Fox Transfer Dropper Post: Is It Better Than The Competition?

The Fox Transfer dropper post is the new kid on the block in the world of dropper posts. The Transfer post is said to be the replacement for the D.O.S.S which is the ol’ reliable of the first generation of dropper posts. Much upgraded from the D.O.S.S, the Fox Transfer is here to compete with the best dropper posts on the market including the Rockshox Reverb, KS LEV, RaceFace Turbine, and Easton Haven. Being nitrogen-sprung and having hydraulic internals, this allows for an infinite amount of seat height adjustment, not just 3 positions like the previous mechanical design by Fox.

About the post:

• Comes in an internally and externally routed version
• Two series available: Factory series and Performance series. The Factory series features the Genuine Kashima Coat on the upper post and retails for $314. The Performance series features a black anodized upper post and retails for $264
• Available in 30.9 or 31.6 diameter.
• Travel options: 4 in (100mm), 5 in (125mm), 6in (150mm)
• Fox sells the Transfer’s 1x and 2x/3x remotes separately at $65 USD which keeps the post at a competitive price being that the Factory post with remote comes out to $379 USD and the Performance coming in at $329 USD which is actually a better price than most high end posts on the market. 

When Fox designed the Transfer post, they followed in the footsteps of the D.O.S.S post by setting it up with a zero-offset head that is one piece, using two bolts to adjust the pitch/angle of the seat and where it sits on the rails. This design makes it almost impossible to move that seat out of the set position you have it in. The two bolt design may not be as light as a single bolt design but will definitely be more reliable and stronger. Fox stores the access to the Transfer’s internals under the lower cradle. The nitrogen charge inside the post is at 400psi so unless you want to get smacked in the face by this post, Fox recommends that you leave the opening of this to a certified shop so that way you don't have to explain to your riding buddies how the post fought back leaving you with a nice shiner. 

When looking at the internally routed post you can immediately see that the actuation lever at the bottom of the post allows for a tool-free disconnection since it has a slotted cable stopper. This has a similar look to the Thompson dropper post base. As for the externally routed post, Fox located the actuation pulley on the side of the post so that the rider has no need to deal with a big loop of cable housing like you do with other posts that have the actuation assembly at the top. 

Luckily Fox had ditched the old lever design from the D.O.S.S and went with the much shorter and smaller design that will have better control of the Transfer. Fox has two remote options for the Transfer; one is a sleek 1x lever that takes the place of the front shifter. The other is a 2x/3x lever that is mounted vertically right up against the grip so you can keep a free range of motion to shift without the post lever getting in the way. Both lever options cost $65 USD and neither of them come with the purchase of the post. Both of the levers use a hinge to make the installation easy and with the 2x/3x lever coming with a lengthened barrel adjuster, this allows for great adjustment and the elimination of a massive loop of housing at the handle bars. 

When using the post, the first thing you will notice is how smooth the remote action is while using a minimal amount of force to control the post, but cable routing can affect this. The 1x lever that we used was very comfortable and smooth and there was absolutely no hesitation in dropping the post! If you remember the old DOSS post, you know that the second you activated that lever you would cringe at the sight and sound of how fast the post would rocket up and slam at max extension. Luckily the Transfer post doesn't rebound nearly as fast but is quicker than the KS and the Reverb post and makes a nice top out noise when reaching full height. 

The only real difference between the Factory version and the Performance version is the color. Both of the posts have the same weight and internals so it all really comes down to whether you want to spend the little extra on the Kashima coating. Could the Fox Transfer post be the end all be all post that's reliable and has no issues that sets itself above all the competitors? We have a very good feeling about it, only time will tell when it comes to reliability!