff hard tail (with a front suspension fork). VERY LIGHT WEIGHT.
Even with the big weight difference, I can ride more uphill on my FS. Why? Because the traction is better with a FS and the bike doesn't get deflected at every bump and rock so you go straight, don't bounce around an stick to the ground better! I didn't understand that part of the FS thing until I rode one and now I wouldn't go back for anything
jan