Race Face Announces New Turbine R Dropper Post

Apr 17, 2018
by Race Face  

PRESS RELEASE: Race Face

In partnership with Fox, we’ve taken our Turbine R aesthetics and combined them with the award winning Transfer post, bringing you the function and reliability you expect from the Race Face brand to complete your R series build. We took our highly praised 1x RF Lever and made it even better - improving lever feel and optimizing it for use with the Turbine R dropper.

Matching the Turbine R Dropper with our Turbine R and Next R cranks, stems, wheels and bars gives you that full rally-ready, RF equipped ride!

Race Face dropper

Race Face Dropper

Features
• Race Face 1x Lever or Universal Lever compatible
• Compatible with Matchmaker
• Built for: XC/Trail/All-Mountain/Enduro
• Weight: 545g (150mm 30.9 w/o lever)
• Length: 456mm, 406mm, 356mm
• Travel: 150mm, 125mm, 100mm
• Lever actuation: mechanical
• Lever type: universal, 1x Matchmaker compatible
• Head type: Zero offset
• Size: 31.6mm, 30.9mm

Prices
Turbine R Dropper Post MSRP: $294.99 USD
Turbine R 1x Lever MSRP: $69.99 USD
Turbine R Universal Lever: $49.99 USD
www.raceface.com

Race Face Dropper


MENTIONS: @raceface



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145 Comments
  • 94 9
 The Raceface dropper was the worse bike product I've purchased in 20 years - even worse they couldn't support the product properly with timely warranties. 9Point8 regrets that licensing deal.
  • 22 4
 Mine was sent back 3 times cud I was not holding air, they never fixed it they just sent me another defective one, sometimes an Easton sometimes a RF. My lbs was kind enough to give my money back after spending a whole season without a dropper.
I wouldn’t touch that new one with a 10 foot pole...
  • 46 2
 I gave my Easton Haven dropper to a buddy who just wanted to try a dropper. He put his high post back on and gave it back. I feel like I did a disservice to the MB community. I'm sorry.
  • 16 2
 on the other hand, fox has mad the most reliable party post ever. I still have a FOX DOSS and its bullet proof. Never have had any issue with it.
  • 18 0
 This situation happened many times in the past (ie WTB rollercams licensed by Suntour) when a super high end product like 9p8 is licensed and cheaply produced in Asia.

I have had both RF and 9p8, took them apart to change travel as well. Exactly the same internals except the materials quality was visibly different. RF lasted three weeks, 9p8 still going strong after 3 years.

