Remote Lockout Front Shocks: Are we there yet?

[(Pete Cresswell)]

I've got a 'zoc Pro/Eta right now and I actually do find the sort-of lockout
useful on long climbs.

But there's a PITA factor in forgetting to unlock it at the crest of the hill
and then wondering why the bike doesn't feel right going down the other side.
"Just reach down...." sure, but it would be a lot nicer to have a thumb switch
on the bars.

I think I could also go for a total lockout at full fork extension instead of
just dropping the fork down an inch and making it a little stiffer.

Seems like the industry is in more rapid change than usual in this area.
Starting with the Manitou black that could be adjusted but had the adjuster at
the bottom of the stanction to my zoc, which adjusts at the top but doesnt lock
out all the way, to the several offerings I see now with remote adjustment and
all kinds of claims.... seems like everybody's scrambling to get on the
bandwagon right now.

So, bottom line, are there any fully-adjustable/remote-adjustable shocks out
there yet that work, don't fail if locked out too often, whose seals don't fail
too often, and which the user can service without special tools?
--
PeteCresswell

 

[NeXuS]

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've got a 'zoc Pro/Eta right now and I actually do find the sort-of
> lockout
> useful on long climbs.
>
> But there's a PITA factor in forgetting to unlock it at the crest of the
> hill
> and then wondering why the bike doesn't feel right going down the other
> side.
> "Just reach down...." sure, but it would be a lot nicer to have a thumb
> switch
> on the bars.
>
> I think I could also go for a total lockout at full fork extension instead
> of
> just dropping the fork down an inch and making it a little stiffer.
>
> Seems like the industry is in more rapid change than usual in this area.
> Starting with the Manitou black that could be adjusted but had the
> adjuster at
> the bottom of the stanction to my zoc, which adjusts at the top but doesnt
> lock
> out all the way, to the several offerings I see now with remote adjustment
> and
> all kinds of claims.... seems like everybody's scrambling to get on the
> bandwagon right now.
>
> So, bottom line, are there any fully-adjustable/remote-adjustable shocks
> out
> there yet that work, don't fail if locked out too often, whose seals don't
> fail
> too often, and which the user can service without special tools?
> --
> PeteCresswell

Didn't Cannondale have those computer lock-out thingys? If I remember
correctly, it'd work on both the front and back shocks.

 

[NeXuS]

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've got a 'zoc Pro/Eta right now and I actually do find the sort-of
> lockout
> useful on long climbs.
>
> But there's a PITA factor in forgetting to unlock it at the crest of the
> hill
> and then wondering why the bike doesn't feel right going down the other
> side.
> "Just reach down...." sure, but it would be a lot nicer to have a thumb
> switch
> on the bars.
>
> I think I could also go for a total lockout at full fork extension instead
> of
> just dropping the fork down an inch and making it a little stiffer.
>
> Seems like the industry is in more rapid change than usual in this area.
> Starting with the Manitou black that could be adjusted but had the
> adjuster at
> the bottom of the stanction to my zoc, which adjusts at the top but doesnt
> lock
> out all the way, to the several offerings I see now with remote adjustment
> and
> all kinds of claims.... seems like everybody's scrambling to get on the
> bandwagon right now.
>
> So, bottom line, are there any fully-adjustable/remote-adjustable shocks
> out
> there yet that work, don't fail if locked out too often, whose seals don't
> fail
> too often, and which the user can service without special tools?
> --
> PeteCresswell

Didn't Cannondale have those computer lock-out thingys? If I remember
correctly, it'd work on both the front and back shocks.

 

[NeXuS]

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've got a 'zoc Pro/Eta right now and I actually do find the sort-of
> lockout
> useful on long climbs.
>
> But there's a PITA factor in forgetting to unlock it at the crest of the
> hill
> and then wondering why the bike doesn't feel right going down the other
> side.
> "Just reach down...." sure, but it would be a lot nicer to have a thumb
> switch
> on the bars.
>
> I think I could also go for a total lockout at full fork extension instead
> of
> just dropping the fork down an inch and making it a little stiffer.
>
> Seems like the industry is in more rapid change than usual in this area.
> Starting with the Manitou black that could be adjusted but had the
> adjuster at
> the bottom of the stanction to my zoc, which adjusts at the top but doesnt
> lock
> out all the way, to the several offerings I see now with remote adjustment
> and
> all kinds of claims.... seems like everybody's scrambling to get on the
> bandwagon right now.
>
> So, bottom line, are there any fully-adjustable/remote-adjustable shocks
> out
> there yet that work, don't fail if locked out too often, whose seals don't
> fail
> too often, and which the user can service without special tools?
> --
> PeteCresswell

Didn't Cannondale have those computer lock-out thingys? If I remember
correctly, it'd work on both the front and back shocks.

