2020 DVO TOPAZ T3 | Why I Replaced My Fox DPX2 and Not Going Back Anytime Soon
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 16. 01. 2021
- I have now replaced my Fox suspension that came on 2019 Pivot Firebird with DVO Suspension. I replaced the Fox Performance fork with a DVO Onyx SC D1 and my Fox Peformance DPX2 with a DVO Topaz T3. And truthfully, as it stands right now, I have no plans to go back to either Fox or RockShox :)
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đČ2019 Pivot Firebird 29 - Sport
Time will tell, but as for now, I'm gonna stick with DVO for the foreseeable future. Also, did not go with the coil because the Topaz comes very close to a coil-like-feel and it's lighter in weight.
Iâm glad you posted this, Iâm going from a performance dpx2 to the same shock makes me glad to know I made a good choice. Just not a fan of how stiff the dpx2 is no matter what I do to it with volume spacers and air pressure itâs too stiff and then I absolutely blow through the travel
@@Ski_3_p_o I hope you end up liking it the Topaz as much I do. A couple months with it now and still highly satisfied
Still enjoy the dvo?
@@Po7ent 100% Yes! Still no plans of going back to Fox or RockShox
@@MILTONATOR sweet! Iâm about to order one I guess!
Finally...a straight forward, insightful and welcome review by an adult rather than the usual CZcamsr " if I'm not sending it over 20' gaps then I'm' not a real rider" BS! Outstanding job on the review and truly appreciate the well thought out and concise commentary.
Thanks Steve! đ€
I had fox for years and prefer rock shox. I havenât tried dvo, but being able to tune the shock without taking it off is huge.
This was an awesome overview. After a few decades on Fox my new Ripmo was delivered with DVO front and back. Also, no instructions so you video is a great start to finding my tune.
Glad you found it useful. Thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers!
NICE WORK ON THE EDIT MY DUDE! GLAD YOU ARE LOVING THE SHOCK
Thanks man! and heck yeah, loving it
Thanks for sharing of this amazing video on biking and reviews of mountain bike. Lovely. Cheers from the top of the mountain.
I really enjoy your honest reviews on things and you seem like a really cool dude! I just subscribed and keep pumping out these great videos!
Thanks man. Means a lot.
Great video and hi from Australia, Iâve got the topaz on my ibis mojo and itâs unreal. Made the bike such an absolute joy to ride.
âAbsolute joy to rideâ is what Iâm experiencing đ€ thanks man
Love your videos. I got a DVO Onyx D1 after watching your another of your videos, and I just order the DVO Topaz 3 after watching this video. You can beat the performance, looks, and price. Keep up the good work.
Thanks man! đ
Great video Milton. U explained the video enough and understandable without being too techy, which to me makes the general viewers more confused. I guess that is what DVO is all about, simple with just enough customability without being too complicated.
DVO had to recall my DVO JadeX coil on my Specialized Turbo Levo as it is not really coil oriented so they will replace it with the DVO Topaz 3.
From what you said the bladder made this Shock works as close as possible to Coil without the added penalty? Man, Im so excited. Keep your videis as is, detailed but not too complicated.
Thank You for the video.
Oh man, thanks for the positive feedback. I appreciate it
I just saw at a local group a super deal on a DVO Topaz T3, I will replace my deluxe, your review has convinced me :)
đ€ if you end up going with it, let me know how you like it
Just got my new DVO Topaz installed and spent the last couple days taking thru all rock gardens and drops I can throw at it. Itâs an amazing upgrade over my Fox DPS
Thatâs awesome man! đ€đ€
Awesome video bro. Really dug all the info and you were mobbin on the riding sections! Looks like you have the bike super dialed right now along with rabbit hole and TMB Dh đ đđŒ
Thanks man! My two favorite trails at the moment đâïž
Nice review!
Interesting to see you've worn the chest-mounted GoPro; I remember a video of yours a while back talking about your chin-mounted GoPro and why you kind of prefer it. Good footage while moving though; I like it, man, well done!
Thanks man. Wore the chesty because of Rabbit Hole- figured the twists and turns would look better from the chest angle than from the chin. đ€·đ»ââïž
Great content Milton! đđ I'am seriously considering about going all in on DVO suspension for my 2019 stumpjumper. But with the shock size that it has (210x52.5) DVO don't have that size in the Topaz 3 but only on the Jade X but unfortunately it has always been out of stock. I have seen videos of people liking their DVO suspensions. Hopefully I would have my DVO experience as well đ Ride safe always Milton! đ
Thanks Alvin! I bought my Topaz from JensonUSA (DVO site was constantly out of stock) But yeah, great suspension - and that Jade X has some really good reviews đ€
Nice review brother. Iâm looking forward to a long term follow up. You were freakin flying on the trailsđ€đŸ
Thanks man! Iâm really hoping for long term durability on both fork and shock đ€đŒ will definitely do a long term review
@@MILTONATOR how are you going with the DVO fork? Eliminated the sounds?
