The new dual-linkage dw-link equipped Turner Flux was released a year after Dave Turner’s faux bar (rocker activated single pivot) TNT Flux, and is supposed to offer improved climbing and general pedalling efficiency.
After 2,000 miles in the saddle, we can certainly say that all the usual Turner traits are there – utterly dependable handling and a confidence-inspiring feel in technical situations.
We’ll agree that it’s a different feeling than the TNT and it does dig in on the climbs, especially ledgey rock ones, but we’re not sure about it being better.
The dw-link frame is heavier (by around 0.5lb, depending on the size) and most of this seems to be in the rear end, as the nature of Dave Weagle's suspension design requires some larger CNC elements.
That may not seem that much, but it’s enough to make the Flux feel like a trail bike whereas the TNT version (with the same kit) always feels ready to race – although, of course, the new Flux will do both.
It’s designed to take a 100mm travel fork, but we also ran it with a 120mm Fox RLC QR15 and liked the extra height. You can still light the afterburners on a climb and also confidently gas it on the downhills.
The initial shakedown saw us loosen the rear end a fraction as it was over-tight but after that it has been buttery smooth. The dw-link system does excel on techy, stepped climbs and pedalling performance elsewhere is at least on-par with the previous TNT version.
The only issue we’ve had has been with the convoluted cable routing for the rear mech. It’s ugly and contacts the body of the rear shock on compression, making a click – which we sorted by customising the cable run.