Service Fox transfer or just buy new?

Tomass79 · Aug 8, 2023

Chris Pringle said:
Got two Fox Transfers with kashima (gold) finish. One has worked flawlessly for almost 6.5 years. The other one (originally from 2018) had some issues when I got it on a pre-owned bike in 2020 - it would slowly go down as I rode. You said you’ve tried some home remedies but has your LBS looked at it? I would call around as some bike shops are familiar with some tricks due to Fox’s brand popularity, and if not, they themselves will tell you to send it back to Fox. You can then reassess whether to go with a different brand. In my case, my LBS replaced the cable, cut it at the right length (just that can be a source of problems when a new owner changes post height) and made several adjustments. It required about three trips to the bike shop to fine-tune it, but it has been working great for almost 3 years.

My fork on the pre-owned bike also has a kashima finish and I am OCD, so I feel all stanchions (fork and dropper) should match, but that’s my own thing. I know everyone has their favorite brand, but if I had to do it all over again, I would stick with Fox for a new dropper due to my overall positive experience plus serviceability by LBS or ultimately by the manufacturer.

The LBS's around here just send everything in. I cleaned under the dust seal with a plastic stick and rag. I tried silicon lube. Helped a little. Tried Slickoleum twice. It helps for about 10 returns and then starts sticking again. I was able to pull off the actuator and removed the clip. This allowed me to move the post freely. It feels fine when I do that. I know it's not the cable because it acts the same way when I manually move the actuator when the post is removed. I honestly think the air (nitrogen) spring is weak. I am not so sure if I even was able to clean the lower post that would be the issue. I really think it needs some more pop in the return. I love the look of the dropper and was excited when I saw this bike came with it but I had no clue I couldn't service it at home. I have rebuilt my 1st gen reverb 2 times and it keeps on kicking pretty well.

LarryMagoo · Aug 8, 2023

Well I use the Sram Reverb Wireless because it's so fast and smooth...it'$ insane at current pricing....but boy is it fast....mine is over two years old and works as good as new...

mtnbkrmike · Aug 8, 2023

LarryMagoo said:
Well I use the Sram Reverb Wireless because it's so fast and smooth...it'$ insane at current pricing....but boy is it fast....mine is over two years old and works as good as new...

This will be my next dropper (if either of my Transfers $hits the bed on me). Is it cost effective to get multiple controllers and run that post across multiple frames (assuming they are the same seat tube diameter, which mine are)?

snow snakes · Aug 8, 2023

mtnbkrmike said:
This will be my next dropper (if either of my Transfers $hits the bed on me). Is it cost effective to get multiple controllers and run that post across multiple frames (assuming they are the same seat tube diameter, which mine are)?

For two frames, that’s over $1000 at retail (including a second $200 controller), which is roughly $200 more than outfitting both with BY Revive 2.0 or WT Resolve posts. I wouldn’t consider that cost effective, personally. Even if you go to three frames, it’s the same price as a PNW post, a Revive, and a Resolve between the three bikes. Add to that the hassle of getting saddle position, angle, and seat height correct every time you swap (unless it’s exactly the same for each bike somehow), and it just doesn’t pan out, especially if you care at all about how your bike actually fits.

Tomass79 · Aug 8, 2023

Chris Pringle said:
Got two Fox Transfers with kashima (gold) finish. One has worked flawlessly for almost 6.5 years. The other one (originally from 2018) had some issues when I got it on a pre-owned bike in 2020 - it would slowly go down as I rode. You said you’ve tried some home remedies but has your LBS looked at it? I would call around as some bike shops are familiar with some tricks due to Fox’s brand popularity, and if not, they themselves will tell you to send it back to Fox. You can then reassess whether to go with a different brand. In my case, my LBS replaced the cable, cut it at the right length (just that can be a source of problems when a new owner changes post height) and made several adjustments. It required about three trips to the bike shop to fine-tune it, but it has been working great for almost 3 years.

