suh-spen-shuhn fawrk lok-awt
suspension, fork, lockout
A feature of a bicycle fork that allows the rider to lock out the suspension, making it rigid.
Example usage: 'My mountain bike has a suspension fork lockout for when I'm riding on the road.'
Most used in: Mountain biking and cyclo-cross.
Most used by: Mountain bikers, cyclo-cross racers, and commuters.
Popularity: 8/10
Comedy Value: 3/10
Also see: Fork lockout, Suspension lockout, Lockout lever, Lockout switch,
What is a Suspension Fork Lockout?
A suspension fork lockout is a feature found on many modern bicycles. It is a mechanism used to lock out the suspension fork, which is the part of the bike that absorbs the shock of bumps and obstacles on the road. This feature is especially useful for cyclists who prefer to ride on smoother surfaces, such as pavement, as it prevents the suspension from being used unnecessarily, which can reduce the amount of energy wasted on an uphill climb.
The lockout works by closing off the dampening valves in the fork, which prevents oil from flowing through the suspension, effectively locking it out. The lockout can be activated manually or with a lever on the handlebar, depending on the type of bike and the preferences of the rider. This feature can be especially helpful for cyclists who often ride in areas with varying terrain, as it allows them to quickly and easily adjust the suspension based on the terrain they are encountering.
According to a survey of cyclists conducted by the National Bicycle Dealers Association, nearly 70% of cyclists have a suspension fork lockout on their bike, and nearly half of those who have the feature use it regularly. This indicates that the suspension fork lockout is a popular and useful feature for cyclists of all kinds.
.Exploring the Origin of the Term 'Suspension Fork Lockout'
The term 'suspension fork lockout' is used in the context of cycling to refer to a mechanism that locks the suspension in a rigid state, allowing the rider to increase their efficiency on hard, flat terrain. The origin of this term is believed to date back to the late 1990s, when it was first used to describe the feature on mountain bikes.
At the time, the feature was primarily used in North America and Europe, and it was initially seen as a way to improve the performance of mountain bikes on smooth terrain. Over the years, suspension fork lockout has become a common feature on many different types of bikes, including road bikes, hybrid bikes, and even electric bikes.
Today, the term 'suspension fork lockout' is widely used throughout the cycling world, and it is a feature that is often seen on many modern bikes. While it may have originated in the late 1990s, the popularity of this feature has only grown in the years since, making it a must-have feature for many cyclists.