I think it is still a long way before cheap, reliable and strong droppers hit the market. For extra 100/150 bucks you can get the best post on the market rather than buying one every couple of years.
  • 7 2
 Same here. Worst product ever brought considered the prize. And I only paid half prize. Got it replaced once and now it holds air, but it can't support a rider.
  • 13 0
 @RedRedRe: Long term tests on the X-Fusion Manic are good. When you factor in the cost of a rebuild ($20 USD cartridge), it's a great deal. Only down side for some is that they max out at 150mm. I've got two and they're great.
  • 7 0
 Thank you for bringing this up! Race Face never did help me with the old version either. Such a pity.
  • 10 0
 Add to ship back my 9p8 twice in less than 3 months after i bought new. Not sure RF is the only problem
  • 5 1
 Yep. Warranty for my piece of shit raceface dropper took over 10 weeks. Bought a transfer and sold the warranty replacement when I got it.
  • 5 0
 It just never worked... ever. What a piece. So sad to have purchased a top of the line yeti with this garbage post. Meanwhile my girlfriends FOX dropper is outstanding! Hope they added some fox r&d to this one...
  • 3 7
flag bubbrubb (Apr 17, 2018 at 12:47) (Below Threshold)
 @syncro: you guys expect good service from publicly traded Fox Racing?
  • 7 0
 @syncro: The new one appears to be the same as the fox transfer which imo is one of the best posts out there today.
  • 5 1
 @RedRedRe: Good to know. Thought RF and 9p8 were identical apart from branding. I'm very happy with my Giant Contact Switch. As a bonus was cheaper than all others by a decent margin when I bought mine 2 years ago. Had 2 Reverbs that were a nightmare prior to that.
  • 10 0
 I apologize for jumping on the "I hate the Raceface Turbine" band wagon, but man, I hated that post. I tried to use it for 2 seasons and finally decided to just buy another one. I had it replaced under warranty once and the shop wouldn't replace it again when I showed them that it wasn't working. I am not buying another Raceface dropper post ever.
  • 1 1
 @bubbrubb: All driven by quarterly earnings reports now...?
  • 3 0
 @sweet-bike: "Partnered" with Fox.
  • 15 2
 @High-Life, the post is manufactured by Fox - it's basically a rebranded Transfer post with Race Face's lever, and a slightly faster return speed.
  • 1 0
 @RedRedRe: are you able to put top cap from fall line to rf? That's should elliminate bug with air leaking from rf
  • 4 1
 I literally just had my RF dropper fail for the second time last night as I was getting my bike cleaned up for a race this weekend. Perfect timing!
  • 22 7
 The new Turbine R, built by Fox on the Transfer platform, has had some excellent reviews already, and we are excited to have more in the field. We're very sorry to hear about your experience with the previous post and we've learned from our mistakes and it won't happen again.
  • 13 2
 @raceface: how about your warranty dept? Still sounds like a problem there. It took months for you guys to deny a claim on a pair of pedals for me. Horrible experience.
  • 20 0
 @raceface: And you are warrantying any old unworking Turbines with these new one right?
  • 6 1
 I actually have 3 Turbine droppers and never had any issues. I have also 3 friends with flawless Turbine droppers. Are we the only ones?
  • 7 0
 I must be in the minority (knock on wood) but my 2017 Turbine has worked flawlessly for the last 12 months or so. I think it's the second revision version.
  • 7 0
 Mine is fine, and I've got two others friends with Turbine's that are fine as well. Certainly better than any Reverb.
  • 3 1
 @Marcolino1: I had issues with the first release. But the replacement ones have been bomb proof.
  • 5 1
 1750 miles on mine with no issues, works great, way better than the Reverb POS on my old bike.
  • 7 0
 @RedRedRe: i have a brand-x, super cheap. 9 months on it. zero problems. kinda heavy, who gives a fook
  • 2 0
 @volvoshredder: Totally agree. Maybe I should knock on wood, but I'm not superstitious. That being said, out of two Reverbs, one failed. Went in for warranty & came back howling like a set of old Avid elixirs. Sram said it was the "new enduro seals". I said bullsh*t. I went through a week of negotiations between Sram & my local shop. Finally - they sent us a replacement. Used it three times & now it drops 3/16" just sitting on it. I'm over it & over Reverb(s). I have had a Turbine for just over 1400mi. - no issues... fingers crossed
  • 1 0
 @rideonjon: That would be awesome, but the chances of that happening are slim to none, unfortunately. I would love for @raceface to contact me and give me a new post so that I stay a loyal customer, but I doubt it will happen.
  • 1 0
 @mikekazimer: Befiiting the Transfer namesake. RF Turbine R using the transferred Transfer Platform from Fox Transfer.
  • 1 0
 I've tried a Transfer, a Reverb and a Revive. The reverb is the worst. I've had 2 so far and had them all fail on me. Ride em in muddy conditions and they go rock hard after a few rides. The seals don't work and you get scrapes all over the stanchions. If you want a reliable dropper, go with the Fox or with the Bike Yoke.
  • 2 0
 @raceface:

A week from brand new my Turbine started failing. Apparently when it’s cold outside the post will go up on its own but won’t hold the rider and will drop down if you sit. On the other hand, if it’s hot and sunny out there then it works okay. I’ve had a horrible experience with it. Probably the worst bike component I’ve owned.
  • 2 0
 If it makes you feel any better, you would have said the same thing if you bought a Crank Brothers Highline dropper post like I did.
  • 3 0
 @syncro: yep.. Complete and utter garbage... Not to mention nothing bigger than 150mm...
  • 1 0
 @upchuckyeager: my brand x weighs 5 grams lrss
  • 1 0
 @upchuckyeager: double post....my brand x weighs 5 grams less then my Transfer.
  • 3 0
 @raceface: you guys going to warranty old turbine with new? It's the only way I'll consider the platform....

