Less than a year after first introducing the eLect system on a fork, Magura is providing a sneak peek at the future of their automatic lockout system. With the addition of an eLect equipped rear shock, Magura will now have a full suspension package that automatically locks out based on the bike’s inclination. That mean no more fumbling for the lockout switch when you know there is a climb coming out. With eLect, when the bike is going up hill, the suspension is instantly locked out.
Using the same ANT+ wireless connection as the fork, the eLect unit sits on top of the shock body and controls the lockout. The shock itself weighs about 25g more than the standard mechanical lock out model, but without the cable and housing of a traditional mechanical remote it may actually be lighter in the long run.
When paired with an eLect fork, the fork works as the master and the shock the slave. So when the fork senses that the bike is going up hill, it will then send the signal to the rear shock, locking out both at the same times. As soon as the bike levels out or starts descending, both suspension components are opened making full use of the travel. That means that the only way the rear shock will lockout automatically, is if it is paired with the front fork. You could just run the rear shock, but would only be able to lock it out manually. The result is an extremely efficient full suspension platform that requires zero input from the user – unless you want to control it yourself.
If that’s the case, then the new wireless remote will allow you to lock out both at the same time with the push of one button, or lock out only one or the other. This will be the same remote that is shipped with the fork, and can be mounted on the right or left of the bar. Battery life for the rear shock is expected to be around 40-60hrs of actual ride time (the system will go to sleep after a long period of inactivity) and can be recharged through the micro USB port.
Details were slim on the current availability or pricing, but Magura did say that the system will be available for both OEM and aftermarket sales.