Remote Controls

What Does Remote Mean on a Bicycle?

A handlebar remote is a compact lever that switches your mountain bike's suspension modes via a Bowden cable or hydraulics. You press the bicycle remote, and the suspension responds - without stopping or changing your grip. This lets you adapt your bicycle to changing terrain within seconds using the remote. Especially on an MTB, this provides safety and speed - firm 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. Depending on the model, both can be controlled via a handlebar remote. On the fork, you switch between Open, Platform/Trail, and Lockout. On the shock, you change the low-speed compression damping or activate a lockout bypass. This keeps the front and rear working in harmony. For clean handling, ergonomics are crucial: the lever position on the left/right and top/bottom must work together with the shifter, dropper, and brakes on the cockpit.

Lockout, Platform, Open: Lever Positions and Examples

The bicycle remote in the open position provides maximum grip on rough trails. If you ride with the Platform/Trail setting, it reduces pedal bob and improves traction on undulating terrain. Lockout largely blocks the suspension fork and shock for sprints or asphalt climbs. 

Fox offers remote levers with 2 positions (Open/Lockout) or Fox remote levers with 3 positions (Open/Trail/Lockout). RockShox, for example, uses the RockShox PopLoc Remote Lever with comparable positions. 

What Advantages Does a Remote Offer?

1. Safety: Both hands remain on the handlebars, so you have everything conveniently under control.
2. Efficiency: Lockout & Platform save watts on climbs and during sprints.
3. Speed: Switch modes within seconds - without stopping or adjusting anything at the crown.
4. Consistency: Repeatably adjustable, even at race pace and in cold, muddy conditions.

What Types of Bicycle Remotes Are Available?

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

Remote Compatibility & Installation: What You Need to Consider

Not every bicycle remote is compatible with 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 clearance around the shifter/dropper remote. The RockShox PopLoc Remote Lever and Fox remotes use proprietary interfaces - mixing them rarely works well. After installation: fine-tune the cable tension, check the end stops, and test the function under load.

Practical Check: How to Set Up Your Bicycle Remote

• Set the lever reach and angle so that you can operate the remote with your thumb without changing your grip.
• Set the cable tension so that the detents engage clearly, but the lever is not under preload.
• Set up the suspension baseline (SAG/negative travel, rebound). Only then evaluate mode changes.
• Test ride: Shift cleanly through all positions, with no cable binding 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 on a suspension fork? Handlebar control of the damping unit instead of a dial on the crown.
• What advantages does a remote offer? Greater efficiency, safety, and speed when switching modes.
• What remotes are available? Fox Remote Levers (2/3-position), RockShox PopLoc Remote Levers; mechanical or hydraulic, individual or combination.

Conclusion: A Bicycle Remote Optimizes Bike Control

A bicycle remote gives you more control, efficiency, and safety on every trail. Whether Fox Remote Levers, RockShox PopLoc, or other systems - at raaad.de you will find suitable models at the best prices. Now control your suspension from the handlebars and master every route optimally.