Lockout Meaning in Cycling

A lockout is a feature on a mountain bike suspension that stops it from moving. Most modern forks and rear shocks have a small lever to activate this fixed position. When you turn the lockout on, the bike feels rigid like a traditional road bicycle. This is incredibly useful when you are riding on smooth pavement or climbing steep hills. For example, a racer will lock out their suspension during a final sprint to maximize power. By stopping the bike from bobbing up and down, you save a lot of energy. Your pedaling force goes directly into moving the wheels forward instead of compressing the springs. I recommend using the lockout whenever you leave the technical trails and hit a flat road. It makes your heavy mountain bike feel much lighter and faster for a short time. Just remember to unlock it before you start descending a bumpy or rocky trail again. Forgetting to open the suspension can lead to a very harsh and uncomfortable ride. It is a simple tool that gives you more control over your efficiency.