DVO Topaz Shock - Taipei Show 2015

Mar 19, 2015
by Paul Aston  
Taipei

DVO's Topaz Shock

DVO was showing off their Topaz shock, with it tucked away out of sight behind the booth's counter at the Taipei Show. General Manager John 'JP' Pelino was tight-lipped, but I managed to squeeze some basic information from him. The main body is CNC machined and uses an air negative spring (fed from the positive side) to ease it into its travel. Adjustment-wise, there's a three-position compression lever that a rider could flip while on the move, as well the usual dial to tune the low-speed rebound. The piggyback employs a bladder instead of an IFP (internal floating piston) as a compensator, which should make for a very active feel because there's no friction from the IFP to overcome. The body also shares similar machined ribs as found on the Jade Coil to improve heat dissipation, and the piggyback has external air pressure adjustment to manipulate bottom out characteristics. The first production batch will arrive in 200mm x 50mm, 200mm x 56mm and 215mm x 63mm sizing, with more options at a later date.

DVO Topaz prototype
  The ideal complement for DVO's Diamond fork?

DVO's goal is to have this on the shelves before the end of 2015, but they also say that they're not rushing it into production, so you may have to wait a little longer for this gem. No details were given regarding price, but expect similar quality and price-points to DVO's current forks and shock.

Author Info:
astonmtb avatar

Member since Aug 23, 2009
486 articles

126 Comments
  • 109 14
 Looks like a session
  • 30 3
 Our Operator agrees!
  • 19 2
 Green seems to be new color of enduro
  • 14 4
 I believe Cannondale contributes a lot in this green-mania enduro world.
  • 6 1
 Dorianl98 - it's to make everyone envious.
  • 6 3
 Green is the new black.
  • 14 1
 @bigtim don't you mean ENVE ous?
  • 7 3
 John Pelino is someone I wouldn't share my secret with.
  • 7 6
 Questions are: is it enduro and does it set any new standard? If just one answer is not, it's rubbish.
  • 14 2
 karoliusz: It is for enduro and no it doesn't set any new standards. It just works really well, easy to adjust, and is reliable.
  • 2 0
 But I've been waiting for my diamond forever...
  • 1 0
 @Motohed pun intended?
  • 4 0
 Just some sarcasm Smile Loving your products DVO!
  • 26 3
 My RS Monarch Plus works so good and is so easy to tune it would be a tough move to buy anything else. Really restored my faith in air springs after a good stint on a POS Fox CTD.
  • 4 1
 Plus, it's a reasonable $500 (comparitavely)
  • 19 25
flag jaame (Mar 19, 2015 at 5:03) (Below Threshold)
 Funny because my experience of the monarch plus has put me off air shocks for life. Coil FTW!
  • 12 10
 To me, that looks like a copy of Rockshox Monarch Plus, just with a splash of green.
  • 26 5
 CC DBair for the win
  • 15 1
 @ballardski, What do you want the DVO to look like? Its an air shock with a piggyback. The form is going to look pretty similar no matter.
  • 7 21
flag nealy578 (Mar 19, 2015 at 10:04) (Below Threshold)
 Just bought one, looking forward to seeing how it performs!
  • 18 0
 ^^^^It's not even released yet....I smell bullshit
  • 6 0
 @immacaroni, you smell that too ? ... thought my local farm was muck-spreading
  • 10 0
 Haha I tried to reply to a reply if that makes sense, just bought a ccdba!
  • 5 1
 Wait Til you ride it. It feels amazing
  • 3 2
 I would say that too if they sponsored me Razz
  • 3 1
 It can't be released yet because its a prototype and its not in production.
  • 4 0
 I wish my monarch plus experience was as good as yours. I got a monarch equipped nomad in December and the shock is clapped. Dvo for the win
  • 1 0
 We will have to see how it is priced. If I can get a Avalanche or Push tuned Monarch or Float X for the same price, it isn't worth it.
Plus I feel they are missing out by not having both Hi/Lo compression adjust in addition to the "CTD" switch. Any new Enduro/DH air shock should have both these days.
In the end, Cane Creek is still probably the go-to shock.
  • 19 2
 Coming in 2018
  • 4 3
 Wow.
  • 3 0
 Still waiting on the jade...
  • 8 2
 i think the only places i see DVO products are pinkbike/vitalmtb product stories and on local southern california DH teams riding intense bikes. DVO has a long long way to go if they ever want to be an actual player in the mtb world and not just the sponsored DH race world and internet glory.
  • 5 1
 I was just joking about this a while back. Seems DVO has problem with announcing a product years before its actually available. Was interested in a Diamond but....
  • 3 4
 Hmmmm ...I think DVO is already being a big player in the mtb world........gonna take this shit over.......an if u don't think so ......just wait an watch!
  • 6 1
 USMC: we only have been in business a little over two years and we currently have the Diamond, Jade, and Diamond in production. Diamonds are shipping to the aftermarket this month and we have been busy filling OEM orders.
  • 6 1
 ccolagio: not sure where you reside but we have put quite a lot of product in the market in the last couple years. We are Southern California based so we do have quite a lot of riders here but we have also shipped a lot of products to Europe and Asia. Our goal is to build a sustainable business foundation based on performance and excellent customer service, not to flood the market and be a commodity item.
  • 5 0
 i live about 25 miles from your office
  • 5 0
 ccolagio: If you are out at the Fontana Nationals this weekend come by our booth and we can give you a run down of our products. We have a bunch of rider/racers there and a bunch more out in the Nevada Utah area.
  • 3 0
 Your customer support is awesome dvo and i applaud ylu for commenting on this post! Your products rock! Seriously considering getting some dvo goodness for my new enduro race bike! Just a matter of $$
  • 14 1
 How fast can you say 'Topaz Taipei'?
  • 13 1
 I can't even say it, reading at normal pace.
  • 2 0
 I don't know how to say it in english. So not super fast, I suppose.
  • 10 0
 @faul taupaze taillepeille nom de diou
  • 8 0
 "DVO was showing off their Topaz shock, with it tucked away out of sight behind the booth's counter at the Taipei Show. General Manager John 'JP' Pelino was tight-lipped, but I managed to squeeze some basic information from him."