@@axiomic hey man! Going really well. I messed around with the OTT (opened it most all the way and rode it, then closed it half way and rode it) and the noise went away. Went to the bike park last week and my Onyx fork soaked up every braking bump and chatter so good. Iâm super impressed with it. Love it
@@MILTONATOR great to hear. So it wasn't the lack of grease causing the sound?
@@axiomic seems that way because Iâve not added any grease đ€·đ»ââïž
"The DW Link is the most supportive suspension design." Took the works right out of my mouth. Loved the video brother.
Thanks man! DWLINK FTW
For most people I think DW is going to just be nicer. Yes Horst might be slightly faster on really rough descents as it is less prone to hanging up on square edge hits, but only a high level enduro racer is going to likely notice that.
@@mrvwbug4423 Agree
Great review Milton! I originally had the DVO Jade X Coil on my ripmo when I first received it. I absolutely loved it but with everything out of stock it was difficult to find the right spring rate. After having 3-4 different springs I just sold it due to either bottoming out or being too stiff. I got the DPX2 afterwards and loved it but it had a lot of support and not enough cushion. I just got an X2 about a week ago and Iâll be trying it out today for the first time. But damn I really miss my DVO coil. I think once everything gets back in stock again in the bike industry Iâll be going back to DVO
Then you need a progressiv Spring đ
Thanks Anthony! Yeah man, pandemic got the whole bike industry backed up lol
so how was the x2 on the bike in comparison @anthony
Just ordered a Topaz 2 (GIANT version) can't wait to get it
Congrats man! Would love to hear from you after getting a few rides in đ€
@@MILTONATOR cool, I'll let you know!
Fantastic review! Canât wait to try out mine arriving in a couple of days. Looking forward to dialling it up. Iâm actually getting it as a substitute to my dhx2 on my patrol since the dhx2 needs to be sent back for a warranty claim.
Curious if Iâd shift back in the first place đ€đœ
Cheers budđ€đœ brilliant review- very precise
Thanks man! Appreciate the feedback đ€
Thanks. Great review.
Thanks Mark! Glad you found it useful
Iâm tempted to go back to my fox evol after riding my dvo topaz t3 for 14 months. Miss the lockout for climbing mostly. My maestro suspension is not playing nice with an oval ring. Iâve ordered a larger round ring and Iâll try again but we will see.
I agree. The external bladder keeps the bike light yet planted without bucking. The main chamber allows me to land hard hits without bouncing like a pogo stick. Well worth the investment.
My 2 cents: The shock shined brighter in Utah and Colorado with rock beds and hard landings. Washington seems to have smoother trails with packed dirt and slippery roots. I could have done without here.
Good input man. Thanks for sharing
Road gap @4.45 mate nice đ€.
Thanks mate! Itâs about 3 bike lengths đȘ
Dude. I hope you're proud of yourself. My yeti sb130 felt a little harsh so I ordered the topaz!
Bro, once your throw it on and ride it, come on back with a status report đ€ I wanna know what you think
@@MILTONATOR I put my topaz on yeti sb130 set it at recommend sag. Neg 2 volume spacers. No positives spacers. Switch infinity and dw have the best pedal platform. While riding the topaz. In open like on my fox it was horrible. Had to ride in trail mode to get good pedal. Why do you ride your bike in trail when dw is meant to be open?
@@MILTONATOR let me add it wasn't horrible, disappointing. I would like to know more about how and why you set you bike up in trail vs open?
@@vincentday6640 hey Vincent, I ride a variety of trails; some are flowy with minimal chunk and undulation so riding in trail mode is faster (for me). When I ride more big hit gravity trails with more technical segments, I open it up.
Thank u for the option of skipping the ridding. I did watch the whole vid.
Thanks đ€
if you ever do happen to get a bike with RockShox in the rear, they offer an air can called the MegNeg, which allows you to tune the negative pressure via volume spacers, albeit at a $90 price tag. Might be worth a shot and there are plenty of reviews all over youtube and on websites.
Thatâs right. I have heard of the MegNeg. No plans on leaving DVO but thanks.
