TRAIL TEST
TRAIL TESTWith a long post you’ll need to
check your frame sizing to see
if the full height can be used or
you’ll need to go for a model with
less drop. You can check the Fox
site for full diagrams and guides
explaining all the dimensions
but with the 175mm internally-
routed model, there’s potentially a
massive 406mm maximum height
from the seat post clamp collar to
the head of the post, if you really
need it that high!
The main advantage of the
longer drop is that the post can
be pushed in all the way to the
clamp, allowing it to be pushed
well out of the way down for
jumps, steep sections or even
comfortably sitting at traffic
lights, but still high enough for
the legs to spin and straighten
properly up climbs without
busting a quadricep muscle in
the process.
I was able to get it almost all
the way into the frame in my
large frame sized Trek Fuel EX,
only about 35mm short of that
target but that was still more
than enough to get the saddle
high enough for climbing
power plus low enough to
really get the saddle out of
the way on descents.At six foot I can certainly use
the extra length in the post, while
I could make a 150mm post work
for me I was finding I’d have to
sometimes adjust the post height.
With this setup I can just leave it
as is for the majority of riding I do.
Fox recommend the post is
serviced once every two years or
every year for severe conditions.
I did a quick check of a couple
of service outlets' pricing and
it’s around $200 per service for
that, including seals, fluid, new
keyways if required and refilling
with the appropriate pressure.
As it’s a complex unit and needs
a nitrogen charge to refill, DIY
servicing is not an option.
Out on the trail there’s a lot to
like, it has quick adjustments and
it always felt smooth, not needing
a huge amount of effort to pushNow part of the Fox stable of
brands, Raceface also make a
1x style lever that has a nicely
sized sealed bearing in the pivot
to make the action smooth and
reliable. If you want to replace
your current post and keep your
lever, check the specs on it to
see if it will work with the Transfer’s
cable routing. I’ve seen levers
from Bontrager and Giant that
work this way.
Along with the post there was
the Raceface Turbine 1x dropper
lever in red to try out, this is the
1x lever mounted up on the left
and with a good feel and with
plenty of grip from the grooves
machined into the lever surface.
The post isn’t just another
rebranded model or nice
externals over a generic cartridge
but fully in-house Fox designed
and developed, with its own
valving incorporating an IFP.
Design features also include a
pressure release valve to help
with changes in elevation or
air pressure that can cause
stickiness. The valving allows for
the ability to modulate the speed
of the post’s return easily, a small
amount of lever push will move
the post slowly or you can push it
all the way in for full speed.
“The post isn’t just another rebranded model or nice externals
over a generic cartridge but fully in-house Fox designed and
developed, with its own valving incorporating an IFP.”
down. It hits the top of its height
with a reassuring clunk which was
useful to know before I sat back
down after standing to pedal!
The combination with the
Raceface lever works well, the
lever unit feels solid with a large
area to find with the thumb.
There’s virtually no side-to-side or
rotational play from the keyways.
Now, no review of this post
could not mention the price. This
is priced at the expensive end of
dropper posts, corresponding to
the quality level but the longer
150mm and 175mm drop options
don’t cost any more than the
shorter options and this is certainly
one high quality unit. Couple that
with the ability for the post to be
fully serviced rather than needing
a new cartridge and I think you
won’t be disappointed.SPECIFICATIONS
Price $529
Weight 519g (3 0.9 x 125mm, no lever)Website ridefox.com solasport.com.auLeft: The Transfer
Post is quite an
intricate system.