Thanks to leaked photos and patents, we knew it was coming. But that doesn’t make the new Fox Transfer Neo any less surprising. Sure, it’s a wireless dropper post with a unique battery configuration, but it’s the wireless protocol that may be the most interesting (and surprising) part.

For better or for worse, wireless connections are now commonplace in cycling. That speed of that wireless connection was a major focus for Fox on the Transfer Neo, and they’ve managed to come up with a solution that is the “fastest wireless connectivity in cycling” – at least, according to Fox. They claim that their wireless protocol is over 100x faster than Bluetooth and 20x faster than their closest competitor – just 26 milliseconds from lever press to post movement. Fox doesn’t go into any more detail here, but it’s assumed that they’re using some kind of proprietary system that they intend to keep under wraps… at least for now (more on this below).

Due to this fastest wireless protocol, Fox claims there is “virtually zero latency between actuating the dropper lever and your post moving.”

The lever they’re referring to is the new Ergonomic Neo Lever which is designed to feel very familiar instead of just placing a button on your bar. You’ll find a rubber-coated thumb pad with a similar texture and distance from the bar, but with a (6x) shorter lever throw. According to Fox, this means you can rotate the lever further under the bar for better clearance with your knuckles, while still offering easy actuation.

Since it’s still technically a button in lever form, the lever offers haptic feedback so that you know when you’ve pressed the lever – just like your favorite video game controller.

Containing a CR2032 battery with tool-free replacement, the lever has an expected 1-year battery life. The lever also sits just 36mm below the bar, which Fox points out is 10mm less than the competition. Why does that matter? Depending on your handlebar position, that could mean the difference between the lever hitting the bike’s top tube in a crash, or gliding over it.

The lever has an unspecified amount of lateral adjustment and comes with standard 22.2mm round, Matchmaker, and I-Spec EV clamps to allow you to position it as needed.

Oh, and if your lever battery dies, you can still drop the post manually by pressing and holding the button on the post controller until the LED turns white (press again to finish actuation).

One of the most obvious features of the Transfer Neo is the positioning of the battery. Instead of attaching it to the saddle clamp end of the post, the Fox Neo battery sits at the top of the post’s lower, just above the seat post clamp.

Fox positioned it here for two reasons: it helped to reduce the stack height, and allows for increased tire clearance. On a full-suspension bike at full bottom-out with your dropper post fully dropped, tire clearance comes down to millimeters. 6mm to be exact, which is the recommended ISO tire clearance.

Fox states that for their nearest competitor to have this clearance at the battery, “posts must be run as much as 18mm above full insertion. This position—combined with taller stack height—means your saddle height sits 40mm higher than Transfer Neo when fully compressed.”

The updated Fox Transfer dropper posts already had excellent stack heights, and the Fox Transfer Neo adds just 11mm to their mechanical posts’ stack height. When measured from the bottom of the controller to the center of the saddle rails, this distance is a claimed 18mm less than the RockShox Reverb AXS.

Transfer Neo: Features and Functionality

The Transfer Neo comes packed with a range of features that are designed to enhance rider experience. Here’s a closer look at what sets this wireless dropper post apart:

Fastest Wireless Connectivity

Fox has made significant strides in wireless technology, claiming the Transfer Neo has the fastest wireless connectivity in cycling. This is achieved by stripping away all non-essential functions of the wireless protocol to maximize speed and minimize latency. The result is a near-instantaneous response from the lever to the post, with Fox claiming “virtually zero latency” between actuating the lever and the post moving.

Unique Battery Placement

The Transfer Neo’s battery placement is a unique feature. Instead of placing the battery under the seat like the RockShox Reverb AXS and KS Lev Circuit, Fox has positioned the battery near the seat collar. This strategic placement offers several advantages. Firstly, it maximizes tire clearance, especially when the suspension is fully compressed. Secondly, it helps reduce stack height, contributing to a more streamlined and efficient design. Lastly, this design allows Fox to use the same head design as their latest generation cable-actuated Transfer posts, enabling a lower stack height and infinite saddle angle adjustment. This combination results in a smooth and consistent ride experience.

Ergonomic Neo Lever

The Transfer Neo’s lever is designed to feel natural and intuitive, mimicking the familiar feel of a suspension lockout lever. It features a rubber-coated thumb pad, offering a similar texture and distance from the bar as traditional levers. The lever throw is also significantly shorter, requiring less movement to actuate. This shorter throw allows for greater rotation of the lever under the bar, preventing interference with knuckles during aggressive riding. The lever also provides haptic feedback, delivering a distinct vibration when pressed. This feature ensures riders are aware of the actuation, adding a satisfying tactile confirmation.

Enhanced App Functionality

The Transfer Neo integrates seamlessly with the Fox Bike App, offering a range of functionalities for riders. The app allows you to customize the post’s settings, such as travel limits, actuation mode, and even activate Bike Park Mode and Transport Mode. Bike Park Mode temporarily disables the lever, preventing accidental actuation while charging downhill. Transport Mode shuts down the “shake to wake” feature, preventing battery drain during transport. This comprehensive app experience empowers riders to fine-tune their setup and optimize performance.

The Future of Wireless Droppers?

While the Transfer Neo already boasts impressive features and performance, Fox has hinted at a future where wireless technology takes the mountain bike experience to a new level. Fox’s recent patent applications suggest the brand is working on a wireless dropper post that seamlessly integrates with other electronic components, such as Live Valve suspension and electronic shifting systems. This vision encompasses a future where a central processing unit, powered by data from multiple sensors, automatically adjusts the dropper post, suspension damping, and even gear selection to optimize performance based on various riding conditions.

Conclusion

The Fox Transfer Neo Wireless Dropper Post marks a significant step forward in wireless dropper technology. With its blazing fast wireless connectivity, innovative battery placement, and comprehensive app functionality, the Transfer Neo sets a new benchmark in performance and rider experience. As Fox continues to explore the potential of wireless integration, the future holds even more exciting possibilities for the mountain bike industry.

The Bottom Line

The Fox Transfer Neo is a high-performance dropper post that delivers a seamless and efficient riding experience. Its innovative wireless technology, ergonomic lever, and comprehensive app functionality make it a strong contender in the wireless dropper market. The Transfer Neo offers a glimpse into a future where advanced technology enhances every aspect of mountain biking. This innovation promises to reshape the way we ride, allowing us to focus on pushing our limits and enjoying the ride.