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

ENVE M50 29" Wheels

Utah based company ENVE have been making drool-worthy carbon components for some years now. Despite the fact that carbon rims are becoming more and more common on mountain bikes these days, you can guarantee that ENVE wheels will be a talking point when someone is eyeing off a steed. Instantly, the big bold logos on each rim scream "fast", "light" and to some extent, "expensive" The kids call this 'bling'.

DRC X-Monitor SP1 lap timer

While smartphone apps such as Strava can be a useful way to keep tabs on your mountain bike rides, sometimes you just can’t beat the simplicity and instant feedback that a good old-fashioned stopwatch style lap timer provides.

Scott Scale 950

The Scale 950 uses the now traditional-for-cross-country 29er wheels to excellent effect, with a fast but fun character that's happy racing or railing.

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.

Formula CR3 brakes

The CR3 features a cartridge-type master, which improves power and modulation, plus it is super simple to service: The self-enclosed unit threads directly into the lever body. I took apart our test set and had it back together and bled in 10 minutes with no special tools. Like Formula’s RO brakes, the caliper pistons are actually oval, making more surface area–and thus, more power–than round pistons, but simpler than a four-piston system. The CR3 is best suited for aggressive trail riding.