Nice review. The next best thing or the same kind of level to DVO is Suntour Tri Air rear shock. The majority thought Suntour is for the low end but their high end is awesome at a great pricing. The simplicity of tuning is the same and use the same exact volume spacers. I actually bought the DVO volume spacers for my Suntour Tri Air because Suntour volume spacer are out of stock.
For your info Suntour factory is the manufacturer for DVO.
Interesting. Thanks for sharing đ€
On what bike are you running the suntour?
I change from topaz 3 to the jade x. Bevor I have a Rock shox. DVO are absolut amazing!
Nice! Perhaps in the future Iâll try the Jade X myself đ€
@@MILTONATOR try it!! đđđ»
Great shock homie.
Hell yeah đȘ
Hey Miltonator, Raydawg , Love the videos, I'm a techy guy & love the way you explain the function of the Topaz. So am wondering are you riding Dvo or Fox X2? seems like you were hands down all Dvo & then a while back I see Fox X2! What are you riding now? I am considering putting the latest rev of the Topaz, the one with the sideways canister on it, on my S/C Heckler, but am having reservations about doing so. Wanting to know if you have experience with the current Dvo shocks? There are so many mixed opinions good & bad experiences w/Dvo it makes me a little twitchy about pulling the trigger. Your thoughts would help. Thanks RD
Hey Raydawg! Iâm riding the Float X right now on my Heckler SL and the JadeX on my Norco Fluid. I almost bought the new Topaz for my Heckler SL but decided not to. Reason is that as much as I like the DVO Topaz (like a lot) Iâm not confident in their quality assurance. Not sure if they got better with the new Topaz but the previous ones had issues leaking air and some leaking fluid. I really wish I could be convinced of their quality because they feel great
Nice review,i love your videos
And nice skills,one hand hold a camera and with other hand you operate your rear shock
Thanks đ€ Appreciate the feedback
Iâve been thinking of upgrading my fox float DPS but Iâm not sure if I have the skills to appreciate it, I was looking at the fox DPX 2 but Iâm now checking out the DVO, thanks for the video information. I ride a Santa Cruz tallboy 2019 mostly xc type riding but occasionally ride some gnarly stuff but I donât jump or do big drops
Yeah man, both great shocks (DPX2 and Topaz) comes down to preference, mainly.
awesome review, I've swap full dvo on my sb150 and custom tuned too. Maybe if you got your T3 custom shim, you might not need to run 2- spacer.
I ditched my x2 probably due to it not suitable for a lightweight rider like me. I'm also more interested to see how a custom tune Jade X play with my bike.
Nice! Iâm also curious about the Jade X. After a few months or riding now, Iâve got it dialed to where Iâm only running one spacer in the negative chamber and none in the positive. Absolutely in love with my set up.
Thanks for the video! Beautiful place to ride. I am still playing with my Topaz settings, but the bladder confuses me. You say 170psi for a ground-hugging feeling, but what is then the benefit to putting 200psi in there? I weigh about 195lbs with kit and got main pressure on 230, bladder 190 atm.
This past weekend I maxed out the bladder to 200 (Iâm too, learning about it) and what I found is that it makes the suspension more bouncy, more poppy. I still need to experiment some more but hereâs where I am: 180 feels planted and suitable for all trails. 200 would be for more trail hopping, more playful and perhaps not so much speed. Thatâs my experience so far
Hey man, you said CZcams mostly shows this to locals, but I keep seeing your videos and I'm from Israel!
LOL! Thatâs funny and really cool at the same time đ€đđ€
I don't live in SoCal either, but my bike has DVO suspension (so looking up reviews and service videos) and I do watch a few of the SoCal MTB CZcamsrs (mainly Alan, Outsider and Tommy). so easy to see why you showed up on my feed
Tommy also runs DVO, Onyx SC fork and Jade X coil on the worlds most crashed Yeti haha (and no that isn't a dig at Tommy, he's really good but rides some of the gnarliest trails around)
@@mrvwbug4423 Tommyâs loco, for sure đ Really cool guy also
I would maybe double check with DVO, but I think you were maybe hitting the bottom out point on the topaz. I run the Onyx SC and Topaz on my bike and mine bottoms at about the same point where your o ring was sitting. It is possible mine has a travel spacer as my bike only has 147 travel to the 162 on the Firebird and both bikes are DW link with inline shock (my bike is an Ibis Ripmo). But I also absolutely love the DVO suspension setup.
Youâre right, I was using full travel. Turns out the size of the can on the Topaz is shorter than the stock DPX2 it came with. Thanks
So I took my first long ride on the Topaz and it performed super well but I noticed a lot of grease on the stantion afterwards, is that normal?
