Reviews You Can Rely On

Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite Review

A high-quality, easy-to-set up dropper with one of the best remote levers we tested
gearlab tested logo
Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite Review
Credit: Zach
Price:  $309 List
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Manufacturer:   Fox Racing Shox
By Zach Wick ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Jan 19, 2021
70
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 11
  • Smoothness and Functionality - 30% 8.0
  • Remote - 25% 7.0
  • Saddle Clamp - 20% 7.5
  • Ease of Setup - 15% 6.5
  • Weight - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

Fox's updated 2021 Transfer is among the best all-around dropper posts you'll find. With reduced overall lengths, insertion depths, stack heights, and weights across all travel options and the same reliable, smooth performance, the 2021 Transfer is a big upgrade over the old version. The redesigned saddle clamp performs double duty by reducing stack height to allow for more drop while making saddle installation considerably less fiddly than most standard two-bolt clamps. The post pairs well with Fox's lighter, more ergonomic 1x remote lever. It's one of the best cable levers we've ever used, but unfortunately, you'll need to purchase it separately from the post itself. See how this model rated versus top competitors in our review of the best dropper posts.
REASONS TO BUY
Short stack height
Easy setup
Great lever
REASONS TO AVOID
Lever sold separately
Above average weight

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Another Top Performer
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Dropper Seatpost
 Top Pick Award
Best for Maximizing Your Drop
Best Buy Award
Best Bang for Your Buck
Price $197.96 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$332.50 at Amazon
Compare at 2 sellers
$324 List$269.99 at Backcountry
Compare at 3 sellers
$185 List
$149.61 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
70
76
73
68
62
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Bottom Line This simple-to-set-up, cable-actuated dropper is super smooth and has one of the best levers availableA high-end dropper post that blends a fantastic feel with some very useful featuresA unique and thoughtfully designed dropper post with no waste packaging and an incredibly easy to install saddle clampA quality dropper post at a decent price that offers killer performance and best-in-class travelA very affordable dropper post that punches well above its price class
Rating Categories Fox Racing Shox Tra... BikeYoke Revive 2.0 9Point8 Fall Line OneUp Components V3 Tranz-X Kitsuma Air
Smoothness and Functionality (30%)
8.0
9.5
7.5
8.5
7.5
Remote (25%)
7.0
8.0
7.5
5.0
6.0
Saddle Clamp (20%)
7.5
5.0
8.0
6.5
5.0
Ease of Setup (15%)
6.5
7.0
5.0
5.5
6.0
Weight (10%)
4.0
7.0
8.0
8.5
5.0
Specs Fox Racing Shox Tra... BikeYoke Revive 2.0 9Point8 Fall Line OneUp Components V3 Tranz-X Kitsuma Air
Measured Weight (length tested) 733g (175mm) 672g (213mm) 617g (150mm) 612g (240mm) 732g (200mm)
Grams per millimeter of travel 4.2 3 4.1 2,5 3.7
Remote tested Fox Racing Shox Transfer Remote Bike Yoke Triggy Alpha Thumb convertible OneUp V3 Lever Tranz-X Kitsuma 1x
Positions Infinitely Adjustable Infinitely Adjustable Infinitely Adjustable Infinitely Adjustable Infinitely Adjustable
Available Diameters 30.9/31.6mm 30.9/31.6/34.9 (called Revive Max) 30.9/31.6/34.9mm 30 30.9/31.6mm
Available Travel Lengths/Extended Lengths 100/125/150/175/200mm,
308/363/418/475/531
125/160/185/213mm 75/100/125/150/175/200mm, 325/350/375/440/500/560mm 90/120/150/180/210/240mm, 295, 350, 415, 480, 545, 610mm 150/170/200mm, 455/495/558mm
Drop length tested/Extended length, claimed 175mm/475mm 213mm/582mm 150mm/440mm 240mm/610mm 200mm/558mm
Saddle layback Zero offset zero offset Offset or inline geometry, purchase of conversion kit required zero offset Zero offset
Remote Fox Racing Shox Transfer Remote 1x (comes with standard clamp, MMX, and I-Spec EV mounts), 2x option available Bike Yoke Triggy Alpha sold seperately Thumb:(tested) universal with 1x adapter, Trigger: finger actuated, or Digit: 1x left undermount OneUp Remote levers are sold separately. Works with any remote that clamps at the remote end. Tranz-X Kitsuma 1x lever
Cable Style Internally routed, cable actuated Internally routed, cable actuated, hydraulic system Internally routed, tool free quick connect system Internally routed, cable actuated Internally routed, cable actuated
Stack Height/Ride height 38mm compressed, 213mm extended 255mm extended 59mm compressed, 209mm extended 40mm compressed, 270mm extended 55mm compressed, 255mm extended
Included 1 year warranty Cable, housing, cable barrel Torque key, cable, housing, 2 year warranty Cable and housing, cable crimps, ferrulles, and cable end Cable and housing, 2-year warranty
Tested Diameter and travel length. 31.6, 175mm travel 31.6, 213mm travel 31.6, 150mm travel 31.6. 240mm travel 30.9, 200mm travel

