Lockout or...no lockout?
 

In my thread below you'll see I'm inquiring about a MTB for my kid. Well, we got that settled, so now it's my turn;)
I currently have a road bike, and it's just not good for tooling around with junior. Originally I was looking at hybrids like the Kona Splice, but now I'm thinking, I've already got a road bike, so why not get an actual mountain bike. We live near tons of great trails and fire roads, we go car camping a lot and can take bikes, etc. That said, this thing will still see plenty of pavement use.
I'm looking in the $500-600 range and finding that a lockout on the suspension seems to come with the higher priced bikes. Do I don't need it? My guess is it'll really be a benefit on the street, but I have no experience. Have only done a couple very brief test rides(will continue to do more), and never owned a bike w/suspension before. Any 2 cents appreciated.

I don't think it matters either way. One of my bikes has lockout, and I never use it because I honestly don't think I lose all that much power. On the other bike, I ditched a cheap fork that had cheap lockout (that didn't even do a good job locking out the fork) with a fork with no lockout, and I don't miss it. If you're going to get suspension, may as well use it, right?

Are you talking about full or just front suspension?

Just front--I'm looking at 29" hardtails like the Specialized Hardrock, Kona Lava Dome, Trek X-Caliber, etc. (at least that's what I've stumbled upon so far at my LBS's)

I personally can tell the difference but it may be the trails around here as we can go from really rocky to smooth single track quickly. Sometimes I'll forget to lock it after hitting smooth patch and once I do to me it feels much more responsive.

I don't own this brand but when I'm in the market I'll be looking at these:

http://www.airbornebicycles.com/prod...dian-29er.aspx

The Guardian is $599 and comes with a lot of good stuff including a locking fork.

That does look good. But being such a noob, I'm a little wary of ordering a bike online. I suppose after more test rides I might feel comfortable doing that.

I have a nice Scott with lockouts front and rear. I can notice the difference when the fork is locked out and I am climbing. The rear is a huge difference and the front, not that important.

I like REI.com outlet for ordering New In box, prior year bikes and clothing. There is only one men's bike at this time and it is priced above where you are talking. But it is a decent bike for the price.

http://www.rei.com/product/844740/ca...sl-2-bike-2013

Good luckon getting a good bike and enjoying the outdoors with your son. I think the choice of a mountain bike is a IMMENSELY better option than a Hybrid. Sounds like you will soon be converted to the dark side of biking!

Don't overlook Airborne - they may be online only, but the customer service is excellent. People bawk at this approach, but you will get the most bang for your buck doing so.

The Airborne Guardian would be good, and the BikesDirect.com Gravity 29point3 is on sale now for $599 including shipping and has slightly better fork (with lockout) and other components I have a 29point3, and have really liked it.

I like to us lockout on pavement and for sometimes for longer climbs, but usually don't use the lockout while I'm on the trails.