All Arround MTB

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.

Following on from their Diamond enduro fork is DVO’s shorter-travel trail version. Travel is adjustable between 100 and 140mm, via internal spacers, and controlled by a closed-cartridge bladder system. Externally, you have high and low-speed compression damping adjustment, as well as an ‘Off the top’ dial, which lets you control the sensitivity of the fork in the first part of its travel. The Sapphire only has 32mm stanchions, but DVO claim it’s the strongest and stiffest of its kind. Our 29er Boost fork weighs a reasonable 1,990g , which is only very slightly heavier than a RockShox Pike. Price $1350

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. Comp

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 th

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.

Like many young, cutting-edge brands, DVO offers things the big guys don’t. And surprisingly, its boutique label doesn’t come with an infated price tag.

THE EMERALD HAS been at Jithe centre of a whirlwind of hype since it was first announced. After three months of riding in the UK and Europe, we can finally give you the full lowdown.

THEY MAY BE new to the scene, but DVO’s inverted 203mm (8in) travel, air sprung downhill fork, the Emerald, has certainly put them on the ‘must have’ product radar.