Also DVO has very good value for money
Nice review bro !
Considering upgrading my stock dps fox shock on ibis ripley v4 .
What do you think of such upgrade ?!
Mine frame is medium and am going to upgrade to 190x45 dvo topaz air . Not sure about the dimensions
Thanks man. Definitely check the sizing before buying. But itâs a good upgrade with the Topaz > DPS đŻ
I mounted a Topaz T3 Last Month and it feels Great. I drove three Bikes with two DPX2 Elite,a Monarch Plus,X-Fusion 02,X-Fusion Vektor HLR Air and a X-Fusion Vektor HLR Coil. The Best was the tunned Vektor Coil but Topaz is near to it!
Nice! Iâm still rocking my Topaz without any thoughts of changing it
i think you talked me into this for my 2019 ripmo. need to replace the dpx2.
Iâm super sold on it. Loving my how my bike feels now. Going faster and more confident.
I might be with you. I have same bike. Just didn't like the dpx2 for same reason, but felt the x2 would be too much for my terrain and riding style. Interested in the Topaz.
@@johnk7390 Yeah man, Iâm personally super happy with my Topaz.
Have you rode on the X2 shock? On my HD5 (also DW-link) I leave that bad boy in open and never have an issue with pedal bob or it not being supportive enough. How do you think it would compare to the topaz?
Itâs been a while since I last rode an X2 but itâs sweet shock, no doubt. May just come down to preference
I have bought the same shock, hope to enjoy it.
Where is that nice trail?
Thanks and congratulation!
I think that you will. Trail is Murrieta, California
Hi Milton, I bought a megneg for my nomad v4 and the rebound went way too much out of balance. Extending too fast from deep of the travel and slows too much down when it reaches the top of the stroke. Lsr / hsr problem.
I'm asking myself if and how the damping on dvo can deal with changing the spring curve. Because there is no hsr and lsr adjuster.
Thatâs an excellent question but unfortunately I donât have the answer to it. I recently moved on to the X2. Sorry, Niko
Hey I got a question. I just got a Topaz and I think it's great so far but I'm curious because I noticed I never use all the travel, like there is a good inch left to go. I run it in the trail setting with the recommended air pressure for my weight. I don't do any hucks to flat or anything like that. Do you think I should run some spacers in the negative chamber or maybe less air pressure?
First thing I recommend is to let all the air out and push down on the bike to force a bottom out. My bottom out is about 1/5 inch from the bottom. And thatâs because the stock shock (DPX2) had an added externa spacer that lengthened the canister to push the O-ring all the way down. Hopefully that makes sense
@@MILTONATOR ok I'll try that
Just got the ripmo with the topaz gen 3, already adjusted the sag, do you recommend pumping the bladder before I ride the bike? I would like to get a feel for the shock first before I start to tinker with the bladder i only weight 135 lbs thanks
Nice man, congrats on the Ripmo and Topaz. I would recommend setting the bladder pressure to the recommended. That way youâll know your starting point. But you donât have to
@@MILTONATOR wow gotcha đ thanks
If you want midstroke support and suppleness at the same time how come you didn't opt for a coil, does the Pivot not suit coil shocks?
I couldâve opted for a coil but my buddy, whoâs been riding DVO for a few years now convinced me on the air shock va the coil. He was right. Really close to coil-like feel and lighter in weight
SoCal? Iâm picking up my new bike today. Was and still so torn between the topaz and jade x and decided to go with the jade. Hopefully it was a good choice. I have not seen a single bad comment on the Topaz or Jade
Yep! SoCal. Only reason I went Topaz is because is lighter in weight. Donât think you can go wrong with either! Enjoy
Great video! How do you think DW link compares to something like VPP? I don't really get the differences
Man, the last time I rode a VPP bike was in over 3 years ago and I was still in my learning stage. I can't really say for that reason. Sorry.
@@MILTONATOR thats fine, thanks for the honest response too. i love your channel, keep it up!
Not ridden one, but I think it behaves roughly the same, difference being that the upper link rotates in the opposite direction.
And someone else holds the patent
@@TheZweric awesome, thanks.
I've disassembled one of these in SR Suntour guise and the damper circuit is extremely basic. No dedicated compression adjustment is a non-starter for me. I'd rather buy Ăhlins.
Hi. I have been watching your videos and it totally helps a lot.
I have a intense tracer sl, and the rear shock is a fox float x2 216 x 63.5 kashima.
i would love to change it cause getting to the right setting is pretty hard, a lot of variables to consider.
