Skip to main content

DT Swiss OPM ODL 150 fork


DT Swiss has completely re-engineered its forks for a super-light and usefully controlled performance, but reliability needs proving.

DT has stuck with 32mm stanchions even in this longer travel format while super-deep pockets are moulded into the forged arch to minimise weight. Extended, fin-reinforced 27.5in dropouts plus a skinny crown keep weight below 1700g including the 15mm RWS ratchet axle. Despite skinny looks it hits and holds onto tight or turbulent lines surprisingly well.

The company has worked hard on seal sensitivity over the years and the OPM now feels smooth straight away, tracking smoothly - rather than chattering over -small bumps for decent traction. The spring rate is now markedly progressive too, keeping the fork mid-stroke most of the time rather than slamming through with minimal provocation.

The three-position ODL compression lever gives maximum smoothness Open, appropriately pert (given the low weight, race feel of the fork) Drive and fully Locked settings with external low speed compression fine tuning.

Unlike most brands DT has produced all its latest 100, 120 and 150mm forks in 26in as well as 650b formats, plus 100 and 120/130mm travel 29in versions. While this OPM has been okay so far, our previous DT Swiss forks have been plagued with reliability problems so would need to rebuild trust to go beyond a provisional 3 score.

Travel 150mm (100 and 120/130mm available)
Wheel size 650b (26 and 29in available)
Weight 1680g

PRICE 1180$





Popular posts from this blog

Cannondale Trail SL 29 SS

The fat aluminium tubes are a constrast to the skinny items seen elsewhere in the test, but this rigid Cannondale uses them to create one of the most old-school - and lightest - rides here.

Merida Big Nine 100

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

CANYON NERVE AL 8.0

  S ince their entry into the UK market a few years ago, Canyon have made a name for themselves as purveyors of well-made bikes that exhibit often extraordinary value. The secret (or catch, depending on your point of view) is that the brand don’t have dealers – they ship bikes directly to your door.

SKS Airbuster CO2 inflator

The alloy Airbuster has a large knob so you can regulate the flow of gas, a mechanical stop to prevent the cartridge being pierced in transit and a dust cap to keep the valve free of debris. While it works with Presta and Schrader valves, switching between them requires a fiddly change of the valve head. The thin rubber sleeve doesn’t provide much protection from cold spent canisters. You can’t insert much of the valve into the inflator head, so you have to be careful to avoid leaks. Price $33 w/16g cartridge

KONA SHRED

With a reputation for no-nonsense ruggedness and a background in the always progressive and punishing riding of Canada, Kona have been building hardcore hardtails for longer than almost anyone else. The Shred is the most expensive bike on test but it’s a proper trail tank.