Remote Controls

What does "remote" mean for a bicycle?

A remote on the handlebars is a compact lever that switches the suspension modes of your mountain bike via a Bowden cable or hydraulics. You press the remote for the bike, the suspension reacts – without stopping and without having to reposition your hands. This way, you can adjust your bike to changing terrain in seconds using the remote. Especially on an MTB, this provides safety and speed – stiff uphill, open downhill.

Remote and Suspension: Suspension Fork vs. Shock

The suspension of an MTB or e-bike consists of up to two components, depending on the model: a suspension fork at the front and, if applicable, a shock at the rear. Both can be controlled via a handlebar remote, depending on the model. On the fork, you switch between open, platform/trail, and lockout. On the shock, you change the low-speed damping or activate a lockout bypass. This ensures that the front and rear are harmonized. Ergonomics are crucial for clean handling: the left/right and up/down levers must work together with the shifting, dropper, and brakes on the cockpit.

Lockout, Platform, Open: Lever Positions and Examples

The bike's remote in the open position offers maximum grip on rough trails. If you ride with the platform/trail setting, this reduces bobbing and improves traction on undulating terrain. Lockout largely blocks the suspension fork and shock for sprints or asphalt climbs.

There are Fox remote levers with 2 positions (Open/Lockout) or the Fox remote lever with 3 positions (Open/Trail/Lockout). RockShox, for example, uses the RockShox PopLoc remote lever with similar settings.

What are the advantages of a remote?

1. Safety: Both hands remain on the handlebars, giving you comfortable control.
2. Efficiency: Lockout & Platform save watts on climbs and during sprints.
3. Speed: Mode change in seconds – without stopping, without adjusting at the crown.
4. Consistency: Repeatably adjustable, even at race pace and in cold and mud.

What types of remotes are there for bikes?

• Mechanical Remotes: Bowden cable, lightweight, easy to maintain, clear detents.
• Hydraulic Remotes: Line-based, very smooth, precise pressure point.
• Single Remotes: Control only the fork or only the shock.
• Combi Remotes: One lever for both suspension elements (system-dependent).
• Ergonomic Variants: Left/right, top/bottom, thumb paddle or trigger.

Compatibility & Installation of the Remote: What you need to consider

Not every bike remote fits every suspension system. Check the manufacturer family (e.g., Fox remote levers on Fox shocks/forks), the required cable pull/lever travel, the mount on the shock or fork crown, and the handlebar clamp (standalone or Matchmaker/I-Spec). Pay attention to cable routing on the frame and ensure clearance with shifting/dropper remotes. The RockShox PopLoc remote lever and Fox remotes use their own interfaces – mixing them rarely works well. After installation: fine-tune cable tension, check end stops, test function under load.

Practical Check: How to Adjust Your Remote on Your Bike

• Set lever reach and angle so you can reach the remote with your thumb without having to reposition your hand.
• Choose cable tension so that the detents engage clearly, but the lever is not under pre-tension.
• Set suspension base (SAG/negative travel, rebound). Only then evaluate mode changes.
• Test ride: All positions should switch cleanly, no cable clamps or kinks.

FAQ – briefly answered

• What can a remote control? Depending on the system, the suspension fork, shock, or both; modes: Open, Platform/Trail, Lockout.
• What does "remote" mean for a suspension fork? Handlebar control of the damping unit, instead of a knob on the crown.
• What are the advantages of a remote? More efficiency, safety, and speed when switching.
• What remotes are there? Fox Remote Levers (2/3-position), RockShox PopLoc Remote Levers; mechanical or hydraulic, single or combi.

Conclusion: Remote for your bike optimizes the operation of your bike

A bike remote gives you more control, efficiency, and safety on every trail. Whether Fox Remote levers, RockShox PopLoc, or other systems – at raaad.de you'll find the right models at the best prices. Control your suspension from the handlebars now and master every route optimally.