So were they showing it off or hiding it?

Product reps don't bring prototypes to TRADE SHOWS to not talk about them. But thank you for making me feel like I got the special inside skoop™ by reading pinkbike™
  • 4 0
 haha i thought the same thing too. if i wanted to create a buzz about my product, the first thing i would do would be to make like its a secret. then i would post my own "spy photos" all over the internet.
  • 2 0
 Duh. They just did that.
  • 2 0
 i know, i was trying to make it funny by being obvious.
  • 7 0
 I dunno what others think about this but I think companys should do a suspension package. For example I am going to buy this topaz shock when it's available and a DVO diamond but I think you should be able to buy both at a reduced price.
  • 10 3
 Yet another shock I would buy before a push!!!
  • 6 2
 I'd buy neither - the push unit is untested and I don't like shocks that have no external adjustment.
  • 2 0
 Ok boys....I have been testing this shock for about three weeks now. Thing is rock solid. The shock you see here will be look quite a bit different in final production. I have ridden many shocks (including the Jade) and can say this thing surprised me the other day on a wide open rutted, destroyed sandstone trail. I can say this is the only shock I have ever ridden to date that felt close to a coil. Stay tuned as the upcoming changes will get you guys all fired up...
  • 2 0
 A total underrated winner is the Manitou Mcleod.shimbased with real great comp as well as great rebound circuits. From 6 or 7 user reviews I could find online everybody is just blown away by this sweet little shock, it's stability in midsupport and the traction it gensrates. It seems to be quite a winner under tge AM air shock crowd and I already can get it for 210 euros. Am very curious to test it myself.
  • 3 2
 Looks great, I'm sure it works as perfectly as everything else they make. I hope the finished product is not fully CNC machined, they could easily lower costs and reduce weight by not having the whole thing machined. Looks killer though.
  • 3 1
 most shocks are CNC machined today. In fact everything machined is CNC machined, it's only a 90's marketing gimmick.
  • 3 0
 I think he meant that he hopes that more of the components are forged or cast instead of machined. Not that he hopes they use a different machining technique other than CNC.
  • 7 1
 Most stuff isn't 100% CNC machined these days rather forged then CNC machined to clean up the forging marks. The Topaz will be manufactured in the same manner as the majority of components are, forged and CNC machined then anodized.
  • 1 0
 @DVOSUspension, I'm kind of surprised that your jade shock isn't going to have an optimized canister (or at least it doesn't look like one) like we see with the Rock Shox DebonAir and the proto Fox and the Vorsprung of late. DVO's market is a tier above and i would think that customers are going to want that. Do you guys not buy in to that technology?
  • 4 0
 I love how DVO always replies. Thanks for the answer, and I kinda figured you wouldn't be fully machining every surface haha! PS I got to take a brief spin on a Diamond the other day. It was as plush and silky as I expected, can't wait to do a full ride on one! Keep up the good work.
  • 4 0
 "...may have to wait a little longer for this gem."