 

[NeXuS]

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I've got a 'zoc Pro/Eta right now and I actually do find the sort-of
> lockout
> useful on long climbs.
>
> But there's a PITA factor in forgetting to unlock it at the crest of the
> hill
> and then wondering why the bike doesn't feel right going down the other
> side.
> "Just reach down...." sure, but it would be a lot nicer to have a thumb
> switch
> on the bars.
>
> I think I could also go for a total lockout at full fork extension instead
> of
> just dropping the fork down an inch and making it a little stiffer.
>
> Seems like the industry is in more rapid change than usual in this area.
> Starting with the Manitou black that could be adjusted but had the
> adjuster at
> the bottom of the stanction to my zoc, which adjusts at the top but doesnt
> lock
> out all the way, to the several offerings I see now with remote adjustment
> and
> all kinds of claims.... seems like everybody's scrambling to get on the
> bandwagon right now.
>
> So, bottom line, are there any fully-adjustable/remote-adjustable shocks
> out
> there yet that work, don't fail if locked out too often, whose seals don't
> fail
> too often, and which the user can service without special tools?
> --
> PeteCresswell

Didn't Cannondale have those computer lock-out thingys? If I remember
correctly, it'd work on both the front and back shocks.

 

[Coyoteboy]

yeah. but they had all sorts of issues with water/vibration killing
them. Personally i used to forget to unlock my rear shock until I blew
the seals on it because I did a 3 foot drop with it locked, the cost of
getting a new shock is an amazing motivator in remembering to do things


J

 

[NeXuS]

"Coyoteboy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> yeah. but they had all sorts of issues with water/vibration killing
> them. Personally i used to forget to unlock my rear shock until I blew
> the seals on it because I did a 3 foot drop with it locked, the cost of
> getting a new shock is an amazing motivator in remembering to do things
>
>
> J
>
That lot I never heard about. As for that drop.... OUCH!

 

[Coyoteboy]

The 'loads' of issues are probably vastly exaggerated, as with most
product shortcomings, by people like me saying 'i hear they are useless
cos....' I should learn to phrase things better lol.

In second answer to the top comment, it shouldnt be hard at all for a
manufacturer to come up with a remote lockout, but its how many people
want it? I know i dont, but i know some would - they've probably asked
about a bit and found that although it annoys the hell out of some
people, most dont really care.

J

 

[Shaun aRe]

"Coyoteboy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> The 'loads' of issues are probably vastly exaggerated, as with most
> product shortcomings, by people like me saying 'i hear they are useless
> cos....' I should learn to phrase things better lol.
>
> In second answer to the top comment, it shouldnt be hard at all for a
> manufacturer to come up with a remote lockout, but its how many people
> want it? I know i dont, but i know some would - they've probably asked
> about a bit and found that although it annoys the hell out of some
> people, most dont really care.

Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of all the
lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork tops, similar
on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to for leg, cable end to
lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter to the bars to do this?



Shaun 'improvise' aRe

 

[(Pete Cresswell)]

Per Shaun aRe:
>Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of all the
>lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork tops, similar
>on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to for leg, cable end to
>lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter to the bars to do this?

It's being done done now. Reba, for one.
--
PeteCresswell

 

[Shaun aRe]

"(Pete Cresswell)" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Per Shaun aRe:
> >Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of all the
> >lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork tops,
similar
> >on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to for leg, cable end to
> >lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter to the bars to do this?
>
> It's being done done now. Reba, for one.

There ya go then, see? - WTF was all the fuss about then eh? ',;~}~





Shaun aRe

 

[Tim]

In article <[email protected]>, Shaun aRe wrote:
>
> "Coyoteboy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>> The 'loads' of issues are probably vastly exaggerated, as with most
>> product shortcomings, by people like me saying 'i hear they are useless
>> cos....' I should learn to phrase things better lol.
>>
>> In second answer to the top comment, it shouldnt be hard at all for a
>> manufacturer to come up with a remote lockout, but its how many people
>> want it? I know i dont, but i know some would - they've probably asked
>> about a bit and found that although it annoys the hell out of some
>> people, most dont really care.
>
> Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of all the
> lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork tops, similar
> on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to for leg, cable end to
> lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter to the bars to do this?
>
>
>
> Shaun 'improvise' aRe
>
>

The remote lockout for my forks (Pace RC36) is sort of like
that- a little thumb lever on the bars. I've found it very handy to be
able to flick the lockout on & off with both hands on the bars rather
than groping for the tops of the legs while riding.

https://www.pacecycles.com/product.asp?catID=2&subcat=3 and if
anyvody's interested their sale page has them for £299.
--
Tim.

