GASGAS DVO WP Topaz - Setup Guide Owner Manual

Failure to comply with these warnings and instructions may cause SERIOUS
INJURY, DEATH, or DAMAGE TO YOUR PRODUCT.
Be sure to read this manual carefully before using your DVO suspension. Throughout this manual,
reference is made that “an accident” could occur. Any accident may cause damage to the product,
SERIOUS INJURY, OR DEATH.
These instructions contain important information about the correct installation, guidelines for setup, service and maintenance of your suspension. Nevertheless, please be informed that special
knowledge and tools are essential to install, service and to maintain DVO Suspension. Common
mechanical knowledge may not be sufficient to repair, service or maintain your suspension. Therefore we strongly recommend getting your suspension installed, serviced and/or maintained by a
trained and qualified bicycle mechanic. Improper installation, service or maintenance can result in
an accident.
Forks and rear shocks contain fluids and air under extreme pressure. DO NOT attempt to disassemble any portion of a DVO Suspension product unless instructed to do so by a DVO Suspension
authorized technician.
PRE-RIDE SAFETY CHECK
1. DO NOT ride your bicycle if any one of the following test criteria is not passed! Riding your bike
without eliminating any defect or carrying out the necessary adjustments can result in an accident,
SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
2. Do you notice any cracks, dents, bent, or tarnished parts of your suspension fork or shock, or any
other part of your bicycle? If so, please contact a trained and qualified bicycle mechanic to check
your fork, shock, seat post, saddle, and complete bike.
3. Do you notice any oil leaking from your fork and/or shock? If so, please consult a trained and
qualified bicycle mechanic to check your suspension and bike before riding.
4. Make sure your wheel is attached and centered properly in order to avoid any contact with the
suspension fork or brake system.
Only use genuine DVO Suspension replacement parts. Modification, improper service, or the use of
aftermarket replacement or spare parts may result in an accident and VOIDS the warranty of your
product.
5. Make sure your axle system is secure. There should be no play between the hub and fork lower.
DVO Suspension forks and rear shocks are designed for the usage by a single rider only.
6. Make sure your brakes are properly installed, adjusted, and work properly. This also applies to
every other part of your bike like handlebars, pedals, cranks arms, seat post, saddle, etc.
DO NOT use DVO Suspension products on any powered vehicle that is not a pedal-assist Class-1
or Class-3 e Bike.
Always be equipped with proper safety gear. This includes a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
According to your riding style you should use additional safety protection. Make sure your equipment is in flawless condition.
7. Check the cable length and routing of your braking components. Make sure they do not interfere
with your steering actions or full compression and extension of your suspension.
8. Check your shock hardware and ensure there is no play between the shock and mounting surfaces.
Ensure your shock hardware is tightened to the bike manufacturer’s recommend torque before riding.
Make sure you select the correct fork and rear shock according to your frame manufacturer specification. Installing suspension that does not match the geometry of your frame could result in a
failure of the suspension itself and void the suspension warranty. Installing a fork or rear shock not
designed for your frame will change the geometry and handling of your bike. Learn how to ride and
train your skills. Know your limits and never ride beyond those.
Study all other manuals provided with your bicycle and make yourself familiar with all components
mounted to your bike.
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Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
3
FITMENT CHECK
Shock at Full Extension
Things to look for.
Check to make sure the shock does
NOT come in contact with the frame.
Alignment
When installing your shock, it should slide in smoothly. If you have to force, bend,
or twist the shock into position, something is off. If you run into this problem, double check you have the correct size shock and mounting hardware for your frame.
If everything is correct, there could be an alignment issue with your frame. Consult
your bike manufacturer for further help.
Correct Stroke Length
This is a big one! It’s important to make sure the stroke of the shock matches
the stroke required of the bicycle. After installation of the shock, release the main
chamber air pressure (NOT the bladder) and cycle the shock. There should be NO
frame contact points at any spot in the cycle. If at any point in the travel the shock
hits the frame, tire hits the seat-tube, or any other contact happens, DO NOT ride
the bicycle. Make sure you have the correct specs and contact your bicycle manufacturer.