Cheers
  • 1 0
 @Marcolino1: probably? That's unheard of in my circles
  • 1 0
 @spinko: This! I'll give them credit for working with Fox to develop a new dropper but if your product has improved and your customer service still sucks; I still will not be purchasing a RF product. They make awesome cranks but every time I've had to deal with their warranty team, they never reply or give me some BS answer about why a product less than 6 months old cannot be warrantied.
  • 3 0
 @cogsci. I think you have the regret backwards. I'm sure RF wishes they'd never met these guys. My 9p8 has died 4 times in one year. They just sent a mass email to all their customers offering to add some new partthey think will fix leaks. Worst dropper I've ever had and ironically the most expensive.
  • 1 0
 @FrenchJekyll: same here. Least reliable and most expensive component I've ever bought.
  • 1 0
 @SSpecialK: I just bought a RF crankset for a new build and I feel OK with that (using a shimano BB). I wouldn't feel OK buying anything that has moving components (pedals, droppers, etc.).
  • 1 0
 @spinko: I've run their SixC cranks as well as the SL G4...both were stiff and light. My issue was with their pedals. I let a buddy of mine borrow a set of my Atlas pedals and the platform separated from the spindle in the middle of a ride. He ended up having to pedal on the spindle for the last 20 miles. I contacted RF and was pretty much told to piss off. We also tried going through our LBS and no one from RF ever returned their emails.
  • 1 0
 @SSpecialK: Same story on the atlas pedals here (about 6 months in)! 1/2 way through a jump line on Whistler, lost the pedal body. This was the second time I had to rebuild that pedal at $50 a pop for bearing kit (right side). I found that the axle was bent which was throwing the bearings. There was no way the axle should have been bent. My LBS sent the pedals in, and it was months and months of waiting and my LBS pestering them. Eventually RF responded, said the axle was fine, and the claim was shot down. My LBS eventually replaced the pedals on their dime, and I gave them back and put the cash towards a different pair of pedals. It sucked having to borrow my wife's pedals so I could go riding.
  • 1 0
 @gramboh: So they *did* change something later on or refined the manufacturing?

I ask because I'm in the same boat - I picked up a Turbine last year for use on a fatbike because of its supposed cold-weather usefulness. I've put approx. 1000 km on the bike since then in a variety of conditions and haven't had any kind of issue. I tend to reset the brake before each ride, something that takes a couple of seconds, but that's it.

Based on everything I read, I've been quietly waiting for the post to fail. But is it stands, I'm still just waiting...
  • 1 0
 @High-Life: Fox owned RF & Easton.
  • 48 0
 LOOKS LIKE A TRANSFER
  • 3 1
 Put one on my Big Honzo this winter, such a great post
  • 18 2
 More like "is a Transfer, but looks like a Turbine R"! Smile
  • 1 0
 Because it is a Transfer.
  • 45 10
 Sorry, but One Up's new post is more impressive. Less expensive, lighter, adjustable internal travel, better lever, longer drop....it's pretty much better in every way.
  • 16 0
 And they are super serious: Want an oh so fashionable 128.99mm drop? You got it! This IS from their product page. @OneUpComponents: this just made my day a lot nicer, thanks.
  • 4 0
 I just checked it and you are right, it seems like really really interesting contender ! Like the X-Fusion Manic but lighter and more drop. I hope we can get a review on this one in the coming weeks
  • 7 0
 @formilouis: I was surprised that I hadn't even heard of that post yet... Had to look it up. Get on it media!!

