FOX Transfer Factory Dropper Seat Post [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for. 

Fox has been leading the Dropper Post market since they released the Transfer years ago. It was the first dropper that seemingly didn't have any issues and it stood as a staple for other companies to emulate in the coming years. Since then, the Transfer Post has stood on top as what we might consider to be the most reliable dropper post today. Our buddy Nathaniel recently made the upgrade. Lets see what he thought of it!

Nathaniel's Review

How many times have you gotten to the trailhead, everybody pumped to spend the day ripping around the outdoors on your mtbs, then it happens... The mechanical! Flat tire? No. Chain break, No. Ah yes, the dreaded dropper mechanical! Either they are slow, notchy, seized up, or the spring “pogo”, regardless- dropper mechanicals suck. Thank god for the New Fox 2021 transfer.

Funny, years ago the dropper wasn’t around, nowadays it’s probably used almost as much as your shifter!

Different droppers work well, differently. Some droppers are constant or “fluid” as in the Fox Transfer and probably the “majority” of dropper post styles. This operation stops dropping when you release the lever. I like this style and usually, I’ll slam it down for techy downhills, run it almost all the way “topped out” for techy singletrack, and of course all the way up for climbing.

Another way of operation is pre-set detainments into the dropper that drops at certain heights, pre-determined from the manufacture.

The problem with this approach is, “Are the “drops” in the correct spot for my riding preference?” Maybe, maybe not. Choose Fox and choose your own “drop!”

All Fox transfer posts are very simple to install and operate. The cable is a mere derailleur cable that you attach to the bottom of the post and run the other end to your lever on your handlebar. You can attach the cable to any lever, I personally prefer Wolftooth, but my New Orbea came with a Shimano lever that feels good. It also came with an Orbea brand dropper, which I sold from new and directly bought a Fox from WWC.

Let me start by saying like most, I have been through a tremendous amount of droppers over the last 7-8 years. There was never a solid reliable seat post dropper until the Fox dropper hit! Previous droppers were a nightmare and always failed within a few months of operating. Not to mention hydraulic bleeding is a PITA!

I have had Fox transfers on my last 6 bikes and have never had any issues with them. I never used their lever, as it was flexy and in my opinion, cheap. I see for 2021 they have re-vamped it? Any rate, the 2021 Fox transfer post is also refined for 2021. I owned a 2020 model and my only complaint was the tolerance from left to right, maybe a few millimeters, not a biggie. The 2021 seems much tighter, although still there. They also made the seat clamp more user friendly! The post moves fast with a distinct thud at the top out. Not obnoxious, just subtle enough to let you know it’s up!

Conclusion

"The bonus of this dropper is 200mm. It is awesome to be able to slam the dropper in the frame. They claim the 2021 is also lighter, but I did not weigh it. The initial impression of my new Orbea is very good. If this post performs long term like my past transfers, they’ll have a customer for life! I mean if you have a reliable, fast, and light post on your bike, what more could you ask for? Bite the Bullet, belly up, and purchase one. You won’t regret it." - Nathaniel