Interbike 2014: DVO, FSA, Blackburn, and Feedback

I had to stop at DVO at Interbike this year. DVO is kinda like a mystical unicorn as far as their rarity in suspension. Yes they are pretty new to the game… but not really. In all fairness, the company is new but the design crew isn’t.

DVO’s first product on the market was the new Emerald inverted fork, which is now available in all black. Designed around a twin tube open bath system, the DVO is all about racing, with high and low speed compression adjustments and a dynamic rebound adjustment.

As pictured above, the spring side stanchion uses an air spring and an adjustable negative spring control. That really cool-looking arch is a full-on complex carbon structure that not only provides stanchion protection, but adds torsional rigidity.

For the Enduro, crowd this all-new Diamond fork comes in all three wheel sizes and uses a closed cartridge bladder system that compresses rather than expanding like other forks using this technology

The Diamond has a quick low speed compression adjustment (6 clicks not 50) along with high speed compression adjustments, rebound control, and what DVO refers to as their OTT adjustment. OTT allows for air spring tuning.

FSA

FSA had some pretty sweet items on display at Interbike as well. Most importantly, they had some pretty light wheel sets. Like the rest of their line up, three levels of wheels are available. The full-on carbon K-Force wheels in 27.5″ and 29″ come in at a scant 1414 grams / 1464 grams.

They also had a mid-level SL-K wheel set with a carbon rim with slightly different hub internals on display, along with an all-alloy Afterburner wheel set. The top-model K-Force comes in at half the price of other carbon wheels at $2050, the SLK come in at $1800, and the entry-level Afterburners are only $650 for the set.

This sexy carbon SL-K crank looks like it belongs on my own wonderful carbon machine. Sporting FSA’s new 1X ring, this crank utilizes the BB30 interface and what they call their 386 design. The SL-K weighs only 666 grams.

This stem caught my attention. A bit different than most, this stem has an impressive 20 degree drop and only weighs approximately 141 grams (depending on length).

Blackburn

Looking for some accessories? Blackburn has some interesting goodies for both the shop and your bike. Personally I’m considering a fat bike for commuting to work, and some of the new Blackburn bags may just be the ticket. Pictured above is the new Outpost fat bike rack. What sets this rack apart is the adjustable width. The Barrier bags, also shown, are pretty hot as well, thanks to complete waterproofness, 20L, capacity and a visibility panel that allows you to toss in a rear flashing light.