Now i saw from one of the comments here that you recently moved to a float x2, how do you find it? Maintenance? Is the dvo an upgrade from the x2? In what terms? Or is just the same but easier to setup?
Should i try it? Or just stick to x2?
I want my rear to be plush, poppy but not kicking you over the bars and supportive.
Thanks alot!
Yeah man, Iâve moved on to the X2. Personally I really liked the simplicity and plushness of the Topaz and was going to buy it again for new Meta but ended up with the X2 for a few reasons. Iâm glad I got the X2. It does take a while to setup but once you get it dialed, itâs incredible. Iâve got mine setup exactly how you described it: plush but poppy. That comes mainly from the low speed compression and low speed rebound. Iâm 172 lbs and these are my settings: LSC - 17 from closed
LSR - 14 from closed
HSC - 6 from closed
HSR - 6 from closed
@@MILTONATOR hi thankd for the reply. I have been waiting for it.
So meaning the topaz wont be an upgrade nor downgrade? Just the ease of setup? Is the x2 more plush snd supportive than the topaz?
Im around 195 pounds, what do you suggest? To start with?
204 psi
From closed:
LSC: 17 HSC: 15
LSR: 16 HSR: 13
This is my current setup:
How many psi do you use? I will definetly try your settings first but can you suggest a setting for my weight? Just a start of trial and error again. Im kinda lost here, been a month experimenting on it, kinda losing some patience
@@kurt0543 in my opinion the X2 is definitely an upgrade if one is willing to be patient with the setup process because then youâre taking advantage of all the functionality it offers (which is what we pay for). Sorry, Iâm not experienced enough to recommend settlings at your weight. CZcams may have other riders similar to you that may help. All the best
@@MILTONATOR thanks for the reply! Keep it up on making good quality videos. Safe riding!~
Milton, just a question, I finally have my Topaz T3 installed in my bike. So I checked the air pressure using the pump that came with the shock but everytime I got it to my desired air pressure and renove the pump air comes out in bladder and or in the chamber. So I would check the air pressure again and it would read 20-40 psi less from when I set it prior to removing the pump. I would do it again and it keeps happening. This makes me have a hard time setting up my sag since I cannot hold the desired air pressure. I would like to ask for some advice from you on what I should do. Thank you and ride safe always! God bless! đ
Hey Alvin, when you connect the hose air will go into it. That is why it seems like youâre losing pressure. You can test this by pumping 140psi measuring sag, the pump air back in to 170psi and measure sag again. Youâll notice the pressure isnât being lost. Basically every time you hook up the hose youâre resetting your pressure. Does that make sense?
@@MILTONATOR Thanks Milton! The guy from DVO replied to me as well. The same thing as what you have said. Basically the pressure stays the same and the air that comes out when I take the pumped out is from the hose in the pump and not from the bladder or the chamber. The pressure stays the same. Thanks for your reply Milton! I appreciate it. I'am glad that my shock is fine. Ride safe always and God bless! đđ
I currently have a DPX2 on a bike thatâs already very plush. I blow through travel no matter how I tune it. Iâve looked at both this DVO and the Manitou Mara Pro. Heard nothing but good things.
Yeah man, canât say much about Manitou but DVO has definitely impressed me.
Awesome shock review! hey did you ever put on the Cush Core?
Thanks! I havenât and I donât think I am. Feeling good without them (hopefully I wonât jinx me) đ
I have a bike with DPX2 and I Ripmo with the DVO Topaz Air 3. I love the Topaz but would not consider it plush, especially on a DW link bike. My DPX2 is way more plush
đ
Just got a 2021 ripmo af
Comes with all dvo topaz . Still trying to dial it in
Iâm bottoming out the shock
Iâm 58 not taking big air or gaps.
Have you added any spacers to the positive chamber?
@@MILTONATOR no ,I will order some. the bike doesn't come with any.. by the way great informative vid!!!
@@jasoncapecod thanks man. The spacers will helpđ€
how many spacers did you have inn your dpx2?
Didnât have any.
some spacers there in the positive would have made it plusher
or removing the spacers in the negative on the topaz would also make it plusher
You were bottoming out. The travel stops 13mm shy of the shaft length
Youâre right. I figured that out shortly after. Thanks
Ate you still riding DVO?
Running a Jade X coil. I had about 2-3 more Onyx D1 forks after this video and kept having issues with the OTT adjusting itself out after every ride. Love the Topaz and the Jade though
@@MILTONATOR sweet. Loving my Topaz
A bit of a road gapđ
20 footer, not too big đ€·đ»ââïž
dvo is the worst suspension everâŠ