Some really cool features on that post, and once the price of a remote is factored in, it's in-line with the CAD pricing on the X-fusion. The only place where the X-fusion wins is that replacement cartridges for x-fusion are about $30 CAD, compaired to over $100CAD for One-Up.
  • 1 0
 Wow, when was this thing released? Less expensive is an understatement! Those kids from Squamish are serious.
  • 2 0
 @omclive: it releases tomorrow, but email subscribers got notified today
  • 33 7
 I cant believe im saying this but id pick the Crank Bros highline. Low(ish) cost of entry, easy/cheap to replace the cartridge, and a good remote is included. Could have faster actuation but it pretty much ticks all the boxes for me.
  • 11 3
 Get the X- Fusion Manic. 200€ , nice remote and spare parts are inexpensive.
  • 3 0
 @NotNamed: Yep. 150mm version on both of my bikes, and by the time I need to replace a cartridge (compaired with shop rebuild) they'll be a bargain.
  • 1 0
 @NotNamed: I read about this after i ordered a highline (should have specified i have one) and they def would have gotten my money had i not pulled the trigger
  • 9 1
 Can't go wrong with BikeYoke.
  • 8 0
 @kanioni: bikeyoke is the class of the field right now.
  • 2 0
 @mm732: Agreed. Bike Yoke revive is the best dropper I've had. The action is smoother than any I've used. The remote lever is awesome. Miles better than that the reverb. Plus I don't have to pay and extra $100 for a lever remote. If you ask me, the Reverb is the most outdated of all popular droppers today.
  • 1 0
 @almacigatrailrider:
The Reverb never functioned around 0-4 degrees.. this is a major design flaw and thats why I sold mine.

Thinking about the Manic/ Revive or the new Oneup (if it comes to Europe in the near future)... still undecided
  • 2 0
 I’ve had s CB for two years and been very happy with it. I did have a small loss of travel, sent it in and they replaced the cartridge and had it back in less than 4 days. Excellent service!
  • 3 0
 @kanioni: Man, if money were no option id have a bikeyoke no doubt. They are awesome. I had a reverb and it was trash. This oneup post has me intrigued though. You can set the stroke length to what you want and its only $200!?
  • 1 0
 The thing about bike yoke is that you'll never need to worry about it getting spongy, which is the main problem of hydraulic droppers. No need for replacement cartridges or sending out for service. E13 is also really cool imo
  • 1 0
 @NebulousNate: yeah One up has some pretty clever stuff going on so it could be best bang for buck. I hope it turns out to be reliable too!
  • 1 0
 @NebulousNate: tbh, the Revive is awesome bang for your buck. Paid about 260 USD here in the Philippines. Complete with remote.
  • 1 0
 @NotNamed: one up beats that even.. Just ordered one..
  • 1 0
 @mm732: just ordered the one up post.. I think it'll be a good contender.
  • 15 0
 Worst product ever i've purchased for the bike; no service parts, no warranty, tnx - no! Waiting to destroy it fully, till get one -up
  • 16 6
 Fox transfer, Marzocchi transfer, Race face Transfer. Fox hit hard with this robust design.
  • 10 0
 If it works like the Fox Transfer, good. At least then they managed to use someone elses design without messing it up.
  • 9 0
 30euro more and you can get bikeyoke revive which is pretty much the best dropper you can buy (unless 294usd price also includes lever)
  • 11 2
 sorry racefaces, but i'ma need about tree fiddy
  • 6 0
 Had my turbine for 3 months before it took a crap but the good folks at YT USA took care of me.. I guess they couldn't find a reliable fix other than rebranding a transfer. I now own a bikeyoke revive and not looking back.
  • 6 1
 I'll never buy another RF product again. Bought the first Turbine, failed within 2 months, thought I was smart to get a 9Point8 for direct swap,and that one is back for repair the 2nd time in a year. $800 in shit product. My 3 Transfers have been perfect.......
  • 7 6
 Sorry to hear about your issues with warranty. The new RF Turbine R is manufactured by Fox utilizing the Transfer Platform, glad to hear your Transfers have been perfect!
  • 3 0
 @raceface: I own loads of Raceface gear and love it all. I'm sure I'm not telling you something you don't know when I say this partnership with 9point8 has damaged your rep.
  • 5 0
 The turbine is the worst product on the market. I am unlucky enough to have about 12 and they are beyond awful. I am replacing mine with Fox just now at considerable personal expense but I won’t have my rides ruined and I won’t miss any more post ride beers because I’m trying to fix the posts. After my experience with the @raceface warranty department I would advise everyone just to buy a transfer direct from Fox! Or why not do the right thing @raceface, you knowingly sold these posts right up until yesterday, knowing they are rubbish, offer the customers a post that actually works as a warrenty replacement!
  • 4 0
 Did I miss the press-release/announcement of the new dropper from OneUp? It's on their site now, but I expected to see it here or on another mtb related site... www.oneupcomponents.com/collections/dropper-posts/products/dropper-post
  • 1 0
 it's not yet officially released
  • 5 1
 Raceface ... reliability .... mmm not words that should be used together.

