Skip to main content

DVO Topaz rear shock


During back-to-back testing, the Topaz impressed us with its low breakaway force. Thanks to a very large negative spring chamber (similar to RockShox’s DebonAir set-up) and a low-friction, bladder-sealed damper, it offers superb sensitivity at the start of the stroke and soaks up small bumps noticeably better than the benchmark RockShox Monarch Plus. Clip-in volume spacers make it easy to dial in progression too. We had to use all five provided to get the required ramp-up on our Transition Patrol test bike though, and hard riders with more linear bikes will need even more.

Digressive damping means the Topaz is very active over square-edged hits but lacks support at times, particularly in ‘open’ mode. The intermediate compression setting is great for pedal-and-pump descents though, and the firmest restricts bob yet still allows the shock to open up nicely when you hit a bump – ideal for techy climbs.

Despite the reservoir’s ‘cooling fins’, heat did affect rebound speed towards the end of long runs, but no more than on most of the Topaz’s peers. We’d like more spacers in the box, and hard riders could do with firmer damping options, but the excellent tracking sensitivity offers superb performance for most.

HIGHS
-Low breakaway force and sensitive spring give excellent tracking
-Eats up squareedged hits
-Climbing mode balances efficiency with a little compliance

LOWS
-Slightly unsupportive for very hard riders or linear bikes
-More volume spacers in the box would be handy

VERDICT
Silky-smooth sensitivity gives great traction and comfort for all but the hardest of riders

Price $688


Labels

Popular posts from this blog

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.

READ MORE >>

Chromag HiFi 35 (50mm) stem

This is a seriously solid stem. Chromag use 5mm Allen bolts throughout, which makes it that bit easier to fit because you don’t have to swap tools. Once torqued up to the recommended 6-8Nm, it clamps both steerer and bar solidly, with no appreciable flex. We couldn’t get it to twist on the steerer, either in our static test or when riding. It’s also available in a 35mm length and three other colours. At 204g the HiFi is the heaviest stem on test by some margin, despite being one of the more expensive offerings here. Price $112

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

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.

READ MORE >>

Canyon Strive AL 5.0 Race

Canyon share the same direct sales model as Radon, YT and Commencal, which means the Strive also comes with a stunningly good spec for the money. On top of that, it’s one of the quietest bikes here. Even on the choppiest Italian trail we rode, the Strive pattered down without a peep. It needs some volume bands in the shock to get the back end ramping up for the really big hits, but once sorted it’s a wonderfully efficient machine that carries speed incredibly well. The sizing feels spot on too, and it’s always nice to see manufacturers speccing longer dropper posts where possible. Our large Strive had one of the shortest seat tubes here, at 460mm, and used a 150mm drop Reverb. This meant none of our testers had any issues with arse-tosaddle clearance on the steeper trails we rode (unlike on the Commencal, with its 490mm seat tube). What we did notice when the trail began to drop away rapidly was the head angle. On our test bike it measured in at just under 67 degrees, making it ...

READ MORE >>