My fork on the pre-owned bike also has a kashima finish and I am OCD, so I feel all stanchions (fork and dropper) should match, but that’s my own thing. I know everyone has their favorite brand, but if I had to do it all over again, I would stick with Fox for a new dropper due to my overall positive experience plus serviceability by LBS or ultimately by the manufacturer.

I may try messing with the cable some more. I just got home from work. I pressed the seat down and held the lever in. Everytime i push it down with the lever in and let go it returns to full position rather easily. I tried to adjust the barrel adjustment last night but it didnt help. I wont have time to really mess around with it for a few days. Thanks for the heads up

Chris Pringle · Aug 8, 2023

Tomass79 said:
I may try messing with the cable some more. I just got home from work. I pressed the seat down and held the lever in. Everytime i push it down with the lever in and let go it returns to full position rather easily. I tried to adjust the barrel adjustment last night but it didnt help. I wont have time to really mess around with it for a few days. Thanks for the heads up

It sounds like something may not be installed properly. Definitely play with it because I learned they can be finicky after seeing my LBS work with it three years ago. Like you, I was ready to send it to Fox for a full revamp. The owner at the LBS said “not yet” and patiently troubleshooted the problem. He treated it like a new installation with new smooth cables, new cable length to my increased seat height, everything. It paid off.

I was at his shop a few months ago when another guy brought his Fox Transfer. In his case, the problem was a worn/deformed cable bushing (see photo below) - nothing Fox could’ve solved with a full service. I am actually surprised to hear your LBS just sends it back to Fox without any initial diagnosis at the shop. I would call around.

Glee217 · Aug 8, 2023

snow snakes said:
The loam dropper is a skoche lighter, has a shorter total length for a given travel, and has an adjustable air spring. I’ve used both, the loam is my preference but the rainier also works great.

Edit: and oh yeah, don’t forgot that you can pay $3 dollars to change out the colored rubber band.

And difference vs Ridge ?

snow snakes · Aug 8, 2023

Glee217 said:
And difference vs Ridge ?

125mm travel only, and relatively heavy for that.

RustyIron · Aug 9, 2023

Tomass79 said:
Everything is in wonderful shape except the Transfer post was sticking. Just not returning to full stroke every time.

This is a problem with Fox Transfer seatposts. They lose pressure, and the result is erratic returning. Anyone who works on the seatposts can repressurize it in 10 minutes. But it will leak down again, you just don't know how long it will last. A complete rebuild will remedy the leakage, but you can't predict for how long. Nothing lasts forever, and everything needs to be rebuilt eventually. The question is whether you're comfortable leaving your bike down for several weeks while Fox works through their backlog. You could always buy a second Transfer, so you have a spare while the other is being repaired.

Another option is to buy a seatpost that is user-serviceable. Personally, I like BikeYoke. They're expensive, but there's nothing you can't do to it in the comfort of your own garage... or kitchen. Want it to return faster? Pump up the pressure. Slower? Lower the pressure. If it ever gets squishy, as droppers are known to do, it takes 10 seconds to bleed it while it's on the bike. There are other seatposts that are user-serviceable. It doesn't matter which one you get, just get rid of that awful Transfer.

flgfish · Aug 9, 2023

I bought a transfer last week purely to match the Kashima coating of my fork and shock.
Vanity has a price, apparently. 🤓

Rodmunch · Aug 9, 2023

I've had a couple Transfers. My latest is a 2021 or 22. After only a few rides it started sticking before the top of its stroke. I pried the seal open with a zip tie and dripped some Fox Float fluid past it. After a couple attempts it seems to be working pretty consistently now. I think Fox even recommends this, I probably found the idea on their website.

I also have a PNW Bachelor. It started sticking before the top of its stroke too. PNW now offers lifetime warranty and it's retroactive to some older posts. They fixed it for free and paid for shipping both ways.

