The FOX Transfer scored the win in our 2017 group test and its victory was well deserved. Those same posts are still on test here and their performance has been faultless. With new players in the game, is the FOX Transfer still king?
Here you’ll find an overview of the best mountain bike dropper posts in review.
The FOX Transfer features infinite adjustment, two remote options and is available in a Kashima coated ‘Factory’ model as well as the more affordable black-anodized ‘Performance’ model. FOX have also extended their range with a 175 mm option, now offering 100, 125, 150 and 175 mm models in both 30.9 and 31.6 mm diameters. FOX have chosen reliability over home-serviceability so the hydraulic cartridge needs to be maintained by a service centre, and FOX recommends a 125 hour or yearly service interval, the cost of which should be considered when purchasing the post. Unusually, the hydraulic cartridge sits in the upper tube and a spool valve is used to open and close the ports, giving the FOX Transfer beautifully smooth actuation. When installing the post, all cable length adjustments are done at the remote end making installation effortless.
We really like the clearly audible ‘chang’ as the post hits maximum extension, providing great feedback and near-instantaneous transitions.
| Post | Price | Total length1 | Max insertion2 | Ride height3 | Stack height4 | Travel [mm] | Weight (incl. remote) | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FOX Transfer Factory | € 429/€ 69 | 530 mm | 300 mm | 205 mm | 60 mm | 100 – 125 – 150 – 175 | 583 g | Cable |
It’s a foolproof post and requires no ninja skills to install. It’s not perfect though – the zero-offset head uses vertical bolts that make it a little tougher to access with a tool, and the 60 mm stack height is quite tall (20 mm taller than the OneUp) when compared to the latest generation of posts, limiting travel for shorter riders. In use, the remote has a wonderfully light action which is very easy to modulate, and the post start moving effortlessly smoothly. However, the overall feel of the standard 1x remote is low quality and wobbly and we would certainly choose an aftermarket option like the BikeYoke, PNW, OneUp. FOX now also offer a Race Face remote option but we didn’t get a chance to test it. Remote issues aside, the post moves smoothly and has been 100% faultless in use.
For those who are deterred by the price of the Factory model, we would highly recommend the €319.00 non-Kashima Performance version, which offers the same amazing performance with a slightly less exhibitionistic appearance.
Conclusion
The FOX Transfer is the very definition of a fit-and-forget post with no reliability issues on our test posts. While the FOX Transfer was our 2017 test winner and has a smooth and light action, the poor quality remote and tall stack can no longer compete with the best designs on the market.
Tops
- super smooth
- reliable
- audible top out
Flops
- low-quality remote
- fiddly seat clamp bolts
For more info head to: foxracingshox.de
Here you’ll find an overview of the best mountain bike dropper posts in review.
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