DVO’s Diamond has the potential to be super-plush and sensitive, but patient set-up is crucial. The 35mm stanchions and oil-rich internals add weight, but it’s seriously stiff under load and doesn’t get unsettled by the biggest hits or most aggressive lines.
Clearance under the arch is so tight on the 29er version that large 2.4in tyres will rub on DVO’s bolt-on fender and mud-jamming can be an issue. The insert that the 15mm QR axle threads into is loose, making losing it a real risk if you remove the wheel to fix a puncture. While first-year reliability has been excellent despite minimal maintenance, our sample has suffered significant paint flaking. The stroke is super-smooth and succulent once moving, and DVO’s mechanical ‘Off The Top’ negative-spring adjustment allows you to pick a sweet spot somewhere between a firm start with a linear stroke and a hypersensitive start with an obviously progressive end. Winding on the preload noticeably shortens the ride height though. Compression and rebound damping are also fully adjustable, with potential to create a supportive but fast-reacting ‘sticky’ feel that really flatters tyres if you tune it right.
Travel 160mm (140-150*)
Weight 2,140g
Stanchions 35mm
Wheel size 650b (29in*)
Axle 15mm (Boost*)
Price $1273
