Posted on August 21 2024
The new Fox Transfer Neo dropper seat post is the latest wireless dropper post to hit the market and we have been eager to get one fitted to test. This is the first release of a wireless product from Fox, and possibly the start of an AXS-style ecosystem of products to come, but only time will tell on that.
Surprisingly, the Neo dropper from Fox hits the market in the same sizing convention as the now-superseded 2024 and earlier Fox Transfer models, coming out in 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200mm drop options. (unlike the sizing of 120, 140, 150, 180, 210, 240mm as seen in the 2025 Transfer range). However, it does share the new improved user serviceability of the MY25 model transfers with a significantly reduced requirement of proprietary tooling and tricky service procedures. Its maintenance in between service internals is far more user-friendly, and there's some cool in-app tech that can help you keep on top of the maintenance side of things.
Unboxing:
The Transfer Neo comes right out of the box with everything you could need to get it mounted to suit your bike's cockpit setup. Unlike the Reverb AXS A2 which is now sold without the AXS controller, Fox have included a very well executed lever system that integrates nicely with most setups (Bar clamp, Matchmaker, I-spec EV) and sits very unobtrusively underneath on the left, out of harm's way and easily reached with plenty of adjustment for preferred positioning. Included are also the usual suspects like charge cable, battery clip, charger and associated manuals. Packaging is on point with everything nicely protected too.
Installation:
As you would expect, installation is very quick and easy, and possibly the most satisfying part of it is the removal of the old cable and housing from the frame, (in this case), no longer needed. Using the supplied carbon paste, our Neo seatpost has been installed into the Yeti ARC, going from a Factory 150mm Transfer of 2023 era, to the Neo in 175mm. A little extra drop never hurts :). The seatpost seat clamp system is a little fiddly compared to the previous generation, and requires the both seat clamp bolts almost fully out to install a standard ti-rail saddle. The lever unit is very easy to install, and in this case has been mounted to our XTR brakes using the supplied I-spec EV mounting block and bracket.
Pairing:
Thankfully the process of making the controller talk to the Neo seatpost has been made very quick and easy. Following the short and simple steps in the supplied Neo instructions, our Neo post and lever were quickly paired and ready to ride. The controller battery came ready to ride, and the Neo seatpost battery came with just enough charge from the factory to complete the setup and do some initial carpark testing. The Neo also has a 'shake to wake' function, which we're guessing will improve battery life over time.
General comments and thoughts:
- The post is a slightly straighter post than the previous generation, which just needs to be considered if your current setup involves the seat being set all the way back on its rails.
- Upon quick experiment, the post did not seem to be affected by over-torquing the seat clamp, unlike previous generations. Of course we don't encourage it, but it's good to know how susceptible it is to seatpost clamp torque and at which point it may affect performance.
- The Neo seatpost has very little (if any) telescopic movement from new.
- The battery fixing into the back of the Neo is a lot firmer than Reverb AXS, and requires a little extra hand strength to open the clip.
- Neo's Battery and actuator housing on the seatpost is bulky, and is a little less 'refined' in the finishing when compared to Reverb AXS.
- Return speed is mega fast
- No more cabling - Yee haa
- It's available now!
Tech Specs & Features:
- FOX-specific Neo battery with compatibility for future Neo products
- Built using the incredibly robust architecture of the 2025 Transfer.
- Pressure-adjustable using Schrader valve at the post head.
- 34.9-optimized. Upper and lower post sections are specific to 34.9 for improved aesthetics and reduced insertion length.
- 62 gram lever, including standard, matchmaker and I-spec EV clamping options included. CR2032 Battery power with tool-free replacement. Battery life up to 12months.
- Transparent and trackable 8,000 actuation service interval.
- 26 milliseconds from lever press to post movement.
- Dust wiper can be easily removed for re-greasing, keeping the post running smooth between service intervals.
- Shake-to-Wake function. System turns on automatically when the bike moves, and sleeps after five minutes of inactivity. No need for a power button.
- Battery level indicator (based on a colored LED) when battery is inserted.
- Manual actuation option (if lever battery dies) — press and hold the pairing button on the controller until the LED turns white. Press again to finish actuation
- Starting weight of 528g in 30.9mm x 100mm. Competitive weight from XC racing to enduro
- 30 to 40-hour main battery life depending on frequency of dropper post actuation.
- 1.25 hr to 1.5 hr charge time using included dock and USB-A to USB-C cable
- IPX7 waterproof rating.
- 125mm, 150mm, 175mm and 200mm drop options in all diameters — 30.9mm, 31.6mm and 34.9mm. (100mm drop available in 30.9mm and 31.6mm only).
- 47mm stack height. 18mm less than Reverb AXS. Only 11mm more than a standard Transfer. Measured from bottom of controller to center of saddle rails.