@Paul Aston ISWYDT....
  • 4 1
 The Topaz will be out later this year, around August or September. Hope to have you as a customer soon!
  • 3 0
 splsce: not sure what you're talking about here, we have a lot of Emeralds and Jades in the market place and a bunch of Diamonds will soon be hitting the shops.
  • 1 0
 Yea, that's what I was implying, I am one of your happy customers just saying that people complain that the can't buy your product and expect your new stuff yesterday. If they want it yesterday all they want is cookie cutter run of the mill last years technology and have no patience for quality. I waited what seemed like forever for my fork, but understood it would be worth the wait... and it was... now what's up with a 10.5X 3.5 jade?
  • 1 0
 I'd love to try out your stuff, DVO. I'm right down the road from you guys, living in the SFV, but I'm pretty well sorted when it comes to suspension equipment. Wish you guys the best, though!
  • 1 0
 @dvosuspension
  • 1 0
 I love DVO & think they should get huge respect for the Emerald, & for bringing out an air shock, but I kinda think it looks a bit "unremarkable". Nothing wrong with it, I'd buy one if I needed a shock & I dig black. Sounds like a simple, sensible approach. I love everything about it. It just looks like it goes against the grain of the industry. It's not "flashy". It just is what it's supposed to be for anyone that's in the market for a shock, not trying to sell one to someone that doesn't need one like the rest of the industry is so guilty of.
  • 2 1
 Not flashy? I think the opposite, like they need to hire a professional graphic designer to make it look less cheap. I'm sure the engineering behind dvo products are great, just that if I could ever afford one the decals would be the first to go.
  • 4 0
 I don't want to know the price...
  • 9 1
 I will tell you the price anyways, estimated around $550 USD.
  • 5 1
 Yep, I definatly want one. DVO kicks ass!
  • 5 0
 Thanks man!
  • 2 2
 why any brand make shock with remote lever, im using one float-x remote and its one of the best thing on a enduro bike, climb like trail bike and descend like DH truck, you dont have to set your shock with loads of air because you can push your compression higher at all stages
  • 4 0
 Looks Great! Can't wait to see it in greater detail!
  • 3 0
 Thanks!
  • 11 9
 They've managed to create an entire line of products which all have horrible graphics.
  • 23 5
 I didnt realize it was the decals that got you through the trail better, thats where ive been going wrong.... . .
  • 5 0
 This is just a proto and the final production shock will look a bit different.
  • 3 1
 I have massive amounts of respect for anyone who enters direct competition with established mountain bike brands. However, I am instantly turned off DVO products because of their green colour scheme. I understand the importance of branding, but if I were a new company and wanted to appeal to the widest range of buyers, I would go with the world's most popular colour: blue. I feel lime green is far too specific in an industry that offers a plethora of coloured handlebar grips to allow for personalization. @DVO - I dig the black on black, but consider a sticker pack versus anodizing.
  • 7 0
 cwatt: thanks for good words, we appreciate that! As you stated green is our company branded color but in every product we also offer a blacked out version and the Topaz will follow suit. We don't want to only push the green but rather the performance and technology behind the DVO product. Cheers and thanks!
  • 3 1
 Omg, an Internet expert offering sage advice for DVO to go blue. I thought you were being sarcastic at first! Nothing wrong with green. Black is more sellable. Either way, a new logo and graphics could go a long way.
  • 3 1
 Hey guys, better call up Ohlins and tell them about all your great marketing ideas, DVO can testify
  • 1 1
 This got me thinking: are there any more forks out there that aren't black or white??
  • 1 2
 I like how people think DVO just produces prototypes then never releases them... That would be a great business model. Maybe they expect a cookie cutter product like their competition, or maybe just complain to jump on some sort of bandwagon hater fox for life crew. It's sad...
  • 4 1
 You think its normal to announce a product a full year before its ready for production. When I first heard about this shock it was just a drawing. That was like 4 months ago. I'm not the only one that notices. Then they put a video on their FB page about a DVO rider who was clearly riding a boxer fork. After it was brought to their attention they removed the video. I'm sure with all the testing and trying to make a good name for themselves along with the many years of experience the product will speak for itself just sucks when you think something is close to production only to find out its no where near.
  • 3 0
 Fair enough
  • 4 2
 Not super pretty but it's what's on the inside that counts.
  • 4 0
 I agree but beings its in prototype stage the looks could get more fancy.
  • 4 1
 Yes for sure guys, its a proto that we have been testing for a few months now and the production version will look a bit different.
  • 2 0
 It would be cool to see an all anno green one.
  • 1 3
 I'm not calling copy-cat here, but it looks identical to a Monarch Debonair, minus a few machined lines in the air can and piggy back. Did they license the chassis from Rockshox? Not a bad move if they did as it would be cool to see their tune on what is already a sick shock.
  • 1 0
 Sounds like a good shock and comparably priced, hope I get a chance to ride one.
  • 1 0
 How much are these normally ?
  • 4 1
 Our target price in USD will be $550.
  • 1 0
 Very cool, very nice, I like
  • 4 1
 Thanks!
  • 1 0
 junge junge, da kann ich auch einen Rock Shox Monarch kaufen ...
  • 2 0
 CG will appreciate.
  • 3 2
 CG had a big influence on the topaz for sure.
  • 1 0
 "gem" can you pun any harder?
  • 2 2
 Is it me or is this just dvo
  • 6 1
 Dvos version of ctd? I would prefer the adjustment ranges unless they have superior ctd tunes? It just seems everyone hates on fox yet the monarch and this and others are the same almost they just don't refer to it as ctd? Am I right or am I missing something?
  • 1 1
 The rockshox monarch plus rc3 hard low mid and high compression adjustments before ctd and really even the fox float rp23 was not much different than ctd. Buy a cane creek and learn how to adjust your shock. Db for life
  • 6 1
 We would never make something like the CTD which really was underdamped 3 position setting. Back when we were at Marzocchi we introduced TST which was a 3 position compression setting for the shocks and forks, that was a but 12 years before CTD. Our take on the 3 position compression setting is that many of our enduro racers, Cedric included, want a feature thats easy to reach and adjust while racing. But, the three position compression feature has to have enough compression change between the 3 positions which is where the CTD really failed at.
  • 1 0
 I hate to say it but the only shock I see that does what I see as the best option the elevensix with two independent circuits that you can customize and toggle between, everyone hated because they made the shock everyone wants but the cost makes it unattainable. That's just my 2 cents, I see the elevensix as the best option once proven. Even if it is priced too high for the average rider. I can't afford one but maybe one of the big brands will follow suit.
  • 1 0
 ????????
  • 6 7
 Everyone lookout........DVO......takin over........DVO.....ur the shiet!!!!
  • 2 1
 Thanks man! We are trying!
  • 2 0
 DVO.......I really love my emerald ....cant wait to get on that jade!!!!!!!!
  • 2 0
 Awesome and thanks for supporting DVO! We have Jades in stock and let us know if you need anything!
  • 2 0
 I meet the DVO crew this last weekend at Bootleg. They want to make the best product out on the market. Just a product that works. Thanks DVO! Keep it up.
  • 3 6
 Topaz....really DVO! Topaz is an ugly stone first of all. Second, type in mercury topaz and its on of the ugliest cars.....well ever.
  • 9 0
 They're minerals Marie!
  • 13 0
 Pontiac Aztec is the ugliest car.
  • 1 0
 fiat multipla, ssangyong actyon, amc pacer
  • 5 1
 We think the Topaz is a mighty fine gem of a stone!
  • 2 2
 @DVOSuspension

