DVO Topaz Air Shock: Rider Review

Even though there are a bunch of suspension choices these days, there are only a few that stand out. Most suspension whether it be front or rear have the same amount of adjustability. Our friend Will shares his experience with his new DVO Topaz Air rear shock. Check it out!

Overall

Having grown tired of the RockShox Monarch that came stock on my YT Jeffsy, I was on the lookout for a replacement. With good reviews from fellow Jeffsy owners, user serviceability, and fair pricing the DVO Topaz Air was the obvious choice (200x57 for my bike). I ordered the shock and within a few days, it had arrived at my doorstep. After sorting out the hardware I needed for mounting (definitely figure that out when you order not after) I was up and running.

First Impressions: The first thing that was immediately noticeable is that this shock is sensitive. We will see if this lasts once I put a few hundred miles on it, but the first hundred have the shock feeling smooth as butter. Next was the lever to adjust compression damping on the fly. I’ve used shocks before that this didn’t really seem to do all that much but the difference between fully open and fully closed is stark. I especially appreciate the closed setting on long climbs since it firms up the suspension but still allows it to break away if I hit a large pothole or forget to open the shock back up on the downhill side (I can’t be the only one to do this).

After a few runs up and down my front yard, I was excited to hit some trail. Since everything local was closed thanks to rain (wouldn’t have been without rain, so I can’t be that mad), a buddy and I drove out to Possum Kingdom to hit up some of the rocks, cactuses, and loose sand/gravel the trail is known for. The shock did not disappoint. On the uphill I was able to grind efficiently with the shock switched to closed. A benefit I hadn’t even thought about is that the closed setting also allows you to get away with a bit more standing on technical climbs. Whereas with the old shock my bike was a soggy mess whenever a standing climb was called for. This new DVO shock had it maintaining some composure with my 200-pound self hammering away up the hill.

After reaching the top of the first climb I was ready for the fun part. I raced to the bottom a bit disappointed. Turns out I forgot to switch the shock to open…. My bad. Next climb I did not make the same mistake. I flipped the switch down into the open setting and let her rip. What greeted me was a fantastic amount of small bump compliance and grip but enough mid stroke support that I had no idea how much travel I was actually using. DVO will claim this is due to their damping system (bladder instead of IFP) but all I know is it felt good and left me confident that the shock would be great on large drops or any jumps I decide to case.

Final Thoughts

 If you’re in the market for a new air shock I definitely recommend looking at the DVO Topaz. I cannot compare it to a coil since I do not have a lot of experience with them, but I can say that it is by far the best shock I’ve used. Next bike will need to fit a 200 x 57 shock because I plan on swapping this thing onto it!