If you’ve ever been on a mountain bike, you know that riding efficiency can make or break your day.
Suspension lockout is one of those features that sounds fancy but, when used correctly, can elevate your biking experience.
Let me share what I’ve learned about it, when it’s helpful, and when it’s best to leave it off.
Key Highlights
- Engage suspension lockout for smooth climbs, pavement rides, and sprints to reduce pedal bob and maximize energy transfer.
- Avoid lockout on technical climbs, descents, and rough trails to maintain control, traction, and comfort.
- Modern bikes often minimize pedal bob; adjust settings and experiment to find what works for your terrain and preferences.
- Anticipate trail changes, learn your lockout mechanism, and use it strategically for optimal performance.
What Suspension Lockout Does
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Most mountain bikes come equipped with suspension systems to soften bumps and jolts from uneven terrain. This gives you better control and a smoother ride.
However, there are times when that suspension can work against you, especially when you’re pedaling hard or riding on smooth surfaces.
When your suspension moves under pedaling forces, it’s called pedal bob. It can sap your energy and make pedaling feel less efficient. That’s where lockout comes in.
With a quick adjustment, you can stiffen or completely lock the suspension, turning your bike into a more rigid, road-like machine. Sounds great, right? It is—but only in the right situations.
When Lockout Makes Sense
1. Climbing on Smooth Terrain
Climbing on smooth fire roads or well-packed trails can feel like a grind if your suspension is soaking up your pedaling power.
By locking out the suspension, your bike stays firm underfoot, letting you transfer more energy directly to the wheels. I’ve found this especially handy during long, steady climbs where efficiency is key.
2. Riding on Pavement
Ever ridden on a paved road between trails and felt like your bike was “spongy”? That’s your suspension working against you. Engaging the lockout here transforms your mountain bike into a road-like ride—firmer, snappier, and much more efficient.
3. Sprinting for Speed
If you’re racing or trying to squeeze every ounce of speed out of your bike, lockout can make a noticeable difference. It eliminates pedal bob, allowing every bit of your effort to propel you forward.
When Lockout Can Work Against You
1. Technical Climbs
On steep, rocky, or root-laden ascents, suspension is your best choice. Keeping it active helps your tires stay glued to the ground, giving you better traction and control.
Locking out your suspension in these situations could leave you slipping and sliding—frustrating at best and dangerous at worst.
2. Descending
When gravity’s pulling you downhill, active suspension is essential. It absorbs impacts, keeps your bike stable, and reduces the risk of crashing.
Locking out on a descent can lead to a harsh ride and sketchy handling, so make sure your suspension is active before you point your bike downhill.
3. Rough or Rooted Trails
Trails with rocks, roots, and obstacles demand a suspension system that works with you, not against you.
Locking it out in these scenarios can result in a jarring ride and a loss of control. Trust me, you don’t want to feel like you’re wrestling your bike down the trail.
Factors That Affect Lockout Decisions
Your Bike’s Suspension Design
Modern bikes often come with suspension systems designed to minimize pedal bob without needing a lockout. If your bike is newer, you might find you don’t use lockout as much because the suspension is already efficient.
Personal Preferences
Some riders love the feel of a locked-out bike for climbing, while others prioritize traction and comfort. Personally, I like to experiment.
Trying out different settings on familiar trails can help you figure out what works best for you.
Bike Setup
Before relying heavily on lockout, make sure your suspension is properly set up. Adjust the sag and rebound to suit your weight and riding style.
Practical Tips for Using Lockout
1. Plan Ahead
Anticipate trail conditions. If a smooth climb is coming up, engage the lockout beforehand. Don’t wait until you’re mid-climb and losing momentum.
Similarly, unlock your suspension before hitting technical or downhill sections.
2. Get Familiar with Your Bike
Practice using the lockout mechanism on flat, safe terrain so you can engage and disengage it quickly without fumbling.
3. Pay Attention to Feedback
How does your bike feel locked out versus fully active? Tuning into this feedback will help you decide when to use the feature and when to skip it.
Special Features to Consider
Remote Lockout
Some bikes come with a remote lockout lever, usually mounted on the handlebar. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference. Switching modes becomes quick and seamless, allowing you to adapt to changing terrain without stopping.
Suspension Type and Travel
The type of bike you’re riding matters:
- Cross-Country Bikes: With shorter suspension travel (80-120mm), these bikes are designed for efficiency, and lockout can be a regular part of your routine.
- Trail and Enduro Bikes: With more travel (120-160mm or more), lockout becomes less essential since the suspension is built to handle rougher terrain efficiently.
Varied Terrain
Mountain biking rarely involves just one type of terrain. If your ride includes a mix of smooth sections and technical trails, the constant switching between lockout and active suspension can get tedious. In those cases, it might be better to leave your suspension active and focus on the ride.
Wrapping It All Up
Suspension lockout is one of those features that can make a noticeable difference when used wisely. It’s perfect for smooth climbs, pavement rides, and sprints, but it’s best avoided on technical climbs, descents, or rough trails.
The key is to know your bike, experiment with the lockout feature, and figure out what suits your riding style. At the end of the day, mountain biking is about finding joy on the trail.
If you’re locking out for a fast climb or letting your suspension soak up bumps on a rugged descent, the most important thing is that you’re having fun.