How about Onyx, or Ebony, or Obsidian!!! Something dark in color like the shock.A name that has a nice ring that sounds bada$$. When your buddy goes hey what shock are you running? you don't have to reply with "Topaz" lol. I will say im being a bit dramatic, but come on have you seen Next come out with good bikes lately? No...that's because there name sucks.....Next! Quality components deserve a quality name.
  • 2 4
 Any one ever try a manitou evolver....might easily be the best shock ever ridden coil or air
  • 1 4
 Wow. Kind of disappointing. Sorry DVO. Cane Creek, BOS and Marzocchi 053 offer more features.
  • 4 2
 Features are either internal (quality of raw materials such as o-rings, seals, glide rings, pistons, shims, shaft surfacing process, etc) or external features like high-speed, low speed, bottom out, etc. The Topaz as all other DVO Suspension products use the highest quality components, items such as o-rings and seals and shims are some of the highest quality in the industry. For a rear shock this is especially important because a small damper has to with stand as serious amount of abuse. For external feature we feel the shock is best offered with a easy access rebound adjuster, 3 position compression circuit that easily accessed with a lever, bottom out control via air pressure with the bladder and of course air spring. Anymore features than that the shock gets over complicated and harder to tune.
  • 1 0
 Xfusions shocks dont have a lot of nobs and stuff as well because they will custom tune a shock for your bike if you ask them too. But they dont ckmpare to the awesomeness of dvo and the sweet colors haha
  • 7 10
 green like weed mm
  • 5 2
 If your weed is that kind of green, you should probably look for another dealer.
  • 1 0
 or its some heavy psychoactive shit!
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