May 10, 2018, 11:04 p.m. -  Andrew Major

Hi Mehmet, That's a lot of very different animals. The BRAIN Shocks have been getting progressively better at being sensitive to terrain while making their bikes efficient. I'd love to try the newest version of the Specialized Epic just to see what it's like - especially with updated geo.  I would not compare the RE:Aktiv system to the BRAIN.  I'm not a fan of bar clutter but I will say that the latest Scott Twinlock remote is very clean. I haven't ridden one of these bikes recently enough to say how the performance is in open. I've ridden past Scott bikes with Twinlock and I used the remote a surprising amount.  Keep in mind that when it comes to remote lockouts for Fox and RockShox shocks the answer is always "it's possible" and the follow-up question is "how much?". For example, if you wanted to ride an already efficient bike like a Kona Hei Hei 29'er but wanted to also have a remote lock-out this is an add-on option that your local shop can arrange for you. I don't personally like having my suspension locked out \(I love hardtails but when I ride a dual-FS bike I want the traction I'm pedaling around and paying for\). I do love the Climb Switch of Cane Creek shocks and Cane Creek makes a great remote that cleans up the interface of their climb switch and a dropper remote \(just like the Scott\). The big difference is Climb Switch retards the compression and rebound circuits of the shock so the rear end of the bike stands higher but still provides tons of climbing traction and even some small bump compliance. There's also no harm in running these shocks with the CS engaged where some lock-out system really don't like it.  Hope that helps, Andrew