If you have a non-lockout fork on your mountain bike, you may find yourself in a situation where you want to lock out the suspension for better climbing efficiency or for riding on smoother terrain. While a non-lockout fork may not have a specific lockout feature, there are several techniques you can employ to effectively lock out your fork and improve your ride.
1. Adjusting the Compression
One way to lock out a non-lockout fork is by adjusting the compression settings. Most non-lockout forks have a compression dial or knob that allows you to adjust the compression damping. By turning the dial or tightening the knob, you can increase the compression and make the fork stiffer, thus effectively locking it out.
However, keep in mind that this method may not offer a complete lockout, as some degree of compression may still be present. It is important to experiment with the settings and find the right balance that suits your riding style and the terrain you are tackling.
2. Utilizing Remote Lockouts
If your non-lockout fork is equipped with a remote lockout system, you’re in luck. A remote lockout allows you to easily and quickly lock out the fork without having to reach down and adjust the compression manually. These systems typically feature a handlebar-mounted lever that you can engage to lock or unlock the suspension.
Remote lockouts are often found on higher-end mountain bikes, but they can also be retrofitted to some non-lockout forks. Check with your local bike shop or manufacturer to see if a remote lockout system is available for your fork model.
3. Adding an Aftermarket Lockout
If the previous methods don’t suit your needs, you can explore aftermarket lockout options. There are several aftermarket lockout kits available that can be installed on non-lockout forks to provide a complete lockout function.
These kits generally involve adding a lockout lever or switch to the fork, which allows you to lock and unlock the suspension as needed. Some kits even offer additional features like adjustable rebound damping. Consult with a bike mechanic or do some research to find a suitable lockout kit for your fork.
Remember, locking out a suspension fork can have some drawbacks, especially on rough terrain where the suspension is beneficial. It is essential to use this feature judiciously and unlock the fork when necessary to maintain control and comfort during your ride.
How to disable the suspension on a non-locking fork
If you have a non-locking fork on your bike and you want to disable the suspension, here are some steps you can follow:
- Start by locating the fork’s suspension adjustment dial. This is usually found at the top of the fork leg.
- Turn the suspension adjustment dial all the way to the “open” or “soft” position. This will maximize the fork’s travel and make the suspension as active as possible.
- Next, locate the rebound adjustment knob. This is usually found below the suspension adjustment dial.
- Turn the rebound adjustment knob all the way to the “slow” or “closed” position. This will slow down the rebound of the fork and reduce the suspension’s active movement.
- If your fork has a compression adjustment dial, turn it all the way to the “hard” or “closed” position. This will firm up the fork and reduce the suspension’s movement even further.
- Once you have adjusted all the settings, take your bike for a test ride to see how the fork feels. If you still feel some suspension movement, repeat the steps and make sure all the adjustments are set to their maximum “closed” positions.
It’s important to note that disabling the suspension on a non-locking fork may affect the bike’s handling and comfort, especially when riding over rough terrain. It’s always recommended to consult with a professional bike mechanic or the fork’s manufacturer before making any adjustments.
What is a non-lockout fork
A non-lockout fork is a type of suspension fork commonly found on mountain bikes. Unlike a lockout fork, which allows the rider to lock the suspension in a rigid position, a non-lockout fork does not have this feature. It means that the fork will always provide some amount of suspension travel, even when the rider is pedaling or climbing.
The purpose of a non-lockout fork is to provide a more comfortable and controlled ride by absorbing shocks and vibrations from the trail. This can improve traction and control, especially on rough or technical terrain. The suspension travel of a non-lockout fork is typically adjustable, allowing riders to fine-tune the amount of travel based on their preferences and the type of trail they are riding on.
While a non-lockout fork can offer a more plush and forgiving ride, it may not be as efficient for climbing or pedaling on smooth surfaces. The suspension movement can result in energy loss, making it more challenging to maintain speed and efficiency. However, for riders who prioritize comfort and control over speed, a non-lockout fork can be an excellent choice.
Why would you want to disable suspension
There are several reasons why you might want to disable the suspension on your non-lockout fork:
- Improved climbing: By locking out the suspension, you can prevent unnecessary movement and energy loss when climbing steep hills or rough terrains. This allows you to maintain better traction and control, making your climbs more efficient.
- Smooth road riding: When riding on smooth roads or pavement, having the suspension locked out can provide a more stable and responsive feel. This eliminates the bouncing and bobbing motion that can be experienced with active suspension, allowing for a smoother and faster ride.
- Increased power transfer: By disabling the suspension, you can minimize energy loss through suspension motion and maximize power transfer to the pedals. This is particularly beneficial for riders who prioritize speed and efficiency in their riding.
- Customization and personal preference: Some riders simply prefer a rigid front end and don’t require or desire the added plushness and travel of a suspension fork. By locking out the suspension, you can tailor your bike’s performance to your specific riding style and preferences.
Overall, disabling suspension can provide various benefits depending on your riding style and terrain. It allows for improved climbing, smoother road riding, increased power transfer, and customization to optimize your bike’s performance to your liking.
Steps to lock out a non lock out fork
If you have a non-lockout fork on your bike, there are still ways to achieve a similar effect and improve your riding experience. Follow these steps to effectively lock out your non-lockout fork:
Step 1: Adjust the compression
The first step is to adjust the compression on your fork. The compression adjustment will allow you to make your fork stiffer or softer depending on the terrain you are riding on. Turn the compression knob clockwise to make the fork stiffer and counter-clockwise to make it softer.
Step 2: Increase the air pressure
Another way to mimic a lockout feature is to increase the air pressure in your fork. Increasing the air pressure will make the fork more rigid and prevent it from compressing easily. Use a shock pump to add air to your fork according to the recommended pressure for your weight.
Note: Be careful not to exceed the maximum air pressure limit specified by the manufacturer, as it may damage your fork.
Step 3: Take advantage of manual lockout
While your fork may not have a dedicated lockout mechanism, it may have a manual lockout. Some forks can be manually locked out by flipping a switch or turning a dial. Refer to your fork’s user manual to see if it has this feature and how to engage it.
Note: Keep in mind that manually locking out your fork will make it completely rigid, which may not be suitable for all terrain types.
By following these steps, you can effectively lock out your non-lockout fork and enjoy a more efficient riding experience on smoother terrains.
Identify the type of fork you have
Before you can go ahead and lock out your non-lockout fork, it’s important to first identify the type of fork you have. There are several types of forks available, and each one may require a different method to lock it out properly.
Here are some common types of forks you may come across:
- Rigid fork: This type of fork does not have any suspension and is usually found on older or entry-level bikes. Rigid forks cannot be locked out as there is no suspension to begin with.
- Coil spring suspension fork: These forks use a coil spring to provide suspension and are typically found on lower-end mountain bikes. Locking out a coil spring suspension fork usually involves adjusting the preload or adding a lockout lever if available.
- Air spring suspension fork: This type of fork uses air pressure to provide suspension and is commonly found on higher-end mountain bikes. Locking out an air spring suspension fork typically involves adjusting the air pressure or using a lockout lever.
- Hydraulic suspension fork: These forks use hydraulic fluid to provide suspension and are often found on higher-end mountain bikes. Locking out a hydraulic suspension fork may require adjusting the compression damping or using a lockout lever.
It’s essential to know which type of fork you have to ensure you follow the correct procedure to lock it out. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s documentation or seek advice from a professional bike mechanic.