I am on my 4 th set of next cranks . I have just got some Hope cranks because even though they get exchanged when they fail 4 sets in 12 months is a joke, 3 bb as well.

I am 60+ , 150lbs so should not be overloading them.

Raceface stuff is Rubbish. If I want this post then buy the Fox branded version.
  • 6 0
 just front the cost and get a Bikeyoke Revive. it will pay for itself in no time.
  • 3 0
 its not even that more expensive
  • 4 0
 Have a Ka$hima transfer; have a revive. Revive is hands down better.
  • 10 5
 How about throwing me a bone and taking my old Turbine dropper that doesn't work in as a trade in ?
  • 2 0
 E-thirteen was supposed to be my harsh winter dropper because of the cable actuation and 4 positions. All fluid filled dropper my buddies have had failed during the crazy NE cold .However because the damn thing is so dependable I have become spoiled by that.And now it's my permanent dropper. It's been sick. I will never go back to my Transfer and the headaches and riding on eggshells hoping the thing doesn't fail on a big ride or trip.
  • 7 3
 Re branded fox transfer. No bad thing. Best Post Iv ever had. Blows Ks xfusion rockshox away
  • 4 2
 Can't believe Fox got on board with this. They totally botched their relationship with 9point8. My Turbine consistently failed and there are way too many other options now to ever consider going back to RaceFace.
  • 3 0
 Well Fox own the RaceFace brand, so maybe there is a few parts knocking about inside from their Transfer post, which wouldnt be a bad thing!
  • 1 0
 @doe222: The collar and clamps are almost certainly the same. This is what Fox did with Marzo as well.
  • 5 15
flag raceface (Apr 17, 2018 at 14:28) (Below Threshold)
 The new Turbine R, built by Fox on the Transfer platform, has had some excellent reviews already, and we are excited to have more in the field. We're very sorry to hear about your experience with the previous post and we've learned from our mistakes and it won't happen again.
  • 10 0
 @raceface:

word for word the exact same statement as before. Is there an actual person on the other end?
  • 5 1
 @raceface: it's great you have learned from your mistakes. I have learned that you do not honor your warranty when I bought the original turbine dropper.

Why would any of us buy your product?

I'll buy my transfer from Fox directly and get exceptional service!
  • 1 0
 @H2Okiter: Probably doesn't matter for Fox, with which of the three brandings you buy the post, anyway.
  • 2 1
 So....who is making the post? 9.8 posts have issues but the RF version was built in a different factory and had waaaaaaay more issues (see the many posts above).

If Fox is making these with their QC-sweet. If RF is making them, they'll be garbage, just like their V1 dropper, chainrings, rear hub driver....

And to be fair, I think RF does make some good stuff-their pedals, bars and stems are great. Just seems like they can't make more complex parts (or chainrings) reliable.
  • 3 1
 you do know that Fox owns RaceFace yeah
  • 4 3
 The RF Turbine R is manufactured by Fox utilizing the Transfer Platform.
  • 1 0
 @aushred: Didn't know that. So this is their Marzocchi for droppers?
  • 1 0
 ive had a specialized command post for 7 years. many tires wheels drivetrains later the post is still solid. just cleaned, lubed every once and a while under the seal head and a couple replaced cables. I wish it had like 180mm travel instead of 125. besides that. I crash a lot.
  • 3 0
 Turbine is crap. Lasted 10hours and returned it for a Brand X with cash balance to buy a WT Lever. The only RF product that lasted was a pasted decal.
  • 2 0
 This should’ve came out on April 1 and it would’ve at least been sorta funny.