Our Analysis and Test Results

As one of the biggest names in high-performance mountain bike suspension, it seems natural that Fox is well-positioned to engineer a top-shelf dropper post. While we weren't exactly disappointed with the old version of the Transfer, it didn't quite stack up with the best models we've tested. The 2021 version, however, is a different story. Fox managed to make this post more competitive in multiple areas by reducing the stack height, insertion depth, and weight while improving the saddle clamp and remote lever.

Performance Comparison


fox racing shox transfer performance elite - fox hit the nail on the head with the 2021 transfer update.
Fox hit the nail on the head with the 2021 Transfer update.
Credit: Zach

Smoothness and Functionality


The 2021 Transfer packs the same basic internals as the older version of the post with a nitrogen-charged spring and a fixed return rate. We really liked the functionality of the old post, so we weren't worried about the lack of a change. Out on the trail, we found the same smooth, fast action that we enjoyed before. The post moves quickly and easily through all of its travel in both compression and extension. It doesn't take much weight to get the seat to drop once you've engaged the lever, and there is almost no resistance on the way down. When the trail turns back uphill, the saddle returns very quickly and tops out with a satisfying thunk, which we found serves as a good signal to let off the lever and sit back down. Although the return rate isn't adjustable, you can feather the lever to bring the seat up more slowly if you want.


In our previous test of the Transfer, we had some issues with some rotational play in the post that was noticeable while pedaling and occasionally caused some rattling, but the 2021 version was rock solid. Out of the box, the post had no play whatsoever, and we didn't notice any developing over the course of our field test.

Early in our testing process, we learned that it's important to closely follow the 5.1Nm torque spec on the seat collar to ensure that the post functions optimally. Like most droppers, if you apply too much torque to the seat clamp, the post can struggle to move smoothly through all of its travel or get sticky when fully extended. When we first set our 2021 Transfer up, we approximated the torque and got it slightly high. On our first ride, we had some issues with the post sticking at top out, but once we got the torque wrench out and set it properly, our problems disappeared. It doesn't take much extra torque to hinder this post's functionality, so we recommend using a torque wrench upon installation.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - the new saddle clamp reduces stack height significantly, allowing...
The new saddle clamp reduces stack height significantly, allowing you to run longer travel and keep the seat out of the way.
Credit: Zach

Saddle Clamp


In our opinion, the saddle clamp is the key improvement to the 2021 Transfer. The redesigned head reduces the post's stack height fairly significantly. This should allow riders who were on the borderline between travel options to step up to a longer drop and dramatically improve the quality of their ride. The old Transfer had a 60mm stack height with the saddle compressed, and the new post cuts that number all the way down to 38mm. It isn't quite the shortest stack height on the market today, but it's fairly close. We can't overstate how important the stack height number is to improve the quality of your ride. The shorter the stack height, the longer travel post you can run to keep that pesky saddle out of your way when making dynamic movements on the trail.


In addition to the reduced stack height, Fox also managed to improve the seat clamp's functionality in the redesign. The new design isn't a huge departure from a traditional two-bolt clamp system, but we found it significantly easier to use. The system comprises two custom bolts that thread into cylinder nuts at either end of the post's head. The top side of the bolts fit into the upper clamp piece and can swing free from it without being completely unthreaded from the post. As a result, the top half of the clamp can be fully removed without having to remove the bolts and deal with multiple small pieces. You can simply remove the top piece by swinging the bolt heads out of the way, set the saddle rails in the grooves, replace the top piece, and swing the bolts up into place. Like standard two-bolt clamps, the saddle's tilt is controlled when tightening the clamp bolts. We found the whole process faster and considerably less frustrating than the typical saddle replacement, and we think it's a nice benefit to the 2021 Transfer.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - the sturdy, i-spec compatible lever has great leverage and a large...
The sturdy, I-spec compatible lever has great leverage and a large, textured thumb paddle.
Credit: Zach

Remote


Along with the redesigned 2021 Transfer, Fox also devised a brand new remote lever. Frankly, we think the new lever is great, but before we gush too much about it we should be clear that it does not come standard with the post. If you want to match your Transfer post with the new 1x lever you will have to purchase the lever separately for a decent chunk of change. Many companies that offer cable-actuated droppers sell their remote levers separately because they're cross-compatible between brands, but we still don't like the idea of having to purchase a post and lever separately.


