Mountain Biking - Which Bikes Come with Lock Out Forks

I was at the LBS last weekend and was introduced to "lock out" forks...at least I think that's what their called. What $400-$500 bikes come with lockout forks? The salesguy explained that I could "lockout" the fork and have it be like a rigid, in essence, for city riding or when I didn't need the suspension. Is this correct? I can get a 2008 Cannondale F6 for a good deal, but it doesn't have this type of fork I don't think. If the deal is really good(I think for like $300) should I just buy an aftermarket fork that does have this feature? Also looking at Giant Rincon, don't know if the 09's have this feature either. I've got a Marin now, but may swap out parts, or just sell it.

manufactures generally spec lockout or not in their spec sheets. if the spec sheet does not say lockout then assume no lockout fork. you could just goto the shop and ask the people working about the bikes.

you don't really need a lockout

+1 I use my lockout only when. . . Oh wait, I never use it. IMO, lockout is one of those things like a gear display on the shifter, it isnt needed, but the industry said it was.

If you know how to sprint correctly you don't need a lock out at all.

Lock out is nice, but not enough of a reason to buy one bike or another.

Lock out is nice, but not enough of a reason to buy one bike or another.

+1

i don't really notice a difference if it's locked out (unless i'm on the trail!). any gains of lockout on the road are quickly lost by the rolling resistance of the tires.

if you're commuting, you won't want a mountain bike. tires are too fat. if you drop to skinnies, they'll be too skinny for mountain biking ... in most situations.

there is zero need for a lock out..why bother...NO REASON....If youfind you need lock out I dare say why have a shock at all???:lol::lol:

The 09 Hardrock I picked up had a fork with a lockout.It was some sort of Suntour. I dropped about 3 pounds off the bike when I got it home and changed that fork. A POS fork witha lockout is still a POS fork.

I just looked at two that had them but both bikes were in the 700 range. Gary Fisher Marlin and a Specialized Myka Elite

I have a Tora 318 that has a lock out on it, but frankly after the novelty wore off (about 3 days ago, which is one week after I bought the fork) I never used it. That said, I only ride my mtn. bike on trails and occasionally on shorter distance commutes. The majority of my commuting takes place on a road bike.
I guess if it was my only bike, then the lock out option would be nice but luckily, I don't have to make that concession.

I like and use my lock out feature frequently (not just on pavement either). I wish it had a remote like some other bikes though.

I use lockout on the trail for certain climbs but could live without it. If you're trail riding, there are more important specs to consider, especially in that price range. I may use it more than others because I'm just so used to rigid bikes.