After zero support for my piece of crap turbine dropper, I wouldn’t spend an nickel on another one of their products.
  • 1 0
 Hmm, all these people complain about the Turbine dropper... other than it seems to lose air pressure rather quickly, mine has been fine so far (5 months). However after riding a couple demo bikes with a Fox Transfer, I definitely preferred the smooth action of the Fox.
  • 4 2
 I've been running the standard Turbine dropper for about 3 mos now with no issues at all. Hopefully mine holds up to more use.
  • 4 0
 best of luck to you
  • 4 0
 Can fox just release a transfer with over 150mm already?
  • 2 1
 +1 ... this is why I'm still on the 9Point8 Turbine
  • 3 1
 Crankbrothers Highline....no joke. Has been working in UK muck for over a year without a glitch. 160mm, great remote, good value! Give it a go!
  • 1 0
 Not sure why anyone would buy this with so many other great options out there. I personally did not own a RF dropper but a buddy of mine had one and it was very clunky. A few bike shops I've worked with hate dealing with RF.
  • 1 0
 I’ve been using an Easton dropper for almost 2 years without issue. Had to put air into it twice, that’s all. We rarely ride in mud here in Western Australia though. Could be the difference.
  • 1 0
 There's always hope; I bought a Crank Brothers Highline even after the less-than-stellar reviews of their previous post. It's been solid, and couldn't be easier to install and set up.
  • 1 0
 Good to see they got the pricepoint inline as the original was $500plus for a post that lasted 6 rides. Came stock on a jenson build. Then no one wanted to assume warranty responsibility. Best lever in the biz though.
  • 4 3
 The worst Dropper version 2.0, maybe with even more noises from the lever that kicks you the saddle in the nuts while bumping over a root.
  • 9 0
 You realize this is just a rebranded Fox Transfer, one of the best droppers out there, right?
  • 7 5
 @Sardine: One of the best? I had to send FIVE Transfers in last year for warranty, out of the 12 demo bikes I had them on. I'll never use them again, there are so many better options (IME, at least).
  • 3 1
 @Sardine:maybe but my race face dropper was sent in 3 times and I have to do this "resetting" procedure with the lever because it never holds it position. Quality Product.
  • 2 0
 @stevemokan: 5!? Thats a relationship that was never meant to be. I must of gotten two of the good ones lol
  • 3 0
 OneUp's new post will be out very soon! i.e tomorrow
  • 1 1
 How hard is it to produce a reliable seatpost ? Doesn't look like rocket science, desk chair use the same technology.
The only reliable ones are the full mechanical posts (E13, Spesh)
  • 1 0
 im using a specialized command ircc on my bike..1 year in, no problem at all...a friend of mine, bought a bike which came with turbine dropper, problematic after 1 week..
  • 3 1
 Gravity Dropper is still the best dropper out there. Mine is almost 10 years old and works perfect.
  • 6 4
 It's too bad they couldn't make the 9.8 tech work for them.
  • 2 0
 Agreed. I have been running my 9.8 for 3 years now with no issues at all.
  • 1 0
 @Skooks: Hit and miss. For me 9.8 has not been perfect.
  • 3 0
 needs more 'R'
  • 3 0
 Glad its not orange.
  • 1 0
 Hmm. Maybe Fox will take one of the RF colors for themselves, and than have Raceface put out their bars and stems in gold, just to annoy Renthal? Looks like that's pretty much what they did with Marzocchi, taking orange for their own forks, and having Marzi bring out forks in the new Rockshox red instead of the traditional orange now...
  • 2 0
 Im very happy with my Transfer post!
  • 2 0
 I hope this time it will last more then 2 rides...
  • 1 0
 Damn i bought a turbine... read reviews. Fuck.. hopefully its not the pos everyone says it is.
  • 2 1
 How about that $70 charge for the 1x lever!!!??
Damn!
  • 1 0
 What's the stack height?? Looks quite low
  • 1 2
 Let me express my shock that Fox, which owns Race Face, worked with them on the design. I am just as shocked it is priced the same as a tranfer.
  • 1 1
 Turbine R cranks?
  • 1 2
 RF droppers and carbon cranks look like a red flag hazard zone of late.
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