Glee217 · Aug 9, 2023

Rodmunch said:
I've had a couple Transfers. My latest is a 2021 or 22. After only a few rides it started sticking before the top of its stroke. I pried the seal open with a zip tie and dripped some Fox Float fluid past it. After a couple attempts it seems to be working pretty consistently now. I think Fox even recommends this, I probably found the idea on their website.

I also have a PNW Bachelor. It started sticking before the top of its stroke too. PNW now offers lifetime warranty and it's retroactive to some older posts. They fixed it for free and paid for shipping both ways.

Does the lifetime warranty includes Renewed droppers bought from PNW?

Tomass79 · Aug 9, 2023

Rodmunch said:
I've had a couple Transfers. My latest is a 2021 or 22. After only a few rides it started sticking before the top of its stroke. I pried the seal open with a zip tie and dripped some Fox Float fluid past it. After a couple attempts it seems to be working pretty consistently now. I think Fox even recommends this, I probably found the idea on their website.

I also have a PNW Bachelor. It started sticking before the top of its stroke too. PNW now offers lifetime warranty and it's retroactive to some older posts. They fixed it for free and paid for shipping both ways.

I have tried this with some spray silicoin lubricate. I don't have any fox fluid. I have reverb fluid and a bunch of other shock oils. Would any of those possibly help?

bmwpowere36m3 · Aug 9, 2023

I've had two transfers fail to fully extend within the first year... one I was able to partially disassemble, clean and re-grease (works fine) and the other needed to be sent in for warranty. They both came with bikes I bought... I wouldn't buy a transfer. I bought a OneUp as a backup and to keep riding while the transfer was out for warranty. The OneUp isn't as "refined" and smooth operating as the transfer. However if it lasts longer and its easier to service, it likely a win.

If I was looking for a premium dropper, I would be shopping BikeYoke or Wolftooth.

Chris Pringle · Aug 9, 2023

Tomass79 said:
I have tried this with some spray silicoin lubricate. I don't have any fox fluid. I have reverb fluid and a bunch of other shock oils. Would any of those possibly help?

Silicon spray is definitely no substitute for any oil on components like droppers, forks, shocks, brakes, etc.

The owner at my LBS showed me a few weeks ago how he has to stock different oils, greases, etc. for each manufacturer and said they cannot generally be substituted for certain applications. Different formulas, viscosity, etc. If you don’t have the required oil or want to buy it, your LBS is bound to have it in their shop for their general service - - unless your shop is one of those that doesn’t mess around with those components in-house.

bmwpowere36m3 · Aug 9, 2023

Chris Pringle said:
Silicon spray is definitely no substitute for any oil on components like droppers, forks, shocks, brakes, etc.

The owner at my LBS showed me a few weeks ago how he has to stock different oils, greases, etc. for each manufacturer and said they cannot generally be substituted for certain applications. Different formulas, viscosity, etc. If you don’t have the required oil or want to buy it, your LBS is bound to have it in their shop for their general service - - unless your shop is one of those that doesn’t mess around with those components in-house.

In this application, its not THAT critical... a little silicone lube on the stanchion, cycle and wipe dry is something I do once in a while and after washing. Fox fluid, or any thicker viscosity suspension oil, a few drops behind the wiper seal can help.

I would check the seatpost clamp, no more than 4 Nm and use carbon paste to keep it from moving with lower torque. Clean stanchion, a little silicone spray and wipe dry. If that doesn't help, pop the wiper seal back with a zip tie and add a few drops of heavy oil like Fox fluid. If that still fails to help, then you can partially disassemble the dropper to clean and re-grease the dropper body, alignment keys, bushings and stanchion. If all that fails... then your left with sending it in for service or buying something different.

Tomass79 · Aug 9, 2023

bmwpowere36m3 said:
In this application, its not THAT critical... a little silicone lube on the stanchion, cycle and wipe dry is something I do once in a while and after washing. Fox fluid, or any thicker viscosity suspension oil, a few drops behind the wiper seal can help.

