Review: Fox Transfer SL Dropper Post
Fox have long had the Transfer dropper post in their line, but the Transfer SL that was released last spring is quite unlike its longer travel sibling. The SL is a different post from the ground up - a pared-down, lighter-weight, and shorter travel option designed for the likes of XC racing, gravel riding, or riders who place a priority on lightweight rather than having the most drop possible.
The Transfer SL weighs a mere 327g for the shortest travel 27.2mm diameter Kashima coated Factory Series model and there are lever options for various types of mounting, including drop bars.
The Transfer SL weighs a mere 327g for the shortest travel 27.2mm diameter Kashima coated Factory Series model and there are lever options for various types of mounting, including drop bars.
Transfer SL Details
Diameters: 27.2mm; 30.9mm & 31.6mm
Travel: 50mm; 70mm(27.2); 75mm, & 100mm (tested)
Weight: 327g - 399g (dependent on size/travel) 346g (30.9 / 100mm - tested)
Price: $399 USD - Factory (tested); $329 USD - Performance
More info: Ride Fox
Diameters: 27.2mm; 30.9mm & 31.6mm
Travel: 50mm; 70mm(27.2); 75mm, & 100mm (tested)
Weight: 327g - 399g (dependent on size/travel) 346g (30.9 / 100mm - tested)
Price: $399 USD - Factory (tested); $329 USD - Performance
More info: Ride Fox
One of several major differences between the Transfer and Transfer SL is the design of the saddle clamp and area. The SL is engineered with weight savings in mind, with less of a focus on stack height and maximum drop.
Construction and Features
Starting at the top, the seat clamp looks more like a throwback to previous versions of the Transfer, but a bit more refined. This departure from the standard Transfer clamp, which Fox had heralded as a crucial innovation to maximize post drop, was done to keep the weight down. With the post only needing to accommodate up to 100mm of drop for XC applications, maximizing the post's travel and keeping the stack height low wasn't as much of a constraint during development.
Moving down, the post has an entirely new mechanical spring, rather than an air-sprung, cartridge-style post, as more commonly seen these days. Additionally, the mechanics and function of the spring system give the post only two positions, up or down, rather than the infinite adjustment we've grown accustomed to. The reasoning behind this is again weight. The team at Fox claims that for XC racing, the post is typically either up or down and few riders tend to use it in a mid position.
While the aforementioned mechanical spring is an additional mass of metal, according to the engineers behind the design it allows for weight savings because the sealing mechanism does not need to be as robust as it would if there was a sealed air chamber.
The seals on the Transfer SL don't have to be robust because they're only keeping out dirt and not preventing air or fluid from escaping.
Cables anchor on the post which provides plenty of options when it comes to remotes.
The spring is only used for the extension of the post and it doesn't support the rider's weight - it has a very low spring rate that is highly preloaded. Locking it all in place, and supporting the weight of the rider, is a mechanism with hardened steel balls that engage through grooves in the upper post in either the raised or lowered position. There is a mechanism to prevent rotation between the upper and lower post composed of two preloaded bushings designed to prevent any angular free play. In the smaller diameter 27.2mm post, there are traditional anti-rotation pins which Fox claim allow a little saddle angular play when in a harder rotational stop.
A closer look at the inner workings of the locking mechanism on the Transfer SL. You can see the pins, steel balls, and entirety of the locking mechanism that supports the riders' weight.
Internally routed is the only option for the Transfer SL. The post has a window in the lower half that allows the cable to be run in either direction for compatibility with various dropper levers. Fox engineers said this also minimizes extra cable housing length to, you guessed it, save more weight. With the lower post walls being thinner than usual, torque spec does have to be considered as over-clamping the seat post binder can cause the post to incorrectly function or cause damage to the post.
So, how's that compare to other similar offerings? The post that first comes to mind as a lightweight, XC-style option is DT Swiss' D232 ONE. The D232 is polarizing in its look thank to its inverted design. The D232 has 60mm of travel and comes in two sizes, 27.2 and 30.9, with a claimed weight of 369g for both sizes. With a similar lightweight spring system, it is able to keep weight down, but the inverted design only allows the post to go so low in the seat tube. It sells for $566 USD, significantly more than the Transfer SL, has less travel, weighs more, and has fewer size, travel, and setup options than the Fox post.
