The launch of the new 38 got me thinking about DVO forks again.
They look like a solid fork with really cool features and a fair price. So why do I see so few of them.
Other then the Giants that came OEM with them I don't see any. Locally I see more CC Helm forks.
So what gives? Are they flexy? Do they not feel good? Crown creak?
I've got a diamond/topaz combo - zero issues. They are very tuneable and I keep hearing easy to service (Suspensionwerx). I'm a clyde that tries to compete in the Fivers, and don't feel any flexing.
I don't know why they aren't more popular...
I think they've struggled to get distribution networks in place - Canecreek have that, so it's easier.
I've been running a Sapphire 34 for a year or so. It's been great, so much so I found my Grip2 36 felt so poor compared that I put a smashpot in it.
Only product they make that seems poor is the dropper - definitely avoid. I got one so the ano would match the fork and sold it immediately. I then ran in to the guy I sold it too one day and he complained about it too.
Posted by: Heinous
I think they've struggled to get distribution networks in place - Canecreek have that, so it's easier.
I've been running a Sapphire 34 for a year or so. It's been great, so much so I found my Grip2 36 felt so poor compared that I put a smashpot in it.
Only product they make that seems poor is the dropper - definitely avoid. I got one so the ano would match the fork and sold it immediately. I then ran in to the guy I sold it too one day and he complained about it too.
Just wondered, do you post in the buy & sell?
But seriously, I have a diamond on my Canfield and I can’t speak of any flex. Quit liked it. Only rode it for a few months though, it’s on the second now.
Have a diamond on both my full suspension bike and my hardtail. They have been great. Had a fox 36 rc2 previously and a pike. The diamond is pretty similar to a fox 36 imo but easier to work on.
Distribution is a big one I think. DVO don't seem to have the brand cachet that other brands big or boutique have for some reason. They perform very well by most accounts, easy to do basic lowers service at home, great aftermarket service support, and damper service can be done at home with minimal specialty tools and equipment.
The one thing against them is that the entire lowers need to be replaced when the bushings go.
I'm really happy with the Diamond at 140 on my small bike, and the more basic 160 Beryl on the big bike.
We love our DVO on last years Reign/Hail so much that we are considering keeping the bikes instead of the annual refresh sell/buy new.
I just rebuilt (full clean and oil change) the rear Topaz air with literally no special tools and unlimited Covid time at home.
The small bump sensitivity is unparalleled in air suspension.
Posted by: heckler
The small bump sensitivity is unparalleled in air suspension.
This. I can't figure out how essentially just a simple coil negative spring can accomplish this. I've ridden SR Suntour forks which are quite similar architecturally, they have been good but not this good.
Great info, thanks everyone. Anyone have a 10mm travel adjuster clip for and Onyx? I have one on the way
I've had a diamond go across a few different bikes. It has been a solid performer. Pretty similar in stiffness to my 36 and lyric. It doesn't have spacers so it is difficult to tune the progressives of the fork. As a bigger rider, I find it better at 150 or 160mm. At 140 and 130 it did not support through the lower half of the travel. I tried getting my shop to fill the oil higher as recommended but didn't notice a huge improvement in the support. On a plus side, it is plenty stiff at the longer end of its range. For reference, I ride on the shore, in squamish and on the island mainly. I'm about 230lbs.
Posted by: Kenny
Posted by: heathen
Great info, thanks everyone. Anyone have a 10mm travel adjuster clip for and Onyx? I have one on the way
I have one for a diamond, dunno if they're the same...
All the big forks appear to be the same. Sent you a PM
I had a 160mm 29er Diamond and really liked that fork. When I sold that bike, my new bike came with a 170mm fork and at the time, DVO didnt sell a 170mm 29er fork so I went another direction. I now see they're selling the Onyx in a 29er long travel which I might get. The performance was very good and the price was tough to beat. DVO is also selling %25 off throughout the web store too.
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