Variable seatposts on test: Fox Transfer SL - lightweight dropper post for racers

Like its big sister, the Fox Transferthe SL version also comes generously packaged. In addition to the extremely compact post, you will only find an instruction manual in the box - that's it. Assembly materials such as the cable and outer cover come with the lever, which Fox also only sells separately.

The Transfer SL is not a slimmed-down standard transfer, but a completely new development. Instead of a hydraulic cartridge, a mechanical system is used here. On the one hand, this is intended to significantly reduce weight, which has been achieved when looking at the measured values, but on the other hand it also increases durability.

Fitting the Fox Transfer SL variable seatpost

Fitting the Transfer SL is only slightly more complicated than with a standard seatpost. The cable has to be clamped both in the Tele post and on the remote, which poses a problem: If you want to remove the post, you always have to unscrew the cable as well - nothing works here without tools. On the other hand, the Transfer SL also offers the option of using handlebar levers such as the Shimano GRX, where the cable is attached to the front of the handlebar and not the rear of the post. The Fox is also a little more complicated when it comes to mounting the saddle, as at least one screw has to be completely removed in order to slide the frame into the mount.

Caution: The cable end caps sit very tightly on the outer casing and must be pushed on precisely so that the cable does not settle too far after installation and make operation more difficult.

How does the telescopic support get onto the bike? It's actually quite simple. With our step-by-step guide the installation of the lowerable seat post is no problem.

Ease of use & function

The Fox takes a little getting used to when it comes to operation. The lever is buttery smooth and very easy to move. However, it is not always possible to position it perfectly. The finely ribbed paddle, on the other hand, has a good grip on the thumb.

The high breakaway torque of the seatpost is also unusual. The saddle should be slightly relieved to unlock it, only then does the post slide down smoothly on the Kashima coating. But even there it only engages properly after you have briefly taken some weight off the saddle. Incidentally, there are no intermediate positions on the Transfer SL: there is either top or bottom.

However, the fact that the seat post locks firmly in the lower position also has an advantage: if you accidentally lift the bike by the saddle, the seat post remains reliably in the lowered position and does not extend.

Attention: The Fox has some lateral play right from the start, which can quickly increase if you straighten the saddle without loosening the seat clamp first.

Price & Info - Fox Transfer SL telescopic seatpost

• Price: 519 / 83 Euro (support / remote) >> available here
• Weight¹: 347 / 442 g (support / ready to ride)
• Stroke: 50/ 70/ 75/ 100/ 125/ 150 mm (tested)
• Diameter: 27,2 / 30,9 / 31.6 mm (tested)
• Length / insertion depth¹: 358 / 83 - 227 mm
• Stack height¹: 52 mm
• Scope of delivery: Support; operating instructions
• Special features: Certain lengths only available in certain sizes; mechanical system

Conclusion & evaluation

Even with a diameter of 30.9 mm, the Fox Transfer SL is by far the lightest dropper post in the test. This is partly due to the fact that the Transfer SL works mechanically and thus saves additional weight. The lever and post run extremely smoothly. It takes a little getting used to: To lower the saddle, you have to take a little weight off it, and there are no intermediate positions - up or down, that's it. On the other hand, the support is firmly fixed at the end points. Points of criticism: Cannot be removed without unscrewing the cable, slight play on the saddle.

¹BIKE measured values. Weight: telescopic seat post / ready to ride: seat post, remote, 1.5 m outer shell, cable pull ²The BIKE grade is independent of price. The BIKE rating is based on the school grading system with grades 1 to 5.