Need shock advice please

210x55 is a more common shock size which will give you far more choices than a 200x57. Air can volume can be tuned with internal volume reducers if necessary.

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Awesome thanks.

I would go 210x55, 200x57 will start to become harder to find as it the 'old' sizing standard now (though you'd be able to pick up some 2nd hand stuff on the cheap probably)

Got it thanks
Is a DVO Topaz a good choice? Or go FOX, or Manitou Mara?
I forgot to mention that im at about 220lbs kitted. I presume volume spacers would be handy as fsr on my bike is linear and fairly low antisquat value. Once again, im learning as I go… thanks.

I suspect the majority are going to suggest DVO or Manitou, however you'll want to compare mara pro to the others rather than the mara. Are you going to buy new or second hand, is there much of a price difference? I haven't had experience with DVO or Manitou, only Fox and Cane Creek. I personally would probably get a lightly usedsecond hand and spend some money to get it serviced/tuned for you and the enduro specifically.

Agreed
Ive had good experience with manitou mcleod, never tried DVO though.

I have a DVO Topaz on my Ripmo, and really like it. The only downside is that you only have low speed compression adjustment (no external high speed adjustment). What I really like about DVO, is that their customer care is second to none. You can just call them and they pick up the phone and are willing to talk to you about your bike and riding style and how to adjust their shock/fork. They can also perform a custom shim tune on your Topaz per your bike and riding style. Also, if you like to work on your own suspension instead of sending back to the manufacturer, their stuff is really easy to work on with minimal specialty tools.

BTW, where are you buying your yoke from? I have an old 2015 Specialized Epic, and I want to get away from the proprietary shock/brain.

I see- seems like dvo is sold out atm.
I got it right from the manufacturer in Germany.

EVgEEk said:

BTW, where are you buying your yoke from? I have an old 2015 Specialized Epic, and I want to get away from the proprietary shock/brain.

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I'm guessing they are buying the aftermarket yoke from BikeYoke.

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Your bike is slightly progressive (11% total progression and nearly linear from sag to full travel), so you will want a small air can or to run spacers in the positive air chamber of the shock. As far as a Mara Pro v. Topaz, I have significant time with both, and they are both good, but very different (and both in line with their manufactures tuning). The Mara Pro is plush and eats up chatter well, sticking to the ground. The Topaz is not as plush feeling, has stronger midstroke support, and more poppy. I suggest picking the one that best fits your preferred feel. If you go the Mara, I would suggest you order the standard air can, as the stock King Can will not be progressive enough for your bike.

Cary said:

Your bike is slightly progressive (11% total progression and nearly linear from sag to full travel), so you will want a small air can or to run spacers in the positive air chamber of the shock. As far as a Mara Pro v. Topaz, I have significant time with both, and they are both good, but very different (and both in line with their manufactures tuning). The Mara Pro is plush and eats up chatter well, sticking to the ground. The Topaz is not as plush feeling, has stronger midstroke support, and more poppy. I suggest picking the one that best fits your preferred feel. If you go the Mara, I would suggest you order the standard air can, as the stock King Can will not be progressive enough for your bike.

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Very Informative thanks! Any idea if maybe a Coil shock is the right application?? Cane creek kitsuma etc) ? At my 220lb weight i wonder if air shock is just at the limit… i find by the time its at right sag it rides harsh- that was my experience with monarch plus and cane creek inline air so far.

usernamehere said:

Very Informative thanks! Any idea if maybe a Coil shock is the right application?? Cane creek kitsuma etc) ? At my 220lb weight i wonder if air shock is just at the limit… i find by the time its at right sag it rides harsh- that was my experience with monarch plus and cane creek inline air so far.

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A coil will not work well with that bike. Coils work best with a progressive frame, as the coil has no inherent ramp up. Keep in mind that more aggressive riders generally will need more progression, so if you don't do any drops or jumps, a coil could work. You bike has a pretty high leverage ratio (about 3.0), so you may also find that many shocks are underdamped for you (the amount of dampening needed increases as 1) rider weight increases, 2) leverage ratio increases). At 220 pounds with that leverage ratio, I would not be surprised if you find that having whatever shock you use benefiting from being retuned.

thats what I thought too but I figured Id ask anyway- thx
Cary what do you think of fox float dps 3position in my case then? Looks like its actually in stock so not 6 months away haha.

Are you located in US? If so, have you called DVO directly and ask them about availability of the brand new Topaz design?

I sent them an email, im in Canada.

EatsDirt said:

Are you located in US? If so, have you called DVO directly and ask them about availability of the brand new Topaz design?

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No expected stock on DVO until spring…

usernamehere said:

thats what I thought too but I figured Id ask anyway- thx
Cary what do you think of fox float dps 3position in my case then? Looks like its actually in stock so not 6 months away haha.

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I don't see it as a good match. How are you riding the bike? The bike is a long travel trail/enduro bike that can be comfortably ridden at bike parks. As such, it is designed around a piggy back shock and the additional oil volume and fade resistance that they provide. If all you are doing is trail riding with no long downhills, a DPS would work fine with the right tune (there are a multitude of tunes out there).

If you want a shock now, here is the DVO Topaz with an IFP instead of a bladder. In stock and less money:

I want my bike to be an “all mountain “ setup, not a downhill sled so climbs are as important as descents.
Looks like suntour is sold out as well. Starting to look at mara pro with a smaller aircan since that may be available still.
I emailed fox and was told that they discourage modifying my specialized bike in any way and are not interested in tuning their shock or recommending their products for me.