The primary difference between front and full suspension is the type of shock absorption each provides. Front suspension, also known as hardtail, utilizes a single shock at the front of the bike, while full suspension has shocks at both the front and rear.
Front suspension helps to absorb small bumps in the terrain, which makes riding over rougher terrain easier on your body and reduces fatigue. Full suspension absorbs impact from bigger bumps and can provide much more control over the bike.
Other differences include the complexity of maintenance, cost and weight. Front suspension requires less maintenance and is generally less expensive and lighter than full suspension. Full suspension requires more maintenance and is generally heavier and more expensive.
Overall, front suspension is great for a more casual ride, while full suspension is necessary for more advanced downhill riding and high-intensity riding. For more information, you can read this article from REI which provides an in-depth comparison of the two types of suspensions: https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/full-suspension-bicycle.html.
