Originally Posted by
snafu21
modern front suspension and that also depends on the fork preload settings, fork rebound settings, spring rate
You're talking about high end forks,we're talking about low-to-mid level bikes that the OP is interested in.
Originally Posted by
snafu21
MTB's tend to run low to medium pressures on fat, high rolling resistance, tall tyres
We're talking about street riding,not trail riding. Many street riders run 'slicks',which are very different from dirt knobbies.
Originally Posted by
snafu21
Dive on braking is not a safety issue. It occurs on every vehicle
Again,we're not talking about MTB's with high end bits,we're talking about street machines with more pogo stick components. And it does not occur on rigid bikes. Also,brake dive can be a safety issue. Most MTB'rs don't have to worry about a car try to left hook them in an intersection on a steep hill while traveling 25+mph. I do all the time.
Originally Posted by
snafu21
and increases downforce on the road, and therefore increases grip. Suspension reduces tyre bounce, keeps the tyre on the road, and increases grip where this would otherwise decrease due to rebound. Grip is usually taken as the multiple of the downforce and the co-efficient of friction between the two surfaces. Bounce = less contact = less grip. Weight transfer (dive) is essential.
If dive was that essential,then why did every major motorcycle manufacturer in the '80's come up with a system to combat it? Why do Beemers have Telelever front ends?
Originally Posted by
snafu21
It's also a pain in the ass if it doesn't get used as there's one more rusting cable to replace every year. The cable connection to the fork is also fiddly (on the Suntours) and covers get lost. I have it, but could easily live without it.
And again,most of the lower/mid level MTB's that see commuting duty don't have remote lockouts. This argument is moot.
Originally Posted by
snafu21
There's a user discussion
here: Fork lockout doesn't get used much.
Wiki:
'The problems of pedal bob and brake jack began to be solved in the early 1990s.'
Especially on the lighter frames and oil damped forks we have now.
"Fork dive, and brake squat are not important enough, or even relevant enough, to obsess over." MTB magazine.
And one last time,we're not talking about MTBing,we're talking about street riding. Locking your suspension to climb a hill can be a big deal when you have to go from MacArther Blvd to Ward Circle to get home from work every day.