Originally Posted by
Stealthammer
He's probably referring to the lockout on modern suspension forks, but even with the lockout the rider with the modern suspension forks would be dragging an extra 2-3 pounds of dead weight, so my guess is that on the climb the rider with the rigid for would have the advantage, but on the full course the rider with the modern suspension forks would have the advantage.
I wasn't referring to lockouts at all; I don't believe in them. I'm a huge fan of active suspension in almost any situation that is actual mountain biking.
What I was saying actually is that test after test on a loop course that is actual trails (not fireroads or gravel paths), the modern suspension bike will turn in faster lap times under the same rider. That goes for most moderate-to-rough singletrack climbs as well. Why? - - because an active suspension will keep the tire planted on the earth better and give superior traction.
The only disadvantage has been in people's heads, especially old-skool hardtail die-hards, because they cannot wrap their heads past the perceived notion that some of their pedalling energy is being 'wasted' by the motion of the suspension.