Why do bike test always leave the shock in open mode when climbing?

Darkstar530
Profile picture for user Darkstar530
Posts
22
Joined
11/23/2014
Location
Santa Cruz, CA US
Darkstar530
Ive read a lot or reviews of the latest and greatest bikes over the years and I've noticed that every time climbing is discussed they always mention that the climbing switch was left open. Ive always been confused by this because the climbing switch on the shock is there for a reason, and the bike company has spec'd the bike with the shock including that switch for a reason. So why when the the bike is put in climb mode is it mentioned as some sort of negative against the bikes climbing performance?

Ive had a a bunch of bikes over the years that all have a climb mode on the shock and I always use it when climbing and I've never seen that has a negative for the bikes performance.

Just curious
1
|
pdon
Profile picture for user pdon
Posts
62
Joined
10/30/2014
Location
Cashmere, WA US
pdon 7/10/2018 8:12am
7/10/2018 8:12am
I think is to really decipher the climbing abilities of a bike/suspension design.

Using the climb switch somewhat masks the properties of the suspension design. If a bike has a very active suspension design (moves under pedaling loads), the climb switch will just drown that out. Testing a bike with use of the climb switch is ignoring a large portion of the bike's climbing properties and you're just evaluating the effectiveness of a shock.

I think good reviews often say something to the effect of "climbing abilities are impressive. We recommend climbing in the shock's open position on most terrain. The climb switch is beneficial on fire roads or buff climbs" or "standing pedaling results in a great deal of inefficient pedal bob, we highly recommend utilizing the climb switch on the Fox DPX2"
canadmos
Profile picture for user canadmos
Posts
46
Joined
3/11/2011
Location
CA
canadmos 7/10/2018 9:54am
7/10/2018 9:54am
It could be the brand telling them to test it that way. Most of the demos I've been to, they usually just say to leave it in the open position.
Falcon
Profile picture for user Falcon
Posts
434
Joined
9/6/2015
Location
Menifee, CA US
Falcon 7/12/2018 4:49pm
7/12/2018 4:49pm
I'm a total goon on a mountain bike, but I feel like in all but the smoothest, fire-road climbs, the "pedal" position is best. (Mine only has "pedal" and "lockout.") It seems like having some suspension movement helps keep the wheel on the ground for more traction.
iceman2058 7/13/2018 2:30am
7/13/2018 2:30am
pdon wrote:
I think is to really decipher the climbing abilities of a bike/suspension design. Using the climb switch somewhat masks the properties of the suspension design. If...
I think is to really decipher the climbing abilities of a bike/suspension design.

Using the climb switch somewhat masks the properties of the suspension design. If a bike has a very active suspension design (moves under pedaling loads), the climb switch will just drown that out. Testing a bike with use of the climb switch is ignoring a large portion of the bike's climbing properties and you're just evaluating the effectiveness of a shock.

I think good reviews often say something to the effect of "climbing abilities are impressive. We recommend climbing in the shock's open position on most terrain. The climb switch is beneficial on fire roads or buff climbs" or "standing pedaling results in a great deal of inefficient pedal bob, we highly recommend utilizing the climb switch on the Fox DPX2"
This pretty much sums it up. Leaving the shock open allows the tester to understand the mechanical properties of the rear suspension layout, where things like anti-squat come into play. This is valuable knowledge when it comes to evaluating a design. Locking the shock results in pretty much the same thing on any suspension layout, so it doesn't really tell us anything beyond how efficient a particular shock's lockout system is.
andrew.macnaughton 7/13/2018 11:38am
7/13/2018 11:38am
I think one of the main things to understand is what type of climbing they are doing. Sure on a fire road or road climb I might lock my shock out, but if i'm climbing a nice techy climbing trail where you need traction to get over roots etc then i want my suspension active and not bobbing like crazy.
Any suspension design can be locked out to grind up a road without bob, but not all can handle climbing with it open, without pedal bob, or sagging to a point where the seat tube angle is ridiculous. Thats where seriously good suspension design comes in handy.
1

Post a reply to: Why do bike test always leave the shock in open mode when climbing?