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How DSC Defines "VALUE"
DSC is usually most concerned with the value that items bring to a bike. Value however, is one of those words in the cycling industry that has slowly become a bad (four-letter) word. Not so with DSC, as we believe that it is important to understand the difference between value and just plain old getting less performance. Instead of viewing the term value to mean cheap or less, DSC weighs the cost versus the benefit and tries to come to an honest conclusion as to whether the upgrade is actually worth the cost difference.

For example, product X costs $400 while product Y costs $600, and yet they are the same type of compnent, maybe even from the same manufacturer. Product X most likely is cheaper either because it has less features or because there are differences in material (making it heavier or weaker) in comparison to product Y. Both are quality products which will perform very well within their component class. In most cases, there really isn't any doubt that Y will perform better than X, but "better" isn't really always justification enough to spend $200 more. So then the question arises as to whether or not it is worth it to spend 50% more for the higher end version of a similar product. In other words, which is a better value. Usually X is a better value while Y performs at a higher level, but occasionally the one aspect that makes a frame or component truly worth it - to perfom above an beyond the call of duty is that one aspect only found on product Y.

Fox RLT and RLC Extra
Unlike Marzocchi, regardless of which model or version you get, Fox gives you the same high end damping system for pretty much all fo their models (except the RC2 cartridge), so only the features change. There are essentially three advantages to upgrading to the RLT (F180RLT, F100RLT) and RLC (Vanilla RLC, Float 130RLC, TALAS RLC) versions over the simplistic R (Vanilla R, Float 130R, TALAS R) models. The first advantage is the lockout for climbing. This can serisouly come in handy if you're an out-of-the-saddle climber or sprinter, or if your body tends to run on the heavy side. The second advantage is the compression adjustment, which can be nice, especially on the Vanilla which is limited to tuning internally, but is also nice on the air sprung forks because this way you don't have to take our your shock pump to adjust the feel ofthe fork. The downside is that for the most part the Fox compression adjustment isn't always that effect in making the fork feel different. The third benefit is the most important feature when weighing the extra cost between the R and RLT or RLC versions - lockout override threshold.

Fox Lockout Override Threshold (L.O.T.)
To better explain this concept, I will attack each word within that daunting phrase. Lockout refers to the closing off of a valve so that the suspension will not compress. Override refers to the ability to take precedence over the lockout, to make it null and void or of no effect. Threshold refers to the most minimal level of force at which point the lockout itself is overridden, thereby the fork goes plush as  though no lockout were in effect.

Here's another way to explain it. You can activate the lockout on a Fox Forx and then ride on it in a downhill application without deactivating the lockout IF you properly set up the fork so that it has a certain limit of force at which point the fork no longer remains locked out. The RLT and RLC versions allow the rider to predetermine the amount of force required to override the lockout, which is referred to as the threshold. Therefore, the lockout will not be in effect no matter what, because you can without having to deactivate the lockout, experience the wonderful benefits of your plush suspension.

Why You Would Want The L.O.T.
None of the Fox Forx are travel adjustable on the fly (while riding), making them at times difficult to get up a steep hill as you fight the "wheely effect." There are also situations where suspension can work as a tool to aid in your pedaling. For example, generic lockout reliance can lead a rider to avoid more obstacles on a climb, or cause them to get up out of the saddle in order to use their legs as shock absorbers over a rock or root, both of which lead to more pedal strokes and break the rider's cadence or rhythm. Besides this, generic lockout reliance can be a distraction to the rider, having to constantly think of and be aware of which compression setting they are in: locked out or not. These standard lockouts can also detract from the rider's ability to anticipate the terrain ahead because they are too busy reaching down to activate or deactivate the lockout.

Instead of all these liabilities, Fox has programmed in a sophisticated system that leadsto rider simplification. Fox understands that a rider needs to do what he does best - focus solely on his riding, not worrying about his suspension fork. The L.O.T. system, you can grunt out the meanest of climbs locked out and then head right back down the mountain with the beautiful feel of your fully active Fox suspension, without ever touching a single adjustment in between. Locked out when you need it to be, plush when the terain calls for it - God bless America!