Shock at Bottom Out
When the shock and linkage are at
full compression, make sure nothing
comes in contact or hits.
Smooth Movin’
With the shock mounted in the frame and the air released, make sure the linkage
and shock cycle smoothly throughout the travel. If it feels notchy and inconsistent,
double check torque specs and fitment specs. You may be required to contact your
frame manufacturer if the problem persists.
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Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
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Tools Needed For Setup
1. Shock Pump
2. Tape Measure or Calipers
Topaz WP1
Rebound Knob
Red Knob: HSC
3. Protective eyewear
Black Knob: LSC
SOME HELPFUL TIPS
1. All of these settings are just starting points to get you close. Don’t be afraid to use your adjusters
or change up your settings to make it perfect for you.
2. Write down your settings! Modern suspension products have a ton of adjustment which is awesome, but you can get lost. When you find a good spot, write it down so you can always go back to it.
Bladder Cap
3. Dedicate time to setting your bike up for the trail, not the parking lot. It’s a good idea to get out
on the trail and find a section you can repeat. Try different settings to truly feel what the adjusters
are doing. Once you truly understand what they do and feel like, you’ll know when to use them in
any situation.
4. Balance is key! This is a big one. Try your best to get your fork and shock feeling equal. If the
rebound in the rear shock is way faster than the fork, the bike won’t have a very predicable ride. Feel
to make sure the rebound, spring rate, and compression are having similar feelings front and back.
This will provide a predictable and confidence inspiring ride.
5. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Give us a call, shoot us an email, we’ll get you
dialed in!
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Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
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Bladder Adjust
Setting SAG
The bladder is a tuning feature to tailor the
feel of the shock to the rider. Try a higher
or a lower pressure to find what suits you.
The chart below is a starting point, feel
free to try the full pressure range!
What is SAG?
SAG is the amount the shock compresses under your own
body weight. Make sure you check your SAG with all your
riding gear on (riding shoes, hydration pack, etc).
The recommended SAG is 20% - 30%. Setting proper SAG is
the only way to find the right air pressure for your shock/body
weight. Refer to the chart below to find the proper SAG.
BLADDER PRESSURE
RANGE 140-180PSI
DO NOT EXCEED 180PSI
Stroke
20% SAG
30% SAG
60
12mm
18mm
(mm)
Bladder Pressure Base Setting Chart
Rider Weight
65
Bladder Pressure (psi)
lbs
kg
140
120-139
54-63
PLUSH
140-159
64-72
160-179
73-81
180-199
82-90
200-219
91-100
220-239
101-108
240+
109+
PLUSH
150
160
170
180
13mm
PLUSH
19.5mm
SAG
RANGE
FIRM
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
What are bladders in shocks and how
do they work?
Bladders are located in the reservoir of the rear shock and take the place of a traditional IFP
(internal floating piston). They both have the same purpose but completely different ways of
executing it. That purpose is to separate the air from the oil. A bladder is basically a balloon
which is filled with air and seated to the end cap. The bladder is charged with a high PSI to push
back against the oil which creates pressure in the system. As the shock is compressed, oil flows
through the system and starts to compress the bladder.
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SUPPORTIVE
Can SAG effect the handling
of my bike?
It is very beneficial to experiment with different SAG settings for various riding styles and suspension kinematics.
Less SAG equates to a firmer, more supportive ride, which sits higher up in the travel, but loses
some small bump sensitivity and traction.
More SAG offers a plusher ride with less support and sits slightly deeper into the travel, but may
bottom out easier.
Experiment to find the best setting that delivers a balanced ride that allows your suspension to do
what it’s intended to do; provide increased traction, control, and comfort!
Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
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Adjusting Compression
Air Pressure
Red Knob:HSC
Adjust the air pressure to attain your
proper sag setting by removing the air cap
and inflating the shock with a suspension
pump. Refer to the chart below for your
recommended starting pressure based on
your rider weight.
