If you’re looking for a new enduro fork, you might be wondering how the DVO Onyx SC D1 compares to the Fox 36.
Both forks are designed for aggressive riding, with 36 mm stanchions, adjustable compression and rebound damping, and air springs that can be tuned with volume spacers.
But which one is better for your style and preferences?
Here, we’ll compare the features, performance, and price of these two forks, and help you decide which one to choose.
Features
DVO Onyx SC D1
The DVO Onyx SC D1 is a fork that stands out from the crowd, with its signature green and black color scheme and its unique OTT (Off The Top) feature.
OTT is a preload adjustable negative coil spring that works against the positive air spring, allowing you to fine-tune the initial sensitivity of the fork.
By increasing or decreasing the OTT spring pressure, you can make the fork more plush or more supportive at the beginning of the stroke, depending on your preference and terrain.
Fox 36
The Fox 36, on the other hand, has a more conventional air spring design, with a self-equalizing positive and negative chamber that automatically adjusts to your air pressure setting.
To change the initial feel of the fork, you need to add or remove volume spacers inside the air spring. The Fox 36 also has a more subtle color scheme, with black or orange options available.
Quick Comparison
| Feature/Difference | DVO Onyx SC D1 | Fox 36 |
|---|---|---|
| Color Options | Green and black | Black or orange |
| OTT Feature | Yes (preload adjustable negative coil spring) | No |
| Air Spring Design | Positive and negative chambers, requires volume spacers for initial feel adjustment | Self-equalizing positive and negative chamber |
| Compression Damping Adjustment | More clicks of high-speed compression (over 30) | 16 clicks of high-speed compression |
| High-Speed Compression Dial | Harder to feel and count clicks | Clear detents and markings |
| Damper Design | Compression bladder, larger oil volume | Sealed cartridge damper |
| Small Bump Sensitivity | Very supple off the top | Smooth, but not as plush as DVO Onyx SC D1 |
| Mid-Stroke Support | Good, may need additional oil for more progression | More support, rides higher in the travel |
| Bottom-Out Resistance | Good | More progressive ramp-up |
| Chassis Stiffness | Very stiff, minimal flex or twist | Slightly stiffer (but not very noticeable on the trail) |
| Price | $1,051 | $1,149 |
Comparing Fork Adjustments
Both forks have similar compression and rebound damping adjustments, with high-speed and low-speed compression knobs on top of the right leg, and a rebound dial at the bottom.
The DVO Onyx SC D1 has more clicks of high-speed compression adjustment than the Fox 36 (over 30 vs 16), but some riders may find them hard to feel and count.
The Fox 36 has a more user-friendly high-speed compression dial, with clear detents and markings.
Damper Design
They have different damper designs, with different oil volumes and flow paths.
The DVO Onyx SC D1 uses a compression bladder that surrounds a larger volume of oil than most forks, claiming to improve durability and damping consistency.
The Fox 36 uses a sealed cartridge damper that isolates the oil from air and contaminants.
Related: Fox 49 vs. 40: Compared
Performance
Both forks perform very well on the trail, offering excellent control, stability, and comfort over rough terrain.
DVO Onyx SC D1
The DVO Onyx SC D1 is very supple off the top, thanks to its OTT feature, and absorbs small bumps and chatter with ease.
It also has good mid-stroke support and bottom-out resistance, although some riders may find it too linear and need to add some oil to the air chamber to make it more progressive.
Fox 36
The Fox 36 is also very smooth off the top, but not as plush as the DVO Onyx SC D1.
It has more mid-stroke support and rides higher in the travel, giving it a more poppy and playful feel.
It also has a more progressive ramp-up at the end of the stroke, preventing harsh bottom-outs.
Both forks are very stiff and precise, with minimal flex or twist under heavy braking or cornering.
The Fox 36 may have a slight edge in chassis stiffness over the DVO Onyx SC D1, but it’s not very noticeable on the trail.
Related: SunTour XCT vs. RockShox Judy: Compared
Price
The DVO Onyx SC D1 is priced at $ 1,051, which is slightly cheaper than the Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 at $1,149.
However, both forks are quite expensive compared to some other options on the market, such as the RockShox Lyrik Ultimate or Manitou Mezzer Pro.
Which one to Choose?
If you like a fork that feels buttery smooth over small bumps and chatter, and you don’t mind tinkering with the OTT feature, you may prefer the DVO Onyx SC D1.
If you like a fork that feels more lively and responsive in the mid-stroke, and you don’t mind adding or removing volume spacers, you may prefer the Fox 36.
Conclusion
The DVO Onyx SC D1 and the Fox 36 are both great forks for enduro riding, but they have different strengths and weaknesses.
The DVO Onyx SC D1 is more plush and sensitive off the top, thanks to its OTT feature, but it may lack some mid-stroke support and progression for some riders.
The Fox 36 is more supportive and poppy in the middle of the stroke, but it may not be as smooth as the DVO Onyx SC D1 at the beginning of the stroke.