With that disclaimer out of the way, we'll say that the new Fox 1x lever is one of the best we've ever used. We would recommend it for use with any compatible cable-actuated dropper. It's available with a standard clamp as well as Sram matchmaker or Shimano I-spec configurations. The lever we tested used the I-spec mount, which offers sliding adjustment left to right as well as the standard two mounting location options. The lever itself mimics a shifter lever using a large, ergonomic paddle with a textured surface that feels natural against your thumb. The lever moves on a sealed cartridge bearing, which gives it a very smooth and robust feel, and the body is thin and flat, allowing for a wide adjustment range without interfering with brake levers. We were able to quickly and easily dial in our lever to the perfect position.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - the performance and reliability still comes with a small weight...
The performance and reliability still comes with a small weight penalty unfortunately.
Credit: Zach

Weight


While Fox managed to lower the Transfer's weight with this update, it isn't a massive improvement over the previous version. The post's heft is still its biggest weakness, in our opinion. Fox claims that the new version is 25 grams lighter across the board. Our 175mm test post tipped the scales at 733 grams, including the lever, housing, and cable, putting it on the heavier end of the posts that we tested. At 4.2 grams per millimeter of travel, it's competitive, but not super light. It isn't quite the heaviest out there, but it's still on the upper end of the spectrum.


The weight is a drawback of this model, but realistically for most riders, it shouldn't be an issue. Unless you're planning on using this post to chase hill climb records or race cross country, we don't think you'll notice the extra grams. Functionality and longevity should be much higher on most riders' lists, and this post certainly checks those boxes.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - the cable end fits into a small cylindrical bushing that is cradled...
The cable end fits into a small cylindrical bushing that is cradled by the engagement mechanism.
Credit: Zach

Ease of Setup


Like most cable-actuated dropper posts, the Transfer is a breeze to set up. Setup-wise, there is no change from the old version of the Transfer to this one other than the improved seat clamp. The barrel end of the cable fits into a cylindrical bushing that sits in a cradle at the bottom of the post, and the cable housing fits securely into a port just below that. The cable end is clamped with a small set screw at the lever, where a barrel adjuster makes cable tension adjustment easy.


Depending on the type of frame you're installing the post on, it's likely that running the cable housing through the frame will be the most difficult part of the process. Some frames have internal tunnels to guide the housing to make the process simple, but others will require some fishing around to get everything in the right place. Dialing in the housing length can take a little bit of extra time as well, but it's nothing compared to shortening a hydraulic hose.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - after countless hours on this post, we think it's a worthy purchase.
After countless hours on this post, we think it's a worthy purchase.
Credit: Zach Wick

Value


This post lands pretty close to smack dab in the middle of the dropper post price range. Considering that it's one of our favorite models, we think that it's well worth the price. Fox made some significant improvements to this version that make it one of the best droppers on the market, and it comes in considerably cheaper than some of the higher end models. We would love it if the remote lever were included with the post, but even without it, we think this is a good value.

Should You Buy the Fox Racing Shox Transfer Performance Elite?


Fox did a great job of addressing the Transfer's weak points with the 2021 update. The lower stack height, reduced weight, and improved lever turned what used to be a mid-pack dropper into one of the best available. With tons of travel options, most riders should be able to find the perfect post for their bike with this model.

fox racing shox transfer performance elite - we'll happily spend some more time with the transfer.
We'll happily spend some more time with the Transfer.
Credit: Zach

What Other Dropper Seatposts Should You Consider?


Considering this dropper post's midrange price and performance, it'd be a struggle to find a better value. However, if budget is an obstacle you really need to get around, we also love the great value of the Trans-X Kitsuma Air and the PNW Components Loam Dropper. They both have lower price tags and will still manage to get the job done. If you just have to have that low weight, consider the Wolf Tooth Components Resolve, one of the lightest we've met.

Zach Wick