Damnit! New Fox Transfer '25 sticking

[TCFlowClyde]

I got this first batch Fox Transfer '25 and installed in late June '24. It started sticking in the extension after only a few rides. But was able to remedy with a dab of Slick Honey light grease under the dust collar wiper seal (it unscrews via hand). That seemed to help for another 6 rides or so. Until it would slow and stop at 3/4 extension until I knocked it with my palm.

I suspected low air pressure. I pulled off the saddle and checked the dropper pressure at 249 psi. So, it was lower than the spec range of 275-300 psi. I recently read a review from singletrack.com or mbr.com about the pressure being a challenge to air up due to the deeply recessed schrader valve tendency to drop 20-30 psi on every valve disconnect of the shock pump. So, you have jack it up a bit like 315+ psi to compensate for the air loss.

A week later it would stick again 3/4 extension and then fully extend with a just a light tap. So, I figured the dropper is leaking somewhere possibly from the schrader valve itself. So, my final step before a Fox warranty request is to use some heavier Phil Wood's waterproof grease on the schrader valve threads to try to seal it. Maybe even swap it out with an older Fox shock schrader valve.

Now, I like the new Transfer '25 or really version 3, but don't trust Fox with droppers after the last Transfer (V2), which lasted.4 months before I gave up after having Fox service it 2 times. The last one was for the free upgrade rebuild, but instead requested a 20% discount to replace it with the Fox Transfer '25.

Fox boosted it up to 30%, so final cost was $196 USD. I was considering the new OneUp V3 as a backup. plus one retailer was offering 20% off, or about $225+ USD with 0 issues a year out and better customer service, so I think I'm regretting it.

Just FYI, I had the original and reliable DOSS and the Transfer V1. I sold them off with their analog frames in order to build up my e-mtbs. They also weren't compact like today's dropper generation. Anyway, I bought a OneUp V2 and a PNW Loam which both are in my other two Es and haven't had issues. Plus, they both have modern shorter stack heights and dropper insertion lengths and the bonus DIY rebuild ability. The new Fox '25 has even slightly less stack heights/insertion length AND is now DIY rebuildable, unlike past Fox droppers all needing a costly nitrogen pressure recharge during a routine overhaul...so a lot to like if it's truly reliable.

Anybody have Fox Transfer dropper '25 issues already?

Also, thanks for not sharing your woes and/or recommendations about other droppers (we all have been there with at least one brand or another). Yes, agreed Fox kind of does have shitty customer service on warranties with ALL of their products no matter how good the fork or rear shock.

 

[sethimus]

if it sticks, you need to hold your anus open even wider. those 1300euros won’t slide in easy

 

[TCFlowClyde]

if it sticks, you need to hold your anus open even wider. those 1300euros won’t slide in easy

It's not the wireless Neo one. It's the much cheaper $266 USD cable actuated one.

But yeah agreed, Fox is gouging for their wireless at $800+ USD.

 

[irie]

Fox Transfer dropper '25 issues already?

Why bother?

And Fox price gouging, who'd a thunkit?

 

[RustyIron]

Anybody have Fox Transfer dropper '25 issues already?

Mine's a '24, and like every other Transfer I've owned, started sticking in about a month. Without removing the seatpost, unscrew the collar (wiper ring). Slather the seatpost BELOW the collar with LIGHT grease, NLGI 0 is good. Your Slick Honey is NLGI 1.5. Now push the collar down, and screw it on. You're forcing all the grease down the tube. Then loosen the collar again, slather the post, and force more grease down the tube. Do this about three or four times. Your seatpost will now work grrrrreat... or I'll refund the full price that you paid me to read this post. You might need to do this procedure in a couple months. I've done it about three times on my current seatpost, and it's been a long time since it's been sticky.

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Mine's a '24, and like every other Transfer I've owned, started sticking in about a month. Without removing the seatpost, unscrew the collar (wiper ring). Slather the seatpost BELOW the collar with LIGHT grease, NLGI 0 is good. Your Slick Honey is NLGI 1.5. Now push the collar down, and screw it on. You're forcing all the grease down the tube. Then loosen the collar again, slather the post, and force more grease down the tube. Do this about three or four times. Your seatpost will now work grrrrreat... or I'll refund the full price that you paid me to read this post. You might need to do this procedure in a couple months. I've done it about three times on my current seatpost, and it's been a long time since it's been sticky.

