Which Bikes Come with Lock Out Forks
#1
Southern Grrl
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 86
Bikes: Marin Hawk Hill, Trek 800
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: boston, ma
Posts: 2,896
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 9 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
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.
#3
unofficial roadie
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Out in the woods you see
Posts: 1,440
Bikes: 2004 Marin bobcat trail, 2006 trek fuel ex7, 2007 iron horse road bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
you don't really need a lockout
#4
****** (can I say this?)
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: CO
Posts: 1,900
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
+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.
Last edited by ca7erham; 08-16-08 at 08:25 AM.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Waterloo, ONT
Posts: 1,417
Bikes: Road: Trek 1.5 (2007). Mountain: Santa Cruz Chameleon (2008). Beater: Peugeot Recorde du Monde (1850)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: NWNJ
Posts: 3,704
Bikes: Road bike is a Carbon Bianchi C2C & Grandis (1980's), Gary Fisher Mt Bike, Trek Tandem & Mongoose SS MTB circa 1992.
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 722 Post(s)
Liked 353 Times
in
226 Posts
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???
#9
Old School Rad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: The old Mountains
Posts: 8,206
Bikes: Blur LT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.
__________________
Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 138
Bikes: Gary Fisher Marlin GS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I just looked at two that had them but both bikes were in the 700 range. Gary Fisher Marlin and a Specialized Myka Elite
#11
That's disgusting!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Winnipeg MB
Posts: 298
Bikes: 2007 Giant TCR, Frankenbike Mtn. bike that I built to my own spec., 1987 Peugot PB 16 fixed gear conversion
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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 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.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,693
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
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.