This 120 to 140mm-travel 29er fork is aimed at weight-conscious trail riders, and will suit those looking for a supple ride. Our 140mm sample tipped the scales at 1,990g with an uncut steerer, making it significantly heavier than the equivalent Fox 34 Float Performance Elite ($1288), at 1,820g. While there is high and low-speed compression damping adjustment, the Sapphire can’t be fully locked out for XC-style sprints.
Despite the 32mm stanchions, chassis stiffness isn’t bad. Though it can be a little wayward when pushed hard into bumpy berms, the DVO fork feels barely flexier than a 34mm-legged Fox. It’s not as stout as a 35mm RockShox Pike or Revelation, though. Over small trail chatter, you can definitely feel the Sapphire’s Marzocchi-derived roots. It’s incredibly supple and sensitive, minimising feedback and buzz. The way you can preload the coil negative spring to compensate for the pressure in the air spring makes for a supple beginning to the stroke and great traction.
The fork soon feels out of its depth when pushed hard, though. Even with hearty pressures in the spring it dives through its travel easily. We ended up winding the compression dials to an almost fully closed position for riding steep terrain, which compromised suppleness elsewhere. Still, the lighter damping options will benefit those who like a comfy rather than racy ride.
HIGHS
- Chatter-smoothing, traction-rich ride
LOWS
- Flexy and unsupportive when pushed hard
- Heavier than advertised
- No full lockout
Won’t suit aggro riders, but supple and smooth for gentler applications
Price $1350
