In recent months we have intensively tested the Topaz 2 by dvo, a shock absorber designed to express the maximum in gravity oriented conditions and on enduro and all mountain bikes.
It is the latest evolution of the Topaz air series, this new product starts from a collaboration between the US brand and Giant, which supported its development.

An ammo that was created with the intention of supporting the needs of the modern kinematics of enduro and all mountain frames. Available in metric dimensions and trunnion attachment, Topaz 2 is the latest version of the Topaz Air series. The casing is designed around a transverse reservoir to promote oil flow and achieve greater clearance from the frame.
TECHNOLOGY
The new Topaz allows you to adjust the volume on both the positive and negative sides to achieve a more progressive or linear feel. This is done with the zip ties supplied with the shock. They can be installed in the shock in minutes and in some cases without having to remove the shock from the bike. It is also possible to adjust the resistance of the internal floating piston, which here is a bladder that inflates with air. The air inside the bladder must counteract the pressure exerted by the oil, when the ammo is activated the oil deforms this bladder which returns to its normal position with the return of the shock absorber, pushing the oil filling every space and thus reducing the problem of cavitation, ie the formation of bubbles inside the shock absorber. The greatest benefit is obtained during normal use, when the compression and rebound situations are very rapid and often the latency times due to the normal o-rings reduce the performance of the shock absorber, while in the air pockets the response is more immediate. , nullifying this problem. The ability to adjust the air inside the bladder also allows you to customize the response, both based on the rider's weight and the response you want to obtain.
The tank has fins that by dissipating the heat allow to keep the operating temperature constant even in the longest tests.

HOW IT WORKS
We had the opportunity to try this shock absorber on different bikes, with different wheelbases, both with 27,5 and 29 wheels, in short, a test carried out in the best way, which allowed us to understand how the ammo responds to different stresses. Because the needs of a modern enduro bike are different from those of a light trail bike, the 29 works differently from the 27,5 and therefore the judgment that comes out, albeit personal, has a greater objectivity given by the different situations of use.
Let's start with the downhill sensations. Generally I work with a fairly high ammo, with a sag of around 25%. The Topaz turned out to be an excellent shock absorber, sensitive in the initial part capable of absorbing small impacts well. I have never felt roughness of any kind on my legs, be it the bumps present in the most intense braking sections, the rock gardens or the single steps. The ammo has always very well absorbed everything that passed under the wheels. The response out of corners was quick. A feeling of fluidity that has made the bikes with which I used it docile and even bumpy routes smoother. The first soft section is followed by an excellent progressivity, which brings the ammo to always work in the central part of its excursion even in fast sections with obstacles of important dimensions when entering the curve when it is necessary to pump the bike. However, this feature does not reduce the feeling of great work. On the bikes with less excursion, the sensation was of greater excursion, especially in the large holes. It is not easy to go to the limit except in the drop landing or in the compressions taken at high speed.
All perfect? The answer is no. If the Topaz is a super ammo downhill, the hydraulic brake adjustments designed for climbing could be improved. There are three positions present, open closed and an intermediate position. The latter does not generate any change in the shock absorber setting, while the closed position works only on compression and not on rebound, with the result of having a slightly harder shock absorber that bobs a lot. It is a situation that can be solved by completely closing the rebound, in this way the situation improves and it is possible to pedal better, but we are far from the sensations of support of other shock absorbers.
Conclusion
An excellent product designed to give the maximum downhill, where sensitivity and precise work make the bike more stable and safe with some gaps in pedaling.
