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How often do you use suspension fork lockout?
#1
I recently did my whole commute without switching on the suspension fork lockout - forgot that it even exists. Made me think about how other MTB riders use lockout functioj. When do you switch it on/off? I have a remote handlebar lockout switch and I find it very handy during performance rides
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#2
Hey. I have lockout mostly switched on in the city (especially, when I'm in a hurry), but it depends on the road quality. Some stretches and areas have poor quality roads and there is no other choice but to have the lockout switched off. The handlebar switch is really useful when you're on a training ride or event, I agree Smile Otherwise, I have had lockout without the switch and felt no need to have one when commuting or on a pleasure ride.
Merida Scultura 5000 (2015)
Merida Big Nine 400 (2019)
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#3
Just at skateparks or really well made, hard pack dirt jumps
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#4
Funny, I never think about this much, but really used to on lower travel. I ride a 170mm front 150mm back enduro. My rear Rock shock coil has no lockout, and now thinking about it I never use the front when climbing either.

On shorter travel bikes, I used to, but lacking a handlebar switch, I sometimes forget to click it off before heading downhill. That led me to stop using it and when I moved onto the new bike I had forgotten its use entirely.

Now I just use my suspension to my pedalling advantage, probably a big aspect is I ride logging roads and trails with ups and downs so some cush is always nice up or down.

Now I'm thinking I will experiment again, and see what kind of climbing advantage I can get from the front lockout
Enjoy the Ride!
Scott
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#5
I used to constantly turn it on and off but nowadays I just keep it on since I saw a study where the difference in time and effort (heart rate and power) where negligible of the lockout was turned on or off so since seeing the study I just kwpt it on at all times. Hope this helps
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#6
(06-20-2021, 09:53 AM)BaBaBiker Wrote:  I recently did my whole commute without switching on the suspension fork lockout - forgot that it even exists. Made me think about how other MTB riders use lockout functioj. When do you switch it on/off? I have a remote handlebar lockout switch and I find it very handy during performance rides

Honestly, I don't use my suspension fork lockout all that often either. Sometimes I totally forget it's even there, especially on chill rides. But when I'm hitting up some smoother trails or need to crank up the speed on flats, I'll switch it on. That remote handlebar lockout sounds super convenient for quick adjustments!
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#7
This is an interesting topic. It's definitely something I've not given much thought to in the last few years. When I got my Giant Reign dual, I played around with both suspensions and, to be honest, didn't notice a major difference.

I ride many dirt hills in my area, and have set the shocks to hard, does make it a little easier to climb.

On Flatter tracks, set it in the middle.
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