I think Dave's criticism of the rear suspension is spot on.
I installed a cascade link to get some bottom out resistance and anticipate adding some high speed compression to the Topaz whether by adding a shim or using DVOs forthcoming compression upgrade kit ([https://www.pinkbike.com/news/dvo-compression-upgrade-kit-garnet-dropper-post-taipei-cycle-show-2023.html](https://www.pinkbike.com/news/dvo-compression-upgrade-kit-garnet-dropper-post-taipei-cycle-show-2023.html)). I'm 170 lbs geared up so the damping isn't scarily uncontrolled. The cascade link significantly improved the kinematics. I'm able to run more sag with more support and no more hard bottom outs after removing a volume spacer.
The bike climbs and pedals very well, has minimal suspension interaction with the rear brake and if you got it on sale was a very competitive price. My Deore-based build has been solid despite having to get Suspension Werx to tune the Onyx pretty much immediately.
It's a long travel trail bike, probably not set up stock for really rowdy riding, but I wouldn't say its incapable of that pending a couple of setup changes.
May 23, 2023, 9:28 a.m. - ogopogo
I think Dave's criticism of the rear suspension is spot on. I installed a cascade link to get some bottom out resistance and anticipate adding some high speed compression to the Topaz whether by adding a shim or using DVOs forthcoming compression upgrade kit ([https://www.pinkbike.com/news/dvo-compression-upgrade-kit-garnet-dropper-post-taipei-cycle-show-2023.html](https://www.pinkbike.com/news/dvo-compression-upgrade-kit-garnet-dropper-post-taipei-cycle-show-2023.html)). I'm 170 lbs geared up so the damping isn't scarily uncontrolled. The cascade link significantly improved the kinematics. I'm able to run more sag with more support and no more hard bottom outs after removing a volume spacer. The bike climbs and pedals very well, has minimal suspension interaction with the rear brake and if you got it on sale was a very competitive price. My Deore-based build has been solid despite having to get Suspension Werx to tune the Onyx pretty much immediately. It's a long travel trail bike, probably not set up stock for really rowdy riding, but I wouldn't say its incapable of that pending a couple of setup changes.