Review

First Look: DT Swiss OPM O.D.L Fork and X313 Carbon O.D.L Shock

14.05.2014
by

During our visit to the DT-Swiss Headquarters we not only got presented with their nice new Spline Two wheelset (click here), The Swiss guys also showed us their brand new OPM ODL fork and the revised X313 ODL shock. ODL stands for “Open”, “Drive”, “Lockout” and gives the rider the opportunity to adapt his suspension in three steps to the terrain, controlled from the handlebar.

enduro mountainbike magazin dt swiss federgabel dt swiss opm odl 2015-9

DT Swiss OPM O.D.L Fork

Looking at the new DT Swiss OPM ODL fork with its one-piece magnesium casting, it is clear that the Swiss have saved weight wherever possible, the result is a sensational weight of 1630 grams with 150 mm of travel in the 27.5 inch version. The new fork has 32 mm stanchions and a 15mm thru-axle for maximum stiffness. For 26 “and 27.5” wheels it comes with 100/120/130/140/150 mm travel options. For 29 “wheels you have the choice between a 100/120 and 130 mm model.

Typisch DT Swiss - die nach hinten gesetzte Gabelbrücke
Typical DT Swiss – the set back bridge
An den Ausfräsungen der Gabelbrücke wurde nochmals Gewicht gespart.
Even on the butted stanchions and dropouts weight has been saved.

The centerpiece of the fork is the O.D.L damping system which allows the rider to choose between the driving modes Open, Drive and lockout.

With the help of one of the two newly developed remote levers the rider has the option to change both fork and shock simultaneously into one of the three damping modes.
The Open Mode is designed for rough and rocky sections, the drive mode is for use mainly on fast-flowing trails and when the rider is chasing the podium. The lockout mode blocks the damping almost completely and is intended for sprint situations or transfer stages.
In addition, there is of course the possibility to adjust the rebound damping and low-speed compression to your personal preference.

Zusätzlich zu den drei Fahrmodi kann an der Federgabel auch noch die Low-speed Druckstufe angepasst werden.
In addition to the three riding modes, the low-speed compression can also be adjusted on the fork.
Der Einstellknopf der Zugstufe findet sich auf der Unterseite der Gabel.
The adjuster of the rebound can be founded on the bottom of the fork.
Die neue OPM Federgabel verfügt, wie üblich über eine Postmount Bremsaufnahme
The new OPM suspension fork has a postmount brake mount.
Der neue Hebel überzeugte uns beim ersten kurzen Anfassen nicht nur optisch, auch die Ergonomie ist top!
The new lever convinced us not only because it looks great, but also the ergonomics felt good when we touched it! In addition, DT Swiss will offer a second lighter and slimmer lever, giving the rider the choice if he wants to control only one or both suspension parts.

DT Swiss X313 Carbon O.D.L Shock

To ensure that the system is able to exploit its full strengths, DT Swiss also updated the damping system of the X313 Carbon Shock with the O.D.L Technology too. The shock now shares the same three damping modes and can be adjusted from the handlebars.

Smooth Auto Balancing Technology (SAB)

Both the DT Swiss X313 and the M212 aluminum shock have a new upgrade too. With the Smooth Auto Balancing System DT Swiss should become even more supple, and the weight has been reduced by more than 10 grams. The system consists of one strategically placed groove in the air chamber. When the shock is extended, this groove ensures a slightly higher pressure in the negative air chamber than in the positive air chamber. This should reduces the spring force at the beginning of the stroke, resulting in a smoother spring function for more comfort and traction.

Exact prices are currently not available to us. The parts will be available in august. For more information visit www.dtswiss.com

Words: Christoph Bayer Pictures: Robin Schmitt

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