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May 01, 2023

DVO Onyx 38 Enduro Fork Almost Ready; Garnet 2 Dropper Post Gets External Travel Adjust

Upping the ante for enduro, the 2024 DVO Onyx 38 grows stanchion diameter from

Upping the ante for enduro, the 2024 DVO Onyx 38 grows stanchion diameter from the current 36 mm to 38 mm for a burlier option. The new forks also introduce a new option at the top D1 level spec with new SL air springs and features throughout the line.

The Topaz D1 shocks get new controls, and an all-new Garnet 2 dropper seatpost has a very unique external travel adjust feature — all of which come later this year as 2024 models.

The Onyx 38 lineup will also introduce several new air spring features and options across its three levels. The top D1 model keeps its externally adjustable "OTT" coil negative spring, which lets you adjust small bump sensitivity completely independently from the main air spring's feel in the mid and end stroke.

The new SL air spring combines positive and negative into a familiar system using a small dimple/check valve to equalize pressure during setup and sag, saving weight but minimizing your ability to fine-tune it. OTT is the starting spec, with SL being an option on D1. But now D2 and D3 forks will get the SL air spring only, with no more internally adjustable OTT option.

D1 forks get external high- and low-speed compression damping with its best damper cartridge. D2 forks get low-speed compression and a slightly lower spec damper, and D3 forks (likely to be OEM only, not available aftermarket) use a more basic cartridge but keep the external low-speed compression and rebound controls. All three can use air volume adjustments to tune performance.

The 38mm chassis gets a new hollow forged crown on all models. D1 and D2 forks get lighter-weight 7000-series alloy stanchions, and the D3 gets 6000-series alloy. Now only available for 29-inch wheels, the bigger chassis adds 20 mm of travel with 160-180 mm options.

The bigger stanchions get new lowers with an automatic pressure bleed valve. During deep compression hits, it’ll let out a little bit of air from the lowers to maintain consistent performance. Unlike the manual release found on Fox forks (that RockShox tried to use too), this is a fully automatic system that you won't have to touch.

All three models use a new floating thru-axle with a right-side pinch bolt. Numbers and specs are:

Available this fall (2023); the price should be around $1,200 for the D1 model. All three models will also get an E1/E2/E3 versions for e-MTBs, which adds 28% more bushing overlap inside for improved durability.

The Topaz D1 Shock gets a new dual high/low compression knob, adding more controls for the top-spec model. Available around July, the price should be around $600. Also available in a Jade X coil version.

The new DVO Garnet 2 dropper post will hit the market in late fall with two travel options, but with a trick up its sleeve that gives you a total of 14 different travel lengths.

It’ll come in 170-200 mm and 130-160 mm versions, but each can be changed in 5 mm increments.

The secret is this bezel that lets you adjust the travel externally, without tools. Simply compress the post, twist it, and each indent is a 5mm change in travel.

It works by using a stepped sleeve inside. Three pins keep the post sliding up and down without twisting, and they top out against a stepped cylinder. Twisting the outer bezel changes the step that they contact, and each step sits 5 mm higher (or lower) than the one next to it.

It’ll be available in 30.9 and 31.6 diameters. Full specs like weight, total height, etc., are TBA. Targeting $349 with this premium alloy lever that pivots on a bearing, which actually makes the post a decent deal considering some droppers come without a lever, and levers are surprisingly expensive.

DVOSuspension.com