High speed
compression
Black Knob: LSC
Topaz WP1 level products come with a full range
high speed compression adjustment. This is the
red knob located behind the black low speed
knob. HSC controls the damping force under
faster suspension movements. Use this to control
the amount of support on bigger impacts such as
g-outs, landings, drops, etc.
Note: Cycle the shock through its travel
several times as you gradually increase
pressure in the main chamber.
DO NOT EXCEED MAXIMUM
AIR PRESSURE! 300PSI
HSC Clicks (starting from closed, fully clockwise)
Open
Air Pressure Base Setting Chart
kg
120-139
54-63
140-159
64-72
160-179
73-81
180-199
82-90
200-219
91-100
145 150 160 165
PLUSH
170
175 180 190 200
3
2
1
0
More Support
(Clockwise)
Low speed compression
FIRM
PLUSH
Closed
Starting Point
210 220 230 240 250+
FIRM
PLUSH
Topaz WP1 level products feature an adjustable low speed compression. Rotate the black LSC
knob counter-clockwise until it stops; this is fully open. Rotating the LSC knob clockwise provides
a firmer level of support.
FIRM
PLUSH
FIRM
PLUSH
220-239 101-108
240+
4
(Counter-Clockwise)
Air Pressure (psi)
140
5
Less Support
Rider Weight
lbs
6
FIRM
PLUSH
109+
FIRM
PLUSH
Tech Tip!
Don't be afraid to try things! The chart above is just a starting point to get you in the
ballpark. You will have to modify this to fit your own personal preference and bike. The
leverage ratio of your bike will drastically change the amount of air pressure you need.
Too much LSC will cause the suspension to sit too high in its travel, creating harshness and
reducing traction. Experiment to find the right level of support for your riding style and trail
conditions.
LSC Clicks (starting from closed, fully clockwise)
Open
18
15
12
9
6
3
0
Closed
More Support
Less Support
(Counter-Clockwise)
(Clockwise)
Starting Point
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Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
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Rebound Adjust
Volume Spacers
R REBOUN
STE
D
FA
ER REBOU
ND
OW
SL
Rebound controls the speed at which the shock
extends after compression. Rebound damping
control is relative to the coil spring weight. Higher
pressures require more rebound damping. Lower
pressures require less rebound damping so
please adjust accordingly.
CLOCKWISE = SLOW
COUNTER-CLOCKWISE = FAST
Rebound Base Setting Chart
Air Pressure
PSI
A cool feature with the Topaz series shocks is
the ability to tune the negative and positive air
spring. This is done with volume spacers that
come with your shock.
IMPORTANT! Watch this video before changing
volume spacers!
WATCH VIDEO
Positive
Chamber
(for all Topaz models)
Symptom
Rebound Clicks from Closed (Fully Clockwise)
1
2
3
Negative
Chamber
4
5
6
7
8
Solution
Add Positive Spacers
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Bottoms out Too Easily
Add Negative Spacers
Add 1-2 positive spacers
120-139
Lacking Support for Pedalling
140-159
Not Enough Sag
160-179
180-199
Add 1 positive spacer. Then lower
your air pressure
Add 1-2 negative spacers. You
may need to add air pressure
Too Much Sag
200-219
Looking for More Mid-Stroke Support
220-239
Add 1-2 positive spacers
Add 1-2 negative spacers
Add 1-2 negative spacers and
decrease air pressure
Can’t Get Full Travel
240+
12
Add 1-2 negative spacers
Tech Tip!
Tech Tip!
Rebound settings will vary greatly on bike design, trail conditions, and rider preference.
It’s best to start with the rebound adjuster in the closed setting (full clockwise) and adjust
out in two-click increments.
Keep it clean! Be careful of contamination when removing the air sleeve. Getting dirt
inside the air chamber can cause leaks or failures. Always keep your shock squeakyclean when doing this procedure.
Topaz WP1 Set-Up Guide
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Tuning Notes
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