DVO’S SINGLE-CROWN trail fork can deliver fantastically smooth, fine-tuned control but only if you’re a skilled and patient fettler who isn’t watching weight or running high-volume tyres.
The way the loose axle retainer can fall out when the axle is removed/inserted is an irritation, but the fact that some 2.4in tyres rub on the detachable fender is potentially more serious. It’s heavy too, but then it’s an accurate-feeling fork that proved impressively stiff on our twist rig.
Start and end stroke feel is balanced by winding on negative spring effect via the ‘Off the Top’ adjuster. Increasing negative spring force creates an impressively sensitive fork with a progressive end stroke but compresses the ride height noticeably, while a firmer start means a more linear overall character.The compression feel can also be changed through the top-cap adjuster, with an additional short-throw lever to add extra damping for climbing or cornering. If you can’t get the feel you want via the default valving, the cartridge is easily removable for shim stack alteration.
Once you’ve settled on your sweet spot it’s a superbly sensitive and very consistent fork all the way down the longest descents and through the most mental moments. Reliability of third-party forks that we’ve been tracking has been impressive too.
WEIGHT: 2,140g
TRAVEL: 130-160mm (adjusted via internal spacers)
Price 1200$