 

[Shaun aRe]

"Tim" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> In article <[email protected]>, Shaun aRe wrote:
> >
> > "Coyoteboy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> >> The 'loads' of issues are probably vastly exaggerated, as with most
> >> product shortcomings, by people like me saying 'i hear they are useless
> >> cos....' I should learn to phrase things better lol.
> >>
> >> In second answer to the top comment, it shouldnt be hard at all for a
> >> manufacturer to come up with a remote lockout, but its how many people
> >> want it? I know i dont, but i know some would - they've probably asked
> >> about a bit and found that although it annoys the hell out of some
> >> people, most dont really care.
> >
> > Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of all
the
> > lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork tops,
similar
> > on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to for leg, cable end
to
> > lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter to the bars to do this?
> >
> >
> >
> > Shaun 'improvise' aRe
> >
> >
>
> The remote lockout for my forks (Pace RC36) is sort of like
> that- a little thumb lever on the bars. I've found it very handy to be
> able to flick the lockout on & off with both hands on the bars rather
> than groping for the tops of the legs while riding.
>
> https://www.pacecycles.com/product.asp?catID=2&subcat=3 and if
> anyvody's interested their sale page has them for £299.

See? - I already knew I was smart.

',;~}~


Shaun aRe

 

[Phil, Squid-in-Training]

Tim wrote:
> In article <[email protected]>, Shaun aRe wrote:
>>
>> "Coyoteboy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:[email protected]...
>>> The 'loads' of issues are probably vastly exaggerated, as with most
>>> product shortcomings, by people like me saying 'i hear they are
>>> useless cos....' I should learn to phrase things better lol.
>>>
>>> In second answer to the top comment, it shouldnt be hard at all for
>>> a manufacturer to come up with a remote lockout, but its how many
>>> people want it? I know i dont, but i know some would - they've
>>> probably asked about a bit and found that although it annoys the
>>> hell out of some people, most dont really care.
>>
>> Surely it's an easy set-up to make for oneself? Most at least, of
>> all the lock-outs I've seen have just been little levers on the fork
>> tops, similar on rear shocks - how hard to attach a cable stop to
>> for leg, cable end to lever end, and an old friction thumb shifter
>> to the bars to do this?
>>
>>
>>
>> Shaun 'improvise' aRe
>>
>>
>
> The remote lockout for my forks (Pace RC36) is sort of like
> that- a little thumb lever on the bars. I've found it very handy to be
> able to flick the lockout on & off with both hands on the bars rather
> than groping for the tops of the legs while riding.
>
> https://www.pacecycles.com/product.asp?catID=2&subcat=3 and if
> anyvody's interested their sale page has them for £299.

A remote lockout for 299 pounds?!?!?! You can get an entire fork for that
kind of money
--
Phil, Squid-in-Training

 

[Mike DeMicco]

My '05 Fisher Sugar 292 has a RockShox Reba fork that has what is called
a PopLoc Adjust remote on the handlebar. A flick of the thumb, and the
fork is locked out, push a button, and it is not. It's a soft lockout
(the fork still moves a little, and there is a floodgate valve which
opens on harder hits, so you can't blow the shock if it's locked out).
You can also adjust the fork compression on the fly via the same
handlebar mount (that's the adjust part). See the RockShox website and
download the manual for the Reba for further info. The only time I use
the lockout is if I'm on pavement or climbing out of the saddle.

My Cannondale with Headshok also has a knob on the top of the headtube
to lock out the fork. They've had this for many years.

--
Mike DeMicco <[email protected]>

 

[(Pete Cresswell)]

Per Mike DeMicco:
>It's a soft lockout
>(the fork still moves a little, and there is a floodgate valve which
>opens on harder hits, so you can't blow the shock if it's locked out).

IMHO, that's the key feature I'm looking for before I spring for a remote
lockout.
--
PeteCresswell

 

[(Pete Cresswell)]

Per Chris Phillipo:
>I prefer the ECC method

That's what I have now - works, but I'm getting tired of reaching down there to
enable/disable it. Sounds trivial, but after cresting a hill, and starting to
hammer down, I don't feel very safe reaching down and fiddling with the lever.
--
PeteCresswell