Looking at many of the more standard length dropper posts just for sake of comparison, the Transfer SL, at 346g, is far lighter than the 595g average weight of the 13 posts tested in our past Ridden & Rated article. While those posts are all longer travel options, which inherently means they will weigh more, 346g for a 100mm dropper is pretty darn light.
Designed around XC racing, the Transfer SL is a good option for those looking to keep the functionality of a dropper but at a slightly lower weight penalty.
Ride Impressions
I've had the Transfer SL for several months now, enough time to put it through the wringer in a full range of weather conditions, from wet to dry and hot to cold. The post is undoubtedly light, coming in at about 25% less weight than a standard Transfer, depending on what length you're comparing. While you've read the word "light" plenty of times already, I'd say that it's the best way to describe how the post operates and functions.
Similar to a standard post, the Transfer SL has a smooth and consistent action and feel at the lever, but that is where the similarities split as the minuscule amount of effort required to push the post down was quite a departure from the norm. It's strange saying that it takes some getting used to, but it really does take a different style of operation. The Transfer SL may be aimed at the XC racing crowd, but one potential benefit is that the post works really well for kids or very light riders who may have trouble compressing and lowering a more traditional dropper post.
Upon dropping the post, it's key to ensure that it's fully dropped, as it doesn't have the infinite travel adjust many of us are accustomed to. It was surprising to me how often I didn't quite fully drop the post until I was more mindful to ensure it was fully down. It didn't take too long to adapt to the different style, though; I'd imagine it's similar to someone getting used to a different style shifter from what they've always used. Do a ride and you're good to go.
I did miss the infinite travel adjustment, but I can't really knock the post for that as the two-position design was intentional. As for that, it works precisely as it should.
Another thing worth noting is that there is a slightly more noticeable amount of play at the top of the post than I've grown accustomed to. Again, this is a difference in design and while it's quite noticeable off the bike and with the post at full extension, it was merely an afterthought while riding.
Overall, I was very happy with the performance of the Transfer SL. It's light and functions exactly as it should. While I wouldn't recommend the post for the modern-day trail rider looking to slam their seat and ride varied terrain where having some selection in drop is truly beneficial, it does give XC racers and connoisseurs of gravel sports an option many will appreciate. As sure as the sun rises in the morning, XC racers will be counting those pesky power-robbing grams, and more often than not, I feel that those bikes and those riders can appreciate a little skill boost when the going gets more technical, which is where the Transfer SL helps level the playing field and truly shines as the best option available for this application.
Pros
+ Lightweight
+ Light and smooth action
+ Multiple cabling options
+ Great option for lighter riders / kids
Cons
- Limited size options, 100mm max
- Some riders may prefer infinite travel adjustment rather than only up or down.
- Still won't be light enough for some hold outs
Pinkbike's Take
 | The Transfer SL is light in weight, light in action, and performs great for its intended application. With a measurable reduction in weight from a standard dropper post, it will be a great option for many XC racers and possibly serve as a gateway drug of sorts for hold-out riders in certain locales (yes, South Florida and Europe, I'm talking about you) who refuse to deviate from a rigid carbon post, no matter how great the performance gains of modern equipment may be. |
Author Info:
Must Read This Week
Sign Up for the Pinkbike Newsletter - All the Biggest, Most Interesting Stories in your Inbox
PB Newsletter Signup
I’ve never understood the appeal of a “premium” dropper post. I’m a heavy guy and have had several oneup and PNW $199 posts without issue. Initial cost is cheaper, maintenance is easier and cheaper and they are as light as almost any post available.
I feel like the premium feel comes more from the lever and cable quality you use.
If you don't service your fox dropper once every year for £100+, your warranty is void. Do not waste your money.
haha, fair enough.
It has no trouble returning to full extension.
There’s a possibility that other people have had issues with the product, even though it’s worked for you. Strange how different people in similar circumstances can have different experiences….
Just say no to saddlebags.