I would check the seatpost clamp, no more than 4 Nm and use carbon paste to keep it from moving with lower torque. Clean stanchion, a little silicone spray and wipe dry. If that doesn't help, pop the wiper seal back with a zip tie and add a few drops of heavy oil like Fox fluid. If that still fails to help, then you can partially disassemble the dropper to clean and re-grease the dropper body, alignment keys, bushings and stanchion. If all that fails... then your left with sending it in for service or buying something different.

I have done all of that. I have just put it in the bike with out tightening it. Still sticks. This generation you can't loosen the collar. I tried to before doing more research and chewed up the collar. Apparently you need a special tool to remove the upper from the lower.

wfl3 · Aug 9, 2023

Tomass79 said:
I just bought a 2020 Giant Trance 29 advanced pro for a really nice price. Everything is in wonderful shape except the Transfer post was sticking. Just not returning to full stroke every time. He knocked off $250 because of this. I tried all of the home remedies and it still is slow. Last night I tried removing the collar to give it a clean but then realized after completely chewing up the finish that the collar doesn't come off on this production year of the Transfer.
So, I can send it into Fox and have them service it. Probably like $130 to $160 depending on shipping costs or just buy a new dropper. The Transfer is 150mm but I could definitely fit a 170mm on the bike. I am a little weight conscience on the build, but a few ounces are OK.
For $200 I could get a pretty decent dropper new to me, with a warranty, or should I just have Fox service the one I have. I do like the gold stanchion. Is the Transfer far superior to other droppers when it is working correctly or am I just paying for the Fox name? My wife has a Trans X $100 dropper and after 3 season it works flawlessly. All I do is a lower service clean and lube. I can't even do that on the model of Transfer. Any thoughts?

Have 2 of those Transfers (need a special tool to separate the lower) and they are nice when fresh, but neither has made it a year w/o failing.

No longer sending them in for service, just replacing with bikeyoke divine droppers as they fail. The divine is fairly cost effective and not too heavy and has been more reliable in my experience. Servicing the bikeyoke iin the garage s really simple too IMO.

Glee217 · Aug 9, 2023

bmwpowere36m3 said:
I've had two transfers fail to fully extend within the first year... one I was able to partially disassemble, clean and re-grease (works fine) and the other needed to be sent in for warranty. They both came with bikes I bought... I wouldn't buy a transfer. I bought a OneUp as a backup and to keep riding while the transfer was out for warranty. The OneUp isn't as "refined" and smooth operating as the transfer. However if it lasts longer and its easier to service, it likely a win.

If I was looking for a premium dropper, I would be shopping BikeYoke or Wolftooth.

So shall I sell my warrantied Transfer (not used) or just keep as backup? I too am using a OneUp v2.

bmwpowere36m3 · Aug 9, 2023

Tomass79 said:
I have done all of that. I have just put it in the bike with out tightening it. Still sticks. This generation you can't loosen the collar. I tried to before doing more research and chewed up the collar. Apparently you need a special tool to remove the upper from the lower.

Seat post clamp on the bike... not the collar/wiper seal on the dropper. Though it too doesn't need to be super tight either, but it shouldn't make a notable difference. The newer transfer models use a hex shaped assembly which can be remove quite easily. I use Knippex WP pliers. Once you unscrew the wiper assembly and the actutor at the bottom, you can pull the two halves apart. No special tools needed. The earlier models with the round collars required special tools IIRC.

Now to disassemble the pneumatic assembly is a different story.

Service Fox transfer or just buy new?

Tomass79

LarryMagoo

mtnbkrmike

snow snakes

Tomass79

Chris Pringle

Glee217

snow snakes

RustyIron

flgfish

Rodmunch

Glee217

Tomass79

bmwpowere36m3

Chris Pringle

bmwpowere36m3

Tomass79

wfl3

Glee217

bmwpowere36m3

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