31.8 mm Lockout Lever

[MudLark]

Hi guys,

 

With reference to this project of mine: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/182098-trek-procaliber-gravel-bike/ , the only thing outstanding sorting out the front lockout. That is besides fitting other bits and bobs to the bike such as water bottle cages and the like.

 

The bike came with a handlebar mounted remote lockout (mountain bike handlebar diameter).

 

Either I must find a way to mount a remote lockout lever to the 31.8 mm drop bars or otherwise I need to convert the remote lockout to manually operated lock out on the top of the shock.

 

I cannot find a 31.8 mm clamp size lockout lever and I can't see how one would mount the smaller mountain bike size lockout lever. If anyone has any ideas around that, please let me know – I would be grateful.

 

As to the option of converting the shock from remote lockout to "manually switched on top of the shock", that would be workable for me but I don't know what it entails or what to purchase. Again, any advice would be gratefully received.

 

Cheers

mudlark

Edited September 13, 2020 by MudLark

[MrJacques]

Could a shim work?

Edited September 13, 2020 by MrJacques

[MudLark]

Could a shim work?

 

Regrettably not. The bar is thicker than the standard size clamp is designed for; if it was the other way around, a shim would work.

[MrJacques]

One option would be to cut part of the clamp and then mount it on top of a bigger clamp. Slightly hacky, but could work.

 

[MudLark]

Yes, it's a possibility with something like this: https://www.takealot.com/action-mounts-bike-aluminium-handlebar-mount-for-gopro-5-4-3-3-2/PLID42525421

 

The alternative is that I just learn to live without the lockout… I guess not such a big deal being the front fork only.

[hansolo]

Can a dropper post remote work? I see Wolftooth makes a 31.8 mm clamp version and you could Evobikes.

[MrJacques]

I don't think a dropper lever locks out like a fork lockout lever does.

[MudLark]

Can a dropper post remote work? I see Wolftooth makes a 31.8 mm clamp version and you could Evobikes.

 

Hello hansolo, I saw that and wondered about it but I don't think it will work because a dropper post-remote lever does not "lock". It is designed to only apply tension to the cable for so long as you hold it for a few seconds to lower or raise the post. With a lockout, one is looking for something that can lock into a position and stay there until you unlock it.

[MudLark]

I don't think a dropper lever locks out like a fork lockout lever does.

 

Unfortunately that's exactly it.

[MrJacques]

A friction shifter may work. I see you get ones that attach to the bar ends, top tube, etc.

[MrJacques]

https://bikerumor.com/2017/07/10/hack-otso-ships-shimano-sti-lockout-levers-for-fox-ax-gravel-fork/

[MudLark]

A friction shifter may work. I see you get ones that attach to the bar ends, top tube, etc.

 

Bingo! I didn't think of that but I think you're absolutely right – it's likely to be my best option. Now to see if I can find one locally… Thank you very much for the suggestion!

[MrJacques]

No problem, looks like it will work, if you can find one with the right diameter: https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/old-school-friction-thumbie-for-fork-pop-loc-lockout/

 

 

Edited September 13, 2020 by MrJacques

[MrJacques]

Just tested now on my lockout, that spring is quite strong. Just make sure the friction shifter will be strong enough to hold it in the locked position.

[MudLark]

Just tested now on my lockout, that spring is quite strong. Just make sure the friction shifter will be strong enough to hold it in the locked position.

 

Thank you Jacques – I will check it out. I opened mine up earlier today and it didn't feel like it had a strong spring but maybe I didn't test it properly.