You'd be amazed at what I fit in there!
www.dakine.com/products/hot-laps-gripper-bike-bag?variant=33209067438160
Like no shit, it’s a 180mm fork on a long travel frame. That was a long fight but they eventually replaced it. I sold the replacement on the very day I received it.
Not saying that's the case here. But more often than not the adjustability of a factory level fork just isn't for everyone.
I'm on a 36 and a 38. Zero issues. Love them. The new forks are insane.
These posts have a short drop 100mm, so they’ll likely won’t be slammed in the seat tube.
I run a 180mm on my Sentinel, and it’s not fully dropped in the seat tube. There would be room for a seat bag if I chose to run a small one
The two seat bags I had were a solid mount on the rails, no need to have anything wrapped around the post, but I do know of the strap you’re talking about.
I have my 9point8 since 2017 and it still work. The first version had air leaks problem, but then they redesigned the collar and works great now.
Thomson's craftsmanship is absolute trash. Their dropper failed miserably and the hardware on their stem is a joke. They're heavy, and unfinished looking.
The turbine was not a Raceface branded FallLine, they licensed the patent for the design but they made it as cheap as possible which in turn resulted in a shit product. The FallLine is a great post and very high quality.
On days it works properly, I will say it has the most refined actuation of any post I've ever seen in person. And the saddle clamp is fantastic.
That being said, I listened to fellow Pinkers and got a Bike Yoke Revive. Hands down a superior product, with an ever so slightly less refined actuation.
Now I just look at that Fall Line and think what the hell am I going to do with it? I don't sell things that I think are going to fail for other people.
I have serviced over 1000 reverbs in the last 5 years and I must say that is the one product SRAM nailed. The C1 at least. The others are reliable when you update the internal IFP and fluids, (A1,A2 and B1).
Super serviceable, parts available in tackle boxes and I can make them extremely reliable. My return rate on serviced reverbs is well under %1.
The standard Transfer isn’t more reliable than most other good posts out there. But the SL does away with the air spring and hydraulic lock, and replaces them both with incredibly simple, zero maintenance mechanical devices. For marathon MTB races, reliability is paramount.
Daniel Sapp I’m kinda curious, what do South Florida locals have in common with Europe and weight weenies? As a south Fl native I’m def confused on this comment, but I’m hoping maybe you know about some super sick trails on some secret hidden mountain somewhere and yer just itching to tell us “locals” allll about it
You know, I just remember a segment of the Markham Park/Virginia Key audience as a blend of very normal and very special. You know, the very special kind that builds a bike off of a sheet of weights rather than practicality because of the "lighter is always faster" mindset? A no-name hardtail with a crack in the top tube, second-hand lefty, carbon-spoke wheels, piece of carbon for a saddle, chopped bars, and something else that makes you go "why?"?
I will say, Florida has some surprisingly fun riding in places. I'm probably not going to abandon my dugout here in Western NC for it but, it's a good time if you know where to go - Shoot me a DM when you find that hidden mountain that isn't a capped landfill!
Oneup V2 has been flawless and its half the price.
The seat clamp hardware looks waaaay better than the new Transfer posts. Those can’t be adjusted enough to get a lot of saddle models level on modern (steep seat angle) frames.
All around meh for Fox droppers these day.
All around
But it would be nice if they had a simple service you could do yourself.
Nuff said.
Take a look at our new dropper post, what the robust seals have done
youtu.be/REr7c-BwO4w
max cut 70mm insert can save around 60g
:P
Honestly, I shared your skepticism of a dropper on a gravel bike at first, but now that I have it, I really like it.
You seeing this blasphemy?
If any of y'all make it to the front range, I got some wild pirate gravel roads to show you!
Be safe be well,
Incognito Robin
KS weighs them with lever & cable which no one else does.
My 175 drop 31.6mm only weighs 432 grams for instance.
Is there even another purpose to an suspension seal?
So, 20g more for 20mm more travel.
However, after using it for a while, I think I'd prefer 80mm travel more than 100mm.
70% of the time, I don't bring the post down fully. I'd prefer to hit a hard stop earlier down in the stroke which help me jump out of the saddle than stop myself or squat down deeper to hit the stop at 100mm.