If you’ve ever wanted a custom suspension tune for your fork or shock, just like the pros get, DVO will now do that for you on any of their forks or shocks for just $150 at time of purchase.
Alongside the DVO Custom Shop program comes the latest version of the DVO Topaz rear shock, which brings a new layout and updated features for mid- to long-travel trail and enduro bikes.
DVO Custom Shop suspension tuning
Previously, if you wanted a custom suspension tune from DVO, you either had to be an elite sponsored athlete, or find an aftermarket solution.
Now, you can add a full custom tune to your shopping cart for just $150 during checkout (and when purchasing any new suspension fork or shock from them).
You’ll answer six questions to inform them of your bike, riding style, local terrain, and preferences. Then, your new fork or shock is fully opened and tuned by one of their master technicians. The service includes high performance race oil, a custom shim stack with high performance shims, and a hand bleed. The end result is “master crafted suspension, customized to the rider’s unique needs”.
3rd Generation Topaz air shock
We first spotted this new design at Sedona Mountain Bike fest earlier this year, with a really good look at the internals, new main shaft, seals, etc. (plus a new inline shock for shorter travel bikes that’s likely coming soon, too)
The new design uses a transverse mounted piggyback reservoir, which takes up less space and opens up more options for using this larger, more capable shock on more frames.
Inside is a 27% stronger main shaft, which improves its performance when the shock (inevitably) has non-linear stresses placed upon it. Other specs include:
- T3 (three position, Open-Mid-Firm) Compression adjustment
- External low-speed rebound adjustment dial
- External Bladder adjust
- Air volume spacers
- 450g claimed weight (210×55 size)
- Trunnion sizes: 165×40, 165×42.5, 165×45, 185×50, 185×52.5, 185×55, 205×60, 205×62.5, 205×65
- Metric sizes: 190×40, 190×42.5, 190×45, 210×50, 210×52.5, 210×55, 230×60, 230×62.5, 230×65
- $550 MSRP
(note: sizes have been updated with full, corrected list)
The externally adjustable bladder pressure is perhaps the most unique feature, despite the 90º angle of the reservoir’s unique appearance.
Rather than use an IFP with internal seals, DVO’s Topaz shocks use an air-filled bladder to create pressure in the damping system and push fluid back through the rebound circuits as the shock extends. The benefit is that it can react much more quickly, and with less stiction, providing a more lively feel.
DVO takes that a step further and makes that bladder adjustable, letting you tune the pressure to your body weight and preferences, something no other mass market (or any?) shock lets you do. Just remove the cap on the reservoir to access the Schrader valve.
Each Topaz comes in a reusable hardshell case with shock pump, snap-in air volume spacers for both the positive and negative air chambers, instructions, and a sticker.