Yup. Doesn't work unfortunately. It's still has plenty of Slick Honey from the first lube.
The '25 is completely redesigned from all previous versions...likely to copy the OneUp V2. We'll see if it's a one-off or a future looming complaint with other '25 version owners.

Update: so, I re-checked the collar grease this morning thinking the heat temps here in the desert are simply burning through it quickly. Cleaned under the collar and re-lubed the area heavily, stuffing the Slick Honey in with no space left. So, we'll see. I've had to do this only once or twice a season if heavily used on my OneUp V2 and PNW Loam.

Frankly, I'd prefer a full warranty replacement ASAP for this much troubleshooting effort, so soon and with low hours. I contacted Fox last week to see what they'd say. Of course, Fox says go into the service cue and send it in.

 

[RustyIron]

Frankly, I'd prefer a full warranty replacement ASAP for this much troubleshooting effort, so soon and with low hours. I contacted Fox last week to see what they'd say. Of course, Fox says go into the service cue and send it in.

Yeah, you're kinda screwed when you send in your seatpost for warranty repair, unless you have spares. I was thinking of getting the eRevive or eTransfer whenever they come out, and using my current 2024 Transfer as a spare. But frankly, since stuffing this Fox full of thin grease, it's been the most reliable seatpost I've ever had.

 

[Mybrainaches]

Will sram butter work do you think?

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Will sram butter work do you think?

Sram butter = Slick Honey

Update: Slickoleum makes both:

Slickoleum vs SRAM Butter vs Slick Honey

When servicing or rebuilding your mountain bike's suspension, you will want to apply friction-reducing grease to seals and foam rings to keep your initial stroke moving smoothly. In this article, we talk about our three favorite MTB suspension greases; Slickoleum, Slick Honey, and SRAM Butter.

thelostco.com

 

[steve_sordy]

I am not saying that this is the answer, but it is worth considering.

Seat posts are full of high precision sliding tubes that are sensitive to compression. If you have tightened your seat-post clamp too tightly it will squeeze the dropper and generating various problems.
One way to enable you to slacken the seat-post clamp and still keep your post up is to use "carbon fiber assembly gel" (Google it and take your pick). What it does is to increase the friction between the seat tube and the dropper, allowing a reduced clamping force. It is designed to prevent crush damage on carbon fibre frames and bars. It works on alloy seat-tubes and alloy droppers too.

 

[TCFlowClyde]

I am not saying that this is the answer, but it is worth considering.

Seat posts are full of high precision sliding tubes that are sensitive to compression. If you have tightened your seat-post clamp too tightly it will squeeze the dropper and generating various problems.
One way to enable you to slacken the seat-post clamp and still keep your post up is to use "carbon fiber assembly gel" (Google it and take your pick). What it does is to increase the friction between the seat tube and the dropper, allowing a reduced clamping force. It is designed to prevent crush damage on carbon fibre frames and bars. It works on alloy seat-tubes and alloy droppers too.

Yep! Using it.

 

[TCFlowClyde]

Update: ok just two longer 95-100 °F rides after super lubing under the dusk/wiper cap with Slick Honey light grease like she was a rookie porn star....errhh you get the pun, the dropper fix has been fantastic. Literally, just as it is supposed to be our of the box. Thank RustyIron for convincing me to stop dry-dogging it. Lube the hell out T-'25 if it sticks early on, especially in the hotter environs.

Now my OneUp V2 and PNW Loam only require an occasional dab every 6 months +/- . So, why Fox's new design (copied from One-up presumably to offer self-service) require tons of lub to reduce stiction? Maybe the extreme temps as suggested earlier? Perhaps, the aluminum casing sizzling in the heat gets past 150°F melting point of Slickoleum. But damn it, it's easier to lube monthly (I'm guessing) then to wait 3-4 weeks for Fox service turnaround.

Now let me thank Fox for steering me away from their future droppers. Too bad really, 10 years ago, Fox was the first to make a super reliable dropper with their DOSS internal, cable-actuated post. Other competitors have stepped up like One-up. And I've been using mostly Rockshox forks and suspension products. Even have been using the Sram AXS Gx, which has been complaint-free once you get past the initial cost. Overall, I haven't had any service issues to go to Sram for (I've been DIYing it the past 7 years), so I don't know how their customer service is. But I got to admit...

Fox service really SUCKS!!! Possibly they just grew too big buying out Marzochi, Race face, and Reynolds (which I like all 3). Perhaps, also why they're experiencing world-wide cutbacks announced this year. Anyway too many suspension competitors now for Fox to really offer such poor consumer support!

RIP Fox... you're dead to me!