Abstract: A bicycle suspension fork for use on a bicycle, and preferably a road bicycle. The suspension fork has a preload adjuster that is designed and formed such that it is readily usable in the front fork of a bicycle without adding undue weight to the bicycle. The preload adjuster has interengaging preload elements that, instead of having a bulky adjustment mechanism typically provided for preload adjustment. Preferably, the preload elements have interengaging ribs and grooves, the relative position of which are adjustable to adjust preload on the suspension biasing element in the fork. Additionally, a lockout mechanism is provided for adjusting the compressibility of the suspension fork by rotating no more than about 60° during use of the bicycle. The lockout mechanism preferably has first and second fluid chambers in fluid communication and a fluid circulation control unit. Fluid flows between the chambers during compression and expansion of the suspension fork.

Abstract: A heat dissipating arrangement for a damping system, such as the damping system of a bicycle suspension fork. The heat dissipating arrangement includes a heat sink, which, in a preferred embodiment, has a substantially cylindrical body and radially extending heat sink fins. The heat sink is either positioned over or around a damping cartridge or other damping system containing damping fluid or is formed as the damping cartridge itself. Preferably, the heat sink is positioned within the inner fork tube of a suspension fork with the heat sink fins in close proximity, and preferably contacting, the inner wall of the inner fork tube. Thus, the heat sink fins dissipate heat from the damping system to the inner fork tube. The pumping action of the suspension fork, as well as air passing over the fork as the bicycle is moving, dissipate heat from the fins, and thus from the heat dissipating arrangement and the damping system.

Abstract: A temperature compensating system for a closed system, such as a damping system, in which fluid is subject to temperature increases and accompanying volume increases. The temperature compensating system provides a compressible member within a temperature compensation volume, and a barrier restricting the entry of fluid to the volume. When the fluid volume increases as a result of temperature increases, fluid seeps past the barrier into the temperature compensation volume to compress the compressible member and thus increase the total volume available to the fluid in the closed system. The increased volume reduces pressure buildup that would otherwise occur, and thereby tends to maintain a steady pressure within the closed system. Dynamic or high speed fluid flows are restricted by the barrier or other restriction, inhibiting such flows from passing into the volume.